Polyoxometalate-Guanosine Monophosphate Hydrogels with Haloperoxidase-like Activity for Antibacterial Performance.

Haloperoxidases represent an important class of enzymes that nature adopts as a defense mechanism to combat the colonial buildup of microorganisms on surfaces, commonly known as biofouling. Subsequently, there has been tremendous focus on the development of artificial haloperoxidase mimics that can catalyze the oxidation of X- (halide ion) in the presence of H2O2 to form HOX. The natural intermediate HOX disrupts the bacterial quorum sensing, thus preventing biofilm formation. Herein, we report a simple method for the formation of supramolecular hydrogels through the self-assembly of Keggin-structured polyoxometalates, phosphotungstic acid, and silicotungstic acid with the small biomolecule guanosine monophosphate (GMP) in an aqueous medium. The polyoxometalate-GMP hydrogels that contained highly entangled nanofibers were mechanically robust and showed thixotropic properties. The gelation of the polyoxometalates with GMP not only rendered manifold enhancement in biocompatibility but also the fibril network in the hydrogel provided high water wettability and the polyoxometalates acted as an efficient haloperoxidase mimic to trigger oxidative iodination, as demonstrated by a haloperoxidase assay. The antifouling activity of the phosphotungstic acid-GMP hydrogel was demonstrated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which showed enhanced antibacterial performance of the hydrogel as compared to the polyoxometalate alone. We envision that the polyoxometalate-GMP hydrogels may facilitate mechanically robust coatings in a simple pathway that can be useful for antifouling applications.

Ganoderma lucidum: Insights on host range, diagnosis, and management strategies.

Forest ecosystems play an important role in upholding life on our planet. However, the onslaught of fungal pathogens like Ganoderma lucidum, poses a threat by decimating numerous tree species. G. lucidum identified as a root pathogen, causing root rot in numerous tree species of horticulture and forestry importance. The fungus initiates infection through basidiospores, which germinate and penetrate within roots and start to degrade lignocellulosic components of plant cells. Early-stage detection of G. lucidum, is challenging, while in advance stages, the wood undergoes softening and a loss of tensile strength, rendering the disease incurable. Hence, effective management of G. lucidum necessitates a pivotal role of disease diagnostic techniques, which are currently underutilized or inadequately accessible. Subsequent implementation of suitable control measures becomes imperative to thwart disease occurrence and mitigate its impact in early stages, thus preserving the vitality of forest ecosystems. This study provides comprehensive overview of G. lucidum, covering taxonomy, pathogenicity, disease cycle, diagnosis and effective control measures, which will be helpful in formulating effective diagnostic techniques for early management of root rot disease.

Multiple Electrolytes Solution Versus Saline as Bolus Fluid for Resuscitation in Pediatric Septic Shock: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if initial fluid resuscitation with balanced crystalloid (e.g., multiple electrolytes solution [MES]) or 0.9% saline adversely affects kidney function in children with septic shock. DESIGN: Parallel-group, blinded multicenter trial. SETTING: PICUs of four tertiary care centers in India from 2017 to 2020. PATIENTS: Children up to 15 years of age with septic shock. METHODS: Children were randomized to receive fluid boluses of either MES (PlasmaLyte A) or 0.9% saline at the time of identification of shock. All children were managed as per standard protocols and monitored until discharge/death. The primary outcome was new and/or progressive acute kidney injury (AKI), at any time within the first 7 days of fluid resuscitation. Key secondary outcomes included hyperchloremia, any adverse event (AE), at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and all-cause ICU mortality. INTERVENTIONS: MES solution ( n = 351) versus 0.9% saline ( n = 357) for bolus fluid resuscitation during the first 7 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median age was 5 years (interquartile range, 1.3-9); 302 (43%) were girls. The relative risk (RR) for meeting the criteria for new and/or progressive AKI was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.49-0.80; p < 0.001), favoring the MES (21%) versus the saline (33%) group. The proportions of children with hyperchloremia were lower in the MES versus the saline group at 24, 48, and 72 hours. There was no difference in the ICU mortality (33% in the MES vs 34% in the saline group). There was no difference with regard to infusion-related AEs such as fever, thrombophlebitis, or fluid overload between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among children presenting with septic shock, fluid resuscitation with MES (balanced crystalloid) as compared with 0.9% saline resulted in a significantly lower incidence of new and/or progressive AKI during the first 7 days of hospitalization.

