Evaluation of clinical efficacy of streptokinase by comparison with the thrombolytic agent on animal model

Cardiovascular disorders, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), often lead to blood clot formation, impacting blood circulation. Streptokinase, a cost-effective and widely available thrombolytic agent, is crucial in treating thrombosis. This study aimed to produce streptokinase from Streptococcus pyogenes EBL-48 and compare its efficacy with heparin in an animal model. We evaluated the clot-lysing effectiveness of streptokinase produced from Streptococcus pyogenes EBL-48, emphasizing its low cost and ease of production. Streptokinase was produced using pre-optimized fermentation media and purified through ion exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. In vivo analysis involved inducing clots in a trial animal model using ferric chloride, comparing streptokinase with heparin. Ultrasonography assessed the clot-lysing activity of streptokinase. Streptokinase (47 kDa) effectively lysed clots, proving its low cost, easy production, and minimal adverse effects. Ultrasonography confirmed its fibrinolytic efficacy. These findings highlight potential as an affordable and easily produced thrombolytic agent, particularly relevant in resource-limited settings. Streptokinase efficacy and minimal adverse effects make it a promising option for thrombolytic therapy, especially in economically constrained regions. Future studies could optimize production techniques, explore different strains, and conduct clinical trials for human validation. Comparative studies with other thrombolytic agents would enhance understanding of their advantages and limitations.

Generation of Autoantibodies in Metal-catalyzed Oxidatively Damaged DNA in Various Cancer Subjects

BACKGROUND

Free radicals exist as unstable and highly reactive substances, occurring both in and outside the body. Free radicals are labeled as electron-hungry molecules formed from metabolism and endogenous burning of oxygen. They are transported in cells, upsetting the arrangement of molecules and instigating cellular injury. Hydroxyl radical (•OH) is one of the highly reactive free radicals, which damages the biomolecules in its close vicinity.

METHODS

In the present study, DNA was modified by the hydroxyl radical generated via the Fenton reaction. The •OH-oxidized/-modified DNA (Ox-DNA) was characterized by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Thermal denaturation was performed to reveal the susceptibility of modified DNA toward heat. The role of Ox-DNA was also established in probing the presence of autoantibodies against Ox-DNA in the sera of cancer patients by direct binding ELISA. The specificity of autoantibodies was also checked by inhibition ELISA.

RESULTS

In biophysical characterization, an increase in hyperchromicity and relative reduction of fluorescence intensity for Ox-DNA was reported compared to the native DNA analog. A thermal denaturation study revealed that Ox-DNA was highly susceptible to heat in comparison to the native conformers. The direct binding ELISA showed the prevalence of autoantibodies from cancer patient sera separated for immunoassay detection against the Ox-DNA. The generated autoantibodies against the Ox-DNA were detected as highly specific against bladder, head, neck, and lung cancer, which was further confirmed by the inhibition ELISA for the serum and IgG antibodies.

CONCLUSION

The generated neoepitopes on DNA molecules are recognized as nonself by the immune system, which leads to the formation of autoantibodies in cancer patients. Therefore, our study confirmed that oxidative stress plays a role in the structural perturbation of DNA and makes it immunogenic.

Low Overpotential Amperometric Sensor Using Yb2O3.CuO@rGO Nanocomposite for Sensitive Detection of Ascorbic Acid in Real Samples

The ultimate objective of this research work is to design a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for the efficient detection of ascorbic acid (AA), a vital antioxidant found in blood serum that may serve as a biomarker for oxidative stress. To achieve this, we utilized a novel Yb₂O₃.CuO@rGO nanocomposite (NC) as the active material to modify the glassy carbon working electrode (GCE). The structural properties and morphological characteristics of the Yb₂O₃.CuO@rGO NC were investigated using various techniques to ensure their suitability for the sensor. The resulting sensor electrode was able to detect a broad range of AA concentrations (0.5-1571 µM) in neutral phosphate buffer solution, with a high sensitivity of 0.4341 µAµM^-1cm^-2 and a reasonable detection limit of 0.062 µM. The sensor's great sensitivity and selectivity allowed it to accurately determine the levels of AA in human blood serum and commercial vitamin C tablets. It demonstrated high levels of reproducibility, repeatability, and stability, making it a reliable and robust sensor for the measurement of AA at low overpotential. Overall, the Yb₂O₃.CuO@rGO/GCE sensor showed great potential in detecting AA from real samples.

Rapid elimination of antibiotic gemifloxacin mesylate and methylene blue over Pt nanoparticles dispersed chitosan/g-C3N4 ternary visible light photocatalyst

Appropriate material selection and proper understanding of bandgap modification are key factors for the development of efficient photocatalysts. Herein, we developed an efficient, well-organized visible light oriented photocatalyst based on g-C₃N₄ in association with polymeric network of chitosan (CTSN) and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles utilizing a straightforward chemical approach. Modern techniques like XRD, XPS, TEM, FESEM, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectroscopy were exploited for characterization of synthesized materials. XRD results confirmed the involvement of α-polymorphic form of CTSN in graphitic carbon nitride. XPS investigation confirmed the establishment of trio photocatalytic structure among Pt, CTSN, and g-C₃N₄. TEM examination showed that the synthesized g-C₃N₄ possesses fine fluffy sheets like structure (100 to 500 nm in size) intermingled with a dense layered framework of CTSN with good dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on g-C₃N₄ and CTSN composite structure. The bandgap energies for g-C₃N₄, CTSN/g-C₃N₄, and Pt@ CTSN/g-C₃N₄ photocatalysts were found to be 2.94, 2.73, and 2.72 eV, respectively. The photodegradation skills of each created structure have been examined on antibiotic gemifloxacin mesylate and methylene blue (MB) dye. The newly developed Pt@CTSN/g-C₃N₄ ternary photocatalyst was found to be efficacious for the elimination of gemifloxacin mesylate (93.3%) in 25 min and MB (95.2%) just in 18 min under visible light. Designed Pt@CTSN/g-C₃N₄ ternary photocatalytic framework exhibited ⁓ 2.20 times more effective than bare g-C₃N₄ for the destruction of antibiotic drug. This study provides a simple route towards the designing of rapid, effective visible light oriented photocatalyts for the existing environmental issues.

