Mucormycosis diagnosis revisited: Current and emerging diagnostic methodologies for the invasive fungal infection (Review).

Mucormycosis, which is a life threatening condition, is one of the side effects experienced by post-COVID-19 patients. Early identification and timely treatment are essential to stop the dissemination of the disease, since invasive mucormycosis has a very high fatality rate and significant disease dispersion. Conventional diagnostic techniques, including clinical diagnosis, serology, histopathology and radiology, have limitations in diagnosing the disease at an early stage. This warrants the need for advanced diagnostic tools such as nucleic acid diagnostics, advanced serological tests (ELISpot), PCR (pan-Mucorale test) and multiplex PCR. These techniques have been introduced to identify this invasive fungal infection at an incipient stage, thereby helping clinicians to prevent adverse outcomes. The use of biosensors and micro-needle based diagnostic methodologies will pave the way for devising more point-of-care tests that can be employed for the detection of mucormycosis at an incipient stage. The present review discusses the current techniques available and their drawbacks, and the usefulness of advanced diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the possibility of using future diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of mucormycosis is highlighted.

Fluorescence Variation in Selective Sensing of Hg2+and Cu2+ Ions By Coumarin-xanthene Fused Optical Probe.

The fluorescent moieties coumarin and xanthene (R6GCP) combined in a single molecule was designed and synthesized. The colorimetric and fluorescent variation of the probe towards the copper and mercury ions sensing is examined. With the added copper/mercury ions to the solution of R6GCP in DMF:H2O (2:8, v/v), the probe showed deep red color from yellow color. The probe showed turn-off and turn-on fluorescence for copper and mercury ion respectively. In the presence of other competing metal ions, the probe showed better sensitivity towards copper and mercury ions. The probe's detection limit found to be 5.29 × 10-6 M and 1.24 × 10-5 M for Cu2+ and Hg2+ ion respectively by the UV-visible spectral measurement. Fluorescence measurement, the detection limit for the Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions detection by this probe is 1.91 × 10-7 M, and 1.32 × 10-8 M respectively. 1:1 binding stoichiometry was confirmed between the probe and Cu2+/Hg2+ ions from jobs plot by UV-visible spectral technique. Moreover, R6GCP combined filter paper were prepared. These test paper containing probe could detect Cu2+/Hg2+ ions in real-time with a spontaneous color change.

Rationale for anxiety associated with dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic among the general public - an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of COVID-19 on various facets such as physical, psychological, financial, social, and so on has been investigated extensively. However, the wariness influencing the decision to visit the dentist during this pandemic has received relatively little attention in Indian scenario. The study sought to investigate the general public's anxiety regarding visiting a dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the factors that possibly contribute towards this apprehension among Indian nationals. METHODS: Structured questionnaire based cross sectional observational study. Completed responses were received from 259 individuals. Information was collected on demographic details, medical history, history of COVID-19 infection, history of dental problems, anxiety associated with dental visit and reason for dental visit during the pandemic, whether vaccinated and expecting the dentist to be vaccinated. Apprehension or concerns regarding dental visits were acquired via nine closed-ended questions with dichotomous responses. RESULTS: During the pandemic, 25.9% had dental problems, 24.7% visited the dentist and 81% were anxious about dental visits. 72.6% were concerned about contracting infection from the clinic, 81.5% were concerned about contracting infection in the waiting area, and 87.3% were concerned about whether the clinicians/assistants would meticulously follow standard operating protocols, 88% were concerned about disinfection between patients and 75.7% expressed concern on higher treatment charges due to the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The general public is concerned about disease transmission in the dentist's office and increased treatment costs, both of which could have a negative impact on the use of dental services during this COVID-19 pandemic.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Occupational Health and Safety of Municipal Solid Waste Workers in Telangana, India.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of workplace hazards, occupational diseases, and deaths contribute significantly to the increase in the global burden of diseases. The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) workers experience occupational stressors throughout the process of waste management that affects their well-being and results in high rates of occupational health problems. It is vital to understand the workplace practices and occupational morbidities of the MSW workers to ensure their safety and well-being. In this context, the study aimed to explore the occupational health and safety practices at the place of work among the MSW workers in Karimnagar and Hyderabad in Telangana, India. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two cities of Telangana. A total of 394 MSW workers were surveyed. The number of MSW workers in Karimnagar and Hyderabad were 152 and 194, respectively. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the MSW workers to study the occupational morbidities and workplace safety practices. Focused group discussions were conducted among the MSW workers in both cities. In-depth interviews of sanitary supervisors in Karimnagar were conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides were used with questions on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, work environment, protection strategy, and healthcare utilization. MS Excel and NVivo-12 were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal problem was the major reported morbidity among the MSW workers (76.6%). Injuries were reported more among the MSW workers in Hyderabad (39.7%) along with a fear of being hit by vehicles while working on the main roads. About 88.7% of the MSW workers had less than secondary education. There was a wage difference between the contract and permanent MSW workers. There was a lack of provision of personal protective equipment and poor working conditions, overall. Lack of basic amenities such as the provision of drinking water and toilets apart from inadequate social security and healthcare facilities was reported. CONCLUSION: This paper highlights the unsatisfactory working environment and high-occupational morbidities among the MSW workers in Telangana. There was a lack of basic amenities at the workplace making it difficult for the MSW workers. A comprehensive approach which focuses on the health and safety with social security for the MSW workers is required.

