Uncertainties in ocular proton planning and their impact on required margins.

PURPOSE: To review required margins in ocular proton therapy (OPT) based on an uncertainty estimation and to compare them with widely used values. Further, uncertainties when using registered funduscopy images in the 3D model is investigated. METHODS: An uncertainty budget in planning and delivery was defined to determine required aperture and range margins. Setup uncertainties were considered for a cohort of treated patients and tested in a worst-case estimation. Other uncertainties were based on a best-guess and knowledge of institutional specifics, e.g. range reproducibility. Margins for funduscopy registration were defined resulting from scaling, rotation and translation of the image. Image formation for a wide-field fundus camera was reviewed and compared to the projection employed in treatment planning systems. RESULTS: Values for aperture and range with margins of 2.5 mm as reported in literature could be determined. Aperture margins appear appropriate for setup uncertainties below 0.5 mm, but depend on lateral penumbra. Range margins depend on depth and associated density uncertainty in tissue. Registration of funduscopy images may require margins of >2 mm, increasing towards the equator. Difference in the projection may lead to discrepancies of several mm. CONCLUSIONS: The commonly used 2.5 mm aperture margin was validated as an appropriate choice, while range margins could be reduced for lower ranges. Margins may however not include uncertainties in contouring and possible microscopic spread. If a target base is contoured on registered funduscopy images care must be taken as they are subject to larger uncertainties. Multimodal imaging approach in OPT remains advisable.

Investigating the teratogenic potential of diclofenac sodium on chick embryos: A warning for pregnant women.

Teratogenic and embryotoxic effect of diclofenac sodium (DS) on different developmental stages of the chick-embryos was investigated by examining different parameters such as its mortality rate, hatching, morphological measurements, weighing its internal organs and calculation of different indices. Experiment was divided into four trials with different dose (0.1 mL, 0.2 mL, 0.3 mL in groups A, B, and C, respectively and group D received 0.3 mL saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and group E remained un-injected) administration and observation. Results of first and second trial showed statistically (p<0.01) significant difference in bodyweight, body-length, forelimb and hindlimb length between experimental and control groups. In third trial, diclofenac sodium administration showed a statistically (p<0.01) significant difference in the bodyweight, body-length, forelimb, hindlimb length, liver weight, egg weight (EE ratio) and kidney somatic index (KSI). The beak-size, heart weight, kidney weight, cardiac somatic index (CSI) and hepato somatic index (HSI) were not significant (p>0.05) when compared with the control groups. In trial 4, forelimb, hindlimb length, heart weight, CSI and HSI were statistically (p<0.01) significant. Body-length and liver weight were significant (p<0.05). While bodyweight, beak size, kidney weight and KSI were non-significant (p>0.05). The mortality rate was increased with increase dose of DS and also affected the hatching. DS effect on chick embryos can be applied to humans because the early development of mammals and birds are closely related. So, it was concluded that DS should be used with caution during pregnancy especially during first trimester of pregnancy.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial study of Crossobamon orientalis body oil.

Geckos and their products have been used in Asian traditional medicine. Medicinal properties of desert-dwelling Gecko species, Crossobamon orientalis remain unexplored. In this study, natural bioactive macromolecules present in oil extracted from C. orientalis (COO) and their biological activities were evaluated. Chemical constitution of COO was explored by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial activities of COO extracts were assessed using various assays, including DPPH free-radical-protocol, HET-CAM method, in ovo-antiviral technique, and disc-diffusion method. GC-MS study reported 40 different compounds in COO. n-hexane and methanol extracts of COO demonstrated highest DPPH radical inhibition, with values of 70 and 63.3%, respectively. Extracts of COO in solvents, namely 1-butanol, methanol, diethyl ether, and n-hexane significantly inhibited the proliferation of four pathogenic viruses. Maximum zone of inhibition was observed for Escherichia coli (13.65 ± 0.57 mm). These findings suggest that COO possesses potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against viral and bacterial strains, thanks to its biologically active components having no side effects. Further studies are essential to isolate and identify individual bioactive compounds present in COO and to investigate their potential as therapeutic agents.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and analgesic potential of aqueous-ethanolic extracts of Euphorbia prostrata ait. and Crotalaria burhia Buch-Ham.