Application of QPPO/PVA based commercial anion exchange membrane as an outstanding adsorbent for the removal of Eosin-B dye from wastewaters

Commercially available QPPO/PVA based anion exchange membrane (AEM) BIII was to inquire the percentage discharge of anionic dye Eosin-B (EB) at terrain temperature from wastewater. The impact of EB initial concentration, membrane dosage, ionic strength, contact time and temperature on EB percentage removal was contemplated. The EB percentage removal was increased from 22 to 99.56% and 38.15-99.56% with contact time and membrane dosage respectively while decreased from 99.56 to 29%, 99.56 to 54.61% and 99.56 to 92.22% with enhancing initial concentration of EB, ionic strength and temperature respectively. Nonlinear isotherm models were utilized to demonstrate EB adsorption onto AEM BIII. Attained results exhibited that nonliner Freundlich isotherm model best fitted to EB adsorption onto AEM BIII. For EB adsorption onto AEM BIII, adsorption kinetics were inquired in detail by using several kinetic models but EB adsorption nicely fitted to pseudo-second-order kinetics. Similarly thermodynamic analysis was performed and results pointed to an exothermic adsorption of EB onto AEM BIII. The membrane could be reused for four concecutive cycles with loosing its efficiency.

Analysis of aerosol liquid water content and its role in visibility reduction in Delhi

Aerosols undergo significant changes due to water uptake under high RH conditions, leading to changes in physical, optical, and chemical properties. Detailed assessment and investigation are needed to understand better aerosol liquid water content (ALWC) characteristics in highly polluted regions like Delhi. Therefore, in this study, we examined the mass concentration and the factors governing the ALWC associated with PM_2.5 in Delhi for two winters (Dec 2019 to Jan 2020 and Dec 2020 to Feb 2021) using the real-time measurements of NR-PM_2.5 from Aerodyne aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and the application of thermodynamic modeling (ISORROPIA II). The average NR-PM_2.5 mass concentration in the 2020-2021 winter was 152 μg/m³, about 50 % higher than the average mass concentration of 102 μg/m³ in 2019-2020. Consequently, the ALWC was also 60 % higher during 2020-2021, with an average mass concentration of 150 μg/m³. ALWC increased exponentially with RH and is significant when RH > 80 %. Further, all the inorganic components of NR-PM_2.5 were found to contribute significantly to ALWC uptake; however, the relative contribution varied in different RH conditions. Ammonium sulphate dominated the ALWC uptake among the inorganic components at low RH, but ammonium nitrate was the dominant contributor at high RH. The decreased chloride mass fraction in inorganics in the recent winters reduced its relative contribution to ALWC. High ALWC mass concentration during high PM_2.5 and high RH leads to a significant reduction in visibility. We further validated this visibility reduction by estimating the enhanced light scattering coefficient (f(RH)) and found that the hygroscopic growth is responsible for the enhanced visibility reduction during high RH conditions (> 85 %) when light scattering efficiency increased by a factor of >3.5. Sensitivity tests of f(RH) on mass concentration of inorganic salts showed that all the salts contributed almost equally. As revealed in our study, variations in PM_2.5 mass concentration and composition despite similar meteorological conditions between different winters indicate changing regional aerosol emissions. Therefore, long-term observations of ALWC and PM_2.5 chemical composition are required to arrive at actionable measures and mitigation strategies. Further, the focus should be on reducing the overall inorganic mass concentrations of PM_2.5 in general, decreasing the absolute ALWC, and improving visibility.

Nanotextured CeO2-SnO2 Composite: Efficient Photocatalytic, Antibacterial, and Energy Storage Fibers

Bacterial infections remain a serious and pervasive threat to human health. Bacterial antibiotic resistance, in particular, lowers treatment efficacy and increases mortality. The development of nanomaterials has made it possible to address issues in the biomedical, energy storage, and environmental fields. This paper reports the successful synthesis of CeO₂-SnO₂ composite nanofibers via an electrospinning method using polyacrylonitrile polymer. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy assessments showed that the average diameter of CeO₂-SnO₂ nanofibers was 170 nm. The result of photocatalytic degradation for methylene blue dye displayed enhanced efficiency of the CeO₂-SnO₂ composite. The addition of SnO₂ to CeO₂ resulted in the enhancement of the light absorption property and enriched charge transmission of photoinduced electron-hole duos, which conspicuously contributed to momentous photoactivity augmentation. Composite nanofibers exhibited higher specific capacitance which may be accredited to the synergism between CeO₂ and SnO₂ particles in nanofibers. Furthermore, antibacterial activity was screened against Escherichia coli and CeO₂-SnO₂ composite nanofibers depicted excellent activity. The findings of this work point to new possibilities as an electrode material in energy storage systems and as a visible-light-active photocatalyst for the purification of chemical and biological contaminants, which would substantially benefit environmental remediation processes.

Development and Characterization of Drug Loaded PVA/PCL Fibres for Wound Dressing Applications

Nowadays, synthetic polymers are used in medical applications due to their special biodegradable, biocompatible, hydrophilic, and non-toxic properties. The materials, which can be used for wound dressing fabrication with controlled drug release profile, are the need of the time. The main aim of this study was to develop and characterize polyvinyl alcohol/polycaprolactone (PVA/PCL) fibres containing a model drug. A dope solution comprising PVA/PCL with the drug was extruded into a coagulation bath and became solidified. The developed PVA/PCL fibres were then rinsed and dried. These fibres were tested for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, linear density, topographic analysis, tensile properties, liquid absorption, swelling behaviour, degradation, antimicrobial activity, and drug release profile for improved and better healing of the wound. From the results, it was concluded that PVA/PCL fibres containing a model drug can be produced by using the wet spinning technique and have respectable tensile properties; adequate liquid absorption, swelling %, and degradation %; and good antimicrobial activity with the controlled drug release profile of the model drug for wound dressing applications.

A Sensitive Hydroquinone Amperometric Sensor Based on a Novel Palladium Nanoparticle/Porous Silicon/Polypyrrole-Carbon Black Nanocomposite

Exposure to hydroquinone (HQ) can cause various health hazards and negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, we developed an efficient electrochemical sensor to detect and quantify HQ based on palladium nanoparticles deposited in a porous silicon-polypyrrole-carbon black nanocomposite (Pd@PSi-PPy-C)-fabricated glassy carbon electrode. The structural and morphological characteristics of the newly fabricated Pd@PSi-PPy-C nanocomposite were investigated utilizing FESEM, TEM, EDS, XPS, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The exceptionally higher sensitivity of 3.0156 μAμM^-1 cm^-2 and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.074 μM were achieved for this innovative electrochemical HQ sensor. Applying this novel modified electrode, we could detect wide-ranging HQ (1-450 μM) in neutral pH media. This newly fabricated HQ sensor showed satisfactory outcomes during the real sample investigations. During the analytical investigation, the Pd@PSi-PPy-C/GCE sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. Hence, this work can be an effective method in developing a sensitive electrochemical sensor to detect harmful phenol derivatives for the green environment.

Systematic Review of Environmental and Psychosocial Risk Factors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Background

In the majority of cases, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is accompanied by one or more comorbid disorders, with the oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) being one of the most frequently diagnosed comorbid disorders. There is a lack of systematic reviews addressing the evidence for an association between the independent environmental and psychosocial risk factors associated with ADHD, ODD, and Conduct Disorder (CD).

