Infrared Spectroscopy of CH5+ Cations in Helium Nanodroplets.

The methanium CH5+ is a prototypical fluxional ion whose infrared spectra remain unassigned. Here we report on the infrared spectra of CH5+ cations and its deuterated isotopomer, CH4D+, in helium droplets at a low temperature of 0.38 K. The ions were produced upon protonation of CH4 molecules, a technique that was developed in this work. The spectra of CH5+ around 3000 cm-1 show two strong and broad infrared bands and a weak shoulder, reflecting its highly fluxional nature. The spectrum of CH4D+ shows a much sharper infrared band, indicating a partial quenching of the exchange of H/D atoms. This work also reports on the infrared spectrum of the methane dimer radical cations (CH4)2+.

Lignocellulosic materials extraction from waste baby diaper to prepare light-responsive metal oxide/carbon composite for efficient organic dye pollutant removal.

The bimetal oxide comprising nickel incorporated ß-Bi2O3 on graphitic carbon in the form of bismuth nickel oxide (BNO@C) was prepared by waste lignocellulosic materials collected from cheap and readily available baby diapers. The prepared BNO@C was used to photocatalytically degrade methylene blue under UV-light irradiation. Prior to the photocatalytic performance analysis, the formation of BNO@C was confirmed by various morphological and structural analysis including SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS analyses. As a result, the two-dimensional nanosheet morphology and tetragonal primitive lattice-structure with 2+ and 3+ oxidation stated Ni and Bi in BNO@C structural formulation were confirmed. In photocatalysis experimentation examined with BNO@C, the maximum methylene blue removal percentage of 96.7 % was achieved within 16 min. The influence of Ni2+ in BNO@C was identified by performing the photocatalytic performance of bare NiO@C and Bi2O3@C, yielding maximum dye removal of 32.8 % and 64.5 %, respectively. The efficacy of Ni in BNO@C toward increasing catalytic efficiency was identified using DFT analysis, revealing the acting of Ni as active sites for improved light absorption tendency. These findings show a novel strategy to prepare a low-cost BNO@C catalyst with efficient photocatalytic activity, opening a new path for a cost-efficient wastewater treatment approach.

Emerging lactic acid bacteria bacteriocins as anti-cancer and anti-tumor agents for human health.

Modern cancer diagnostics and treatment options have greatly improved survival rates; the illness remains a major cause of mortality worldwide. Current treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, are not cancer-specific and may cause harm to healthy cells; therefore, it is imperative that new drugs for cancer be developed that are both safe and effective. It has been found that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the potential to produce bacteriocins, which could potentially offer a promising alternative for cancer treatment. They have been shown in several studies to be effective against cancer cells while having no effect on healthy cells. More research is needed to fully understand the potential of LAB bacteriocins as anti-cancer medicines, to find the appropriate dose and delivery route, and to conduct clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the products in human patients, as is suggested by this work. Furthermore, LAB bacteriocins may evolve into a significant new class of anti-cancer drugs and food products. Patients with cancer may have a safe and effective alternative treatment option in the form of anti-cancer foods and drugs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide an in-depth analysis of the recent breakthroughs and potential future technical advancements of significant bacteriocins that are produced by LAB, how these bacteriocins function, and how these bacteriocins may be utilized as an anti-cancer agent. In addition, the current analysis emphasizes the significant constraints and boundaries that bacteriocins face when they are used as an anti-cancer factor.

Refinement of Risk-Stratification of Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia Adult Patients by MN1 Expression.

INTRODUCTION: Acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics (CN-AML) represents a heterogeneous group having diverse genetic mutations. Understanding the significance of each of these mutations is necessary. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic role of MN1 expression in adult CN-AML patients. METHOD: One hundred and sixty-three de-novo adult AML patients were evaluated for MN1 expression by real-time PCR. MN1 expression was correlated with the clinical characteristics of the patients and their outcomes. RESULTS: Higher MN1 expression was associated with NPM1 wild-type (p<0.0001), CD34 positivity (p=0.006), and lower clinical remission rate (p=0.027). FLT3-ITD and CEBPA mutations had no association with MN1 expression. On survival analysis, a high MN1 expression was associated with poor event-free survival (Hazard Ratio 2.47, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.42-4.3; p<0.0001) and overall survival (Hazard Ratio 4.18, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.17-8.08; p<0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the MN1 copy number emerged as an independent predictor of EFS (p<0.0001) and OS (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: MN1 expression is an independent predictor of outcome in CN-AML.