Genome-wide identification and gene expression analysis of GHMP kinase gene family in banana cv. Rasthali.

BACKGROUND: The GHMP kinase gene family encompasses ATP-dependent kinases, significantly involved in the biosynthesis of isoprenes, amino acids, and metabolism of carbohydrates. Banana is a staple tropical crop that is globally consumed but known for high sensitivity to salt, cold, and drought stresses. The GHMP kinases are known to play a significant role during abiotic stresses in plants. The present study emphasizes the role of GHMP kinases in various abiotic stress conditions in banana. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 12 GHMP kinase (MaGHMP kinase) genes in the banana genome database and witnessed the presence of the conserved Pro-X-X-X-Gly-Leu-X-Ser-Ser-Ala domain in their protein sequences. All genes were found to be involved in ATP-binding and carried kinase activity confronting their biological roles in the isoprene (27%) and amino acid (20%) biosyntheses. The expression analysis of genes during cold, drought, and salt stress conditions in tissue culture grown banana cultivar Rasthali plants showed a significant involvement of MaGHMP kinase genes in these stress conditions. The highest expression of MaGHMP kinase3 (8.5 fold) was noted during cold stress, while MaGHMP kinase1 (25 fold and 40.01 fold) showed maximum expression during drought and salt stress conditions in leaf tissue of Rasthali. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that MaGHMP kinase1 (MaHSK) and MaGHMP kinase3 (MaGlcAK) could be considered promising candidates for thwarting the abiotic stresses in banana.

Development and application of fruit and vegetable based green films with natural bio-actives in meat and dairy products: a review.

In recent years, foodborne outbreaks and food plastic waste accumulation in the environment have impelled a hunt for new, sustainable, novel and innovatory food packaging interventions to face microbial contamination, food quality and safety. Pollution caused from wastes generated by agricultural activities is one of chief rising concerns of the environmentalists across the globe. A solution to this problem is effective and economic valorization of residues from agriculture sector. It would ensure that the by-products/residues from one activity act as ingredients/raw materials for another industry. An example is fruit and vegetable waste based green films for food packaging. Edible packaging is a well-researched area of science where numerous biomaterials have been already explored. Along with dynamic barrier properties, these biofilms often exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties as function of the bioactive additives (e.g. essential oils) often incorporated in them. Additionally, these films are made competent by use of recent technologies (e.g. encapsulation, nano-emulsions, radio-sensors) to ensure high end performance and meet the principles of sustainability. Livestock products such as meat, poultry and dairy products are highly perishable and depend largely upon the mercy of packaging materials to enhance their shelf life. In this review, all the above-mentioned aspects are thoroughly covered with a view to project fruit and vegetable based green films (FVBGFs) as a potential and viable packaging material for livestock products, along with a discussion on role of bio-additives, technological interventions, properties and potential applications of FVBGFs in livestock products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Role of low-energy electrons in the solubility switch of Zn-based oxocluster photoresist for extreme ultraviolet lithography.

