Relapse during opioid use disorder treatment: A pilot study to understand the reasons for opioid use during treatment.

Background: Opioid use is a cause of concern in many parts of the world. About 2.1% Indians use opioids. Opioids are also the most common drugs used by injection drug users in India. Despite various treatment strategies used to manage opioid use disorders (OUDs), relapse is common. A good treatment program would make efforts to address lapses and prevent relapse. Hence, there is a need to understand the factors associated with relapse in OUD. Method: One hundred and twenty patients completed a baseline assessment that included socio-demographic details and the Maudsley Addiction Profile (MAP). They were followed up for three months and assessed using telephonic interview for opioid use. All those who relapsed were assessed using the Reasons for Relapse Questionnaire (RRQ). The patients who relapsed were compared with the patients who were abstinent. Relapse was defined as any use of opioid during follow-up. Results: Forty participants relapsed during the 90 days of the study period. Relapsed patients had a greater number of conflict days with family members, used a higher amount of heroin and cannabis at baseline, were less likely to be discharged on buprenorphine, and were more likely to drop out. Participants cited mood and social reasons more often than cue/craving and unwell domains of RRQ. Conclusion: Baseline treatment and prospective factors are associated with relapse in OUD. Addressing these factors can help in reducing relapse in OUD patients.

Anxiety, depression, professional fulfilment and burnout: Public and private doctors' differential response to CoVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for healthcare system; the doctors in public and private setups are at the center of this challenge. Public and private doctors differ in personality and some occupational aspects. Do these differences reflect in their response to Covid? Aim: To study the difference in anxiety, depression, burnout, and professional fulfillment between doctors in public and private setup during Covid-19 second wave and to assess their coping strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional Internet-based observational study was conducted using Stanford PFI, GAD-7, PHQ-2, BFI-10, and brief COPE questionnaires. Results: A total of 114 public and 37 private doctors participated in the study. Doctors in private were older in age and deferred in personality profile. Significantly, more private doctors screened for anxiety disorder. 62.2% of private and 41.2% public doctors felt professionally fulfilled. Burnout and depression were not significantly different between groups. Active coping, acceptance, and planning coping were significantly more used by private doctors. Conclusion: There are differences how doctors in different setups respond to Covid-19, and there is need to understand these factors.

In-situ detoxification of schedule-I chemical warfare agents utilizing Zr(OH)4@W-ACF functional material for the development of next generation NBC protective gears.

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have become a pivotal concern for the global community and spurred a wide spectrum of research for the development of new generation protective materials. Herein, a highly effective self-detoxifying filter consisting of in-situ immobilized Zirconium hydroxide [Zr(OH)4] over woven activated carbon fabric [Zr(OH)4@W-ACF] is presented for the removal of CWAs. It was prepared to harness the synergistic effect of high surface area of W-ACF, leads to high dispersion of CWAs and high phosphilicity and reactivity of [Zr(OH)4]. The synthesized materials were characterized by ATR-FTIR, EDX, SEM, TEM, XPS, TGA, and BET surface area analyzer. The kinetics of  in-situ degradation of CWAs over Zr(OH)4@W-ACF were studied and found to be following the first-order reaction kinetics. The rate constant was found to be 0.244 min-1 and 2.31 × 10-2 min-1 for sarin and soman, respectively over Zr(OH)4@W-ACF. The potential practical applicability of this work was established by fabricating Zr(OH)4@W-ACF as reactive adsorbent layer for protective suit, and found to be meeting the specified criteria in terms of air permeability, tearing strength and nerve agent permeation as per TOP-08-2-501A:2013 and IS-17380:2020. The degradation products of CWAs were analyzed with NMR and GC-MS. The combined properties of dual functional textile with reactive material are expected to open up new exciting avenues in the field of CWAs protective clothing and thus find diverse application in defence and environmental sector.

Screening of core filter layer for the development of respiratory mask to combat COVID-19.