Euphorbia prostrata (E. prostrata) and Crotalaria burhia (C. burhia) are widely found in flora of the Cholistan Desert of Bahawalpur, Pakistan and are traditionally used to treat pain and chronic disease. The current study aimed to evaluate their phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity, in-vivo phagocytic activity, and analgesic activity. Both the plant extracts were investigated for phytochemical screening, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, in-vitro antioxidant by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, in-vivo immunomodulatory activity by macrophages phagocytosis using carbon clearance rate assay and analgesic activity by acetic acid produced writhing method. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, phenols, quinines, proteins, terpenes, glycosides, and alkaloids. FTIR analysis revealed the existence of different functional groups in both extracts. The DPPH method showed that E. prostrata exhibited a high antioxidant potential with an IC50 of 62.5 µg/ml whereas C. burhia showed a lower antioxidant potential. At the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (b. wt), both the extracts showed a significant increase in the phagocytic index by 5.2 ± 0.2, and, 4.8 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001) respectively which was close to the 100 mg/kg b. wt of the standard drug (Levamisole) 5.4 ± 0.2. Both the extracts at the dose of 200 mg/kg b. wt also significantly reduced the writhing (abdominal contractions) count by 13.7 ± 0.3 and, 25.3 ± 1.5 (p < 0.001), showing 71.8% and 47.6% of reduced analgesic activity compared to the standard drug dicloran (diclofenac sodium), respectively. In conclusion, extracts of both plants indicate their role in the management of various disorders to relieve pain and modulate the immune system.

The Global Impact of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Effects on Various Aspects of Life.

In this study COVID-19 effects on different aspects of life that how this virus created a mess in every discipline of life starting from a small tuck shop of a street to a huge business with a chain between different countries; and some preventive measures are also suggested. Not only mental healthiness as well as physical health of people was also disturbed to a large extent. People being quarantined did not do any practice and had nothing to do, their boredom made them mentally and physically inactive. For minimization the effect of this pandemic on mental healthiness, interventions were practiced and psychological support systems were developed to help mentally effected people; on the other hand, to improve physical health the hospital workers worked day and night in return they got affected too either mentally or physically. Many of the youngsters started alcohol consumption during quarantine. Because of the closure of educational institutes, the students were sent back to their homes where there was no proper guidance for them and they lost their interests in studies; and in a sense educational impact of COVID-19 was also unbearable. Agricultural system was affected badly and the whole world passed through a huge economic loss. The flights and traffic were blocked throughout the world, and it is the only positive impact that COVID-19 led to the environment by improving water and air quality as there was a remarkable reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.

Silver-infused TiO2 nanowires and unveiling their potential for superior wastewater dye remediations.

Silver infused ultrathin TiO2 nanowires (NWs) were synthesized via a single step solvothermal approach. The crystallinity, structure, and morphology were determined to understand the physicochemical nature of the nanocomposites. The catalytic efficiency of the newly synthesized nanocatalysts was tested for the textile waste treatment taking methylene blue (MB) as model pollutant under solar light irradiations. Nearly 96% photodegradation efficiency for MB was achieved within 20 min. Furthermore, the recyclability of the photocatalyst was also studied, and the material remained stable and effective up to four consecutive runs. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Precise size-controlled synthesis of Ag-incorporated titania nanowires (ATNWs) Controlled aspect ratios, with tunable lengths and diameters (100-3 nm) via precursor and surfactant optimization Demonstrated ATNWs' efficiency in degrading toxic dye, methylene blue (MB) 96% photodegradation efficiency for MB achieved within 20 min using 3 nm thick annealed TiO2 NWs Recyclability efficiency of photocatalyst, which remained stable and effective for up to four consecutive runs.

Fluorescent microscopy evaluation of diode laser effect on the penetration depth of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract cream on skin tissues of Wistar rats.

