Solubilization and enhanced degradation of benzene phenolic derivatives-Bisphenol A/Triclosan using a biosurfactant producing white rot fungus Hypocrea lixii S5 with plant growth promoting traits.

Introduction: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as benzene phenolic derivatives being hydrophobic partition to organic matter in sludge/soil sediments and show slow degradation rate owing to poor bioavailability to microbes. Methods: In the present study, the potential of a versatile white rot fungal isolate S5 identified as Hypocrea lixii was monitored to degrade bisphenol A (BPA)/triclosan (TCS) under shake flask conditions with concomitant production of lipopeptide biosurfactant (BS) and plant growth promotion. Results: Sufficient growth of WRF for 5 days before supplementation of 50 ppm EDC (BPA/TCS) in set B showed an increase in degradation rates by 23% and 29% with corresponding increase in secretion of lignin-modifying enzymes compared to set A wherein almost 84% and 97% inhibition in fungal growth was observed when BPA/TCS were added at time of fungal inoculation. Further in set B, EDC concentration stimulated expression of laccase and lignin peroxidase (Lip) with 24.44 U/L of laccase and 281.69 U/L of Lip in 100 ppm BPA and 344 U/L Lip in 50 ppm TCS supplemented medium compared to their respective controls (without EDC). Biodegradation was also found to be correlated with lowering of surface tension from 57.02 mN/m (uninoculated control) to 44.16 mN/m in case of BPA and 38.49 mN/m in TCS, indicative of biosurfactant (BS) production. FTIR, GC-MS, and LC-ESI/MSMS confirmed the presence of surfactin lipopeptide isoforms. The WRF also displayed positive plant growth promoting traits as production of ammonia, indole acetic acid, siderophores, Zn solubilization, and 1-1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, reflecting its soil restoration ability. Discussion: The combined traits of biosurfactant production, EDC degradation and plant growth promotion displayed by WRF will help in emulsifying the hydrophobic pollutants favoring their fast degradation along with restoration of contaminated soil in natural conditions.

Structural and genomic evolutionary dynamics of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Madhya Pradesh, India.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant emerged in early November 2021 and its rapid spread created fear worldwide. This was attributed to its increased infectivity and escaping immune mechanisms. The spike protein of Omicron has more mutations (>30) than any other previous variants and was declared as the variant of concern (VOC) by the WHO. The concern among the scientific community was huge about this variant, and a piece of updated information on circulating viral strains is important in order to better understand the epidemiology, virus pathogenicity, transmission, therapeutic interventions, and vaccine development. A total of 710 samples were processed for sequencing and identification up to a resolution of sub-lineage. The sequence analysis revealed Omicron variant with distribution as follows: B.1.1, B.1.1.529, BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.10, BA.2.10.1, BA.2.23, BA.2.37, BA.2.38, BA.2.43, BA.2.74, BA.2.75, BA.2.76, and BA.4 sub-lineages. There is a shift noted in circulating lineage from BA.1 to BA.2 to BA.4 over a period from January to September 2022. Multiple signature mutations were identified in S protein T376A, D405N, and R408S mutations, which were new and common to all BA.2 variants. Additionally, R346T was seen in emerging BA.2.74 and BA.2.76 variants. The emerging BA.4 retained the common T376A, D405N, and R408S mutations of BA.2 along with a new mutation F486V. The samples sequenced were from different districts of Madhya Pradesh and showed a predominance of BA.2 and its variants circulating in this region. The current study identified circulation of BA.1 and BA.1.1 variants during initial phase. The predominant Delta strain of the second wave has been replaced by the Omicron variant in this region over a period of time. This study successfully deciphers the dynamics of the emergence and replacement of various sub-lineages of SARS-CoV-2 in central India on real real-time basis.

Fatigue analysis of ambient-cured geopolymer concrete for high-traffic pavements.

