Structural insight into the cooperativity of spin crossover compounds

Spin-crossover (SCO) compounds are promising materials for a wide variety of industrial applications. However, the fundamental understanding of their nature of transition and its effect on the physical properties are still being fervently explored; the microscopic knowledge of their transition is essential for tailoring their properties. Here an attempt is made to correlate the changes in macroscopic physical properties with microscopic structural changes in the orthorhombic and monoclinic polymorphs of the SCO compound Fe(PM-Bia)2(NCS)2 (PM = N-2'-pyridylmethylene and Bia = 4-aminobiphenyl) by employing single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetization and DSC measurements. The dependence of macroscopic properties on cooperativity, highlighting the role of hydrogen bonding, π-π and van der Waals interactions is discussed. Values of entropy, enthalpy and cooperativity are calculated numerically based on the Slichter-Drickamer model. The particle size dependence of the magnetic properties is probed along with the thermal exchange and the kinetic behavior of the two polymorphs based on the dependence of magnetization on temperature scan rate and a theoretical model is proposed for the calculation of the non-equilibrium spin-phase fraction. Also a scan-rate-dependent two-step behavior observed for the orthorhombic polymorph, which is absent for the monoclinic polymorph, is reported. Moreover, it is found that the radiation dose from synchrotron radiation affects the spin-crossover process and shifts the transition region to lower temperatures, implying that the spin crossover can be tuned with radiation damage.

Adsorptive removal of acid blue dye 113 using three agricultural waste biomasses: The possibility of valorization by activation and carbonization - A comparative analysis

The presence of various organic and inorganic contaminants in wastewater leads to serious health effects on humans and ecosystems. Industrial effluents have been considered as noticeable sources of contaminating water streams. These effluents directly liberate the pollutants such as dye molecules and heavy metal ions into the environment. In the present study, three biowaste materials (groundnut shell powder, coconut coir powder and activated corn leaf carbon) were utilized and compared for the removal of acid blue dye 113 from aqueous solutions. The characterization study of newly prepared sorbent material (H3PO4-activated corn leaf carbon) and the other utilized sorbents was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR), along with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Analysis. The influence of experimental conditions such as pH, initial dye concentration, temperature, contact time, and sorbent dosage on the removal efficiency of the dye were appraised. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic result of acid blue dye 113 adsorption onto the sorbents best obeyed from Sips and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Overall, the outcomes confirmed that the newly synthesized sorbent material (carbonized H3PO4-activated corn leaf) has superior adsorption capacity, rapid adsorption, and higher suitability for the removal of toxic dyes from the contaminated waters.

Exploring microbial diversity in hot springs of Surajkund, India through 16S rRNA analysis and thermozyme characterization from endogenous isolates

Hot springs are a valuable source of biologically significant chemicals due to their high microbial diversity. To investigate the possibilities for industrial uses of these bacteria, researchers collected water and sediment samples from variety of hot springs. Our investigation employed both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques, including 16S-based marker gene analysis of the microbiota from the hot springs of Surajkund, Jharkhand. In addition, we cultivated thermophilic isolates and screened for their ability to produce amylase, xylanase, and cellulase. After the optimized production of amylase the enzyme was partially purified and characterized using UPLC, DLS-ZP, and TGA. The retention time for the amylase was observed to be around 0.5 min. We confirmed the stability of the amylase at higher temperatures through observation of a steady thermo gravimetric profile at 400 °C. One of the thermophilic isolates obtained from the kund, demonstrated the potential to degrade lignocellulosic agricultural waste.

Single-cell analysis of the nervous system at small and large scales with instant partitions

Single-cell RNA sequencing is a new frontier across all biology, particularly in neuroscience. While powerful for answering numerous neuroscience questions, limitations in sample input size, and initial capital outlay can exclude some researchers from its application. Here, we tested a recently introduced method for scRNAseq across diverse scales and neuroscience experiments. We benchmarked against a major current scRNAseq technology and found that PIPseq performed similarly, in line with earlier benchmarking data. Across dozens of samples, PIPseq recovered many brain cell types at small and large scales (1,000-100,000 cells/sample) and was able to detect differentially expressed genes in an inflammation paradigm. Similarly, PIPseq could detect expected and new differentially expressed genes in a brain single cell suspension from a knockout mouse model; it could also detect rare, virally-la-belled cells following lentiviral targeting and gene knockdown. Finally, we used PIPseq to investigate gene expression in a nontraditional model species, the little skate (Leucoraja erinacea). In total, PIPSeq was able to detect single-cell gene expression changes across models and species, with an added benefit of large scale capture and sequencing of each sample.

