Effective removal of Pb(II) and Ni(II) ions by Bacillus cereus and Bacillus pumilus: An experimental and mechanistic approach.

Herein, we report a bacteria-based strategy as an efficient, reasonable, benign, and promising methodology for remediating heavy metals fed waterbodies. The contemporary study deals with isolating, screening, and characterizing heavy metal resistive bacteria from metal-rich sites. The transcriptome analysis reveals the identity of the isolated species as Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus cereus. Batch studies put forth the bioremoval results in designed conditions of different pH, concentration, dose, and time. The mechanistic actions are drawn using complementary techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The theory of surface adsorption of lead (Pb(II)) and nickel (Ni(II)) is further fostered by the application of adsorption isotherms. The conducted studies establish the bacterial morphological stratagems and multifarious biochemical approaches for countering metallic ions of Pb(II) and Ni(II). The exhibition of significant removal results by the isolated bacterial strains in simulated water samples with remarkable proliferation rates has opened up its favorability for industrial platforms.

Treatment of Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis with Bolus Dose Tenecteplase: An Experience from a Developing Country.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) in metallic prosthetic cardiac valves is not an uncommon condition, and has high mortality and morbidity. Although surgery is the traditional choice for PVT therapy, thrombolysis with newer agents has achieved good success rates. Many studies described in the western literature have used tissue plasminogen activators, while studies from developing countries have been largely based on the use of streptokinase and urokinase. Data regarding the use of newer agents such as tenecteplase are scant. Hence, the study aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase in left-sided PVT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2016, a total of 18 patients with PVT was treated with a 40 mg bolus dose of tenecteplase. Significantly, one patient was a pregnant lady in whom a lower dose (25 mg) was successfully and safely used. Thrombolysis was followed by enoxaparin and oral anticoagulation in patients, all of whom had complete lysis of thrombus and clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Tenecteplase is an effective and excellent therapeutic agent for PVT, with a good safety margin. Its safe use in pregnancy points to a possible optional therapy, but this requires confirmation.

Responses of fresh-cut products of four mango cultivars under two different storage conditions.

Due to availability of minimally processed products, the consumption of fresh produce has increased over recent years. The present study has been undertaken with the objective of screening of four mango cultivars ('Kesar', 'Rajapuri', 'Totapuri' and 'Ladvo') for evaluating the consequences of minimal processing on their quality attributes under storage at two different temperatures (5 ± 1 °C, 95% RH and 10 ± 1 °C, 87% RH) up to 12 days. The result of the study revealed significant impacts of low temperature storage on the quality parameters of fresh-cut mango cultivars. The evaluated bioactive compounds such as total phenolics, vitamin C and carotenoids were better retained in the samples stored at 5 °C as compared with that of 10 °C. Moreover, the storage of fresh-cut mango cultivars at 5 °C showed lower water loss and microbial contamination. Sensory analyses revealed that the storage of fresh-cut mango cultivars at 10 °C influenced overall acceptability due to changes in their visual perception, though taste, odor and firmness were less affected. This study revealed a significant variation in the storability of fresh-cut mango cultivars with respect to the storage temperature. Among currently studied four cultivars of mango, slices of 'Totapuri' showed comparatively the least change in color, firmness and sensory properties during storage at 5 and 10 °C and it can be a potential cultivar for fresh-cut processing.

Comparing NGS-Based identification of bloodstream infections to traditional culture methods for enhanced ICU care: a comprehensive study.

