Quantification of genetic variability and stable genotype selection over the years in the germplasm of critically endangered Prishanparni (Uraria picta Desv.).

Prishanparni (Uraria picta Desv.), a critically endangered annual shrub belonging to the family 'Papillionaceae'. It is widely distributed throughout India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tropical Africa, Malay Islands, and the Philippines. The consistent performances of U. picta accessions based on ten economic traits studied were identified as P-12, P-16, P-21, P-22, P-31, P-47, and P-48. These accessions could be used for commercial cultivation in northern Indian plains. Among the total twenty-three studied accessions P-50, P-21, P-48, and P-47 were found superior for rhoifolin content in their aerial as well as root part, which may have various therapeutic potentials used in traditional and modern systems of medicines. These accessions can be exploited for commercial cultivation or in a hybridization program for further crop improvement. Wide range cultivation of the selected accessions in the Indo-Gangetic plains will fit in the existing cropping systems of this region, resulting in comparatively better supplementation of herb to the pharmaceutical and herbal drug industries and reducing the pressure on the wild populations.

Effect of low- and high-level groundwater arsenic on peripheral blood and lung function of exposed rural women.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended maximum contaminant level (MCL) of arsenic (As) in drinking water at 10 µg/L. Many Asian countries still have their MCL for As at 50 µg/L. The current cross sectional study was conducted on asymptomatic females (without As related skin lesions) selected from rural areas of West Bengal, Baruipur and Dhamakhali [low As 11-50 µg/L; N,93]; Kamardanga & Sibhati [high As>50 µg/L; N,70] and Boria [Control; As<10 µg/L N,118] of West Bengal, India. The study was designed to compare the status of peripheral blood and lung function due to prolonged As exposure. The lung function parameters were considered according to Miller's prediction quadrant - FVC less than 80% indicated restrictive lung, FEV1/FVC less than 70% showed obstructive lung and both FVC and FEV1/FVC less than predicted percentage exhibited combined lung function decrement. The study showed that groundwater As concentration [22.5 ± 19.2 (low), 67.8 ± 26.9 (high) and 1.02 ± 2.3 µg/L (control)] was correlated with nail As content of the enrolled women. Linear regression depicted that nail As content influenced reduction of haemoglobin (ß: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.02 to -0.006; p = 0.0001) and CD56+ NK cells (ß: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.07 to -0.03; p = 0.0001) per 1 µg/g increase in As in nails. Multivariate logistic regression exhibited that nail As content was associated with reduction of lung function parameters [FEV1 (Exp B:1.04; 95%CI: 1.022 to 1.055; p = 0.0001) and FVC (Exp B:1.05; 95%CI: 1.03 to 1.07; p = 0.0001) per 1 µg/g increase in As in nails. Hence the study may be indicative of the fact that even in asymptomatic women, increase in chronic As exposure may weaken immune surveillance and provoke respiratory ailments.

Health effects inflicted by chronic low-level arsenic contamination in groundwater: A global public health challenge.

Groundwater arsenic (As) contamination is a global public health concern. The high level of As exposure (100-1000 µg/L or even higher) through groundwater has been frequently associated with serious public health hazards, e.g., skin disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, complications of gastrointestinal tract, liver and splenic ailments, kidney and bladder disorders, reproductive failure, neurotoxicity and cancer. However, reviews on low-level As exposure and the imperative health effects are far less documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has set the permissible standard of As in drinking water at 10 µg/L. Considering the WHO and USEPA guidelines, most of the developed countries have established standards at or below this guideline. Worldwide many countries including India have millions of aquifers with low-level As contamination (≤50 µg/L). The exposed population of these areas might not show any As-related skin lesions (hallmark of As toxicity particularly in a population consuming As contaminated groundwater >300 µg/L) but might be subclinically affected. This review has attempted to encompass the wide range of health effects associated with chronic low-level As exposure ≤50 µg/L and the probable mechanisms that might provide a better insight regarding the underlying cause of these clinical manifestations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to create mass awareness about the health effects of chronic low-level As exposure and planning of proper mitigation strategies.

Effect of different methods of pasteurization on bactericidal action of human milk: A prospective observational study.