The building sector is growing at a rapid rate, leading to an increased demand for construction materials. Concrete made with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) has long been the preferred choice due to its excellent bonding properties and versatility as demanded by construction process. However, the manufacturing of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) leads to negative impacts on the environment, with the cement sector responsible for around 5-8% of global CO2 emissions. In addition, the manufacture of OPC necessitates significant amounts of natural raw materials and energy. Contrastingly, using geopolymers promises to save substantial amounts of energy and reduce CO2 emissions. This potential has sparked growing interest in the application of geopolymers within transportation infrastructure. For pavements, the workability requirement is less, and hence, geopolymer concrete (GPC) is a viable option, but fatigue-resistance of GPC is not seen reported in literatures. This article evaluates the properties of geopolymer concrete with low-calcium fly ash partially replaced with ground granular blast furnace slag (GGBS) with 8 M NaOH alkaline solution and cured under ambient atmospheric conditions to evaluate its usage in pavements and develop an environmentally sustainable and durable GPC capable of withstanding heavy traffic. The study involves adjusting the pavement quality concrete (PQC) mix design; evaluating the mechanical characteristics, abrasion resistance, and shrinkage strain of the GPC; and analyzing its microstructure. Additionally, the study compares the fatigue life of GPC to that of PQC using various Weibull distribution approaches. The results showed that GPC4 (70% Fly ash and 30% GGBS) mix achieved best results at 28 days, with a compressive strength of 45.68 MPa, split tensile strength of 3.76 MPa, and flexural strength of 4.62 MPa. Also, shrinkage strains were nearly 31% lesser than PQC at 90 days. In addition, developing GPC needs 27% lesser embodied energy than PQC. Fatigue analysis prove that ambient cured fly ash-GGBS based geopolymer concrete with 8 M NaOH exhibits less stress development than PQC at medium loads, even though it is brittle. Thus, the study proves that it is suitable as a material for pavements to resist medium-loaded traffic-resisting pavements.

Split X-Jaw techniques of volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal cancer: A dosimetric comparison.

PURPOSE: The current study aims to compare the split x-jaw planning technique of volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) with the traditional open and limited jaw techniques of VAMT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment. The multi-leaf collimators on the varian linear accelerator move on a carriage with a maximum leaf span of 15 cm. Therefore, treatment of larger planning target volumes, such as in nasopharyngeal cancer with traditional open and limited jaw technique, yields compromised dose distribution. METHOD: Computed tomography data sets of 10 nasopharynx cancer patients were enrolled for the study. For each case, three separate treatment plans were generated viz. open, limited, and split x-jaw planning techniques with similar planning objectives. Only PTVs requiring a field size larger than 18 cm in the x-jaw position were considered. RESULTS: Comparable results were obtained regarding organs at risk (OAR) sparing in all the techniques. The target dose coverage with split x-jaw VMAT was superior to both open and limited jaw planning techniques, with a statistically significant difference in the intermediate dose planning target volumes (PTVs) (PTV59.4), P < 0.05. However, the split technique's dose to the spinal cord and larynx was significantly lower (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The split x-jaw planning technique of VMAT can be adapted for larger PTVs requiring an x-jaw of more than 15 cm. The only concern with this technique is the increased MU.

A highly selective coumarin-based chemosensor for dual sensing of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with logic gate integration and live cell imaging.

In this paper, a coumarin-based Schiff base chemosensor has been synthesized and developed to detect Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions in nanomolar concentrations. The probe selectively distinguishes Cu2+ and Zn2+ from among several metal ions in DMF : H2O (7 : 3, v/v, pH 7.4) HEPES buffer. The structure of the probe and its sensing behavior were investigated by FT-IR, UV-vis, fluorescence, HRMS, and NMR analyses, along with X-ray crystallography and computational studies. CIH detects Zn2+ and Cu2+ using different strategies: CHEF-induced fluorescence enhancement and paramagnetic fluorescence quenching, respectively. Job's plots show a 1 : 1 binding interaction between CIH and Cu2+ or Zn2+ ions. The binding constant values for Cu2+ (1.237 × 105 M-1) and Zn2+ (1.24 × 104 M-1) suggest a better ability for Cu2+ to interact with CIH than Zn2+. An extremely high sensitivity of the probe was highlighted by its very low detection limits (LOD) of 5.36 nM for Cu2+ and 3.49 nM for Zn2+. The regeneration of the probe with the addition of EDTA in its complexes allows the formation of molecular logic gates. CIH has been successfully employed in mitotracking and intracellular detection of Zn2+ and Cu2+ in SiHa cells.

