Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Reinforced Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Molecular Cargo.

Hydrogels have emerged as important soft materials with numerous applications in fields including biomedicine, biomimetic smart materials, and electrochemistry. Because of their outstanding photo-physical properties and prolonged colloidal stability, the serendipitous findings of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have introduced a new topic of investigation for materials scientists. CQDs confined polymeric hydrogel nanocomposites have emerged as novel materials with integrated properties of the individual constituents, resulting in vital uses in the realm of soft nanomaterials. Immobilizing CQDs within hydrogels has been shown to be a smart tactic for preventing the aggregation-caused quenching effect and also for manipulating the characteristics of hydrogels and introducing new properties. The combination of these two very different types of materials results in not only structural diversity but also significant improvements in many property aspects, leading to novel multifunctional materials. This review covers the synthesis of doped CQDs, different fabrication techniques for nanostructured materials made of CQDs and polymers, as well as their applications in sustained drug delivery. Finally, a brief overview of the present market and future perspectives are discussed.

Bioinspired Synthesis of Zinc Molybdate Nanoparticles: An Efficient Material for Growth Inhibition of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Dye Remediation.

Zinc molybdate nanoparticles with molybdate are synthesized through green method with different salt precursors using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Those nanoparticles had structural, vibrational, and morphological properties, which were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystalline size of synthesized zinc molybdate was 24.9 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) clearly showed the attachment of molybdate with ZnO. The synthesized nanomaterial was also characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy which had 4.40 eV band gap energy. Those nanoparticles were also characterized via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTA) and photoluminance spectroscopy (PL). ZnMoO4 had photocatalytic property via methylene blue dye. After 190 minutes, the dye changed to colourless from blue colour. The degradation efficiency was around 92.8%. It also showed their antibacterial effect via Escherichia coli and Staphylococcusaureus bacterial strains. In the presence of light and air, nanoparticles of ZnMoO4 inhibit the growth of cells of E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains because of ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation. Because of the formation of singlet oxygen (O2∗-), hydrogen oxide radical (-OH∗), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ZnMoO4 showed photodegradation reaction against aq. solution of methylene blue dye at 6 pH with constant time interval. With time, the activity of ZnMoO4 also decreased because of the generation of a layer of hydrogen oxide (-OH) on nanomaterial surface, which could be washed with ethanol and distilled water. After drying, the catalytic Zinc molybdate nanoparticles could be reused again in the next catalytic reaction.

Potentialities of graphene and its allied derivatives to combat against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Graphene is a two-dimensional material with sp2 hybridization that has found its broad-spectrum potentialities in various domains like electronics, robotics, aeronautics, etc.; it has recently gained its utilities in the biomedical domain. The unique properties of graphene and its derivatives of graphene have helped them find their utilities in the biomedical domain. Additionally, the sudden outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has immensely expanded the research field, which has also benefitted graphene and its derivatives. Currently, the world is facing a global pandemic due to the sudden outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, from its major onset in Wuhan city, China, in December 2019. Presently, many new variants and mutants appear, which is more harmful than previous strains. However, researchers and scientists are focused on understanding the target structure of coronavirus, mechanism, causes and transmission mode, treatment, and alternatives to cure these diseases in this critical pandemic situation; many findings are achieved, but much more is unknown and pending to be explored. This review paper is dedicated to exploring the utilities of graphene and its derivatives in combating the SARS-CoV-2 by highlighting their mechanism and applications in the fabrication of biosensors, personal protection equipment (PPE) kits, 3-D printing, and antiviral coatings. Further, the paper also covers the cytotoxicity caused by graphene and its derivatives and highlights the graphene-based derivatives market aspects in biomedical domains. Thus, graphene and graphene-derived materials are our new hope in this pandemic time, and this review helps acquire broad knowledge about them.

Molecular prevalence of resistance determinants, virulence factors and capsular serotypes among colistin resistance carbapenemase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: a multi-centric retrospective study.