Magnetic Co/CoOx@NCNT catalysts for activation of potassium peroxymonosulfate to deteriorate phenol from wastewater

Phenols are of much toxicological and they must be effectively removed from the wastewater from industries as well as sewage treatment. Such removal demands a special and strong composite. So, this piece of research aims to activate Potassium peroxymonosulfate (PPMS) with the large surface area of magnetite nitrogen-fixed porous carbon nanotube composites (Co/CoOx@NCNT). Increases in the graphitization degree and structural control brought about by the incorporation of reduced Graphite oxide (rGO) significantly increased the catalyst activity of Co/CoOx@NCNT. It was found that PPMS activation for phenol removal by Co/CoOx@NCNT was nearly as effective as by homogeneous Co²⁺, with nearly 100% removal efficiency in 10 min. Both high reusability and high recycling of Co/CoOx@NCNT were accomplished simultaneously by proving the technology of viability in practical applications. The PPMS activation mechanism in the Co/CoOx@NCNT/PPMS system was driven by the electron transmission from contaminants to PPMS through the sp^2- hybrid carbon nanotubes and nitrogen system. The selectivity of the Co/CoOx@NCNT/PPMS system to remove diverse organic compounds was determined by batch experiments. Due to the insignificant impact of radicals reactive on pollutant breakdown, the ability to inhibit species (such as Cl^- and natural organic materials) from a minor role was significantly decreased. These results not only shed light on the process of PPMS heterogeneous activation but also provided a framework for the balanced project of highly effective nanocarbon-based catalysts for PPMS activation.

Effect of Coffee Silverskin Enriched Diet to Enhance the Immunological and Growth Parameters of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The application of low-cost feed additives as an immunostimulant for different species of fish is an emerging research area in aquaculture. The present study aimed at incorporating a byproduct from coffee processing, coffee silverskin, as an immunostimulant in Nile Tilapia. A total of 225 Tilapia fingerlings (each weighing 23.04±0.07) were fed on diets as follows: Diet 1 (control), Diet 2 (20 gm/kg), Diet 3 (40 gm/kg), Diet 4 (80 gm/kg) and Diet 5 (180 gm/kg) of coffee silverskin. The feeding experiment continued for four weeks; moreover, growth, as well as immunological studies, were carried out by collecting mucus and blood serum from the liver and intestine of the fish. A significant increase in growth performance was observed in fish fed with a 40 gm/kg coffee silverskin-containing diet. The same effect was found in immunological parameters, including complement activity, serum lysozyme activity, and respiratory burst activity. Therefore, it is concluded that the study was definitely a successful one, and a diet with 40 gm/kg of coffee silverskin (Diet 3) was effective, compared to the rest of the compositions.

Effect of Ca2+ ions on naphthalene adsorption/desorption onto calcium oxide nanoparticle: Adsorption isotherm, kinetics and regeneration studies

The adsorptive nature of calcium oxide nanoparticles in aqueous sample of naphthalene in presence of Ca²⁺ ions was estimated. Enhanced efficiency of calcium oxide regeneration (90%) with the aid of calcium chloride in the solution concentration of 0.002-0.1 M was depicted. The less degree of toxic naphthalene desorption merged with SEM, FTIR and XRD characterization data portrays the importance of naphthalene adsorption onto calcium oxide using calcium chloride for regeneration. Batch adsorption studies were performed to evaluate the operating parameters such as pH, naphthalene concentration, contact time and impact of Ca²⁺ on naphthalene study. The adsorption isotherm of naphthalene on calcium oxide nanoparticle was described by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin Radushkevich and theoretical maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 63.81 mg/g at 303 K. The adsorption kinetic best fitted with pseudo second order kinetic model. The positive influence of making the addition of Ca²⁺ ions into naphthalene solution for its rapid adsorption was elucidated which is leaded by a probable increase in sorption capacity for naphthalene molecules at lower concentrations. The stable nature of crystallinity of calcium oxide and a less degree of naphthalene molecules leaching during consecutive cycles of adsorptive process and nanoparticle regeneration was also scrutinized.

The Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and PHA-Based Nanoparticles

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are storage granules found in bacteria that are essentially hydroxy fatty acid polyesters. PHA molecules appear in variety of structures, and amongst all types of PHAs, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is used in versatile fields as it is a biodegradable, biocompatible, and ecologically safe thermoplastic. The unique physicochemical characteristics of these PHAs have made them applicable in nanotechnology, tissue engineering, and other biomedical applications. In this review, the optimization, extraction, and characterization of PHAs are described. Their production and application in nanotechnology are also portrayed in this review, and the precise and various production methods of PHA-based nanoparticles, such as emulsion solvent diffusion, nanoprecipitation, and dialysis are discussed. The characterization techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, Zeta Potential, and XRD are also elaborated.

Understanding why at-risk population segments do not seek care for tuberculosis: a precision public health approach in South India

INTRODUCTION

Delaying care-seeking for tuberculosis (TB) symptoms is a major contributor to mortality, leading to worse outcomes and spread. To reduce delays, it is essential to identify barriers to care-seeking and target populations most at risk of delaying. Previous work identifies barriers only in people within the health system, often long after initial care-seeking.

METHODS

We conducted a community-based survey of 84 625 households in Chennai, India, to identify 1667 people with TB-indicative symptoms in 2018-2019. Cases were followed prospectively to observe care-seeking behaviour. We used a comprehensive survey to identify care-seeking drivers, then performed multivariate analyses to identify care-seeking predictors. To identify profiles of individuals most at risk to delay care-seeking, we segmented the sample using unsupervised clustering. We then estimated the per cent of the TB-diagnosed population in Chennai in each segment.

RESULTS

Delayed care-seeking characteristics include smoking, drinking, being employed, preferring different facilities than the community, believing to be at lower risk of TB and believing TB is common. Respondents who reported fever or unintended weight loss were more likely to seek care. Clustering analysis revealed seven population segments differing in care-seeking, from a retired/unemployed/disabled cluster, where 70% promptly sought care, to a cluster of employed men who problem-drink and smoke, where only 42% did so. Modelling showed 54% of TB-diagnosed people who delay care-seeking might belong to the latter segment, which is most likely to acquire TB and least likely to promptly seek care.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to increase care-seeking should move from building general awareness to addressing treatment barriers such as lack of time and low-risk perception. Care-seeking interventions should address specific beliefs through a mix of educational, risk perception-targeting and social norms-based campaigns. Employed men who problem-drink and smoke are a prime target for interventions. Reducing delays in this group could dramatically reduce TB spread.

Contact Force Mediated Rapid Deposition of Colloidal Microspheres Flowing over Microstructured Barriers

Deposition of particles while flowing past constrictions is a ubiquitous phenomenon observed in diverse systems. Some common examples are jamming of salt crystals near the orifice of salt shakers, clogging of filter systems, gridlock in vehicular traffic, etc. Our work investigates the deposition events of colloidal microspheres flowing over microstructured barriers in microfluidic devices. The interplay of DLVO, contact, and hydrodynamic forces in facilitating rapid deposition of microspheres is discussed. Noticeably, a decrease in the electrostatic repulsion among microspheres leads to linear chain formations, whereas an increase in roughness results in rapid deposition.

Effective and reliable platform for nonenzymatic nanomolar-range quinol detection in water samples using ceria doped polypyrrole nanocomposite embedded on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets

A glassy carbon electrode modification by a novel ternary nanocomposite of advantageously united ceria, polypyrrole, and graphitic carbon nitride (CeO₂/Ppy@g-C₃N₄) is reported here. It can be used to tailor the sensor surface for the electrochemical detection of nanomolar-level quinol (Qnl), a chemical widely used as a developing agent in photography and lithography, as a cosmetic, and as an antioxidant in rubber and food industries. The occupational exposure of Qnl may occur by inhalation or dermal contact, leading to lot of health hazards. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by various analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman, thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and elemental mapping analyses. The oxidation current of Qnl is linear to its concentration in the range of 0.01-260 μM and the lowest detection and quantification limit are found to be 1.5 nM and 0.004 μM, respectively, with a sensitivity of 283.33 μA mM^-1 cm^-2. The performance of the modified electrode was compared with those of high-performance liquid chromatography, which indicates that the proposed sensor can be used as an effective and reliable platform for nano-molar detection of Qnl in various environmental and biological fluids.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