Composites of sodium alginate based - Functional materials towards sustainable adsorption of benzene phenol derivatives - Bisphenol A/Triclosan.

The present study evaluates the adsorption efficiency of low-cost carbonaceous adsorbents as fly ash (FA), saw dust biochar (SDB) (untreated and alkali - treated), live/dead pulverized white rot fungus Hypocrea lixii biomass encapsulated in sodium alginate (SA) against the commercially available activated carbon (AC) and graphene oxide (GO) SA beads for removal of benzene phenol derivatives - Bisphenol A (BPA)/triclosan (TCS). Amongst bi - and tri - composites SA beads, tri-composite beads comprising of untreated flyash - dead fungal biomass - sodium alginate (UFA - DB - SA) showed at par results with commercial composite beads. The tri - composite beads with point zero charge (Ppzc) of 6.2 was characterized using FTIR, XRD, surface area BET and SEM-EDX. The batch adsorption using tri - composite beads revealed removal of 93% BPA with adsorption capacity of 16.6 mg/g (pH 6) and 83.72% TCS with adsorption capacity of 14.23 mg/g (pH 5), respectively at 50 ppm initial concentration with 6 % adsorbent dose in 5 h. Freundlich isotherm favoring multilayered adsorption provided a better fit with r2 of 0.9674 for BPA and 0.9605 for TCS respectively. Intraparticle diffusion model showed adsorption of BPA/TCS molecules to follow pseudo - second order kinetics with boundary layer diffusion governed by first step of fast adsorption and intraparticle diffusion within pores by second slow adsorption step. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS°, ΔG°) revealed adsorption process as exothermic, orderly and spontaneous. Methanol showed better desorbing efficiency leading to five cycles reusability. The phytotoxicity assay revealed increased germination rate of mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds, sprinkled with post adsorbed treated water (0 h, 5 h and 7 h) initially spiked with 50 ppm BPA/TCS. Overall, UFA - DB - SA tri - composite beads provides a cost effective and eco - friendly matrix for effective removal of hydrophobic recalcitrant compounds.

Closed genome sequence of Clostridium botulinum type B1 strain isolated from an infant botulism case in the United States.

We present the closed genome sequence of the Clostridium botulinum BT-22100019 strain isolated from the stool specimen of an infant diagnosed with botulism. With 4.33-Mb genome size and 28.0% G + C content, the bont/B1 gene encoded for botulinum neurotoxin serotype B was found on a 262 kb plasmid arranged in a ha+ orfx - cluster.

Analytical parameters to check association between load carriage system and bag packs-influenced musculoskeletal complications among school going students: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between load-carriage systems and backpacks on musculoskeletal complications among school-going students. Additionally, the purpose was to identify research gaps and provide recommendations for future research. METHODS: To conduct this study, we conducted a thorough search of five databases for literature published between January 2010 and December 2022. Our focus was on original published articles that reported musculoskeletal complications using analytical parameters or outcome measures among school-going students. Two reviewers independently extracted data for eligibility. The studies selected for the analysis focused on musculoskeletal complications and the outcome measures to report these complications. RESULTS: A total of 3541 titles were screened; of which, 18 observational studies were included. The musculoskeletal complications identified in these studies included lower back, shoulder, and neck pain and disturbed posture. Overall, the quality of the reporting in these studies was deemed satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Our analysis revealed that pain and postural abnormalities were the most frequently reported complications. Hence, we recommend that future studies incorporate multiple evaluations rather than concentrating on a single symptom.

Special Issue: Gram-Positive Bacterial Toxins.

The Gram stain classifies most bacteria into one of two groups, Gram-negative or Gram-positive, based on the composition of their cell walls [...].