Background: Accurate identification of infectious diseases using molecular techniques, such as PCR and NGS, is well-established. This study aims to assess the utility of Bactfast and Fungifast in diagnosing bloodstream infections in ICU settings, comparing them against traditional culture methods. The objectives include evaluating sensitivity and specificity and identifying a wide range of pathogens, including non-culturable species. Methods: We collected 500 non-duplicate blood samples from ICU patients between January 2023 and December 2023. Specimens underwent traditional culture, MALDI-TOF, VITEK®2 compact system, and NGS-based Bactfast and Fungifast analyses. Results: Out of the 500 samples, 26.8% (n=134) showed bacterial growth via traditional culture methods, while 4.8% (n=24) were positive for fungal growth. MALDI-TOF and VITEK®2 compact system yielded comparable results, identifying 26.4% (n=132) of specimens with bacterial growth. NGS-based Bactfast detected bacterial presence in 38.2% (n=191) of samples, including non-culturable bacteria missed by traditional methods. However, NGS-based Fungifast showed concordant fungal detection rates with culture methods. Among identified pathogens by culture method included Klebsiella pneumoniae 20.89% (n=28), Enterococcus faecalis 18.65% (n=25), Escherichia coli 15.67% (n=21), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12.68% (n=17), Acinetobacter baumannii 10.44% (n=14), various Streptococcus species 7.46% (n=10), Mycobacterium tuberculosis 6.71% (n=9), Mycobacterium abscessus 4.47% (n=6), and Salmonella spp 2.98% (n=4). Non-culture-based NGS identified additional (n=33) pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae 27.27% (n=9), Bacteroides fragilis 21.21% (n=7), Aerococcus viridans 15.15% (n=5), Elizabethkingia anopheles 12.12% (n=4), Aeromonas salmonicida 9% (n=3), Clostridium 9% (n=3), and Bacteroides vulgatus 6% (n=2). Candida albicans was reported in 5% (n=24) of samples by both methods. Conclusion: NGS-based Bactfast and Fungifast demonstrate high sensitivity in identifying a wide array of bacterial and fungal pathogens in ICU patients, outperforming traditional culture methods in detecting non-culturable organisms. These molecular assays offer rapid and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, potentially improving clinical outcomes through timely and accurate pathogen identification.

A novel approach for the facile synthesis of zinc oxide/carbon hybrid systems from corn distillers soluble: Surface modification and characterization for sustainable remediation.

Sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly ways to tailor the carbonaceous materials from bio sources with desired functionalities remain a challenge around the world. In this study, we represent a novel approach to synthesize carbon hybrid material based on Zinc Oxide/carbon (ZnO/C) hybrid systems by catalytic hydrothermal process via crosslinking reaction through nucleation and growth of ZnO particles at the functional groups of oxidized carbon material. This research explored the volarization of Condensed Corn Distillers Soluble (CDS) as a carbon precursor to synthesize biobased carbon spheres. Surface modification of the produced carbon spheres took place using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) was used to function as a catalyst during HTC and functioned as a ZnO source to synthesize (ZnO/C) hybrid systems. Design Expert software v13 was used to design the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) experiments and response surface methodology was used to find the optimized conditions for the preparation of carbon hybrid systems. The hydrothermal synthesis process introduced 3D stone like zinc oxide particles onto the carbon matrix. These particles were self-assembled onto the carbon framework to produce carbon hybrid systems with unique physical, chemical, structural and functional properties. Herein, the obtained carbon hybrid systems (ZnO/C) were investigated and discussed in detail. ZnO/C hybrid systems were analyzed for surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that presented a 3D spherical interconnected phase and XRD analyses were used for phase crystallinity that showed new crystalline phases such as hopeite and zincite after the ZnCl2 incorporation. Surface functional groups were also analyzed by FTIR and results confirmed the presence of hydrophilic groups such as -OH, CC, and COOH on the surface of ZnO/C hybrid carbon systems. This study provided the insightful guidance for tailoring novel design of multifunctional carbon material as an adsorbent/catalyst for various applications of sustainable remediation.

Mechanisms of microbial resistance against cadmium - a review.

The escalating cadmium influx from industrial activities and anthropogenic sources has raised serious environmental concerns due to its toxic effects on ecosystems and human health. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying microbial resistance to cadmium, shedding light on the multifaceted interplay between microorganisms and this hazardous heavy metal. Cadmium overexposure elicits severe health repercussions, including renal carcinoma, mucous membrane degradation, bone density loss, and kidney stone formation in humans. Moreover, its deleterious impact extends to animal and plant metabolism. While physico-chemical methods like reverse osmosis and ion exchange are employed to mitigate cadmium contamination, their costliness and incomplete efficacy necessitate alternative strategies. Microbes, particularly bacteria and fungi, exhibit remarkable resilience to elevated cadmium concentrations through intricate resistance mechanisms. This paper elucidates the ingenious strategies employed by these microorganisms to combat cadmium stress, encompassing metal ion sequestration, efflux pumps, and enzymatic detoxification pathways. Bioremediation emerges as a promising avenue for tackling cadmium pollution, leveraging microorganisms' ability to transform toxic cadmium forms into less hazardous derivatives. Unlike conventional methods, bioremediation offers a cost-effective, environmentally benign, and efficient approach. This review amalgamates the current understanding of microbial cadmium resistance mechanisms, highlighting their potential for sustainable remediation strategies. By unraveling the intricate interactions between microorganisms and cadmium, this study contributes to advancing our knowledge of bioremediation approaches, thereby paving the way for safer and more effective cadmium mitigation practices.