Back in the mid-nineties, the discovery of antimicrobials denoted a profound and remarkable achievement in medicine which was capable of saving lives. However, recently, antimicrobial resistance became a major global issue facing modern medicine and significantly increased among bacteria, fungi, and viruses which results in reduced efficacy of many clinically important and lifesaving antimicrobials. The growing rise of antimicrobial resistance inflicts a remarkable economic and social burden on the health care system globally. The replacement of conventional antimicrobials by new technology to counteract and lessen antimicrobial resistance is currently ongoing. Nanotechnology is an advanced approach to overcome challenges of such resisted conventional drug delivery systems mainly based on the development and fabrication of nanoparticulate structures. Numerous forms of nanoparticulate systems have been discovered and tried as prospective drug delivery systems, comprising organic and inorganic nanoparticles.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

Back in the mid-nineties, the discovery of antimicrobials denoted a profound and remarkable achievement in medicine which was capable of saving lives. However, recently, antimicrobial resistance became a major global issue facing modern medicine and significantly increased among bacteria, fungi, and viruses which results in reduced efficacy of many clinically important and lifesaving antimicrobials. The growing rise of antimicrobial resistance inflicts a remarkable economic and social burden on the health care system globally. The replacement of conventional antimicrobials by new technology to counteract and lessen antimicrobial resistance is currently ongoing. Nanotechnology is an advanced approach to overcome challenges of such resisted conventional drug delivery systems mainly based on the development and fabrication of nanoparticulate structures. Numerous forms of nanoparticulate systems have been discovered and tried as prospective drug delivery systems, comprising organic and inorganic nanoparticles.

Metal concentration and its ecological risk assessment in the beach sediments of Coromandel Coast, Southern India

The present study investigates the concentration of acid leachable trace metals (ALTMs) and their ecological risk in the beach sediments of Coromandel Coast, Southern India. In total, thirty-six beach sediments (eighteen samples from low tide and eighteen samples from high tide) were collected from the study area. The results of the study of the ALTMs suggest that the sediments are enriched by natural processes with significant anthropogenic influences. The distribution of ALTMs in beach sediments is in the following descending order: Fe > Cr > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cu > Co > Zn. The statistical results indicate that the metal concentrations were chiefly originated from natural processes such as leaching, weathering, and fluvial action. In addition, the textural characteristics, organic matter, and calcium carbonate percentage play an important role in the distribution of metals in the beach sediments.

Swimming statistics of cargo-loaded single bacteria

Burgeoning interest in the area of bacteria-powered micro robotic systems prompted us to study the dynamics of cargo transport by single bacteria. In this paper, we have studied the swimming behaviour of oil-droplets attached as cargo to the cell bodies of single bacteria. The oil-droplet loaded bacteria exhibit super-diffusive motion which is characterised by a high degree of directional persistence. Interestingly, bacteria could navigate with cargo size as large as 8 μm resulting in an increased rotational drag of more than 2 orders when compared to the free bacteria. The directional change of cargo loaded bacterial trajectories seems to be enhanced by steric hindrance from other oil-droplets present in the environment.

Efficient resource prediction model for small and medium scale cloud data centers

