Alteration of Wettability of Copper-Copper Oxide Nanocomposites through Cu-O Bond Breaking Swayed by Ultraviolet and Electron Irradiation.

Converting a nonwetting surface to a highly wetting one, aided by ultraviolet radiation, is well explored. Here, in this work, we show just the reverse behavior of a copper-copper oxide nanocomposite surface where ultraviolet radiation turned the superhydrophilic surface to a superhydrophobic one. This observation is explained both experimentally and theoretically using first-principles density functional theory-based calculations considering the metal-oxygen (Cu-O) bond breaking and related change in surface chemistry. This observation has further been corroborated with electron irradiation on the same nanocomposite material. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we show that the radiation-induced breaking of the copper-oxygen bond makes the nanostructure surface energetically unfavorable for water adsorption.

Nutritional intake and growth velocity in preterm extremely low-birthweight infants in Asia: Are we doing enough?

AIM: To describe nutritional practices among preterm extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants and their impact on growth and to compare differences in nutritional intervention and comorbidities between those with limited growth velocity (GV < 25th percentile) and those with GV > 25th percentile. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted to assess total protein and energy intake for week 1, days 14, 21 and 28 of life. Post-natal growth was calculated by measuring GV using an exponential model. Univariable analysis was applied to identify the potential risk factors associated with poor GV at day 28 and at discharge from hospital. RESULTS: The median GV from birth to day 28 was 9.84 g/kg/day and 11.87 g/kg/day for GV from birth to discharge. Increased protein and energy intake was associated with higher GV at discharge. Hypotension needing inotropes, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), patent ductus arteriosus and chronic lung disease were significantly associated with reduced GV at discharge. Infants with NEC, hypotension needing inotropes and sepsis took a significantly longer time to achieve full enteral nutrition. A longer time to attain full enteral feeds was associated with slower GV at discharge. Small-for-gestational-age babies increased from 22% at birth to 66.6% at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: GV at discharge was positively correlated with increasing protein and energy intake in the first 28 days and adversely affected by the presence of neonatal morbidities. There was strong evidence of extra-uterine growth restriction, with the majority of preterm ELBW infants having lower z scores at discharge compared to at birth.

Prospective evaluation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd Edition in very-low-birthweight infants.

AIM: To evaluate the predictive and concurrent diagnostic agreement of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd Edition (ASQ-3) with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition (Bayley-III) in infants born preterm and very-low-birthweight (PT/VLBW; ≤1250g). METHOD: We evaluated 141 PT/VLBW infants (68 males, 73 females) born at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital between January 2010 and December 2011, to determine predictive and concurrent diagnostic agreement between the ASQ-3 at 9, 12, 18, and 24 months corrected age and Bayley-III at 24 months. Cut-offs on the ASQ-3 at 24 months were estimated by receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Sixty (43%) and 25 (18%) failed in any domain of the ASQ-3 and Bayley-III (<70) respectively. A negative predictive value (NPV) >98% was achieved for the motor domain from 9 months, and >90% for the communication domain and the overall results at 24 months. Optimal referral ASQ-3 score at 24 months to achieve 100% NPV was 243. INTERPRETATION: In PT/VLBW infants, ASQ-3 screening at 24 months can reduce the need for costly psychometric assessments in children with normal results. Clinicians can be assured of normal motor development at 9 months using the ASQ-3, but should continue to screen children on other domains.

Systemic Candidiasis in Extremely Low Birthweight (ELBW) Neonates Despite the Routine Use of Topical Miconazole Prophylaxis: Trends, Risk Factors and Outcomes over an 11-Year Period.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine the incidence, trends of systemic candidiasis and meningitis in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) neonates (<1000 gms) despite the routine use of topical miconazole prophylaxis and to compare the risk factors, adverse outcomes and comorbidities with controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of ELBW neonates with systemic candidiasis and meningitis over an 11-year period (1997 to 2007). Matched case control analyses were performed to determine the risk factors and comorbidities which were severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring treatment, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), chronic lung disease (CLD) and cholestatic jaundice. Mortality and end organ involvement secondary to systemic candidiasis were identified as adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 757 ELBW neonates, 51 (6.7%) had evidence of systemic candidiasis with a significant 3-fold increase in trend noted in 2007 as compared against 1997 (12.1% vs 3.8%) (RR 1.2, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.36, P <0.001). This corresponds to a significant increasing trend of preceding or co-existent bacterial blood stream infections (BSI) in neonates with systemic candidiasis (0% in 1997 vs 7.1% in 2007, RR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.25, P = 0.005). On logistic regression analysis, decreasing gestational age was an independent risk factor for systemic candidiasis (OR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.52 to 2.63, P <0.001). Candida meningitis was detected in 4/38 (10.5%) and end organ involvement in 17 (33%). The organisms isolated were Candida parapsilosis 31 (61%), Candida albicans 17 (33%) and Candida glabrata 3 (5.8%). Significantly higher mortality was seen in cases when compared to controls 10/51 (19.6%) vs 76/706 (10.7%) (OR 2.02, 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.40, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Increasing trend in the incidence of systemic candidiasis despite routine use of topical miconazole prophylaxis is of concern and future studies comparing the use of systemic fl uconazole versus oral nystatin may need to be considered.

