Use of glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonist in the treatment of childhood obesity.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric obesity is a growing epidemic. Lifestyle modifications remain central to obesity treatment, however pharmacologic options have gained traction, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). This review aims to summarize evidence on the use of GLP-1RAs in the management of pediatric obesity, physiological mechanisms of action of GLP-1RAs and their role in appetite regulation and glucose homeostasis and address the challenges and special considerations surrounding GLP-1RA use. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of GLP-1RAs, such as exenatide, liraglutide, and semaglutide, in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic parameters in children and adolescents. GLP-1RA's efficacy extends beyond glycemic control to include weight loss mechanisms such as delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis), and appetite suppression. Semaglutide, the newest GLP-1RA, holds potential for substantial weight loss in adolescents and demonstrates a similar safety and efficacy as seen in adults. SUMMARY: GLP-1RAs may offer a promising adjunct therapy for pediatric obesity, particularly in cases where lifestyle interventions alone are insufficient. However, further research is needed to elucidate long-term safety and efficacy outcomes and to address potential disparities in access to care. Overall, this review highlights the relevance and timeliness of incorporating GLP-1RAs into the comprehensive management of pediatric obesity.

Exploration of spectroscopic, computational, fluorescence turn-off mechanism, molecular docking and in silico studies of pyridine derivative.

The present work reports pyridine-based chalones using spectroscopic techniques to use pyridine derivative analysis. The solvatochromic behavior of 3DPP in non-polar, polar protic and aprotic solvents has been investigated experimentally. The photophysical property of the compound in diverse solvents is attributed to the intra-molecular charge transfer interactions. The dipole moment of 3DPP is estimated theoretically and experimentally using various solvatochromic methods. It is observed that there is a bathochromic shift in the emission spectra of 3DPP, which confirms the π → π* transition. Fluorescence quenching of 3DPP is studied. The type of fluorescence quenching mechanism is found to be collisional quenching. A study of FRET theory on 3DPP was carried out with metal ions. There is a considerable energy transfer between 3DPP and metal ions. NLO behaviors of the compound have been revealed with the help of Kurtz-Perry powder technique. Additionally, the title molecule is docked, carried ADMET studies and drug-like activity using in silico tools. It is probed for antifungal activity through bioinformatics kit which showed potential information.

Differentially expressed microRNAs in biochemically characterized FrieswalTM crossbred bull semen.

In addition to the transmission of paternal genome, spermatozoa also carry coding as well as noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) into the female oocyte during the process of biological fertilization. Based on RNA deep sequencing, a total 28 number of differentially expressed miRNAs were cataloged in categorized FrieswalTM crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Sahiwal) bull semen on the basis of conception rate (CR) in field progeny testing program. Validation of selected miRNAs viz. bta-mir-182, bta-let-7b, bta-mir-34c and bta-mir-20a revealed that, superior bull semen having comparatively (p < .05) lower level of all the miRNAs in contrast to inferior bull semen. Additionally, it was illustrated that, bta-mir-20a and bta-mir-34c miRNAs are negatively (p < .01) correlated with seminal plasma catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level. Interactome studies identified that bta-mir-140, bta-mir-342, bta-mir-1306 and bta-mir-217 can target few of the important solute carrier (SLC) proteins viz. SLC30A3, SLC39A9, SLC31A1 and SLC38A2, respectively. Interestingly, it was noticed that all the SLCs were significantly (p < .05) expressed at higher level in superior quality bull semen and they are negatively correlated (p < .01) with their corresponding miRNAs as mentioned. This study may reflect the role of miRNAs in regulating few of the candidate genes and thus may influence the bull semen quality traits.

Eco-friendly MA3Bi2I9perovskite thin films based ammonia sensor.

Organic-inorganic perovskite halides (OIPH) have emerged as a wonder material with growing interest in sensors detecting various toxic gases. However, lead toxicity represents a potential obstacle, and therefore finding lead-free cost-effective compatible materials for gas sensing applications is essential. In this work, methylammonium bismuth iodide i.e. (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9(MABI) perovskite thin films-based ammonia (NH3) sensor was synthesized using an antisolvent-assisted one-step spin coating method. The MABI sensor shows a linear relationship between the responsivity and concentration of NH3with excellent reversibility, high gas responsivity, and humidity stability. The MABI thin-film sensor exhibits a maximum gas response of 24%, a short response/recovery time i.e. 0.14 s /8.15 s and good reversibility at 6 ppm of NH3. It was observed that MABI thin films based sensors have excellent ambient stability over a couple of months. This work reveals that it is feasible to design high-performance gas sensors based on environmentally-friendly Bi-based OIPH materials.