Objective

This study aims to determine the link between ADHD and ODD/CD, specifically in terms of the most up-to-date environmental and psychosocial risk factors in the development of these illnesses.

Results

Eleven studies were included in this systematic review. Among these, ten studies involved environmental risk factors, and only one involved socioeconomic risk factors as exposure. Of the ten studies highlighting the environmental risk factors, six studies reported perinatal risk factors, three reported Atopic diseases as exposure measures, and one involved exposure to energy and coffee drinks. We have found that the most common risk factors associated with ADHD, ODD and CD in Europe and North America were Perinatal risk factors. In contrast, the risk factors of Atopic diseases were more common in Asia.

Conclusions

Most of the studies included in our systematic review fall within the scope of environmental risk factors were perinatal risk factors and atopic diseases are the most common risk factors. However, only one article highlighted the association of socioeconomic risk factors as an exposure. Our review results suggest the need for more research focused on psychosocial risk factors for ADHD and comorbid ODD/CD. Further research is required with the primary objective of investigating this association in greater depth and examining the possible mechanisms at varying levels is needed.

Micro-morpho-anatomical transitions at various stages of in vitro development of Crinum malabaricum Lekhak and Yadav: A critically endangered medicinal plant

Crinum malabaricum Lekhak & Yadav is a recently discovered and critically endangered aquatic bulbous plant of the family Amaryllidaceae. It gained attention as a wild source of the acetylcholinesterase inhibiting alkaloid 'galanthamine' used to treat Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. The bulbs of this plant contain the highest amount of galanthamine among Crinum species. In vitro regeneration systems were developed to produce quality uniform plantlets of C. malabaricum. Bright field light microscopy was used to analyse micro-morpho-anatomical developments taking place in the leaves and roots during in vitro, ex vitro and in vivo transitions of plantlets. Leaves and roots of plants raised in vitro possessed a higher degree of microscopic structural anomalies, such as underdeveloped epicuticular wax deposition, immature and non-functional stomata, more aquiferous parenchyma with a reduced lumen. Roots developed in vitro were characterized by extremely large, uneven cortical cells and reduced intercellular spaces. The vascular tissues were under-developed and only primary vascular tissues were observed. As a result of ex vitro acclimation, there was a significant acceleration in the improvement of tissue systems in leaves and roots. Such plantlets can tolerate elevated temperatures and light under in vivo conditions. Thus, the microscopic evaluation of the structural trajectory in different stages of plantlet development provides an understanding of the acclimation process and structural adaptations, which could help enhance survival of in vitro raised plantlets under ex vitro and in vivo conditions.

Developing High-Performance In-Plane Flexible Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries with Laser-Scribed Carbon-Supported All Electrodeposited Electrodes

Developing high-performance, safer, and affordable flexible batteries is of urgent need to power the fast-growing flexible electronics market. In this respect, zinc-ion chemistry employing aqueous-based electrolytes represents a promising combination considering the safety, cost efficiency, and both high energy and high-power output. Herein, we represent a high-performance flexible in-plane aqueous zinc-ion miniaturized battery constructed with all electrodeposited electrodes, i.e., MnO₂ cathode and zinc anode with polyimide-derived interdigital patterned laser-scribed carbon (LSC) as the current collector as well as the template for electrodeposition. The LSC possesses a cross-linked network of graphitic carbon sheet, which offers large surface area over low footprint and ensures active materials loading with a robust conductive network. The LSC with high zincophilic characteristic also offers dendrite-free zinc deposition with very low Zn²⁺ plating stripping overpotential. Benefitting from the Zn//MnO₂-rich redox chemistry, the ability of the 3D LSC network to uniformly distribute reaction sites, and the architectural merits of in-plane interdigitated electrode configuration, we report very high capacity values of ∼549 mAh/g (or ∼523 μAh/cm²) and 148 mAh/g (or 140 μAh/cm²) at 0.1 A/g (0.095 mA/cm²) and 2 A/g (1.9 mA/cm²) currents, respectively. The device was also able to maintain a high capacity of 196 mAh/g (areal capacity of 76.19 μAh/cm²) at 1 A/g (0.95 mA/cm²) current after 1350 cycles. The flexibility of the device was demonstrated in polyacryl amide (PAM) gel polymer soaked with a 2 M ZnSO₄ and 0.2 M MnSO₄ electrolyte, which exhibited a comparable specific capacity of ∼102-110 mAh/g in flat condition and different bending (100° or 160° bending) conditions. The device does not use any conventional current collector, separator, and conductive or polymer additives. The overall process is highly scalable and can be completed in less than a couple of hours.

Nonwoven/Nanomembrane Composite Functional Sweat Pads

Sweat is a natural body excretion produced by skin glands, and the body cools itself by releasing salty sweat. Wetness in the underarms and feet for long durations causes itchiness and an unpleasant smell. Skin-friendly reusable sweat pads could be used to absorb sweat. Transportation of moisture and functionality is the current challenge that many researchers are working on. This study aims to develop a functional and breathable sweat pad with antimicrobial and quick drying performance. Three layered functional sweat pads (FSP) are prepared in which the inner layer is made of an optimized needle-punched coolmax/polypropylene nonwoven blend. This layer is then dipped in antimicrobial ZnO solution (2, 4, and 6 wt.%), and super absorbent polymer (SAP) is embedded, and this is called a functional nonwoven (FNW1) sheet. Electrospun nanofiber-based nanomembranes of polyamide-6 are optimized for bead-free fibers. They are used as a middle layer to enhance the pad's functionality, and the third layer is again made of needle-punched optimized coolmax/polypropylene nonwoven sheets. A simple nonwoven-based sweat pad (SSP) is also prepared for comparison purposes. Nonwoven sheets are optimized based on better comfort properties, including air/water vapor permeability and moisture management (MMT). Nonwoven webs having a higher proportion of coolmax show better air permeability and moisture transfer from the inner to the outer layer. Antimicrobial activity of the functional nonwoven layer showed 8 mm of bacterial growth, but SSP and FSP showed only 6 mm of growth against Staphylococcus aureus. FSP showed superior comfort and antibacterial properties. This study could be a footstone toward highly functional sweat pads with remarkable comfort properties.

