Racial Disparities in Preterm Birth among Pregnant Women with Obesity.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impact of obesity and racial disparities on preterm birth (PTB) in the United States and sought to determine whether obesity widens the racial-ethnic disparity gap in preterm birth with a focus on non-Hispanic Black and White women. METHODS: Using birth data for the years 2014-2019 made publicly available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and obtained from the National Vital Statistics System, we conducted a cross-sectional cohort study analyzing a total of 14,864,844 births from 2014 to 2019. RESULTS: We observed dose-dependent changes in obesity and PTB by defining obesity in subgroups and PTB in a stratified method. PTB occurred more among non-Hispanic Black women than their non-Hispanic White and Hispanic counterparts. We observed a consistent trend of increased PTB among women with high body mass index. Racial disparity existed in PTB among pregnant obese women, with non-Hispanic Black women exhibiting the greatest risk for PTB. CONCLUSIONS: Our work further contributes to the growing knowledge of the existence of health disparity among the Black population.

Water-pluronic-ionic liquid based microemulsions: Preparation, characterization and application as micro-reactor for enhanced catalytic activity of Cytochrome-c.

Microemulsions (µEs), comprising water as polar component, pluronic (normal, L35 and reverse, 10R5) as surfactant and a hydrophobic ionic liquid (HIL) as non-polar component have been prepared and characterized. Owing to higher surface activity, pluronics have promoted the formation of µEs without the use of co-surfactant. Thus prepared µEs have been utilized as nano-reactors for the oxidation of guaiacol in the presence of Cytochrome-c (Cyt-c) at 15, 20, and 25 °C. A 3.2- and 1.3-fold increase in the rate of formation of product of enzymatic catalysis in direct µE (HIL-in-water) with reverse pluronic (10R5) is observed at 15 and 20 °C as compared to that in buffer. However, negligible enzymatic activity is observed in the direct µE formed by normal pluronic (L35). The catalytic activity of Cyt-c decreases in reverse µEs (water-in-HIL) as compared to direct µEs irrespective of the nature of pluronic used. The contrasting nature of nano-interfaces formed by pluronics in µEs and the extent of hydration of these nano-interfaces controlled by temperature exerts varying influence on the catalytic activity of Cyt-c. It is expected that the present work would result in providing a versatile platform for the creation of new IL and pluronic-based µEs for bio-catalytic applications, which have never been reported.

Inhibitory mechanism of clioquinol and its derivatives at the exopeptidase site of human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 viral spike.

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections around the world has prompted scientists to explore different approaches to develop therapeutics against COVID-19. This study focused on investigating the mechanism of inhibition of clioquinol (CLQ) and its derivatives (7-bromo-5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (CLBQ), 5, 7-Dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (CLCQ)) against the viral glycoprotein, and human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (hACE-2) involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry. The drugs were docked at the exopeptidase site of hACE-2 and receptor binding domain (RBD) sites of SARS-CoV-2 Sgp to calculate the binding affinity of the drugs. To understand and establish the inhibitory characteristics of the drugs, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of the best fit docking complex performed. Evaluation of the binding energies of the drugs to hACE-2 after 100 ns MD simulations revealed CLQ to have the highest binding energy value of -40.4 kcal/mol close to MLN-7640 (-45.4 kcal/mol), and higher than the exhibited values for its derivatives: CLBQ (-34.5 kcal/mol) and CLCQ (-24.8 kcal/mol). This suggests that CLQ and CLBQ bind more strongly at the exopeptidase site than CLCQ. Nevertheless, the evaluation of binding affinity of the drugs to SARS-CoV-2 Sgp showed the drugs are weakly bound at the RBD site, with CLBQ, CLCQ, CLQ exhibiting relatively low energy values of -16.8 kcal/mol, -16.34 kcal/mol, -12.5 kcal/mol, respectively compared to the reference drug, Bisoxatin (BSX), with a value of -25.8 kcal/mol. The structural analysis further suggests decrease in systems stability and explain the mechanism of inhibition of clioquinol against SARS-CoV-2 as reported in previous in vitro study.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

HRSA-Funded MCH Pipeline Training Program: Advancing the MCH Pipeline and Workforce Through Research Collaborations.

