Engineering immune response to regulate cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality. This book chapter delves into the intricate relationship between the immune system and the pathogenesis of both cardiovascular and cancer diseases, exploring the roles of innate and adaptive immunities, immune regulation, and immunotherapy in these complex conditions. The innate immune system acts as the first line of defense against tissue damage and infection, with a significant impact on the initiation and progression of CVD and cancer. Endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark in CVD, shares commonalities with the tumor microenvironment in cancer, emphasizing the parallel involvement of the immune system in both conditions. The adaptive immune system, particularly T cells, contributes to prolonged inflammation in both CVD and cancer. Regulatory T cells and the intricate balance between different T cell subtypes influence disease progression, wound healing, and the outcomes of ischemic injury and cancer immunosurveillance. Dysregulation of immune homeostasis can lead to chronic inflammation, contributing to the development and progression of both CVD and cancer. Thus, immunotherapy emerged as a promising avenue for preventing and managing these diseases, with strategies targeting immune cell modulation, cytokine manipulation, immune checkpoint blockade, and tolerance induction. The impact of gut microbiota on CVD and cancer too is explored in this chapter, highlighting the role of gut leakiness, microbial metabolites, and the potential for microbiome-based interventions in cardiovascular and cancer immunotherapies. In conclusion, immunomodulatory strategies and immunotherapy hold promise in reshaping the landscape of cardiovascular and cancer health. Additionally, harnessing the gut microbiota for immune modulation presents a novel approach to prevent and manage these complex diseases, emphasizing the importance of personalized and precision medicine in healthcare. Ongoing research and clinical trials are expected to further elucidate the complex immunological underpinnings of CVD and cancer thereby refining these innovative approaches.

Achieving White Light Emission with High Luminescence Efficiency via Combustion Produced Sr3Y(PO4)3: Dy3+ Nanophosphors for Photonic Applications.

Extensive investigations were conducted on the structural and photoluminescence characteristics of the present nanosamples, encompassing PL, TEM, PXRD, EDAX, CCT, and CIE research. PXRD studies established a single phase, and TEM instruments were used to examine the dimensions and topographical behavior. The EDAX analysis examined the magnitude of the different components that were present. Decay lifetimes, radiative and non-radiative energy transfer rates, and a number of intensity limitations have all been found using PL spectra. Two significant peaks were visible in the blue (B) and yellow (Y) regions of the photoluminescence (PL) spectra upon NUV excitation, at 486 nm and 577 nm. At 7 mol% Dy3+ ions, the PL intensity peaked. After that, it began to decline as a result of the concentration quenching process brought on by multipolar exchanges (s = 4.1445). The values of 0.86423 ms, 81%, and 226 s-1 were discovered to be the decay life time, non radiative rates, and quantum efficiency of the ideal powder, respectively. Further analysis of Sr3Y0.93Dy0.07(PO4)3 nanocrystals revealed that their chromaticity coordinates (0.305, 0.321), and CCT value (6902 K) matched those of NTSE and commercial LEDs, certifying their use in innovative optoelectronic appliances, particularly single phased WLEDs.

Cool White-light Emanation Via Combustion Produced Sr3La(PO4)3: Dy3+ Single-phased Nanophosphors for Effective Lighting Devices.

Rare earth-doped nanophosphors have gained the attention of scientist as a result of their application in many devices like color display, laser cooling, bioimaging, and especially white light emitting diodes (WLEDs). Sr3La1-x(PO4)3: xDy3+ (x = 0.01 to 0.15 mol) white light emitting nanophosphors were synthesized by a resourceful and effective technique which is solution combustion synthesis utilizing urea as fuel at 1200 °C and their photoluminescence and structural properties were inspected using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement employing on XRD data disclosed that synthesized samples are of cubic lattice with I-43d (220) space group. The photoluminescence emission spectra revealed two main characteristic bands at 480 nm and 574 nm, the band at 480 nm has magnetic-dipole transition characteristic to 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 responsible for blue light emission and the peak at 574 nm is for electric-dipole transition characteristic to 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 answerable for yellow light emission. x = 0.03 mol was found to be the optimum concentration for the nanophosphors series and the critical transfer distance (Rc) was determined to be 25 Å which eventually illustrated the existence of multipolar interactions between Dy3+ ions. CCT value (7908 K) and CIE coordinates (0.292, 0.320) of Sr3La0.97Dy0.03(PO4)3 nanophosphor confirmed their brilliant workability in the innovative optoelectronic devices, specifically single-phase WLEDs for the lighting purpose. So, this phosphor could be a potential component in near ultra-violet excited WLEDs.