Reliability and Validity of a Physical Activity Questionnaire for Indian Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries, sedentary behavior is widely prevalent in the young. Reliable and valid instruments are essential for evaluating sedentary behavior and physical activity in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and validity of an easy to use physical activity questionnaire for children and adolescents from India. STUDY DESIGN: Evaluation of a questionnaire tool. PARTICIPANTS: 104 children and adolescents belonging to the age group of 10-17 years were selected using a purposive sampling technique. METHODS: The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation - Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents [MPAQ(c)] was used to assess the various dimensions of physical activity. Physical activity was also objectively assessed using accelerometer worn around the waist for five complete days. The baseline administration of MPAQ(c) was done between November and December, 2017. Reliability of MPAQ was assessed by repeat administration after 2 weeks for upto a month later. Validity of MPAQ(c) was measured against accelerometer using Spearman's correlation and Bland and Altman agreements. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability of the questionnaire revealed good agreement (ICC: 0.77 min/wk). Correlation coefficients (95% CI) for sedentary behavior and moderate to vigorous physical activity for MPAQ(c) against accelerometer were 0.52 (0.36, 0.64) and 0.41 (0.23, 0.55), respectively indicating moderate correlation. Good agreement was present between MPAQ(c) and accelerometer for sedentary behavior [mean bias = -4.9 (±2SD -197.1 to 187.3) min/d]. CONCLUSIONS: MPAQ(c) is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating physical activity in Indian children aged 10-17 years.

Accidental Strangulation While Playing with Hammock in a Child.

In children, strangulation is a fatal injury due to asphyxia, a terminal event of partial or complete hanging. Homemade hammocks are routinely used as a cradle which is potentially dangerous. We are hereby reporting a 12-year-old female with accidental strangulation occurring as a result of swinging on a hammock made of saree and also in a view to educate the public about the hazards of using homemade hammocks.

Dermatoglyphics: a genetic marker of early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: It is an accepted fact that genetics plays an important role in determination of palmar dermatoglyphic patterns. Since caries is a multifactorial disease with the influence of genetic pattern, this study was undertaken to explore the possibility of dermatoglyphics as a noninvasive and early predictor of dental caries in children, so as to initiate preventive oral health measures at an early age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 200 children aged between 4 and 5 years. The dmfs score was evaluated. The experimental group (Group 1), comprised of 100 children with early childhood caries (ECC) with dmfs >5. The control group (Group 2) comprised of 100 children with dmfs score of 0. RESULTS: An increased frequency of ulnar loops in caries-free children and whorls in children with ECC was observed. Low mean atd angle and low mean. Total ridge count was observed in the ECC group. CONCLUSION: There is definite variation in dermatoglyphics between the ECC and caries-free group, indicating that dermatoglyphic patterns can be used as a predictive tool for children with ECC.

Hepatitis A in children- clinical course, complications and laboratory profile.