PURPOSE: Presently, there are six undergraduate HRSA-funded MCH pipeline training programs (MCHPTP) in the nation and they have gained significant momentum since inception by recruiting, training and mentoring undergraduate students in a comprehensive MCH-focused approach. This article describes the outcomes from the 6 training programs; and primarily Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Southern University (BCM-TSU's) collaborative strategy focusing on the MCH research training and outcomes, which align with HRSA's MCH bureau's missions. DESCRIPTION: Each MCHPTP offers trainees interdisciplinary MCH research experiences through intra/inter-institutional collaborations and partnerships, but BCM-TSU's MCHPTP was the only one with the primary focus to be research. As a case study, the BCM-TSU Program developed an innovative research curriculum integrated with MCH Foundations Course that comprised 2 hour weekly meetings. Students were split into collaborative research groups of 4-5 students, with multidisciplinary peer-mentors, clinical fellows and MCH research faculty from institutions at the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. ASSESSMENT: Since the inception of the MCH mentorship programs, all six MCHPTPs have enrolled up to 1890 trainees and/or interns. BCM-TSU Program trainees are defined as undergraduate students in their 1st or 2nd year of college while research interns are upper classmen in their 3rd or 4th year of college. The case study showed that BCM-TSU Program trainees demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the area of research through primary and co-authorships of 13 peer-reviewed journal publications by 78 trainees, over a period of 3 years, in addition to dozens of presentations at local, regional and national conferences. CONCLUSIONS: The research productivity of students in the six MCHPTPs is strongly indicative of the success of integrating MCH research mentoring into MCH didactic training. The development of a diverse and robust MCH mentorship program promotes and strengthens research activities in areas of high priority such as addressing health disparities in MCH morbidity and mortality in the U.S.

Metabolite Identification of a Novel Anti-Leishmanial Agent OJT007 in Rat Liver Microsomes Using LC-MS/MS.

The purpose of this study was to identify potential metabolic pathways and metabolites of OJT007, a methionine aminopeptidase 1 (MetAP1) inhibitor. OJT007 is a novel drug with potent antiproliferative effects against Leishmania Major. We conducted in vitro Phase I oxidation and Phase II glucuronidation assays on OJT007 using rat liver microsomes. Four unknown metabolites were initially identified using a UPLC-UV system from microsomal incubated samples. LC-MS/MS analysis was then used to identify the structural characteristics of these metabolites via precursor ion scan, neutral loss scan, and product ion scan. A glucuronide metabolite was further confirmed by ß-glucuronidase hydrolysis. The kinetic parameters of OJT007 glucuronidation demonstrated that OJT007 undergoes rapid metabolism. These results demonstrate the liver's microsomal ability to mediate three mono-oxidated metabolites and one mono-glucuronide metabolite. This suggests hepatic glucuronidation metabolism of OJT007 may be the cause of its poor oral bioavailability.