Implications of vitamin D deficiency in systemic inflammation and cardiovascular health.

Clinical, epidemiological, and molecular studies have sufficiently highlighted the vitality of vitamin D [25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D] in human health and wellbeing. Globally, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has become a public health concern among all age groups. There is a very high prevalence of VDD per the estimates from several epidemiological studies on different ethnic populations. But, population-specific scales do not support these estimates to define VDD clinically and consistent genetic associations. However, clinical studies have shown the relevance of serum vitamin D screening and oral supplementation in improving health conditions, pointing toward a more prominent role of vitamin D in health and wellness. Routinely, the serum concentration of vitamin D is measured to determine the deficiency and is correlated with physiological conditions and clinical symptoms. Recent research points toward a more inclusive role of vitamin D in different disease pathologies and is not just limited to otherwise bone health and overall growth. VDD contributes to the natural history of systemic ailments, including cardiovascular and systemic immune diseases. Considering its significant impact on premature morbidity and mortality, there is a compelling need to comprehensively review and document the direct and indirect implications of VDD in immune system deregulation, systemic inflammatory conditions, and cardio-metabolism. The recommendations from this review call for furthering our research concerning vitamin D and its direct and indirect implications.

An insight into whole genome sequencing data of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus circulating in a teaching hospital in North India.

PURPOSE: To provide an insight into the Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of MRSA strains circulating in a teaching hospital in north India. METHODS: An exploratory study was conducted in which fifty non-repetitive MRSA isolates obtained from pus samples of inpatients from July 2018 to February 2019 were subjected to preliminary identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) at our centre. These isolates were later sent to Central Research Laboratory, India for further testing using the VITEK-2 compact system followed by WGS. Only eighteen isolates were eventually considered for final analysis and the rest (n â€‹= â€‹32) were excluded due to various technical reasons. RESULTS: The WGS confirmed MRSA isolates predominantly belonged to CC22 (56.25%) and CC30 (31.25%). The CC22 MRSA strains carried SCCmec types IVa (77.8%) & IVc (22.2%) and belonged to spa types t005 (44.4%), t4584 (22.2%), t11808 (11.1%), t1328 (11.1%) and t309 (11.1%), respectively. The MRSA isolates of CC30 carried SCCmec types IVa (60%), IVg (20%) & V (20%) and belonged to spa types t021 (80%) & t2575 (20%), respectively. One MRSA isolate carried a novel SCCmec type V. The luk-PV and tsst-1 genes were present in 93.75% and 33.33% of MRSA isolates, respectively. The concordance between the phenotypic and genotypic AST results was 100% for Beta-lactams, Fluoroquinolones, Tetracyclines & Lipoglycopeptides, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Through this study, we intend to embark upon a relatively newer avenue of clinical-genomic surveillance of nosocomial bacterial isolates like MRSA, which would help us improve the existing infection control and antibiotic stewardship practices in our hospital.

Interference of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) in Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IIFA)-Based Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (pANCA) Interpretation.

Background: Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) based on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing is a commonly employed test for diagnosing autoimmune vasculitis. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) can give rise to a false interpretation of perinuclear-ANCA (pANCA) in ethanol-fixed granulocyte substrates. Analytical interference could frequently occur in setups where ethanol-fixed substrates are used alone. Here, we intend to investigate this ANA interference in pANCA interpretation. Methods: In this retrospective study, we studied anti-MPO-negative but ANA-positive and pANCA (IIFA based) samples. We also correlated immunoblot results (where data were available) and checked the association between grades of blot positivity (an indicator of the concentration of ANA) and frequency of pANCA interpretation. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical techniques (Chi-square and kappa statistics). Results: About 19.2% of ANA blot (ENA-blot) positive samples displayed a pANCA positive pattern in the ethanol-fixed substrate, while this positivity in ENA-blot negatives was 6.5%. In positive ANA-IIFA samples, about 14.7% yielded pANCA patterns (on ethanol fixed substrates). Out of this, nuclear homogenous pattern yielding samples gave the highest frequency pANCA, that is, in 31.5% followed by speckled (11.1%), DFS (10.3%), and centromere (6.7%).The association of the nuclear homogenous pattern was statistically significant. Conclusions: ANA-positive results may interfere with the interpretation of pANCA as observed in ANA-IIFA and ENA-blot positive samples. ANA-IIFA patterns like nuclear homogenous may strongly associate this pANCA interpretation. This can help laboratories perform ANCA testing more effectively, ruling out ANA interference in ANCA screening.

