Mechanopathology of biofilm-like Mycobacterium tuberculosis cords.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cultured axenically without detergent forms biofilm-like cords, a clinical identifier of virulence. In lung-on-chip (LoC) and mouse models, cords in alveolar cells contribute to suppression of innate immune signaling via nuclear compression. Thereafter, extracellular cords cause contact-dependent phagocyte death but grow intercellularly between epithelial cells. The absence of these mechanopathological mechanisms explains the greater proportion of alveolar lesions with increased immune infiltration and dissemination defects in cording-deficient Mtb infections. Compression of Mtb lipid monolayers induces a phase transition that enables mechanical energy storage. Agent-based simulations demonstrate that the increased energy storage capacity is sufficient for the formation of cords that maintain structural integrity despite mechanical perturbation. Bacteria in cords remain translationally active despite antibiotic exposure and regrow rapidly upon cessation of treatment. This study provides a conceptual framework for the biophysics and function in tuberculosis infection and therapy of cord architectures independent of mechanisms ascribed to single bacteria.

Dietary anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicinal plants and its compounds in bovine mastitis associated impact on human life.

Bovine mastitis (BM) is the most common bacterial mediated inflammatory disease in the dairy cattle that causes huge economic loss to the dairy industry due to decreased milk quality and quantity. Milk is the essential food in the human diet, and rich in crucial nutrients that helps in lowering the risk of diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The main causative agents of the disease include various gram negative, and positive bacteria, along with other risk factors such as udder shape, age, genetic, and environmental factors also contributes much for the disease. Currently, antibiotics, immunotherapy, probiotics, dry cow, and lactation therapy are commonly recommended for BM. However, these treatments can only decrease the rise of new cases but can't eliminate the causative agents, and they also exhibit several limitations. Hence, there is an urgent need of a potential source that can generate a typical and ideal treatment to overcome the limitations and eliminate the pathogens. Among the various sources, medicinal plants and its derived products always play a significant role in drug discovery against several diseases. In addition, they are also known for its low toxicity and minimum resistance features. Therefore, plants and its compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can serve better in bovine mastitis. In addition, the plants that are serving as a food source and possessing pharmacological properties can act even better in bovine mastitis. Hence, in this evidence-based study, we particularly review the dietary medicinal plants and derived products that are proven for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Moreover, the role of each dietary plant and its compounds along with possible role in the management of bovine mastitis are delineated. In this way, this article serves as a standalone source for the researchers working in this area to help in the management of BM.

Design, Synthesis, DFT, docking Studies, and antimicrobial evaluation of novel benzimidazole containing sulphonamide derivatives.

In silico approaches have been employed to design a new series of benzimidazole-containing sulphonamide derivatives and qualified compounds have been synthesized to analyze their potential as antimicrobial agents. Antibacterial screening of all synthesized compounds was done using the broth microdilution method against several human pathogenic bacteria, viz. Gram-positive bacteria [B. cerus (NCIN-2156), B. subtilis (ATCC-6051), S. aureus (NCIM-2079)] and Gram-negative bacteria [P. aeruginosa (NCIM-2036), E. coli (NCIM-2065), and a drug-resistant strain of E. coli (U-621)], and the compounds presented admirable MIC values, ranging between 100-1.56 µg/mL. The combinatorial analysis showed the magnificent inhibitory efficiency of the tested compounds, acquired equipotent to ten-fold more potency compared to original MIC values. An immense synergistic effect was exhibited by the compounds during combination studies with reference drugs chloramphenicol and sulfamethoxazole was presented as fractional inhibitory concentration (∑FIC). Enzyme inhibition studies of all synthesized compounds were done by using peptidyl transferase and dihydropteroate synthase enzymes isolated from E. coli and S. aureus and each of the compound presented the admirable IC50 values, where the lead compound 3 bound to peptidyl transferase (of S. aureus with IC50 363.51 ± 2.54 µM and E. coli IC50 1.04 ± 0.08 µM) & dihydropteroate synthase (of S. aureus IC50 3.51 ± 0.82 µM and E. coli IC50 2.77 ± 0.65 µM), might account for the antimicrobial effect, exhibited excellent inhibition potential. Antifungal screening was also performed employing food poisoning methods against several pathogenic fungal species, viz A. flavus, F. oxysporum, A. niger, and A. brassicae. The obtained result indicated that few compounds can prove to be a potent drug regimen against dreaded MDR strains of microbes. Structural activity relationship (SAR) analysis and docking studies reveal that the presence of electron-withdrawing, polar, and more lipophilic substituents positively favor the antibacterial activity, whereas, electron-withdrawing, more polar, and hydrophilic substituents favor the antifungal activities. A robust coherence has been found in in-silico and in-vitro biological screening results of the compounds.

