Reduced Graphene Oxide-Zinc Sulfide Nanocomposite Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment by Adsorption, Photocatalysis and Antimicrobial Action.

Reduced graphene oxide nanosheets decorated with ZnS and ZnS-Ag nanoparticles are successfully prepared via a facile one-step chemical approach consisting of reducing the metal precursors on a rGO surface. Prepared rGO-ZnS nanocomposite is employed as an adsorbent material against two model dyes: malachite green (MG) and ethyl violet (EV). The adsorptive behavior of the nanocomposite was tuned by monitoring some parameters, such as the time of contact between the dye and the adsorbent, and the adsorbent dose. Experimental data were also simulated with kinetic models to evaluate the adsorption behavior, and the results confirmed that the adsorption of both dyes followed a pseudo 2nd order kinetic mode. Moreover, the adsorbent was also regenerated in a suitable media for both dyes (HCl for MG and ethanol for EV), without any significant loss in removal efficiency. Ag doped rGO-ZnS nanocomposite was also utilized as a photocatalyst for the degradation of the selected organic contaminant, resorcinol. The complete degradation of the phenolic compound was achieved after 60 min with 200 mg of rGO-ZnS-Ag nanocomposite under natural sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic activity was studied considering some parameters, such as the initial phenol concentration, the photocatalyst loading, and the pH of the solution. The degradation kinetics of resorcinol was carefully studied and found to follow a linear Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. An additional advantage of rGO-ZnS and rGO-ZnS-Ag nanocomposites was antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterium, E. coli, and the results confirmed the significant performance of the nanocomposites in destroying harmful pathogens.

Edoxaban in cardiovascular disease management: Review.

In the past decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have transformed the world of anti-thrombotic therapy. Edoxaban is the most recently approved DOAC. Though intended for use primarily in stroke prevention, it has found applications in various other conditions including thromboembolic and peripheral arterial disease. This review aims to provide a detailed outline of the growing indications, evidence for use in special populations, pharmacogenetics and side-effect profile of edoxaban.

Persistent or Recurrent Angina Following Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Persistent or recurrent angina after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has substantial patient morbidity and economic impact. As knowledge of the pathophysiology of this condition has evolved, new tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment have become available. We provide a current, comprehensive review of mechanisms of post-PCI angina, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic options. RECENT FINDINGS: The routine use of functional testing during PCI may enable more accurate revascularization. Coronary vasomotor disorders commonly cause angina after PCI in the absence of obstructive epicardial CAD. Invasive coronary vasoreactivity testing can enable phenotype-guided therapy of coronary vasomotor disorders with improvement in angina. Multiple nonpharmacologic modalities to treat refractory angina are under development. A comprehensive approach to the diagnosis of persistent or recurrent angina after PCI with noninvasive and invasive techniques is required. An individualized, phenotype-guided management using lifestyle, pharmacologic, and nonpharmacologic modalities is necessary to optimize outcomes.

KIF1A novel frameshift variant p.(Ser887Profs*64) exhibits clinical heterogeneity in a Pakistani family with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IIC.

Background: Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSANs) are rare heterogeneous group of neurological disorders caused by peripheral nerve deterioration. The HSANs sub-clinical classes have clinical and genetic overlap which often lead to misdiagnosis. In the present study a Pakistani family with five affected members suffering from severe neuropathy were genetically analyzed to identify the disease causative element in the family.Methods: Genome wide high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray analysis was carried out followed by whole exome sequencing of the affected proband and another affected sibling. Shared homozygous regions in all severely affected members were identified through homozygosity mapping approach.Results: The largest homozygous region of 14.1 Mb shared by the five severely affected members of the family was identified on chromosome 2. Subsequent exome sequencing identified a novel single nucleotide deletion c.2658del; p.(Ser887Profs*64) in KIF1A. Segregation analysis revealed that this mutation was homozygous in all five affected individuals of the family with severe clinical manifestation, while members of the family that were heterozygous carriers shared abnormal skin features (scaly skin) only with the homozygous affected members.Conclusions: A novel frameshift mutation p.(Ser887Profs*64) in KIF1A is the potential cause of severe HSANIIC in a Pakistani family along with incomplete penetrance in mutation carriers. We demonstrate that using a combination of different techniques not only strengthens the gene finding approach but also helps in proper sub-clinical characterization along with identification of mutated alleles exhibiting incomplete penetrance leading to intrafamilial clinical variability in HSAN group of inherited diseases.