By leveraging the performance of small and medium-scale data centers (SMSDCs), which are involved in high-performance computing, data centers are central to the current modern industrial business world. Extensive enhancements in the SMSDC infrastructure comprise a diverse set of connected devices that disseminate resources to the end users. The high certainty workloads of end users and over resource provisioning result in high power consumption in SMSDCs, which are pivotal factors contributing to high carbon footprints from SMSDCs. The excessive emission of CO2 is higher in SMSDCs compared with that of hyperscale data centers (HSDCs). An exorbitant amount of electricity is utilized by 8.6 million data centers worldwide, and is expected to increase by up to 13% in 2030. The power requirement of an SMSDC domain is expected to be 5% of the global power production. However, the power consumption of SMSDCs changes annually. To aid SMSDCs, machine learning prediction is deployed. Literature review indicates that many studies have focused on the recurring issues of HSDCs rather than those of SMSDC. Herein, a regressive predictive analysis, i.e., multi-output random forest regressor, is proposed to forecast the resource usage and power utilization of virtual machines. These prediction results in diminishes the power utilization of SMSDC whilst reduces the CO2 emission from SMSDC. The obtained result shows that the proposed approach yields better predictions than other single-output prediction methods for future resource demand from end users.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF XPERTMTB/RIF ASSAY IN DETECTION OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND RIFAMPICIN RESISTANCE IN COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases with high morbidity and mortality. India accounts for one- fourth of the global TB burden (2.7million cases). Material and methods: A total 1056 patients were included in this study. All patients were requested to give two sputum samples, spot sputum sample (at the time of visit) and early morning sputum for mycobacterial testing. All spot samples tested with smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/Rif assay. Rifampicin resistant samples compared with conventional method. Results: Out of 1056 sputum samples GeneXpert MTB Rif assay detected positive 204 (19.3%), not detected 827 (78.31%). There is significant difference founded for positivity in spot samples and early morning sputum samples (P =0.0026). Rifampicins resistant were 8 (3.9%) andshown 100% sensitivity, specificity with Conventional method. Conclusion: For diagnosing tuberculosis and detecting Rifampicin resistance GeneXpert MTB/RIF has been especially recommended.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF XPERTMTB/RIF ASSAY IN DETECTION OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND RIFAMPICIN RESISTANCE IN COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases with high morbidity and mortality. India accounts for one- fourth of the global TB burden (2.7million cases). Material and methods: A total 1056 patients were included in this study. All patients were requested to give two sputum samples, spot sputum sample (at the time of visit) and early morning sputum for mycobacterial testing. All spot samples tested with smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/Rif assay. Rifampicin resistant samples compared with conventional method. Results: Out of 1056 sputum samples GeneXpert MTB Rif assay detected positive 204 (19.3%), not detected 827 (78.31%). There is significant difference founded for positivity in spot samples and early morning sputum samples (P =0.0026). Rifampicins resistant were 8 (3.9%) andshown 100% sensitivity, specificity with Conventional method. Conclusion: For diagnosing tuberculosis and detecting Rifampicin resistance GeneXpert MTB/RIF has been especially recommended.

Investigation of multi-mode spin-phonon coupling and local B-site disorder in Pr2CoFeO6 by Raman spectroscopy and correlation with its electronic structure by XPS and XAS studies

Electronic structure of Pr₂CoFeO₆ (at 300 K) was investigated by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques. All three cations, i.e. Pr, Co and Fe were found to be trivalent in nature. XPS valance band analysis suggested the system to be insulating in nature. The analysis suggested that Co³⁺ ions exist in low spin state in the system. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy study indicated the random distribution of the B-site ions (Co/Fe) triggered by same charge states. In temperature-dependent Raman study, the relative heights of the two observed phonon modes exhibited anomalous behaviour near magnetic transition temperature T _N ~ 270 K, thus indicating towards interplay between spin and phonon degrees of freedom in the system. Furthermore, clear anomalous softening was observed below T _N which confirmed the existence of strong spin-phonon coupling occurring for at least two phonon modes of the system. The line width analysis of the phonon modes essentially ruled out the role of magnetostriction effect in the observed phonon anomaly. The investigation of the lattice parameter variation across T _N (obtained from the temperature-dependent neutron diffraction measurements) further confirmed the existence of the spin-phonon coupling.

Evaluation of the Sensitivity of the Flow Through Assay for detection of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) using a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies

A panel of four monoclonal antibodies (C-05, C-14, C-38 and C-56) specific to VP28 of White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) were evaluated individually and in cocktail to increase sensitivity of the Flow Through Assay (FTA) for detection of the virus. Recombinant VP28 and semi purified WSSV was used as antigen for evaluation. Out of the total 11 cocktails and four individual of MAbs, 2 MAb cocktails C-05 + C-56 and C-14 + C-56 exhibited highest sensitivity in the FTA. The two MAb cocktail were 100 times more sensitive than 1-step PCR and nearly equivalent to 2-step PCR for the detection of WSSV. The detection limit of WSSV by MAb cocktail increased by two fold compared to the single MAb C-05 currently being used in (FTA).

