Forecasting deep learning-based risk assessment of vector-borne diseases using hybrid methodology.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever is rapidly becoming Malaysia's most pressing health concern, as the reported cases have nearly doubled over the past decade. Without efficacious antiviral medications, vector control remains the primary strategy for battling dengue, while the recently introduced tetravalent immunization is being evaluated. The most significant and dangerous risk increasing recently is vector-borne illnesses. These illnesses induce significant human sickness and are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods such as fleas, parasites, and mosquitos. A thorough grasp of various factors is necessary to improve prediction accuracy and typically generate inaccurate and unstable predictions, as well as machine learning (ML) models, weather-driven mechanisms, and numerical time series. OBJECTIVE: In this research, we propose a novel method for forecasting vector-borne disease risk using Radial Basis Function Networks (RBFNs) and the Darts Game Optimizer (DGO) algorithm. METHODS: The proposed approach entails training the RBFNs with historical disease data and enhancing their parameters with the DGO algorithm. To prepare the RBFNs, we used a massive dataset of vector-borne disease incidences, climate variables, and geographical data. The DGO algorithm proficiently searches the RBFN parameter space, fine-tuning the model's architecture to increase forecast accuracy. RESULTS: RBFN-DGO provides a potential method for predicting vector-borne disease risk. This study advances predictive demonstrating in public health by shedding light on effectively controlling vector-borne diseases to protect human populations. We conducted extensive testing to evaluate the performance of the proposed method to standard optimization methods and alternative forecasting methods. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the RBFN-DGO model beats others in terms of accuracy and robustness in predicting the likelihood of vector-borne illness occurrences.

Tricompartmental Microcarriers with Controlled Release for Efficient Management of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the nervous system. It has no cure, but its symptoms can be managed by supplying dopamine artificially to the brain.This work aims to engineer tricompartmental polymeric microcarriers by electrohydrodynamic cojetting technique to encapsulate three PD (Parkinson's disease) drugs incorporated with high encapsulation efficiency (∼100%) in a single carrier at a fixed drug ratio of 4:1:8 (Levodopa (LD): Carbidopa(CD): Entacapone (ENT)). Upon oral administration, the drug ratio needs to be maintained during subsequent release from microparticles to enhance the bioavailability of primary drug LD. This presents a notable challenge, as the three drugs vary in their aqueous solubility (LD > CD > ENT). The equilibrium of therapeutic release was achieved using a combination of FDA-approved polymers (PLA, PLGA, PCL, and PEG) and the disc shape of particles. In vitro studies demonstrated the simultaneous release of all the three therapeutics in a sustained and controlled manner. Additionally, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics studies in Parkinson's disease rats induced by rotenone showed a remarkable improvement in PD conditions for the microparticles-fed rats, thereby showing a great promise toward efficient management of PD.

Safety assessment of rat embryonic fraction for in vivo regenerative therapy.

Regenerative therapy is considered a novel option for treating various diseases, whereas a developing embryo is a prime source of molecules that help repair diseased tissue and organs. Organoid culture studies also confirmed the inherent biological functions of several embryonic factors. However, the in vivo safety and efficacy of embryonic protein fraction (EPF) were not validated. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of EPF on healthy adult rats. We obtained embryos from SD female rats of E14, E16, and E19 embryonic days and collected protein lysate. This lysate was administered intravenously into adult Sprague-Dawley rats on sequential days. We collected blood and performed hematological and biochemical parameters of rats that received EPF. C-reactive protein levels, interleukin-6, blood glucose levels, serum creatinine, blood urea, total leucocyte counts, and % of neutrophils and lymphocytes were comparable between rats receiving EPF and saline. Histological examination of rats' tissues administered with EPF is devoid of abnormalities. Our study revealed that intravenous administration of EPF to healthy adult rats showed that EPF is non-immunogenic, non-inflammatory, non-tumorigenic and safe for in vivo applications. Our analysis suggests that EPF or its components could be recommended for validating its therapeutic abilities in organ regenerative therapy.

