Molecular Weights of Polyethyleneimine-Dependent Physicochemical Tuning of Gold Nanoparticles and FRET-Based Turn-On Sensing of Polymyxin B.

Environmental monitoring and the detection of antibiotic contaminants require expensive and time-consuming techniques. To overcome these challenges, gold nanoparticle-mediated fluorometric "turn-on" detection of Polymyxin B (PMB) in an aqueous medium was undertaken. The molecular weight of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-dependent physicochemical tuning of gold nanoparticles (PEI@AuNPs) was achieved and employed for the same. The three variable molecular weights of branched polyethyleneimine (MW 750, 60, and 1.3 kDa) molecules controlled the nano-geometry of the gold nanoparticles along with enhanced stabilization at room temperature. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized through various advanced techniques. The results revealed that polyethyleneimine-stabilized gold nanoparticles (PEI@AuNP-1-3) were 4.5, 7.0, and 52.5 nm in size with spherical shapes, and the zeta potential values were 29.9, 22.5, and 16.6 mV, respectively. Accordingly, the PEI@AuNPs probes demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity, with a linear relationship curve over a concentration range of 1-6 µM for polymyxin B. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 8.5 nM. This is the first unique report of gold nanoparticle nano-geometry-dependent FRET-based turn-on detection of PMB in an aqueous medium. We believe that this approach would offer a complementary strategy for the development of a highly sophisticated and advanced sensing system for PMB and act as a template for the development of new nanomaterial-based engineered sensors for rapid antibiotic detection in environmental as well as biological samples.

Assessing the land use dynamics and thermal environment using geospatial techniques in the industrial city of Chotanagpur Plateau Region, India.

The phenomenon of urban heat island (UHI) is characterized by industrial, economic development, unplanned and unregulated land use as well as a rapid increase in urban population, resulting a warmer inner core in contrast to the surrounding natural environment, thus requiring immediate attention for a sustainable urban environment. This study examined the land use/land cover (LULC) change, pattern of spectral indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI; Normalized Difference Water Index, NDWI; Normalized Difference Built-up Index, NDBI and Normalized Difference Bareness Index, NDBaI), retrieval of land surface temperature (LST) and Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) as well as identification of UHI from 2000 to 2022. The relationship among LST and LULC spectral indices was estimated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The Landsat-5 (TM) and Landsat-8 (OLI/TIRS) satellite data have been used, and all tasks were completed through various geospatial tools like ArcGIS 10.8, Google Earth Engine (GEE), Erdas Imagine 2014 and R-Programming. The result of this study depicts over the period that built-up area and water bodies increased by 119.78 and 35.70%, respectively. On the contrary, fallow and barren decreased by 55.33 and 32.31% respectively over the period. The mean and maximum LST increased by 3.61 °C and 2.62 °C, and the study reveals that a high concentration of UTFVI and UHI in industrial areas, coal mining sites and their surroundings, but the core urban area has observed low LST and intensity of UHI than the peripheral areas due to maintained vegetation cover and water bodies. An inverse relationship has been found among LST, NDVI and NDWI, while adverse relationships were observed among LST, NDBI and NDBaI throughout the period. Sustainable environment planning is needful for the urban area, as well as the periphery region and plantation is one of the controlling measures of LST and UHI increment. This work provides the scientific base for the study of the thermal environment which can be one of the variables for planning of Asansol City and likewise other cities of the country as well as the world.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ocular Ultrasonography in Identifying Raised Intracranial Pressure among Pediatric Population.

INTRODUCTION: Role of CT scan, MRI, ophthalmoscopy, direct monitoring by a transducer probe in identifying raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in emergency department is limited. There are few studies correlating elevated optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by point of care ultrasound (POCUS) with raised ICP in pediatrics emergencies. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of ONSD, crescent sign, and optic disc elevation in identifying increased ICP in pediatrics. METHODS: Prospective observational study was done between April 2018 and August 2019 after ethics approval. Out of 125 subjects, 40 patients without clinical features of raised ICP were recruited as external controls and 85 with clinical features of raised ICP as study subjects. Their demographic profile, clinical examination, and ocular ultrasound findings were noted. This was followed by CT scan. Out of 85 patients, 43 had raised ICP (cases) and 42 had normal ICP (disease controls). Diagnostic accuracy of ONSD in identifying raised ICP was evaluated using STATA. RESULTS: The mean ONSD in case group was 5.5 ± 0.6 mm, 4.9 ± 0.5 mm in disease control group and external control group was 4.8 ± 0.3 mm. Cut-off of ONSD for raised ICP at ≥4.5 mm had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.67% and 10.98%, while ≥5.0 mm showed a sensitivity and specificity of 86.05% and 71.95%. Crescent sign and optic disc elevation had good correlation with increased ICP. CONCLUSION: ONSD ≥5 mm by POCUS identified raised ICP in pediatric population. Crescent sign and optic disc elevation may function as additional POCUS signs in identifying raised ICP.