The study investigates the effect of diode laser exposure on curcumin's skin penetration, using turmeric extraction as a light-sensitive chemical and various laser light sources. It uses an in vivo skin analysis method on Wistar strain mice. The lasers are utilized at wavelengths of 403 nm, 523 nm, 661 nm, and 979 nm. The energy densities of the lasers are 20.566 J/cm2, 20.572 J/cm2, 21.162 J/cm2, and 21.298 J/cm2, which are comparable to one another. The experimental animals were divided into three groups: base cream (BC), turmeric extract cream (TEC), and the combination laser (L), BC, and TEC treatment group. Combination light source (LS) with cream (C) was performed with 8 combinations namely 523 nm ((L1 + BC) and (L1 + TEC)), 661 nm ((L2 + BC) and (L2 + TEC)), 403 nm ((L3 + BC) and (L3 + TEC)), and 979 nm ((L4 + BC) and (L4 + TEC)). The study involved applying four laser types to cream-covered and turmeric extract-coated rat skin, with samples scored for analysis. The study found that both base cream and curcumin cream had consistent pH values of 7-8, within the skin's range, and curcumin extract cream had lower viscosity. The results of the statistical analysis of Kruskal-Wallis showed a significant value (p < 0.05), which means that there are at least two different laser treatments. The results of the post hoc analysis with Mann-Whitney showed that there was no significant difference in the LS treatment with the addition of BC or TEC when compared to the BC or TEC treatment alone (p > 0.05), while the treatment using BC and TEC showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Laser treatment affects the penetration of the turmeric extract cream into the rat skin tissue.

Antibacterial effect of red laser-activated silver nanoparticles synthesized with grape seed extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Living organisms, particularly humans, frequently encounter microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses in their surroundings. Silver nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical devices because of their antibacterial and antiviral properties. The study evaluates the efficacy of red laser and silver nanoparticles from grape seed extract (AgNPs-GSE) in reducing Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which cause infections. The sample comprised three groups: a control group without laser irradiation (T0), Escherichia coli samples (A1 and A2) irradiated with a 405-nm diode laser at different times and concentrations of silver nanoparticles, and Staphylococcus aureus samples (A3 and A4) illuminated with a 405-nm diode laser at different times and concentrations. Bacteria in groups A2 and A4 were treated with a photosensitizer (PS) made from grape seed extracts, incubated for 10 min, and then irradiated for 90, 120, 150, and 180 s. The samples were cultured on TSA media, set at 37 °C, counted using a Quebec colony counter, and analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study illustrated that the combination of 10 µl of AgNPs-GSE, exposure to a red laser at 405 nm, and an energy density of 3.44 J/cm2 effectively photoinactivated both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. For Escherichia coli bacteria irradiated for 180 s with concentrations of 1 mM, 1.5 mM, and 2 mM AgNPs-GSE, bacterial viability decreased by 64.50%, 70.74%, and 79.53%, respectively. Similarly, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, subjected to irradiation for 180 s with concentrations of 1 mM, 1.5 mM, and 2 mM AgNPs-GSE, demonstrated reductions in bacterial viability by 70.23%, 73.47%, and 85.04%, respectively. The findings from the present study indicate that at an energy density of 3.44 J/cm2, it was possible to inactivate Escherichia coli by 79.53% and Staphylococcus aureus by 85.04%.

Photobiomodulation effect of infra-red laser on the level of gonad maturity in the Simese Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus).

