Stabilizing hydroperoxyflavin intermediate formation via a peptide appendage: a neutral flavoenzyme model.

A bioinspired mimic for the stabilization of hydroperoxyflavin intermediate formation was designed and investigated for monooxygenase like catalytic properties. A suitable peptide appendage was covalently linked to the C7-position of the neutral isoalloxazine core to synthesize Fl-G, Fl-F, Fl-P, and Fl-ßA analogues. While the presence and identity of the peptide appendage were found to be crucial for catalytic efficiency, corroborative observations were made from theoretical studies as well, supporting the precise conformational and accessibility requirements for the stabilization of the key hydroperoxyflavin intermediate. A simple yet elegant flavopeptide model (Fl-G) was found to achieve almost quantitative catalytic efficiency compared to the control flavin analogue without a peptide appendage.

Unravelling the effects of nano SiO2, nano TiO2 and their nanocomposites on Zea mays L. growth and soil health.

Amidst the challenges posed by climate change, exploring advanced technologies like nanotechnology is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security. Consequently, this study investigated the impact of nano SiO2 (nSiO2), nano TiO2 (nTiO2) and SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites (NCs) on 30-day-old Zea mays L. plants and soil health at concentrations of 100 and 200 ppm. Results showed that nSiO2 and nTiO2 at 100 ppm and SiO2/TiO2 NCs at both concentrations, positively influenced plant growth, with the best stimulation observed at 200 ppm of SiO2/TiO2 NCs. Improved plant growth was associated with higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, rhizospheric N-fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacterial population and plant nutrient uptake. Additionally, treated plants exhibited increased cellulose and starch levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lower or similar to that of the control, except at 200 ppm of nTiO2-treated shoots. Antioxidant enzyme activities fluctuated, indicating physiological adjustments. Overall, 100 ppm of nTiO2 as well as nSiO2 and 100 and 200 ppm of SiO2/TiO2 NCs improved soil fertility and Z. mays growth, suggesting potential benefits for sustainable agriculture. The findings lay the foundation for more comprehensive investigations into the long-term fate of nanomaterials in soil and their intricate molecular-level interactions with Z. mays.

A highly anisotropic family of hexagonal bipyramidal Dy(III) unsaturated 18-crown-6 complexes exceeding the blockade barrier over 2700 K: a computational exploration.

In the present work, we have explored a series of unsaturated hexa-18-crown-6 (U18C6) ligands towards designing highly anisotropic Dy(III) based single-ion magnets (SIMs) with the general formula [Dy(U18C6)X2]+ (where U18C6 = [C12H12O6] (1), [C12H12S6] (2), [C12H12Se6] (3), [C12H12O4S2] (4), [C12H12O4Se2] (5) and X = F, Cl, Br, I, OtBu and OSiPh3). By analysing the electronic structure, bonding and magnetic properties, we find that the U18C6 ligands prefer stabilising the highly symmetric eight-coordinated hexagonal bipyramidal geometry (HBPY-8), which is the source of the near-Ising type anisotropy in all the [Dy(U18C6)X2]+ complexes. Moreover, the ability of sulfur/selenium substituted U18C6 ligands to stabilize the highly anisotropic HBPY-8 geometry makes them more promising towards engineering the equatorial ligand field compared to substituted saturated 18C6 ligands where the exodentate arrangement of the S lone pairs results in low symmetry. Magnetic relaxation analysis predicts a record barrier height over 2700 K for [Dy(C12H12O6)F2]+ and [Dy(C12H12S6)X2]+ (where X = F, OtBu and OSiPh3) complexes, nearly 23% higher than those of the top performing Dy(III) based SIMs in the literature.

Eight-coordinate mono- and dinuclear Dy(III) complexes containing a rigid equatorial plane and an anisobidentate carboxylate ligand in the axial position: synthesis, structure and magnetism.

A rigid pentadentate chelating ligand (H2L) has been utilized to synthesize a series of octacoordinate mononuclear complexes, [Dy(L)(Ph3PO)(OOCR)] (where R = C6H5 (1), C(CH3)3 (2), CF3 (3)) and a dinuclear complex, [Dy2(L)2(Ph3PO)2{(OOC)2C6H4}] (4) based on the highly anisotropic Dy(III) ion. All the complexes were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The complexes were formed by the coordination action of the dianionic pentadentate ligand [L]2-, one phosphine oxide, and carboxylate ligands. DC and AC magnetic measurements were performed on 1-4. Complexes 1-4 show SMM behaviour, under zero DC field for 1 and 4, and under 500 Oe and 1000 Oe DC fields for 2 and 3 respectively, with thermally activated, Raman, and Raman and quantum tunnelling dominant relaxation mechanisms for 1 and 2, 3 and 4, respectively.