Beneficial Effect of Synbiotic Combination of Limosilactobacillus fermentum FS-10, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp1-IC and Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides in Colitis Murine Model.

Therapies targeting gut microbiota are being extensively researched for colitis patients. In this study, we have tested the efficacy of indigenously isolated strains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp1-IC and Limosilactobacillus fermentum FS-10 and their combination with short-chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) in mice models of DSS-induced colitis. For a desired efficacy, a synbiotic should be very meticulously formulated with the right choice of prebiotic and probiotic. Therefore, the ability of lactobacilli to utilize scFOS for growth was first tested by culturing the strains in a specially designed minimal media supplemented with scFOS as carbon source. The bacteria utilized scFOS and produced metabolites such as acetate and lactate. Thereafter, the in vitro anti-inflammatory effect was tested on markers such as TNF-alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide and IL-10 in human monocyte (THP-1) and mouse macrophage (Raw 264.7) cell lines. The in vivo efficacy was studied in mice model of DSS-induced colitis, and the effect on the systemic and localized inflammatory markers was assessed in serum and colon tissue samples respectively. Administration of DSS elicited predominant clinical signs of weight loss, diarrhoea, faecal occult blood, increase in inflammatory markers and extensive damage of colon tissue. These symptoms were significantly reversed in all the treatment groups; however, the combination of lactobacilli and scFOS performed better than the individual ingredients. The study highlights the potential of the indigenous lactobacilli strains, scFOS and their combination for management of gut inflammation in colitis patients.

Assessment of prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and risk factors among children and pregnant women in Bihar, India.

BACKGROUND: While modeled estimates and studies in contaminated areas indicate high lead exposure among children in Bihar, India, local data on lead exposure in the child population is limited. OBJECTIVES: To characterize lead exposure, and assess potential sources of lead exposure among a state-representative sample of children and their pregnant mothers residing in Bihar. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 697 children under five and 55 pregnant women from eight districts in Bihar. Blood lead levels were determined using capillary blood and a portable lead analyzer. Household demographics, home environment, behavior, and nutrition information were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews with primary caregivers. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential risk factors and elevated blood lead levels. RESULTS: More than 90% of children and 80% of pregnant women reported blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL. Living near a lead-related industry and pica behavior of eating soil were significantly associated with increased odds of having elevated blood lead levels. Additional risk factors for having a blood level ≥5 µg/dL included the use of skin lightning cream (aOR = 5.11, 95%CI: 1.62, 16.16) and the use of eyeliners (aOR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.14, 6.93). Having blood lead levels ≥10 µg/dL was also significantly associated with the household member who had an occupation or hobby involving the use of lead (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.13, 2.72). DISCUSSION: Elevated blood lead levels were prevalent among children and pregnant women in Bihar, indicating the urgent need for a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention strategy.

Delivery of piperlongumine via hyaluronic acid/phenylboronic acid-mediated dual targetable polymersome for enhanced anticancer functionality against pancreatic tumor.

Pancreatic cancer cells highly resistance to conventional chemo drugs, resulting low survival rates. The aim of the study was to design and develop dual targeting polymersomes (DTPS) loaded with phyto alkaloid agent i.e., piperlongumine (PL) for effective pancreatic cancer treatment. Here, hyaluronic acid (HA) was functionalized with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPEPEG-NH2), poly(ethylene glycol) bis (amine) (PEG), and phenylboronic acid (PBA) moieties. The designed DTPS could selectively recognize CD44/sialic acid (SA) and deliver PL to MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells, facilitated via HA-CD44 and PBA-SA interactions. Drug release and stability results implied sustained PL release profile and pH sensitivity. DTPS could be more efficiently bound with SA than other sugars based on fluorescence spectroscopy. The anticancer efficacy of designed polymersomes was tested with H6C7 normal pancreas cells and SA/CD44-overexpressed MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. DTPS showed both SA and CD44-mediated higher cellular uptake while single-targeted polymersomes showed CD44-mediated cellular uptake. The PL-loaded DTPS efficiently uptake by MIA PaCa-2 cancer cells, causing up to 80 % cell growth inhibition, reduced cell spheroids volume and increased dead cells by 58.3 %. These results indicate that the newly developed DTPS can effectively serve as a pH-responsive drug delivery system for efficient treatment of cancer.