P-selectin can promote thrombus propagation independently of both von Willebrand factor and thrombospondin-1 in mice

Essentials The main receptor for platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibα is von Willebrand factor (VWF). P-selectin and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) have been suggested as counter receptors for GPIbα. In a laser injury model, P-selectin promotes thrombus propagation independently of VWF and TSP1. In a laser injury model, thrombus persists in interleukin-4 receptor α/GPIbα-transgenic mice.

SUMMARY

Background P-selectin and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) have been suggested as counter ligands that may mediate GPIbα-dependent thrombus growth independently of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in vitro. However, residual thrombus formation still persists in Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice, suggesting existence of other mechanisms that modulate thrombus propagation. Objective We determined whether P-selectin modulates thrombus propagation in injured arterioles independently of TSP1 and VWF. Methods CD-62P blocking antibody in Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice was used to inhibit P-selectin. We determined thrombus growth kinetics in two models of thrombosis: FeCl3 injury-induced and laser injury-induced thrombosis. Results In a 10% FeCl3 injury-induced thrombosis model, the initial platelet adhesion, time to form first thrombus, and non-occlusive residual thrombus growth kinetics were comparable between P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice and control IgG-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice. On the other hand, in a laser injury-induced thrombosis model, residual thrombus growth kinetics were significantly decreased in P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice vs. control IgG-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- mice. Because P-selectin has been suggested as a counter ligand for platelet GPIbα, we determined the role of GPIbα in a laser injury-induced thrombosis model. Surprisingly, in a laser injury model, unlike in a FeCl3 injury model, thrombus formation was not completely inhibited in IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice. Residual thrombus growth kinetics were comparable between P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice and control IgG-treated IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice. Comparison of slopes over time showed that residual thrombus growth kinetics were comparable in P-selectin-blocking antibody-treated Vwf -/- Tsp1-/- and control IgG-treated IL4Rα/GPIbα-tg mice Conclusion In a laser injury-induced thrombosis model, P-selectin modulates thrombus propagation independently of VWF and TSP1.

Novel Bio-Markers for Prediction of Preeclampsia

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy related disorder. It is an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Two to eight percent of pregnancies were affected by PE. It is characterized by de novo hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, but recent studies have revealed that placenta is the place of origin of this disorder and widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction is the characteristic feature of the disease. Some biochemical molecules are identified recently which are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, which may help in early identification of patients at risk and help in providing proper prenatal care. Several promising biomarkers have been proposed, alone or in combination. Maternal serum concentrations of these biomarkers either increase or decrease in PE during gestation. This review focuses on the various biomarkers available and their utility in prediction and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Root Extract of <i>Decalepis hamiltonii </i>Wight &amp; Arn

The present study was quantitative analysis and antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol root extracts. The gram positive and gram negative bacterial and fungal species by the disc diffusion method at various concentration (250μl-1000μl). The results was present in the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to extracts. All the root extract against to Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pyogenes and fungal species Candida albicans at highest inhibition at concentration of methanolic root extract of zone formation. The preliminary studies on Decalepis hamiltonii root extract exhibited their antimicrobial potential which could be exploited further and future pharmaceutical, therapeutic efficiency and food preservation and applications.

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Root Extract of <i>Decalepis hamiltonii </i>Wight &amp; Arn

The present study was quantitative analysis and antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol root extracts. The gram positive and gram negative bacterial and fungal species by the disc diffusion method at various concentration (250μl-1000μl). The results was present in the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to extracts. All the root extract against to Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pyogenes and fungal species Candida albicans at highest inhibition at concentration of methanolic root extract of zone formation. The preliminary studies on Decalepis hamiltonii root extract exhibited their antimicrobial potential which could be exploited further and future pharmaceutical, therapeutic efficiency and food preservation and applications.