Metal-free platforms for molecular thin films as high-performance supercapacitors.

Controlling chemical functionalization and achieving stable electrode-molecule interfaces for high-performance electrochemical energy storage applications remain challenging tasks. Herein, we present a simple, controllable, scalable, and versatile electrochemical modification approach of graphite rods (GRs) extracted from low-cost Eveready cells that were covalently modified with anthracene oligomers. The anthracene oligomers with a total layer thickness of ∼24 nm on the GR electrode yield a remarkable specific capacitance of ∼670 F g-1 with good galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling stability (10 000) recorded in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. Such a boost in capacitance is attributed mainly to two contributions: (i) an electrical double-layer at the anthracene oligomer/GR/electrolyte interfaces, and (ii) the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reaction, which ensures a substantial faradaic contribution to the total capacitance. Due to the higher conductivity of the anthracene films, it possesses more azo groups (-N[double bond, length as m-dash]N-) during the electrochemical growth of the oligomer films compared to pyrene and naphthalene oligomers, which is key to PCET reactions. AC-based electrical studies unravel the in-depth charge interfacial electrical behavior of anthracene-grafted electrodes. Asymmetrical solid-state supercapacitor devices were made using anthracene-modified biomass-derived porous carbon, which showed improved performance with a specific capacitance of ∼155 F g-1 at 2 A g-1 with an energy density of 5.8 W h kg-1 at a high-power density of 2010 W kg-1 and powered LED lighting for a longer period. The present work provides a promising metal-free approach in developing organic thin-film hybrid capacitors.

Comparison of bone health among pre-menopausal and post-menopausal females in rural Eastern India: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the at-risk female population (pre- and post-menopausal), identify the risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) and assess the knowledge of the subjects regarding osteoporosis by Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) in both the groups and to determine areas for early intervention in a predominantly rural and tribal area of Eastern India. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in a predominant tribal and rural area of Eastern India. Females who were pre- and post-menopausal without a prior diagnosis of osteoporosis were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Factors affecting osteoporosis and quantified knowledge regarding the disease. RESULTS: A total of 388 females were included in the study (pre-menopausal = 190 and post-menopausal = 198). Although no significant difference was noted in the age at menarche between both the groups, a gradual significant shift in the age at menarche was noted in the younger females (p = .031). The mean OKAT score in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal group was 9.5 ± 3.4 and 9.2 ± 3.5, respectively. 80% of females in the pre-menopausal group had normal T-scores whereas only 25% of the females in the post-menopausal group had normal T-scores. CONCLUSION: Targeted educational programs which influence the preventive health behaviour in general and osteoporosis knowledge in particular would bridge this gap. Peer-led community intervention programs which focus on behaviour change with respect to lifestyle and diet modification in the younger population should be the step ahead to reduce the prevalence of the disease.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Correlation of Factors With Body Mass Index of Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Decreased diet intake and malnourishment have profound implications on cancer patients' quality of life and survival. Malnutrition increases the risk of postoperative complications, increases hospital length stays, reduces patient's tolerance to radiation and chemotherapy treatment, and results in poor response to treatment. In the present study, we intended to assess the nutritional status of cancer patients and find the correlation of body mass index with anthropometric and blood parameters. MATERIAL & METHODS: The study was prospective and cross-sectional, and 104 patients with newly diagnosed solid tumors were included. Patient demographics, symptoms, and anthropometric and blood parameters were collected. The correlation was estimated with Pearson's correlation coefficient. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The association between stages of the disease, dental status, type of diet, and BMI was p=0.701, 0.216, and 0.422, respectively, and was not statistically significant. The anthropometric parameters mid upper arm circumference (MUAC cm), mid arm circumference (MAC cm), and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF mm) correlated with body mass index (BMI kg/m2) and had statistically significant p values of 0.0001, 0.0001, and 0.033, respectively. The correlation was assessed between hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and serum albumin levels with BMI, but except for albumin (p=0.05), no other blood parameter correlated. CONCLUSION: Nutritional assessment is vital in recognizing patients at risk of treatment-associated complications and poor responders to treatment. In this study, BMI correlated with anthropometric parameters MUAC, MAMC, and TSF. Baseline dietary assessments of patients will help focus on the nutritional build-up of patients before starting treatment.