Tuberculosis is the predominant infection in systemic sclerosis: thirty-year retrospective study of serious infections from a single centre.

To look for the spectrum of infections and the factors predisposing to infection in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this retrospective study, demographic, clinical features, details of infections, immunosuppressive therapy, and outcomes of patients with SSc attending clinics at department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India from 1990 to 2022 were captured. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of infection. Data of 880 patients, mean age 35.5 ± 12 years, and female: male ratio 7.7:1, were analyzed. One hundred and fifty-three patients had at least 1 infection with a total of 233 infectious episodes. Infections were most common in lung followed by skin and soft tissue. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 45 patients (29.4%). Klebsiella was the commonest non-tubercular organism in lung and Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections. In comparison to matched control group, patients with infection had a greater number of admissions due to active disease, odds ratio (OR) 6.27 (CI 3.23-12.18), were receiving immunosuppressive medication OR, 5.05 (CI 2.55-10.00), and had more digital ulcers OR, 2.53 (CI 1.17-5.45). Patients who had infection had more likelihood for death OR, 13.63 (CI 4.75 -39.18). Tuberculosis is the commonest infection and lung remains the major site of infection in patients with SSc. Number of hospital admissions, digital ulcers and immunosuppressive therapy are predictors of serious infection in patients with SSc. Patients with infections had more likelihood of death.

HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphisms & response to a yoga-based lifestyle intervention in rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

Background & objectives: Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G plays a vital role in immunomodulation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mounting evidence suggests a link between HLA-G gene polymorphisms, disease susceptibility and methotrexate treatment response. Various environmental factors influence the onset and progression of RA and its treatment outcomes. The aim is to identify the treatment response of HLA-G 3' untranslated region polymorphisms to yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI). Methods: In this eight-week single-blinded randomized controlled trial (CTRI/2017/05/008589), patients with RA (n=140) were randomized into two groups namely, yoga group or non-yoga group. Baseline genomic DNA was isolated using salting-out method. PCR-based methods were used for genotyping. The levels of soluble (s) HLA-G and disease activity were assessed by ELISA and disease activity score-28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), respectively, at baseline (day 0) and after eight weeks of intervention. Results: Low-producing sHLA-G genotypes, i.e. +3142GG and 14 bp ins/ins, showed a significant increase in sHLA-G levels after YBLI. The association analysis between HLA-G polymorphisms and treatment for RA showed no considerable differential treatment remission in either of the groups (P>0.05). The percentages of improvement were higher in the yoga group as compared to the non-yoga group in both the HLA-G +3142G>C and 14 bp ins/del polymorphisms irrespective of their respective genotypes. No significant association was found between sHLA-G levels and disease activity with respect to genotypes. Interpretation & conclusions: Yoga intervention results in improvement and reduced severity of RA in patients irrespective of the HLA-G 14 bp ins/del or +3142G>C polymorphisms. YBLI may be used as an adjunct therapy in RA independent of the genotypes.

Diagnostic yield and safety of percutaneous CT-guided biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions and analysis of imaging features.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy is emerging as a preferred method for obtaining tissue samples from retroperitoneal lesions due to clear visualization of needle and vessels. PURPOSE: To assess diagnostic yield and safety of CT-guided biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions and compare CT findings in different disease categories. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analytical study included 86 patients with retroperitoneal lesions who underwent CT-guided biopsy from December 2010 to March 2020. All procedures were performed with co-axial technique and multiple cores were obtained and subjected to histopathology. Additional tests like immunohistochemistry or microbiological analysis were done depending on clinical suspicion. Diagnostic yield calculation and comparison of imaging findings was done by one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: CT-guided biopsy was technically successful in all cases with a diagnostic yield of 91.9%. Minor complications in the form of small hematomas were seen in two patients. Major disease categories on final diagnosis were lymphoma, tuberculosis, and metastases. A variety of malignant and benign soft-tissue neoplasms were also noted less commonly. With help of immunohistochemistry, lymphoma subtype was established in 88.8% of cases. Addition of microbiological tests like the GeneXpert assay helped in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in some cases. A mass-like appearance and vascular encasement was common in metastatic group and lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous CT-guided biopsy is a safe method for the sampling of retroperitoneal lesions with high diagnostic yield. Imaging findings are mostly overlapping; however, some features are more common in a particular disease condition.