Background & objectives: Pasteurization involves not only inactivation of pathogens, but also loss of immunological functions and bactericidal action of human milk. Hence, this study was aimed to explore the stability of such bactericidal action after subjecting human milk samples to thermal pasteurization under different condition of time and temperature. Methods: In this observational study 48 human milk samples were analyzed over a period of three months. The effect of holder and flash methods of pasteurization on bactericidal action against Escherichia coli was evaluated compared to the control sample before and after 72 h of storage at -18°C. Results: Both holder and flash methods of pasteurization showed significant reduction in the E. coli growth to 46.4 and 25.5 per cent, respectively, after 24 h of incubation (P <0.001). The bactericidal activity was significantly more in samples subjected to holder method compared to flash method before and after 72 h of storage (46.41±15.38 vs. 25.50±30.74, P <0.001 and 42.27±20.38 vs. 18.33±28.55, P <0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed that the bactericidal activity of human milk was better preserved by the holder method of pasteurization. Further well-powered and well-designed randomized trials are needed to confirm the findings.

Cirsiliol Suppressed Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in B16F10 Malignant Melanoma Cells through Alteration of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer which has a propensity for metastasis. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a primordial role in the progression of metastatic disease. Metastatic melanoma is resistant to conventional therapies. Hence, researchers have been exploring alternative approaches, including the utility of bioactive phytochemicals to manage metastatic disease. In the present study, we investigated the potential of cirsiliol, a flavonoid isolated from Centaurea jacea L., in modulating the aggressive behavior of B16F10 metastatic melanoma cells, including EMT, and associated molecular mechanisms of action. Cirsiliol was found to be effective in restraining the colony formation and migration of fibronectin-induced B16F10 metastatic melanoma cells. Cirsiliol inhibited the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Cirsiliol also suppressed the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (also known as Akt)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway which, in turn, caused upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin, Snail and Twist. Based on these results, cirsiliol may be considered a promising compound against EMT in the therapeutic management of malignant melanoma.

Status of pulse milling processes and technologies: A review.

Pulses are essential component of the human diet in the underdeveloped and the developing countries. Pulse milling mainly focuses on complete removal of the hull with minimum generation of powder, broken, and in certain cases dehulled split formation. Physical and mechanical properties of different pulses are described and their role in dehulling is discussed in this review. The review discusses nature of gums that binds hull and cotyledons together and their effect on milling characteristics. Pitting operation is performed for all pulses prior to the pretreatment for better dehulling. Various pretreatment processes (soaking, edible oils, chemicals, enzymes, hydrothermal) developed to loosen the bond are examined for their dehulling efficacy from commercial application viewpoint. Dependence of dehulling characteristics of different pulses on size, shape, variety, grain hardness, and moisture content are discussed. Most of the machines developed for pulses dehulling in India are abrasion based emery-cylinder concave system. The studies done for optimization of different pretreatment process conditions are also reviewed. The losses taking place in the form of broken and powder during pulse milling are described. Methods for performance evaluation of the pulse dehulling system are reviewed and expressions are suggested for proper evaluation. This review gives complete overview of the processes and technological status of pulse milling in present context.

Tomato processing byproduct valorization in bread and muffin: improvement in physicochemical properties and shelf life stability.

Tomato processing industry generates huge waste like tomato skin, seed, and pulp which creates environmental issues. Since tomato pomace contains bioactive compounds and pigments, present study was conducted to investigate the effect of tomato pomace addition on physicochemical characteristics and shelf-life stability of the developed bread and muffin. Refined flour was partially substituted with 35 and 40% tomato pomace in bread and muffin, respectively. Tomato pomace addition in bread and muffin was observed to significantly (p < 0.05) increase the dietary fiber, vitamin C, antioxidant activity and minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe). The color parameters for bread and muffins were quantified in terms of L* (lightness), a* (redness/greenness) and b* (yellowness/blueness). There was an increase in a* and b*, while L* values decreased. Tomato based bread and muffin were found to possess softer texture as compared to control products. Microbial study has depicted the enhanced shelf-life of tomato based bread and muffin. Shelf life of preservative added tomato based bread was 8 days and muffins were 12 days. Tomato pomace could be a very useful commodity for incorporation into bread and muffin to have a complete nutritive food product.