The electron-induced chemistry of a resist material for extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) consisting of Zn oxoclusters with methacrylate (MA) and trifluoroacetate (TFA) ligands (Zn(MA)(TFA)) has been studied. Electron energies of 80 eV and 20 eV mimic the effect of photoelectrons released by the absorption of EUV photons and low-energy secondary electrons (LESEs) produced by those photoelectrons. The chemical conversion of the resist is studied by mass spectrometry to monitor the volatile species that desorb during electron irradiation, combined with reflection absorption infrared spectra (RAIRS) measured before and after irradiation. The observed reactions are closely related to those initiated upon EUV absorption. Also, the conversion of the Zn(MA)(TFA) resist layer that is required in EUVL is achieved by a similar energy input upon electron irradiation. The dominant component of the desorbing gas is CO2, but CO detection also suggests Zn oxide formation during electron irradiation. In contrast, species deriving from the ligand side chains predominantly remain within the resist layer. RAIRS gives direct evidence that, during electron irradiation, C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bonds of the MA ligands are more rapidly consumed than the carboxylate groups. This supports that chain reactions occur and contribute to the solubility switch in the resist in EUVL. Remarkably, 20 eV electrons still evolve roughly 50% of the amount of the gas that is observed at 80 eV for the same electron dose. The present results thus provide complementary and new insight to the EUV-induced chemistry in the Zn(MA)(TFA) resist and point towards the important contribution of low-energy electrons therein.

Cd(ii)-nucleobase supramolecular metallo-hydrogels for in situ growth of color tunable CdS quantum dots.

The integration of nanoscale materials into unconventional environments such as gels is a magnificent strategy towards development of engineered hybrid functional systems. Herein, the in situ formation of CdS quantum dots integrated into a metallogel formed through the coordination of Cd2+ with two pyrimidine nucleobases is reported. Thymine and uracil formed spontaneous hydrogels with nanofibrous morphology through coordinative interaction with Cd2+ ions at alkaline pH. Introduction of Na2S resulted in generation of CdS quantum dots within the hydrogels with tunable emission properties from blue to white to yellow. The quenching of emission of white light system was exploited for the sensing of Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions. Such a color tunable quantum dot incorporated metallogel system will find applications in energy harvesting and sensing.

Carbon Dots as Nanodispersants for Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Reduced Cytotoxicity and Metal Nanoparticle Functionalization.

The colloidal stabilization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in an aqueous medium through noncovalent interactions has potential benefits toward the practical use of this one-dimensional carbonaceous material for biomedical applications. Here, we report that fluorescent carbon nanodots can efficiently function as dispersing agents in the preparation of stable aqueous suspensions of CNTs at significant concentrations (0.5 mg/mL). The amphiphilic nature of carbon dots with a hydrophobic graphitic core could effectively interact with the CNT surface, whereas hydrophilic oxygenated functionalization on the C-dot surface provided excellent water dispersibility. The resultant CNT-C-dot composite showed significantly reduced cytotoxicity compared to that of unmodified or protein-coated CNTs, as demonstrated by cell viability and proliferation assays. Furthermore, the reducing capability of C-dots could be envisaged toward the formation of a catalytically active metal nanoparticle-CNT-C-dot composite without the addition of any external reducing or stabilizing agents that showed excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of p-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4. Overall, the present work establishes C-dots as an efficient stabilizer for aqueous dispersions of CNTs, leading to an all-carbon nanocomposite that can be useful for different practical applications.

Alarmingly High Incidence of Eosinophilia in Barabanki and Neighboring Districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh: A Prospective Hospital-Based Study.

Eosinophilia is very common among rural poulation in Barabanki and neighbouring districts with no access to hygienic mode of stool disposition. Significant proportions of these children are suffering from anemia, undernutrition, anorexia, pain abdomen, cough and hence long term morbidity. This adds to the DALY of a developing country like India. All these chronic problems are preventable and treatable with simple corrective steps of which the most important ones are access to safe drinking water and toilet. The present study was conducted to study clinical and laboratory profile of patients with eosinophilia and to identify possible causes.

Label-Free Assessment of Neuron-Specific Enolase via Polydopamine over a Carbon-Nanotube-Based Flexible Immunosensor.