Enterobacterales draft genome sequences: 15 historical (1998-2004) and 30 contemporary (2015-2016) clinical isolates from Pakistan.

The continued emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria are ever-growing threats to health and economy. Here, we report the draft genomes for 45 Enterobacterales clinical isolates, including historical and contemporary drug-resistant organisms, obtained in Pakistan between 1998 and 2016: 5 Serratia, 3 Salmonella, 3 Enterobacter, and 34 Klebsiella.

Simplified visual detection of Kyasanur Forest Disease virus employing Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Spiral Reaction (RT-PSR).

Among recently prevalent tick-borne infections in India, Kyasanur Forest Virus Disease (KFD) is an important public health concern. During last decade the emergence of cases apart from endemic zone raised concern about case positivity. Early diagnosis is therefore very important in disease management and primary containment. This study, aimed to develop a simplified viral RNA extraction in combination to dry down format of novel isothermal assay for (Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Spiral reaction) specific and rapid identification of Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus targeting viral envelope gene. The one step method was optimized by magnetic bead based viral RNA extraction followed by isothermal RT-PSR assay in heat bath at 63°C for 60 minutes. Further, visual results interpretation was done by color change of Hydroxy Naphthol Blue dye. The detection limit of the assay was found 10 RNA copies/rxn with comparable to silica column based viral RNA combined real time qPCR. No cross reactivity was observed with other closely related flaviviruses. The assay was evaluated with clinical samples has shown >99% concordance between two methods. This is the first report of sample extraction coupled isothermal detection of KFD in a simplified manner without a need of any hi-end equipment. The assay developed here has potential to use as an alternate for field-based detection in resource limited settings for KFD.

Isolation and characterization of emerging Mpox virus from India.

Mpox (previously known as Monkeypox) has recently re-emerged, primarily through human-to-human transmission in non-endemic countries including India. Virus isolation is still considered as the gold standard for diagnosis of viral infections. Here, the qPCR positive skin lesion sample from a patient was inoculated in Vero E6 cell monolayer. Characteristic cytopathic effect exhibiting typical cell rounding and detachment was observed at passage-02. The virus isolation was confirmed by qPCR. The replication kinetics of the isolate was determined that revealed maximum viral titre of log 6.3 PFU/mL at 72 h postinfection. Further, whole genome analysis through next generation sequencing revealed that the Mpox virus (MPXV) isolate is characterized by several unique SNPs and INDELs. Phylogenetically, it belonged to A.2 lineage of clade IIb, forming a close group with all other Indian MPXV along with few from USA, UK, Portugal, Thailand and Nigeria. This study reports the first successful isolation and phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MPXV from India.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: Lessons to be Learned in the Clinical Diagnosis.

Introduction: Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant disease presenting with hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and hyperpigmented macules on lips and oral mucosa. The incidence of this syndrome is approximately 1 in 1,20,000 births. Materials and Methods: In this article, we are presenting 11 cases of PJS which were misdiagnosed and patients were compelled to visit hospital repeatedly. All these cases were diagnosed based on clinical suspicion, family history, and histopathological examination of specimens. Most of the cases presented with intussusception and required emergency surgical management. Results: PJS can be diagnosed by the presence of microscopically confirmed hamartomatous polyps and a minimum of two of the following clinical criteria: Family history, mucocutaneous melanotic spots, and small bowel polyps with bleeding per rectally. The diagnosis can be missed if the melanotic spots on the face are missed. Routine investigations, imaging, and endoscopy were done in all cases. PJS patients need regular follow-up due to chance of recurrence of symptoms and susceptibility to cancer. Conclusion: PJS needs a high index of suspicion for diagnosis in cases of recurrent abdominal pain with bleeding per rectum. Proper family history and meticulous clinical examination for melanosis are very important to prevent the misdiagnosis of these cases.

Dry- down probe free qPCR for detection of KFD in resource limited settings.

Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tick-borne flavivirus is endemic in the Southern India. The recent expansion and resurgence of sporadic outbreaks in southern parts of country is the most important concern. Although only formalin inactivated vaccine is available for treatment with limited efficacy the early detection and timely identification is a only way to prevent spread of cases. If the disease can be identified prior to infection in humans like in forest areas from ticks and vectors the disease spread supposed to be managed quickly. Here we have standardized a single tube ready to use dry-down probe free real time RT-PCR targeted against virus envelope gene for detection of KFDV infection. The assay was standardized in liquid format first, later it was converted into dry-down format with addition of stabilizers with a similar sensitivity and specificity (10RNA Copies/rxn). The sensitivity was comparable to the most widely used and accepted diagnostic platform i.e. TaqMan qRT-PCR. However as the reported assay here omit the need of probes makes it cost effective and dry-down reagents makes more stability to the developed assay in this study if compare to TaqMan qPCR. The assay was evaluated with KFD positive samples and healthy sample panel which revealed high concordance with TaqMan qRT-PCR. Stability was unaffected by temperature fluctuations during transportation even in cold chain free conditions, thus reduce the maintenance of strict cold storage. These findings demonstrated that the reported assay is convenient with 100% sensitivity and specificity to TaqMan qPCR. Thus this assay has the potential usefulness for diagnosis KFDV for routine surveillance in resource limited laboratory settings omitting the use costly and heat sensitive TaqMan qRT-PCR reagents without compromising the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis assay.

Hernia of Umbilical Cord: An Enigma.

Introduction: Hernia of the umbilical cord (HUC) is an uncommon problem which is often misdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment and various complications which cause increased morbidity and mortality in neonates. To address this issue, we took up this study. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with HUC from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. The following data of all these patients were collected and retrospectively analyzed: demography, radiological investigations, echocardiography, contents of hernia, type of surgery performed, and outcome. Results: Eighteen out of 19 patients included in the study were taken up for surgery after baseline investigations and echocardiography. Out of 19 patients, 15 were discharged successfully and are on regular follow-up. Of the remaining four patients, an anastomotic leak occurred in two and they went into sepsis and succumbed. One of the patients died before any intervention and one succumbed on 3rd postoperative day due to sepsis. Conclusion: Timely referral and intervention can save precious lives. We need to educate doctors and health-care providers so that proper diagnosis and timely management can be done for this anomaly which is associated with less morbidity and a lower rate of associated anomalies.

Molecular Mapping of Biofortification Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Using a High-Density SNP Based Linkage Map.

A set of 188 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between a high-yielding Indian bread wheat cultivar HD2932 and a synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) Synthetic 46 derived from tetraploid Triticum turgidum (AA, BB 2n = 28) and diploid Triticum tauschii (DD, 2n = 14) was used to identify novel genomic regions associated in the expression of grain iron concentration (GFeC), grain zinc concentration (GZnC), grain protein content (GPC) and thousand kernel weight (TKW). The RIL population was genotyped using SNPs from 35K Axiom® Wheat Breeder's Array and 34 SSRs and phenotyped in two environments. A total of nine QTLs including five for GPC (QGpc.iari_1B, QGpc.iari_4A, QGpc.iari_4B, QGpc.iari_5D, and QGpc.iari_6B), two for GFeC (QGfec.iari_5B and QGfec.iari_6B), and one each for GZnC (QGznc.iari_7A) and TKW (QTkw.iari_4B) were identified. A total of two stable and co-localized QTLs (QGpc.iari_4B and QTkw.iari_4B) were identified on the 4B chromosome between the flanking region of Xgwm149-AX-94559916. In silico analysis revealed that the key putative candidate genes such as P-loop containing nucleoside triphosphatehydrolase, Nodulin-like protein, NAC domain, Purine permease, Zinc-binding ribosomal protein, Cytochrome P450, Protein phosphatase 2A, Zinc finger CCCH-type, and Kinesin motor domain were located within the identified QTL regions and these putative genes are involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis, zinc transportation, Fe, Zn, and protein remobilization to the developing grain, regulation of grain size and shape, and increased nitrogen use efficiency. The identified novel QTLs, particularly stable and co-localized QTLs are useful for subsequent use in marker-assisted selection (MAS).