Microbial strategies for copper pollution remediation: Mechanistic insights and recent advances.

Environmental contamination is aninsistent concern affecting human health and the ecosystem. Wastewater, containing heavy metals from industrial activities, significantly contributes to escalating water pollution. These metals can bioaccumulate in food chains, posing health risks even at low concentrations. Copper (Cu), an essential micronutrient, becomes toxic at high levels. Activities like mining and fungicide use have led to Copper contamination in soil, water, and sediment beyond safe levels. Copper widely used in industries, demands restraint of heavy metal ion release into wastewater for ecosystem ultrafiltration, membrane filtration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis, combat heavy metal pollution, with emphasis on copper.Physical and chemical approaches are efficient, large-scale feasibility may have drawbackssuch as they are costly, result in the production of sludge. In contrast, bioremediation, microbial intervention offers eco-friendly solutions for copper-contaminated soil. Bacteria and fungi facilitate these bioremediation avenues as cost-effective alternatives. This review article emphasizes on physical, chemical, and biological methods for removal of copper from the wastewater as well asdetailing microorganism's mechanisms to mobilize or immobilize copper in wastewater and soil.

Caregiving and coping in carers of people with anorexia nervosa admitted for intensive hospital care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine how carers cope practically and emotionally with caring for individuals with anorexia nervosa who require intensive hospital care. METHOD: This study explores objective burden (time spent with caregiving and number of tasks), subjective burden (psychological distress), and social support in a sample of parents (n = 224) and partners (n = 28) from a consecutive series of patients (n = 178) admitted to inpatient units within the United Kingdom. RESULTS: Most time was spent providing emotional support and less with practical tasks. Time spent with caregiving was associated with carer distress and was fully mediated by carer burden. This was ameliorated by social support. Partners received minimal support from others, and we found similar levels of burden and distress for mothers and partners. DISCUSSION: The data indicate that professional and social support alleviates carer distress and may be of particular value for partners who are more isolated than parents. The data also suggest that time spent with practical support may be of more value than emotional support.

A multi-centre cohort study of short term outcomes of hospital treatment for anorexia nervosa in the UK.

BACKGROUND: Individual, family and service level characteristics and outcomes are described for adult and adolescent patients receiving specialist inpatient or day patient treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN). Potential predictors of treatment outcome are explored. METHOD: Admission and discharge data were collected from patients admitted at 14 UK hospital treatment units for AN over a period of three years (adult units N = 12; adolescent N = 2) (patients N = 177). RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-seven patients with a severe and enduring illness with wide functional impairment took part in the study. Following inpatient care, physical improvement was moderate/good with a large increase in BMI, although most patients continued to have a clinical level of eating disorder symptoms at discharge. The potentially modifiable predictors of outcome included confidence to change, social functioning and carer expressed emotion and control. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the response to inpatient treatment was modest particularly in the group with a severe enduring form of illness. Adolescents had a better response. Although inpatient treatment produces an improvement in physical health there was less improvement in other eating disorder and mood symptoms. As predicted by the carer interpersonal maintenance model, carer behaviour may influence the response to inpatient care, as may improved social functioning and confidence to change.

Corn distillers solubles by two-step proteolytic hydrolysis as a new source of plant-based protein hydrolysates with ACE and DPP4 inhibition activities.