Electrospun Nanofiber/Textile Supported Composite Membranes with Improved Mechanical Performance for Biomedical Applications

Textile-supported nanocomposite as a scaffold has been extensively used in the medical field, mainly to give support to weak or harmed tissues. However, there are some challenges in fabricating the nanofiber/textile composite, i.e., suitable porous structure with defined pore size, less skin contact area, biocompatibility, and availability of degradable materials. Herein, polyamide-6 (PA) nanofibers were synthesized using needleless electrospinning with the toothed wheel as a spinneret. The electrospinning process was optimized using different process and solution parameters. In the next phase, optimized PA nanofiber membranes of optimum fiber diameter with uniform distribution and thickness were used in making nanofiber membrane-textile composite. Different textile fabrics (woven, non-woven, knitted) were developed. The optimized nanofiber membranes were combined with non-woven, woven, and knitted fabrics to make fabric-supported nanocomposite. The nanofiber/fabric composites were compared with available market woven and knitted meshes for mechanical properties, morphology, structure, and chemical interaction analysis. It was found that the tear strength of the nanofiber/woven composite was three times higher than market woven mesh, and the nanofiber/knitted composite was 2.5 times higher than market knitted mesh. The developed composite structures with woven and knitted fabric exhibited improved bursting strength (613.1 and 751.1 Kpa), tensile strength (195.76 and 227.85 N), and puncture resistance (68.76 and 57.47 N), respectively, than market available meshes. All these properties showed that PA nanofibers/textile structures could be utilized as a composite with multifunctional properties.

Ginger Loaded Polyethylene Oxide Electrospun Nanomembrane: Rheological and Antimicrobial Attributes

Synthetic antibiotics have captured the market in recent years, but the side effects of these products are life-threatening. In recent times, researchers have focused their research on natural-based products such as natural herbal oils, which are eco-friendly, biocompatible, biodegradable, and antibacterial. In this study, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and aqueous ginger extract (GE) were electrospun to produce novel antibacterial nanomembrane sheets as a function of PEO and GE concentrations. A GE average particle size of 91.16 nm was achieved with an extensive filtration process, inferring their incorporation in the PEO nanofibres. The presence of the GE was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) through peaks of phenol and aromatic groups. The viscoelastic properties of PEO/GE solutions were analysed in terms of PEO and GE concentrations. Increasing PEO and GE concentrations increased the solution's viscosity. The dynamic viscosity of 3% was not changed with increasing shear rate, indicating Newtonian fluid behaviour. The dynamic viscosity of 4 and 5 wt% PEO/GE solutions containing 10% GE increased exponentially compared to 3 wt%. In addition, the shear thinning behaviour was observed over a frequency range of 0.05 to 100 rad/s. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis also specified an increase in the nanofibre's diameter with increasing PEO concentration, while SEM images displayed smooth morphology with beadless nanofibres at different PEO/GE concentrations. In addition, PEO/GE nanomembranes inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, as presented by qualitative antibacterial results. The extent of PEO/GE nanomembrane's antibacterial activity was further investigated by the agar dilution method, which inhibited the 98.79% Staphylococcus aureus population at 30% GE concentration.

Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of 4-Nitrophenol with PEDOT:PSS Modified Pt NPs-Embedded PPy-CB@ZnO Nanocomposites

In this study, a selective 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) sensor was developed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as an electron-sensing substrate, which decorated with sol-gel, prepared Pt nanoparticles- (NPs) embedded polypyrole-carbon black (PPy-CB)/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) using differential pulse voltammetry. Characterizations of the NCs were performed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). The GCE modified by conducting coating binders [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate; PEDOT:PSS] based on Pt NPs/PPy-CB/ZnO NCs functioned as the working electrode and showed selectivity toward 4-NP in a phosphate buffer medium at pH 7.0. Our analysis of 4-NP showed the linearity from 1.5 to 40.5 µM, which was identified as the linear detection range (LDR). A current versus concentration plot was formed and showed a regression co-efficient R² of 0.9917, which can be expressed by i_p(µA) = 0.2493C(µM) + 15.694. The 4-NP sensor sensitivity was calculated using the slope of the LDR, considering the surface area of the GCE (0.0316 cm²). The sensitivity was calculated as 7.8892 µAµM^-1cm^-2. The LOD (limit of detection) of the 4-NP was calculated as 1.25 ± 0.06 µM, which was calculated from 3xSD/σ (SD: Standard deviation of blank response; σ: Slope of the calibration curve). Limit of quantification (LOQ) is also calculated as 3.79 µM from LOQ = 10xLOD/3.3. Sensor parameters such as reproducibility, response time, and analyzing stability were outstanding. Therefore, this novel approach can be broadly used to safely fabricate selective 4-NP sensors based on nanoparticle-decorated nanocomposite materials in environmental measurement.

Efficient Detection of 2,6-Dinitrophenol with Silver Nanoparticle-Decorated Chitosan/SrSnO3 Nanocomposites by Differential Pulse Voltammetry

Herein, an ultra-sonication technique followed by a photoreduction technique was implemented to prepare silver nanoparticle-decorated Chitosan/SrSnO₃ nanocomposites (Ag-decorated Chitosan/SrSnO₃ NCs), and they were successively used as electron-sensing substrates coated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the development of a 2,6-dinitrophenol (2,6-DNP) efficient electrochemical sensor. The synthesized NCs were characterized in terms of morphology, surface composition, and optical properties using FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, BET, XRD, XPS, FTIR, and UV-vis analysis. Ag-decorated Chitosan/SrSnO₃ NC/GCE fabricated with the conducting binder (PEDOT:PSS) was found to analyze 2,6-DNP in a wide detection range (LDR) of 1.5~13.5 µM by applying the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) approach. The 2,6-DNP sensor parameters, such as sensitivity (54.032 µA µM^-1 cm^-2), limit of detection (LOD; 0.18 ± 0.01 µM), limit of quantification (LOQ; 0.545 µM) reproducibility, and response time, were found excellent and good results. Additionally, various environmental samples were analyzed and obtained reliable analytical results. Thus, it is the simplest way to develop a sensor probe with newly developed nanocomposite materials for analyzing the carcinogenic contaminants from the environmental effluents by electrochemical approach for the safety of environmental and healthcare fields in a broad scale.

Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Patchouli Extracted via Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (SC-CO2) Extraction

Patchouli extracts and oils extracted from Pogostemon cablin are essential raw material for the perfume and cosmetics industries, in addition to being used as a natural additive for food flavoring. Steam distillation is a standard method used for plant extraction. However, this method causes thermal degradation of some essential components of the oil. In this study, patchouli was extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) under different conditions of pressure (10–30 MPa) and temperature (40–80 °C). The chemical components of the crude extracted oil and the functional group were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide was shown to provide a higher yield (12.41%) at a pressure of 20 MPa and a temperature of 80 °C. Patchouli alcohol, Azulene, δ-Guaiene, and Seychellene are the main bioactive compounds that GC-MS results have identified. FTIR spectra showed alcohol, aldehyde, and aromatic ring bond stretching peaks. Extraction of patchouli with supercritical carbon dioxide provided a higher yield and a better quality of the crude patchouli oil.