Association of dopamine ß-hydroxylase polymorphism rs1611115 and serum levels with psychiatric disorders in Pakistani population.

AIM: Dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH) is a copper-containing enzyme that has an important role in maintaining the cellular homeostasis between the two neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA) and nor-adrenaline (NA). DBH functional polymorphisms are associated with multiple neuro-psychiatric conditions and are found to alter the DBH protein levels in serum affecting DBH enzymatic activity. The current study was conducted to determine the genetic and serum levels association of DBH rs1611115 functional polymorphism with major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SHZ) in the Pakistani population. METHODS: In total n = 1097 subjects including MDD (n = 427), BD (n = 204), SHZ (n = 134) and healthy controls (n = 332), were screened for the functional polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Univariate logistic regression analysis was applied and the results were adjusted for age and sex. The DBH levels in serum were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Mann Whitney U test was applied. RESULTS: The minor allele (-1021 C > T) was found to be significantly associated with a higher risk of developing BD and SHZ in both univariable and multivariable analyses. The overall total serum concentration of DBH was comparatively raised in MDD, however, in cross-comparison DBH serum levels were found markedly higher in CC homozygotes compared to TT homozygotes within the BD group. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested a significant association of DBH rs1611115 with BD and SHZ and also the effect of rs1611115 on DBH serum levels in MDD and BD for the first time in the Pakistani population.

Haploinsufficiency of EXT1 and Heparan Sulphate Deficiency Associated with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses in a Pakistani Family.

Background and Objectives: Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a disease characterized by cartilage-capped bony protuberances at the site of growth plates of long bones. Functional mutations in the exostosin genes (EXT1 and EXT2) are reported to affect the hedgehog signalling pathways leading to multiple enchondromatosis. However, the exact role of each EXT protein in the regulation of heparan sulphate (HS) chain elongation is still an enigma. In this study, a Pakistani family with HME is investigated to find out the genetic basis of the disease. Materials and Methods: Genotyping of eight members of the family by amplifying microsatellite markers, tightly linked to the EXT1 and EXT2 genes. Results: The study revealed linkage of the HME family to the EXT1 locus 8q24.1. Sanger sequencing identified a heterozygous deletion (c.247Cdel) in exon 1 of EXT1, segregating with the disease phenotype in the family. In silico analysis predicted a shift in the frame causing an early stop codon (p.R83GfsX52). The predicted dwarf protein constituting 134 amino acids was functionally aberrant with a complete loss of the catalytic domain at the C-terminus. Interestingly, an alternative open reading frame 3 (ORF3) caused by the frame shift is predicted to encode a protein sequence, identical to the wild type and containing the catalytic domain, but lacking the first 100 amino acids of the wild-type EXT1 protein. Conclusion: Consequently, haploinsufficiency could be the cause of HME in the investigated family as the mutated copy of EXT1 is ineffective for EXT-1/2 complex formation. The predicted ORF3 protein could be of great significance in understanding several aspects of HME pathogenesis.