Mechanistic Insights of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria Mediated Drought and Salt Stress Tolerance in Plants for Sustainable Agriculture.

Climate change has devastating effects on plant growth and yield. During ontogenesis, plants are subjected to a variety of abiotic stresses, including drought and salinity, affecting the crop loss (20-50%) and making them vulnerable in terms of survival. These stresses lead to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage nucleic acid, proteins, and lipids. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have remarkable capabilities in combating drought and salinity stress and improving plant growth, which enhances the crop productivity and contributes to food security. PGPB inoculation under abiotic stresses promotes plant growth through several modes of actions, such as the production of phytohormones, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, exopolysaccharide, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, extracellular polymeric substances, volatile organic compounds, modulate antioxidants defense machinery, and abscisic acid, thereby preventing oxidative stress. These bacteria also provide osmotic balance; maintain ion homeostasis; and induce drought and salt-responsive genes, metabolic reprogramming, provide transcriptional changes in ion transporter genes, etc. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the effects of PGPB on drought and salinity stress to mitigate its detrimental effects. Furthermore, we also discuss the mechanistic insights of PGPB towards drought and salinity stress tolerance for sustainable agriculture.

Laparo-endoscopic transgastric resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor located near the gastro-oesophageal junction with hiatus hernia repair.

A 63-year-old male presented to us with upper abdominal pain and odynophagia for 3 months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed hiatus hernia with ulceroproliferative growth involving the gastro-oesophageal (GE) junction and cardia of the stomach with no obvious transserosal extension. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy was suggestive of a tumour of size 3 cm × 3 cm near the GE junction and sliding hiatus hernia. Although there are various ways described in the literature for managing GI stromal tumour (GIST), we opted for laparo-endoscopic transgastric resection with hiatus hernia repair due to obvious advantages in terms of safety and efficacy. Just a handful of cases have been described in the literature being treated in this fashion. The procedure was successfully performed as evidenced by an uneventful recovery of the patient. His histopathology report was suggestive of GIST of size 3.5 cm × 3.0 cm × 2.0 cm. The resected margins were free of the tumour.

Molecular modelling, synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of benzimidazole nucleoside mimetics.

A series of new N-1-(ß-d-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole derivatives has been designed using in silico methods and synthesized as probable antimicrobial agents. Further, the compounds were assessed for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. Antibacterial screening was done by employing broth micro-dilution method and compounds exhibited excellent inhibitory activity (MIC, 50-1.56 µg/mL) against different human pathogenic bacteria, viz. B. cerus, B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa and drug resistant strain (DRS) of E. coli. A great synergistic effect was observed during evaluation of ∑FIC, where a combination study was performed using standard references, viz. chloramphenicol and kanamycin. The MIC data obtained from different methods of combination approach revealed 4-128 fold more potency compared to compounds tested alone. The results clearly indicated the possibility of these compounds as active ingredients of drug regimen used against MDR strains. Antifungal screening were also performed employing two different methods, viz. serial dilution method and zone inhibition method, clearly indicated that compounds were also potentially active against several species of pathogenic fungal strains, viz. A. flavus, A. niger, F. oxysporum and C. albicans. The assessment of structure activity relationship (SAR) clearly revealed that presence of less polar and more hydrophobic substituents positively favours the antibacterial activity, conversely, more polar and hydrophilic substituents favours the antifungal activities. Thus, the results positively endorsed the compounds as potent antibacterial and antifungal agents which could be developed as possible drug regimens.

Breathability and Safety Testing of Personal Protective Equipment: "Human-comfort" Factor Remains Undefined.