Design and synthesis of novel spirocyclic carboxylic acids as potent and orally bioavailable DGAT1 inhibitors and their biological evaluation.

A series of novel spirocyclic DGAT1 inhibitors containing the oxadiazole motif were designed and synthesized for biological evaluation. Several compounds exhibited potent diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) inhibitory activity. Optimization of the series led to the identification of five lead compounds 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 that showed excellent in-vitro activity with IC50 values ranging from 7 to 20 nM against human DGAT1. All compounds demonstrated good druggability as well as microsomal stability and safety profiles such as hERG and CYP. Compound 12 significantly reduced plasma triglyceride levels in-vivo in the mouse model of acute lipid challenge. Significant reduction in plasma TG excursion was observed, thus indicating DGAT1 inhibition in-vivo.

New insights into development and mortality of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in a homogenous cohort of 1161 intensive care patients.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been widely reported but homogenous large cohort studies are needed to gain real-world insights about the disease. METHODS: We collected clinical and laboratory data of 1161 patients hospitalised at our Institute from March 2020 to August 2021, defined their CAPA pathology, and analysed the data of CAPA/non-CAPA and deceased/survived CAPA patients using univariable and multivariable models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence and mortality of CAPA in our homogenous cohort of 1161 patients were 6.4% and 47.3%, respectively. The mortality of CAPA was higher than that of non-CAPA patients (hazard ratio: 1.8 [95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.8]). Diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.92 [1.15-3.21]); persistent fever (2.54 [1.17-5.53]); hemoptysis (7.91 [4.45-14.06]); and lung lesions of cavitation (8.78 [2.27-34.03]), consolidation (9.06 [2.03-40.39]), and nodules (8.26 [2.39-28.58]) were associated with development of CAPA by multivariable analysis. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (2.68 [1.09-6.55]), a high computed tomography score index (OR 1.18 [1.08-1.29]; p < .001), and pulse glucocorticoid treatment (HR 4.0 [1.3-9.2]) were associated with mortality of the disease. Whereas neutrophilic leukocytosis (development: 1.09 [1.03-1.15] and mortality: 1.17 [1.08-1.28]) and lymphopenia (development: 0.68 [0.51-0.91] and mortality: 0.40 [0.20-0.83]) were associated with the development as well as mortality of CAPA. CONCLUSION: We observed a low but likely underestimated prevalence of CAPA in our study. CAPA is a disease with high mortality and diabetes is a significant factor for its development while ARDS and pulse glucocorticoid treatment are significant factors for its mortality. Cellular immune dysregulation may have a central role in CAPA from its development to mortality.

Synthetic incorporation of palladium-nickel bimetallic nanoparticles within mesoporous silica/silica nanoparticles as efficient and cheaper catalyst for both cationic and anionic dyes degradation.

Nickel-palladium bimetallic nanocrystallite supported mesoporous silica/silica nanoparticles (MSPs/MSNPs) made at a controlled ratio of Pd/Ni via organotrialkoxysilane mediated reduction of palladium cations are reported. The organotrialkoxysilane serve as a template for the stabilization and formation of bimetallic Pd-Ni nanocrystallite within MSPs/MSNPs that are characterized by TEM, EDX, HR-SEM, HR-MS, XRD, BET and Elemental mapping analysis, kinetic analysis for degradation of both cationic and anionic dyes, i.e., rhodamine B and congo red, respectively. The nanocrystallite inserted MSNPs of particle diameter 200 nm justify faster degradation with rate constant to the order of 6.9 x10-2s-1 as compared to that for MSPs of 50 µm to the order of 3.2 x10-2 s-1 for 15 ppm Rh B within 50 s as compared to that for mesoporous silica of 50 µm within 110 s under similar conditions with analogous observation for the degradation of congo red. Heterogeneous support is fully recyclable and shows 100% catalytic activity even after five subsequent applications. The degradation dynamics have further been evaluated based on fluorescent spectra and HR-MS analysis.