Effects of an anesthesia perioperative surgical home for total knee and hip arthroplasty at a Veterans Affairs Hospital: a quality improvement before-and-after cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A perioperative surgical home, the Anesthesia Perioperative Care Service (APCS), was created to execute enhanced recovery after surgery pathways for total knee and total hip arthroplasty patients at the Tennessee Valley Health System Nashville VA Medical Center. We hypothesized that the APCS would be associated with reduced length of stay, in-hospital and post-discharge opioid exposure, costs, and hospital readmissions. METHODS: Data were collected for all patients admitted to the Nashville VA Medical Center following their respective surgery, for 400 days after the initiation of the APCS and for a 400-day period prior. This cohort study was based on a quality improvement project set up at the initiation of the service. The adjusted effect on each quantitative outcome was evaluated using proportional odds logistic regression methods. In addition, each regression analysis was performed in segmented regression fashion to identify changes in the outcomes over time. RESULTS: We included 282 patients in our cohort-96 prior and 186 post-implementation. Median hospital length of stay, intravenous (IV) and per os (PO) inpatient opioid administration, outpatient opioid quantity, and total days of supply were all reduced in the cohort cared for by the APCS. After adjusting for potential cofounders and evaluated outcome over time, the APCS remained independently associated with a reduction of hospital length of stay of one day (95% confidence interval, 0.09 to 1.97; P = 0.05) and with decreased IV and PO inpatient opioid administration, while continuing to show no increase in hospital readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort study showed significant improvements in important post-surgical outcomes after total knee and hip arthroplasty that were associated with the implementation of an APCS.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Un centre de soins chirurgicaux périopératoires (perioperative surgical home), le Service de soins périopératoires en anesthésie (SSPA), a été créé pour mettre en œuvre des trajectoires de soins de récupération rapide après la chirurgie pour les patients ayant subi une arthroplastie totale du genou ou de la hanche au centre médical Tennessee Valley Health System Nashville VA Medical Center. Nous avons émis l'hypothèse que le SSPA serait associé à une réduction de la durée du séjour, de l'exposition aux opioïdes à l'hôpital et après le congé, ainsi qu'à une diminution des coûts et des réadmissions à l'hôpital. MéTHODE: Les données ont été recueillies pour tous les patients admis au centre médical Nashville VA Medical Center après leur chirurgie respective, pendant 400 jours avant et après la création du SSPA. Cette étude de cohorte se fondait sur un projet d'amélioration de la qualité mis en place lors de l'inauguration du service. L'effet ajusté sur chaque résultat quantitatif a été évalué à l'aide de méthodes de régression logistique proportionnelles. De plus, chaque analyse de régression a été effectuée de façon segmentée afin d'identifier l'évolution des résultats au fil du temps. RéSULTATS: Nous avons inclus 282 patients dans notre cohorte ­ 96 avant et 186 après la mise en œuvre. La durée médiane du séjour à l'hôpital, l'administration d'opioïdes par voie intraveineuse (IV) et per os (PO) pendant le séjour hospitalier, la quantité d'opioïdes en ambulatoire et sa durée en jours ont tous été réduites dans la cohorte prise en charge par le SSPA. Après avoir procédé à des ajustements pour tenir compte des facteurs de confusion potentiels et évalué l'évolution des résultats au fil du temps, le SSPA est demeuré indépendamment associé à une réduction de la durée de séjour à l'hôpital d'un jour (intervalle de confiance 95 %, 0,09 à 1,97; P = 0,05), à une réduction de l'administration d'opioïdes IV et PO durant le séjour, et il n'y a eu aucune augmentation des réadmissions à l'hôpital. CONCLUSION: Cette étude de cohorte a montré des améliorations significatives en matière de résultats post-chirurgicaux importants après une arthroplastie totale du genou et de la hanche associés à la mise en œuvre d'un SSPA.