Inhibitory mechanism of Ambroxol and Bromhexine Hydrochlorides as potent blockers of molecular interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human angiotensin-converting Enzyme-2.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects the host cells through interaction of its spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE-2). High binding affinity between the viral spike protein and host cells hACE-2 receptor has been reported to enhance the viral infection. Thus, the disruption of this molecular interaction will lead to reduction in viral infectivity. This study, therefore, aimed to analyze the inhibitory potentials of two mucolytic drugs; Ambroxol hydrochlorides (AMB) and Bromhexine hydrochlorides (BHH), to serve as potent blockers of these molecular interactions and alters the binding affinity/efficiency between the proteins employing computational techniques. The study examined the effects of binding of each drug at the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and the exopeptidase site of hACE-2 on the binding affinity (ΔGbind) and molecular interactions between the two proteins. Binding affinity revealed that the binding of the two drugs at the RBD-ACE-2 site does not alter the binding affinity and molecular interaction between the proteins. However, the binding of AMB (-56.931 kcal/mol) and BHH (-46.354 kcal/mol) at the exopeptidase site of hACE-2, significantly reduced the binding affinities between the proteins compared to the unbound, ACE-2-RBD complex (-64.856 kcal/mol). The result further showed the two compounds have good affinity at the hACE-2 site, inferring they might be potent inhibitors of hACE-2. Residue interaction networks analysis further revealed the binding of the two drugs at the exopeptidase site of hACE-2 reduced the number of interacting amino residues, subsequently leading to loss of interactions between the two proteins, with BHH showing better reduction in the molecular interaction and binding affinity than AMB. The result of the structural analyses additionally, revealed that the binding of the drugs considerably influences the dynamic of the complexes when compared to the unbound complex. The findings from this study suggest the binding of the two drugs at the exopeptidase site reduces the binding effectiveness of the proteins than their binding at the RBD site, and consequently might inhibit viral attachment and entry.

Spontaneous Fibrillation of Bovine Serum Albumin at Physiological Temperatures Promoted by Hydrolysis-Prone Ionic Liquids.

This study highlights the role of time-dependent hydrolysis of ionic liquid anion, [BF4]-, of ionic liquid (IL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [C2mim][BF4], which results in ever-changing pH conditions. Such pH changes along with the ionic interactions bring conformational changes in bovine serum albumin (BSA), leading to the formation of amyloid fibers at 37 °C without external control of pH or addition of electrolyte. The fibrillation of BSA occurs spontaneously with the addition of IL; however, the highest growth rate has been observed in aqueous solution of 10% IL (v/v %) among investigated systems. Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence emission has been employed to monitor the growth and development of ß-sheet content in amyloid fibrils. The structural alterations in BSA have also been investigated using intrinsic fluorescence measurements. Circular dichroism (CD) measurements confirmed the formation of amyloid fibrils. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been explored to establish the morphologies of BSA fibrils at different intervals of time, whereas atomic force microscopy (AFM) has established the helically twisted nature of grown amyloid fibrils. The docking studies have been utilized to understand the insertion of IL ions in different domains of BSA, which along with decreased pH cause the unfolding and growth of BSA into amyloid fibrils. It is expected that the results obtained from this study would help to understand the impact of IL containing [BF4]- anion on protein stability and aggregation along with providing a new platform to control the formation of amyloid fibrils and other biomaterials driven via ionic interactions and alterations in pH.