A label-free electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The electropolymerization of dopamine in conjunction with highly conductive carbon nanotubes offers a simple and quick platform for the direct anchoring of antibodies without the assistance of any coupling agent as well as a blocking agent. The developed immunosensor exhibited a wider detection range from 120 pM (9 ng mL-1) to 3 nM (200 ng mL-1) for NSE with a high sensitivity of 3.9 µA pM-1 cm-2 in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at physiological pH (7.4). Moreover, the short recognition time (15 min) for the antigen enabled the detection to be fast and less invasive. Additionally, the evaluation of a rate constant at various concentrations of NSE via feedback mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) explained the profound effect of antigen concentration on the rate of flow of electrons. Therefore, the proposed immunosensor can be a promising tool for the early detection of small cell lung cancer in a very short period of time with consistent accuracy.

Granulosis rubra nasi: A rare dermatosis not limited to nose.

Granulosis rubra nasi (GRN) is a rare genodermatosis involving the eccrine glands with an unknown aetiology. It is clinically characterized by localized hyperhidrosis, erythema, papules, pustules, and vesicles over central region of face and usually manifests during early childhood. GRN is asymptomatic, spontaneously resolves during puberty, and treatment options have inconsistent results. We hereby present a case of GRN in 38 years female with sites and dermoscopy findings not defined so far.

Lymphocytic infiltration as a marker of disease severity in patients with bullous pemphigoid-A case series.

Patients of Bullous Pemphigoid with predominant lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate on histopathology have a severe form of the disease requiring high doses of steroids along with an adjuvant immunosuppressant. Thus, the histopathological evaluation would predict the severity of Bullous Pemphigoid, especially in countries where ELISA and immunofluorescence are not readily available.

Effects of Fluoride Toxicity on Female Reproductive System of Mammals: A Meta-Analysis.

Considerable integrative efforts have been made to investigate the effects of fluoride on female reproductive organs since the last years. The ingestion of fluoride causes adverse effects on human health like causing skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis, bone fractures, kidney problems, decrease birth rates, weakening of thyroid functionality, and impair intelligence, particularly in children. In this review, we discuss the adverse effects of fluoride on female reproductive organs and presented certain remedies. A total of 53 papers on the effect of fluoride on female reproductive organs, including 6 population surveys were examined. Google Scholar, Google, Research Gate, PubMed, and the International Journal of Fluoride have all been searched for fluoride research papers. Various doses and pathological effects have been described in this review article.

Misuse of topical over-the-counter medication: A case report.

Overuse of topical medication is a national issue. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are dispensed to patients directly without a physician's prescription and when used improperly without proper knowledge can lead to their misuse and toxicity.

Metabolic syndrome in patients with lichen planus: A case-control study.

Background: Lichen Planus (LP) is a chronic dermatosis affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with LP is a trigger predisposing to Metabolic Syndrome. Objectives: To study the association of Metabolic Syndrome in patients with LP. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective case-control study was conducted from April 2021 to January 2023 including 75 histopathologically confirmed patients with LP and 82 age and sex-matched controls according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Metabolic Syndrome was diagnosed using Modified National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 26. The chi-square test was used for data analysis. Results: The majority (30.6%) of the patients belonged to the age group 31-40 years. The mean age of patients with LP was 46.13 ± 14.9 years. Female predominance (69.3%) was observed in our study. Patients with classic LP (54.6%) were predominantly observed. Metabolic Syndrome was significantly prevalent in LP patients than in controls (32% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.005, OR 3.037) and was significantly associated with morphology (only oral mucosal involvement, 61.5%, p 0.027, OR 3.9), severity (severe LP, 58.6%, p < 0.001, OR 7.79), and duration of the disease (≥6 months, 55.5%, p 0.001, OR 5.42). 71% of Metabolic Syndrome was observed in females (p 0.847). Among patients with metabolic syndrome, the majority belonged to the age group between 31 and 40 years (37.5%, p 0.378). Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure values (≥130/85 mm of Hg), Serum Triglycerides (≥150 mg/dl), and Low-Density Lipoprotein (>130 mg/dl) were significantly elevated, and High-Density Lipoprotein (<40 mg/dl) was significantly low in LP than in controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study showed a significant association of Metabolic Syndrome in patients with LP. Thus, patients with LP need to be screened to avoid complications associated with Metabolic Syndrome that is, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, colorectal cancer, and stroke.