Ag nanoparticle-decorated chitosan/SrSnO3 nanocomposite for ultrafast elimination of antibiotic linezolid and methylene blue

Effective design of ultrafast new-generation photocatalysts is a challenging task that requires highly dedicated efforts. This research focused on the development and design of ultrafast smart ternary photocatalysts containing SrSnO₃ nanostructures in conjugation with chitosan (CTSN) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles by a very simple and straightforward methodology. Modern analytical tools such as FESEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy were employed to characterize the synthesized nanostructures. XRD and XPS analysis confirmed the successful creation of ternary organization among the Ag, CTSN, and SrSnO₃. The TEM images clearly confirmed that CTSN possessed overlapping micron-sized sheets with a layered morphology, whereas the undoped SrSnO₃ particles exhibited spherical and elongated shapes and particle sizes ranging from 20 to 80 nm. These particles were produced in high density with homogeneously distributed Ag nanoparticles (4-15 nm). The bandgap energy (E_g) for bare SrSnO₃, CTSN/SrSnO₃, and Ag@CTSN/SrSnO₃ nanocomposites was found to be 4.0, 3.94, and 3.7 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic efficiencies of all newly created photocatalysts were evaluated by considering an antibiotic linezolid drug and methylene blue (MB) dye molecule as target analytes. Among all investigated samples, the Ag@CTSN/SrSnO₃ photocatalyst was found to be highly superior, with ultrafast removal of the linezolid drug at 96.02% within 25 min and almost total removal of the MB dye in just 12 min under UV light irradiation. The Ag@CTSN/SrSnO₃ photocatalyst exhibited removal rate that was 3.36 times faster than that of bare SrSnO₃. The present report delivers a highly promising, extremely efficient, and very simple, straightforward treatment methodology for the effective destruction of lethal and notorious pollutants, enabling the appropriate management of current environmental concerns.

Using risk prediction to case-find frail older people at risk of anticholinergic burden for Structured Medication Reviews: a qualitative study exploring the views and perspectives of primary care professionals

Introduction

Reviewing anticholinergic medicines is an important consideration in the safe care of frail older people. The cumulative effect of taking multiple anticholinergic medicines, known as anticholinergic burden (AB) (1), is associated with physical and cognitive decline, falls, and hospitalisation (2). There is a need to explore the development of integrated tools within clinical IT systems, to support safer prescribing. This includes the use of risk prediction, to case-find frail older patients at risk of AB for structured medication reviews (SMRs). However, using risk prediction in this context is a new concept, and perspectives of end-users in primary care are unknown.

Aim

To explore health care professionals’ (HCPs) views and perspectives of risk prediction, to case-find frail older people at risk of AB for SMRs, in order to inform future development and implementation.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted virtually. Data analysis used the inductive thematic analysis method, using Nvivo 12. Recruitment involved advertising a flyer on social media, and snowball sampling. A purposive sample of twenty-five HCPs in primary care were interviewed, including pharmacy professionals, GPs, nurses, and a community-based geriatrician.

Results

Six core themes emerged as important factors for future development and implementation, and were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework: knowledge and skills, beliefs about capabilities and consequences, decision processes, professional role and identity, motivation and goals, and environmental context and resources. HCPs supported the concept of risk prediction to case-find patients, particularly for more efficient utilisation of health resources. However, despite feeling motivated to reduce anticholinergic prescribing in frail older people, deprescribing in this area was deemed complex, with multiple barriers. A case-finding tool was perceived to be important, but considered only one element of a multi-factorial approach towards safer prescribing, with various other factors influencing decision making processes. HCPs felt prescribing decisions should be made holistically, and not influenced entirely by the outputs of a validated risk prediction tool. Lacking a deeper understanding of AB and frailty was also expressed, with further education and upskilling in deprescribing deemed essential to support uptake. There were concerns that proactive case-finding would lead to an unsustainable number of SMRs. Potential facilitators of future uptake were also identified, including the expansion of the primary care workforce, and financial incentivisation for deprescribing.

Conclusion

The concept of a future risk prediction tool was seen positively by HCPs, supporting a case for its development to facilitate the case-finding of at-risk patients for SMRs, in line with NHS policy. However, this study has identified multiple factors which could influence future uptake, having implications for the design and implementation stages. Strengths include the use of inductive thematic analysis, and how in-depth interviews were conducted with a variety of HCPs. Seeking views and perspectives of a risk prediction tool that is currently not in existence has its limitations however, but indeed are invaluable as early insights. HCPs as potential end-users, in addition to patients and the public, are crucial to future developmental phases and must be included as partners in any further research efforts.

References

(1) Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D. Prescribing for frail older people. Aust Prescr. 2017;40(5):174-178. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.055

(2) Welsh TJ, van der Wardt V, Ojo G, Gordon AL, Gladman JRF. Anticholinergic Drug Burden Tools/Scales and Adverse Outcomes in Different Clinical Settings: A Systematic Review of Reviews. Drugs Aging. 2018 Jun;35(6):523-538. doi: 10.1007/s40266-018-0549-z. PMID: 29736815.

Funding disclaimer: This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (NIHR YHPSTRC). The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the Department of Health and Social Care.

A255 INCREASED ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND REDUCED EXERCISE CAPACITY IN CELIAC DISEASE PATIENTS ON A GLUTEN-FREE DIET

Background

Celiac disease (CeD) patients often exhibit impaired nutritional status due to nutrient malabsorption and altered metabolism. Accurate clinical assessment of malnutrition, muscle function and energy requirements are thus essential to prevent and treat malnutrition. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the most accurate method to measure energy needs, but it is underutilized in outpatient settings.

Aims

To assess the use of IC testing in estimating the resting energy expenditure and exercise-related energy utilization in treated CeD patients compared to patients with other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.

Methods

Adult patients attending the Celiac and Nutrition Clinic at McMaster University that underwent rest and exercise testing as a part of their nutritional assessment were enrolled. CeD diagnosis was based on positive CeD serology and confirmed by biopsy, and all of them were on a GFD for at least 6 months. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and undernutrition due to other causes (UN) were included as controls. Resting energy expenditure was assessed using 3

methods

1) predictive formula (25kcal/kg), 2) Harris Benedict and 3) estimation of VO2 by IC. Exercise capacity and energy expenditure (EE) during exercise was estimated at baseline, moderate and maximum exercise. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections and Chi2 test were used to assess differences between continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results

A total of 66 patients (CeD n=24; IBD n=15; FGID n=17; UN n=10) were included in the analysis. The REE of GI patients measured using the HB equation and the predictive formula were significantly underestimated compared to IC [Mean Difference (MD)=229 kcal/day p=0.03 and MD=365 kcal/day p<0.001, respectively]. The EE during exercise increased with intensity of exercise. CeD patients had the highest EE during moderate and strenuous exercise (Mean EE = 286 kcal/h and 494 kcal/h respectively) compared to patients with other GI conditions (Moderate and Strenuous for IBD= 218kcal/h and 373kcal/h; for FGIDs 296kcal/hand 467kcal/h, for UN, Mean EE = 181kcal/h and 294kcal/h). Exercise capacity was reduced in CeD compared to predicted exercise capacity (Mean = 86% predicted work capacity, range 72.5–107%), but was significantly higher than IBD (86% vs 73%; p=0.65) and UN patients (86% vs 46%; p=0.004).