Spectrum of Presentation of Anorectal Malignant Melanoma: Experience of a Tertiary Care Centre of North India

Malignant melanoma of the anorectum is a rare but highly aggressive tumor. We report our experience of anorectal melanoma in five patients. Of these, two have advanced disease, two had localized disease and one patient had florid systemic metastases with a history of hemorrhoidectomy one year prior. One patient whose metastatic workup was negative, expired on post-op day 15 of abdominoperineal resection due to unsuspected but florid cerebral metastases. Another patient with localized disease underwent an APR with curative resection and post-op whole body PET scan negative for occult or residual disease. Advanced stage patients were referred for chemotherapy. To improve prognosis, it is important to detect anorectal melanoma at an early stage.

Passivity of memristor-based BAM neural networks with different memductance and uncertain delays

This paper addresses the passivity problem for a class of memristor-based bidirectional associate memory (BAM) neural networks with uncertain time-varying delays. In particular, the proposed memristive BAM neural networks is formulated with two different types of memductance functions. By constructing proper Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and using differential inclusions theory, a new set of sufficient condition is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities which guarantee the passivity criteria for the considered neural networks. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.

The prevalence of early childhood caries and its associated risk factors among preschool children referred to a tertiary care institution

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and its association with infant feeding and oral health-related behavior among preschool children aged 6-71 months in Lagos.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 302 children aged 6-71 months were selected from four pediatric outpatient clinics in Lagos, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, breast and bottle feeding, birth weight of child and socioeconomic status of the family, from mothers of the children. The status of dental caries was recorded according to the World Health Organization criteria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ECC among 302 children aged 6-71 months was 21.2% while the mean deft was 0.735. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the correlation of ECC with the associated risk factors. ECC was significantly higher in children who were bottle-fed at night. Method of tooth cleaning other than using fluoridated toothpaste significantly increased the prevalence of ECC. Breastfeeding for duration of 3-6 months showed significantly lesser caries prevalence. Caries significantly increased with age.

CONCLUSION

Early childhood caries is a multifactorial disease in which prolonged duration of breastfeeding, nocturnal bottle feeding, and use of cleaning methods other than fluoridated toothpaste are risk factors for ECC. Oral health promotion programs should be targeted at mothers, pediatricians, nurses, caretakers at day care centers and primary care health workers.

Fasciolopsiasis: Endemic focus of a neglected parasitic disease in Bihar

PURPOSE

To describe a newly discovered, previously unreported endemic focus of fasciolopsiasis in the Phulwaria village, under tehsil Sugauli, East Champaran, Bihar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A study was conducted at village Phulwaria, following diagnosis of fasciolopsiasis in three children from the village. A total of 120 individuals, including all the children and adults who gave history of recent passage of red fleshy masses in their stool, were included in the study. The cases of fasciolopsiasis were treated with Praziquantel 25 mg/kg, three doses a day. Risk factors for the transmission of the parasite in the village were also studied.

RESULTS

Questionnaire revealed majority of the population suffering from abdominal discomfort and passage of red fleshy masses in stool. These fleshy masses were identified as Fasciolopsis buski. One hundred and eighteen individuals were presumably considered as cases of the parasitic infection. After treatment with Praziquantel, all of them passed the parasite in their stool for the next 2-3 days. On investigating, it was observed that all the conditions required for effective continuation of the life cycle of the parasite were present in this village.

CONCLUSION

This study draws attention to a new endemic focus of fasciolopsiasis in Bihar, with a very high prevalence due to poverty, the lack of awareness about the parasite in villagers as well as ignorance among local medical practitioners. There is an urgent need for mass campaign around the region for its effective control.

Diabetic Muscle Infarction (Myonecrosis): Underdiagnosed or Underreported?

Diabetic muscle infarction is a rare complication of diabetes. It is seen more in Type 1 DM than Type 2 DM, but in both it is associated with longer duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control with or without microvascular complications. We present a case report of a 47 year diabetic male, who presented with sudden onset of painful swelling of the left thigh muscles (vastus group). The patient had microvascular complications of diabetes. Apart for mild elevation of CPK and LDH other investigations were normal. MRI findings of left thigh showed T2 hyperintensities in the involved muscles which established the diagnosis. Muscle biopsy revealed necrosis of the muscle fibres, presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates and hyalinization of the blood vessels with luminal narrowing which is characteristic of diabetic muscle infarction. The patient was treated with immobilization, analgesics and adequate blood sugar control. This case highlights the rarity of finding vascular changes as well as the poor prognosis and the occurrence of fatal complications in near future.