Breaking boundaries in microbiology: customizable nanoparticles transforming microbial detection.

The detection and identification of microorganisms are crucial in microbiology laboratories. Traditionally, detecting and identifying microbes require extended periods of incubation, significant manual effort, skilled personnel, and advanced laboratory facilities. Recent progress in nanotechnology has provided novel opportunities for detecting and identifying bacteria, viruses, and microbial metabolites using customized nanoparticles. These improvements are thought to have the ability to surpass the constraints of existing procedures and make a substantial contribution to the development of rapid microbiological diagnosis. This review article examines the customizability of nanoparticles for detecting bacteria, viruses, and microbial metabolites and discusses recent cutting-edge studies demonstrating the use of nanotechnology in biomedical research.

Teaching NeuroImage: Glutaredoxin-5-Associated Variant Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia.

A 5-year-old boy presented with subacute motor regression since age 2.5 years. Examination revealed spasticity of bilateral lower extremities, generalized dystonia, and pseudobulbar palsy. Investigations revealed raised plasma lactate (2.5 mmol/L, normal range 0.8-1.5 mmol/L) and no evidence of sideroblastic anemia. Neuroimaging showed cavitating leukoencephalopathy with involvement of long tracts (corticospinal, spinothalamic tracts) and dorsolateral columns of cervicothoracic cord (Figures 1 and 2). A next-generation sequencing test identified a novel homozygous missense variant (c.171C > A, p.Phe57Leu) in exon 1 of the Glutaredoxin-5 (GLRX5) gene.

Radiologists' Rating for Comparative Qualitative Assessment of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Using Novel Analysis Methods.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess qualitative interpretability and quantitative precision and reproducibility of intravoxel incoherent motion ( IVIM) parametric images evaluated using novel IVIM analysis methods for diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Intravoxel incoherent motion datasets of 55 patients (male/female = 41:14; age = 17.8 ± 5.5 years) with histopathology-proven osteosarcoma were analyzed. Intravoxel incoherent motion parameters-diffusion coefficient ( D ), perfusion fraction ( f ), and perfusion coefficient ( D* )-were estimated using 5 IVIM analysis methods-(i) biexponential (BE) model, (ii) BE-segmented fitting 2-parameter (BESeg-2), (iii) BE-segmented fitting 1-parameter (BESeg-1), (iv) BE model with total variation penalty function (BE + TV), and (v) BE model with Huber penalty function (BE + HPF). Qualitative scoring in a 5-point Likert scale (uninterpretable: 1; poor: 2; fair: 3; good: 4; excellent: 5) was performed by 2 radiologists for 4 criteria: (a) tumor shape and margin, (b) morphologic correlation, (c) noise suppression, and (d) overall interpretability. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using Spearman rank-order correlation ( rs ). Precision and reproducibility were evaluated using within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV) and between-subject coefficient of variation (bCV). RESULTS: BE + TV and BE + HPF produced significantly ( P < 10 -3 ) higher qualitative scores for D (fair-good [3.3-3.8]) than BE (poor [2.3]) and for D* (poor-fair [2.2-2.7]) and f (fair-good [3.2-3.8]) than BE, BESeg-2, and BESeg-1 ( D* : uninterpretable-poor [1.3-1.9] and f : poor-fair [1.5-3]). Interobserver agreement for qualitative scoring was rs = 0.48-0.59, P < 0.009. BE + TV and BE + HPF showed significantly ( P < 0.05) improved reproducibility in estimating D (wCV: 24%-31%, bCV: 21%-31% improvement) than the BE method and D* (wCV: 4%-19%, bCV: 5%-19% improvement) and f (wCV: 25%-49%, bCV: 25%-47% improvement) than BE, BESeg-2, and BESeg-1 methods. CONCLUSIONS: BE + TV and BE + HPF demonstrated qualitatively and quantitatively improved IVIM parameter estimation and may be considered for clinical use further.

Limb salvage of an infant with infantile fibrosarcoma using TRK inhibitor larotrectinib.

Infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is an extremely rare locally aggressive soft tissue tumour of childhood. Primary therapy involves complete surgical resection with or without chemotherapy. However complete surgical resection might not be feasible in all cases and so requires other modalities for further management. We report the case of a male infant from Bangladesh with a locally advanced IFS of the leg which was partially resected. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy which was complicated by the development of chemotherapy-related veno-occlusive disease and had to be discontinued. Thereafter he was referred to our dedicated sarcoma oncology clinic in India for further management. The parents of the child refused amputation of the limb. The tumour tested positive for NTRK3-ETV6 gene fusion and after discussion in multidisciplinary clinic, targeted therapy using oral NTRK inhibitor larotrectinib was started. The patient had complete response at the end of 8 months of treatment with larotrectinib. This is the first report from the Indian subcontinent and we encourage that these children should be referred to specialist clinics for appropriate multidisciplinary management for best outcomes.