Modification of algorithm for accurate estimation of Hp(3) based on response of head TLD badge calibrated using ISO cylindrical phantom.

In India, the prevailing approach to eye lens dosimetry is the placement of an existing dosemeter on the forehead region after slight modification serves as a dedicated Eye Lens Dosemeter. A methodology for estimating the eye lens dose in terms of the Hp(3) has been previously explored employing an algorithm based on the response characteristics of this dosemeter using ISO slab phantom. It was observed that the performance of the dosemeter in terms of Hp(3) using previous algorithm showed under response at higher angles of incidence and photon beams of energy < 200 keV. Further, study was conducted to modify the algorithm following the latest ISO recommendations. This involved generation of data from the response of existing dosemeter on a cylindrical phantom. The results of this study revealed better performance of the newly established algorithm in estimating eye lens dose in terms of Hp(3) when compared to the earlier algorithm.

Utility of Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) study in the evaluation of visual pathway dysfunction in diabetics without retinopathy: correlations with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and other clinical findings.

Aim and objectives: Visual dysfunction in diabetes mellitus (DM) is multifactorial and can be due to vascular disease, and metabolic abnormalities that can affect the retina, optic nerve, and visual pathways. Visual evoked potential (VEP) is an electrophysiological test that can quantify the functional integrity of the visual pathways from the retina via the optic nerves, and optic tracts to the visual cortices. In this study, we aimed to investigate the visual pathway dysfunction among diabetics without retinopathy compared with healthy controls and to look for any correlation with diabetic neuropathy, duration of diabetes, or HbA1c level. Methods: The study included 75 diabetic patients and 75 age and sex-matched controls. VEPs were recorded using the pattern reversal stimulation method on the Medtronic EMG EP machine, and P100 latency and N75-P100 amplitude were recorded in both diabetic patients and healthy controls. Results: Mean P100 latency was significantly prolonged and N75-P100 amplitude significantly reduced among diabetic cases compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Among diabetics with peripheral neuropathy, P100 latency was significantly prolonged and N75-P100 amplitude was significantly reduced compared to diabetics without peripheral neuropathy. A significant positive correlation of VEP P100 latency (p < 0.001) and a negative correlation with N75-P100 amplitude (p < 0.001) with duration of disease were also found. Conclusion: VEP changes are observed in diabetics before the development of retinopathy or peripheral neuropathy indicating optic pathway dysfunction, which precedes the development of these complications. Early preclinical visual pathway dysfunction can warrant taking the necessary measures to reduce diabetic complications. Abbreviations: DM = Diabetes Mellitus, VEP = Visual Evoked Potential, HbA1c = Hemoglobin A1 c, MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging, EEG = Electroencephalography, P100 = Positive wave peak at latency 100 ms (millisecond), N75 = Negative wave peak at latency 75 ms (millisecond), N145 = Negative wave peak at latency 145 ms (millisecond), OCT = Optical coherence tomography, PRVEP = Pattern Reversal Visual Evoked Potential, NCS = Nerve Conduction Study, SSR = Sympathetic Skin Response, IL1 = Interleukin-1, LIF = Leukemia inhibitory factor, CNTF = Ciliary neurotrophic factor, TNF alpha = Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TGF-beta = Transforming growth factor-beta.

Effect of Second and Third Molar Eruption Stages on First Molar and Maxillary Arch Distalization With Modified Palatal Anchorage Plate and Beneslider: A 3D Finite Element Analysis.