Assessment of Knowledge and Awareness Among Nurses of a Tertiary Care Hospital Regarding the Management of Acute Poisoning: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is a major health issue worldwide. Nurses are frequently the first healthcare professionals to come in contact with patients with acute poisoning. So, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding the management of acute poisoning among nurses. In case of insufficient knowledge, they could be trained enough to manage any case of acute poisoning for life-saving purposes. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among 212 nurses at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand from July 2021 to December 2021. Data were collected using the structured questionnaire based on a previous study and regression analysis was used for determining the association between their overall knowledge score and independent variables like age, education, experience, and training status. RESULTS: More than one-third (43.8%) of the study participants had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge, which might be because of a lack of proper training and experience, but still, 42.4% and 13.6% of the study participants had satisfactory and good knowledge, respectively. Moreover, more than one-third (45.2%) of the study participants had inefficient skills, while 48.1% and 6.6% of nurses had satisfactory and good skills, respectively, in the management of acute poisoning. The three independent variables (training, experience, and education) showed a 53.1% association with total scores in bivariate regression analysis while no significant association was seen between age and score in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: About half of the nurses showed unsatisfactory knowledge, so they need improvement and they should be trained regarding this to reduce mortality among acute poisoning cases.

Comparative Study of the Effect of Liraglutide and Donepezil on Learning and Memory in Diazepam-Induced Amnesic Albino Rats.

Background Dementia is an age-related gradual loss of memory that is progressive in nature. Presently, the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is treated with donepezil, an anticholinesterase. But it only provides short-term symptomatic improvement. Liraglutide, which is an anti-diabetic drug, stimulates the anti-apoptotic pathway of nerve damage, which helps in regenerating nerve cells; so, it may help in dementia cases. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of liraglutide on learning and memory and to compare its effect with donepezil in diazepam-induced amnesic albino rats. Methodology Twenty healthy male Albino rats weighing 150-200 grams were taken and divided into four groups: A, B, C, and D. Group A rats were normal rats, whereas the rats in groups B, C, and D were made amnesic by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 0.1 mg per kg of diazepam. Immediately after producing amnesia, group B rats received normal saline, group C received liraglutide, and group D received donepezil through the intraperitoneal route as test drugs. Group A rats received only normal saline. The amnesic effect was measured by the escape latency period, which was measured by using a Morris Water Maize (MWM) instrument. Escape latency is the time (in seconds) to locate the platform from the starting point. The amnesic effect is shown by an increase in escape latency and the anti-amnesic effect by a decrease in escape latency. Escape latency was recorded at 0 hr, 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, and 4 hr after test drug administration. Results Group B rats showed an increase in escape latency, which shows the amnesic effect of diazepam. When group C and group D amnesic rats were treated with liraglutide and donepezil, respectively, a one-hour after-treatment increase in escape latency was seen but after two hours, both groups showed a decrease in escape latency, which indicates the anti-amnesic effect of both drugs. When groups C and D were compared, and the post-hoc highly significant difference (HSD) test was used, there was no significant difference between the two drugs, although the liraglutide-treated group (C) showed a lower anti-amnesic effect. However, group C showed a significant effect as compared to group B rats (p-value <0.05), which indicates the anti-amnesic property of liraglutide as compared to normal saline. Conclusion Liraglutide shows an anti-amnesic property. Since it works by a mechanism different from donepezil, it can be used as add-on therapy with donepezil in dementia patients.

Blood Pressure Reducing Potential and Renoprotective Action of Cilnidipine Among Hypertensive Patients Suffering From Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases which also causes progressive kidney damage leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD), so the rate of progression of CKD can be controlled by reducing blood pressure (BP). Many anti-hypertensive drugs are available. Cilnidipine is a new-generation calcium channel blocker (CCB). This meta-analysis is aimed to generate pooled evidence about the effectiveness of cilnidipine as an anti-hypertensive and to explore its reno-protective actions. Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to December 2022 to include the studies. The pooled mean difference, along with 95% CI, was computed using Revman 5.4.1 software (Revman International, Inc., New York City, New York). The Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used for bias assessment. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO with Reg. no. CRD42023395224. This meta-analysis included seven studies with 289 participants in the intervention group and 269 in the comparator group, and were selected from Japan, India, and Korea. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly reduced in cilnidipine treated group among hypertensives with CKD subjects weighted mean difference (WMD) was 4.33, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.26 to 7.31 as compared to the other group. Cilnidipine also shows a significant reduction in proteinuria with WMD 0.61 and 95% CI 0.42 to 0.80. Both groups were similar in adverse drug reactions (ADR). Cilnidipine is a more effective anti-hypertensive as compared to Amlodipine or other CCBs, mainly in reducing SBP. Besides this, cilnidipine also shows better reno-protective action because it also significantly reduces proteinuria in such patients.