Discovery of Clioquinol and analogues as novel inhibitors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection, ACE2 and ACE2 - Spike protein interaction in vitro.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has resulted in an ongoing pandemic. Presently, there are no clinically approved drugs for COVID-19. Hence, there is an urgent need to accelerate the development of effective antivirals. Herein, we discovered Clioquinol (5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinolinol (CLQ)), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug, and two of its analogues (7-bromo-5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (CLBQ14); and 5, 7-Dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (CLCQ)) as potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced cytopathic effect in vitro. In addition, all three compounds showed potent anti-exopeptidase activity against recombinant human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (rhACE2) and inhibited the binding of rhACE2 with SARS-CoV-2 Spike (RBD) protein. CLQ displayed the highest potency in the low micromolar range, with its antiviral activity showing a strong correlation with inhibition of rhACE2 and rhACE2-RBD interaction. Altogether, our findings provide a new mode of action and molecular target for CLQ and validates this pharmacophore as a promising lead series for the clinical development of potential therapeutics for COVID-19.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Burden of HIV/Cervical Cancer Comorbidity and Related In-hospital Mortality in the USA.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cervical cancer is a risk factor for early mortality among women with HIV and whether racial/ethnic disparity predicted in-hospital death among women living with HIV and diagnosed with cervical cancer. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database comprising hospitalized HIV-positive women with or without cervical cancer diagnosis, from 2003 through 2015. We compared trends in the rates of cervical cancer, in-hospital death, and years of potential life lost (YPLL) by race/ethnicity. RESULTS: We identified 2,613,696 women with HIV, and among them, 5398 had cervical cancer. The prevalence of cervical cancer (per 10,000) was 9.3 for NH-Whites, 30.9 among NH-Blacks, and 30.2 for Hispanics. Rates of cervical cancer over time diminished significantly only among NH-Whites (average annual percent change (AAPC), - 5.8 (- 9.7, - 1.8)), and YPLL in women with cervical cancer decreased significantly only in NH-Whites (AAPC, - 6.2 (- 10.1, - 2.0)). Cervical cancer was associated with increased odds of in-hospital death overall (OR 2.24 (1.59-3.15)) and among NH-Blacks (OR 2.03 (1.30-3.18)) only. CONCLUSIONS: NH-Blacks and Hispanics with HIV remain at increased risk for concurrent diagnosis of cervical cancer compared with NH-Whites. Moreover, NH-Black women with HIV and cervical cancer are at greatest risk for in-hospital death. The findings emphasize the need for a more robust prevention strategy among minority women to reduce the high burden of HIV/cervical cancer and related mortality.

Biamphiphilic ionic liquid based aqueous microemulsions as an efficient catalytic medium for cytochrome c.

Considering the remarkable applicability of ionic liquids (ILs) in bio-catalysis involving enzymes, herein, we report new IL based aqueous microemulsions as a catalytic reactor for cytochrome c (Cyt-c). Microemulsions (µEs), comprising water as the polar component, imidazolium (cation) and dioctylsulfosuccinate (AOT) (anion) based biamphiphilic ionic liquid (BAIL) as the surfactant and a hydrophobic ionic liquid (HIL) as the non-polar component have been prepared and characterized. The use of BAIL has promoted the formation of µEs without any co-surfactant, owing to its higher surface activity. The effect of ester- or amide-functionalization of the alkyl chain of the imidazolium cation of BAILs on the phase behavior of µEs has been investigated. The prepared µEs have been characterized via conductivity, dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-vis absorption and steady-state fluorescence (using external polarity probes) techniques. The prepared µEs have been employed as nano-reactors for exploring the catalytic activity of Cyt-c. The formed BAIL-water nano-interfaces in reverse µEs have exerted a positive effect on the catalytic activity of Cyt-c stored in a water pool of reverse µEs. A five-fold higher rate constant in µEs as compared to buffer establishes µEs as a better catalytic medium. Furthermore, the differing nature of nano-interfaces created by BAILs and water in reverse µEs, depending on the functionalization of the alkyl chain of the cationic part of BAIL, has exerted varying influence on the catalytic activity of Cyt-c. It is expected that the present work will result in providing a versatile platform for the creation of new IL and water based µEs for bio-catalytic applications.