Congenital CMV with LAD type 1 and NK cell deficiency.

We report a rare case of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) in a patient who was subsequently diagnosed as leukocyte adhesion defect type 1 with natural killer cell deficiency. The clinical course was complicated by severe CMV pneumonitis during the newborn period. Thereafter the infant suffered from recurrent skin infections without pus formation, otitis media, and bronchopneumonia since 3 months of age. The patient had congenital CMV infection as urine and blood plasma was positive for CMV from day 12 onward. Neutrophil chemotaxis studies showed a decrease in directed chemotaxis. Neutrophils were dyspoetic and nonfunctional lacking HLA DR, CD11c, and CD18. Lymphocytes were polyclonal but lacked CD56, CD16, and surface membrane immunoglobulin.

Predictors of mortality of extremely low birthweight babies in a tertiary care centre of a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal care has changed dramatically over last decade contributing to improved survival of extremely low birthweight (ELBW) babies. OBJECTIVE: We conducted the present study with the objective to identify immediate obstetric causes of preterm delivery; analyse the maternal risk factors and to evaluate the morbidity and mortality of ELBW babies delivered in our hospital. The results were compared with those of 10 years ago from the same hospital to determine whether there has been any significant change in the predictors of mortality METHODS: A retrospective analysis of case records of 283 ELBW babies delivered in our hospital over a period of 24 months from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2012 was conducted. RESULTS: The total neonatal mortality rate was 38.7%. 85 babies (30%) were small for gestational age. Mean gestational age and mean birth weight was 28.5 weeks and 883.4 g, respectively. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant risk factors for neonatal mortality in mothers were anaemia (p=0.00001, OR 3.13, CI 1.756 to 5.56), inadequate antenatal care (p=0.00001, OR 4.74, CI 2.59 to 8.69) premature rupture of membrane with antenatal antibiotic usage (p=0.003, OR 3.375, CI 1.512 to 7.53. Risk factors for mortality in babies were male sex (p=0.08, OR 3.48 CI 1.4 to 8.8), lower birth weight (p=0.000005), lower gestational age (p=0.00001) use of respiratory support in the form of continuous positive airway pressure (p=0.03), or mechanical ventilation (p=0.00001) and pulmonary or intraventricular haemorrhage (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Babies with lower gestational age lower birth weight and those babies whose mothers had not received adequate antenatal care or antenatal steroids had worse prognosis.

Wheat derived glucuronokinase as a potential target for regulating ascorbic acid and phytic acid content with increased root length under drought and ABA stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Glucuronokinase (GlcAK) converts glucuronic acid into glucuronic acid-1-phosphate, which is then converted into UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcA) via myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) pathway. UDP-GlcA acts as a precursor in the synthesis of nucleotide-sugar moieties forming cell wall biomass. GlcAK being present at the bifurcation point between UDP-GlcA and ascorbic acid (AsA) biosyntheses, makes it necessary to study its role in plants. In this study, the three homoeologs of GlcAK gene from hexaploid wheat were overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. The GlcAK overexpressing transgenic lines showed decreased contents of AsA and phytic acid (PA) as compared to control plants. Root length and seed germination analyses under abiotic stress (drought and abscisic acid) conditions revealed enhanced root length in transgenic lines as compared to control plants. These results indicate that the MIOX pathway might be contributing towards AsA biosynthesis as evident by the decreased AsA content in the GlcAK overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Findings of the present study will enhance the understanding of the involvement of GlcAK gene in MIOX pathway and subsequent physiological effects in plants.