The severe outbreak of respiratory coronavirus disease 2019 has increased the significant demand of respiratory mask and its use become ubiquitous worldwide to control this unprecedented respiratory pandemic. The performance of a respiratory mask depends on the efficiency of the filter layer which is mostly made of polypropylene melt blown non-woven (PP-MB-NW). So far, very limited characterization data are available for the PPE-MB-NW in terms to achieve desired particulate filtration efficiency (PFE) against 0.3 µm size, which are imperative in order to facilitate the right selection of PP-MB-NW fabric for the development of mask. In present study, eight different kinds of PP-MB-NW fabrics (Sample A-H) of varied structural morphology are chosen. The different PP-MB-NW were characterized for its pore size and distribution by mercury porosimeter and BET surface area analyzer was explored first time to understand the importance of blind pore in PFE. The PP-MB-NW samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy so as to know the surface morphology. The filtration efficiency, pressure drop and breathing resistance of various PP-MB-NW fabric samples are investigated in single and double layers combination against the particle size of 0.3, 0.5 and 1 µm. The samples which are having low pore dia, high solid fraction volume, and low air permeability has high filtration efficiency (> 90%) against 0.3 µm particle with high pressure drop (16.3-21.3 mm WC) and breathing resistance (1.42-1.92 mbar) when compared to rest of the samples. This study will pave the way for the judicial selection of right kind of filter layer i.e., PP-MB-NW fabric for the development of mask and it will be greatly helpful in manufacturing of mask in this present pandemic with desired PFE indicating considerable promise for defense against respiratory pandemic.

Luminol-Based Turn-On Fluorescent Sensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Sulfur Mustard at Ambient Temperature.

We have explored a novel turn-on fluorescence detection of sulfur mustard (SM) at "room temperature". The innovative protocol that uses the combination of luminol and an ionic liquid in water exhibits fluorescence detection of SM within seconds. In this simple, fast, and low-cost chemosensing method, luminol acts as the receptor as well as a signaling element, and the ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide) provides the requisite and polarizing medium to realize the detection at "room temperature". Interestingly, with a higher concentration of a probe (0.56 mM), SM sensing can be visualized with the naked eye, leading to the formation of a fluorescent green color within a minute, thus expanding the application of the developed sensing technique for chromo-fluorogenic detection of SM. Excellent selectivity, sensitivity (LOD: 6 ppm), and chemosensing at ambient temperature make this methodology completely field-deployable.

Surface plasmon resonance sensing of Ebola virus: a biological threat.

Here, different monoclonal antibodies (mAb1, mAb2 and mAb3) of Ebola virus were screened in a real-time and label-free manner using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to select an appropriate antibody for biosensor applications against a biological warfare agent. For this purpose, a gold SPR chip was modified with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), and modification was confirmed by FTIR-ATR and EIS. The 4-MBA-modified gold SPR chip was used for immobilization of the recombinant nucleoprotein of Ebola (EBOV-rNP), and the interactions of mAb1, mAb2 and mAb3 were then investigated to determine the best mAb based on the affinity constant (KD), expressed as equilibrium dissociation constant. KD values of 809 nM, 350 pM and 52 pM were found for the interaction of mAb1, mAb2 and mAb3 of Ebola with the immobilized EBOV-rNP, respectively, thus reflecting the high affinity of mAb3. This was confirmed by ELISA results. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) for the interaction between mAb3 and EBOV-rNP were also determined, which revealed that the interaction was spontaneous, endothermic and driven by entropy. The SPR limit of detection of EBOV-rNP with mAb3 was 0.5 pg ml-1, showing mAb3 to be the best high-affinity antibody in our study. This study has opened up new possibilities for SPR screening of different monoclonal antibodies of BWA through the convergence of materials science and optical techniques.

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of vesicant agent using Eu/ZnO/pPy nanocomposite.

Herein, we demonstrate a nanocomposite material Eu/ZnO/pPy for enhanced performance in photoelectrocatalytic degradation of chemical warfare agent sulphur mustard (SM) at ambient conditions which is growing concern of the Scientific Community amidst the current climate of terrorism. Eu/ZnO/pPy was electrochemically prepared on Au electrode at ambient conditions and was used for electrocatalytic reductive elimination of chloride from SM and results indicated one electron involvement process for the cleavage of the carbon-chloride bond. Surface morphology of Eu/pPy, ZnO/pPy and Eu/ZnO/pPy composites were characterized by SEM and confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles and nanorods on the modified electrode which leads to provide more surface area for the reductive elimination reaction. The elemental composition, functional groups and phase of materials on the modified electrode were deduced using EDX, Raman spectroscopy and XRD, respectively. Eu/ZnO/pPy/Au electrode was utilized for the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of SM as it exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity and degradation products were analyzed by GC-MS. In the reductive elimination of SM, the following parameters were deduced (i) heterogeneous rate constant (0.127 s-1), (ii) transfer coefficient (0.32) and (iii) number of electron involved (1.0). The enhanced photoelectrocatalytic capability of this nanocomposite could serve as a novel and promising catalyst in defence and environmental applications.