Predictors of renal replacement therapy in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) after continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation significantly affects patients' quality of life and survival. To identify preoperative prognostic markers in patients requiring RRT after CF-LVAD implantation, we retrospectively reviewed data from patients who underwent implantation of a CF-LVAD at our institution during 2012-2017. Patients who required preoperative RRT were excluded. Preoperative and operative characteristics, as well as survival and adverse events, were compared between 74 (22.2%) patients requiring any duration of postoperative RRT and 259 (77.8%) not requiring RRT. Patients requiring RRT experienced more postoperative complications than patients who did not, including respiratory failure necessitating tracheostomy (35.7% vs 2.5%, p < 0.001), reoperation for bleeding (34.3% vs 11.7%, p < 0.001), and right heart failure necessitating perioperative mechanical circulatory support (32.4% vs 6.9%, p < 0.001). Patients requiring postoperative RRT also had poorer survival at 30 days (74.7% vs 98.8%), 6 months (48.2% vs 95.1%), and 12 months (45.3% vs 90.2%) (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of RRT after CF-LVAD implantation included urine proteinuria (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.7-7.6], p = 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 3.4, 95% CI [1.5-17.8], p = 0.004), and mean right atrial pressure to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio ≥ 0.54 (OR 2.6, 95% CI [1.3-5.], p = 0.01). Of the 74 RRT patients, 11 (14.9%) recovered renal function before discharge, 36 (48.6%) still required RRT after discharge, and 27 (36.5%) died before discharge. We conclude that preoperative renal and right ventricular dysfunction significantly predict postoperative renal failure and mortality after CF-LVAD implantation.

Efficacy of Platelet Rich Fibrin in Myringoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of usage of topical autologous platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in improving outcomes of myringoplasty regarding graft uptake and hearing improvement. METHODS: This study was conducted in the ENT department of Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, over a period of six months from August 2019 to January 2020. It was designed as a prospective single blinded randomized controlled trial. The study involved a total of 50 participants in whom myringoplasty was done through post auricular approach using underlay technique. In 25 patients topical drops of PRF were used. Outcomes were compared after three months with the control group (n=25), who underwent myringoplasty without PRF. RESULTS: After three months follow-up, graft uptake was reported 78% and 52% in cases and controls, respectively (P=0.070). Mean hearing improvement was 18 dB and 6 dB in cases and controls, respectively (P=0.014). Postoperative infection occurred in 8% of the cases, and in 32% controls (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Topical use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin during myringoplasty results in improved graft uptake. Hence, resulting in much improved hearing, significant reduction in infection rates and decrease in perforation sizes.

Feasibility of Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with a History of Intracranial Bleeding: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is performed in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. The patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage were excluded from the pioneer randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this systemic review was to evaluate the data from observational studies reporting the efficacy and safety of LAAO in patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Global Index Medicus, and ClinicalTrials.gov data sources were utilized for data collection. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria that included seven retrospective observational and five prospective observational studies. A total of seven hundred and twenty-seven patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage underwent percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion. There were 11 events of recurrent intracranial hemorrhage, 12 ischemic strokes, 4 transient ischemic attacks, and 26 all-cause deaths. The duration of follow-up varied from 3 months to 3.6 years in the included studies. CONCLUSION: Left atrial appendage occlusion can potentially be an effective and relatively safe treatment option to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in selected patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients and history of intracranial hemorrhage. Future prospective randomized trials are needed to validate this approach.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Patients With Intracranial Hemorrhage and Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is primarily performed in patients who have contraindications to anticoagulants. However, anticoagulants are recommended for the first few weeks after LAA closure to prevent the device related thrombus. Purpose of this study was to evaluate if short term use of anticoagulant is safe and effective after LAA closure in patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: It is a retrospective observational study done at a single center. Baseline characteristics, perioperative, and postoperative complications of patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage and Watchman device implant were analyzed, and patients were followed for a mean follow-up of 27 months. RESULTS: LAA closure was performed in 16 patients using the Watchman device (Boston Scientific, MA). Mean age was 74.6 ± 5.8 years, median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.5 (interquartile range of 3), median HAS-BLED score was 4 (interquartile range of 1). Patients received aspirin 81 mg with oral anticoagulant for 45 days, dual antiplatelet therapy for 4.5 months, and thereafter aspirin indefinitely. No perioperative and postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Based on our single center experience, we conclude that antithrombotic drugs in the short term appear safe and effective in selected patients after LAA closure in patients with previous intracranial hemorrhage.