Post-synthetic π-extension of perylene conjugated porous polymer via APEX reactions: tunable optical and gas storage properties.

Double post-synthetic modification is used for the π-extension of perylene based conjugated porous polymers (CPPs) using sequential annulative π-extension (APEX) reactions. This approach enabled us to synthesize new CPPs rendered with donor-acceptor rigid π-systems such as benzoperylene anhydride (BPA-CPP) and benzoperylene benzimidazole (BPBI-CPP) with distinct optical properties. Despite its low surface area, BPBI-CPP shows good CO2 uptake and pH responsive behaviour owing to the presence of benzimidazole rings.

Binuclear cobalt(II) and two-dimensional manganese(II) coordination compounds self-assembled by mixed bipyridine-tetracarboxylic ligands with single-ion magnet properties.

A cobalt(II) complex and manganese(II) coordination polymer, formulated as [Co2(H2btca)(mbpy)4][H2btca]·4H2O (1) and {Mn2(btca)(mbpy)2(H2O)2}n (2) (H4btca = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid; mbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl), constructed by mixed bipyridine-tetracarboxylic ligands were synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal structural analyses reveal that compound 1 is a discrete neutral binuclear molecule, while compound 2 is a two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer. The metal ions in these compounds are well isolated, with an intramolecular Co2+⋯Co2+ distance of 9.170 Å for 1 and Mn2+⋯Mn2+ separation of 10.984 and 11.164 Å for 2 due to the bulk tetracarboxylic linker. This isolation gives rise to a single-ion magnetism origin of the compounds. Magnetic studies reveal a large zero-field splitting parameter D of 82.6 cm-1 for 1, while a very small D of 0.42 cm-1 was observed for 2. Interestingly, dynamic ac magnetic measurements exhibited slow magnetic relaxation under the external dc field of the two compounds, revealing the field-supported single-ion magnet (SIM) of 1 and 2. The detailed theoretical calculations were further applied to understand the electronic structures, magnetic anisotropy, and relaxation dynamics in 1 and 2. Combined with our recently reported compound (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2022, e202200354), the foregoing results provide not only a rare binuclear cobalt(II) SIM and the first 2D manganese(II) SIM coordination polymer but also a bipyridine-tetracarboxylic ligand approach toward novel SIMs.

Blood pressure-lowering effect of telmisartan compared to losartan among mild to moderate essential hypertensive adult subjects: A meta-analysis.

Objective: We conducted a meta-analysis in which the blood pressure (BP)-reducing effect of telmisartan was compared to losartan among hypertensive subjects and its association with ethnicity, age, and gender was investigated. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library were searched from inception to April 2021 to obtain relevant articles. Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used for assessment of bias risk. GRADE analysis was done for determining the certainty of evidence. Data was analyzed using Revman 5.4.2 software. The pooled mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed using random-effects model. Heterogeneity was also assessed using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. This study has been registered in PROSPERO with registration no. CRD42021245122. Results: Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1926 subjects were selected from various countries. Both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were found to be significantly reduced among telmisartan-treated groups (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.38-4.00 and WMD = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.45-2.08 respectively). One subgroup analysis noted better reduction in both SBP and DBP among Asian population compared to Caucasians. Conclusion: Telmisartan was found to be a better hypertensive drug compared to losartan in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Its efficacy was higher in Asian population compared to Caucasian population.

Reducing the waiting time to initiation of infertility treatment at a tertiary care centre in India.

BACKGROUND: In a low-resource and high-volume setting, it is often felt that patient care cannot be improved within the limitations of existing infrastructure and resources. However, the use of a systematic problem-solving method can bring about significant improvement even in these settings. AIM: To decrease the mean waiting time from first visit to initiation of infertility treatment by 70% within 4 weeks (1-30 June 2019) for patients coming to the gynaecological outpatient department (OPD). METHODS: We constructed a multidisciplinary quality improvement team consisting of an academic consultant, a senior resident physician, a junior resident physician and a nurse to address the problem of long waiting times to initiation of fertility treatment. We collected baseline data from 10 consecutive women presenting to gynaecological OPD with complaints of infertility by calculating the time between their first visit to the facility and the day of performance of hysterosalpingography (HSG). The average waiting time was found to be 6 months and 25 days (mean=6.85 months; 3.5-10 months). The team used process flow diagrams and fishbone analysis to identify various causes of these long waiting times. The main reason for the delay in starting infertility treatment was that the date for HSG was given only after seeing the endometrial aspiration report (ie, after ruling out endometrial tuberculosis as there is a risk of dissemination of tuberculosis during HSG). Also, HSG was done only once a week during a short 2-hour slot in the fluoroscopy room. RESULTS: After the implementation of change ideas, there was significant reduction in the waiting period to starting treatment in patients with infertility. After the first change idea, the average waiting period seen in 10 consecutive patients with infertility reduced to 3.25 months, that is, by 51.8% from baseline within a 2-week interval, and there is shift in the run chart diagram. After the second change idea, the waiting time reduced to 2 months, that is, by 70%, seen in the next 10 consecutive patients with infertility within the next 2 weeks' time. The results were sustained to the average waiting time of 2 months for 6 months without any additional resources. CONCLUSION: With a well-organised and conducted quality improvement project and team efforts, the required changes can be brought about in an established conventional healthcare delivery system and improvements can be sustained over a long period of time.