AIM: To analyze the effects of the maxillary second molar and third molar eruption stages on the distalization of first molars with a modified palatal anchorage plate (MPAP) and Beneslider using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Six finite element models (FEMs) of individual maxillary molar distalization and six FEM models of en-masse maxillary arch distalization (EMAD) at different stages of the maxillary molar eruption were created from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxillary complex, and 3D displacements of the maxillary first and second molars were evaluated with MPAP and Beneslider. RESULTS: On individual molar distalization, Beneslider showed first molar distal translation during the second and third molar follicular stages, while MPAP showed distal tipping of the first molar. With EMAD, either of the appliances showed distal tipping of the first molars. There was palatal rolling and extrusion of the first molars. The second molar showed buccal drifting with intrusion, and the incisors showed palatal displacement along with extrusion. CONCLUSIONS: Second and third molar eruption stages had no adverse influence on first molar and en-masse maxillary arch distalization. Beneslider showed distal translation of the first molar, while distal tipping was seen with MPAP.

Assessment of Bone Thickness at the Infra Zygomatic Crest Region for Various Orthodontic Miniscrew Implant (OMSI) Insertion Angles: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Study.

Objective: To evaluate the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) bone and develop guidelines for the optimum placement of orthodontic miniscrew implants (OMSIs) along the distobuccal root of the permanent maxillary first molar. Methods: Bone thickness of the IZC region of 50 young adults (25 males and 25 females) aged 18-30 years were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography images. The infrazygomatic bone thickness along the distobuccal root of the permanent maxillary first molar was assessed at various insertion angles (40° to 75° i.r.t the maxillary occlusal plane) with an increment of 5°. Student's t-test was used to compare the IZC bone thickness and height at the orthodontic miniscrew insertion site for males and females on the right and left sides. Results: The bone thickness of the IZC region above the distobuccal root of the permanent maxillary first molar was estimated between 4.39±0.25 mm and 9.03±0.45 mm for insertion angles from 40° to 75° to the maxillary occlusal plane. The corresponding OMSI insertion heights were 17.71±0.61 mm to 13.69±0.75 mm, respectively, above the maxillary occlusal plane. There were statistically significant gender and side-wise variations in bone thickness at the IZC area and insertion height. Conclusion: The safe position for OMSI placement at the IZC was 13.69-16 mm from the maxillary occlusal plane with an insertion angle between 55° and 75°. These parameters provide the optimum placement of OMSIs along the distobuccal root of the permanent maxillary first molar.

Predicting cerebral infarction in tuberculous meningitis and its prognostic significance.

Aim: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) often causes cerebral infarction, but its predictive factors are not well understood. Methods: Patients aged ≥13 years admitted with TBM were enrolled prospectively. Cerebral infarction was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Of 186 patients, 80 (43%) had infarction. Most infarctions were multiple and located in the cortical areas, basal ganglia and subcortical regions. Independent predictors of infarction at admission included high blood pressure, short illness duration, low Glasgow coma scale and hydrocephalus. Neuroimaging inflammation signs, cerebrospinal fluid analysis abnormalities and pre-existing cardiovascular risks did not predict infarction. In-hospital mortality was higher in TBM with infarction, particularly in those with advanced TBM (stage 3). Conclusion: Baseline parameters of raised intracranial pressure predict cerebral infarction in TBM.

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Microplastics - A Growing Concern as Carcinogens in Cancer Etiology: Emphasis on Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms.

In today's world, the widespread presence of microplastics is undeniable, with concentrations found in various environments, including up to 1000 particles per liter in seawater and up to 10 particles per cubic meter in the atmosphere. Originating from diverse sources, both intentional and unintentional, these minuscule fragments, measuring less than 5 mm, pose significant threats to environmental and human health. Recent research has uncovered a concerning link between microplastics and cancer, prompting urgent investigation. Studies demonstrate microplastics can infiltrate cells, disrupt biological processes, and potentially foster carcinogenic environments. From inducing DNA damage and oxidative stress to triggering inflammatory responses and dysregulating cellular pathways, microplastics exhibit a multifaceted capability in contributing to cancer development. Furthermore, microplastics act as carriers for a range of contaminants, compounding their impact on human health. Their accumulation within tissues and organs raises concerns for short and long-term health consequences, including chronic diseases, reproductive issues, and developmental abnormalities. This review explores the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between microplastics and cellular systems, providing insights into routes of exposure and health effects, with a focus on lung, skin, and digestive system cancers. As we confront this pressing environmental and public health challenge, a deeper understanding of the microplastic-cancer relationship is crucial to safeguarding the well-being of present and future generations.