Reversing current rectification to improve DNA-sensing sensitivity in conical nanopores.

Herein, we report the ultrasensitive DNA detection through designing an elegant nanopore biosensor as the first case to realize the reversal of current rectification direction for sensing. Attributed to the unique asymmetric structure, the glass conical nanopore exhibits the sensitive response to the surface charge, which can be facilely monitored by ion current rectification curves. In our design, an enzymatic cleavage reaction was employed to alter the surface charge of the nanopore for DNA sensing. The measured ion current rectification was strongly responsive to DNA concentrations, even reaching to the reversed status from the negative ratio (-6.5) to the positive ratio (+16.1). The detectable concentration for DNA was as low as 0.1 fM. This is an ultrasensitive and label-free DNA sensing approach, based on the rectification direction-reversed amplification in a single glass conical nanopore.

Antioxidant properties of Milk and dairy products: a comprehensive review of the current knowledge.

Milk and dairy products are integral part of human nutrition and they are considered as the carriers of higher biological value proteins, calcium, essential fatty acids, amino acids, fat, water soluble vitamins and several bioactive compounds that are highly significant for several biochemical and physiological functions. In recent years, foods containing natural antioxidants are becoming popular all over the world as antioxidants can neutralize and scavenge the free radicals and their harmful effects, which are continuously produced in the biological body. Uncontrolled free radicals activity can lead to oxidative stresses, which have been implicated in breakdown of vital biochemical compounds such as lipids, protein, DNA which may lead to diabetes, accelerated ageing, carcinogenesis and cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant capacity of milk and milk products is mainly due to sulfur containing amino acids, such as cysteine, phosphate, vitamins A, E, carotenoids, zinc, selenium, enzyme systems, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, milk oligosaccharides and peptides that are produced during fermentation and cheese ripening. Antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products can be enhanced by phytochemicals supplementation while fermented dairy products have been reported contained higher antioxidant capacity as compared to the non-fermented dairy products. Literature review has shown that milk and dairy products have antioxidant capacity, however, information regarding the antioxidant capacity of milk and dairy products has not been previously compiled. This review briefly describes the nutritional and antioxidant capacity of milk and dairy products.

Changes in fatty acids composition, antioxidant potential and induction period of UHT-treated tea whitener, milk and dairy drink.

BACKGROUND: In developing and developed countries, several versions of safe and shelf-stable Ultra High Temperature, UHT-treated products are manufactured. Terminologies and formulations of UHT-treated tea whitener, milk and dairy drink considerably vary. Comprehensive studies have been performed on UHT-treated milk; however, fatty acids compositional changes and oxidation status of UHT-treated tea whitener and dairy drink at different storage intervals have not been reported in literature. METHODS: UHT-treated tea whitener, milk and dairy drink samples (450 each) of the same manufacturing date were purchased from the market and stored at ambient temperature (25-30 °C) for 90 days. At the time of collection, all the samples were only one week old. Samples of UHT-treated tea whitener, milk and dairy drink were regarded as treatments and every treatment was replicated five times. Chemical composition, fatty acid profile, 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, reducing power, antioxidant activity in linoleic acid system and induction period were determined at 0, 45 and 90 days of storage. RESULTS: Fat content in freshly collected samples of UHT treated-tea whitener, milk and dairy drink were 6 and 3.5%. UHT treated milk had highest total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant activity in linoleic acid and 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity followed by UHT tea whitener and dairy drink. In freshly collected samples of UHT-treated milk, concentrations vitamin A and E were 0.46 µg/100 g and 0.63 mg/100 g, respectively. UHT-treated tea whitener had the lowest concentrations of vitamin A and E. With the progression of storage period, amount of vitamin A and E decreased. In freshly collected samples, amount of short, medium and unsaturated fatty acids in UHT-treated milk were 10.54, 59.71 and 27.44%, respectively. After 45 days of storage of UHT-treated milk, the loss of short, medium and unsaturated fatty acid was 7%, 7.1 and 5.8%, respectively. After 90 days of storage of UHT-treated milk, the loss of short, medium and unsaturated fatty acid was 8.53, 13.51 and 11.88%, accordingly. After 45 days of storage of UHT-treated tea whitener, the loss of medium and unsaturated fatty acid was 1.6 and 0.99%, respectively. After 90 days of storage, the loss of medium and unsaturated fatty acids were 8.2 and 6.6%, respectively. The induction period of fresh UHT-treated tea whitener, milk and dairy drink was 15.67, .74 and 7.27 h. Strong correlations were recorded between induction period and peroxide value of UHT-treated products. CONCLUSION: This investigation disclosed that UHT-treated tea whitener had 6% fat content with no short-chain fatty acids. Antioxidant capacity of UHT-treated milk was higher than dairy drink and tea whitener. Due to the presence of partially hydrogenated fat, oxidative stability of UHT-treated tea whitener was better than UHT-treated milk and dairy drink. Vitamin A and E was not found in UHT-treated tea whitener. For the anticipation of oxidative stability of UHT-treated milk, dairy drink and tea whitener, induction period/ Rancimat method can be used.