Molecular weight of polyethylenimine-dependent transfusion and selective antimicrobial activity of functional silver nanoparticles.

Synthetic cationic polymer-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and selective antimicrobial activity of the same were demonstrated. Polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii as a function of the polymeric molecular weight (MW) of PEI. Silver nanoparticles were coated with PEI of three different MWs: Ag-NP-1 with PEI exhibiting a MW of 750,000, Ag-NP-2 with PEI exhibiting a MW of 1300, and Ag-NP-3 with PEI exhibiting a MW of 60,000. These nanoparticles showed a particle size distribution of 4-20 nm. The nanoparticles exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against A. baumannii, with the minimum inhibitory concentration of Ag-NP-1, Ag-NP-2, and Ag-NP-3 on the order of 5, 10, and 5 µg/mL, respectively, and minimum bactericidal concentration of Ag-NP-1, Ag-NP-2, and Ag-NP-3 on the order of 10, 20, and 10 µg/mL, respectively. Fluorescence imaging of Ag-NPs revealed selective transfusion of Ag-NPs across the cell membrane as a function of the polymeric MW; differential interaction of the cytoplasmic proteins during antimicrobial activity was observed.

Aggregation-Resistant, Turn-On-Off Fluorometric Sensing of Glutathione and Nickel (II) Using Vancomycin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles.

Glutathione (GSH) and nickel (II) cation have an indispensable role in various physiological processes, including preventing the oxidative damage of cells and acting as a cofactor for lipid metabolic enzymes. An imbalance in the physiological level of these species may cause serious health complications. Therefore, sensitive and selective fluorescent probes for the detection of GSH and nickel (II) are of great interest for clinical as well as environmental monitoring. Herein, vancomycin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (PEI-AuNP@Van) were prepared and employed for the detection of GSH and nickel (II) based on a turn-on-off mechanism. The as-synthesized PEI-AuNP@Van was ~7.5 nm in size; it exhibited a spherical shape with face-centered cubic lattice symmetry. As compared to vancomycin unconjugated gold nanoparticles, GSH led to the turn-on state of PEI-AuNP@Van, while Ni2+ acted as a fluorescence quencher (turn-off) without the aggregation of nanoparticles. These phenomena strongly justify the active role of vancomycin conjugation for the detection of GSH and Ni2+. The turn-on-off kinetics was linearly proportional over the concentration range between 0.05-0.8 µM and 0.05-6.4 µM. The detection limits were 205.9 and 90.5 nM for GSH and Ni2+, respectively; these results are excellent in comparison to previous reports. This study demonstrates the active role of vancomycin conjugation for sensing of GSH and Ni2+ along with PEI-AuNP@Van as a promising nanoprobe.

X-ray standing wave characterization of the strong metal-support interaction in Co/TiOx model catalysts.

The strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) is a phenomenon observed in supported metal catalyst systems in which reducible metal oxide supports can form overlayers over the surface of active metal nanoparticles (NPs) under a hydrogen (H2) environment at elevated temperatures. SMSI has been shown to affect catalyst performance in many reactions by changing the type and number of active sites on the catalyst surface. Laboratory methods for the analysis of SMSI at the nanoparticle-ensemble level are lacking and mostly based on indirect evidence, such as gas chemisorption. Here, we demonstrate the possibility to detect and characterize SMSIs in Co/TiOx model catalysts using the laboratory X-ray standing wave (XSW) technique for a large ensemble of NPs at the bulk scale. We designed a thermally stable MoNx/SiNx periodic multilayer to retain XSW generation after reduction with H2 gas at 600°C. The model catalyst system was synthesized here by deposition of a thin TiOx layer on top of the periodic multilayer, followed by Co NP deposition via spare ablation. A partial encapsulation of Co NPs by TiOx was identified by analyzing the change in Ti atomic distribution. This novel methodological approach can be extended to observe surface restructuring of model catalysts in situ at high temperature (up to 1000°C) and pressure (≤3 mbar), and can also be relevant for fundamental studies in the thermal stability of membranes, as well as metallurgy.