Diet characteristics of tidal creek-associated fishes of the northeastern Arabian Sea with special reference to microplastic ingestion.

The present study assessed the diet characteristics, trophic guild structure, and microplastics (MPs) ingestion by a group of fish sourced from the tidal creeks of the Mumbai coast along the Eastern Arabian Sea. The diet patterns were characterized using gastro-somatic index (GaSI), relative length of gut (RGL), diet overlap (α), diet breadth (Bi), and relative abundance of food items (%IOP), with a special emphasis on MPs contamination. The findings revealed that teleost and shrimps are the most preferred food items for these species. Whereas MPs contribute 5.50% of the total diet composition of the selected fishes. Additionally, we tried to find out the influence of fish size and dietary attributes on MP ingestion, identifying trophic level as a significant factor influencing contamination levels. Using the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), the potential risks posed by MPs in fish samples were assessed, revealing notable discrepancies among polymers. For instance, polyvinyl chloride showed the highest PHI score of 198.75 and a hazard score reaching the highest risk category (IV), indicating substantial environmental risk. In summary, our findings highlight the impact of fish diet characteristics on MPs contamination and the varying levels of MP risks along the Mumbai coast, categorized according to polymer type from low to high risk.

Determination of the time of refractive stability after uneventful phacoemulsification in Indian eyes.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about refractive stabilization and the accuracy of postoperative refractive error measurements are crucial for improved patient outcomes after phacoemulsification. Existing guidelines typically recommend waiting 4-6 wk before prescribing corrective lenses. Our research focused on identifying factors that influence refractive errors in the early stages of post-cataract surgery, thus contributing to the existing literature on this topic. AIM: To investigate the time required for refraction stability after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS: We compared the variation and statistical significance of the difference in spherical, cylindrical components, and the spherical equivalent between the 1- and 6-wk follow-up period in a group of 257 eyes that underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation, all performed by a single experienced surgeon. The Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test was utilized to assess the magnitude of the change and determine its statistical significance. The refractive stability was defined as the point at which the change in spherical equivalent was within ± 0.5 dioptres for two consecutive visits. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 64.9 ± 8.9 yr. The differences observed in both the visits in spherical power (0.1 ± 0.2), cylinder power (0.3 ± 0.4), and spherical equivalent (0.2 ± 0.2) were minimal and not statistically significant. The majority of eyes (93.4%) achieved refractive stability within 6 wk after the surgery. The cylindrical power differed between age groups at the 6th wk post-operative and the difference was statistically significant (P value 0.013). There were no significant differences in refractive stability when considering sex and axial length. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation results in no significant changes in refraction for the majority of cases during the 6-wk follow-up period. Therefore, a spectacle prescription can be given at the completion of 1 wk.

