Dual template (epitope) imprinted electrode for sensing bacterial protein with high selectivity.

Epitope imprinting has shown better prospects to synthesize synthetic receptors for proteins. Here, dual epitope imprinted polymer electrode (DEIP) matrix was fabricated on gold surface of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) for recognition of target epitope sequence in blood samples of patients suffering from brain fever. Epitope sequences from outer membrane protein Por B of Neisseria meningitidis (MC58) bacteria predicted through immunoinformatic tools were chosen for imprinting. Self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of cysteine appended epitope sequences on gold nanoparticles were subjected to polymerization prior to electrodeposition on gold coated EQCM electrode. The polymeric matrix was woven around the cysteine appended epitope SAMs through multiple monomers (3-sulfo propyl methacrylate potassium salt (3-SPMAP), benzyl methacrylate (BMA)) and crosslinker (N, N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide). On extraction of the peptide sequences, imprinted cavities were able to selectively and specifically bind targeted epitope sequences in laboratory samples as well as 'real' samples of patients. Selectivity of sensor was examined through mismatched peptide sequences and certain plasma proteins also. The sensor was able to show specific binding towards the blood samples of infected patients, even in the presence of 'matrix' and other plasma proteins such as albumin and globulin. Even other peptide sequences, similar to epitope sequences only with one or two amino acid mismatches were also unable to show any binding. The analytical performance of DEIP-EQCM sensor was tested through selectivity, specificity, matrix effect, detection limit (0.68-1.01 nM), quantification limit (2.05-3.05 nM) and reproducibility (RSD ~ 5%). Hence, a diagnostic tool for bacterium causing meningitis is successfully fabricated in a facile manner which will broaden the clinical access and make efficient population screening feasible.

Impact of respectful maternal care training of health care providers on satisfaction with birth experience in mothers undergoing normal vaginal birth: A prospective interventional study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of respectful maternity care (RMC) training of health care providers on RMC and birth satisfaction in mothers undergoing normal vaginal birth. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was performed comparing RMC and birth satisfaction in women undergoing vaginal births before and after RMC training of health care providers from November 2021 to March 2023 in a tertiary care center in India. Person-centered maternity care (PCMC) and birth satisfaction scale-revised (BSSR) scales were used to study women's RMC and birth satisfaction, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 100 women undergoing normal vaginal birth were enrolled in pre- and post-intervention phases. The intervention was done through formal and onsite training of health care providers in RMC. The mean total PCMC scale score in the post-training group demonstrated a remarkable increase to 51.95 ± 6.50, significantly higher than the pre-training mean of 32.82 ± 8.47 (P < 0.0001). The mean ± SD of the BSSR scale total score in the post-training group increased significantly to 27.17 ± 3.67, surpassing the pre-training mean of 21.19 ± 5.48 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study showed significant improvement in RMC and birth satisfaction score in the post-training group thereby emphasizing the importance of RMC training of health care providers in the facility.

Mycobacterial biofilms: Understanding the genetic factors playing significant role in pathogenesis, resistance and diagnosis.

Even though the genus Mycobacterium is a diverse group consisting of a majority of environmental bacteria known as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), it also contains some of the deadliest pathogens (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in history associated with chronic disease called tuberculosis (TB). Formation of biofilm is one of the unique strategies employed by mycobacteria to enhance their ability to survive in hostile conditions. Biofilm formation by Mycobacterium species is an emerging area of research with significant implications for understanding its pathogenesis and treatment of related infections, specifically TB. This review provides an overview of the biofilm-forming abilities of different species of Mycobacterium and the genetic factors influencing biofilm formation with a detailed focus on M. tuberculosis. Biofilm-mediated resistance is a significant challenge as it can limit antibiotic penetration and promote the survival of dormant mycobacterial cells. Key genetic factors promoting biofilm formation have been explored such as the mmpL genes involved in lipid transport and cell wall integrity as well as the groEL gene essential for mature biofilm formation. Additionally, biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance and pathogenesis highlighting the specific niches, sites of infection along with the possible mechanisms of biofilm dissemination have been discussed. Furthermore, drug targets within mycobacterial biofilm and their role as potential biomarkers in the development of rapid diagnostic tools have been highlighted. The review summarises the current understanding of the complex nature of Mycobacterium biofilm and its clinical implications, paving the way for advancements in the field of disease diagnosis, management and treatment against its multi-drug resistant species.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote growth and enhance the accumulation of bioactive compounds in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been known to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. In this study, we investigated the effects of Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, and their co-inoculation on the growth and biochemical composition of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. The findings demonstrated that the inoculation of AMF significantly enhanced shoot and root length, shoot and root dry weight, number of fruits per plant, as well as concentrations of anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants in tomato plants. Both individual and co-inoculation of AMF also significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations in tomato plants. Our findings suggest that AMF can be used as a potential biofertilizer to enhance the growth and biochemical composition of tomato plants.