A whole cell fluorescence quenching-based approach for the investigation of polyethyleneimine functionalized silver nanoparticles interaction with Candida albicans.

The antimicrobial activity of metal nanoparticles can be considered a two-step process. In the first step, nanoparticles interact with the cell surface; the second step involves the implementation of the microbicidal processes. Silver nanoparticles have been widely explored for their antimicrobial activity against many pathogens. The interaction dynamics of functionalized silver nanoparticles at the biological interface must be better understood to develop surface-tuned biocompatible nanomaterial-containing formulations with selective antimicrobial activity. Herein, this study used the intrinsic fluorescence of whole C. albicans cells as a molecular probe to understand the cell surface interaction dynamics of polyethyleneimine-functionalized silver nanoparticles and antifungal mechanism of the same. The results demonstrated that synthesized PEI-f-Ag-NPs were ~ 5.6 ± 1.2 nm in size and exhibited a crystalline structure. Furthermore, the recorded zeta potential (+18.2 mV) was associated with the stability of NPS and shown a strong electrostatic interaction tendency between the negatively charged cell surface. Thus, rapid killing kinetics was observed, with a remarkably low MIC value of 5 µg/mL. PEI-f-Ag-NPs quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of C. albicans cells with increasing incubation time and concentration and have shown saturation effect within 120 min. The calculated binding constant (Kb = 1 × 105 M-1, n = 1.01) indicated strong binding tendency of PEI-f-Ag-NPs with C. albicans surface. It should also be noted that the silver nanoparticles interacted more selectively with the tyrosine-rich proteins in the fungal cell. However, calcofluor white fluorescence quenching showed non-specific binding on the cell surface. Thus, the antifungal mechanisms of PEI-f-Ag-NPs were observed as reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and cell wall pit formation. This study demonstrated the utility of fluorescence spectroscopy for qualitative analysis of polyethyleneimine-functionalized silver nanoparticle interaction/binding with C. albicans cell surface biomolecules. Although, a quantitative approach is needed to better understand the interaction dynamics in order to formulate selective surface tuned nanoparticle for selective antifungal activity.

Synthesis of vancomycin functionalized fluorescent gold nanoparticles and selective sensing of mercury (II).

Mercury ions (Hg2+) are widely found in the environment; it is considered a major pollutant. Therefore, the rapid and reliable detection of Hg2+ is of great technical interest. In this study, a highly fluorescent, sensitive, and selective fluorometric assay for detecting Hg2+ ions was developed using vancomycin functionalized and polyethyleneimine stabilized gold nanoparticles (PEI-f-AuNPs@Van). The as-made gold nanoparticles were highly fluorescent, with excitation and emission maxima occurring at 320 and 418 nm, respectively. The size of nanoparticles was ~7 nm; a zeta potential of ~38.8 mV was determined. The XRD analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles possessed crystalline structure with face centerd cubic symmetry. Using the PEI-f-AuNP@Van probe, the detection limit of Hg2+ ion was achieved up to 0.988 nM (within a linear range) by calculating the KSV. However, the detection limit in a natural environmental sample was shown to be 12.5 nM. Furthermore, the selectivity tests confirmed that the designed probe was highly selective to mercury (II) cations among tested other divalent cations. Owing to its sensitivity and selectivity, this approach for Hg2+ ions detection can be utilized for the analysis of real water samples.

Diagnostic significance of dysregulated miRNAs in T-cell malignancies and their metabolic roles.

T-cell malignancy is a broad term used for a diverse group of disease subtypes representing dysfunctional malignant T cells transformed at various stages of their clonal evolution. Despite having similar clinical manifestations, these disease groups have different disease progressions and diagnostic parameters. The effective diagnosis and prognosis of such a diverse disease group demands testing of molecular entities that capture footprints of the disease physiology in its entirety. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the expression of genes and, while doing so, leave behind specific miRNA signatures corresponding to cellular expression status in an altered stage of a disease. Using miRNAs as a diagnostic tool is justified, as they can effectively distinguish expressional diversity between various tumors and within subtypes of T-cell malignancies. As global attention for cancer diagnosis shifts toward liquid biopsy, diagnosis using miRNAs is more relevant in blood cancers than in solid tumors. We also lay forward the diagnostic significance of miRNAs that are indicative of subtype, progression, severity, therapy response, and relapse. This review discusses the potential use and the role of miRNAs, miRNA signatures, or classifiers in the diagnosis of major groups of T-cell malignancies like T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-ALL), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL), and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The review also briefly discusses major diagnostic miRNAs having prominent metabolic roles in these malignancies to highlight their importance among other dysregulated miRNAs.