Association of Body Mass Index and Parkinson Disease: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of body mass index (BMI) in Parkinson disease (PD) is unclear. Based on the Comprehensive Unbiased Risk Factor Assessment for Genetics and Environment in PD (Courage-PD) consortium, we used 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to replicate a previously reported inverse association of genetically predicted BMI with PD and investigated whether findings were robust in analyses addressing the potential for survival and incidence-prevalence biases. We also examined whether the BMI-PD relation is bidirectional by performing a reverse MR. METHODS: We used summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to extract the association of 501 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with BMI and from the Courage-PD and international Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium (iPDGC) to estimate their association with PD. Analyses are based on participants of European ancestry. We used the inverse-weighted method to compute odds ratios (ORIVW per 4.8 kg/m2 [95% CI]) of PD and additional pleiotropy robust methods. We performed analyses stratified by age, disease duration, and sex. For reverse MR, we used SNPs associated with PD from 2 iPDGC GWAS to assess the effect of genetic liability toward PD on BMI. RESULTS: Summary statistics for BMI are based on 806,834 participants (54% women). Summary statistics for PD are based on 8,919 (40% women) cases and 7,600 (55% women) controls from Courage-PD, and 19,438 (38% women) cases and 24,388 (51% women) controls from iPDGC. In Courage-PD, we found an inverse association between genetically predicted BMI and PD (ORIVW 0.82 [0.70-0.97], p = 0.012) without evidence for pleiotropy. This association tended to be stronger in younger participants (≤67 years, ORIVW 0.71 [0.55-0.92]) and cases with shorter disease duration (≤7 years, ORIVW 0.75 [0.62-0.91]). In pooled Courage-PD + iPDGC analyses, the association was stronger in women (ORIVW 0.85 [0.74-0.99], p = 0.032) than men (ORIVW 0.92 [0.80-1.04], p = 0.18), but the interaction was not statistically significant (p-interaction = 0.48). In reverse MR, there was evidence for pleiotropy, but pleiotropy robust methods showed a significant inverse association. DISCUSSION: Using an independent data set (Courage-PD), we replicate an inverse association of genetically predicted BMI with PD, not explained by survival or incidence-prevalence biases. Moreover, reverse MR analyses support an inverse association between genetic liability toward PD and BMI, in favor of a bidirectional relation.

Exploring Ficus religiosa inflorescence powder as an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for the removal of crystal violet with a disposal solution.

This study investigates the potential of using Ficus religiosa inflorescence (peepal tree) as an efficient solution for removing crystal violet from simulated and industrial wastewater. Various analyses were conducted to understand the adsorbent's structure, including particle morphology, BET surface area, FTIR, and pHZPC. The adsorption process was studied under different physicochemical factors such as temperature, concentration, contact time, and pH. Results revealed rapid adsorption, with 94.15% removal efficiency within the first 15 min at neutral pH. The highest observed adsorption capacity was 198.03 mg g-1, following pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 = 0.99), indicating chemisorption. The Langmuir model accurately described the adsorption pathway (R2 = 0.99), showing monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an exothermic, feasible, and spontaneous process with increased entropy. The adsorbent could be easily regenerated using a 1:1 MeOH/H2O mixture for up to three cycles, yielding up to 73.86%. Real-time application with industrial effluent containing crystal violet showed up to 44.70% adsorption. The experiments demonstrated reliability with evaluated standard deviations (0.017935-0.000577) and relative standard deviations (0.439-0.673%), confirming statistical reliability. In conclusion, it presents a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for removing crystal violet dye from diverse wastewater sources.

Development of an aptasensor for highly sensitive detection of cardiac troponin I using cobalt-nickel metal-organic framework (CoNi-MOF).

Objective and rationale: This study aimed to develop a highly sensitive and selective single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamer targeting cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a crucial biomarker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objective was to fabricate a novel aptamer electrochemical sensor using a composite material of cobalt-nickel metal-organic framework (CoNi-MOF) on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE), leveraging the composite's large surface area and excellent electrical conductivity alongside the aptamer's high affinity for cTnI. Methods: The aptamer electrochemical sensor was fabricated using the CoNi-MOF composite on SPCE and characterized its properties. They conducted electrochemical measurements to assess the sensor's performance in detecting cTnI. The sensor's stability, reproducibility, and electro-catalytic activity were evaluated. Results: The sensor demonstrated linear detection of cTnI over a concentration range of 5-75 pg/mL, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 13.2 pM. Remarkable stability and reproducibility were observed in cTnI detection. The sensor exhibited exceptional electro-catalytic activity, enabling accurate quantification of cTnI levels in various solutions. Conclusions: This research presents a significant advancement towards the development of reliable, cost-effective, and easily deployable cTnI sensors for clinical applications. The sensor's versatility in detecting cTnI across different concentration ranges highlights its potential utility in diverse clinical settings, particularly for early detection and monitoring of cardiac conditions.