Peer-to-Peer Medical Student Teaching in Radiology.

Medical students are often regarded purely as learners, but many can also perform well as educators. When more senior students are on service with underclassmen, especially when attendings and residents are busy, they can play an important role in helping to advance a radiology department's teaching mission.

Impact of induced mutation-derived genetic variability, genotype and varieties for quantitative and qualitative traits in Mentha species.

PURPOSE: The genus Mentha spp. is an aromatic herb from the family 'Lamiaceae'. It is extensively predominant in temperate and sub-temperate regions of the world. The essential oil of this species is enriched with broad aroma constituents extensively utilized in food, beverages, flavor, cosmetics, perfumery, and pharmaceutical enterprises. With the global menthol market size estimated to be worth USD 765 million in 2022, India (accompanied by China and Brazil) is the world's primary manufacturer, consumer, and exporter of Mentha oil. Despite prominent global demand, the crucial bottleneck in mint cultivation is the need for more superior commercial cultivars. Predominant vegetative propagation mode with difficulties in manual emasculation, differential blooming times, sterile/sub-sterile hybrids, and low seed viability are the primary containment in creating genetic variability by classical breeding approaches. Therefore, genetic complications encountered in conventional breeding have led the breeders to apply mutation breeding as an alternative crop improvement approach in Mentha spp. These attempts at mutation breeding have produced some distinctive mutants as genetic pools for plant breeding programs, and some novel mutant mint cultivars have been made available for commercial cultivation. CONCLUSIONS: The prime strategy in mutation-based breeding has proven an adept means of encouraging the expression of recessive genes and producing new genetic variations. The present review comprises a significant contribution of mutation breeding approaches in the development of mutant mint species and its effects on physiological variation, photosynthetic pigment, essential oil content and composition, phytochemical-mediated defense response, pathogen resistivity, and differential expression of genes related to terpenoid biogenesis. Development and diversification have led to the release of varieties, namely Todd's Mitcham, Murray Mitcham, Pranjal, Tushar, and Kukrail in M. piperita L., Mukta, and Pratik in M. cardiaca Baker, Neera in M. spicata L., Kiran in M. citrata Ehrh., and Rose mint in M. arvensis L. that have revolutionized and uplifted mint cultivation leading to economic gain by the farmers and entrepreneurs.

Low-dose atropine 0.01% for the treatment of childhood myopia: a pan-India multicentric retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of low-dose atropine 0.01% in controlling myopia progression among Indian children over a 2-year period. METHODS: This retrospective study, conducted across 20 centres in India, monitored the progression of myopia over 2 years after initiating treatment with 0.01% atropine eye drops. This included children between 6 and 14 years with baseline myopia ranging from -0.5 D to -6 D, astigmatism≤-1.5 D, anisometropia ≤ -1 D and documented myopia progression of ≥0.5 D in the year prior to starting atropine. Subjects with any other ocular pathologies were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 732 children were included in the data analysis. The mean age of the subjects was 9.3±2.7 years. The mean myopia progression at baseline (1 year before starting atropine) was -0.75±0.31 D. The rate of myopia progression was higher in younger subjects and those with higher baseline myopic error. After initiating atropine, myopia progression significantly decreased to -0.27±0.14 D at the end of the first year and -0.24±0.15 D at the end of the second year (p<0.001). Younger children (p<0.001) and higher baseline myopia (p<0.001) was associated with greater myopia progression and poor treatment response (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Low-dose atropine (0.01%) effectively reduces myopia progression over 2 years in Indian children.

Duane syndrome: An overview on the current management.

Duane syndrome is one of the most common restrictive congenital strabismus characterized by variable horizontal duction deficits with globe retraction and shoots on attempted adduction and narrowing of the palpebral aperture. It is now listed as a congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder. The disease is usually unilateral with female preponderance. Basic etiopathogenesis involves dysinnervation of the lateral rectus (LR) due to aplastic/hypoplastic abducens nucleus with a secondary aberrant supply to the LR by the medial rectus (MR) subnucleus of the oculomotor nerve. Diagnosis of the disease is usually clinical. Due to the variable presentation of the disease, surgical management is a challenge and has to be individualized to achieve alignment in the primary gaze, reduction in globe retraction, upshoots and downshoots, and correction of any abnormal head posture. Differential recessions of the lateral and MR muscles are done to correct esotropia or exotropia in the primary gaze. For globe retraction and shoots, Y-split or periosteal fixation of the LR muscles is done depending on the severity.