Proteins of low-value and underexplored corn distillers solubles (CDS) have not been considerably valorized. Hence, the influence of one-step enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins with alcalase (A), trypsin (T) or flavourzyme (F) and two steps with AT, TA, AF, FA, TF, or FT was assessed to release peptides with angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi) and dipeptidyl peptidase4 inhibition (DPP4i). The AF hydrolysate was the best sample in terms of yield, protein content, degree of hydrolysis, ACEi (97.68 ± 1.09 %), and DPP4i (51.51 ± 0.28 %). Mass spectrometry of the most active AF hydrolysate (<3 kDa) identified new major peptides like APLA, PLFP, LFLP, LPPYL, PLYPLP, NDWHTGPL, LPPYLPS, GSPFLGQ, SWQQPIVGG. Bioinformatic analysis showed these can inhibit both ACE and DPP4. This is because peptides contain functional groups and adopt conformations significantly binding with other functional groups at enzyme active sites (p < 0.05). This establishes dual bioactivity of peptides, which may have applications in food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries.

Recent advances and mechanisms of microbial bioremediation of nickel from wastewater.

The global concern over emerging pollutants, characterized by their low concentrations and high toxicity, necessitates effective remediation strategies. Among these pollutants, pharmaceutical and personal care products, pesticides, surfactants, and persistent organic pollutants have gained significant attention. These contaminants are extensively distributed within aquatic ecosystems, posing threats to both human and aquatic physiological systems. Nickel, a valuable metal renowned for its corrosion-resistant properties, is widely utilized in various industrial processes, leading to the generation of nickel-containing waste streams, including batteries, catalysts, wastewater, and electrolyte bleed-off. Contamination of soil, water, or air by these waste materials can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. This review article focuses on the recent advancements in environmental and economic implications associated with the removal of nickel from diverse waste sources. Physicochemical technologies employed for treating different nickel-containing effluents and wastewater are discussed, alongside bioremediation techniques and the underlying mechanisms by which microorganisms facilitate nickel removal. The recovery of nickel from waste materials holds paramount importance not only from an economic standpoint but also to mitigate environmental impacts.

(19)F-heptuloses as tools for the non-invasive imaging of GLUT2-expressing cells.

Suitable analogs of d-mannoheptulose are currently considered as possible tools for the non-invasive imaging of pancreatic islet insulin-producing cells. Here, we examined whether (19)F-heptuloses could be used for non-invasive imaging of GLUT2-expressing cells. After 20 min incubation, the uptake of (19)F-heptuloses (25 mM) by rat hepatocytes, as assessed by (19)F NMR spectroscopy, ranged from 0.50 (1-deoxy-1-fluoro-d-mannoheptulose and 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-d-mannoheptulose) to 0.25 (1,3-dideoxy-1,3-difluoro-d-mannoheptulose) and 0.13 (1-deoxy-1-fluoro-d-glucoheptulose, 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-d-glucoheptulose and 1,3-dideoxy-1,3-difluoro-d-glucoheptulose) µmol per 3×10(6)cells. (19)F MRI experiments also allowed the detection of 1-deoxy-1-fluoro-d-mannoheptulose in rat hepatocytes. All three (19)F-mannoheptuloses cited above, as well as 7-deoxy-7-fluoro-d-mannoheptulose and 1-deoxy-1-fluoro-d-glucoheptulose inhibited insulin release evoked in rat isolated pancreatic islets by 10mM d-glucose to the same extent as that observed with an equivalent concentration (10mM) of d-mannoheptulose, while 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-d-glucoheptulose and 1,3-dideoxy-1,3-difluoro-d-glucoheptulose (also 10mM) were less potent than d-mannoheptulose in inhibiting insulin release. The 1-deoxy-1-fluoro-d-mannoheptulose and 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-d-mannoheptulose only marginally affected INS-1 cell viability. These findings are compatible with the view that selected (19)F-heptuloses may represent suitable tools for the non-invasive imaging of hepatocytes and insulin-producing cells by (19)F MRI.

Exploration of corn distillers solubles from selective milling technology as a novel source of plant-based ACE inhibitory protein hydrolysates.