OBJECTIVE: To study the course and complications of hepatitis A in children. METHODS: Seventy eight children diagnosed as acute viral hepatitis A by IgM antiHAV were prospectively studied for involvement of other systems and complications. RESULTS: The mean age of children was 7.85 ± 3.4 y. Jaundice was present in all the patients as this was the inclusion criteria. Fever was present in 82.1 %, hepatomegaly in 98.7 % and splenomegaly in 39.7 %. More than 5 fold rise in Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alaninetransaminase (ALT), were seen in 62 cases (79.5 %) and 55 cases (70.5 %) respectively. Coagulopathy (Prothrombin time INR > 1.5) was observed in 12 cases (15.4 %) and abnormal APTT in 10 cases (12.8 %). Thrombocytopenia was observed in 5.1 % of children and 8.9 % had more than 2 hematological abnormalities. Ascites was noted in 35 cases (44.9 %), gallbladder wall thickening in 32 cases (41 %) and pleural effusion in 11 cases (14.1 %). Acute renal failure, acute glomerulonephritis and acute pancreatitis were present in 1 case (1.3 %) each. Raised CK-MB values more than 3 times the normal was noted in 5 cases (6.4 %). On follow up, most of the children recovered completely by 2 mo and prolonged cholestasis was observed in 2 of them. In the present study mortality was 1.3 % and it was attributable to fulminant hepatic failure. CONCLUSIONS: Eventhough hepatitis A infection is a self-limiting disease, extrahepatic manifestations and mortality are not uncommon. All cases should be followed up till complete recovery and only a strong index of suspicion will enable us to recognize the complications.

Synthesis and characterization of VO(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of chromone based azo-linked Schiff base ligand.

Azo-Schiff-base complexes of VO(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR, mass spectra, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurement, electron spin resonance (EPR), CV, fluorescence, NLO and SEM. The conductance data indicate the nonelectrolytic nature of the complexes, except VO(II) complex which is electrolytic in nature. On the basis of electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility octahedral geometry has been proposed for the complexes. The EPR spectra of copper and oxovanadium complexes in DMSO at 300 and 77K were recorded and its salient features are reported. The redox behavior of the copper(II) complex was studied using cyclic voltammetry. The in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Candida strains was studied and compared with that of free ligand by well-diffusion technique. The azo Schiff base exhibited fluorescence properties originating from intraligand (π-π(*)) transitions and metal-mediated enhancement is observed on complexation and so the synthesized complexes can serve as potential photoactive materials as indicated from their characteristic fluorescence properties. On the basis of the optimized structures, the second-order nonlinear optical properties (NLO) are calculated by using second-harmonic generation (SHG) and also the surface morphology of the complexes was studied by SEM.

Synthesis and studies on Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) complexes of Knoevenagel ß-diketone ligands.

Transition metal complexes of various acetylacetone based ligands of the type ML [where M=Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II); L=3-(aryl)-pentane-2,4-dione] have been synthesized. The structural features have been derived from their elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR, Mass and ESR spectral studies. Conductivity measurements reveal that all the complexes are non-electrolytic in nature. Spectroscopic and other analytical data of the complexes suggest octahedral geometry for other metal(II) complexes. The redox behavior of the copper(II) complexes have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The free ligands and their metal complexes have been screened for their in vitro biological activities against the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as the fungus Candida albicans by well diffusion method. The zone of inhibition value indicates that the most of the metal(II) complexes are found to possess increased activities compared to those of the free ligands. All synthesized compounds may serve as potential photoactive materials as indicated from their characteristic fluorescence properties. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the ligands (L1-L3) was found to be considerable effect than that of urea and KDP (potassium dihydrogen phosphate).

Spectroscopic studies and biological evaluation of some transition metal complexes of azo Schiff-base ligand derived from (1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-aminopyrazol-5-one) and 5-((4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde.

A series of metal(II) complexes of VO(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) have been synthesized from the azo Schiff base ligand 4-((E)-4-((E)-(4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one (CDHBAP) and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral (IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR, ESR and EI-mass), magnetic moment measurements, molar conductance, DNA, SEM, X-ray crystallography and fluorescence studies. The electronic absorption spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements of the complexes indicate square pyramidal geometry for VO(II) and octahedral geometry for all the other complexes. The important infrared (IR) spectral bands corresponding to the active groups in the ligand and the solid complexes under investigation were studied and implies that CDHBAP is coordinated to the metal ions in a neutral tridentate manner. The redox behavior of copper(II) and vanadyl(II) complexes have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The nuclease activity of the above metal(II) complexes shows that the complexes cleave DNA. All the synthesized complexes can serve as potential photoactive materials as indicated from their characteristic fluorescence properties. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the synthesized ligand and its metal complexes were screened against bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella sonnie) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia bataicola). Amikacin and Ketoconozole were used as references for antibacterial and antifungal studies. The activity data show that the metal complexes have a promising biological activity comparable with the parent Schiff base ligand against bacterial and fungal species. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the ligand was measured and the NLO (non-linear optical) properties of the ligand are expected to result in the realization of advanced optical devices in optical fiber communication (OFC) and optical computing. The SEM image of the copper(II) complex implies that the size of the particles is 1 µm.

