Supramolecular ß-Cyclodextrin-Quercetin Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as an Efficient Antibiofilm and Antifungal Agent.

The loading of drugs or medicinally active compounds has recently been performed using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are thought to be a new type of porous material in which organic ligands and metal ions can self-assemble to form a network structure. The quercetin (QRC) loading and biofilm application on a cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework via a solvent diffusion approach is successfully accomplished in the current study. The antibacterial plant flavonoid QRC is loaded onto ß-CD-K MOFs to create the composite containing inclusion complexes (ICs) and denoted as QRC:ß-CD-K MOFs. The shifting in the chemical shift values of QRC in the MOFs may be the reason for the interaction of QRC with the ß-CD-K MOFs. The binding energies and relative contents of MOFs are considerably changed after the formation of QRC:ß-CD-K MOFs, suggesting that the interactions took place during the loading of QRC. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed a reduction in the formation of biofilm. The results of the cell aggregation and hyphal growth are consistent with the antibiofilm activity that is found in the treatment group. Therefore, QRC:ß-CD-K MOFs had no effect on the growth of planktonic cells while inhibiting the development of hyphae and biofilm in C. albicans DAY185. This study creates new opportunities for supramolecular ß-CD-based MOF development for use in biological research and pharmaceutical production.

Implications of sea level rise scenarios on land use /land cover classes of the coastal zones of Cochin, India.

Physical responses of the coastal zones in the vicinity of Cochin, India due to sea level rise are investigated based on analysis of inundation scenarios. Quantification of potential habitat loss was made by merging the Land use/Land cover (LU/LC) prepared from the satellite imagery with the digital elevation model. Scenarios were generated for two different rates of sea level rise and responses of changes occurred were made to ascertain the vulnerability and loss in extent. LU/LC classes overlaid on 1 m and 2 m elevation showed that it was mostly covered by vegetation areas followed by water and urban zones. For the sea level rise scenarios of 1 m and 2 m, the total inundation zones were estimated to be 169.11 km(2) and 598.83 km(2) respectively using Geographic Information System (GIS). The losses of urban areas were estimated at 43 km(2) and 187 km(2) for the 1 m and 2 m sea level rise respectively which is alarming information for the most densely populated state of India. Quantitative comparison of other LU/LC classes showed significant changes under each of the inundation scenarios. The results obtained conclusively point that sea level rise scenarios will bring profound effects on the land use and land cover classes as well as on coastal landforms in the study region. Coastal inundation would leave ocean front and inland properties vulnerable. Increase in these water levels would alter the coastal drainage gradients. Reduction in these gradients would increase flooding attributable to rainstorms which could promote salt water intrusion into coastal aquifers and force water tables to rise. Changes in the coastal landforms associated with inundation generate concern in the background that the coastal region may continue to remain vulnerable in the coming decades due to population growth and development pressures.

Bacterial bioluminescence response to long-term exposure to reverse osmosis treated effluents from dye industries.

The bacterial bioluminescence assay is one of the novel means for toxicity detection. The bioluminescence response of 2 marine bioluminescent bacteria was tested upon their long-term exposure to 9 different reverse osmosis (RO) rejects with varying chemical composition sampled from various dye industries. Bioluminescent bacteria were cultured in the RO reject samples, at different concentrations, and their growth rate and luminescence was measured for 24 h. The RO reject samples caused sublethal effects upon exposure and retarded the growth of bacteria, confirming their toxic nature. Further, continuation of the exposure showed that the initial luminescence, though reduced, recovered and increased beyond the control cultures irrespective of cell density, and finally decreased once again. The present study emphasizes the need of evolving a long-term exposure assay and shows that the method followed in this study is suitable to evaluate the toxicants that exert delayed toxicity, using lower concentrations of toxicants as well as coloured samples.

Formulation of Ensulizole with Beta-Cyclodextrins for Improved Sunscreen Activity and Biocompatibility.

In today's context, prolonged exposure to sunlight is widely recognized as a threat to human health, leading to a range of adverse consequences, including skin cancers, premature skin aging, and erythema. To mitigate these risks, preventive actions mainly focus on advocating the application of sunscreen lotions and minimizing direct exposure to sunlight. This research study specifically centered on ensulizole (ENS), a prominent ingredient in sunscreens. The objective was to create inclusion complexes (ICs) with Beta-cyclodextrin (B-CD) and its hydroxypropyl derivatives (H-CD). Using phase solubility measurements, we determined that both B-CD and H-CD form 1:1 stoichiometric ICs with ENS. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectral (1H NMR) analysis confirmed that the phenyl portion of ENS is encapsulated within the B-CD cavity. Significant changes in surface morphology were observed during the formation of these ICs compared to ENS and CDs alone. Quantum mechanical calculations were employed to further support the formation of ICs by providing energy data. Particularly, the photostability of the ENS:B-CD ICs remained intact for up to four hours of UV exposure, with no significant alterations in the structure of ENS. Furthermore, comprehensive biocompatibility assessments yielded encouraging results, suggesting the potential application of these inclusion complexes in cosmetics as a UVB sunscreen. In summary, our research underscores the successful creation of inclusion complexes characterized by enhanced photostability and safe biocompatibility.