Advancements in electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine by using 2D nanoarchitectures of layered double hydroxides or metal dichalcogenides. A review.

This review (with 105 references) describes the progress that has been made in the past few years in the use of 2D nanoarchitectures in electrochemical sensors for the clinically highly significant parameters hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine. Following an introduction into the field, we summarize the improvements in electrochemical sensors that can be accomplished by using such nanomaterials, with a specific focus on sensors for in-vitro diagnostics. A further large section covers sensors based on the use of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with subsections on sensors for hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine. Dichalcogenides based electrochemical sensors are treated in next section, again with subsections on hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine. We also summarize key sensor parameters including limits of detection, linear ranges and real time applications in pharmaceutical, environmental and clinical fields. The next section summarizes the work related to sensing of hydrogen peroxide released from different live cells as signalling molecule indicating cellular stress. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and future perspectives. Graphical abstract Schematic illustration of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and dichalcogenides based electrochemical sensors for sensitive determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glucose and dopamine (DA) from biological fluids as biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Superlattice stacking by hybridizing layered double hydroxide nanosheets with layers of reduced graphene oxide for electrochemical simultaneous determination of dopamine, uric acid and ascorbic acid.

A self-assembled periodic superlattice material was obtained by integrating positively charged semiconductive sheets of a Zn-NiAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) and negatively charged layers of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The material was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode which then is shown to be a viable sensor for the diagnostic parameters dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA). The modified GCE displays excellent electrocatalytic activity towards these biomolecules. This is assumed to be due to the synergistic effects of (a) excellent interfacial electrical conductivity that is imparted by direct neighboring of conductive rGO to semiconductive channels of LDHs, (b) the superb intercalation feature of LDHs, and (c) the enlarged surface with an enormous number of active sites. The biosensor revealed outstanding electrochemical performances in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, and wide linear ranges. Typically operated at working potentials of -0.10, +0.13 and + 0.27 V vs. saturated calomel electrode, the lower detection limits for AA, DA and UA are 13.5 nM, 0.1 nM, and 0.9 nM, respectively, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The sensor was applied to real-time tracking of dopamine efflux from live human nerve cells. Graphical abstract Schematic of the preparation of a superlattice self-assembled material by integrating positively charged semiconductive sheets of Zn-NiAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) with negatively charged reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers. It was applied to simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA), uric acid and ascorbic acid.

Genetic and Molecular Control of Floral Organ Identity in Cereals.