Functional ß-mannooligosaccharides: Sources, enzymatic production and application as prebiotics.

One of the emerging non-digestible oligosaccharide prebiotics is ß-mannooligosaccharides (ß-MOS). ß-MOS are ß-mannan derived oligosaccharides, they are selectively fermented by gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms (probiotics), whereas the growth of enteric pathogens remains unaffected or gets inhibited in their presence, along with production of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. ß-MOS also exhibit several other bioactive properties and health-promoting effects. Production of ß-MOS using the enzymes such as ß-mannanases is the most effective and eco-friendly approach. For the application of ß-MOS on a large scale, their production needs to be standardized using low-cost substrates, efficient enzymes and optimization of the production conditions. Moreover, for their application, detailed in-vivo and clinical studies are required. For this, a thorough information of various studies in this regard is needed. The current review provides a comprehensive account of the enzymatic production of ß-MOS along with an evaluation of their prebiotic and other bioactive properties. Their characterization, structural-functional relationship and in-vivo studies have also been summarized. Research gaps and future prospects have also been discussed, which will help in conducting further research for the commercialization of ß-MOS as prebiotics, functional food ingredients and therapeutic agents.

Attitude towards patients with psychiatric illness among undergraduate medical students at Government Medical College: A cross-sectional study.

Background: People with mental illnesses commonly experience stigma, discrimination, and prejudice from the general public and medical professionals around the world. Numerous research has looked into the unfavourable perceptions that medical students have of those who suffer from mental illness. Objective: The objective was to study the attitude of undergraduate medical students towards patients with psychiatric illnesses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among undergraduate medical students who were exposed (n = 69) to 2-week psychiatry posting and attended lectures and those who were not exposed (n = 163) to psychiatry training using self-reported Attitude Scale for Mental Illness (ASMI) questionnaire via Google form distributed among medical students. Results: The findings indicate there is no change in attitude toward the patient with psychiatric illness after exposure to psychiatry training among medical students. However, urban residence and female gender were the factors found to be influencing students' attitudes towards patients with psychiatric illnesses. Conclusions: There was no change in attitude towards patients with psychiatric illness after psychiatry exposure. Students belonging to urban domicile and female students showed more sympathetic attitudes toward those with mental illnesses.

Windsock or Cobra Head Sign: A Distinctive Imaging Sign to Differentiate Type 1 Colonic Atresia From Hirschsprung's Disease.

Colonic atresia is a rare cause of congenital low-type intestinal obstruction in the neonatal age group and may present as a surgical emergency if not diagnosed early. Clinically, it can pose a diagnostic dilemma for Hirschsprung disease, which involves a different treatment strategy. Therefore, an early and accurate diagnosis is paramount from a management and prognosis perspective. The contrast enema plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of the disease. The "Windsock or Cobra head sign" on the contrast enema, typically seen only in type 1 colonic atresia, can help radiologists and surgeons identify this disease. We report a case of a two-day-old neonate, including a clinical feature of low-grade intestinal obstruction with distinctive imaging signs of type 1 colonic atresia, which can help make a definitive diagnosis.

Mesenteric lipoblastomatosis: an uncommon fat-containing childhood tumour diagnosed on imaging.

Lipoblastomatosis of mesentery is an extremely rare benign fat-containing mesenchymal tumour in infants and young children. On imaging, it appears as a solid infiltrating mass interspersed with macroscopic fat. We describe the distinctive imaging features of a large mesenteric Lipoblastomatosis, corroborated with intraoperative and histopathological features. We hope the case report and short review about this rare entity will increase the diagnostic confidence of reading radiologists while formulating differentials for lesions of similar appearance in the paediatric age group.

Posttraumatic Corpus Luteal Cyst Rupture: A Diagnostic Enigma for Massive Hemoperitoneum.

In the case of trauma, the presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity on the focused assessment with sonography for trauma scan usually indicates the possibility of hemoperitoneum caused by injury to the abdominal organs. However, on rare occasions, isolated injuries to gynecologic organs can also result in hemoperitoneum, especially among women of reproductive age. Thus, the rupture of a corpus luteal cyst may be one of the myriad causes of massive hemoperitoneum and carries a risk of misdiagnosis for patients with trauma. In this case report, we highlight the characteristic imaging findings of a case of apoplexy of the corpus luteum cyst that presented to the emergency department as a cause of massive hemoperitoneum after blunt abdominal trauma.