Michler's Ketone: ß-Cyclodextrin Host-Guest Inclusion Complex for Enhancing the Ultraviolet Protection Factor of Poplin Cotton Fabric.

Michler's ketone (4,4' bis(N,N-dimethylamino)benzophenone) mk is a potential ultraviolet radiation (UVR) absorber in various materials. In this study, we have tested the UVR filtering ability of mk on cotton fabric. The beta-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) inclusion complex of mk enhances ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) drastically. The impact of ß-CD on the UVR filtering of mk are demonstrated by investigating the guest (mk:absorbers)-host (ß-CD:enhancer) inclusion complex. Spectral and molecular docking analysis of mk:ß-CD complex infers the vertical insertion of the guest molecule by positioning -C=O group of mk at the center of the host molecule with the exclusion of the terminal atoms of guest molecule outside the ß-CD cavity. Thus, the host; ß-CD renders an inflexible fit to the guest:mk. The inflexible fit of mk into the ß-CD cavity enhances the UVR dissipation when it is incorporated on the poplin cotton fabric. With UPF = 46 mk:ß-CD complex is proposed as a potential UVR absorber suitable for manufacturing sun protective textiles. The holding of mk by ß-CD enhances the UVR dissipation and hence facilitates the native red-shifted emission and non-radiative relaxation by the formation of twisted intramolecular charge transfer in mk.

Beak and bumper - Physics forceps: Evaluation of new technique in extraction.

PURPOSE: The history of dentistry is not short; it started from ancient Egypt to ancient Romans and ancient Greeks. When it comes to extraction, all of them have made their own discoveries and progress. The progress they made also helped dentistry to move ahead in evolution of new extraction technique - the Physics Forceps. We have assessed the viability in using the Physics Forceps for routine dental extraction in our study for a period of 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 241 patients indicated for extraction based on our inclusion criteria using Physics Forceps after obtaining informed consent and University Ethics Committee approval. Tooth fracture, buccal alveolar bone fracture, and soft tissue injury around the tooth to be extracted were studied. RESULTS: In our present study of 241 patients, 57.67% were females and 42.32% were males, out of which 93.77% had no tooth fracture, 3.32% had crown fracture, 1.65% had root fracture, and 1.24% had apex fracture. Further, 85.47% had no buccal alveolar bone fracture and 14.53% had buccal alveolar bone fracture. Using proper technique, 96.26% of patients had no soft tissue damage, and minimal damage was seen in 3.73% of patients. DISCUSSION: Extraction by Physics Forceps is a very good technique of extraction. No or very minimal tooth fracture and soft tissue injury were noted. Though the forceps is costly, it represents a valuable addition to regular armamentarium for a general dentist for routine extraction. Physics Forceps is a dental extractor rather than a forceps.

Host-guest interaction studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in alkoxy bridged binuclear rhenium (I) complexes.

The interaction of two neutral alkoxy bridged binuclear rhenium(I) complexes, 1 and 2 [{Re(CO)3(1,4-NVP)}2(µ2-OR)2] (1, R = C4H9; 2, R = C10H21; 1,4-NVP = 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)pyridine] with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is investigated. UV-vis absorption, emission, 1H NMR spectral titrations, TCSPC lifetime studies and DFT theoretical calculations were carried out to examine the binding responses of complexes 1 and 2 with various PAHs such as pyrene, naphthalene, anthracene and phenanthrene. The UV-Vis absorption spectra showed an increase in absorbance of the metal-to ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) and ligand centered (LC) bands upon addition of various PAH molecules to 1 and 2, whereas the emission behavior was found to show emission quenching, which might occur through energy transfer pathway. The binding constants (K) of complexes 1 and 2 for various PAHs are found to be in the order of 104 M-1 with a 1:1 binding mode, as determined from UV-vis absorption and emission spectral titration studies. 1H NMR spectral studies show that the chemical shifts of pyrene guest and the 1,4-NVP moiety of 2 are shifted up-field, whilst the alkoxy protons do not show any appreciable change in their chemical shifts. It is believed that the open cavities present in the Re(I) complexes may lead to the recognition of PAHs via CH···π interaction.

Depositional record of trace metals and degree of contamination in core sediments from the Mandovi estuarine mangrove ecosystem, west coast of India.

The concentrations of seven trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Co, Pb and Zn) in three sediment cores were analysed to assess the depositional trends of metals and their contamination level in the Mandovi estuary, west coast of India. All sediment cores showed enrichment of trace metals in the upper part of core sediments and decrease in concentration with depth, suggesting excess of anthropogenic loading (including mining activities) occurred during the recent past. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images distinguished the shape, size and structure of particles derived from lithogenic and anthropogenic sources in core sediments. The geo-accumulation index (I(geo)) values indicate that Mandovi estuary is 'moderately polluted' with Pb, whereas 'unpolluted to moderately polluted' with Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Co and Zn. The comparative analysis of trace metals revealed that Fe and Mn were highly enriched in the Mandovi estuary compared to all other Indian estuaries.