The emergence of colistin-carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CCR-Kp) in bloodstream infection results in high mortality, and virulence factor contributes further to the difficulty of treatment. A total of 158 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates causing bloodstream infection were collected from three Indian tertiary care hospitals during the 9-month study period, of which 27 isolates exhibited resistance to both colistin and carbapenem antibiotics. In this study, all the strains were characterized for antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors and capsular serotypes that facilitate the development of colistin and carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae (CCR-Kp) in bloodstream infection. Fourteen isolates displayed extremely drug resistance (XDR), susceptible only to tigecycline, and the remaining 13 isolates displayed multidrug resistance (MDR). The gene prevalence analysis for CCR-Kp isolates showed the predominance of bla KPC (81.48%) followed by bla NDM (62.96%), bla VIM (37.03%) and bla IMP (18.51%) genes. The distribution of virulence genes was found to be fimH (81.48%), wabG (59.25%), mrkD (55.56%), entB (48.15%), irp1 (33.33%), and rmpA (18.52%). The capsular serotypes K1, K2, K5 and K54 have been identified in 16 isolates. The absence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (mcr) genes implies the involvement of other mechanisms. The ERIC and (GTG)5 molecular typing methods detected 18 and 22 distinct clustering patterns among the CCR-Kp isolates, respectively. A strong correlation between ERIC and (GTG)5 genotyping method was established with antimicrobial resistance patterns and virulence determinants at P < 0.05, while no correlation was found with capsular serotyping. Similar virulence and resistance typing among the isolates suggest hospital-acquired infection in a health care setup. These outcomes will advance our awareness of CCR-Kp outbreaks associated with tertiary care hospitals and help forecast their occurrence in the near future. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03056-4.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Four Different Plant Extracts against Cariogenic Bacteria: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is an oral disease which is infectious in nature associated with various pathogenic microorganisms and is prevalent across the world. AIM: To evaluate and compare the anticariogenic properties of the different plant extracts against various cariogenic microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In phase I, the anticariogenic efficacy of four different herbal extracts, namely Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Terminalia chebula (Harad), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), was evaluated against two strains of bacteria viz. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. In the second phase of the study, the overall decay depth was compared. RESULTS: In phase I, zone of inhibition was significantly higher in G. glabra (Licorice) followed the descending order by O. sanctum (Tulsi), T. c hebula (Harad), and T. cordifolia (Guduchi), respectively. In the second phase, it was found that the decay depth was significantly higher in T. cordifolia (Guduchi) followed the descending order by T. chebula (Harad), O. sanctum (Tulsi), and G. glabra (Licorice), respectively. CONCLUSION: Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) extract had potent antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans and L. acidophilus. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Synthetic drugs have many adverse effects, so more attention has been paid to natural remedies because they are safe and effective. Today, the main interest is shifted toward the drugs which is derived from plants, which has led to the screening of many herbal plants for their potential antimicrobial activity and the same can be used clinically as an alternative of synthetic drugs used in dentistry. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rai A, Tripathi AM, Saha S, et al. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Four Different Plant Extracts against Cariogenic Bacteria: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):361-367.

Genomic characterization of XDR Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 co-resistant to carbapenem and colistin - The first report in India.

OBJECTIVES: The emergence and outbreak of colistin-resistant CRKP (carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae) have been the major global public threat in recent years. Present study emphasized the genome-wide distribution, characterization of drug resistance virulence genes in an extremely drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strain isolated from a patient with drug-induced hepatitis, hospitalized in a tertiary care facility in India. METHODS: The total genomic DNA was sequenced using the Illumina Hiseq platform. De novo assembly of reads was done using CLC genomics workbench. Genome annotation was performed using PROKKA. Sequence typing (ST), virulence-related genes and antimicrobial resistance genes were predicted from genome sequences. Phenotypic evaluation of efflux pump function was done in presence of colistin and efflux pump inhibitor (EPI). RESULT: Antibiogram analysis confirmed the isolate to be XDR. The number of contigs in assembly file was found to be 867 with a total of 6,060,836 bases and a total of 5547 coding sequences. The isolate exhibited high resistance to colistin due to mutations in two-component systems and predicted to be efflux mediated. The sequence typing of Klebsiella pneumoniae SDL79 is assigned to ST147. CONCLUSION: This is the first whole genome analysis of XDR Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 from a hospital conferring co-resistance to last resort drugs. However, the detailed molecular mechanism behind the drug resistance will be carried out in our future endeavors.