Conclusions

Increased energy consumption and reduced exercise capacity is suggestive of chronic impaired nutritional status in treated CeD patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to understand whether incorporating accurate estimations of energy expenditure in nutritional practices can improve CeD outcomes.

Funding Agencies

CAG

A194 THE ADDITION OF DEAMIDATED GLIADIN PEPTIDE TO TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE ANTIBODIES DOES NOT INCREASE THE ODDS OF CELIAC DISEASE DIAGNOSIS IN AN IGA SUFFICIENT POPULATION

Background

Previous studies proposed that the combination of IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 IgA (TTG) and IgG deamidated gliadin peptide IgG (DGP) antibodies increases celiac disease (CeD) detection rates. However, this remains controversial.

Aims

To evaluate the performance of adding DGP to TTG antibodies, for the diagnosis of celiac disease (CeD) in the immunoglobulin A (IgA)-sufficient population.

Methods

We included consecutive patients with suspected CeD who had both TTG and DGP serology performed simultaneously from 2017–2020 in Hamilton, Canada. Chart review was performed by 3 reviewers to extract data on biopsies, diagnosis of CeD and genetic HLA-DQ2/DQ8. CeD was defined as positive serology (either TTG and/or DGP) and villous atrophy in duodenal biopsies (≥Marsh-3a). A case was defined as an instance of TTG and DGP performed at a single timepoint. A single patient could have represented multiple cases if TTG and DGP were measured at multiple time points. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were calculated, and ROC curves were generated. Diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) assessed the performance of each serological strategy compared to duodenal biopsies.

Results

There were 580 patients constituting 823 cases that met inclusion criteria, of whom 441 had CeD. IgA-deficient patients (n=100) were excluded. Of the 723 cases remaining, 337 (214 adult;123 pediatric) had serology performed at the time of CeD diagnosis. TTG increased the odds of CeD diagnosis compared with DGP, Diagnostic Odds Ratio (DOR)=53.22 (95% CI 22.63–119.80) vs DOR=21.28 (95% CI 10.67–42.46). The addition of DGP to TTG did not increase the odds of CeD diagnosis [DGP+TTG DOR=51.39 (95% CI 19.36–135.61) vs TTG alone DOR=53.22 (95% CI 22.63–119.80)]. There were 37 discordant cases where only one of either TTG or DGP was positive. HLA-DQ2/DQ8 were absent in 2/9 cases with isolated increased DGP. Among the discordant cases, TTG outperformed DGP (DOR TTG= 4.29; 95% CI 1.09–16.83 vs DOR DGP=0.23; 95% CI 0.06–0.92).

Conclusions

In the IgA-sufficient population, the addition of DGP to TTG testing does not increase the diagnostic accuracy of CeD serologic screening. This has implications in health-care costs as false positive results prompt further investigations. Given these findings, larger prospective studies should be completed prior to adding DGP antibodies to routine TTG serology.

Funding Agencies

None

Au nanoparticles decorated polypyrrole-carbon black/g-C3N4 nanocomposite as ultrafast and efficient visible light photocatalyst

Modification and bandgap engineering are proposed to be extremely significant in improving the photocatalytic activity of novel photocatalysts. The current research focused on the fabrication of ultrafast and efficient visible light-responsive ternary photocatalyst containing g-C₃N₄ nanostructures in conjugation with polypyrrole doped carbon black (PPy-C) and gold (Au) nanoparticles by highly effectual, simple, and straightforward methodology. Various analytical techniques like XRD, FESEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy were applied for characterization purposes. The XRD and XPS results confirmed the successful creation of a nanocomposite framework among Au, PPy-C and g-C₃N₄. The TEM images revealed that bare g-C₃N₄ holds sheets or layered graphitic structure with sizes ranging from 100 to 300 nm. The sponge-like PPy-C network intermingled perfectly with g-C₃N₄ sheets along with homogeneously distributed 5-15 nm Au nanoparticles. The band gap energy (E_g) for bare g-C₃N₄, PPy-C/g-C₃N₄ and Au@PPy-C/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were found to be 2.74, 2.68, and 2.60 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic activity for all newly designed photocatalysts have been assessed during the degradation of insecticide Imidacloprid and methylene blue (MB) dye, where Au@PPy-C/C₃N₄ was found to be extremely efficient with ultrafast removal of both imidacloprid and MB in just 25 min of visible light irradiation. It was revealed that the Au@PPy-C/g-C₃N₄ ternary photocatalyst removed 96.0% of target analyte imidacloprid, which is ⁓ 2.91 times more efficient than bare g-C₃N₄ in treating imidacloprid. This report provides a distinctly promising, highly effectual and straightforward route to destruct extremely toxic and notorious pollutants and opens a new gateway in the present challenging scenario of environmental concerns.

The new challenge of partial oxidation of methane over Fe2O3/NaY and Fe3O4/NaY heterogeneous catalysts

As one of the most important gases that abundantly contribute to air pollution, methane becomes the most leading gas that challenges researchers to utilize it in more functional products such as methanol. In this study, the conversion process involved iron oxide species supported by sodium Y (NaY-Z) zeolite as the catalysts. This work highlighted the preparation of Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ modified NaY zeolite to investigate their catalytic performance on partial oxidation of methane to methanol, with trace amount of oxygen (0.5% in N₂), in a batch reactor. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and BET. The structure of NaY zeolite and its modified catalysts were confirmed. The pristine NaY-Z shows the highest activity followed by Fe₂O₃/NaY-3.52 (3.52 wt% of Fe loading) with high selectivity to formaldehyde (80%). Very high selectivity (∼100%) towards methanol was observed in the reactions on Fe₂O₃/NaY-1.70 and Fe₃O₄/NaY-2.55 catalysts, although the total amount of product was decreased. It was noticeable that Fe₃O₄/NaY-3.22 is an active catalyst and has good selectivity to methanol (70%).