Healthcare systems all over the world have been enormously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) taking care of these patients need personal protective equipments (PPEs) standardized for full protection from droplets and aerosols carrying viral load to variable distances. There has been a surge of manufacturers supplying these protective gears in India and regulatory agencies have issued technical specifications pertaining to PPEs focusing solely on synthetic blood penetration tests (SBPTs) and keeping the upper limit of non-woven fabric to 95 g/m2 (GSM). These PPE specifications are silent on air permeability (AP) and water/moisture vapor transmission rate (WVTR/MVTR) of the fabric. As a result, most of the PPE kits, despite having appropriate SBPT certifications from regulatory agencies, have extremely poor permeability and breathability. The acceptability of PPEs by HCWs can be vastly improved when the end-users are proactively invited to participate in "comfort testing" of PPEs before getting issuance of certification for marketing. "Field testing" or "end-user trials" in which HCWs don the PPE and assess it for comfort while performing different types of clinical work, e.g., in intensive care units (ICUs), operation theaters, cath labs, etc., also takes into account a hitherto often ignored "human-comfort-factor" that not only enhances the understanding of HCWs about the need for the PPEs but can also motivate them to use it without worrying about discomfort. We hereby propose that comfort fit testing (COmfort and Material Fit is an Obviously Required Test) should be a part of the mandatory testing and certification process for PPE, so that the industry invests wisely in manufacturing PPE kits that are not only certified for fabric but are also tested for comfort factors. How to cite this article: Kapoor A, Baronia AK, Azim A, Agarwal G, Prasad N, Mishra R, et al. Breathability and Safety Testing of Personal Protective Equipment: "Human-comfort" Factor Remains Undefined. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(1):12-15.

RelB suppresses type I Interferon signaling in dendritic cells.

Type I Interferon (IFN) signaling plays a critical role in dendritic cell (DC) development and functions. Inhibition of hyper type I IFN signaling promotes cDC2 subtype development. Relb is essential to development of cDC2 subtype and here we analyzed its effect on type I IFN signaling in DCs. We show that Relb suppresses the homeostatic type I IFN signaling in cDC2 cultures. TLR stimulation of FL-DCs led to RelB induction coinciding with fall in IFN signatures; conforming with the observation Relb expression reduced TLR stimulated IFN induction along with decrease in ISGs. Towards understanding mechanism, we show that effects of RelB are mediated by increased levels of IκBα. We demonstrate that RelB dampened antiviral responses by lowering ISG levels and the defect in cDC2 development in RelB null mice can be rescued in Ifnar1-/- background. Overall, we propose a novel role of RelB as a negative regulator of the type I IFN signaling pathway; fine tuning development of cDC2 subtype.

MicroRNA hsa-miR-324-5p Suppresses H5N1 Virus Replication by Targeting the Viral PB1 and Host CUEDC2.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that are crucial posttranscriptional regulators for host mRNAs. Recent studies indicate that miRNAs may modulate host response during RNA virus infection. However, the role of miRNAs in immune response against H5N1 infection is not clearly understood. In this study, we showed that expression of cellular miRNA miR-324-5p was downregulated in A549 cells in response to infection with RNA viruses H5N1, A/PR8/H1N1, and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and transfection with poly(I·C). We found that miR-324-5p inhibited H5N1 replication by targeting the PB1 viral RNA of H5N1 in host cells. In addition, transcriptome analysis revealed that miR-324-5p enhanced the expression of type I interferon, type III interferon, and interferon-inducible genes (ISGs) by targeting CUEDC2, the negative regulator of the JAK1-STAT3 pathway. Together, these findings highlight that the miR-324-5p plays a crucial role in host defense against H5N1 by targeting viral PB1 and host CUEDC2 to inhibit H5N1 replication.IMPORTANCE Highly pathogenic influenza A virus (HPAIV) continues to pose a pandemic threat globally. From 2003 to 2017, H5N1 HPAIV caused 453 human deaths, giving it a high mortality rate (52.74%). This work shows that miR-324-5p suppresses H5N1 HPAIV replication by directly targeting the viral genome (thereby inhibiting viral gene expression) and cellular CUEDC2 gene, the negative regulator of the interferon pathway (thereby enhancing antiviral genes). Our study enhances the knowledge of the role of microRNAs in the cellular response to viral infection. Also, the study provides help in understanding how the host cells utilize small RNAs in controlling the viral burden.

I2/DMSO mediated multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b] thiazole derivatives.

Synthesis of a series of 2-arylbenzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b] thiazoles tethered with barbituric acid moiety has been reported from the three component reaction of 2-aminobenzothiazoles, barbituric acids and terminal aryl acetylenes or aryl methyl ketones in the presence of I2 in DMSO medium. Both conventional and microwave heating conditions can be used for this multicomponent reaction. The salient features of this methodology are: (i) formation of one C-C and two C-N bonds in one-pot under metal-free oxidation followed by cyclization, (ii) selective formation of the fused imidazole ring, (iii) wide substrate scope, (iv) easy purification of the products, (v) products having more than one pharmaceutically important motifs and (vi) gram scale synthesis possible.