Plant-based protein concentrate (PC) was extracted from under-utilized corn distillers solubles comprising a distinctive heat-treated blend of corn and yeast proteins. Enzymolysis of PC with alcalase generated protein hydrolysate (PH) containing angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides. A novel kinetic model is developed to elucidate enzymolysis kinetics of PC. The PH of greatest DH (∼25%) revealed maximum ACE inhibition (%). Fractionated PH (<3 kDa) had non-toxic and non-allergenic unique peptides encrypted with anti-ACE fragments. Promising bioactive peptides (PeptideRanker > 0.85) docked with ACE had free energies between -8.40 and -10.60 kcal.mol-1 greater than captopril (-6.34 kcal.mol-1). The yeast-derived RLLPF peptide interacted with all active pockets of ACE (S1, S2, S') via hydrogen-, polar- and hydrophobic-bonds. Docking results suggested that ARG522, VAL518, TRP357, TYR523, GLU384, ALA356, ARG124, HIS387, HIS410, ASN66, and ALA354 of ACE aided in stabilizing complexes with peptides. Thus, PH could be used as antihypertensive ingredient for feed, food, or pharmaceutical industries.

Corn distillers solubles as a novel bioresource of bioactive peptides with ACE and DPP IV inhibition activity: characterization, in silico evaluation, and molecular docking.

This study aimed to investigate the biological potential of underutilized and low-value corn distillers solubles, containing a unique unexplored blend of heat-treated corn and yeast proteins, from the bioethanol industries, by bioinformatic and biochemical approaches. Protein hydrolysates were produced by applying four commercially accessible proteases, among which alcalase provided the best results in terms of yield, degree of hydrolysis, molecular weight, number of proteins, bioactive peptides, and deactivation against anti-angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and anti-dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV). The optimal conditions to produce anti-ACE and anti-DPP IV peptides were using alcalase for 10.82 h and an enzyme : substrate ratio of 7.90 (%w/w), with inhibition values for ACE and DPP IV of 98.76 ± 1.28% and 34.99 ± 1.44%, respectively. Corn (α-zein) and yeast (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) proteins were mainly suitable, upon enzymolysis, for the release of bioactive peptides. The peptides DPANLPWG, FDFFDNIN, WNGPPGVF, and TPPFHLPPP inhibited ACE more effectively as verified with binding energies of -11.3, -11.6, -10.5, and -11.6 kcal mol-1, respectively, as compared to captopril (-6.38 kcal mol-1). Compared with the binding energy of sitagliptin (-8.6 kcal mol-1), WNGPPGVF (-9.6 kcal mol-1), WPLPPFG (-9.8 kcal mol-1), LPPYLPS (-9.7 kcal mol-1), TPPFHLPPP (-10.1 kcal mol-1), and DPANLPWG peptides (-10.1 kcal mol-1) had greater inhibition potential against DPP IV. The peptides impeded ACE and DPP IV majorly via hydrophobic and hydrogen linkage interactions. The key amino acids TYR523, GLU384, and HIS353 were bound to the catalytic sites of ACE and GLN553, GLU206, PHE364, VAL303, and THR304 were bound to the DPP IV enzyme. The PHs can be used as ingredients in the feed or food industries with possible health advantages.

Enhanced hydrophobic paper-sheet derived from Miscanthus × giganteus cellulose fibers coated with esterified lignin and cellulose acetate blend.

Biobased packaging materials derived from carbon-neutral feedstocks are sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based polymers. In this study, a method was developed to prepare paper-sheets derived from Miscanthus × giganteus cellulose fibers for potential food contact applications. The papers were hydrophobized with modified lignin from Miscanthus × giganteus biomass and commercial Kraft alkali lignin through hydroxyethylation with ethylene carbonate, followed by esterification with propionic acid. The esterified lignin (10 % w/w) and cellulose acetate (5 % w/w, based on lignin content) were dissolved in acetone and applied as a coating on the miscanthus paper sheets. The esterified lignins were characterized using FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, and elemental analyses. The uncoated and coated paper-sheets had contact angle values 52.4° and >130°, respectively, indicating an increased surface hydrophobicity of the coated paper samples. The water vapor transmission rate decreased significantly from 213.7 (uncoated paper-sheet) to 63.3 g/m2.d (coated paper-sheet). The tensile strength of the coated paper (64.6 MPa) was higher than the uncoated counterpart (57.1 MPa). Results from this study suggest that the esterified lignin coated miscanthus paper is a promising hydrophobic food packaging material alternative to conventional fossil-based thermoplastics.