Prognostic utility of B-type natriuretic peptide and 6-min walk test in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and 6-min walk test (6 MWT) together as predictors of re-hospitalization and mortality in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. METHODS: This prospective, observational, comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care center in India between October 2016 and March 2018. Patients (aged≥18 years) with ADHF and left ventricular systolic dysfunction were included in this study. The study group (N = 100 patients) consisted of patients undergoing a second BNP test along with the 6 MWT at the time of discharge and at 3-months of discharge. The control group (N = 100 patients) consisted of patients who did not undergo these tests at discharge and/or at 3-months of discharge. Study endpoints were re-hospitalization within 6-months, and in-patient and 6-month mortality. RESULTS: Total 200 patients diagnosed with ADHF were enrolled. Mean age was 53.46 ± 10.12 years in the study group and 52.98 ± 9.88 years in the control group. ROC analysis of BNP level to predict re-hospitalization revealed AUC of 0.935 (p < 0.001) at admission, 0.915 (p < 0.001) at discharge, and 0.783 (p < 0.001) at 3-months. Similarly, at discharge, ROC analysis of 6 MWT to predict death gave AUC of 0.670 (p = 0.011), and at 3-months, it was 0.838 (p < 0.001). ROC analysis of BNP level to predict mortality showed AUC of 0.960 (p < 0.001) at admission, 0.947 (p < 0.001) after discharge, and 0.960 (p = 0.002) at 3-months. CONCLUSION: BNP levels and 6 MWT have good prognostic utility in ADHF patients, and thus may be beneficial in making therapeutic adjustments and taking precautionary measures in these patients.

In Silico, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation of the Antihyperglycaemic, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of Coccinia grandis L. Leaf Extract.

Research background: Coccinia grandis L. is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Since the scientific evidence and mechanism of action have not yet been extensively investigated, this study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects together with the optimisation and development of a scale-up process design for higher yields of bioactive phytocompounds from C. grandis. Experimental approach: The in silico study was conducted to predict the binding affinity of phytocompounds of C. grandis for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes with pharmacokinetic assessment. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) in 17 different experimental runs in which the parameters of microwave-assisted extraction such as temperature (50-70 °C), power (400-1000 W) and time (15-45 min) were varied. The phytocompounds were purified and identified using column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The in vitro antidiabetic activity was determined by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymatic inhibitory assays, while cytotoxic investigations were done by measuring haemolytic activity, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. Results and conclusions: The reported major bioactive compounds have shown an excellent binding affinity for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in the range of -14.28 to -36.12 kJ/mol with good pharmacokinetic properties and toxicities ranging from low to medium. The bioactive constituents such as total phenols, total flavonoids, total tannins and antioxidant activities such as DPPH and FRAP were found to be high and dependent on the optimised microwave-assisted extraction parameters such as temperature, time and power: 55 °C, 45 min and 763 W, respectively. Sixteen compounds were identified by FTIR and LC-MS spectra in the plant sample after preliminary identification, purification and TLC. The percentage of enzyme inhibition depended on the concentration of the extract (7.8-125.0 µg/mL) and was higher than that of acarbose. The haemolytic activity was in accordance with ISO standards and low toxicity was observed in the MTT and CAM assays in the range of 7.8-125.0 µg/mL, suggesting its potential use as an antidiabetic drug and for functional food development. Novelty and scientific contribution: The results of the study open up new opportunities for researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs in the food and pharmaceutical sectors to develop antidiabetic foods and medicines that help diabetics to better control their condition and maintain overall health.

Soy protein-polyphenols conjugates interaction mechanism, characterization, techno-functional and biological properties: An updated review.

Soy protein is a promising nutritional source with improved functionality and bioactivities due to conjugation with polyphenols (PP)-the conjugates between soy protein and PP held by covalent and noncovalent bonds. Different approaches, including thermodynamics, spectroscopy, and molecular docking simulations, can demonstrate the outcomes and mechanism of these conjugates. The soy protein, PP structure, matrix properties (temperature, pH), and interaction mechanism alter the ζ-potential, secondary structure, thermal stability, and surface hydrophobicity of proteins and also improve the techno-functional properties such as gelling ability, solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties. Soy protein-PP conjugates also reveal enhanced in vitro digestibility, anti-allergic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Thus, these conjugates may be employed as edible film additives, antioxidant emulsifiers, hydrogels, and nanoparticles in the food industry. Future research is needed to specify the structure-function associations of soy protein-PP conjugates that may affect their functionality and application in the food industry.