Identification of the HLA-B*15:679 and HLA-C*15:02:01:61 alleles in individuals from eastern India.

HLA-B*15:679 and HLA-C*15:02:01:61 differ from HLA-B*15:12:01 and HLA-C*15:02:01:01 by a single nucleotides.

Identification of the novel HLA-C*01:02:01:74Q and -C*15:02:01:63 alleles in individuals from Madhya Pradesh.

Allele variants HLA-C*01:02:01:74Q and -C*15:02:01:63 differ from -C*01:02:01:01 and -15:02:01:01 by a single nucleotide, respectively.

Facile green synthesis of silver nanoparticles derived from the medicinal plant Clerodendrum serratum and its biological activity against Mycobacterium species.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant mycobacterial strains is a significant crisis that has led to higher treatment failure rates and more toxic and expensive medications for tuberculosis (TB). The urgent need to develop novel therapeutics has galvanized research interest towards developing alternative antimicrobials such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The current study focused on the anti-mycobacterial activity of green-synthesized AgNPs and its polyethylene glycol encapsulated derivative (PEG-AgNPs) with improved stability using the leaves extract of Clerodendrum serratum. Different characterization methods were used to analyze them. DLS analysis revealed a lower polydispersity index of PEG-AgNPs, suggesting a more uniform size distribution than that of AgNPs. The HR-TEM results revealed that the AgNPs and PEG-AgNPs have predominantly spherical shapes in the size range of 9-35 nm and 15-60 nm, respectively, while positive values of Zeta potential indicate their stability. FTIR-ATR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups responsible for reducing and capping the bio-reduced AgNPs, whereas the XRD data established its crystalline nature. Impressively, the PEG-AgNPs exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against different Tubercular and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium species i.e., Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium marinum, relative to those of AgNPs and Linezolid. The flow cytometry assay showed that the anti-mycobacterial action was mediated by an increase in cell wall permeability. Notably, the results of AFM confirm their ability to inhibit mycobacterial biofilm significantly. We demonstrated the nontoxic nature of these AgNPs, explicated by the absence of hemolytic activity against human RBCs. Overall, the results suggest that PEG-AgNPs could offer a novel therapeutic approach with potential anti-mycobacterial activity and can overcome the limitations of existing TB therapies.

Synergizing Safety: A Customized Approach to Curtailing Unplanned Extubations through Shared Decision-making in the NICU.

Background: Unplanned Extubation (UE) remains an important patient safety issue in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our SMART AIM was to decrease the rate of UE by 10% from the baseline from January to December 2022 by emphasizing collaboration among healthcare professionals and through the use of shared decision-making. Methods: We established an interdisciplinary Quality Improvement team composed of nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians (MDs). The definition of UE was standardized. UE was audited using an apparent cause analysis form to discern associated causes and pinpoint areas for improvement. Interventions were implemented in a step-by-step fashion and reviewed monthly using the model for improvement. A shared decision-making approach fostered collaborative problem-solving. Results: Our baseline UE rate was 2.3 per 100 ventilator days. Retaping, general bedside care, and position change accounted for over 50% of the UE events in 2022. The rate of UE was reduced by 48% by the end of December 2022. We achieved special-cause variation by the end of March 2023. Conclusions: The sole education of medical and nursing providers about various approaches to decreasing unnecessary retaping was ineffective in reducing UE rates. Shared decision-making incorporating inputs from nurses, respiratory therapists, and MDs led to a substantial reduction in the UE rate and underscores the potential of systematic evaluation of risk factors combined with collaborative best practices.