Monitoring and Root Cause Analysis of Clinical Biochemistry Turnaround Time at a Tertiary Care Institute.

INTRODUCTION: Most laboratories around the world have focused on improving the analytical quality of laboratory tests. Laboratory turnaround time (TAT) is often left unnoticed and under-recognised in the healthcare setting. Both patients and clinicians are more interested in receiving rapid, reliable, and accurate results. This can be achieved by improving the TAT through the identification of the causes that lead to delayed TAT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study aims to identify the cause of delayed TATs within the outpatient department and implement corrective strategies to overcome them. A total of 214 samples were received. The study was conducted for a period of two years; of all the samples received, 154 were from the outpatient department, and 78 samples exceeded the expected TAT. The samples were analysed in the clinical biochemistry department of the hospital. The time spent at each station was determined using an internal computer system, which was also used to identify the samples that exceeded TATs. The primary outcome of the study was to identify the number of samples exceeding TAT and the causes of it. RESULTS: Upon implementation of corrective measures and root cause analysis, the TATs were reduced from 80-88% to 11-33%. After analysing the duration of time for the samples that exceeded TAT, 45.1% and 37.5% exceeded 30 minutes in Year 1 and Year 2, respectively. Only 3.2% and 6.2% exceeded five hours in Year 1 and Year 2, respectively. Furthermore, using root cause analysis, it was found that 12% of the delay was due to increased waiting time or sample collection, 14% included other causes such as outsourcing of samples, and 18% of the delay was due to pre-analytic processing time. CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that TAT is an important quality assessment tool within the laboratory setting, and with proper identification of causes, it can be improved. Although monitoring TAT is a tedious process that mandates tremendous efforts, with the presence of real-time monitoring, improving TAT is an achievable goal. This, in turn, can improve patient treatment outcomes and clinician satisfaction.

Influence of differential arsenic exposure on cellular redox homeostasis of exposed rural women of West Bengal.

The metalloid arsenic (As) induces oxidative stress is a well-known fact. However, the extent of variation of oxidative stress according to different exposure levels of As in groundwater and the mechanism responsible for As mediated oxidative stress is yet to be elucidated in a human population of West Bengal. In the present study, we have investigated the impact of low level (> 10 ≤ 50 µg/L) and high-level groundwater As (> 50 µg/L) on cellular redox status, DNA damage, and repair mechanisms in chronically exposed rural women of West Bengal. Prediction models of ordinary least square regression of nail As, forced vital capacity (FVC) %, and that of forced expiratory volume during the first one second (FEV1) % deciphered that accumulation of As in nails may predict hemoglobin deficiency. Moreover, consumption of As-laced water tends to decrease FEV1% and FVC%. A strong positive correlation was observed between water and nail As level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. ROS, perturbed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/ Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) redox regulation, compromised antioxidant defense machinery-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST), induced DNA damage, and suppressed DNA repair proteins-poly ADP ribose polymerase1(PARP1)/ X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1(XRCC1)/ 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1) in a dose-dependent manner. All the low and high As areas had very high cancer risk values for the exposed population. It has been predicted that if the As level in the drinking water of a 40-year adult increases by 2 ug/L, the likelihood of the cancer risk will increase by 10%, keeping the body weight and amount of water intake constant. Thus, long-term exposure to either low or high As is seriously affecting the lives of asymptomatic women who are vulnerable to developing carcinogenic changes after a period of latency.

Challenges in the Implementation of the NeoOBS Study, a Global Pragmatic Observational Cohort Study, to Investigate the Aetiology and Management of Neonatal Sepsis in the Hospital Setting.

Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. To deliver high-quality data studies and inform future trials, it is crucial to understand the challenges encountered when managing global multi-centre research studies and to identify solutions that can feasibly be implemented in these settings. This paper provides an overview of the complexities faced by diverse research teams in different countries and regions, together with actions implemented to achieve pragmatic study management of a large multi-centre observational study of neonatal sepsis. We discuss specific considerations for enrolling sites with different approval processes and varied research experience, structures, and training. Implementing a flexible recruitment strategy and providing ongoing training were necessary to overcome these challenges. We emphasize the attention that must be given to designing the database and monitoring plans. Extensive data collection tools, complex databases, tight timelines, and stringent monitoring arrangements can be problematic and might put the study at risk. Finally, we discuss the complexities added when collecting and shipping isolates and the importance of having a robust central management team and interdisciplinary collaborators able to adapt easily and make swift decisions to deliver the study on time and to target. With pragmatic approaches, appropriate training, and good communication, these challenges can be overcome to deliver high-quality data from a complex study in challenging settings through a collaborative research network.

Diagnostic utility of CK19 and galectin-3 in differentiating papillary thyroid carcinoma from nonneoplastic lesions of thyroid.

Background: Thyroid neoplasm is one of the most common endocrine neoplasms. The diagnosis and the distinction between malignant and benign neoplasms can be difficult, but it has clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic significance. Hence, it is necessary to make precise diagnosis by using biomarkers. Materials and Methods: This is a laboratory observational study considering histologically diagnosed cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and nonneoplastic thyroid lesions. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was done on tissue sections of all cases for CK19 and galectin-3 using appropriate positive and negative controls. The expression of immunomarkers was evaluated by a semi-quantitative method as negative, weak positive, moderate positive, and strong positive. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet and were analyzed using SPSS 22 version software. Results: A total of 52 cases were considered for the study, of which 26 cases each were PTC and nonneoplastic lesions of thyroid. Among the 26 PTC cases, 6 were classical variant of PTC (CVPTC) and 20 were follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). Among 26 nonneoplastic cases, 13 each were nodular hyperplasia cases and lymphocytic thyroiditis. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.01) association of CK19 and galectin-3 expression between CVPTC and FVPTC. There was no statistically significant association (P = 0.271) of CK19 expression between PTC and nonneoplastic cases. There was a statistically significant association (P = 0.003) of galectin-3 expression between PTC and nonneoplastic cases. Conclusion: Galectin-3 expression can be used to differentiate PTC from nonneoplastic lesions of thyroid in ambiguous cases. Galectin-3 and CK19 expression can be used to classify PTC into CVPTC and FVPTC.

Prevalence of myopia and its risk factors in rural school children in North India: the North India myopia rural study (NIM-R Study).

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence of myopia and its risk factors in rural school children. METHODS: Children in classes 4-7 of eight randomly selected schools (five government and three private) in rural Haryana, with unaided vision <6/9.5 were screened, their cycloplegic refraction is done, myopes were identified. A questionnaire-based assessment of risk factors was done for myopes and compared with 10% of randomly selected children with normal vision (controls). The prevalence of myopia and its association with risk factors were assessed. RESULTS: Children screened were 1486 (89.5% coverage). The mean age of children was 11.2 ± 1.5 years with 861 (57.9%) boys. Prevalence of myopia was 6.4% (95% Confidence intervals [CI]: 5.2%, 7.8%). Prevalence was higher among private schools (10.1%) compared to government schools (1.4%) (p < 0.001), and among girls 7.2% (45/625) compared to boys 5.8% (50/861) (p = 0.2786). The mean spherical equivalent refractive error was -1.61D ± 1.32D. The prevalence of high myopia was 1.1% (1/95). There was a 75% unmet need for spectacles. Studying in private school was positively associated with myopia as per our multivariate analysis (p = 0.016). An inverse association was found for time spent outdoors (p = 0.009). Watching television, indoor time, screen time, age, or gender were not found to be statistically significant as risk factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of myopia is increasing among children of rural areas, especially those in private schools with a strong inverse association with time spent outdoors. Regular screening, lifestyle modification and awareness about modifiable risk factors are essential.

Radio-frequency (RF) room temperature plasma treatment of sweet basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum L.) for germination potential enhancement by immaculation.