Effect of fluorescence quenching model on quinoline derivative with cobalt chloride metal ion using steady state and time resolved spectroscopic methods.

Quinoline derivative, i.e. quinilone yellow with the scientific name [sodium 2-(2,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-1H-inden-2-yl)quinoline-6,8-disulphonate] (SQDS) is analysed for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Fluorescence quenching mechanism is studied by employing steady state and transient state spectroscopic measurements. Cobalt chloride is used as quencher in the present study. Linearity was observed in Stern-Volmer plots for transient state as well as steady state. This was further attributed to a mechanism of collisional quenching. Efficiency in fluorescence quenching is observed as there is a correlation between quenching constants of both transient and steady state. A significant energy transfer is reported between metal ions and SQDS molecule, according to FRET theory. Characterization results are studied and analysed. Application in the field of non-linear optics are predicted for SQDS. With Kurtz and Perry powder technique, SHG (second harmonic generation) efficiency was measured using Q-switched mode locked Nd:YAG laser emitting 1064 nm the first time with this compound.

Analysis of Fluorescence Quenching of Coumarin Derivative under Steady State and Transient State Methods.

Nature has gifted us many organic molecules which have remarkable influence in our daily life. Amongst many organic molecules, heterocyclic organic molecules have gained potential applications in the advanced field of biomedicine, pharmaceutical, electronics and many more. In the present work fluorescence quenching of biologically active fluorescent probe 8EMOHCC by aniline in different solvents have been studied at room temperature. To understand the molecular behaviour in different media, solvents of different refractive index and dielectric constant have been used. Spectroscopic measurement techniques such as UV/Vis spectroscopy and time related single photon counting are employed to characterise the molecule at room temperature. The fluorescence quenching study shows linear dependence of SV-plot in solvents of different dielectric constants. It reveals that quenching reactions are dynamic in nature. Various parameters of quenching have been determined and identified the type of quenching involved in the quenching reaction. Further, kq is found to be greater than [Formula: see text] in ACN, methanol, propanol and dioxane. Activation energy of quenching (Ea) is found to be greater than energy of diffusion (Ed) in ACN, methanol, propanol, THF solvents and Ed > Ea in dioxane, indicating that quenching reaction is not solely controlled by material diffusion but also activation process.

Preparation and optical parameter characterization of two aldehyde derivative thin films for photonic applications by drop casting method.

In this study, thin films of polymer poly(methyl methacrylate) were prepared using a drop casting method. Two newly synthesized aldehyde derivatives, 2-bromomalonaldehyde and 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-2-carbaldehyde, were used at different concentrations to dope the films. The prepared films were transparent and therefore studied for application in photonics. Optical characterization of the samples was carried out using different spectroscopy techniques. Absorption spectra for both samples were obtained using a UV-vis light spectrophotometer. Other significant optical parameters, such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, and band gap energies, were calculated from the absorption spectra. The effect of doping concentration on these parameters was studied. Emission spectra were obtained using a fluorescence spectrophotometer and the effect of doping was observed. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the doped films were obtained and compared with the pure compound to note changes in peak values and peak intensity. This present work studied the effect of doping on optical properties and examined the application of the samples for photonics.

Bimolecular fluorescence quenching reactions of the biologically active coumarin composite 2-acetyl-3H-benzo[f]chromen-3-one in different solvents.

A study on fluorescence quenching was carried out for the coumarin derivative 2-acetyl-3H-benzo[f]chromen-3-one (2AHBC) with aniline at room temperature. Efficient fluorescence quenching was observed and Stern-Volmer (S-V) plots showed upward curves from linearity in all solvents of different polarities. For the solute 2AHBC, ground state complex formation does not hold in our study. The kinetic distance (r) value was found to be greater than the encounter distance (R) and indicated that the quenching reaction was held within the sphere of action. Diffusion-limited reactions were found to be more prominent in high polarity solvents, namely dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), DMF, ACN, methanol, ethanol, propanol and DCM. The relationships between quenching constant (KSV ) and dielectric constants (ε) of the different solvents were studied.

Rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) using lateral flow assay-based kit.

