An Unusual Case of Symptomatic Isolated Lingual Cysticercosis: Clinical Suspicion Helped Prevent Disseminated Disease.

Intraorally, cysticercosis is regarded as uncommon and a diagnostic challenge. Here, we report a diagnostic conundrum of an unusual case of innocuous appearing lesion on the tongue presenting as moderately tender swelling finally diagnosed as lingual cysticercosis, based on USG (Ultrasound), CT (Computed Tomography) findings and characteristic histopathologic features.

Tools to measure barriers to medication management capacity in older adults: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Medication management capacity is a crucial component of medication adherence, particularly among older adults. Various factors, including physical abilities, cognitive functions, sensory capabilities, motivational, and environmental factors, influence older adults' ability to manage medications. It is, therefore, crucial to identify appropriate tools that allow clinicians to determine which factors may impact medication management capacity and, consequently, nonadherence to medications. PURPOSE: 1)To identify tools that measure physical, cognitive, sensory (vision, hearing, touch), motivational, and environmental barriers to medication self-management in older adults, and 2) to understand the extent to which these tools assess various barriers. METHODS: The scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. In June 2022, the relevant literature was identified by searching PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid Embase, Ovid IPA, EBSCOhost CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, and Scopus. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In total, 7235 studies were identified. Following the removal of duplicates, 4607 articles were screened by title and abstract, of which 4253 did not meet the inclusion criteria. Three reviewers reviewed the full texts of the remaining 354 articles; among them, 41 articles, 4 theses and 1 conference abstract met the inclusion criteria. From the included studies, 44 tools were identified that measured a combination of physical, cognitive, sensory, motivational, and environmental barriers (n=19) or only cognition (n=13), vision (n=5), environmental factors (n=3), auditory (n=1), and motivational factors (n=1). The review also examined the psychometric properties of the identified tools and found that most of them had reported validity and reliability data. Several tools have demonstrated promise in assessing a combination of barriers with validity and reliability. These tools include the Self-Medication Assessment Tool (SMAT), ManageMed Screening (MMS), Self-Medication Risk Assessment Tool (RAT), HOME-Rx revised, and Medication Management Ability Assessment (MMAA). CONCLUSION: This scoping review identified 44 validated tools to measure various challenges that older adults encounter with medication management. However, no tool measures all five barriers (physical, cognitive, sensory, motivational, and environmental) to medication-taking at home. Therefore, utilizing a combination of tools would be most appropriate to measure these different aspects comprehensively. Further research is needed to develop a new comprehensive tool that simultaneously measures various barriers to medication self-management.

Clear cell oral squamous cell carcinoma as a diagnostic conundrum: report of 2 rare cases.

The occurrence of clear cell histologic sub-type of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity is a distinct and exceedingly rare entity exhibiting aggressive behavior. To date, only 10 cases have been published in the literature. We describe 2 extremely rare cases, both presenting with swelling and ulcerated nodule-like proliferative growth in the mandible. Microscopically, sheets and lobules of neoplastic squamous epithelial cells showing clear cell differentiation were appreciated in both patients. Periodic acid-Schiff and mucicarmine revealed negative staining. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis for antibody for renal cell tumor marker CD 10 was immune-negative. The malignant clear cells in both cases showed intense positive reactions with IHC markers pan-cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, confirming the diagnosis as a clear cell variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma (CCOSCC). The first patient was unwilling for treatment and eventually died within 2 months of the diagnosis. In the second patient, right hemi-mandibulectomy with level 1A and 1B lymph nodes was performed. Adjuvant chemotherapy with low-dose methotrexate was initiated. Follow-up after 2 months of surgery was uneventful. Current rare reports emphasize the significance of prompt and extensive diagnostic work-up of clear cell neoplasms, as the CCOSCC may be fatal.

Recent nanotheranostic approaches in cancer research.