Grasses represent a major family of monocots comprising mostly cereals. When compared to their eudicot counterparts, cereals show a remarkable morphological diversity. Understanding the molecular basis of floral organ identity and inflorescence development is crucial to gain insight into the grain development for yield improvement purposes in cereals, however, the exact genetic mechanism of floral organogenesis remains elusive due to their complex inflorescence architecture. Extensive molecular analyses of Arabidopsis and other plant genera and species have established the ABCDE floral organ identity model. According to this model, hierarchical combinatorial activities of A, B, C, D, and E classes of homeotic genes regulate the identity of different floral organs with partial conservation and partial diversification between eudicots and cereals. Here, we review the developmental role of A, B, C, D, and E gene classes and explore the recent advances in understanding the floral development and subsequent organ specification in major cereals with reference to model plants. Furthermore, we discuss the evolutionary relationships among known floral organ identity genes. This comparative overview of floral developmental genes and associated regulatory factors, within and between species, will provide a thorough understanding of underlying complex genetic and molecular control of flower development and floral organ identity, which can be helpful to devise innovative strategies for grain yield improvement in cereals.

Facile synthesis of graphene oxide-silver nanocomposite for decontamination of water from multiple pollutants by adsorption, catalysis and antibacterial activity.

Here in, we presented a facile one-step method for the synthesis of Graphene oxide-silver (GO-Ag) nanocomposite and its applications as a sorbent for the elimination of some toxic pollutants from aqueous medium, as an efficient catalyst in the individual as well as simultaneous reduction reactions of multiple compounds, and as an antibacterial agent for the destruction of some harmful microorganisms existent in wastewater. GO was prepared using a modified Hummers method and Ag nanoparticles were integrated on GO sheets by chemical reduction of Ag+ ions on the surfaces of GO sheets. The composition and morphology of the nanocomposite was extensively characterized with elemental dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The GO-Ag nanocomposite demonstrated remarkable adsorption capacities and recyclability for malachite green (MG) and ethyl violet (EV) dyes. Various experimental parameters affecting adsorptive behavior of nanocomposite like temperature, pH, time of contact between dye and adsorbent, and adsorbent dose were evaluated thoroughly. Experimental data was simulated with different adsorption isotherms and kinetic models to evaluate adsorption behavior of both dyes and results confirmed the adsorption of both the dyes to be followed by pseudo 2nd order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption model. Moreover, adsorbent was regenerated in suitable media for both dyes without any loss in removal efficiency. The catalytic performance for the 2-nitroaniline (2-NA) reduction was investigated in detail. Most importantly, the prepared nanocomposite was found to have potential to adsorb multiple pollutants all together as well as to catalyze the simultaneous reduction of a mixture of dyes (MG, MO, and EV) and 2-NA. An additional advantage of the GO-Ag nanocomposite was its antibacterial activity acquired to the presence of Ag nanoparticles. Two bacterial strains (Gram-negative bacterium, E. coli and the Gram-positive bacterium, S. aureus) were used to test antibacterial activity of composite and the results confirmed the remarkable performance of the nanocomposite in destroying harmful pathogens.

Design, synthesis, in-silico study and anticancer potential of novel n-4- piperazinyl-ciprofloxacin-aniline hybrids.

Synthesis and characterization of novel structural hybrids of ciprofloxacin linked with a variety of anilides have been described in this paper. Antitumor activity of these derivatives was assessed against liver cell line (Huh-7) using MTT assay. Among the synthesized derivatives, compound 6a inhibited the growth of tumor cells by displaying 68.36% cell viability at 100 µg/mL concentration which was then in-silico modelled to delineate the potential mechanistic insights for its antiproliferative activity. The PASS prediction indicated the TopII as potential anticancer target of compound 6a. The induced fit docking revealed that compound 6a inhibits the TopII with superior binding affinity and forms stronger contacts with active site's key residues responsible for DNA-TopII intercalation and catalytic inhibition consistent with its cytotoxic potential. Therefore, compound 6a can be considered as a potential lead for further optimization in the development of ciprofloxacin-derived anticancer drugs.