Ocimum basilicum L. is an antiviral and immunity boosting medicinal plant and culinary herb. Potential use of sweet basils in COVID 19 prevention and management is making its demand rise. This study is aimed at germination potential enhancement of sweet basil seeds. Reported study is evidenced with scientific data of radio-frequency cold plasma treatment using Ar + O2 feed gas. O. basilicum seeds, placed inside the rotating glass bottle, were directly exposed to RF (13.56 MHz) plasma produced in Ar + O2 feed gas. Seed treatment was done using RF source power (60 W, 150 W, 240 W), process pressure (0.2 mbar, 0.4 mbar, 0.6 mbar), and treatment time (5 min, 10 min, 15 min) at different combinations. Results show that, the most efficient treatment provide up to ∼89 % of the germination percentage which is an enhancement by 32.3 % from the control. SEM images revealed slight shrinkage in the seed size with eroded appearance over the seed. Enhancement of lipid peroxidation, show that oxidation of seed coat may propagate internally. Water imbibition analysis, of the treated seeds, was carried out for 2-12 hours. Further analysis of seed weight, on every one hour, after soaking shows enhanced water absorption capability except the treatment at 240 W, 0.6 mbar and 15 min. Plasma treatment enhanced carbohydrate content and protein content which is reported to be due to increased primary metabolism. Whereas, increased activity of secondary metabolism results in the enhancement of enzymatic (catalase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (proline). Vital growth parameters, such as SVI I and SVI II, got amplified by 37 % and 133 % respectively after treatment. Ameliorative effects of plasma treatment are found highly significant with a positive and significant correlation value (p < 0.01) between germination percentages, SVI I, SVI II, carbohydrate, protein and proline show their interrelationship. Ar + O2 plasma treatment is found to bring forth significant changes in the O. basilicum seeds which eventually enhanced the germination potential and it could be a very promising technology for the medicinal crop.

Salivary biomarkers associated with the progression of disease in people living with HIV: A scoping review protocol.

Background: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of normal biological processes, which provide an objective assessment of the physiologic state of living systems. Saliva contains several biomarkers that serve as a diagnostic tool in health and disease. Evaluation of a multitude of salivary components could potentially predict the clinical outcome. This is especially critical in a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Scrupulous evaluation of relevant biomarkers could facilitate the early detection of HIV, determine the stage of infection and monitor the disease progression. Currently, there is a paucity of validated biomarkers in saliva predicting the disease progression in people living with HIV. In this scoping review, we aim to provide an overview of the available evidence on salivary markers associated with the progression of disease in people living with HIV. Methods: The authors shall develop a tailored search strategy for each database using relevant keywords. We will search for eligible studies indexed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and gray literature. We will restrict the search to studies published in the English language. Following deduplication, all search results will be exported to the EPPI reviewer web, where two independent reviewers using a data extraction tool developed and pretested by the review authors will screen eligible studies. The result of this review will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and reporting guidelines. Discussion: The proposed scoping review protocol will enable the identification and assessment of salivary biomarkers, which can predict disease progression in patients with HIV infection. The synthesis of evidence from this review will assist in improving our current understanding of biomarkers used to evaluate the progression of HIV infection.

Bioinspired triangular ZnO nanoclusters synthesized by Argyreia nervosa nascent leaf extract for the efficient electrochemical determination of vitamin C.

This work deals with the synthesis of bioinspired triangular ZnO nanoclusters (bT-ZnO NCs) from Argyreia nervosa nascent leaf extract for their effective antibacterial activity and further utilization as a platform for the electrocatalytic determination of ascorbic acid (AA; vitamin C) for applications in the agricultural domain. The structural, optical, and morphological characteristics of the synthesized bT-ZnO NCs were analyzed by UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, AFM, SEM, TEM, HR-TEM, and EDX techniques. After this, bT-ZnO NCs were electrophoretically deposited onto an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass substrate and assessed for the electro-oxidation of AA by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and from this it was proven that bT-ZnO NCs had a very high electrochemical sensitivity of 29.88 µA cm-2 toward AA and a low limit of detection of 0.5321 mM under the optimized experimental conditions. Thus, it provides a potential sensing platform for electrochemical studies to detect AA. Moreover, bT-ZnO NCs were preliminarily investigated for their antibacterial activity, and the obtained results showed that the bT-ZnO NCs have potency as an antibacterial agent.