Elemental analysis and metabolic profiling of medicinally potent members of Zingiberaceae family using FT-IR and LIBS coupled with PLS-DA.

The role of organic and inorganic elemental profiles in the growth, development, and secondary metabolite synthesis of plants is crucial, particularly concerning their medicinal value. However, comprehensive studies addressing both aspects are scarce. Hence, the present manuscript aims to investigate the potential use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) techniques to obtain the functional groups and organic and inorganic elemental profiles of significant medicinal plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family collected from two different geographic regions in India. The FT-IR analysis of the methanolic extracts shows the presence of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, esters, ethers, carboxyl compounds, and their derivatives. In LIBS analysis, the spectral characteristics of atomic and molecular species present in the samples were observed, encompassing both organic and inorganic elements. The presence of heavy metals and trace elements have also been observed in the LIBS spectra of the samples. Furthermore, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) has been used to obtain classification pattern of the samples based on their spectral fingerprints. This study not only helps in reflecting the significance of micronutrients in aiding secondary metabolism thus enhancing the medicinal properties of plants, but also enables the identification of trace elements within plants. This facilitates the determination of the suitable usage and dosage of particular plant components, contributing to the research goal of establishing pharmacological and nutraceutical significance. This study is imperative as it fills a critical gap in research, although further work in this direction is warranted.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and relationship to serum transaminase levels in Indian population.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health issue that must be addressed. Aim: The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between serological status for hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)/anti-HBe, serum transaminase levels, and serum HBV-DNA in patients with chronic HBV infection. Methods: A retrospective observational study with 620 patients with persistent HBV infection (mean age, 36.35 years; 506 men) was conducted. All patients tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Liver profile, HBeAg, and anti-HBe antibody tests were conducted for all patients. Additionally, serum HBV DNA was examined using a DNA assay in these individuals. Results: Of 620 patients, 114 (18.39%) were HBeAg-positive and 506 (81.61%) HBeAg-negative. A detectable level of HBV DNA was found in 89.79% of HBeAg-positive/anti-HBe negative patients compared to HBeAg-negative/anti-HBe positive carriers 33.69% (P value <0.0001). The median viral load was significantly higher in HBeAg-positive cases (4.72 log10 copies/mL) than in HBeAg-negative individuals (4.23 log10 copies/mL; P = 0.997). Additionally, a higher proportion of HBeAg-positive samples (P = 0.0001) had HBV-DNA levels above 10,000 copies/mL.

Mitigation of acrylamide in fried food systems using a combination of zein-pectin hydrocolloid complex and a food-grade l-asparaginase.

Acrylamide, a Maillard reaction product, formed in fried food poses a serious concern to food safety due to its neurotoxic and carcinogenic nature. A "Green Approach" using L-Asparaginase enzyme from GRAS-status bacteria synergized with hydrocolloid protective coating could be effective in inhibiting acrylamide formation. To fill this void, the present study reports a new variant of type-II L-asparaginase (AsnLb) from Levilactobacillus brevis NKN55, a food-grade bacterium isolated using a unique metabolite profiling approach. The recombinant AsnLb enzyme was characterized to study acrylamide inhibition ability and showed excellent specificity towards L-asparagine (157.2 U/mg) with Km, Vmax of 0.833 mM, 4.12 mM/min respectively. Pretreatment of potato slices with AsnLb (60 IU/mL) followed by zein-pectin nanocomplex led to >70% reduction of acrylamide formation suggesting synergistic effect of this dual component system. The developed strategy can be employed as a sustainable treatment method by food industries for alleviating acrylamide formation and associated health hazard in fried foods.