Accurate early antemortem diagnosis of tuberculosis in dromedary camels is difficult due to the lack of reliable diagnostic test. The present study aimed to evaluate a lateral flow assay-based kit (rapid assay kit) in tuberculosis diagnosis that employs immuno-chromatographic detection of antibodies in serum, plasma, or whole blood. In a dromedary camel herd comprising 337 animals located at Bikaner, Rajasthan, India, 50 adult weak camels (11 males and 39 females) were tested by applying a single intradermal tuberculin test (SIDT) and rapid assay kit. A total of 14 animals (2 males, 12 females) were found positive in rapid assay. In SIDT, four animals revealed a positive reaction in the neck region and seven animals in the tail base. Another male animal was found SIDT positive but negative in rapid assay; it died after 12 months. Nine rapid assay positive animals died asymptomatically in 1- to 11-month period revealing postmortem tuberculosis lesions that were confirmed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining and histopathology. No tuberculous lesion was evident in the animal found positive in SIDT alone. Results of the present study indicated that serological tests like rapid assay kit can serve as a reliable test for antemortem diagnosis of tuberculosis in dromedary camel.

Oxidative stress serves as a key checkpoint for IL-33 release by airway epithelium.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-33 is implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic diseases. However, our knowledge is limited regarding how IL-33 release is controlled. The transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a key role in antioxidant response regulation. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this project was to investigate the role of cellular oxidative stress in controlling IL-33 release in airway epithelium. METHODS: Complementary approaches were used that included human bronchial epithelial cells and mouse models of airway type-2 immunity that were exposed to fungus Alternaria extract. The clinically available Nrf2 activator 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid methyl ester (CDDO-Me) was used to evaluate the role of Nrf2-induced antioxidant molecules. RESULTS: Human bronchial epithelial cells produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) when they were exposed to Alternaria extract. ROS scavengers, such as glutathione (GSH) and N-acetyl cysteine, prevented extracellular secretion of ATP and increases in intracellular calcium concentrations that precede IL-33 release. Administration of CDDO-Me to mice enhanced expression of a number of antioxidant molecules in the lungs and elevated lung levels of endogenous GSH. Importantly, CDDO-Me treatment reduced allergen-induced ATP secretion and IL-33 release by airway epithelial cells in vitro and protected mice from IL-33 release and asthma-like pathological changes in the lungs. CONCLUSIONS: The balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant responses plays a key role in controlling IL-33 release in airway epithelium. The therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activators needs to be considered for asthma and allergic airway diseases.

Specific interactions of alcohols and non-alcohols with a biologically active boronic acid derivative: a spectroscopic study.

The photophysical properties of 4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenyl boronic acid (4FMPBA) are characterized using absorption and fluorescence techniques in series of non-alcohols and alcohols. The results are analyzed using different solvent polarity functions and Kamlet and Catalan's multiple regression approaches. The excited state dipole moment and change in dipole moment are calculated using both the solvatochromic shift method and Reichardt's microscopic solvent polarity parameter ETN. The ground state dipole moment is evaluated using quantum chemical calculations. It is found that general solute-solvent and hydrogen bond interactions are operative in this system. A red shift of ~ 9 nm in the emission spectra is observed with an increase in the solvent polarity, which depicts π→π(*) transitions, as well as the possibility of an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) character in the emitting singlet state of 4FMPBA. The relative quantum yield, radiative and non-radiative decay constants are calculated in alkanes and alcohols using the single point method. It is found that the quantum yield of the molecule varies from 16.81% to 50.79% with the change in solvent polarity, indicating the dependence of fluorescence on the solvent environment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Management of Epistaxis - A Single Centre Experience and Economic Considerations.

Epistaxis represents the most common ENT emergency and its management has been a focus of audit recently, with consideration given to the associated economic burden. The aim of our study is to evaluate the management of epistaxis in terms of treatments used, duration of stay, recurrence and cost. A retrospective review of hospital inpatient enquiry (HIPE) data from a single secondary referral centre was undertaken during a four year period. Four hundrefd and thirty-four patients were identified. The majority (n= 262, 60.3%) were male and the average age was 64.2 years. The vast majority (n=362, 83.4%) were managed non-operatively. Only 15 patients (3.4%) were managed surgically. The average length of stay was 2.5 days and did not vary greatly between the treatment groups. The recurrence rate was 8.2% (n=36). Approximate costs of packing vs EUA and cautery suggest that packing alone is more economical but more data is needed to fully compare the options.

