Fluorescent Carbon Dots: Aggregation-Induced Emission Enhancement, Application as Probe for CN- and Cr2O7-2, Sensing Strips and Bio-imaging Agent.

Fluorescent carbon dots (Trp-CDs) were prepared using tryptophan as precursor and were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, powder-XRD, IR, Raman spectroscopy, 13C-NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence and TEM. Trp-CDs exhibit poor fluorescence in 100% water but showed strong Aggregation Induced Emission (AIE) in ethanol and higher alcohols. The anion sensing study of Trp-CD revealed that it selectively detects CN- and Cr2O7-2 and from fluorescence quenching titration study, quenching constant, LOD and range of detection were evaluated. The emission life-time of Trp-CD before and after addition of CN- and Cr2O7-2 were measured, the decay curve before addition of anion was best fitted with a bi-exponential function with life-time of τ1 2.79 ns (10.74%) and τ2 18.93 ns (89.26%). The mechanistic study revealed that for CN-, the fluorescence quenching is due to its interaction with protons attached to surface functional groups and for Cr2O7-2, it is due to inner filter effect (IFE). Sensing strips were prepared by coating Trp-CDs onto various solid surfaces including agarose films and were used for detection of CN- and Cr2O7-. Trp-CD was found to be nontoxic and biocompatible and used as staining agent for Artemia and Bacteria (Bacillus Subtilis, Pseudomonas) and detection of CN- and Cr2O7-.

Reducing the Gap in Knowledge and Expectations between Clinicians and People with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Adrenal Conditions: Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance: Patient and Public Involvement (SIMBA-PPI) Study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of SIMBA as an educational intervention for both HCPs and people with either PCOS or adrenal conditions and to study the change in knowledge of people with PCOS or adrenal conditions about the conditions and expectations from the HCPs involved in their care following SIMBA-PPI sessions. METHODS: Two SIMBA-PPI sessions (SIMBA-PPI Polycystic ovary syndrome (SIMBA-PCOS) and SIMBA-PPI Adrenal conditions (SIMBA-Adrenal conditions)) were conducted in September 2021 and March 2022. In both sessions, HCPs interacted with moderators on patient management through WhatsApp. Patients with respective conditions underwent workshop-style learning in the same cases. SIMBA-PCOS transcripts were also translated into Brazilian Portuguese and workshops were held in both Brazilian Portuguese and English. The two groups (HCPs and patients) were then brought together to discuss exploring gaps in knowledge and expectations. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test compared differences in pre- and post-SIMBA self-reported confidence levels in HCPs and patients. Qualitative data from the online recordings were transcribed and analysed with inductive thematic analysis to identify gaps in knowledge and expectations from managing the cases. RESULTS: 48 HCPs and 25 patients participated in our study. When compared to pre-SIMBA confidence levels, SIMBA-PPI sessions effectively improved clinicians' confidence in managing PCOS (40.5%, p < .001) and adrenal conditions (23.0%, p < .001) post-SIMBA. Patient participants' confidence in HCPs significantly increased in the PCOS session (SIMBA-PCOS: 6.25%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Integration of PPI into SIMBA improved HCPs' confidence in managing PCOS and adrenal conditions. SIMBA-PPI also improved patients' confidence in HCPs. Our findings suggest that participating in SIMBA-PPI sessions can reduce the gap in knowledge and expectations between patients and HCPs involved in their care.

A New Molecular Probe for Colorimetric and Fluorometric Detection and Removal of Hg2+ and its Application as Agarose Film-Based Sensor for On-Site Monitoring.