A rational search for discovering potential neutraligands of human complement fragment 5a (hC5a).

The human complement fragment 5a (hC5a) is an extremely potent proinflammatory glycoprotein, which upon binding to C5aR triggers a plethora of immune and non-immunological responses in humans. Dysregulation of complement system is associated with the upregulation of hC5a, leading to the surge of proinflammatory cytokines, which further exacerbate the chronic inflammation induced pathological conditions. Thus, hC5a is considered as a major pharmacological target for developing complement therapeutics that can directly or indirectly modulate the function of hC5a. However, the idea of small molecules, directly neutralizing the function of excessive hC5a remains unexplored in the literature. By recruiting cheminformatics approach, the avenue of drug repositioning is explored in the current study for discovering novel neutraligands of hC5a. The systematic exercise yields a pool of potential neutraligands, from which four FDA approved drugs, such as carprofen, oxaprozin, sulindac and raloxifene have been subjected to a battery of computational and biophysical studies against hC5a. The data obtained from docking, molecular dynamics, and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area studies, strongly correlate with the data obtained from the circular dichroism, steady state fluorescence, and fluorescence quenching studies, involving the recombinant hC5a and the selected drugs. The proof of the concept study successfully documents the rational discovery of first generation template neutraligands of hC5a through drug repositioning approach and suggests that the selected drugs perhaps bind functionally distinct hot spots on hC5a. The identified neutraligands can be subsequently optimized as complement specific therapeutics for strongly modulating the hC5a-C5aR signaling axes.

A composite prepared from MoS2 quantum dots and silver nanoparticles and stimulated by mercury(II) is a robust oxidase mimetic for use in visual determination of cysteine.

MoS2 quantum dots were hydrothermally synthesized and utilized for the formation and stabilization of a nanocomposite with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a single step. This composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential measurements. It is found that this nanohybrid can be stimulated by mercury(II) ion and then exhibits excellent oxidase mimicking activity. The oxidase-like activity is demonstrated by the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine by H2O2 that leads to the formation of a blue product. An assay was developed for determination of cysteine (Cys) at ultra-trace level because Cys inhibits the activity of the nanozyme via interaction with Hg(II). The Cys assay, best performed at a wavelength of 652 nm, works in the 1-100 µM concentration range and has a 0.82 µM detection limit. In addition, a portable Cys test kit is described that was applied to the determination of Cys in serum samples. The resulting colorations were compared with color chat wheel. The method is simple, rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive. Graphical abstractSchematic presentation of oxidase mimetic activity of the Hg@ MoS2-QDs-AgNPs and colorimetric sensing of Cys.

Synthesis of Pyrimidine Fused Quinolines by Ligand-Free Copper-Catalyzed Domino Reactions.

Herein, we report two novel methods for the synthesis of pyrimidine fused quinolines using a one-pot C-C and C-N bond forming strategy from the reaction of 6-aminouracils with 2-bromobenzaldehydes or 2-bromobenzyl bromide derivatives in the presence of 10 mol % CuCl2 without using any ligand. The reaction of 2-bromobenzaldehyde or its derivatives with 6-aminouracils in the presence of K2CO3 as base and a catalytic amount of CuCl2 in DMF medium under microwave heating conditions provides corresponding pyrimidine fused quinoline derivatives in good yields within 30 min. Alternatively, pyrimidine fused quinoline derivatives have been synthesized from the reaction of 2-bromobenzyl bromides with 6-aminouracil derivatives in the presence of molecular oxygen, CuCl2 (10 mol %), and K2CO3 as base in DMF under reflux conditions. Structures of all the products were unambiguously confirmed by spectroscopic techniques and by recording single crystal XRD of 3a.

Synthesis of fused pyrroles containing 4-hydroxycoumarins by regioselective metal-free multicomponent reactions.

The reaction of arylglyoxals, 4-hydroxycoumarin, and aromatic amines such as 7-amino-2-methylchromone, 6/7-aminoflavone, 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, 1-amino-9-fluorenone, 1-aminoanthraquinone and aniline derivatives in acetic acid medium under microwave conditions provides the corresponding regioselective fused pyrroles having hydroxycoumarin and aryl substituents. Alternatively, we have developed another method using in situ arylglyoxals from acetophenone derivatives by I2/DMSO promoted C-H oxidation followed by one-pot three component cyclization reactions to provide similar fused pyrroles. Using both the methods a series of novel pyrroles fused with pharmacologically important chromone, flavone, coumarin, fluorenone, and anthraquinone moieties were synthesized under metal-free reaction conditions in good to very good yields within a short reaction time. The structures of the synthesized fused pyrroles have been unambiguously confirmed by spectroscopic techniques, mass analysis and single crystal XRD.