Health problems among menopausal women in Udupi district (Karnataka).

Menopause among women, occurring in middle age, brings in its wake, a set of health problems that needs to be handled distinctly by the care givers. A study undertaken to determine the magnitude of health problems in Udupi district of Karnataka included 100 menopausal women in the age group 45-55 years, 50 each from urban and rural pockets. Using demographic proforma, modified socio-economic scale and structured interview schedule as tools, it was concluded that menopausal health problems were more common in women in rural areas than in their urban counterparts: they were also less articulate and less aware about managing or preventing menopausal health problems.

Evaluation of coamoxiclav and other antibiotics against S pneumoniae and H influenae from paediatric cases of acute respiratory infections.

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are most important respiratory pathogens with increasing antimicrobial resistance among the key pathogens responsible for community-acquired respiratory tract infections and have the potential to limit the effectiveness of antibiotics available to treat these infections. In the present study, a total of 18 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and 9 isolates of Haemophilus influenzae were characterised from specimens obtained from patients of acute respiratory tract infections including otitis media, tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis. In the present study, all the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were sensitive to coamoxiclav and to cefixime, while they showed variable resistance to the other antibiotics screened. The degree of resistance to various antibiotics was as follows: Streptococcus pneumoniae showed resistance to cotrimoxazole (66.7%), azithromycin (55.6%), erythromycin (16.7%), chloramphenicol (16.7%), clindamycin (11.1%) and penicillin (11.1%). Haemophilus influenzae showed resistance to cefixime 100%, chloramphenicol 88.9%, penicillin 77.8%, erythromycin 77.8%, cefuroxime 77.8%, azithromycin 77.8%, and clindamycin 11.1%. The present study showed the emergence of variable resistance to penicillin, cotrimoxazole and other antibiotics.

Control of the PEO chain conformation on nanoparticles by adsorption of PEO-block-poly(L-lysine) copolymers and its significance on colloidal stability and protein repellency.

The physical adsorption of PEO(n)-b-PLL(m) copolymers onto silica nanoparticles and the related properties of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-coated particles were studied as a function of the block copolymer composition. Copolymers adopt an anchor-buoy conformation at the particle surface owing to a preferential affinity of poly(L-lysine) (PLL) blocks with the silica surface over PEO blocks when a large excess of copolymer is used. The interdistance between PEO chains at particle surface is highly dependent on the size of PLL segments; a dense brush of PEO is obtained for short PLL blocks (DP = 10), whereas PEO chains adopt a so-called interacting "mushroom" conformation for large PLL blocks (DP = 270). The size of the PEO blocks does not really influence the copolymer surface density, but it has a strong effect on the PEO layer thickness as expected. Salt and protein stability studies led to similar conclusions about the effectiveness of a PEO layer with a dense brush conformation to prevent colloidal aggregation and protein adsorption. Besides, a minimal PEO length is required to get full stabilization properties; as a matter of fact, both PEO(45)-b-PLL(10) and PEO(113)-b-PLL(10) give rise to a PEO brush conformation but only the latter copolymer efficiently stabilizes the particles in the presence of salt or proteins.

A physico-chemical investigation of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(L-lysine) copolymer adsorption onto silica nanoparticles.

The adsorption behavior of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(L-lysine) (PEO(113)-b-PLL(10)) copolymer onto silica nanoparticles was investigated in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 by means of dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, adsorption isotherms and microcalorimetry measurements. Both blocks have an affinity for the silica surface through hydrogen bonding (PEO and PLL) or electrostatic interactions (PLL). Competitive adsorption experiments from a mixture of PEO and PLL homopolymers evidenced greater interactions of PLL with silica while displacement experiments even revealed that free PLL chains could desorb PEO chains from the particle surface. This allowed us to better understand the adsorption mechanism of PEO-b-PLL copolymer at the silica surface. At low surface coverage, both blocks adsorbed in flat conformation leading to the flocculation of the particles as neither steric nor electrostatic forces could take place at the silica surface. The addition of a large excess of copolymer favoured the dispersion of flocs according to a presumed mechanism where PLL blocks of incoming copolymer chains preferentially adsorbed to the surface by displacing already adsorbed PEO blocks. The gradual addition of silica particles to an excess of PEO-b-PLL copolymer solution was the preferred method for particle coating as it favoured equilibrium conditions where the copolymer formed an anchor-buoy (PLL-PEO) structure with stabilizing properties at the silica-water interface.