The purpose of this study is to determine how photo biomodulation therapy utilizing infrared diode laser irradiation (975.2 nm) affects the gonadal maturity level (GML) of male Siamese catfish (Pan-gasianodon hypothalamus). The interest in applying laser therapy in medicine and dentistry has remarkably increased in the last decade. Different types of lasers are available, and their usage is well-defined by different parameters, such as wavelength, energy density, power output, duration of radiation, power density and radiation mode. Infrared diode laser irradiation is used at the reproductive point (governor's vessel), situated 2/3 of the way between the anus and the pectoral fin. This study examined the metrics GML, gonads somatic index, and hepatosomatic index. The treatments were Control+ (ovaprim), Control- (without the treatment), P1 (0.2 J/cm2), P2 (0.4 J/cm2), P3 (0.6 J/cm2), and P4 (0.8 J/cm2). Therapy with infrared diode laser irradiation can modify gonad maturity (GML), gonadosomal index, and hepatosomatic index in male Siamese catfish. The photobiomodulation effect of an infrared laser stimulated the gonadal maturation of Siamese catfish. This is based on the values of wavelength (nm), power (mW), beam area (cm2), time (s), radiation mode (rad) and energy dose (J/cm2) in Control- (no treatment), control+ (ovaprim), P1, P2, P3, and P4. The increase in the observed parameter values is due to the vitellogenesis process. The fish gonads at the GML IV had the highest GML at P2 (dose 0.4 J/cm2), with a GSI value of 1.02% and an HSI value of 1.46%. According to the study's findings, photo biomodulation therapy with infrared diode laser exposure at a dose of 0.4 J/cm2 is the best way to increase the gonad maturity of male Siamese catfish.

Conservative treatment of type A aortic dissection: a case report with 5 years of follow-up.

Background: Acute aortic dissection causes major morbidities and mortalities. The treatment of choice for type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is emergent surgical intervention. However, surgery per se may be associated with significant risk, in part due to the general surgical challenges, and the inherent hemodynamic- and organ malperfusion effects. In particular, surgery correlates with marked perioperative mortality in octo- and nonagenarians and those with severe comorbidities. Conservative medical treatment represents an alternative approach to patients for whom surgery is deemed high-risk, but case literature in this field remains sparse. Case Description: We present a case of an 86-year-old female admitted with TAAD and deemed inoperable by the cardiothoracic surgical team due to excessive risks. The patient was treated conservatively with an extensive and aggressive antihypertensive regimen, leading to an uneventful recovery. Conclusions: Most cases of TAADs require emergent surgery. However, surgery is often contraindicated in comorbid and older patients due to excessive risks. The patient in this report is unique due to the long follow-up after conservative treatment and the close adherence to treatment protocol due to continuous therapeutic monitoring. It is important to consider factors for and against conservative therapeutic strategies, and, importantly, adherence to such should be carefully monitored to optimize patient outcomes.

Corrosion, surface, and tribological behavior of electrophoretically deposited polyether ether ketone coatings on 316L stainless steel for orthopedic applications.

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) coatings on metallic implants has recently attracted a great deal of interest; however, further investigation into their corrosion, surface, and tribological properties is required for their clinical application. Using Potentiodynamic polarization and Mott-Schottky analysis of PEEK coatings, we analyzed the electrochemical corrosion behavior of electrophoretically deposited PEEK coatings on 316L stainless steel (SS) substrates. In addition, the tribological behavior of the coatings was determined through pin-on-disc and scratch testing. Initially, the EPD parameters were optimized using a Taguchi Design of Experiment (DoE) approach. The coatings exhibited irregular shaped grains along with ∼66 µm of thickness. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups ascribed with PEEK. The coatings were moderately hydrophobic and had an average roughness of ∼2 µm. The corrosion studies demonstrated promising features of current density and corrosion potential, indicating that corrosion resistance significantly improves with PEEK coating. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy also confirmed the corrosion resistance of PEEK coating. The coatings exhibited a slightly lower wear resistance than SS samples, but still possessed adequate wear and scratch resistance for biomedical applications. The current study confirmed that the PEEK coatings on metallic implants is effective for orthopedic applications where corrosion and tribology are major concerns.

Comprehensive genomic analysis of Bacillus paralicheniformis strain BP9, pan-genomic and genetic basis of biocontrol mechanism.