DNA-probe-target interaction based detection of Brucella melitensis by using surface plasmon resonance.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) modified gold (4-MBA/Au) SPR chip was developed first time for the detection of Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) based on the screening of its complementary DNA target by using two different newly designed DNA probes of IS711 gene. Herein, interaction between DNA probes and target molecule are also investigated and result revealed that the interaction is spontaneous. The kinetics and thermodynamic results derived from the experimental data showed that the interaction between complementary DNA targets and probe 1 is more effective than that of probe 2. Equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) and maximum binding capacity of analyte (Bmax) values for the interaction of complementary DNA target with the immobilized DNA probes were calculated by using kinetic evaluation software, and found to be 15.3 pM (KD) and 81.02m° (Bmax) with probe 1 and 54.9pM and 55.29m° (Bmax), respectively. Moreover, real serum samples analysis were also carried out using immobilized probe 1 and probe 2 with SPR which showed the applicability of this methodology and provides an alternative way for the detection of B. melitensis in less than 10min. This remarkable sensing response of present methodology offer a real time and label free detection of biological warfare agent and provide an opportunity to make miniaturized sensor, indicating considerable promise for diverse environmental, bio-defence, clinical diagnostics, food safety, water and security applications.

Nanomotors responsive to nerve-agent vapor plumes.

Enzyme-powered nanomotors responsive to the presence of nerve agents in the surrounding atmosphere are employed for remote detection of chemical vapor threats. Distinct changes in the propulsion behavior, associated with the partition of the sarin simulant diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP), offer reliable and rapid detection of the nerve-agent vapor threat.

Nano/micromotors for security/defense applications. A review.

The new capabilities of man-made micro/nanomotors open up considerable opportunities for diverse security and defense applications. This review highlights new micromotor-based strategies for enhanced security monitoring and detoxification of chemical and biological warfare agents (CBWA). The movement of receptor-functionalized nanomotors offers great potential for sensing and isolating target bio-threats from complex samples. New mobile reactive materials based on zeolite or activated carbon offer considerable promise for the accelerated removal of chemical warfare agents. A wide range of proof-of-concept motor-based approaches, including the detection and destruction of anthrax spores, 'on-off' nerve-agent detection or effective neutralization of chemical warfare agents have thus been demonstrated. The propulsion of micromotors and their corresponding bubble tails impart significant mixing that greatly accelerates such detoxification processes. These nanomotors will thus empower sensing and destruction where stirring large quantities of decontaminating reagents and controlled mechanical agitation are impossible or undesired. New technological breakthroughs and greater sophistication of micro/nanoscale machines will lead to rapid translation of the micromotor research activity into practical defense applications, addressing the escalating threat of CBWA.

Micromotor-Based Biomimetic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration: Towards Mobile Microscrubbers.

We describe a mobile CO2 scrubbing platform that offers a greatly accelerated biomimetic sequestration based on a self-propelled carbonic anhydrase (CA) functionalized micromotor. The CO2 hydration capability of CA is coupled with the rapid movement of catalytic micromotors, and along with the corresponding fluid dynamics, results in a highly efficient mobile CO2 scrubbing microsystem. The continuous movement of CA and enhanced mass transport of the CO2 substrate lead to significant improvements in the sequestration efficiency and speed over stationary immobilized or free CA platforms. This system is a promising approach to rapid and enhanced CO2 sequestration platforms for addressing growing concerns over the buildup of greenhouse gas.

Lysozyme-Based Antibacterial Nanomotors.