Amphotericin B Deoxycholate Treatment of Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis in India.

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is widely prevalent in the endemic regions of India, but its treatment remains unsatisfactory. The WHO recommends a 12-week treatment with oral miltefosine, but its ocular toxicities are a serious concern. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the use of sodium stibogluconate and amphotericin B (AmB) for a brief period. Both drugs had frequent adverse events and were expensive, and the duration of treatments was unacceptably long. This retrospective study evaluated, analyzed, and reported the outcomes of PKDL patients treated with a shorter course of AmB, the most effective antileishmanial drug. The hospital records of PKDL patients treated with AmB by 30 alternate-day infusions over 60 days (instead of conventional 60-80 infusions over 100-120 days) between September 2010 and August 2016 were reviewed. Only patients with confirmed parasitological diagnosis were included. Their records were studied for treatment-related adverse events, end-of-treatment parasitological status, and 12-month follow-up results. One hundred two patients were eligible for this study between September 2010 and August 2016. After therapy, 92/102 (90.2%) patients improved; 3 (2.9%) had to cease treatment owing to severe adverse effects, and one died of severe diarrhea unrelated to AmB. Six (5.9%) patients withdrew consent before the treatment was complete. At the 12-month evaluation, 89/102 (87.3%) patients attained a final cure. A 30-infusion regimen of AmB remains highly effective in PKDL. Without a shorter, safer, and more economical regimen for the treatment of PKDL, it should be used until a better regimen is available.

A phase II, non-comparative randomised trial of two treatments involving liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in India and Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: In Southeast Asia, treatment is recommended for all patients with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). Adherence to the first-line regimen, twelve weeks of miltefosine (MF), is low and ocular toxicity has been observed with this exposure period. We assessed the safety and efficacy of two shorter-course treatments: liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) alone and combined with MF. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: An open-label, phase II, randomized, parallel-arm, non-comparative trial was conducted in patients with parasitologically confirmed PKDL, 6 to ≤60 years. Patients were assigned to 20 mg/kg LAmB (total dose, in five injections over 15 days) alone or combined with allometric MF (3 weeks). The primary endpoint was definitive cure at 12 months, defined as complete resolution of papular and nodular lesions and >80% re-pigmentation of macular lesions. Definitive cure at 24 months was a secondary efficacy endpoint. 118/126 patients completed the trial. Definitive cure at 12 months was observed in 29% (18/63) patients receiving LAmB and 30% (19/63) receiving LAmB/MF (mITT), increasing to 58% and 66%, respectively, at 24 months. Most lesions had resolved/improved at 12 and 24 months for patients receiving LAmB (90%, 83%) and LAmB/MF (85%, 88%) by qualitative assessment. One death, unrelated to study drugs, was reported; no study drug-related serious adverse events were observed. The most frequent adverse drug reactions were MF-related vomiting and nausea, and LAmB-related hypokalaemia and infusion reactions. Most adverse events were mild; no ocular adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Both regimens are suitably safe and efficacious alternatives to long-course MF for PKDL in South Asia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2017/04/008421.

Cefixime loaded bare and functionalized halloysite nanocarriers and their biomedical applications.

Effective drug delivery for is the foremost requirement for the complete recovery of the disease. Nanomedicine and nanoengineering has provided so many spaces and ideas for the drug delivery design, whether controlled, targeted, or sustained. Different types of nanocarriers or nanoparticles are aggressively designed for the drug delivery applications. Clay minerals are identified as a one of the potential nanocarrier for the drug delivery. Owing to their biocompatibility and very low cytotoxicity, clay minerals showing effective therapeutic applications. In the present investigation, clay mineral, i.e., Halloysite nano tubes are utilized as a nanocarrier for the delivery of antibiotic cefixime (CFX), a third-generation cephalosporin. The HNT was first functionalized with the sulfuric acid and then further treated with the 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). The drug is loaded on three different classifications of HNTs, i.e., Bare-CFX-HNT, Acid-CFX-HNT, and APTES-CFX-HNT and their comparative analysis is established. Different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), adsorption studies, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed to evaluate their chemical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties. TGA confirmed the encapsulation efficiency of Bare-CFX-HNT, Acid-CFX-HNT, and APTES-CFX-HNT as 42.65, 52.19, and 53.43%, respectively. Disk diffusion and MTT assay confirmed that the drug loaded HNTs have potential antibacterial activities and less cytotoxicity. The adsorption capacity of CFX with different HNTs are evaluated and Different adsorption and kinetic models have been discussed. Drug release studies shows that APTES-CFX-HNT showing sustained release of cefixime as compared to Bare-CFX-HNT and Acid-CFX-HNT.