Ambroxol Hydrochloride Inhibits the Interaction between Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Protein's Receptor Binding Domain and Recombinant Human ACE2.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), enters the host cells through two main pathways, both involving key interactions between viral envelope-anchored spike glycoprotein of the novel coronavirus and the host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). To date, SARS-CoV-2 has infected up to 26 million people worldwide; yet, there is no clinically approved drug or vaccine available. Therefore, a rapid and coordinated effort to re-purpose clinically approved drugs that prevent or disrupt these critical entry pathways of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein interaction with human ACE2, could potentially accelerate the identification and clinical advancement of prophylactic and/or treatment options against COVID-19, thus providing possible countermeasures against viral entry, pathogenesis and survival. Herein, we discovered that Ambroxol hydrochloride (AMB), and its progenitor, Bromhexine hydrochloride (BHH), both clinically approved drugs are potent effective modulators of the key interaction between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2. We also found that both compounds inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced cytopathic effect at micromolar concentrations. Therefore, in addition to the known TMPRSS2 activity of BHH; we report for the first time that the BHH and AMB pharmacophore has the capacity to target and modulate yet another key protein-protein interaction essential for the two known SARS-CoV-2 entry pathways into host cells. Altogether, the potent efficacy, excellent safety and pharmacologic profile of both drugs along with their affordability and availability, makes them promising candidates for drug repurposing as possible prophylactic and/or treatment options against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Trends and associated characteristics for Chagas disease among women of reproductive age in the United States, 2002 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: American trypanosomiasis, commonly referred to as Chagas disease, is caused by a single cell protozoan known as Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Although those affected are mainly in Latin America, Chagas has been detected in the United States (US), Canada and in many European countries due to migration. Few studies have explored the epidemiology of Chagas within the US or changes in disease burden over the past decade. The objective of this study was to explore the trends and associated characteristics for Chagas disease among hospitalized women of reproductive age in the US. METHODS: We analyzed admissions data including socio-demographic and hospital characteristics for inpatient hospitalization for women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in the US from 2002 through 2017. We employed Joinpoint regression analysis to determine trends in the prevalence of Chagas disease over this period. RESULTS: A total of 487 hospitalizations of Chagas disease were identified, corresponding to 3.7 per million hospitalizations over the study period. The rate statistically increased from 1.6 per million in 2002 to 7.6 per million hospitalizations in 2017. Chagas was most prevalent among older women, Hispanics and those in the highest zip income bracket. The in-hospital mortality rate was about 10 times greater among women with Chagas compared to those without the condition (3.1% versus 0.3%), and the condition tended to be clustered in women treated at large, urban teaching hospitals in the Northeastern region of the US. CONCLUSION: Chagas disease diagnosis appears to be increasing among hospitalized women of reproductive age in the US with a 10-fold elevated risk of mortality.

A Surveillance System for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its ensuing mitigation measures have negatively affected the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) population. There is currently no surveillance system established to enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to guide policy decision making to protect the MCH population in this pandemic. Based on reports of community and household spread of this novel infection, we present an approach to a robust family-centered surveillance system for the MCH population. The surveillance system encapsulates data at the individual and community levels to inform stakeholders, policy makers, health officials and the general public about SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics within the MCH population.

Discovery of Clioquinol and Analogues as Novel Inhibitors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, ACE2 and ACE2 - Spike Protein Interaction In Vitro.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has emerged as an ongoing global pandemic. Presently, there are no clinically approved vaccines nor drugs for COVID-19. Hence, there is an urgent need to accelerate the development of effective antivirals. Here in, we discovered Clioquinol (5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinolinol (CLQ)), a FDA approved drug and two of its analogues (7-bromo-5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (CLBQ14); and 5, 7-Dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (CLCQ)) as potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection induced cytopathic effect in vitro . In addition, all three compounds showed potent anti-exopeptidase activity against recombinant human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (rhACE2) and inhibited the binding of rhACE2 with SARS-CoV-2 Spike (RBD) protein. CLQ displayed the highest potency in the low micromolar range, with its antiviral activity showing strong correlation with inhibition of rhACE2 and rhACE2-RBD interaction. Altogether, our findings provide a new mode of action and molecular target for CLQ and validates this pharmacophore as a promising lead series for clinical development of potential therapeutics for COVID-19.

Antimicrobial Colloidal Complexes of Lysozyme with Bio-Based Surface Active Ionic Liquids in Aqueous Medium.