Systemic Candidiasis in Extremely Low Birthweight (ELBW) Neonates Despite the Routine Use of Topical Miconazole Prophylaxis: Trends, Risk Factors and Outcomes over an 11-Year Period

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>This study aims to determine the incidence, trends of systemic candidiasis and meningitis in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) neonates (<1000 gms) despite the routine use of topical miconazole prophylaxis and to compare the risk factors, adverse outcomes and comorbidities with controls.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>Retrospective cohort study of ELBW neonates with systemic candidiasis and meningitis over an 11-year period (1997 to 2007). Matched case control analyses were performed to determine the risk factors and comorbidities which were severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring treatment, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), chronic lung disease (CLD) and cholestatic jaundice. Mortality and end organ involvement secondary to systemic candidiasis were identified as adverse outcomes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 757 ELBW neonates, 51 (6.7%) had evidence of systemic candidiasis with a significant 3-fold increase in trend noted in 2007 as compared against 1997 (12.1% vs 3.8%) (RR 1.2, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.36, P <0.001). This corresponds to a significant increasing trend of preceding or co-existent bacterial blood stream infections (BSI) in neonates with systemic candidiasis (0% in 1997 vs 7.1% in 2007, RR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.25, P = 0.005). On logistic regression analysis, decreasing gestational age was an independent risk factor for systemic candidiasis (OR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.52 to 2.63, P <0.001). Candida meningitis was detected in 4/38 (10.5%) and end organ involvement in 17 (33%). The organisms isolated were Candida parapsilosis 31 (61%), Candida albicans 17 (33%) and Candida glabrata 3 (5.8%). Significantly higher mortality was seen in cases when compared to controls 10/51 (19.6%) vs 76/706 (10.7%) (OR 2.02, 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.40, P <0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Increasing trend in the incidence of systemic candidiasis despite routine use of topical miconazole prophylaxis is of concern and future studies comparing the use of systemic fl uconazole versus oral nystatin may need to be considered.</p>

Energy loss straggling of 5.486 MeV alpha-particles in PP, PET and KAPTON polymeric foils.

The energy loss straggling for 5.486 MeV alpha-particles, from (241)Am source, in PP (C(3)H(6)), PET (C(10)H(8)O(4)) and KAPTON (C(22)H(10)O(5)N(2)) polymeric foils was measured. These measured values were compared with the most commonly used Bohr, Lindhard & Scharff and Bethe-Livingston formulations with the aim to check the reliability of these formulations. Further, Bethe-Livingston formulation has been suitably modified to make it applicable for thicker targets.

Characterization of different conformations of bovine serum albumin and their propensity to aggregate in the presence of N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium bromide.

To characterize the structural changes in bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the addition of N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and to understand the mechanism underlying aggregation of resulting protein-surfactant complex, UV-visible absorbance, steady-state fluorescence, SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and circular dichroism measurements of BSA-CTAB solutions were carried out. Changes in UV-visible absorbance and the fluorescence intensity on the addition of CTAB indicate the binding of CTAB to BSA. Changes in SDS-gel pattern of pepsin digested BSA sample, circular dichroism band at 222 nm, ANS intensity of BSA-ANS solution and hydrodynamic diameter of native state monomer on the addition of CTAB indicate that BSA unfolds in the presence of CTAB. Changes in the heme binding profile, temperature dependence of the heme binding profile and change from mixed to dynamic quenching in acrylamide quenching experiments of BSA solution on the addition of CTAB indicate that BSA unfolds to an intermediate. Turbidity and DLS measurements at 298 K, 323 K and 358 K indicate that the order of propensity to aggregate for different conformations of protein is: denatured > intermediate > native. The formation of aggregates is influenced by the nature of head and tail of the surfactant.

Cerebro-spinal and renal ochronosis: A rare case report.

Alkaptonuria, a rare inborn error of tyrosine metabolism, characterized by the absence of homogentisic acid oxidase results in the accumulation of homogentisic acid in the body. Associated renal failure and cerebral infarction is rare and usually occurs in the later stages of the disease. We report a 55-year-old male who presented, initially with features of stroke and degenerative arthritis. He had pigmentation of sclerae, darkening of urine on long standing, abnormal renal profile, degenerative arthritis and cerebral infarction. Alkaptonuria was suspected and biochemical tests confirmed mild renal impairment, homogentisic acid in urine and homogentisic acid crystal was detected cytologically in urine sediment. Such a case of Alkaptonuric ochronosis with cerebrovascular and renal complications have been rarely reported in the previous literature.