Many Bacillus species are essential antibacterial agents, but their antibiosis potential still needs to be elucidated to its full extent. Here, we isolated a soil bacterium, BP9, which has significant antibiosis activity against fungal and bacterial pathogens. BP9 improved the growth of wheat seedlings via active colonization and demonstrated effective biofilm and swarming activity. BP9 sequenced genome contains 4282 genes with a mean G-C content of 45.94% of the whole genome. A single copy concatenated 802 core genes of 28 genomes, and their calculated average nucleotide identity (ANI) discriminated the strain BP9 from Bacillus licheniformis and classified it as Bacillus paralicheniformis. Furthermore, a comparative pan-genome analysis of 40 B. paralicheniformis strains suggested that the genetic repertoire of BP9 belongs to open-type genome species. A comparative analysis of a pan-genome dataset using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Cluster of Orthologous Gene groups (COG) revealed the diversity of secondary metabolic pathways, where BP9 distinguishes itself by exhibiting a greater prevalence of loci associated with the metabolism and transportation of organic and inorganic substances, carbohydrate and amino acid for effective inhabitation in diverse environments. The primary secondary metabolites and their genes involved in synthesizing bacillibactin, fencing, bacitracin, and lantibiotics were identified as acquired through a recent Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) event, which contributes to a significant part of the strain`s antimicrobial potential. Finally, we report some genes essential for plant-host interaction identified in BP9, which reduce spore germination and virulence of multiple fungal and bacterial species. The effective colonization, diverse predicted metabolic pathways and secondary metabolites (antibiotics) suggest testing the suitability of strain BP9 as a potential bio-preparation in agricultural fields.

Identification of phytochemicals as putative ligands for the targeted modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in animals.

The PPAR family of transcription factors are ligand-activated and regulate diverse functions including metabolic, neurological, and inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, fertility or reproduction in the body. Specifically, PPARα is known to play a role in reducing the levels of circulating triglycerides and regulating energy homeostasis in livestock animals. This study aimed to identify phytochemicals that could serve as ligands for modulation of the bovine nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) using molecular docking studies. Therefore, we investigated 1000 flavonoids belonging to different groups for their ability to bind to PPARα using molecular docking. Out of 1000, 6 top lead compounds with maximum binding affinity, evaluated through molecular docking, were further analysed for physicochemical properties and drug-likeness attributes. The results revealed that two flavonoids, Quercetin-3-o-rhamnoside and (-)- epicatechingallate, which are known fatty acid synthase inhibitors, demonstrated high docking scores with PPARα (-8.66 kcal/mol and -8.49 kcal/mol, respectively) and low RMSD values with PPARα (1.61 kcal/mol and 1.28 kcal/mol, respectively) as compared to PPARα agonist (synthetic), fenofibrate (-6.24 kcal/mol and 2.19 kcal/mol) and thus analyzed further for prediction of stability of docked complexes through MD simulations. MD simulation studies predicted the stability of complexes and the complex of Quercetin-3-o-rhamnoside and (-)- epicatechingallate were found to be stable at 100 ns based on RSMD value and RMSF residue index. Through computational analysis, the screened compounds showed good pharmacokinetic parameters, including non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic, high gastrointestinal absorption and thus can serve as potential drug candidates. Finally, the findings suggest that these phytochemicals have the potential to act as potent PPARα pharmacological agonists to prevent disease mechanisms and their related complications, providing insights into the role of phytochemicals as feed additives in animals for modulating PPARα functions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Efficacy Of Common Salt Application On The Umbilical Granuloma In Infants.

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the application of common plain salt for the treatment of umbilical granuloma in infants. The study design was descriptive case series and was conducted over a period of 12 months at the paediatric unit, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan. For this study a total of 50 infants with clinically evident umbilical granuloma were selected. Application of a pinch of common plain salt was advised on the granuloma twice a day for three consecutive days. Outcomes in the shape of complete resolution of the granuloma, adverse effects, and recurrence of granuloma were assessed. The number of patients responding well to the treatment was 45 (90%). The treatment showed good response and there was not any adverse effect or recurrence. It was concluded that the common plain salt is a simple, effective, safe, and cheaper option for the treatment of umbilical granuloma in infants.

Bulk industrial production of sustainable cellulosic printing fabric using agricultural waste to reduce the impact of climate change.