Molecular characterization of intergeneric hybrid between Aspergillus oryzae and Trichoderma harzianum by protoplast fusion.

AIMS: Protoplast fusion between Aspergillus oryzae and Trichoderma harzianum and application of fusant in degradation of shellfish waste. METHODS AND RESULTS: The filamentous chitinolytic fungal strains A. oryzae NCIM 1272 and T. harzianum NCIM 1185 were selected as parents for protoplast fusion. Viable protoplasts were released from fungal mycelium using enzyme cocktail containing 5 mg ml(-1) lysing enzymes from T. harzianum, 0.06 mg ml(-1) ß-glucuronidase from Helix pomatia and 1 mg ml(-1) purified Penicillium ochrochloron chitinase in 0.8 mol l(-1) sorbitol as an osmotic stabilizer. Intergeneric protoplast fusion was carried out using 60% polyethylene glycol as a fusogen. At optimum conditions, the regeneration frequency of the fused protoplasts on colloidal chitin medium and fusion frequency were calculated. Fusant showed higher rate of growth pattern, chitinase activity and protein content than parents. Fusant formation was confirmed by morphological markers, viz. colony morphology and spore size and denaturation gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed protoplast fusion between A. oryzae and T. harzianum significantly enhanced chitinase activity which ultimately provides potential strain for degradation of shellfish waste. Consistency in the molecular characterization results using DGGE is the major outcome of this study which can be emerged as a fundamental step in fusant identification. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Now it is need to provide attention over effective chitin degradation to manage shrimp processing issues. In this aspect, ability of fusant to degrade shellfish waste efficiently in short incubation time revealed discovery of potential strain in the reclamation of seafood processing crustacean bio-waste.

Solvent effect on the relative quantum yield and fluorescence quenching of a newly synthesized coumarin derivative.

We estimated the relative florescence quantum yield (Φ) of 8-methoxy-3-[1-(4,5-dicarbomethoxy-1,2,3-triazoloacetyl)]coumarin [8MDTC] using a single-point method with quinine sulfate in 0.1 M of sulfuric acid used as a standard reference. The fluorescence lifetimes, radiative and non-radiative decay rate constants are calculated. Relative quantum yields were found to be less in the non-polar solvents, indicating that the solute exhibits less fluorescence in a non-polar environment. The fluorescence quenching of [8MDTC] by aniline was studied at room temperature by examining the steady state in five different solvents in order to explore various possible quenching mechanisms. The experimental results show a positive deviation in Stern-Volmer plots in all solvents. Ground state complex and sphere of action static quenching models were used to interpret the results. Many quenching rate parameters were calculated using these models. The values of these parameters suggest that the sphere of action static quenching model agrees well with the experimental results. Further, a finite sink approximation model was used to check whether these bimolecular reactions were diffusion limited or not. The values of the distance parameter R' and the diffusion coefficient D were determined and are compared with the values of the encounter distance R and diffusion coefficient D calculated using the Stokes-Einstein equation.

Utilization of the organ care system as ex-vivo lung perfusion after cold storage transportation.

The Organ Care System (OCS) allows perfusion and ventilation of the donor lungs under physiological conditions. Ongoing trials to compare preservation with OCS Lung with standard cold storage do not include donor lungs with suboptimal gas exchange and donor lungs treated with OCS following cold storage transportation. We present a case of a 48-yr-old man who received such lungs after cold storage transportation treated with ex-vivo lung perfusion utilizing OCS.

The changing landscape of brachytherapy for cervical cancer: a Canadian practice survey.

BACKGROUND: We documented changes in practice from 2009 to 2012 for cervical cancer brachytherapy in Canada. METHODS: Centres with gynecologic brachytherapy services were sent an e-mail questionnaire querying their 2012 practice. Responses are reported and compared with practice patterns identified in a similar survey for 2009. RESULTS: The response rate was 77% (24 of 31 centres). Almost all use high-dose-rate brachytherapy (92%); low-dose-rate brachytherapy has been completely phased out. Most continue to move patients from the site of applicator insertion to the radiation treatment simulation suite (75%) or to a diagnostic imaging department (29%), or both. In 2012, the imaging modalities used for dose specification were computed tomography [ct (75%)], magnetic resonance imaging [mri (38%)], plain radiography (21%), and cone-beam ct (8%). The number of institutions using mri guidance has markedly increased during the period of interest (9 vs. 1). Most respondents (58% vs. 14%) prescribed using guidelines from the Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie and the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, but they also used point A as a reference. Commonly used high-dose radiation regimens included 30 Gy in 5 fractions and 24 Gy in 3 fractions. CONCLUSIONS: In Canada, image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer continues to evolve. Although ct-based imaging remains the most commonly used modality, many centres have adopted mri for at least 1 brachytherapy treatment. More centres are using fewer fractions and a slightly lower biologically effective dose, but are still achieving EQD2 (2-Gy equivalent) doses of 80-90 Gy in combination with external-beam radiation therapy.