Insight Cross-talk between p53 and Toll-like Receptor

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are one of the most-studied receptors for their role in innate immunity. TLRs are reported to binds with conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS). TLRs and PAMPS interaction leads to several downstream proteins' activation, which further signaled to the various transcription factors. Moreover, these transcription factors play an important role in synthesizing proteins that control cellular immunity. Various TLR proteins have been reported in humans as well several other organisms. Studies show that apart from inducing innate immunity, TLRs have also played an important role in the induction of many proteins, and protein networks associated with initiation apoptosis and cancer prevention. P53 is one of the most important and widely studied proteins. Moreover, various experimental studies suggest that p53 has an important role as tumor suppressor. It is reported that more than 50% of cancerous growth are associated with the mutation of p53. It acts as transcription activator for several proteins that are mostly associated with glycolysis, cell cycle, cell differentiation, apoptosis and cancer. In the present review, we present an insight cross-talk between p53 and Toll-like receptor. In addition, the well-characterized role of p53 in the regulation of the immune system is studied, which would provide a new insight to the broad understanding of p53 role in human biology. Moreover, the association of the p53 and TLRs can lead to therapeutic interventions.

Rediscovery of Kurians types of Hymenoptera at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, India with notes on Indian bethylid fauna

The types specimens of many taxa described by Chandy Kurian were considered lost for many years, which prevented the recognition of the species delimited by him. Fifty holotypes have been rediscovered in the National Forest Insect Collection of Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Forty-five types belong to Bethylidae (Cephalonomia tritici, Chlorepyris biharina, C. mackenziei, C. pusana, C. sanctipauli, Epyris agraensis, E. agrensis, E. bombayensis, E. delhiensis, E. duni, E. duttai, E. indicae, E. manii, E. patnae, E. pusae, E. shishami, Goniozus ahmeadi, G. chatterjii, G. chowdhari, G. hybleae, G. lygropiae, G. madrassippattanami, G. marasmi, G. mori, G. morindae, G. nephoterycis, G. nilamburensis, G. pulveriae, G. salvadorae, G. sanctijohannis, G. thalasodi, Laelius agraensis, Odontepyris argyriae, O. batrae, O. cirphi, O. hypsipylae, O. indicus, Pristepyris agraensis, Pristocera govindrami, Sclerodermus delhiensis, Sc. hardwickiae, Sc. mori, Sc. raonis, Sulcomesitius bahaduri and Su. duni), one to Chrysididae (Lustrina assamensis), three to Dryinidae (Lestodryinus guptai, Neodryinus karnalensis and N. pusae) and one to Formicidae (Neoclystopsenella luffae). Six new combinations are proposed: Epyris mackenziei comb. nov. from Chlorepyris; Formosiepyris agraensis comb. nov. from Epyris; Holepyris raonis comb. nov. from Sclerodermus; Holepyris patnae comb. nov. from Epyris; Pristocera agraensis comb. nov. from Pristepyris; and Trachepyris sanctipauli comb. nov. from Chlorepyris. We also provide updated diagnoses, as well as detailed remarks and photographs for all types rediscovered. In addition, we provide researchers worldwide with valuable taxonomic information for the Bethylidae, Chrysididae, Dryinidae and Formicidae described by Kurian. A review of Bethylidae from India and a tribute to Chandy Kurian has also been provided.

Variation in chemical composition and sources of PM2.5 during the COVID-19 lockdown in Delhi

The Government of India (GOI) announced a nationwide lockdown starting 25th March 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19, leading to an unprecedented decline in anthropogenic activities and, in turn, improvements in ambient air quality. This is the first study to focus on highly time-resolved chemical speciation and source apportionment of PM_2.5 to assess the impact of the lockdown and subsequent relaxations on the sources of ambient PM_2.5 in Delhi, India. The elemental, organic, and black carbon fractions of PM_2.5 were measured at the IIT Delhi campus from February 2020 to May 2020. We report source apportionment results using positive matrix factorization (PMF) of organic and elemental fractions of PM_2.5 during the different phases of the lockdown. The resolved sources such as vehicular emissions, domestic coal combustion, and semi-volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SVOOA) were found to decrease by 96%, 95%, and 86%, respectively, during lockdown phase-1 as compared to pre-lockdown. An unforeseen rise in O₃ concentrations with declining NO_x levels was observed, similar to other parts of the globe, leading to the low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosols (LVOOA) increasing to almost double the pre-lockdown concentrations during the last phase of the lockdown. The effect of the lockdown was found to be less pronounced on other resolved sources like secondary chloride, power plants, dust-related, hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA), and biomass burning related emissions, which were also swayed by the changing meteorological conditions during the four lockdown phases. The results presented in this study provide a basis for future emission control strategies, quantifying the extent to which constraining certain anthropogenic activities can ameliorate the ambient air. These results have direct relevance to not only Delhi but the entire Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP), citing similar geographical and meteorological conditions common to the region along with overlapping regional emission sources. SUMMARY OF MAIN FINDINGS: We identify sources like vehicular emissions, domestic coal combustion, and semi-volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SVOOA) to be severely impacted by the lockdown, whereas ozone levels and, in turn, low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosols (LVOOA) rise by more than 95% compared to the pre-lockdown concentrations during the last phase of the lockdown. However, other sources resolved in this study, like secondary chloride, power plants, dust-related, hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA), and biomass burning related emissions, were mainly driven by the changes in the meteorological conditions rather than the lockdown.

Immersion-plated palladium nanoparticles onto meso-porous silicon layer as novel SERS substrate for sensitive detection of imidacloprid pesticide

Herein, we demonstrate the effectiveness of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to detect trace concentration of potentially harmful imidacloprid pesticide. To achieve this ultimate objective, a rapid and highly effective methodology for the fabrication of active and stable porous silicon (PSi) plated palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) SERS substrates by an electrochemical anodization and immersion plating routes was applied. The PSi layers were fabricated by the electrochemical anodization of a silicon wafer in ethanoic fluoride solution, followed by uniformly deposition of PdNPs via a simple immersion plating technique. The structural features and morphology of fabricated frameworks of PSi-Pd NPs have been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The PSi substrate demonstrates a meso-porous morphology with good distribution, good pore density and average pore sizes around 20 nm. The SERS performance of Si-Pd NPs and PSi-Pd NPs substrates has been examined taking imidacloprid (an insecticide) as a target analyte. The SERS signal of imidacloprid using PSi-Pd NPs substrate exhibited immense enhancement compared to the Si-Pd NPs substrate. The active substrate revealed excellent detectable performance with a concentration as low as 10^-9 M imidacloprid and an enhancement factor (EF) of 1.2 × 10⁵. This large EF is fundamentally ascribed to the combined effect of the electromagnetic improvement and charge transfer mechanisms. Additionally, no aging effect was observed for the present substrates kept in air for two weeks. Striking enhancement in Raman spectral signals obtained with the current PSi-Pd NPs substrates can provide a simple and smooth platform towards the sensitive detection of various target analytes.