Revitalizing Cancer Treatment: Exploring the Role of Drug Repurposing.

Cancer persists as a global challenge necessitating continual innovation in treatment strategies. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the disease, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, exerting substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and societies. The emergence of drug resistance further complicates therapeutic efficacy, underscoring the urgent need for alternative approaches. Drug repurposing, characterized by the utilization of existing drugs for novel clinical applications, emerges as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. Repurposed drugs, comprising FDA-approved (in other disease indications), generic, off-patent, and failed medications, offer distinct advantages including established safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and expedited development timelines compared to novel drug discovery processes. Various methodologies, such as knowledge-based analyses, drug-centric strategies, and computational approaches, play pivotal roles in identifying potential candidates for repurposing. However, despite the promise of repurposed drugs, drug repositioning confronts formidable obstacles. Patenting issues, financial constraints associated with conducting extensive clinical trials, and the necessity for combination therapies to overcome the limitations of monotherapy pose significant challenges. This review provides an in-depth exploration of drug repurposing, covering a diverse array of approaches including experimental, re-engineering protein, nanotechnology, and computational methods. Each of these avenues presents distinct opportunities and obstacles in the pursuit of identifying novel clinical uses for established drugs. By examining the multifaceted landscape of drug repurposing, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into its potential to transform cancer therapeutics.

Decoding the genetic symphony: Profiling protein-coding and long noncoding RNA expression in T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia for clinical insights.

T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a heterogeneous malignancy characterized by the abnormal proliferation of immature T-cell precursors. Despite advances in immunophenotypic classification, understanding the molecular landscape and its impact on patient prognosis remains challenging. In this study, we conducted comprehensive RNA sequencing in a cohort of 35 patients with T-ALL to unravel the intricate transcriptomic profile. Subsequently, we validated the prognostic relevance of 23 targets, encompassing (i) protein-coding genes-BAALC, HHEX, MEF2C, FAT1, LYL1, LMO2, LYN, and TAL1; (ii) epigenetic modifiers-DOT1L, EP300, EML4, RAG1, EZH2, and KDM6A; and (iii) long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)-XIST, PCAT18, PCAT14, LINC00202, LINC00461, LINC00648, ST20, MEF2C-AS1, and MALAT1 in an independent cohort of 99 patients with T-ALL. Principal component analysis revealed distinct clusters aligning with immunophenotypic subtypes, providing insights into the molecular heterogeneity of T-ALL. The identified signature genes exhibited associations with clinicopathologic features. Survival analysis uncovered several independent predictors of patient outcomes. Higher expression of MEF2C, BAALC, HHEX, and LYL1 genes emerged as robust indicators of poor overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and relapse-free survival (RFS). Higher LMO2 expression was correlated with adverse EFS and RFS outcomes. Intriguingly, increased expression of lncRNA ST20 coupled with RAG1 demonstrated a favorable prognostic impact on OS, EFS, and RFS. Conclusively, several hitherto unreported associations of gene expression patterns with clinicopathologic features and prognosis were identified, which may help understand T-ALL's molecular pathogenesis and provide prognostic markers.

Polyethylene terephthalate waste derived nanomaterials (WDNMs) and its utilization in electrochemical devices.

Plastics are a vital component of our daily lives in the contemporary globalization period; they are present in all facets of modern life. Because the bulk of synthetic plastics utilized in the market are non-biodegradable by nature, the issues associated with their contamination are unavoidable in an era dominated by polymers. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is extensively used in industries such as automotive, packaging, textile, food, and beverages production represents a major share of these non-biodegradable polymer productions. Given its extensive application across various sectors, PET usage results in a considerable amount of post-consumer waste, majority of which require disposal after a certain period. However, the recycling of polymeric waste materials has emerged as a prominent topic in research, driven by growing environmental consciousness. Numerous studies indicate that products derived from polymeric waste can be converted into a new polymeric resource in diverse sectors, including organic coatings and regenerative medicine. This review aims to consolidate significant scientific literatures on the recycling PET waste for electrochemical device applications. It also highlights the current challenges in scaling up these processes for industrial application.

