Synthesis of a trinuclear zinc(II) cluster composed of [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane cages: a rapid detection and degradation probe for the chemical warfare agent simulant diethyl cyanophosphonate in protein-rich food products.

Diethyl cyanophosphonate (DCNP), a simulant of Tabun, is a common pollutant in pharmaceutical waste and poses a high risk to living organisms. Herein, we demonstrate a compartmental ligand-derived trinuclear zinc(II) cluster [Zn3(LH)2(CH3COO)2] as a probe for the selective detection and degradation of DCNP. It consists of two pentacoordinated Zn(II) [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane cages bridged through a hexacoordinated Zn(II) acetate unit. The structure of the cluster has been elucidated by spectrometric, spectroscopic, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The cluster shows a two-fold increased emission as compared to the compartmental ligand (at λexc = 370 nm and λem = 463 nm) due to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence effect and acts as a turn-off signal in the presence of DCNP. It can detect DCNP at nano levels up to 186 nM (LOD). The direct bond formation between DCNP and Zn(II) via the -CN group degrades it to inorganic phosphates. The mechanism of the interaction and degradation is supported by spectrofluorimetric experiments, NMR titration (1H and 31P), time of flight mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations. The applicability of the probe has been further tested by the bio-imaging of zebrafish larvae, analysis of high-protein food products (meat and fish) and vapour phase detection by paper strips.

COVID-19 Creating another problem? Sustainable solution for PPE disposal through LCA approach.

Amid COVID-19, there have been rampant increase in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits by frontline health and sanitation communities, to reduce the likelihoods of infections. The used PPE kits, potentially being infectious, pose a threat to human health, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems, if not scientifically handled and disposed. However, with stressed resources on treatment facilities and lack of training to the health and sanitation workers, it becomes vital to vet different options for PPE kits disposal, to promote environmentally sound management of waste. Given the various technology options available for treatment and disposal of COVID-19 patients waste, Life Cycle Assessment, i.e., cradle to grave analysis of PPE provides essential guidance in identifying the environmentally sound alternatives. In the present work, Life Cycle Assessment of PPE kits has been performed using GaBi version 8.7 under two disposal scenarios, namely landfill and incineration (both centralized and decentralized) for six environmental impact categories covering overall impacts on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, which includes Global Warming Potential (GWP), Human Toxicity Potential (HTP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), Acidification Potential (AP), Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential (FAETP) and Photochemical Ozone Depletion Potential (POCP). Considering the inventories of PPE kits, disposal of PPE bodysuit has the maximum impact, followed by gloves and goggles, in terms of GWP. The use of metal strips in face-mask has shown the most significant HTP impact. The incineration process (centralized-3816 kg CO2 eq. and decentralized-3813 kg CO2 eq.) showed high GWP but significantly reduced impact w.r.t. AP, EP, FAETP, POCP and HTP, when compared to disposal in a landfill, resulting in the high overall impact of landfill disposal compared to incineration. The decentralized incineration has emerged as environmentally sound management option compared to centralized incinerator among all the impact categories, also the environmental impact by transportation is significant (2.76 kg CO2 eq.) and cannot be neglected for long-distance transportation. Present findings can help the regulatory authority to delineate action steps for safe disposal of PPE kits.

A Study of the Serum Uric Acid Level as Prognostic Indicator in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in present days. Recent epidemiological and clinical evidences suggest that serum uric acid can be one of the useful markers in assessing the risk of mortality in acute myocardial infarction. OBJECTIVE: To find out the association in serum uric acid level and Killip classes and ejection fraction. METHODOLOGY: It was an observational prospective study. 100 patients of acute myocardial infarction were enrolled and physical examination with special reference to Killip classification, ECG, 2D- Echocardiogram, Serum uric acid and all routine investigations were carried out on 0, 3rd and 7th day. Serum uric acid and Killip class and ejection fractions on day 0, day 3 and day 7 were compared. RESULTS: In this present study majority of the patients were in the age group of >50 years (68%). There was statistically significant increase in uric acid levels with increasing Killip class on day 0, day 3 and day 7. Mean serum uric acid level was 4.4 mg/dl in Killip class I, 7.01 mg/dl in class II, 8.29 mg/dl in class III, and 9.87 mg/ dl in class IV on day 0; 4.46 mg/dl in Killip class I, 7.09 mg/dl in class II, 8.53 mg/ dl in class III, and 9.43 mg/dl in class IV on day 3; 4.72 mg/dl in Killip class I, 6.62 mg/dl in class II, on day 7. There was statistically significant negative correlation (p-value 0.0009, 0.001, 0.0326 at day 0, 3 & 7) between serum uric acid levels and ejection fraction at all the three occasions i.e. day 0, day 3 and day 7. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that serum uric acid level have significant association with Killip class, left ventricular failure and mortality i.e. higher the serum uric acid, higher the Killip class, more severe left ventricular dysfunction and higher the mortality.The present study concludes that serum uric acid level have significant association with Killip class, left ventricular failure and mortality i.e. higher the serum uric acid, higher the Killip class, more severe left ventricular dysfunction and higher the mortality.

Role of Spirulina in Structural Remodeling of Synapse in Telencephalon of Chronic Unpredictable Stress Model of Zebrafish.

Background: Stress can affect the morphology and synaptic organization of the telencephalon. These structural changes at the cellular level can lead to the development of various psychopathologies. Purpose: Given that the telencephalon plays a major role in stress responses, the current study aimed to investigate the role of Spirulina platensis as a neuroprotectant supplement in the early life of zebrafish in averting the alteration of synapse morphology in the telencephalon caused by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in the later stage. Methods: 5dpf larvae were divided into two groups: one group was fed with a commercial fish diet and a second group with a 1% Spirulina-supplemented diet for 90 days. After 90 days, the adult zebrafish were exposed to CUS with different chronic stressors for 15 days. The synaptic plasticity was evaluated by morphometric analysis of synapse in telencephalon of zebrafish by transmission electron microscopy. Results: The ultrastructural study demonstrated the protective role of Spirulina in the CUS model as no significant alterations in the length of the active zone, postsynaptic density, and synaptic cleft were observed as compared to the control group in the CUS model. Conclusion: Thus, suggesting that the Spirulina supplementation can avert the remodeling effect of stress on synapse ultrastructure.