Performance of qSOFA Score as a Screening Tool for Sepsis in the Emergency Department.

Introduction: Sepsis is the leading cause of mortality, and various scoring systems have been developed for its early identification and treatment. The objective was to test the ability of quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score to identify sepsis and predict sepsis-related mortality in the emergency department (ED). Methods: We conducted a prospective study from July 2018 to April 2020. Consecutive patients with age ≥18 years who presented to the ED with a clinical suspicion of infection were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and odds ratio (OR) for sepsis related mortality on day 7 and 28 were measured. Results: A total of 1200 patients were recruited; of which 48 patients were excluded and 17 patients were lost to follow-up. 54 (45.4%) of 119 patients with positive qSOFA (qSOFA >2) died at 7 days and 76 (63.9%) died at 28 days. A total of 103 (10.1%) of 1016 patients with negative qSOFA (qSOFA score <2) died at 7 days and 207 (20.4%) died at 28 days. Patients with positive qSOFA score were at higher odds of dying at 7 days (OR: 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1-5.2, P < 0.001) and 28 days (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 4.6-10.3, P < 0.001). The PPV and NPV with positive qSOFA score to predict 7- and 28-day mortality were 45.4%, 89.9% and 63.9%, 79.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The qSOFA score can be used as a risk stratification tool in a resource-limited setting to identify infected patients at an increased risk of death.

Nanotechnology: A Potential Weapon to Fight against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 infections have posed an unprecedented global health emergency, with nearly three million deaths to date, and have caused substantial economic loss globally. Hence, an urgent exploration of effective and safe diagnostic/therapeutic approaches for minimizing the threat of this highly pathogenic coronavirus infection is needed. As an alternative to conventional diagnosis and antiviral agents, nanomaterials have a great potential to cope with the current or even future health emergency situation with a wide range of applications. Fundamentally, nanomaterials are physically and chemically tunable and can be employed for the next generation nanomaterial-based detection of viral antigens and host antibodies in body fluids as antiviral agents, nanovaccine, suppressant of cytokine storm, nanocarrier for efficient delivery of antiviral drugs at infection site or inside the host cells, and can also be a significant tool for better understanding of the gut microbiome and SARS-CoV-2 interaction. The applicability of nanomaterial-based therapeutic options to cope with the current and possible future pandemic is discussed here.

Size and Zeta Potential Clicked Germination Attenuation and Anti-Sporangiospores Activity of PEI-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles against COVID-19 Associated Mucorales (Rhizopus arrhizus).

The SARS-CoV-2 infections in Indian people have been associated with a mucormycotic fungal infection caused by the filamentous fungi Rhizopus arrhizus. The sporangiospores of R. arrhizus are omnipresent in the environment and cause infection through inhalation or ingestion of contaminated air and foods. Therefore, the anti-sporangiospore activity of polyethyleneimine functionalized silver nanoparticles (PEI-f-Ag-NPs) with variable size and surface charge as a function of the molecular weight of PEI was explored. The results showed that both PEI-f-AgNP-1 and PEI-f-AgNP-2, potentially, attenuated the germination and reduced the viability of sporangiospores. Furthermore, the results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of both PEI-f-AgNP-1 and PEI-f-AgNP-2 (1.65 and 6.50 µg/mL, respectively) were dependent on the nanoparticle size and surface ζ potentials. Similarly, the sporangiospore germination inhibition at MIC values was recorded, showing 97.33% and 94% germination inhibition, respectively, by PEI-f-AgNP-1 and 2 within 24 h, respectively. The confocal laser scanning microscopy, SEM-EDS, and confocal Raman spectroscopy investigation of PEI-f-Ag-NPs treated sporangiospores confirmed size and surface charge-dependent killing dynamics in sporangiospores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the polyethyleneimine functionalized silver nanoparticle-mediated size and surface charge-dependent anti-sporangiospore activity against R. arrhizus, along with a possible antifungal mechanism.