Augmentin loaded functionalized halloysite nanotubes: A sustainable emerging nanocarriers for biomedical applications.

Clay minerals such as Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), abundantly available green nanomaterial, exhibit a significant advantage in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, antibacterial and antimicrobials, tissue engineering or regeneration, etc. Because of the mesoporous structure and high absorbability, HNTs exhibit great potential as a nanocarrier in drug delivery applications. The sulfuric acid treatment enhances the surface area of the HNTs and thereby improves their drug-loading capacity by enlarging their lumen space/inner diameter. In the present investigation, based on the literature that supports the efficacy of drug loading after acid treatment, a dual treatment was performed to functionalize the HNTs surface. First, the HNTs were etched and functionalized using sulfuric acid. The acid-functionalized HNTs underwent another treatment using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to better interact the drug molecules with the HNTs surfaces for efficient drug loading. Augmentin, a potential drug molecule of the penicillin group, was used for HNTs loading, and their antibacterial properties, cytotoxicity, and cumulative drug release (%) were evaluated. Different characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR), confirm the loading of Augmentin to the APTES@Acid HNTs. TEM images confirm the effective loading of the drug molecule with the HNTs. The drug encapsulation efficiency shows 40.89%, as confirmed by the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Also, the Augmentin-loaded APTES@Acid HNTs exhibited good antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus and low cytotoxicity, as confirmed by the MTT assay. The drug release studies confirmed the sustainable release of Augmentin from the APTES@Acid HNTs. Hence, the treated HNTs can be considered as a potential nanocarrier for effectively delivering Augmentin and promoting enhanced therapeutic benefits.

Prenatal Risk Factors and Outcomes of Pseudoamniotic Band Sequence following Fetoscopic Laser Surgery: Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoamniotic band sequence (PABS) is a rare iatrogenic consequence of invasive fetal interventions, most commonly fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) in monochorionic multiple pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate prenatal risk factors and perinatal outcomes for pregnancies involving PABS after FLS for TTTS and compare outcomes between those undergoing fetoscopic band release versus not. METHOD: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on studies reporting PABS following FLS for TTTS. A meta-analysis of pooled proportions was conducted. RESULTS: There were 16 studies covering 47 pregnancies complicated by PABS following FLS, mostly case series and case reports. The incidence of PABS was 2%, with the recipient twin affected in 94% of the cases. Pregnancies complicated by PABS were associated with inter-twin septostomy in 32% and chorioamniotic separation (CAS) in 90%. The mean gestational age (GA) at FLS and delivery were 17.7 and 30.9 weeks, respectively. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) happened in 62% of pregnancies. The risk of preterm birth (PTB) <34 weeks, <32 weeks, and <28 weeks were 94%, 67%, and 31%, respectively. There were 41% fetal demises and 64% live births among the affected fetuses. Results of fetoscopic band release versus not were comparable, including GA at delivery, PPROM, and PTB at 32 weeks. It was noted that the likelihood of PTB by 28 weeks (67% vs. 23%) and fetal death (50% vs. 39%) were higher in the band release group. It was similar between groups in terms of postnatal amputation. CONCLUSIONS: PABS causes amputations or fetal death in more than one-third of cases. Pregnancies with an inter-twin septostomy, CAS, advanced TTTS staging, and early GA are more likely to experience PABS. In addition, more than a third of FLS-treated TTTS resulted in PTB and PPROM. PABS cases with prenatal band release showed higher rates of PTB and fetal death, but the data were from small, heterogeneous studies.

Nephrotic syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection has caused significant morbidity and mortality. Vaccines produced against this virus have proven highly effective. However, adverse events following vaccination have also been reported. One of them is nephrotic syndrome, that can be associated with different pathologic pictures. This review aims to provide a wider understanding of incidence, etiopathogenesis, and management of nephrotic syndrome following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS AND RESULTS: A literature search was undertaken using appropriate keywords in various databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Europe PMC, and Science Direct. Twenty-one articles were included following qualitative assessment. Data of 74 patients from these articles were included. DISCUSSION: The pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome following COVID vaccination has been widely attributed to the activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors, leading to podocyte effacement. Relapses have also been reported in patients with prior history of nephrotic syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination. A renal biopsy is necessary to identify the histopathological picture. Management of COVID-19 vaccine-induced nephrotic syndrome was mainly reported as successfully attainable with corticosteroids and supportive management. CONCLUSION: Further investigations will help in establishing an early diagnosis and salvaging kidney function.