Cationic Dye Removal Using Novel Magnetic/Activated Charcoal/ß-Cyclodextrin/Alginate Polymer Nanocomposite.

New magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4)/activated charcoal (AC)/ß-cyclodextrin (CD)/sodium alginate (Alg) polymer nanocomposite materials were prepared by direct mixing of the polymer matrix with the nanofillers. The obtained materials were utilized as nano-adsorbents for the elimination of methylene blue (MB), a hazardous water-soluble cationic dye, from aqueous solutions, and showed excellent regeneration capacity. The formation of the nanocomposites was followed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and adsorption of N2 at -196 °C. The rate of adsorption was investigated varying several factors, namely contact time, pH, amount of adsorbent and MB concentration on the adsorption process. Studies dealing with equilibrium and kinetics were carried out in batch conditions. The obtained results indicated that the removal rate of MB was 99.53% in 90 min. Langmuir's isotherm fitted better to the equilibrium data of MB. Fe3O4/AC/CD/Alg polymer beads shows amazing adsorption capacities in the elimination of cationic dyes (2.079 mg/g for polymer gel beads and 10.63 mg g-1 for dry powder beads), in comparison to other adsorbent materials. The obtained adsorbent is spherical with hydrophobic cross-linked surface properties that enable an easy recovery without any significant weight loss of in the adsorbent used.

Chloramine-T/N-Bromosuccinimide/FeCl3/KIO3 Decorated Graphene Oxide Nanosheets and Their Antibacterial Activity.

In this work, we report the synthesis of graphene oxide nanosheets (GO NS) using four different oxidants, namely, chloramine-T (CAT), FeCl3, N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), and KIO3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the functional groups present in the synthesized GO. The microstructure analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the morphology of GO. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies demonstrated the nanostructure and crystalline phases of GO. The antibacterial activity of the prepared GO NS was investigated against pure cultures of Pseudomonas pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus. The synthesized GO NS with CAT-GO (C-GO) exhibited very good antibacterial activity towards pathogens.

Changes in Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Genes of pH1N1 Influenza Virus Strains Collected from a North Indian Tertiary Care Hospital during 2015.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to analyze changes in HA and NA genes of pandemic pH1N1 strains, collected from North Indian tertiary care hospital during 2015 and studied the nucleotide change since 2009. Differences in clinical features of cases positive and negative for influenza viruses were also studied. METHODS: All samples referred for H1N1 testing, were tested for influenza viruses. Randomly selected 25 strains of pH1N1 were studied for nucleotide sequences of HA & NA gene. The nucleotide changes occurring since 2009 were studied by mutational and phylogenetic analysis. Clinical details of cases were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 3319 cases of acute respiratory infections (ILI/SARI) were tested for influenza viruses during Jan to April 2015, of which 815 cases tested positive for pH1N1. Nucleotide variation of 2015 strains, from influenza A/California/07/2009 strain at HA1 and NA1 gene was 1.9% and 3.8% respectively. Both HA1 and NA1 coding sequence showed eight mutations. Four of HA1(K180Q, S202T, S220T, and A273T) and NA1 (N200S, V241I, N248D, and N270K) mutations were observed in all pH1N1 study strains. CONCLUSIONS: Strains of pH1N1 isolated during year 2015 diverged from previously circulating strains. Their association with severity of illness needs to be further studied.

Development of novel triplex single-step real-time PCR assay for detection of Hepatitis Virus B and C simultaneously.

