ABSTRACT
A novel fluorenone-naphthyl pendant sensor (FTU) possessing thiourea functionality has been synthesized via a simple condensation method and utilized for the recognition of F- and Hg2+ ions in the solution of CH3CN. The addition of F- and Hg2+ ions to the FTU solution led to the appearance of red-shifted absorption bands at 340 and 315 nm, respectively. On the other hand, in the fluorescence spectrum, the two-fold decrease in fluorescence intensity of probe FTU was observed with F- ions; while complete quenching of the fluorescence intensity was noticed with Hg2+ ions at 423 nm. The limit of detection values of F- and Hg2+ ions were found to be 1.02 & 29.1 nM, respectively, measured by UV-vis studies and 0.0185 & 0.81 nM, respectively, measured by fluorescence studies, which are less than recommended by WHO. DFT computational assessments and 1H NMR titration experiments pointed to F- induced deprotonation of thiourea NH signals. However, the chelation-enhanced quenching effect (CHEQ) was held responsible for fluorescence quenching with Hg2+ addition. Moreover, the in-situ formed FTU + F- complex was utilized for secondary sensing of drug sobisis. Furthermore, the real-world applicability of sensor FTU has been successfully scrutinized for the recognition of F- ions in the toothpaste samples. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed that FTU exhibited excellent antibacterial potency towards different gram-positive as well as negative strains.
ABSTRACT
Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis and septicemia; in certain cases, mortality leads to economic losses and elicits potential foodborne zoonotic risk. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of APEC pathotypes and serotypes in poultry, followed by characterization for virulence markers and antibiotic sensitivity and analysis of lytic efficacy of bacteriophages in the eradication of APEC. Methods: We successfully isolated and characterized 34 E. coli isolates from poultry farms. The lytic efficacy of seven bacteriophages, as well as a phage cocktail, was evaluated for biological control of multiple drug resistance (MDR) APEC. Results: A total of 67.65% of isolated E. coli were APEC. A total of 94.11% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant bacteria harboring virulence genes. The lytic ability of seven bacteriophages ranged from 0.98% to 36.76%, with a cocktail of EscoΦA-06 and ΦA-07 exhibiting lysis of 48.04% isolates. Conclusion: As serological variability in APEC limits the application and development of vaccines, the findings support the employment of bacteriophages against elimination of MDR APEC in poultry settings.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) and serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (sCTX-I) in identifying disease severity in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) cases. Methods: A total of 150 individuals (100 cases and 50 controls) were recruited. They were assessed clinically and radiologically with WOMAC score and knee radiographs respectively, while biochemical assessment was done by serum COMP and serum CTX-I level. Results: There were significant differences in serum levels between healthy individuals and KOA patients of both, sCOMP (01.16 ± 0.39 vs 17.38 ± 4.99 U/L; p = 0.01) and sCTX-I (0.35 ± 0.14 vs 4.59 ± 1.69; p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference between serum levels of CTX-I between K-L grade I and grade II (4.59 ± 1.69 vs 4.60 ± 1.17 ng/mL; p = 0.03) but no significant difference was seen in the sCOMP levels between K-L grade I and grade II (14.60 ± 6.47 vs 17.47 ± 4.99 U/L; p = 0.14). Conclusion: Our findings reveal that both sCOMP and sCTX-I are very effective in distinguishing between healthy adults and those affected by KOA. Only CTX-I was also able to distinguish between K-L grades I and II, while sCOMP failed. Further, use of these two biomarkers to differentiate between K-L grade II, III and IV is limited and lacks sufficient discriminating power, hence not recommended.