Sustainable functionalized chitosan based nano-composites for wound dressings applications: A review.

Functionalized chitosan nanocomposites have been studied for wound dressing applications due to their excellent antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Polysaccharides show excellent antibacterial and drug-release properties and can be utilized for wound healing. In this article, we comprise distinct approaches for chitosan functionalization, such as photosensitizers, dendrimers, graft copolymerization, quaternization, acylation, carboxyalkylation, phosphorylation, sulfation, and thiolation. The current review article has also discussed brief insights on chitosan nanoparticle processing for biomedical applications, including wound dressings. The chitosan nanoparticle preparation technologies have been discussed, focusing on wound dressings owing to their targeted and controlled drug release behavior. The future directions of chitosan research include; a) finding an effective solution for chronic wounds, which are unable to heal completely; b) providing effective wound healing solutions for diabetic wounds and venous leg ulcers; c) to better understanding the wound healing mechanism with such materials which can help provide the optimum solution for wound dressing; d) to provide an improved treatment option for wound healing.

Ziziphus mauritiana-derived nitrogen-doped biogenic carbon dots: Eco-friendly catalysts for dye degradation and antibacterial applications.

In this study, the naturally available Ziziphus Mauritiana was used as a bioresource for the preparation of bifunctional nitrogen doped carbon dots (N-CDs). The doping of nitrogen into the graphitic carbon skeleton and the in-situ formation of N-CDs were systematically identified by the various structural and morphological studies. The green fluorescent N-CDs were used as active catalysts for the removal of Safranin-O dye and achieved 79 % removal efficiency. Furthermore, the prepared N-CDs were used to evaluate antibacterial activity with four different bacterial species, such as Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Amongst these, the highest antimicrobial activity was achieved against Klebsiella pneumonia, with a maximum zone of inhibition of 14.6 ± 1.12 at a concentration of 100 g mL-1. Thus, the obtained results demonstrate the cost efficient bifunctional application prospects of N-CDs to achieve significant catalytic and antibacterial activities.

Electro-stimulation of tofu wastewater for the production of single cell protein from various microorganisms.

Tofu wastewater can be utilized as a substrate for microorganisms that produce single-cell proteins (SCPs). Because different microorganisms have different cellular components, the composition of SCPs varies. Electro-stimulation has the potential to speed up fermentation and increase product yield. The goal of this study was to find the best way to produce SCPs from Aspergillus awamori, Rhizopus oryzae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the tofu wastewater substrate using electro-stimulation. The experimental method was used in the study, the data were analyzed using independent t-test statistical analysis, and the best treatment was identified using the effective index method. This treatment consisted of producing SCP with electro-stimulation of -1.5 V and without electro-stimulation for 72 h for the yeast and 96 h for the mold at 25 °C in tofu wastewater that had already been conditioned to a pH of 5. The parameters measured included measurement of population of microorganism, change in pH, dry biomass weight, carbohydrate content, and protein content. Electro-stimulation reduced the optimum fermentation time of A. awamori SCP from 56 to 32 h, resulting in 0.0406 g/50 mL of dry biomass, 30.09% carbohydrate content, and 6.86% protein content. Meanwhile, the optimal fermentation time on R. oryzae and S. cerevisiae were not accelerated by electro-stimulation. The best treatment was A. awamori without electro-stimulation, which produced 0.0931 g/50 mL of dry biomass, 20.29% carbohydrate, and 7.55% protein.

Choices and Challenges With Drug Therapy in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

The literature on pharmacologic treatments for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is inconsistent and unstandardized. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate choices in pharmacologic treatment options for POTS and the challenges encountered in the studies. We searched numerous databases like PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for literature published before April 8, 2023. The search was done to retrieve potential peer-reviewed articles that explored drug therapy in POTS. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to conduct the systematic review. Of the 421 potential articles assessed, 17 met the inclusion criteria. Results demonstrated that pharmacologic treatment options for POTS were effective in reducing symptoms of POTS, but most of the studies were underpowered. Several were terminated due to various reasons. Midodrine ivabradine, bisoprolol, fludrocortisone, droxidopa, desmopressin, propranolol, modafinil, methylphenidate, and melatonin have been studied with positive impact but sample sizes that were low in the range of 10-50 subjects. Therefore, we concluded the treatment options effectively improve symptoms of POTS and increase orthostatic tolerance, but more evidence is needed as most studies had a low sample size and thus are underpowered.