Multiplex RT-PCR assays are widely used tools for detection of hepatitis viruses, but none of them provide quality check of sample. In the present study we developed a single-step triplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) with sample quality check, by using ß-actin as housekeeping gene. The primers and probes were self-designed and assay was standardized. Assay was also destined to quantitate copy numbers of HBV and HCV. This novel assay was sensitive, specific, and reproducible for detection of HBV and HCV in serum/plasma. The assay also detected all genotypes of HBV and HCV. The detection limit was 60 IU/mL for HBV and 20 IU/mL for HCV. This assay is the first assay developed on single-step platform for nucleic acid detection of HBV and HCV with an extra edge over all other assays by providing inbuilt check for quality of sample.

Complete Genome Sequences of Hepatitis B Virus from North India Using Ion Torrent.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is among the most common causes of liver cirrhosis. We report the full-genome sequences of seven molecular clones of HBV genotype A, amplified from an HBV-infected North Indian patient. This is probably the first report of the HBV genome sequencing using Ion Torrent from India.

In vitro validation of self designed "universal human Influenza A siRNA".

The genomic variability of Influenza A virus (IAV) makes it difficult for the existing vaccines or anti-influenza drugs to control. The siRNA targeting viral gene induces RNAi mechanism in the host and silent the gene by cleaving mRNA. In this study, we developed an universal siRNA and validated its efficiency in vitro. The siRNA was designed rationally, targeting the most conserved region (delineated with the help of multiple sequence alignment) of M gene of IAV strains. Three level screening method was adopted, and the most efficient one was selected on the basis of its unique position in the conserved region. The siRNA efficacy was confirmed in vitro with the Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line for IAV propagation using two clinical isolates i.e., Influenza A/H3N2 and Influenza A/pdmH1N1. Of the total 168 strains worldwide and 33 strains from India, 97 bp long (position 137-233) conserved region was identified. The longest ORF of matrix gene was targeted by the selected siRNA, which showed 73.6% inhibition in replication of Influenza A/pdmH1N1 and 62.1% inhibition in replication of Influenza A/H3N2 at 48 h post infection on MDCK cell line. This study provides a basis for the development of siRNA which can be used as universal anti-IAV therapeutic agent.

Genetic changes in influenza A(H3N2) viruses circulating during 2011 to 2013 in northern India (Lucknow).

Genetic variability in the hemagglutinin (HA1) and the neuraminidase (NA) genes of influenza viruses results in the emergence of new strains which differ in pathogenicity and severity. The present study was undertaken for genotypic characterization of the HA1 and NA genes of the influenza A(H3N2) strains, detected during the 2011-2013. A total of fifty five influenza A(H3N2) positive samples [2011 (n = 20), 2012 (n = 4) and 2013 (n = 31)] were studied. The 824 bp segment of HA1 gene and 931 bp segment of NA gene were amplified and sequenced by Big-Dye terminator kit on ABI3130, Genetic analyzer. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis was done by MEGA 5.05 software and PhyML program (v3.0). Mutations were determined by comparing the deduced amino acid sequences of study strains with that of 2009-2013 vaccine strains. The studied influenza A(H3N2) strains showed 98.1-99.6% similarity in HA1 and NA amino acid sequences with the influenza A/Victoria/361/2011 vaccine strain. Four mutations in the HA1 amino acid sequences (T128A, R142G, L157S and N278K) and three unique mutations in the NA amino acid sequences [D251V, S315G and V313A] were found. These mutations were observed only in strains from the year 2013 (cluster II). None of the strains showed the presence of mutations, N294S and R292K, markers of oseltamivir resistance. In conclusion, Lucknow strains have accumulated the significant number of mutations in the antigenic sites of the HA and the NA coding sequences and continue to be evolving from the 2013 vaccine strain [A/Victoria/361/2011], however, mutations specific for oseltamivir resistance were not detected.

Complete genome sequences of two isolates of human parvovirus 4 from patients with acute encephalitis syndrome.

Human parvovirus 4 (Parv4) is a relatively new virus. Association of this virus with any human disease is yet to be established. We detected human parvovirus 4 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of two patients presenting with acute encephalitis syndrome in northern India. This is the first report of the Parv4 genome sequence from northern India.