Homogenous Dispersion of MoS2 Nanosheets in Polyindole Matrix at Air-Water Interface Assisted by Langmuir Technique.

Two-dimensional (2D) inorganic layered materials when embedded in organic polymer matrix exhibit exotic properties that are grabbing contemporary attention for various applications. Here, nanosheet morphology of molybdenum disufide (MoS2) synthesized via one-pot facile hydrothermal reaction are exfoliated in benign aqueous medium in the presence of indole to obtain a stable dispersion. These exfoliated nanosheets then act as host to template the controlled polymerization of indole. The preassembled MoS2-polyindole (MoS2-PIn) nanostructures are reorganized at the air-water interface using the Langmuir method to facilitate maximum interfacial interaction between nanosheet and polymer. This report emphasizes large area, homogeneous dispersion of uniform-sized MoS2 nanosheets (40-60 nm diameter) in the PIn matrix and the formation of stable and uniform film via the Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) method. These self-assembled, MoS2 decorated PIn LS films are characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The fabricated LS films in sandwiched structure Al/MoS2-PIn/ITO as the Schottky diode portrayed remarkable enhancements in charge transport properties. Our study illustrates the potential of the MoS2-PIn LS film in electronic applications and opens a new dimension for uniform dispersion of 2D materials in other polymers via the Langmuir method for device fabrication and enhancement of electrical properties.

Effect of frying conditions on the physico-chemical properties of rice bran oil and its blended oil.

The changes occurring in rice bran oil and its blend with sunflower oil during repeated frying cycles of dried and moist potato chips were monitored. The parameters assessed were: Colour, Refractive Index, SpecificGravity, Oryzanol Value, Free fatty acid, Iodine Value, Peroxide value, anisidine value, Saponification Value, trans fats and fatty acid composition. No significant changes (p≤0.05) were observed in the refractive index and specific gravity of rice bran oil, sunflower oil and their model blend. The colour of blended oil was lesser than RBO and the intensity of color increased after each frying cycle during the deep fat frying of moistened and dried potato chips. The oryzanol content and iodine value decreased with the frying cycles. The decrease in oryzanol value during the frying operation was more prominent in rice bran oil as compared to the blended oils. The increase in p-anisidine value was more in rice bran oil as compared to blended oil. No significant changes (P<0.05) in the myristic, palmitic and stearic acid composition was observed during the repeated deep fat frying cycles in both the rice bran oil and blended oils samples. The amount of unsaturated fatty acid decreased gradually during repeated deep fat frying cycles in both the oils. The trans fat increased with repeated deep fat frying cycles in both the rice bran and blended oils, when used to fry moistened and dried potato chips. Both the oil samples showed greater formation of trans fatty acids when the moistened potato chips were used during frying.

Flagellin conjugated Per a 10 and its T cell peptides attenuate airway inflammation and restore cellular function.

Adjuvants were used to modulate response towards relevant immune cells. The present study aims to investigate FlaA-conjugated Per a 10 and T cell peptides in amelioration of allergic airway disease in mice. Mice given Per a 10 showed allergic features with higher cellular infiltration, IgE, Th-2 cytokines and alarmins. Fusion protein treatment reduced lung inflammation (p < 0.0001) and cellular infiltrates (p < 0.001) with higher IgG2a/IgE indicating resolution of disease. Immunotherapy with FPT1 and FPT3 reduces IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels (p < 0.0001) with a fourfold increase in IFN-γ secretion in BALF. FPT1- and FPT3-treated mice have increased IL-10 and TGF-ß levels (p < 0.001) with CD4+Foxp3+ T cells (p < 0.01) indicating Treg response. There was enhanced expression of claudin-1 (1.7-fold) and occludin (fourfold) in lungs of FPT1- and FPT3-treated mice with reduced TSLP (p < 0.01) and IL-33 (p < 0.0001) secretion in BALF indicating recovery of epithelial function. Peptide-conjugated FlaA proteins showed protective immunity in mice and have potential for immunotherapy with restoration of cellular function.