A new molecule incorporating two units of 7-nitro-benzoxadiazole (NBD), bridged by m-xylylenediamine, was synthesized and characterized on the basis of analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The metal ion sensing property of this molecule was studied spectroscopically with a large number of metal ions. This study revealed that it can perform as a dual-channel probe for colorimetric as well as fluorometric detection of Hg2+. In presence of Hg2+, a substantial change in UV-Vis spectrum with the appearance of a new band at 545 nm and a distinct colour change from yellow to red was observed. In the fluorescence spectrum, the intensity of the emission band was substantially quenched only upon addition of Hg2+. No significant interference from any other metal ion used in this study was noted, the limit of detection (LOD) for Hg2+ was found to be 60 and 10 nM for colorimetric and fluorometric detection method, respectively. This new chemosensor was used for removal of Hg2+ from aqueous solution with 92% efficiency. For on-site monitoring and field application, this molecule was immobilized into the agarose based hydrogel film, which was used successfully for detection of Hg2+ in water. The study on reversible behaviour of this chemosensor revealed that it can be recycled in solution as well as in solid phase by treatment with Na2S.

New Route for Synthesis of Fluorescent SnO2 Nanoparticles for Selective Sensing of Fe(III) in Aqueous Media.

A simple new route for synthesis of fluorescent SnO2 and its application as an efficient sensing material for Fe3+ in aqueous media is reported. The fluorescent SnO2 nanoparticles were obtained by oxidation of SnCl2, which when used as reducing agent for the reduction of organic nitro compounds to corresponding amino compounds in ethanol. The SnO2 nanoparticles have been characterized on the basis of powder-XRD, IR, UV-Vis, TEM, FESEM and EDX analysis and found that this material is highly fluorescent in aqueous media. Detail study revealed that this material functions as a selective probe for Fe3+ out of a large number of metal ions used. The oxygen vacancies (defects) generated on the surface of the SnO2 during synthesis, are the source of emission due to recombination of electrons with the photo-excited hole in the valance bond. The quenching of emission intensity in presence of Fe3+ is due to the nonradiative recombination of electrons and holes at the surface. This material is used for estimation of Fe3+ in real samples such as drinking water, tap water and soil.

Hand Sanitizer: Stopping the Spread of Infection at a Cost.

The recent rise in hand sanitizer use due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a beneficial impact on stopping the spread of disease, but the potential negative implications of its overuse on the body and the microbiome have yet to be thoroughly reviewed. Epidermal layers absorb hand sanitizer from direct application to the skin, making them some of the most susceptible cells to the adverse effects of overuse. The increased usage of hand sanitizer can affect the variation, quantity, and diversity of the skin microflora, leading to conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, and even systemic toxicity due to colonization of the skin with pathogenic bacteria. Due to the close-knit relationship between the skin and gut, the gastrointestinal system can also incur disruptions due to the negative effects on the skin as a result of excessive hand sanitizer use, leading to gut dysbiosis. Additionally, the accidental ingestion of hand sanitizer, and its abuse or misuse, can be toxic and lead to alcohol poisoning, which is an issue most commonly seen not only in the pediatric population but also in adolescents and adults due to aberrant recreational exposure. As a vulnerable body system, the eyes can also be negatively impacted by hand sanitizer misuse leading to chemical injury, visual impairment, and even blindness. In this review, we aim to highlight the variations in hand sanitizer formulation, the benefits, and how misuse or overuse may lead to adverse effects on the skin, gut, and eyes. In particular, we review the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) and non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers (NABHSs) and how the components and chemicals used in each can contribute to organ dysbiosis and systemic damage.

Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Exacerbated by Combined Oral Contraceptive Use: A Case Report.

Acute pancreatitis can be induced by a vast variety of etiologies including its more common causes such as cholelithiasis and alcohol abuse, but in certain cases it can also be secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. Additionally, combined oral contraceptive use can enhance the severity of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP). The data between this association is much more limited than the more common causes of acute pancreatitis. In this case, we aim to highlight the onset of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis due to recent combined oral contraceptive use in a 34-year-old Hispanic female patient with a family history of hypertriglyceridemia. With the initiation of a low-fat diet, insulin regimen, and lipid-lowering medications, she was able to significantly improve her elevated triglyceride levels from 3772 to 440 throughout the duration of her six-day hospital stay. Due to the less commonly known relationship between combined oral contraceptive use and HTG-AP, this case serves to enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition, the appropriate diagnostic evaluation, and the associated treatment options to optimize patient care and create efficacious management plans. By increasing awareness of this association, patients with familial hypertriglyceridemia can be made aware of the risks of combined oral contraceptive use to accordingly prevent complications and improve clinical outcomes.