Amine-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles: A Potential Antiviral-Coating Material with Trap and Kill Efficiency to Combat Viral Dissemination (COVID-19).

The outbreak of COVID-19 has drastically affected the daily lifestyles of people globally where specific Coronavirus-2 transmits primarily by respiratory droplets. Structurally, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is made up of four types of proteins in which S-protein is indispensable among them, as it causes rapid replication in the host body. Therefore, the glycine and alanine composed of HR1 of S-protein is the ideal target for antiviral action. Different forms of surface-active PPEs can efficiently prevent this transmission in this circumstance. However, the virus can survive on the conventional PPEs for a long time. Hence, the nanotechnological approaches based on engineered nanomaterials coating on medical equipments can potentially prevent the dissemination of infections in public. Silver nanoparticles with tuneable physicochemical properties and versatile chemical functionalization provide an excellent platform to combat the disease. The coating of amine-functionalized silver nanoparticle (especially amine linked to aliphatic chain and trialkoxysilane) in its nanostructured form enables cloths trap and kill efficient. PPEs are a primary and reliable preventive measure, although they are not 100% effective against viral infections. So, developing and commercializing surface-active PPEs with trap and kill efficacy is highly needed to cope with current and future viral infections. This review article discusses the COVID-19 morphology, antiviral mechanism of Ag-NPs against SARS-CoV-2 virus, surface factors that influence viral persistence on fomites, the necessity of antiviral PPEs, and the potential application of amine-functionalized silver nanoparticles as a coating material for the development of trap and kill-efficient face masks and PPE kits.

When Clinico-Morphological and Molecular Studies Tell Different Stories: A Case of Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by cytopenias, dysplasia in one or more of the major myeloid cell lines, ineffective hematopoiesis, with cellular marrow, and risk for leukemic transformation. We present a case of a 66-year-old male with a history of multiple packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. Routine investigations, bone marrow aspiration, and biopsy were done. The clinical and morphological findings raised suspicion of MDS with isolated del (5q), so cytogenetics was done. When cytogenetics was done, there was a big mismatch in finding between clinical, morphological, and molecular findings which brought a major change in prognosis as well as treatment. It is, therefore, very essential to not rely only on the clinical and morphological findings to reach a diagnosis. Molecular findings play a pivotal role to come to a final conclusion.

Common garlic (Allium sativum L.) has potent Anti-Bacillus anthracis activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gastrointestinal anthrax, a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, remains an important but relatively neglected endemic disease of animals and humans in remote areas of the Indian subcontinent and some parts of Africa. Its initial symptoms include diarrhea and stomachache. In the current study, several common plants indicated for diarrhea, dysentery, stomachache or as stomachic as per traditional knowledge in the Indian subcontinent, i.e., Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael), Allium cepa L. (Onion), Allium sativum L. (Garlic), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem), Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex DC. (Daruharidra), Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander), Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric), Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (Bermuda grass), Mangifera indica L. (Mango), Morus indica L. (Black mulberry), Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Ocimum sanctum L., Holy Basil), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Ram Tulsi), Psidium guajava L. (Guava), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger), were evaluated for their anti-Bacillus anthracis property. The usage of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. and Curcuma longa L. by Santals (India), and Allium sp. by biblical people to alleviate anthrax-like symptoms is well documented, but the usage of other plants is traditionally only indicated for different gastrointestinal disturbances/conditions. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluate the above listed commonly available edible plants from the Indian subcontinent that are used in the traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases including those also indicated for anthrax-like symptoms for the presence of potent anti-B. anthracis activity in a form amenable to use by the general population in the endemic areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous extracts made from fourteen plants indicated above were screened for their anti-B. anthracis activity using agar-well diffusion assay (AWDA) and broth microdilution methods. The Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) that displayed most potent anti-B. anthracis activity was assessed for its thermostability, stability under pH extremes encountered in the gastrointestinal tract, and potential antagonistic interaction with bile salts as well as the FDA-approved antibiotics used for anthrax control. The bioactive fractions from the AGE were isolated by TLC coupled bioautography followed by their characterization using GC-MS. RESULTS: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract was identified as the most promising candidate with bactericidal activity against B. anthracis. It consistently inhibited the growth of B. anthracis in AWDA and decreased the viable colony-forming unit counts in liquid-broth cultures by 6-logs within 6-12 h. The AGE displayed acceptable thermostability (>80% anti-B. anthracis activity retained on incubation at 50 °C for 12 h) and stability in gastric pH range (2-8). It did not antagonize the activity of FDA-approved antibiotics used for anthrax control. GC-MS analysis of the TLC separated bioactive fractions of AGE indicated the presence of previously unreported constituents such as phthalic acid derivatives, acid esters, phenyl group-containing compounds, steroids etc. CONCLUSION: The Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) displayed potent anti-B. anthracis activity. It was better than that displayed by Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem) and Mangifera indica L., while Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) did not show any activity under the assay conditions used. Further work should be undertaken to explore the possible application of AGE in preventing anthrax incidences in endemic areas.