Bio-based surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs) have been synthesized and investigated for their complexation with lysozyme (LYZ) in an aqueous medium to develop antimicrobial SAIL-LYZ colloidal complexes. The synthesized SAILs, [Cho][Sar] and [Cho][Doc], are comprised of choline ([Cho]+) and lauryl sarcosinate ([Sar]-) or deoxycholate ([Doc]-). The constituent anions of the investigated SAILs are structurally dissimilar and thus resulted in contrasting complexation behavior toward LYZ, as suggested by the results obtained from different techniques. The interfacial behavior is monitored using tensiometry. Zeta-potential, turbidity, and dynamic light scattering results provide insights into the complexation phenomenon in bulk. The observations made from fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy give information about the alterations in the inherent structure of LYZ. The thermodynamics of the binding of SAILs with LYZ is monitored using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Computer simulations have been utilized to determine the preferential binding site of SAILs on LYZ, which supports the results obtained from different techniques. Interestingly, LYZ complexed with the investigated SAILs, which are non-antimicrobial, is found to exhibit enhanced antimicrobial activity depending upon the concentration regime of the used SAIL. In this way, we have developed new antimicrobial colloidal complexes of SAILs and LYZ. The present study provides useful insights to synthesize new bio-based SAILs to be utilized for creating colloidal formulations applicable in enzyme/protein stabilization, storage, and other biomedical applications.

Aqueous colloidal systems of bovine serum albumin and functionalized surface active ionic liquids for material transport.

Detailed physicochemical and computational investigation are made to explore different aspects of complexation between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and three structurally different surface active ionic liquids (SAILs), 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [C12mim][Cl]; 3-(2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride, [C12Amim][Cl] and 3-methyl-1-dodecyloxy carbonyl methylimidazolium chloride, [C12Emim][Cl]. The interfacial and bulk complexation behavior has been monitored using tensiometry, conductivity, steady-state fluorescence and turbidity measurements. Thermodynamic insights about complexation have been obtained using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements whereas molecular docking studies were used to predict the possible binding sites of SAILs on BSA. The information obtained from these studies helped in establishing the formed BSA-SAIL complex as a pH dependent colloidal transport system for controlled transport of a lipophilic dye, Rhodamine 6G (R6G), in aqueous phase, which is supported by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In the present work, the effect of functionalization over the alkyl chain of SAILs, modulating the colloidal properties of SAIL-BSA systems, has been explored along with the utilization of these complexes as a pH dependent reversible carrier of lipophilic molecules. It is expected that besides providing basic understanding of colloidal complexes of BSA with SAILs, the present work is expected to be helpful in extending the applications of such colloidal systems for material transport.

Aqueous systems of a surface active ionic liquid having an aromatic anion: phase behavior, exfoliation of graphene flakes and its hydrogelation.

Surface active ionic liquid (SAIL) induced hydrogelation, in the absence of additives, is important considering the properties of soft-hydrogels that can be utilized in different applications. The present study is concerned with the phase behavior and hydrogelation of a SAIL, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium p-toluenesulfonate, [C16mim][PTS]. The obtained information about the phase behavior along with the surfactant like behavior of the SAIL was exploited for effective exfoliation of graphene-flakes from graphite in aqueous medium that remain stable for at least one month. Thus the obtained dispersion of graphene-flakes was subsequently hydrogelated exploiting the observations made from the phase behavior of the SAIL, via entanglement of long worm-like micelles of the SAIL formed at higher concentration. The obtained graphene-flake based hydrogels were found to be equally stable as compared to the blank hydrogel as well as against centrifugation. The low melting point of hydrogel facilitates the extraction of graphene-flakes from the hydrogel matrix by heating and diluting the gel and there is no sign of agglomeration in the extracted graphene-flakes even if the extraction is carried out after a period of three months. The present work is an exemplary study on exfoliation, hydrogelation and extraction of graphene-flakes from a hydrogel, when required, using a SAIL and is expected to provide a new platform for utilization of SAILs for efficient graphene exfoliation and subsequent preparation of functional materials.

Thermally Stable Ionic Liquid-Based Microemulsions for High-Temperature Stabilization of Lysozyme at Nanointerfaces.