Comparative Evaluation of Colistin Broth Disk Elution Method With Two Commercially Available Systems for Colistin Susceptibility Testing Against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Single-Center Exploratory Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose is to explore the diagnostic utility of colistin broth disk elution (CBDE) as a simple and reliable method of colistin susceptibility testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory study was undertaken in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Uttarakhand, from September 2021 to March 2022, after obtaining approval from the Institute Ethics Committee. Twenty-five non-repetitive carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates were included in the study. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and BD Phoenix M50 system were used to perform species-level identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), respectively, as per the manufacturer's instructions. AST results (including those of colistin) were interpreted as per the CLSI guidelines 2022. The test isolates were further subjected to additional in vitro colistin susceptibility testing using a commercially available Mikrolatest colistin susceptibility testing kit and CBDE, respectively. RESULTS: The in vitro colistin resistance rates varied from 8% by BD Phoenix system to 20% by Mikrolatest kit and 32% by CBDE, respectively. For colistin susceptibility, a higher CA was observed between the BD Phoenix system and CBDE (64.71%) than between the Mikrolatest kit and CBDE (31.60%). Overall, a statistically significant fair agreement was observed between the BD Phoenix system and CBDE (Kappa: 0.312; 95% CI: 0.036 to 0.660) and Mikrolatest MIC colistin kit and CBDE (Kappa: 0.286; 95% CI: 0.111 to 0.683), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro colistin testing remains a significant challenge globally. Although the present study results are inconclusive due to the small sample size, we should conduct multi-centric studies globally, taking a considerable sample size representing different Gram-negative bacilli to generate conclusive evidence on the utility of CBDE as a reliable method of colistin susceptibility testing.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Automated ID/AST Systems and Mikrolatest Kit in Assessing the In Vitro Colistin Susceptibility of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Isolates: A Single-Center Exploratory Study from North India.

Aims: To generate preliminary data about comparative evaluation of two automated ID/AST systems and Mikrolatest kit in determining in vitro colistin susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae spp. Materials and methods: Twenty-three carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and two carbapenem-sensitive multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates obtained from various clinical samples of inpatients were included in the study. Species-level identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of test isolates was performed using BD phoenix and MicroScan WalkAway 96 Plus automated systems. Identity was reconfirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Additional colistin susceptibility testing was performed using Mikrolatest MIC colistin susceptibility testing kit (reference method). Results: Results showed that 16% isolates (27.3% [3/11] K. pneumoniae and 7.1% [1/14] E. coli) exhibited in vitro colistin resistance by the reference method. While the categorical agreement between BD Phoenix M50 ID/AST system and reference test w. r. t in vitro colistin susceptibility results was 100% and 92.9% for K. pneumoniae & E. coli, respectively, it was much lower between MicroScan WalkAway 96 plus ID/AST system and the latter. Almost perfect agreement (96%; kappa: 0.834) was observed between BD Phoenix M50 system and reference method. Conclusions: The results of this study are preliminary and cannot be generalized. Multicentric studies with large sample sizes should be conducted throughout the country to gain a deeper understanding of the subject under consideration.

The intricate association of COVID-19 pandemic with ecological issues.

This critical narrative review is intended to emphasize the comprehensive ecological issues related to the evolution of the novel coronavirus, the environmental factors associated with the disease progress, and the impact the pandemic is having on the environment. Approximately 60% of the emerging infectious disease of the last century (including deadly viruses like HIV, Ebola, Influenza, coronavirus strains like SARS, MERS) are linked to zoonotic spillover. Therefore, to escape the emergence of newer cross-species infections, proper precautionary measures should be taken. Every country has specific rules to deal with the biomedical waste produced in hospitals. But the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a unique global challenge due to the overwhelming amount of biomedical waste generated from dedicated COVID hospitals, diagnostic facilities, quarantine centers, and home quarantine facilities. Moreover, inappropriate disposal of masks by the general public may contaminate the environment turning it into a potential health hazard. Therefore, strict adherence to Biomedical Waste Management Guidelines for proper disposal of masks and other medical waste by all concerned is a must. Lockdown has brought about tremendous improvement in conditions of the world's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Dramatic improvement in air quality index, decrease in water, and noise pollution are some of the positive aspects of lockdown. However, these effects are temporary. But these teach an important lesson to the world to take some permanent measures to bring down greenhouse gases and other toxic emissions. Some harmful effects of lockdown are illegal deforestation, wildlife trafficking, encroachment of reserved areas etc.