"Estimation of ground and excited state dipole moments of aryl boronic acid derivative by solvatochromic shift method".

In the present work, the absorption and fluorescence spectra of newly synthesized aryl boronic acid derivative namely 2-Methylphenyl boronic acid (2MPBA) have been recorded in various solvents of different polarities. The ground state dipole moment of 2MPBA was obtained from quantum chemical calculations. Solvatochromic correlations were used to estimate the ground state (µ g ) and excited state (µ e ) dipole moments. The excited state dipole moments are observed to be greater than the ground state dipole moment and ground and excited state dipole moments are not parallel but subtend by an angle of 88(0). Further, the changes in dipole moment (Δµ) were calculated both from solvatochromic shift method and microscopic solvent polarity parameter (E T (N) ), and the value are compared. The spectral variations were analyzed by Kamlet-Taft parameters.

Cesarean scar pregnancy and early placenta accreta share common histology.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, by evaluation of histological slides, images and descriptions of early (second-trimester) placenta accreta (EPA) and placental implantation in cases of Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), whether these are pathologically indistinguishable and whether they both represent different stages in the disease continuum leading to morbidly adherent placenta in the third trimester. METHODS: The database of a previously published review of CSP and EPA was used to identify articles with histopathological descriptions and electronic images for pathological review. When possible, microscopic slides and/or paraffin blocks were obtained from the original researchers. We also included from our own institutions cases of CSP and EPA for which pathology specimens were available. Two pathologists examined all the material independently and, blinded to each other's findings, provided a pathological diagnosis based on microscopic appearance. Interobserver agreement in diagnosis was determined. RESULTS: Forty articles were identified, which included 31 cases of CSP and 13 cases of EPA containing histopathological descriptions and/or images of the pathology. We additionally included six cases of CSP and eight cases of EPA from our own institutions, giving a total of 58 cases available for histological evaluation (37 CSP and 21 EPA) containing clear definitions of morbidly adherent placenta. In the 29 cases for which images/slides were available for histopathological evaluation, both pathologists attested to the various degrees of myometrial and/or scar tissue invasion by placental villi with scant or no intervening decidua, consistent with the classic definition of morbidly adherent placenta. Based on the reviewed material, cases with a diagnosis of EPA and those with a diagnosis of CSP showed identical histopathological features. Interobserver correlation was high (kappa = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: EPA and placental implantation in CSP are histopathologically indistinguishable and may represent different stages in the disease continuum leading to morbidly adherent placenta in the third trimester.

Potential of Microbispora sp. V2 as biocontrol agent against Sclerotium rolfsii, the causative agent of southern blight of Zea mays L (Baby corn)--in vitro studies.

The study was undertaken with the aim of exploring novel and beneficial agro activities of rare actinomycetes like Microbispora sp. V2. The antagonistic activity of Microbispora sp. V2 was evaluated as a biocontrol agents against Sclerotium rolfsii, a soil-borne fungal plant pathogen. The methodology performed for evaluation of biocontrol agent was in vitro evaluation assay which comprised of three tests viz., cellophane overlay technique, seed germination test and Thiram (fungicide) tolerance of Microbispora sp. V2. The isolate was found to inhibit the fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii to 91.43% in cellophane assay. In seed germination assay, Microbispora sp. V2 treated seeds resulted in 25.75% increased germination efficiency, as compared to seeds infected by Sclerotium rolfsii. The isolate Microbispora sp. V2 could tolerate 1000 microg mL(-1) of Thiram (fungicide). The in vitro assay studies proved that Microbispora sp. V2 can be used as antifungal antagonist and thus posses' great potential as biocontrol agent against southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Zea mays L (Baby corn) which causes large economical losses.