Use of conventional DJ stent and single loop stent with string after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy: Can we use? Can it be effective?

CONTEXT: Use of conventional double j stent with string and single loop stent with string after ureterorenoscopy. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the use of both types of stents using the Ureteral Symptom Score Questionnaire (USSQ) and assess proximal migration. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a single institute study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 96 female patients with unilateral ureteric stones were enrolled. Patients underwent ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy, conventional double J (DJ) stent with string and single loop stent with string was placed. Before stent removal at 7-10 days, they were evaluated with X-ray kidney ureter bladder for proximal migration and USSQ for stent-related complaints. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Student's t-test. RESULTS: In our study, Group A (DJ loop with string) had 51 patients and Group B (single J loop with string) had 47 patients. The mean stone size in group A was 10.06 mm and Group B was 9.7 mm. Both groups had one case each of early stent expulsion and none had proximal migration of the stent. Group A had two cases of urinary tract infection and Group B had one case which resolved on antibiotics. Evaluating the USSQ questionnaire in both groups, urinary symptoms such as urgency (P = 0.03), dysuria (P = 0.02), interference with life (P = 0.01), and quality impact overall (P = 0.016) were statistically significant. Evaluating pain, sleep disturbance (P = 0.04), pain at voiding (P = 0.03), and flank pain during voiding (P = 0.018) was statistically significant. In general health, difficulty with heavyweight physical activity (P = 0.02), feeling calm (P = 0.16), social life enjoyment (P = 0.26), and need for extra help (P = 0.008) was significant. In sexual matters, 13 (28%) patients in Group B had no active sex (conscious) and 6 (12%) patients had stopped intercourse due to stent-related symptoms, whereas in Group A, it was 10 (20%) and 2 (4%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a single J stent with string is an effective method, has lesser complication, and is easier to remove.

Strategy to track double-J stents placed during COVID-19 using smartphone-based stent tracker application to prevent forgotten double-J stent in a high-volume centre: a smart solution.

BACKGROUND: Forgotten or retained (double-J) DJ stents may lead to several complications. Management of retained DJ stents poses a challenge for urologists not just surgically but also medicolegally and adds to the economic burden of the patient. Difficulty in follow-up for patients due to the contagious nature of COVID-19 and several restrictions posed in the form of lockdown. Smartphones today have become an integral part of our daily lives providing a convenient and reliable platform for data storage and access. METHODS: All patients requiring placement of DJ stents and agreeing to enrol in the study were registered on the application over the physicians smartphone. SMSs regarding dates for removal of stent and follow-up with the literature regarding stent care were sent to the patients in their regional language. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were stented during this period of 3 months. Mean age was 42.61 years with three patients of paediatric age group. Mean duration of stent was 6 weeks. All patients received periodic messages (average 3) regarding follow-up and date for stent removal. 3%(n = 3) patients were delayed for follow-up; 2% (n = 2) patients lost to follow-up, compared to a 9% to 10% loss to follow-up in patients followed up only on paper discharges in our department previously. CONCLUSION: It significantly reduced the number of physical visits of the patient to the hospital and provided a more streamlined tracking of the indwelling stents for the user; patient compliance was found to be almost 98%; being cloud based (android/iOS), it was easily accessible to the user; and with the option of sharing the account details, the patient record could be accessed by several residents from their individual devices, which significantly reduced loss to follow-up rates from 9 to 2%.

Sustainable removal of Ni(II) from waste water by freshly isolated fungal strains.

The release of untreated wastewater containing biotoxic substances in the form of heavy metals is one of the most crucial environmental and health challenges faced by our community. The recent advances in microbes derived removal has propelled bioremediation as a better and effective alternative to conventional techniques. Present study investigates the detoxification mechanisms evolved by the nickel (Ni(II)) resistant fungal strains, isolated from the industrial drain sites. The molecular detailing of the isolated fungal isolates confirms their identity as Neurospora crassa and Aspergillus flavus. Laboratory-scale experiments have established influence of different ranges of dose, pH, time, and metal concentration on the removal and uptake trends. Further, the variations in the carbon and nitrogen sources and agitation conditions has revealed the best substratum for achieving optimum results for the industrial exploitation of these microbes. SEM micrographs and FTIR spectra elucidates the superficial alterations on the mycelium of the fungal isolates and the involvement of active functional groups in the bioremediation of Ni(II) respectively. Biosorption of Ni(II) on living biomass has followed the Langmuir adsorption model. The findings of the study have provided a promising insight in the simultaneous action of different mechanistic removal approaches to explore a large scale removal of Ni(II) from the waste generating industries.