Hospital outbreak of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) illness in immunocompromised hospitalized children during summer.

PURPOSE: The human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a community-acquired virus that mainly causes acute respiratory tract infection in infants and children. HRSV is increasingly recognized as an important nosocomial pathogen causing morbidity in immunocompromised patients. Here, we are reporting a hospital outbreak of HRSV during summer in children receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies. Prompt detection and timely preventive measures could abort the devastating outbreak. METHODS: In the month of June 2013, seven children from paediatric oncology Ward at King George Medical University presented with respiratory signs and symptoms in span of 3 days. Nasal and throat swabs of children were tested for the presence of HRSV, human metapneumovirus and their subtypes A and B, influenza A and B, measles, parainfluenza virus (1, 2, 3 and 4), adenovirus, and human bocavirus by real-time polymerase chain reaction. A segment of F gene of HRSV was amplified and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The demographic, clinical profile, underlying diseases, clinical diagnosis and seasonal distribution were studied and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the total seven cases, six tested positive for HRSV A, which were genetically similar to each other. Children with respiratory symptoms were segregated from other patients, and strict implementation of restricted visiting policy was adapted, which led to control of widespread outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: HRSV A outbreak was detected in immunocompromised patients; the wider spread of which was prevented by prompt detection and application of preventive measures.

Influenza virus genotypes circulating in and around Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, during post pandemic period, August 2010--September 2012.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: During the post influenza pandemic period, continuous surveillance of influenza virus and its subtypes is mandatory to help the policy makers to take effective and appropriate decisions. Therefore, this study was planned to determine the pattern of influenza virus activity in context to various meteorological and clinical parameters in and around Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, during post pandemic period August 2010 - September 2012. METHODS: Nasal swabs/throat swabs/nasopharyngeal aspirates of 2669 patients were collected. One-step real time PCR for detection of influenza virus was done according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocol. RESULTS: Influenza positivity was 15.8 per cent (423/2669) in symptomatic patients. Of the 423 total positives, 192 (7.2%) were influenza A and 231 (8.7%) were influenza B. Positivity for influenza virus was significantly (P=0.001, OR=2.9, CI=1.9-4.3) higher in patients with Influenza like illness (ILI) (17.4%, 396/2271) than those with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) (6.8%, 27/398). Influenza A positive samples were subtyped as; pdmH1N1 (67.2%, 129/192) and seasonal H3N2 (32.8%, 63/192). It significantly correlated with monthly mean rainfall, humidity and dew point while atmospheric pressure was inversely related. No significant association was found with temperature and wind speed. Clinical variations were observed between different strains of Influenza virus. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide a clear picture of different clinical presentations of various strains of influenza A and B viruses and epidemiology of influenza infection from Lucknow (UP), India. The seasonality of influenza virus infection showed variation in relation to different environmental factors. Pandemic H1N1 caused more systemic infection than seasonal influenza A/H3N2 virus.

Role of intracellular events in the pathogenesis of dengue; an overview.

Dengue is one of the most important mosquito-borne viral diseases that are relentlessly spreading in newer areas in the tropical and subtropical regions of the World. In last fifty years, in spite of intensive and extensive investigations, pathogenesis of dengue is still not clearly understood. Recently, the research focus is on studying the role of intracellular events in pathogenesis of viral infections. Entry of virion in the host cell is followed by quick succession of events, unfolded protein response, lipid bodies and lipophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress and recent demonstration of autophagy. The turbulence caused by these events may result in clearance of the virus/enhanced replication and survival of the host cell/apoptosis. Both, increased virus load and apoptosis of host cell may have pathological effects on the host. In the present review, we have summed up the role of various intracellular events in viral infections with special emphasis on Dengue virus infection.

Molecular characterization of circulating pandemic strains of influenza A virus during 2012 to 2013 in Lucknow (India).