Improved Sensitivity with Low Limit of Detection of a Hydrogen Gas Sensor Based on rGO-Loaded Ni-Doped ZnO Nanostructures.

We report enhanced hydrogen-gas-sensing performance of a Ni-doped ZnO sensor decorated with the optimum concentration of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Ni-doped ZnO nanoplates were grown by radio frequency sputtering, rGO was synthesized by Hummer's method and decorated by the drop cast method of various concentration of rGO (0-1.5 wt %). The current-voltage characteristics of the rGO-loaded sensor are highly influenced by the loading concentration of rGO, where current conduction decreases and sensor resistance increases as the rGO concentration is increased up to 0.75 wt % because of the formation of various Schottky heterojunctions at rGO/ZnO interfaces. With the combined effect of more active site availability and formation of various p-n heterojunctions due to the optimum loading concentration of rGO (0.75 wt %), the sensor shows the maximum sensing response of ∼63.8% for 100 ppm hydrogen at moderate operating temperature (150 °C). The rGO-loaded sensors were able to detect a minimum of 1 ppm hydrogen concentration and showed high selectivity. However, a further increase in the rGO concentration (1.5 wt %) leads to the reduction of the relative response of hydrogen gas, ascribed to the formation of interconnections of rGO between electrodes. Therefore, it reduces the total resistance of the sensor and minimizes the effect of p-n heterojunction on sensor response.

Serum Triglyceride Lowering Effect of Cilnidipine in Patients With Essential Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Many epidemiological studies have established the relationship between hypertension and dyslipidemia. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are one of the first-line drugs for newly diagnosed patients with essential hypertension. Cilnidipine as a newer CCB acting by blocking both L- and N-type calcium channels possesses additional beneficial effects apart from lowering blood pressure (BP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cilnidipine in patients with essential hypertension with borderline dyslipidemia and its effects on lipid profile. METHODS: Out of 45 enrolled patients, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, only 37 completed the study. Cilnidipine was started at 10 mg/day, and then adjusted to 5 - 20 mg/day to achieve the target blood pressure. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of study, patients showed significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean BP, heart rate and serum triglyceride level from baseline values (P < 0.00). CONCLUSION: In clinical setting where both hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia exist, cilnidipine can be a promising drug of choice.

Cellular toxicity and apoptosis studies in osteocarcinoma cells, a comparison of 177Lu-EDTMP and Lu-EDTMP.

OBJECTIVE: The most promising bone pain palliative agent such as 177Lu-EDTMP emerges as a newer radiopharmaceutical for cancer management. Thus, it was of interest to study the cell uptake of this agent in osteocarcinoma cell line and investigate the underlying mechanism of cellular toxicity. METHODS: The cell binding studies of 177Lu-EDTMP were carried out in osteocarcinoma cells (MG63) after induction of bone mineralization. Cellular toxicity studies were carried out with varying amounts of 177Lu-EDTMP and compared with equivalent amount of cold Lu-EDTMP. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue, LDH and MTT assay. Different studies such as DNA fragmentation and Western blotting for apoptosis related proteins were carried out to elucidate the mechanism of cell death. RESULTS: Maximum cell binding of 177Lu-EDTMP, observed with mineralized MG63 cells was 19 ± 0.122%. Nearly 12% cell death was observed in MG63 cells treated with 37 MBq of 177Lu-EDTMP as compared to controls. Apoptosis studies were carried out by ELISA to estimate DNA fragmentation and it was found that DNA enrichment factor was 1.8, compared to the corresponding control. Down regulation of anti-apoptotic protein, bcl-2 and cleavage of PARP protein was evident by Western blot results. CONCLUSION: These studies indicate that the 177Lu-EDTMP binds to mineralized bone cells and induces apoptotic cell death in MG63 cells.