Management of urolithiasis in patients with chronic kidney disease.

CONTEXT: Management of urolithiasis in patients with chronic kidney disease. AIMS: To ascertain the best method surgical or noninvasive. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a single-institute study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients of CKD with urolithiasis were enrolled in this comparative study. Clinical evaluation, biochemical evaluation, and radiological imaging were done. The management strategies were individualized to patient need. Following procedure, imaging and biochemical assessment were done to assess the stone clearance and improvement in the renal parameters. Intraoperative and postoperative complications are also noted. The patients were followed up to 6 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55.22 ± 10.76 years (range 28-76). Majority were male (76%) and had unilateral involvement. The mean preoperative hemoglobin (Hb), urea, creatinine, and total leukocyte count (TLC) were 9.49 ± 0.84 g%, 71.13 ± 24.09 mg/dl, 4.71 ± 2.45 mg/dl, and 8.67 ± 1.81 thousands/cumm, respectively. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) were the most common procedures performed in 23 (46%) and 12 (24%) patients, respectively. In 5 (10%) patients, PCNL with URSL was used. The clearance rate for different techniques ranged from 40% (PCNL with URSL) to 91.7% (URSL alone). The overall clearance rate was 78.3%. Fever (40%) and deranged renal function test requiring hemodialysis (16%) were the most common postoperative complications. Postoperatively, a significant decline in the mean Hb, serum (S.) urea, and S. creatinine was observed. The mean TLC levels showed a significant increase. During follow-up, S. creatinine levels showed consistent decline. Auxiliary procedures were needed in six (12%) cases. There were two (4%) mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: The management of urolithiasis among CKD patients requires individualized approaches. The selection of appropriate strategy results in good outcome and minimum complications.

Development and Validation of a Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detection Method for Simultaneous Identification and Quantification of Coumarin, Precocene-I, ß-Caryophyllene Oxide, α-Humulene, and ß-Caryophyllene in Ageratum Conyzoides Extracts and Essential Oils from Plants.

BACKGROUND: Ageratum conyzoides is an aromatic plant. It is considered as an invasive and cosmopolite weed, widely spread in tropical and subtropical regions. Phytochemicals such as benzopyrenes, flavonoids, and terpenoids are reported from A. conyzoides. OBJECTIVE: Development and validation of a reversed-phase HPLC-photodiode array (PDA) detection method for simultaneous identification and quantification of coumarin, precocene-I, ß-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and ß-caryophyllene in extracts of A. conyzoides and essential oils was carried out. METHODS: Separation of analytes was achieved on a RP-18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column using a solvent system comprising of a mixture of acetonitrile and water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid in gradient elution mode at ambient temperature with flow rate of 1 mL/min. RESULTS: The retention time of coumarin, precocene-I, ß-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and ß-caryophyllene was 4.38, 12.86, 20.10, 33.34, and 35.11 min, respectively. Limits of detection for coumarin, precocene-I, ß-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and ß-caryophyllene were 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 0.025, and 2.5 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, LOQ were 10, 10, 10, 0.10, and 10 µg/mL for coumarin, precocene-I, ß-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and ß- caryophyllene, respectively. Repeatabilities (RSD, %) values for intraday and interday precision for coumarin, precocene-I, ß-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and ß-caryophyllene was 0.765-2.086 and 0.886-2.128; 0.879-1.672 and 0.979-1.825; 0.696-2.418 and 0.768-2.592; 1.728-2.362 and 1.965-2.378; 1.615-2.897 and 1.658-2.906, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The separation of five analytes was achieved within 50 min. The developed and validated HPLC-PDA method was successfully applied for identification and quantification of above five analytes in A. conyzoides extracts and essential oils. The method could be used for meeting the characterization criteria of phytoformulations.