Case of paediatric catatonia precipitated by antipsychotic withdrawal in a child with autism spectrum disorder

A 13-year-old girl with moderate intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was admitted to the paediatric high-dependency unit following an 8-week history of altered mental status and motor behaviour. Her symptoms emerged followed shortly after discontinuation of risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic previously commenced to manage disruptive behaviour associated with ASD. On physical examination, the patient presented with negativism, grimacing, automatic obedience, waxy flexibility and ambitendency. Blood tests, neuroimaging and lumbar puncture failed to reveal an acute infectious or neurological precipitant. She responded immediately to a trial of intramuscular lorazepam titrated to a total daily dose of 12 mg. This case presents challenges of accurately diagnosing and managing catatonic symptoms in adolescent patients with ASD. We also discuss the potential risk of precipitating catatonia following the discontinuation of antipsychotic treatment that has been prescribed for a prolonged duration.

Gold nanoparticles plated porous silicon nanopowder for nonenzymatic voltammetric detection of hydrogen peroxide

A voltammetric approach was developed for the selective and sensitive determination of hydrogen peroxide using Au plated porous silicon (PSi) nanopowder modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The AuNPs-PSi hybrid structure was synthesized via stain etching procedure followed by an immersion plating method to deposit AuNPs onto PSi via a simple galvanic displacement reaction with no external reducing agent to convert Au³⁺ to Au⁰. The as-fabricated AuNPs-PSi catalyst was successfully characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR, XPS, SEM, TEM and EDS techniques. Well crystalline nature of the as-fabricated hybrid structure with AuNPs size ranging from 5 to 40 nm was observed. The specific surface area and total pore volume for both PSi and AuNPs plated PSi were evaluated using N₂ adsorption isotherm technique. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were applied to investigate the catalytic efficiency of AuNPs-PSi modified electrode compared to pure PSi/GCE and unmodified GCE. The sensing performance of the active material modified GCE was thoroughly examined with linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques. The AuNPs-PSi/GCE exhibited a remarkable linear dynamic range between 2.0 and 13.81 mM (for LSV) and 0.5-6.91 mM for (SWV) with high sensitivity and low detection limit of 10.65 μAmM^-1cm^-2 and 14.84 μM for LSV, whereas 10.41 μAmM^-1cm^-2 and 15.16 μM using SWV techniques, respectively. The fabricated sensor electrode showed excellent anti-interfering ability in the presence of several common biomolecules as well as demonstrated good operational stability and reproducibility with low relative standard deviation. Moreover, the modified electrode showed acceptable recovery of H₂O₂ in a real sample analysis. Thus, the developed AuNPs-PSi hybrid nanomaterial represents an excellent electrocatalyst for the efficient detection and quantification of H₂O₂ by the electrochemical approach.

[Bone marrow fibrosis in primary myelofibrosis in relation to myelodysplasia- and age-related mutations of hematopoietic cells]

Besides histopathological findings, there are no indicators of increased risk for fibrotic progression in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Age-related clonal hematopoiesis (ARCH) or clonal hematopoiesis of indetermined potential (CHIP) are frequent findings in the elderly and combinations with MPN driver mutations (JAK2, MPL, and CALR) have been described. To determine the impact of ARCH/CHIP-related mutations for the development of fibrosis in primary myelofibrosis (PMF), the mutational status of cases with fibrotic progression from grade 0 to grade 2/3 (n = 77) as evidenced by follow-up bone marrow biopsies (median 6.2 years) was compared to prefibrotic PMF samples without the development of fibrosis (n = 27; median follow-up 7.3 years). Frequent ARCH/CHIP-associated mutations (TET2, ASXL1, DNMT3A) demonstrable at presentation were not connected with fibrotic progression. However, mutations that are rarely found in ARCH/CHIP (SRSF2, U2AF1, SF3B1, IDH1/2, and EZH2) were present in 24.7% of cases with later development of fibrosis and not detectable in cases staying free from fibrosis (P = 0.0028). Determination of tumor mutational burden (TMB) in a subgroup of cases (n = 32) did not show significant differences (7.68 mutations/MB vs. 6.85 mutations/MB). We conclude that mutations rarely found in ARCH/CHIP provide an independent risk factor for rapid fibrotic progression (median 2.0 years) when already manifest at first presentation.

Short-course modified regimen intrapleural alteplase and pulmozyme (DNase) in pleural infection

Pleural infection is a common clinical condition leading to hospitalisation. In the last decade, advances in pleural research have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of complex effusion from a surgical approach to a less invasive non-surgical approach using a combination of intrapleural fibrinolytics and pulmozyme (DNase). We report 3 patients with pleural infection. Intercostal chest catheter failed to drain the complex effusion. They were subsequently treated with a modified short-course regimen of alteplase and DNase. They received 3 cycles of 16 mg alteplase with 5 mg DNase each within 24 hours and all three had a favourable outcome with no adverse effects. This modified regimen appears effective with good safety profile and adds to the current literature on the safety and effectiveness of different dose combinations of alteplase and DNase.

Doping Strontium into Neodymium Manganites Nanocomposites for Enhanced Visible light Driven Photocatalysis

Nd_1-xSr_xMnO₃ nanocomposites perovskites were synthesized using sol gel method at different Sr content x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9. The photocatalytic performance of the Nd_1-xSr_xMnO₃ nanocomposites for photodegradation of Acridine orange dye (AO) was evaluated over visible light illumination. The single phase of orthorhombic pbnm was formed for x = 0.3 and 0.5; however monoclinic and orthorhombic were observed at x = 0.7 and 0.9. The Energy gap of the Nd_1-xSr_xMnO₃ nanocomposites were estimated for all concentrations to be in the range of 3 ± 0.05 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency of Nd_0.3Sr_0.7MnO₃ nanocomposite was 95% of the initial AO dye concentration within 3 h illumination time. The linear increase of the photodegradation rate was found in our samples as a result of the increase of Sr contents from 0.3 to 0.7wt %. Interestingly, the Nd_0.3Sr_0.7MnO₃ content has the highest degradation rate of AO which is two times faster than undoped NdMnO₃. This superior behavior in photocatalytic activity of Nd_0.3Sr_0.7MnO₃ nanocomposite emerges from large surface area, structural anisotropy, and small particle size. These findings shows convincingly that the Nd_1-xSr_xMnO₃ photocatalysts possess great promise for visible light driven photodegradation of AO dye.

A review on methodologies for extraction, identification and quantification of allergenic proteins in prawns

Prawn allergy is one of the most common food-borne allergies and current prevention is by avoidance. This review paper summarised different methodologies for the extraction, identification and quantification of prawn protein allergens, reported in various research studies. Following extraction, allergenic components have been analysed using well-established methodologies, such as SDS-PAGE, Immunoblotting, ELISA, CD Spectroscopy, HPLC, DBPCFC, SPT etc. Moreover, the preference towards Aptamer-based technique for allergenicity analysis has also been highlighted in this review paper. The summary of these methodologies will provide a reference platform for present and future research directions.