Click derived organosilane assembled with nano platform for the detection of Cu2+ ions: Biological evaluation and molecular docking approach.

Metal ions have active roles in biochemical, industrial, and environmental processes. The design and development of new rapid sensing materials with advanced reasonable, compelling, and convenient, techniques are urgent. Here in this work, we design and develop sensor with the facile amalgamation of the pyrene-based organosilane (5) through a click silylation approach silicon composite for selective detection of Cu2+ ions. Physicochemical and keen methods are employed to perceive the resultant hybrid nanoparticles (H-NPs), and these nanocomposites similarly displayed a strong affection for Cu2+ ions. In addition, the identification restrictions while utilizing 5 and H-NP's towards Cu2+ found in this study are far lower than the WHO rules for drinking water. Further, organosilane (5) shows good antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The antibacterial effects of triazole-based organosilane (5), are evaluated with a molecular docking study with Escherichia coli (IJZQ) was conducted. The selected ligand was revealed to have a reasonable docking score with a binding energy of -8.40 kcal mol-1.

Development of piperazine conjoined 1,2,3-triazolyl-γ-propyltriethoxysilanes: Fluorometric detection of Cr3+ ions and computational study.

Chromium is essential for some biochemical processes, and excess is a big concern that shows adverse effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, it is urgent to design new sensors to detect chromium ions rapidly. The present study discusses the synthesis of piperazine conjoined 1,2,3-triazolyl-γ-propyltriethoxysilanes (4a-4b) and development of 4a as fluorescence turn-on sensor for the detection of Cr3+ ions. The mechanistic insights reveal to the restricted CN rotation and inhibited intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process. In addition, Job's plot and Benesi-Hildebrand plot justify the 1:1 binding affinity with a binding constant of 9.96 × 105 M-1 for [ligand 4a + Cr3+] complex and the limit of detection for Cr3+ ions is observed as 6.06 × 10-8 M. The fluorescence spectral changes, 1H NMR spectra and DFT studies provide evidences for ligand 4a and Cr3+ ions interactions. Further, the reversibility of the ligand 4a from [ligand 4a + Cr3+] complex on the addition of EDTA can be used in the construction of molecular logic gate where Cr3+ and EDTA are considered as inputs and the fluorescence intensity at 398 nm as output. Further, compounds 4a-4b were then evaluated for their antibacterial activity against bacterial strains (Escherichia coliand Staphylococcus aureus), revealing a modest activity. The binding mode of ligand 4a to Staphylococcus aureus (PDB ID - 3U2K) and Escherichia coli (PDB ID - 5Z4O) was investigated using an in-silico molecular docking technique, which revealed that the triazole ring and silanyl group are involved in hydrogen bonding with proteins and may be the cause of the ligand's antibacterial activity. The ligand 4a demonstrated a high affinity for binding within the active sites of proteins with binding energies of -7.97 kcal/mol (3U2K) and -8.68 kcal/mol (5Z4O).

Triplication of Ureter: A Rare Case.

Anatomical fusion abnormalities of the urinary system and ureters are not uncommon. However, triplication of the ureter is very rare. A boy with this abnormality is being presented in view of its rarity. The importance of a thorough preoperative evaluation is being projected that may help us to choose the best management avenue.

Role of Imaging in Childhood Arthritis.

ABSTRACT: Imaging plays a pivotal role in the management of various childhood arthritis. Conventional radiography is the most commonly ordered imaging modality for the evaluation of arthritis. Owing to their higher sensitivity for detecting synovitis, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography are increasingly being used to guide clinical management of various forms of arthritis, especially juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging is a preferred modality for evaluating more complex sites such as the sacroiliac joint. In this review, we have discussed the rational use and the characteristic imaging features of common childhood arthritis.

Psychosocial aspects of suicide in largest industry of farmers in Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra.