In this research paper, a novel process was developed for reactive printing of cotton fabric, with the objective of producing a high-quality printed fabric that is sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-cost which will ultimately reduce the impact of climate change. The study incorporated substituted tamarind polysaccharide (STP) obtained from agricultural waste, trichloro-ethanoic acid (TCEA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) in the reactive printing paste. Tamarind starch was extracted from the seeds having 72 % yield, and substitution was performed to use it as a thickener in the printing paste. The conventional printing system was formulated with sodium alginate, urea, and sodium bicarbonate at dose levels of 2 %, 15 %, and 2.5 %, respectively, while the modified recipe was formulated with STP and TCEA at 5 % and 3 % dose levels, respectively along with varying doses of PEG-400 (0 %, 1 %, and 2 %) in novel prints. Various factors such as shade comparison, penetration, staining on the white ground, washing, rubbing, light and perspiration fastness, sharpness of edges, and fabric hardness were evaluated for all the recipes. The study demonstrated that the optimal outcomes were obtained with a 2 % PEG-400 dose level. This study represents a significant contribution to sustainable textile production, as tamarind agriculture waste was used as a raw material, which is an environmentally friendly alternative of sodium alginate that reduces the wastewater load. Additionally, PEG-400 was utilized as a nitrogen-free solubilizing moisture management substitution of urea for printing, while TCEA dissociated at high temperature to make alkaline pH during curing of the printed fabric to replace sodium bicarbonate. This research is a novel contribution to the printing industry, as these three constituents have not been previously used together other than this research group, in the history of reactive printing.

The moderating effects of nurses' background characteristics on the relationship between family-centred care perception and practice for hospitalized children and their families in Malawi.

PURPOSE: Globally, limited information is available on the relationship between the perception and practice of family-centered care (FCC), and the moderating effects of nurses' background characteristics on this relationship. This study investigated the relationship between FCC perception and FCC practice and the moderating effects of the nurses' background characteristics on this relationship. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a two-stage stratified sampling method. Data were collected from 444 nurses using the Family Centered Care Questionnaire-Revised and analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25. The Hayes PROCESS macro model, version 3, was integrated into SPSS to examine the moderating effects at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The response rate was 98%, and a statistically significant positive association was found between FCC perception and FCC practice (r = 0.353, p < .001). Gender of a nurse (ΔR2 = 0.0206, p < .002), having children (ΔR2 = 0.0231, p < .001), experience (ΔR2 = 0.0107, p = .028), and working in a medical-surgical ward (ΔR2 = 0.0208, p = .008) had a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between FCC perception and FCC practice. CONCLUSION: These findings provide minimal evidence of the existence of non-modifiable moderators of FCC. Future studies with modifiable moderators are therefore needed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Understanding the moderating effects of nurses' background characteristics on the relationship between FCC perception and FCC practice may facilitate the development of FCC interventions that favor these background characteristics and facilitate the integration of FCC into routine policies and practices.

Design and Application of Near Infrared LED and Solenoid Magnetic Field Instrument to Inactivate Pathogenic Bacteria.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of infrared LEDs with a magnetic solenoid field in lowering the quantity of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria, as well as the best exposure period and energy dose for inactivating these bacteria. METHOD: Research has been performed on a photodynamic therapy technique called photodynamic inactivation (PDI), which combines infrared LED light with a wavelength range of 951-952 nm and a solenoid magnetic field with a strength of 0-6 mT. The two, taken together, can potentially harm the target structure biologically. Infrared LED light and an AC-generated solenoid magnetic field are both applied to bacteria to measure the reduction in viability. Three different treatments infrared LED, solenoid magnetic field, and an amalgam of infrared LED and solenoid magnetic field, were used in this study. A factorial statistical ANOVA analysis was utilized in this investigation. RESULTS: The maximum bacterial production was produced by irradiating a surface for 60 min at a dosage of 0.593 J/cm2, according to the data. The combined use of infrared LEDs and a magnetic field solenoid resulted in the highest percentage of fatalities for Staphylococcus aureus, which was 94.43 s. The highest percentage of inactivation for Escherichia coli occurred in the combination treatment of infrared LEDs and a magnetic field solenoid, namely, 72.47 ± 5.06%. In contrast, S. aureus occurred in the combined treatment of infrared LEDs and a magnetic field solenoid, 94.43 ± 6.63 percent. CONCLUSION: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli germs are inactivated using infrared illumination and the best solenoid magnetic fields. This is evidenced by the rise in the proportion of bacteria that died in treatment group III, which used a magnetic solenoid field and infrared LEDs to deliver a dosage of 0.593 J/cm2 over 60 min. According to the research findings, the magnetic field of the solenoid and the infrared LED field significantly impact the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and the gram-negative bacteria E. coli.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles.