Epiphora and Hyperlacrimation as Paradoxical Manifestations of Facial Nerve Injury: Mechanistic Insights.

The incidence of facial nerve paralysis is approximately 30 per 100,000 persons annually. Although it is often idiopathic, as in Bell's palsy, it can also result from infections, trauma, or neoplasms. Facial nerve paralysis may present with partial or total facial paresis, lagophthalmos, denervation of the lacrimal gland, and other ocular abnormalities. While dry eye is a commonly expected outcome of facial nerve injury, some patients may paradoxically experience epiphora and hyperlacrimation. In this review, we examine this phenomenon and its mechanisms in facial nerve injury. Several mechanisms have been proposed for epiphora and hyperlacrimation, including aberrant axonal regeneration, which is known to cause crocodile tears syndrome; ocular irritation due to dry eye, resulting in increased reflex lacrimation due to disruption of the tear film; and impaired drainage of tears caused by paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle and malposition of the eyelids. Understanding the pathophysiology of these symptoms is crucial in guiding the management of patients with facial nerve injury. Further experimental and clinical studies focusing on the quantification of tear production and localization of nerve damage will help improve our understanding of the neuroanatomical correlates of this paradoxical manifestation.

Utility of a prognostic assessment tool to predict survival following surgery for brain metastases.

Background: Brain metastases account for more than 50% of all intracranial tumors and are associated with poor outcomes. Treatment decisions in this highly heterogenous cohort remain controversial due to the myriad of treatment options available, and there is no clearly defined standard of care. The prognosis in brain metastasis patients varies widely with tumor type, extracranial disease burden and patient performance status. Decision-making regarding treatment is, therefore, tailored to each patient and their disease. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study assessing survival outcomes following surgery for brain metastases over a 50-month period (April 1, 2014-June 30, 2018). We compared predicted survival using the diagnosis-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (ds-GPA) with actual survival. Results: A total of 186 patients were included in our cohort. Regression analysis demonstrated no significant correlation between actual and predicted outcome. The most common reason for exclusion was insufficient information being available to the neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting to allow GPA calculation. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate that "predicted survival" using the ds-GPA does not correlate with "actual survival" in our operated patient cohort. We also identify a shortcoming in the amount of information available at MDT in order to implement the GPA appropriately. Patient selection for aggressive therapies is crucial, and this study emphasizes the need for treatment decisions to be individualized based on patient and cancer clinical characteristics.

Rosmarinic Acid-Capped Silver Nanoparticles for Colorimetric Detection of CN- and Redox-Modulated Surface Reaction-Aided Detection of Cr(VI) in Water.

Rosmarinic acid-capped silver nanoparticles (Ro-AgNPs) were prepared and applied as a probe for selective colorimetric detection of cyanide (CN-) and chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] under different conditions in aqueous media. The carbon atom of CN- interacts with the AgNPs, and the carbon atom donates electrons from the HOMO to the vacant orbitals of the coordinatively unsaturated surface atom (Ag0). After donating electrons, CN- attached onto the surface of the nanoparticles becomes very reactive and interacts with dissolved oxygen and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O2 -), singlet oxygen (1O2), and so forth. In this process, Ag0 oxidizes to Ag+ and combines with CN- forming water-insoluble AgCN, and the ROS (O2 -) formed reacts with Ag/Ag+ to form Ag2O. The oxidation of Ag0 to Ag+ resulted in dissolution of AgNPs, which causes disappearance of the surface plasmon resonance band and color change from yellow to colorless. For detection of Cr(VI), ascorbic acid and CN- were added first; the ascorbic acid replaced the rosmarinic acid and then reduced the added Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and, in this process, ascorbic acid was oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid, which moved away from the nanoparticles' surface. CN- then interacted with the surface Ag0 atom, got activated, and interacted with dissolved oxygen forming Ag+ and ROS, which then followed the same process as described for CN- to form AgCN and Ag2O with a color change. The limits of detection were found to be 0.01 and 0.03 µM for CN- and Cr(VI), respectively. The material was also used for sensing CN- and Cr(VI) in real samples, and the results obtained were satisfactory. For field application, agarose-based strips were prepared by immobilizing the nanoparticles onto the agarose film and successfully used for the detection of CN- and Cr(VI) in water.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots using prickly pear as the carbon source and its application as a highly selective sensor for Cr(VI) and as a patterning agent.