India consists of 16% of the world's population, but sustains only 2.4% of land resources. The agriculture sector is the only livelihood to two-third of its population, which gives employment to 57% of the workforce and is a raw material source to a large number of industries. Farmer suicides account for approximately 10% of all suicides in India. The national suicide rate is 10.6/lac, whereas in Maharashtra it is 14.2/lac, in Andhra Pradesh 12.1/lac, in Telangana 27.7/lac, and in Chhattisgarh 27.7/lac. The National Crime Records Bureau data from 1995 to 2006 show that 200,000 farmers had committed suicide, with an average rate of 16,000/year. Every 7th suicide in the country is a farmers' suicide. The first state where suicides were reported was Maharashtra with particularly in the Vidarbha region. In Maharashtra, farmers' suicide rate is 60% higher than the general suicide rate. Every 5th farmers' suicide committed in the country had occurred in Maharashtra, Vidarbha being a particularly sensitive region but also in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka. In a country of 70 million farmers, 10 in every 100,000 farmers commit suicide. Many inquiry commissions were formed and recommendations were implemented, especially in Punjab. The problem of suicide is not only reported in India but also reported in different parts of the world like England and Wales. We adopted the psychological autopsy approach to offer some insight into the reason why these individuals resorted to such a drastic step.

Suicidal Ideation and Pesticide Exposure in Rural Communities of Central India.

Background This study aims to evaluate association between suicidal ideation and pesticide exposure in rural communities of Wardha district of Central rural India compared with villagers who are not exposed to it. Method It was a cross-sectional study done in rural community of Wardha district in Central India. About 100 farmers who were exposed to pesticides and 100 controls who were not exposed to pesticides were included. A Semistructured proforma to record sociodemographic variables and Indian version of the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 was used. Results Of these 200 subjects, data were available for 85 farmers in study group and 74 in control group. In the farmers group, 31% of farmers had suicidal ideas, while 8% of controls felt like ending their life. Conclusion Measures must be taken to store pesticides at a safer place thus reducing long-term exposure. Organic farming is a better choice to avoid suicidal ideas.

Respiratory triggered diffusion-weighted imaging with a single diffusion sensitising gradient to reduce image acquisition time - A feasibility study in the workup of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We evaluated respiratory triggered unidirectional single-shot echo-planar imaging (u-SSEPI) as a time-saving measure in diffusion imaging of the upper abdomen. Specifically, we compared the ADC values obtained from unidirectional DWI (u-SSEPI) and routine DWI (4t-SSEPI) and also the diagnostic accuracies of unidirectional and routine DWI sequences in the identification of focal liver lesions in the setting of chronic liver disease (CLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, IRB approved study, included 48 patients of CLD who underwent-DCE-MRI on a 1.5 T scanner for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) workup. In addition to 4t-SSEPI, u-SSEPI was acquired with the diffusion sensitising gradient being applied in only one direction; keeping all other parameters same as 4t-SSEPI. Two blinded radiologists evaluated the DWI studies for image quality and detection of liver lesions. A composite gold standard was established using DCE-MRI, follow-up imaging and patient clinical details. The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the liver, spleen and the lesions were compared between the two sequences. ROC analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ADC from both the sequences in identifying HCC. RESULTS: Eighty-eight lesions were identified using the composite gold standard. u-SSEPI resulted in 3 times faster image acquisition. No statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the unidirectional and routine DWI sequences for image quality parameters and lesion detection rates. Lesion wise comparison of the ADC values from both the sequences was not statistically different (p = 0.8) with a coefficient of variation = 12-14 %. The Bland- Altman plots and the Passing-Bablock regression analysis demonstrated a systematic and proportional bias between the ADC values obtained. The AUC of the ROC curve, however, was 0.63-observer1; 0.62-oobserver2 for routine DWI and 0.65; 0.62 for unidirectional DWI when ADC was used to identify HCC (the AUCs were not statistically different (p =  0.6-0.8)). CONCLUSION: No significant differences were demonstrated in the diagnostic accuracies of unidirectional and routine DWI in the diagnosis of HCC. Unidirectional diffusion may be further evaluated in other organs where diffusion is isotropic, especially in respiratory triggered sequences where the imaging time dividend is significant.

A novel approach for optimal design of digital FIR filter using grasshopper optimization algorithm.

The idea behind designing digital filters is to compute the optimal filter coefficients such that the magnitude response of the designed matches the ideal frequency response using optimization algorithms. The proposed work employed a recently proposed swarm-based optimization technique, namely, a grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) to design a linear phase finite impulse response (FIR) low pass, high pass, band pass , and band stop filters. This proposed algorithm models the behaviour of grasshoppers while seeking food sources to solve optimization problems. For the designing of the FIR filter, an absolute error difference fitness function is used, which is minimized using GOA to obtain optimal filter coefficients. The performance comparison of the proposed work is done with already existing algorithms such as cuckoo search, particle swarm optimization, artificial bee colony to prove its superiority and consistency. It is found that GOA based filter meets the objective efficiently with reduced ripples in pass band and higher attenuation in stop band with least execution time.