Lipid compositional changes and oxidation status of ultra-high temperature treated Milk.

BACKGROUND: Milk fat is one of the complex fat and most sensitive biochemical compounds towards auto-oxidation. To enhance the shelf life, milk is subjected to Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) treatment followed by aseptic packaging. During the storage, several chemical and biochemical changes take place in lipid fraction of UHT milk. In current investigation, the effect of UHT treatment and storage was determined by making a comparison in fatty acid profile, triglyceride composition, organic acids and lipid oxidation of the thermally treated and stored milk with raw milk, which was not reported in earlier investigations. METHODS: Raw milk samples were collected from the bulk storage facility of a dairy industry. The same milk was routed to UHT treatment and aseptically packaged samples were collected. The fatty acid profile, triglyceride composition, organic acids and lipid oxidation was determined in raw and UHT treated milk at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days. Fatty acid and triglyceride profile was determined on GC-MS while organic acids were determined by HPLC. For the measurement of induction period, professional Rancimat was used. Lipid oxidation was characterized through free fatty acids, peroxide value, anisidine value and conjugated dienes. RESULTS: Compositional attributes of milk remain unchanged during the entire length of storage. Concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in raw and UHT milk were 10.49% and 9.62%. UHT treatment resulted in 8.3% loss of short-chain fatty acids. Up to 30 days, storage did not have any significant effect on fatty acid profile of UHT milk. Concentration of medium-chain fatty acids in raw and UHT treated milk was 54.98% and 51.87%. After 30, 60 and 90 days of storage, concentration of medium chain fatty acids was found 51.23%, 47.23% and 42.82%, respectively. Concentration of C18:1 and C18:2 in raw and UHT milk was 26.86% and 25.43%, respectively. The loss of C18:1 and C18:2 in UHT treatment was 5.32%. After 30, 60 and 90 days of storage, the concentrations of C18:1 and C18:2 were 24.6%, 21.06% and 18.66%, respectively. Storage period of 30 days was found non-significant, while noticeable variations were found in triglyceride profile of 60 and 90 days old samples of UHT milk. UHT treatment and storage period significantly affected the concentration of organic acids in milk. After UHT treatment, concentration of lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, succinic acid and oxalic acid increased by 3.45, 0.66, 3.57, 0.68, 2.24, 2.16 and 1.63 mg/100 g. Effect of storage period on the production of organic acids in UHT milk was non-significant up to 30 days. After 60 days of storage period, the increase in concentration of lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, succinic acid and oxalic acid was 3.79, 0.75, 4.69, 0.78, 2.83, 3.03 and 2.38 mg/100 g. After 90 days of storage period, the increase in concentration of lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, succinic acid and oxalic acid was 7.3, 2.18, 9.96, 3.58, 11.37, 5.22 and 5.96%. Free fatty acids content of raw, UHT treated and 90 days old milk were 0.08%, 0.11% and 0.19%. UHT treated version of milk showed similar peroxide value. While, the storage remarkably affected the peroxide value. After 30, 60 and 90 days, peroxide value was 0.42, 0.62 and 1.18 (MeqO2/kg). Induction period of raw, UHT and stored milk was strongly correlated with peroxide value and fatty acid profile. Mean value of lipase activity in raw milk was 0.73 ± 0.06 µmoles/ml. UHT treatment significantly decreased the lipase activity. The lipase activity of milk immediately after the UHT treatment was 0.18 ± 0.02 µmoles/ml. Lipase activity of UHT milk after 30, 60 and 90 days of room temperature storage was 0.44 ± 0.03, 0.95 ± 0.07 and 1.14 ± 0.09 µmoles/ml. Color, flavor and smell score decreased through the storage of UHT milk for 90 days. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation revealed that fatty acid and triglyceride profile changed after 60 and 90 days of storage. Production of organic acids led to the drop of pH and sensory characteristics in UHT milk during the long-term storage. Induction period can be successfully used for the determination of anticipatory shelf life of UHT milk.