Preparation of water-dispersible carbon dots from inexpensive natural carbon precursors and its application for purposes such as sensing, bio-imaging and patterning agents is showing growing interest in recent years. In this study, we have reported the preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) using prickly pear as the carbon source and m-xylylenediamine as the nitrogen source using a one-step microwave-assisted synthetic process. The N-CDs prepared were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, XPS, powder-XRD, FT-IR, Raman, TEM, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Doping of nitrogen in the N-CDs made them highly fluorescent and the study on their ion-recognition property revealed that they detect highly toxic Cr(VI) with high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD, 0.04 µM) and without interference from the other ions used in this study. By immobilizing these N-CDs onto filter paper, sensor strips were prepared for on-site monitoring/field applications and they were successfully used for the detection of Cr(VI) in water. Detailed spectral analysis revealed that the mechanism of Cr(VI) sensing involved a phenomenon called the "inner filter effect" and analysis of the fluorescence lifetime data suggested the "static quenching" of fluorescence intensity. These N-CDs were used to prepare fluorescent carbon ink and were successfully used as patterning agents.

Colorimetric dual sensor for Cu(II) and tyrosine and its application as paper strips for detection in water and human saliva as real samples.

A calix[4]arene based compound incorporating amide and morpholine moieties has been synthesized and its ion recognition property towards metal ions and application of its metal complex towards sensing of amino acids has been investigated. The synthesized compound interacts with Cu2+ with high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD, 0.1 ppb) in aqueous media with instant color change from colorless to yellow without interference from any other metal ions used in this study. The molecular structure of the calix compound (1) has been determined by single crystal X-ray study and the structure of its Cu2+ complex has been established by DFT calculation. The Cu2+ complex of 1 selectively detects tyrosine (LOD, 1.2 ppm) in water with distinct color change and without any interference from other 22 amino acids used in this study. The mechanism for detection of tyrosine with color change is also presented. For easy field application, paper based sensor strips have been prepared by coating compound 1 and its Cu2+ complex on filter paper, which have been used for semi-quantitative measurement of Cu2+ and tyrosine. Compound 1 and its Cu2+ complex have also been used for detection of Cu2+ and tyrosine, respectively in water and human saliva as real samples and satisfactory results are obtained.

Primary Care 2030: Creating an Enabling Ecosystem for Disruptive Primary Care Models to Achieve Universal Health Coverage in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Background: Forty years after Alma Ata, there is renewed commitment to strengthen primary health care as a foundation for achieving universal health coverage, but there is limited consensus on how to build strong primary health care systems to achieve these goals. Methods: We convened a diverse group of global stakeholders for a high-level dialogue on how to create an enabling ecosystem for disruptive primary care innovation. We focused our discussion on four themes: workforce innovation and strengthening; impactful use of data and technology; private sector engagement; and innovative financing mechanisms. Findings: Here, we present a summary of our convening's proceedings, with specific recommendations for strengthening primary health care systems within each of these four domains. Conclusions: In the wake of the Astana Declaration, there is global consensus that high-quality primary health care must be the foundation for universal health coverage. Significant disruptive innovation will be required to realize this goal. We offer our recommendations to the global community to catalyze further discourse and inform policy-making and program development on the path to Health for All by 2030.