The pandemic H1N1 strain of Influenza A virus [A(H1N1)pdm09] is now well adapted in human populations. However, it is still causing sporadic outbreaks worldwide with different severity. The present study was planned to understand the genetic diversity (based on the HA1 gene) of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains circulating during the post pandemic period. The HA1 gene was selected because the HA1 protein is immunogenic, functions as a receptor binding site and indirectly affects transmission and pathogenicity of virus. A total of 2,818 cases were enrolled. Nasal/throat swabs from all cases were tested by one-step real time PCR for detection of influenza virus types and subtypes according to the CDC protocol. Of these, 134 cases were A(H1N1)pdm09 positive, 34 of which were screened for HA1 gene (position 434-905) sequencing (Big-Dye terminator using 3130 ABI, Genetic analyzer). Molecular and phylogenetic analysis was performed using PhyML approach (v. 3.0). All A(H1N1)pdm09 positive and negative cases were clinically characterized. Phylogentically, all Lucknow strains (n = 33) except one fall with the clade seven reference strain. One strain showed 99.9% similarities with clade one reference strain A/California/07/2009. In mutational analysis, 33 strains had the S220T mutation, which is at an antigenic site and characteristic of clade seven along with few minor mutations; K180I/T/Q, V190I, S200P, S202T, A203T, A214T, S220T, V251I, and A273T. These results suggest that clade seven was the most widely circulating clade in Lucknow and A(H1N1)pdm09 cases showed mild clinical symptoms as compared to A(H3N2) or influenza B cases.

High prevalence of human metapneumovirus subtype B in cases presenting as severe acute respiratory illness: an experience at tertiary care hospital.

PURPOSE: A comparatively newly discovered human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has emerged as an important cause of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), second only to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV and HMPV taxonomically belong to same family and subfamily, and their clinical presentation and seasonal distribution are also seemed to be indistinguishable. Present study was planned to know the epidemiology and prevalence of HMPV and RSV in patients presented as SARI in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal aspirate of 440 patients fulfilling World Health Organization criteria of SARI, enrolled during a 2-year study period, were collected and tested for the presence of RSV, HMPV and their subtypes A and B by real time polymerase chain reaction along with other respiratory viruses, viz influenza A, B, parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, 4, adenovirus, measles virus and bocavirus. The demographic details, clinical profile, underlying diseases, clinical diagnosis at the time of admission and seasonal distribution were studied and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Overall positivity of RSV was 14.3% (24.68% in <5 years) and of HMPV was 3.63% (5.1% in <5 years and 5.08% in 6-12 years). Among RSV, subtype A (89%), and among HMPV, genotype B (68.8%) were predominating. Adults having underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more prone to acquire RSV and HMPV infections. RSV and HMPV positivity was restricted to winter season. We are reporting replacement of RSV with HMPV in this population. CONCLUSIONS: HMPV has emerged as an important cause of SARI in children <12 years of age. Alternative predominance of RSV and HMPV is an important observation.

Washability and fabric-staining properties of a novel phospholipid-structured coal tar formulation.

BACKGROUND: Coal tar is one of the most preferred and frequently used medicinal agents in various dermatological diseases. However, the coal tar formulations available for clinical use suffer from the limitation of staining clothes and skin, eventually leading to a high degree of patient non-compliance. OBJECTIVE: To test the staining property of a lecithinized formulation vis-a-vis a conventional formulation of coal tar employing different types of fabric. METHODS: Six fabrics with different blends of cotton and polyester were employed to test the staining and washability of two coal tar formulations following application for 24 hours and 48 hours. RESULTS: The study revealed the distinct superiority of the lecithinized coal tar formulation vis-a-vis the conventional marketed formulation due to its markedly reduced staining and easier washability. A significant reduction in the staining of fabrics containing polyester was observed with the lecithinized formulation, with the stain becoming progressively worse as the proportion of polyester in the fabric increased. The stains washed off completely with detergent in the case of the lecithinized coal tar formulation, whereas stains from the conventional coal tar formulation remained intact. CONCLUSION: The developed lecithinized formulation, owing to its superior non-staining and washability characteristics, would potentially increase the acceptability of coal tar amongst patients.