Curcumin is a phytochemical isolated from the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa L. family Zingiberaceae which possesses versatile biological activities and has hydrophobic properties. The current study was conducted to fabricate, and optimize curcumin loaded chitosan and Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. NPs were fabricated employing the Ionic gelation method. Four formulations were developed based on the selected variables like STPP and chitosan concentration, rotations per minute (rpm), temperature, and pH of chitosan solution. NPs were characterized for morphology, drug-polymer compatibility, yield, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, release behavior, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity compared to curcumin and standard drug. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows nanoparticle compatibility. The maximum yield was 60%. Entrapment efficiency ranged from 45 to 65%. Curcumin NPs and standard drug 600 µg/ml shows 59% and 70% anti-inflammatory activity by HRB membrane stabilization method respectively which are greater than curcumin alone whereas anti-arthritic activity by protein denaturation method which is also comparable to standard drug and greater than curcumin was 66 and 70% respectively. Statistical analysis shows the mean significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. The study concluded that curcumin-loaded chitosan and STPP NPs formulated successfully by the Ionic gelation method, which increased curcumin absorption leading to a reduced dosing rate and improved patient compliance.

Electrophoretic Deposition, Microstructure, and Selected Properties of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Based Antibacterial Coatings on Mg Substrate.

There is an urgent need to develop biodegradable implants that can degrade once they have fulfilled their function. Commercially pure magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have the potential to surpass traditional orthopedic implants due to their good biocompatibility and mechanical properties, and most critically, biodegradability. The present work focuses on the synthesis and characterization (microstructural, antibacterial, surface, and biological properties) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)/henna (Lawsonia inermis)/Cu-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Cu-MBGNs) composite coatings deposited via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on Mg substrates. PLGA/henna/Cu-MBGNs composite coatings were robustly deposited on Mg substrates using EPD, and their adhesive strength, bioactivity, antibacterial activity, corrosion resistance, and biodegradability were thoroughly investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies confirmed the uniformity of the coatings' morphology and the presence of functional groups that were attributable to PLGA, henna, and Cu-MBGNs, respectively. The composites exhibited good hydrophilicity with an average roughness of 2.6 µm, indicating desirable properties for bone forming cell attachment, proliferation, and growth. Crosshatch and bend tests confirmed that the adhesion of the coatings to Mg substrates and their deformability were adequate. Electrochemical Tafel polarization tests revealed that the composite coating adjusted the degradation rate of Mg substrate in a human physiological environment. Incorporating henna into PLGA/Cu-MBGNs composite coatings resulted in antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The coatings stimulated the proliferation and growth of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells during the initial incubation period of 48 h (determined by the WST-8 assay).

Mathematical modelling and analysis of COVID-19 and tuberculosis transmission dynamics.

In this paper, a mathematical model for assessing the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis disease is proposed and analysed. There are pieces of evidence that patients with Tuberculosis (TB) have more chances of developing the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mathematical model is qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by using the theory of stability analysis. The dynamic system shows endemic equilibrium point which is stable when R 0 < 1 and unstable when R 0 > 1 . The global stability of the endemic point is analysed by constructing the Lyapunov function. The dynamic stability also exhibits bifurcation behaviour. The optimal control theory is used to find an optimal solution to the problem in the mathematical model. The sensitivity analysis is performed to clarify the effective parameters which affect the reproduction number the most. Numerical simulation is carried out to assess the effect of various biological parameters in the dynamic of both tuberculosis and COVID-19 classes. Our simulation results show that the COVID-19 and TB infections can be mitigated by controlling the transmission rate γ .