Tinospora cordifolia derived biomass functionalized ZnO particles for effective removal of lead(ii), iron(iii), phosphate and arsenic(iii) from water.

Owing to the vast diversity in functional groups and cost effectiveness, biomass can be used for various applications. In the present study, biomass from Tinospora cordifolia (TnC) was prepared and grafted onto the surface of ZnO particles following a simple method. The TnC functionalized ZnO particles (ZnO@TnC) were characterized and exhibited excellent adsorption properties towards Pb2+ (506 mg g-1), Fe3+ (358 mg g-1) and PO4 3- (1606 mg g-1) and the Fe3+ adsorbed ZnO@TnC adsorbs AsO2 1- (189 mg g-1); the metal ions and anions were analyzed by ICP and IC. For reuse of ZnO@TnC, a desorption study was successfully carried out using NaOH and EDTA for PO4 3- and Pb2+, respectively; Fe3+ was further used for adsorption of As(iii). The adsorption fits well with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the adsorption kinetic data are best fitted with a pseudo-second-order equation. The system developed may be useful for treatment of waste water and industrial effluents.

Synthesis of Calixarene-Capped Silver Nanoparticles for Colorimetric and Amperometric Detection of Mercury (HgII, Hg0).

Calixarene-functionalized water dispersible silver nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of UV-vis, IR, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis, and their sensing properties toward metal ions have been investigated. They selectively detect Hg2+ and Hg0 in solution and vapor phases, respectively, with distinct color change. Interference study with mixture of metal ions revealed no interference from any other metal ions used in this study. Their mechanism of detection involved Hg2+-aided displacement of calixarene moiety from the surface of the functionalized nanoparticles, followed by the formation of Ag-Hg amalgam due to interaction of Hg2+ with Ag0 and also the formation of assembly of Ag0 nanoparticles by dipole-dipole interaction of the bare-surfaced nanoparticles. Electrochemical study revealed that with the aid of functionalized nanoparticles, Hg2+ can be detected amperometrically with high sensitivity. The detection limits obtained for Hg2+ by UV-vis study and amperometry are 0.5 nM (0.1 ppb) and 10 nM (2 ppb), respectively. The new material has been used to detect Hg2+ in aqueous real sample and Hg0 in soil sample.

Barriers to Scale of Digital Health Systems for Cancer Care and Control in Last-Mile Settings.

The growing cancer epidemic is a major public health challenge globally but especially in low- and middle-income countries where patients often have to make long and complex journeys to receive care. Extending cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to low- and middle-income countries through innovative solutions such as digital health systems is an urgent health priority. We contend that such digital systems will achieve success and scale only when existing gaps in cancer care and control policies and practices are addressed to strengthen health systems and improve outcomes. We call for concerted action to focus on the effective implementation of cancer care and control policies and practice in last-mile settings to improve pathways to care for people with and at risk for cancer.

Green route for synthesis of multifunctional fluorescent carbon dots from Tulsi leaves and its application as Cr(VI) sensors, bio-imaging and patterning agents.

We report a one pot green strategy for the synthesis of carbon dots using tulsi leaves and their potential application in sensing of Cr(VI) selectively. The detection mechanism is based on the phenomenon called inner filter effect (IFE) and a good linear static quenching was observed in the range of 1.6 µM to 50 µM with a detection limit of 4.5 ppb. The reversible switching in fluorescence has been tested and a good recovery in fluorescence was observed up to three consecutive cycles upon addition of ascorbic acid as reducing agent. Also the low toxicity, high fluorescence and photostabilty of the CDs make them excellent imaging and patterning agent. The acid and alkali resistant property of these CDs makes it suitable for real sample analysis. The fluorescent CDs were applied for successful detection of Cr(VI) in water with spike-recoveries ranging from 93 to 99%.

Mobile technology and cancer screening: Lessons from rural India.