Total antioxidant capacity--a novel early bio-chemical marker of oxidative stress in HIV infected individuals.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress induced by the production of reactive oxygen species may play a critical role in the stimulation of HIV replication and the development of immunodeficiency. This study was conducted as there are limited and inconclusive studies on the significance of a novel early marker of oxidative stress which can reflect the total antioxidant capacity in HIV patients, METHODS: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation were evaluated in 50 HIV-1 seropositive patients (including HIV-1 symptomatics and asymptomatics). Controls included 50 age and sex matched and apparently healthy HIV-1 seronegative subjects. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), Total antioxidant capacity [TAC] (by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay), vitamin E, vitamin C and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity were estimated among controls and cases. Statistical comparisons and correlations at 5% level of significance were determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The mean MDA concentrations were significantly elevated in both HIV-1 asymptomatic (CD4+ count > 500 cells/microliter) and HIV-1 symptomatic (CD4+ count <500 cells/microliter) groups (Mean +/- S.D values were 2.2 +/- 0.7 nmol/ml and 2.8 +/- 0.8 nmol/ml respectively) when compared with the control group (mean +/- S.D value was 0.9 +/- 0.2 nmol/ml) (p < 0.01). The mean TAC of HIV-1 asymptomatic and HIV-1 symptomatic (Mean +/- S.D values were 754.6 +/- 135.6 micromol/L and 676.6 +/- 154.1 micromol/L respectively) patients were significantly reduced compared with the control group (Mean +/- S.D value was 1018.7 +/- 125.6 micromol/L) (p < 0.01). Also, there were significantly decreased levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and SOD among HIV-1 seropositive patients(controls > asymptomatic > symptomatic) compared to controls (p < 0.01). TAC showed significant negative correlation with MDA among HIV-1 infected patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results clearly show that severe oxidative stress occurs in the HIV-1 seropositive patients in comparison with controls, and increases significantly with the progression of disease, i.e. HIV-1 symptomatics > asymptomatics > controls. TAC can be used as a novel early bio-chemical marker of oxidative stress in HIV-1 infected patients which may result in reduced tissue damage by free radicals and help to monitor and optimize antioxidant therapy in such patients.

Alkaptonuric ochronosis: Report of a case and brief review.

Alkaptonuria, a metabolic disorder characterized by a triad of homogentisic aciduria, arthritis and ochronosis is one of the first conditions in the charter of group of inborn errors of metabolism proposed to have Mendelian recessive inheritance. It is due to the deficiency of the enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase which catalyzes the conversion of homogentisic acid to maleylacetoacetic acid in the catabolism of tyrosine. Homogentisic acid thus accumulates in cells and body fluids and its oxidized polymers bind to collagen, leading to progressive deposition of grey to bluish black pigment resulting in degenerative changes in cartilage, intervertebral disc and other connective tissues, leading to arthritis which is the only disabling effect in an affected older individual. However the diagnosis can be made in neonates when blackish stain is noticed in an unwashed diaper. Alkaptonuria is treated symptomatically, surgical intervention necessitates in advanced stages, treatment with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and dietary restrictions of food containing phenylalanine and tyrosine have proved to be successful in alleviating the symptoms.

Serum adenosine deaminase, 5' nucleotidase and malondialdehyde in acute infective hepatitis.

Serum adenosine deaminase (ADA), 5' nucleotidase (5'NT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in patients with acute infective hepatitis (AIH) along with the routine parameters of liver disease. Present study is done to evaluate these special parameters in patients with clinical history of AIH and to assess the utility of these parameters as diagnostic/ prognostic indices of liver function and to correlate special parameters with routine live function tests (LFT). ADA, 5'NT and MDA along with routine LFT was estimated in 25 patients with AIH and 25 samples from healthy voluntary blood donars served as the control group. Routine LFT was estimated by standard clinical chemistry procedures on dade behring analyser and ADA, 5'NT and MDA were estimated by berthlot reaction, fiske and subbarao method and thiobarbituric acid method respectively.Statistical analysis showed that serum ADA, 5'NT and MDA were significantly higher in patients as compared with the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between ADA and total bilirubin and MDA and total bilirubin. Hence we can conclude that these tests would be more sensitive to diagnose the patients with AIH and that the raised bilirubin levels could be looked upon, as a protective mechanism which the liver has evolved in order to combat oxidative stress.