The development of new strategies for thermal stability and storage of enzymes is very important, considering the nonretention of catalytic activity by enzymes under harsh conditions of temperature. Following this, herein, a new approach based on the interfacial adsorption of lysozyme (LYZ) at nanointerfaces of ionic liquid (IL)-based microemulsions, for enhanced thermal stability of LYZ, is reported. Microemulsions (MEs) composed of dialkyl imidazolium-based surface active ILs (SAILs) as surfactants, ILs as the nonpolar phase, and ethylene glycol (EG) as the polar phase, without any cosurfactants, have been prepared and characterized in detail. Various regions corresponding to polar-in-IL, bicontinuous, and IL-in-polar phases have been characterized using conductivity measurements. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements have provided insights into the size distribution of microdroplets, whereas temperature-dependent DLS measurements established the thermal stability of the MEs. Nanointerfaces formed by SAILs with EG in thermally stable reverse MEs act as fluid scaffolds to adsorb and provide thermal stability, up to 120 °C, to LYZ. Thermally treated LYZ upon extraction into a buffer shows enzyme activity owing to negligible change in the active site of LYZ, as marked by retention of microenvironment of Trp residues present in the active site of LYZ. The present work is expected to establish a new platform for the development of novel nanointerfaces utilizing biobased components for other biomedical applications.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy and soft tissue wound healing using diode laser (810 nm) versus conventional scalpel technique for second-stage implant surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to compare the efficacy and soft tissue wound healing using diode lasers (810 nm) versus conventional scalpel approach as uncovering technique during the second-stage surgery in implants. This was a prospective, randomized study which was conducted on 20 subjects in which the implants were already placed using a two-stage technique. Implant sites were examined and the patients were randomly divided into two groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two groups, i.e., Group A and Group B. In Group A, implants were uncovered as a part of Stage II surgery with conventional scalpel technique, and in Group B, implants were uncovered using 810 nm diode laser. Clinical parameters such as need and amount of local anesthesia, duration of surgery, intraoperative bleeding, pain index, wound healing index (HI), and time for impression taking were recorded at various intervals. RESULTS: Statistical differences for clinical parameters were seen between Group A and Group B showing uncovery of implant with laser more effective, and for time of impression taking, difference was statistically significant showing that impressions were taken early in case of Group A because of better healing which was recorded with help of HI, but the difference in time of healing between Group A and Group B was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of a diode laser (810 nm) in the second-stage implant surgery can minimize surgical trauma, reduce the amount of anesthesia, improve visibility during surgery due to the absence of bleeding, and eliminate postoperative discomfort.

Severe pre-eclampsia among pregnant women with sickle cell disease and HIV.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between sickle cell disease (SCD) and severe pre-eclampsia is poorly established. It is also unknown whether the occurrence of HIV infection among women with SCD modifies their risk level for severe pre-eclampsia. We hypothesized that pregnant women with SCD are at an elevated risk for severe pre-eclampsia as a result of heightened endothelial damage; and the combination of SCD-HIV augments the inflammatory processes of endothelial damage leading to amplified risk for severe pre-eclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed more than 57 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations and births in the US from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We applied multivariable survey logistic regression to generate odds ratios for the association between SCD, HIV and SCD-HIV status and severe pre-eclampsia with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: Of the total 57,326,459 pregnant women, 57,198,505 (99.78%) did not have SCD or HIV, 73,064 (12.7 per 10,000) had HIV only, 54,890 (9.58 per 10,000) had SCD only and 222 (0.39 per 100,000) had both SCD and HIV. Mothers with SCD and HIV-SCD experienced a significant elevation in risk for severe pre-eclampsia of about 60% (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.44, 1.79) and of more than 300% (OR = 4.28; 95% CI = 1.35, 13.62) respectively. CONCLUSION: In the largest study on SCD and pre-eclampsia in the world, we established SCD to be strongly associated with severe pre-eclampsia. Another unique finding is the synergistic effect of amplified risk for severe pre-eclampsia among mothers with the combined SCD-HIV status.