BACKGROUND: Rates of cervical and oral cancer in India are unacceptably high. Survival from these cancers is poor, largely due to late presentation and a lack of early diagnosis and screening programmes. Mobile Health ('mHealth') shows promise as a means of supporting screening activity, particularly in rural and remote communities where the required information infrastructure is lacking. METHODS: We developed a mHealth prototype and ran training sessions in its use. We then implemented our mHealth-supported screening intervention in 3 sites serving poor, low-health-literacy communities: RUHSA (where cervical screening programmes were already established), Mungeli (Chhattisgarh) and Padhar (Madhya Pradesh). Screening was delivered by community health workers (CHWs - 10 from RUHSA, 8 from Mungeli and 7 from Padhar), supported by nurses (2 in Mungeli and Padhar, 5 in RUHSA): cervical screening was by VIA; oral cancer screening was by mouth inspection with illumination. Our evaluation comprised an analysis of uptake in response to screening and follow-up invitations, complemented by qualitative data from 8 key informant interviews and 2 focus groups. RESULTS: 8686 people were screened through the mHealth intervention - the majority (98%) for oral cancer. Positivity rates were 28% for cervical screening (of whom 37% attended for follow-up) and 5% for oral cancer screening (of whom 31% attended for follow-up). The mHealth prototype was very acceptable to CHWs, who felt it made the task of screening more reliable. A number of barriers to screening and follow-up in test-positive individuals were identified. Use of the mHealth prototype has had a positive effect on the social standing of the CHWs delivering the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: mHealth approaches can support cancer screening in poor rural communities with low levels of health literacy. However, they are not sufficient to overcome the range of social, cultural and financial barriers to screening and follow-up. Approaches which combine mHealth with extensive community education, tailored to levels of health literacy in the target population, and well-defined diagnostic and treatment pathways are the most likely to achieve a good response in these communities.

Sunlight Induced Preparation of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles as Recyclable Colorimetric Dual Sensor for Aluminum and Fluoride in Water.

A sunlight induced simple green route has been developed for the synthesis of polyacrylate functionalized gold nanoparticles (PAA-AuNPs), in which poly(acrylic acid) functions as a reducing as well as stabilizing agent. This material has been characterized on the basis of spectroscopic and microscopic studies; it exhibited selective colorimetric detection of Al3+ in aqueous media, and the Al3+ induced aggregated PAA-AuNPs exhibited detection of F- with sharp color change and high selectivity and sensitivity out of a large number of metal ions and anions tested. The mechanistic study revealed that, for Al3+, the color change is due to a shift of the SPR band because of the Al3+ induced aggregation of PAA-AuNPs, whereas for F-, the reverse color change (blue to red) with return of the SPR band to its original position is due to dispersion of aggregated PAA-AuNPs, as F- removes Al3+ from the aggregated species by complex formation. Only concentration-dependent fluoride ion can prevent Al3+ from aggregating PAA-AuNPs. The method is successfully used for the detection of F- in water collected from various sources by the spiking method, in toothpastes of different brands by the direct method. The solid Al3+-PAA-AuNPs were isolated, adsorbed on ZIF@8 (zeolitic imidazolate framework) and on a cotton strip, and applied as solid sensing material for detection of F- in aqueous media.

Silver nanoparticle based highly selective and sensitive solvatochromatic sensor for colorimetric detection of 1,4-dioxane in aqueous media.

A citrate stabilised silver nanoparticle (Ci-AgNP) based solvatochromic sensor, which functions as a highly selective and sensitive colorimetric probe for 1,4-dioxane in aqueous media is reported. The surfaces of the AgNPs generate reactive oxygen species, which promote the degradation of 1,4-dioxane assembled in the vicinity of the nanoparticle surfaces through charge transfer interactions. During this process, Ag(0) is oxidised to Ag(+) and the yellow colour of the solution turns to colourless. The sensor was used for the estimation of 1,4-dioxane in ground water and also 1,4-dioxane vapour diffused in aqueous media.