Interplay of Nutrition and Psychoneuroendocrineimmune Modulation: Relevance for COVID-19 in BRICS Nations.

The consequences of COVID-19 are not limited to physical health deterioration; the impact on neuropsychological well-being is also substantially reported. The inter-regulation of physical health and psychological well-being through the psychoneuroendocrineimmune (PNEI) axis has enduring consequences in susceptibility, treatment outcome as well as recuperation. The pandemic effects are upsetting the lifestyle, social interaction, and financial security; and also pose a threat through perceived fear. These consequences of COVID-19 also influence the PNEI system and wreck the prognosis. The nutritional status of individuals is also reported to have a determinative role in COVID-19 severity and convalescence. In addition to energetic demand, diet also provides precursor substances [amino acids (AAs), vitamins, etc.] for regulators of the PNEI axis such as neurotransmitters (NTs) and immunomodulators. Moreover, exaggerated immune response and recovery phase of COVID-19 demand additional nutrient intake; widening the gap of pre-existing undernourishment. Mushrooms, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and legumes are few of such readily available food ingredients which are rich in protein and also have medicinal benefits. BRICS nations have their influences on global development and are highly impacted by a large number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The adequacy and access to healthcare are also low in BRICS nations as compared to the rest of the world. Attempt to combat the COVID-19 pandemic are praiseworthy in BRICS nations. However, large population sizes, high prevalence of undernourishment (PoU), and high incidence of mental health ailments in BRICS nations provide a suitable landscape for jeopardy of COVID-19. Therefore, appraising the interplay of nutrition and PNEI modulation especially in BRICS countries will provide better understanding; and will aid in combat COVID-19. It can be suggested that the monitoring will assist in designing adjunctive interventions through medical nutrition therapy and psychopsychiatric management.

Predictors of mortality and the need of mechanical ventilation in confirmed COVID-19 patients presenting to the emergency department in North India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As the number of COVID-19 cases keeps on rising, a better awareness of the nature and severity of the disease will aid in clinical decision-making and management. Hence, this study was conducted to find the predictors of mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This was a single centre, prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre in north India. We included patients with influenza like illness who tested positive for COVID-19. Information regarding patient demography, symptoms, and vital signs on presentation, laboratory values, chest imaging findings, and disease severity was collected by the emergency physician. QSOFA score and National early warning score (NEWS) score were calculated using initial vital signs. Each patient was followed up till discharge or death. RESULTS: We included 116 COVID-19 patients with 33 patients having mild, 46 patients with severe and 37 patients with critical disease. The median age of our patients was 47 years (39-59) with 63% males. About 58% of patients had at least one comorbidity and shortness of breath was the most common presenting feature. The patients with severe and critical disease had a significantly higher respiratory rate and heart rate as compared to mild disease (p < 0.05). SpO2 of those with critical disease was significantly lower as compared to those with mild disease. Mechanical ventilation was required in around 36% of patients which included 67% of patients with critical disease. The overall mortality was 51% with 90% among critical disease. Lower SpO2 and GCS were the only parameters that showed a significant association with mortality and need for mechanical ventilation. The receiver operating characteristics analysis showed NEWS score as a better predictor of mortality and need for mechanical ventilation as compared to qSOFA score. CONCLUSION: NEWS and qSOFA scores are useful tools in predicting fatal outcomes in COVID patients with NEWS score being a better score than qSOFA.