An effective and rapid bacterial killing nanotechnology strategy based on lysozyme-modified fuel-free nanomotors is demonstrated. The efficient antibacterial property of lysozyme, associated with the cleavage of glycosidic bonds of peptidoglycans present in the bacteria cell wall, has been combined with ultrasound (US)-propelled porous gold nanowire (p-AuNW) motors as biocompatible dynamic bacteria nanofighters. Coupling the antibacterial activity of the enzyme with the rapid movement of these p-AuNWs, along with the corresponding fluid dynamics, promotes enzyme-bacteria interactions and prevents surface aggregation of dead bacteria, resulting in a greatly enhanced bacteria-killing capability. The large active surface area of these nanoporous motors offers a significantly higher enzyme loading capacity compared to nonporous AuNWs, which results in a higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Detailed characterization studies and control experiments provide useful insights into the underlying factors controlling the antibacterial performance of the new dynamic bacteria nanofighters. Rapid and effective killing of the Gram-positive Micrococcus lysodeikticus bacteria (69-84% within 1-5 min) is demonstrated.

Micromotor-based on-off fluorescence detection of sarin and soman simulants.

Self-propelled micromotor-based fluorescent "On-Off" detection of nerve agents is described. The motion-based assay utilizes Si/Pt Janus micromotors coated with fluoresceinamine toward real-time "on-the-fly" field detection of sarin and soman simulants.

Micromotor-based energy generation.

A micromotor-based strategy for energy generation, utilizing the conversion of liquid-phase hydrogen to usable hydrogen gas (H2), is described. The new motion-based H2-generation concept relies on the movement of Pt-black/Ti Janus microparticle motors in a solution of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) fuel. This is the first report of using NaBH4 for powering micromotors. The autonomous motion of these catalytic micromotors, as well as their bubble generation, leads to enhanced mixing and transport of NaBH4 towards the Pt-black catalytic surface (compared to static microparticles or films), and hence to a substantially faster rate of H2 production. The practical utility of these micromotors is illustrated by powering a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell car by an on-board motion-based hydrogen and oxygen generation. The new micromotor approach paves the way for the development of efficient on-site energy generation for powering external devices or meeting growing demands on the energy grid.

Self-propelled activated carbon Janus micromotors for efficient water purification.

Self-propelled activated carbon-based Janus particle micromotors that display efficient locomotion in environmental matrices and offer effective 'on-the-fly' removal of wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants are described. The new bubble-propelled activated carbon Janus micromotors rely on the asymmetric deposition of a catalytic Pt patch on the surface of activated carbon microspheres. The rough surface of the activated carbon microsphere substrate results in a microporous Pt structure to provide a highly catalytic layer, which leads to an effective bubble evolution and propulsion at remarkable speeds of over 500 µm/s. Such coupling of the high adsorption capacity of carbon nanoadsorbents with the rapid movement of these catalytic Janus micromotors, along with the corresponding fluid dynamics and mixing, results in a highly efficient moving adsorption platform and a greatly accelerated water purification. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms have been investigated. The remarkable decontamination efficiency of self-propelled activated carbon-based Janus micromotors is illustrated towards the rapid removal of heavy metals, nitroaromatic explosives, organophosphorous nerve agents and azo-dye compounds, indicating considerable promise for diverse environmental, defense, and public health applications.

Water-driven micromotors for rapid photocatalytic degradation of biological and chemical warfare agents.

Threats of chemical and biological warfare agents (CBWA) represent a serious global concern and require rapid and efficient neutralization methods. We present a highly effective micromotor strategy for photocatalytic degradation of CBWA based on light-activated TiO2/Au/Mg microspheres that propel autonomously in natural water and obviate the need for external fuel, decontaminating reagent, or mechanical agitation. The activated TiO2/Au/Mg micromotors generate highly reactive oxygen species responsible for the efficient destruction of the cell membranes of the anthrax simulant Bacillus globigii spore, as well as rapid and complete in situ mineralization of the highly persistent organophosphate nerve agents into nonharmful products. The water-driven propulsion of the TiO2/Au/Mg micromotors facilitates efficient fluid transport and dispersion of the photogenerated reactive oxidative species and their interaction with the CBWA. Coupling of the photocatalytic surface of the micromotors and their autonomous water-driven propulsion thus leads to a reagent-free operation which holds a considerable promise for diverse "green" defense and environmental applications.