Humanity is suffering from cancer which has become a root cause of untimely deaths of individuals around the globe in the recent past. Nanotheranostics integrates therapeutics and diagnostics to monitor treatment response and enhance drug efficacy and safety. We hereby propose to discuss all recent cancer imaging and diagnostic tools, the mechanism of targeting tumor cells, and current nanotheranostic platforms available for cancer. This review discusses various nanotheranostic agents and novel molecular imaging tools like MRI, CT, PET, SPEC, and PAT used for cancer diagnostics. Emphasis is given to gold nanoparticles, silica, liposomes, dendrimers, and metal-based agents. We also highlight the mechanism of targeting the tumor cells, and the limitations of different nanotheranostic agents in the field of research for cancer treatment. Due to the complexity in this area, multifunctional and hybrid nanoparticles functionalized with targeted moieties or anti-cancer drugs show the best feature for theranostics that enables them to work on carrying and delivering active materials to the desired area of the requirement for early detection and diagnosis. Non-invasive imaging techniques have a specificity of receptor binding and internalization processes of the nanosystems within the cancer cells. Nanotheranostics may provide the appropriate medicine at the appropriate dose to the appropriate patient at the appropriate time.

Learning to deep learning: statistics and a paradigm test in selecting a UNet architecture to enhance MRI.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the statistical significance of training parameters in 240 dense UNets (DUNets) used for enhancing low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and undersampled MRI in various acquisition protocols. The objective is to determine the validity of differences between different DUNet configurations and their impact on image quality metrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve this, we trained all DUNets using the same learning rate and number of epochs, with variations in 5 acquisition protocols, 24 loss function weightings, and 2 ground truths. We calculated evaluation metrics for two metric regions of interest (ROI). We employed both Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Mixed Effects Model (MEM) to assess the statistical significance of the independent parameters, aiming to compare their efficacy in revealing differences and interactions among fixed parameters. RESULTS: ANOVA analysis showed that, except for the acquisition protocol, fixed variables were statistically insignificant. In contrast, MEM analysis revealed that all fixed parameters and their interactions held statistical significance. This emphasizes the need for advanced statistical analysis in comparative studies, where MEM can uncover finer distinctions often overlooked by ANOVA. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the importance of utilizing appropriate statistical analysis when comparing different deep learning models. Additionally, the surprising effectiveness of the UNet architecture in enhancing various acquisition protocols underscores the potential for developing improved methods for characterizing and training deep learning models. This study serves as a stepping stone toward enhancing the transparency and comparability of deep learning techniques for medical imaging applications.

Alternative oxidase promotes high iron tolerance in Candida albicans.

IMPORTANCE: The yeast C. albicans exhibits metabolic flexibility for adaptability to host niches with varying availability of nutrients including essential metals like iron. For example, blood is iron deplete, while the oral cavity and the intestinal lumen are considered iron replete. We show here that C. albicans can tolerate very high levels of environmental iron, despite an increase in high iron-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) that it mitigates with the help of a unique oxidase, known as alternative oxidase (AOX). High iron induces AOX1/2 that limits mitochondrial accumulation of ROS. Genetic elimination of AOX1/2 resulted in diminished virulence during oropharyngeal candidiasis in high iron mice. Since human mitochondria lack AOX protein, it represents a unique target for treatment of fungal infections.

Regulation of microglial responses after pediatric traumatic brain injury: exploring the role of SHIP-1.

Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the world's leading cause of permanent neurological disability in children. TBI-induced neurological deficits may be driven by neuroinflammation post-injury. Abnormal activity of SH2 domain-containing inositol 5' phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) has been associated with dysregulated immunological responses, but the role of SHIP-1 in the brain remains unclear. The current study investigated the immunoregulatory role of SHIP-1 in a mouse model of moderate-severe pediatric TBI. Methods: SHIP-1+/- and SHIP-1-/- mice underwent experimental TBI or sham surgery at post-natal day 21. Brain gene expression was examined across a time course, and immunofluorescence staining was evaluated to determine cellular immune responses, alongside peripheral serum cytokine levels by immunoassays. Brain tissue volume loss was measured using volumetric analysis, and behavior changes both acutely and chronically post-injury. Results: Acutely, inflammatory gene expression was elevated in the injured cortex alongside increased IBA-1 expression and altered microglial morphology; but to a similar extent in SHIP-1-/- mice and littermate SHIP-1+/- control mice. Similarly, the infiltration and activation of CD68-positive macrophages, and reactivity of GFAP-positive astrocytes, was increased after TBI but comparable between genotypes. TBI increased anxiety-like behavior acutely, whereas SHIP-1 deficiency alone reduced general locomotor activity. Chronically, at 12-weeks post-TBI, SHIP-1-/- mice exhibited reduced body weight and increased circulating cytokines. Pro-inflammatory gene expression in the injured hippocampus was also elevated in SHIP-1-/- mice; however, GFAP immunoreactivity at the injury site in TBI mice was lower. TBI induced a comparable loss of cortical and hippocampal tissue in both genotypes, while SHIP-1-/- mice showed reduced general activity and impaired working memory, independent of TBI. Conclusion: Together, evidence does not support SHIP-1 as an essential regulator of brain microglial morphology, brain immune responses, or the extent of tissue damage after moderate-severe pediatric TBI in mice. However, our data suggest that reduced SHIP-1 activity induces a greater inflammatory response in the hippocampus chronically post-TBI, warranting further investigation.

Medication Reviews and Clinical Outcomes in Persons with Dementia: A Scoping Review.

Persons diagnosed with dementia are often faced with challenges related to polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use and could benefit from regular medication reviews. However, the benefit of such reviews has not been examined in this population. Therefore, the current scoping review was designed to identify the gaps in the current knowledge regarding the impact of medication reviews on the clinical outcomes in older adults with dementia. Relevant studies were identified by searching three databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Scopus) from inception to January 2022 with a combination of keywords and medical subject headings. After the removal of duplicates and ineligible articles, 22 publications of the initial 8346 were included in this review. A total of 57 outcomes were identified, including those pertaining to the evaluation of medication use (n = 17), drug-related interventions (n = 11), drug-related problems (n = 10), dementia-related behavioral symptoms (n = 8), cost-effectiveness (n = 2), drug-related hospital admissions (n = 1), as well as outcomes classified as other (n = 7). Gaps identified through this scoping review included the paucity of studies measuring the impact of medication reviews on the medication management capacity and medication adherence, quality of life, and mortality.

Eco-friendly phytofabrication of Ficus Benjamina L. based ZnO-doped g-C3N4 nanocomposites for remarkable photocatalysis and antibacterial applications.

The research reported here emphasizes the phytoextract route synthesized ZnO-doped g-C3N4 (GCN) for its photocatalytic activity, which helps to ensure a sustained & healthy environment. The leaf extract solution of Ficus Benjamina L. was used for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, and GCN was prepared via urea using a thermal polymerization process. The flower extract functions as both stabilizers and capping agents during the process of synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesized nanocomposites were then calcined at 400 °C and were further characterized with spectroscopy (UV-Vis), diffracted pattern (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, the photocatalytic activity of auramine orange (AO) and methylene blue (MB) dye from phytoextract route synthesized pure ZnO NPs, GCN-Pure, and composites with varied millimolar concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles with GCN of the constant amount was checked. After the complete analysis, it was observed that the series that was prepared of ZnO-GCN nanocomposites showed notable enhancement in the degradation pattern of the methylene blue dye. Apparently, 1.5 mmol (mM) ZnO-GCN presented greater degradation patterns for Auramine orange and Methylene blue dye as compared to other nanocomposites that were synthesized. The observed increased photocatalytic activity has a conceivable explanation. The antibacterial activity studies of the prepared nanocomposites were also performed against the E. coli strain showing an enhanced zone of inhibition towards it.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical interns and postgraduate residents on American Geriatric Society updated Beers criteria.

BACKGROUND: Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prevalence in older adults is increasing day by day due to lack of knowledge among medical students and professionals. OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge of medical students toward American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beers criteria for PIM prescribing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed a self-administered questionnaire which was validated and designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical interns and postgraduate residents on Beers criteria for PIMs in older adults. The study was conducted in Faridkot region of Punjab in 2019. This study will utilize a purposive sampling strategy and a convenience sampling of up to 183 participants. Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare different issues as appropriate. P values of <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 183 questionnaires distributed, only 155 participants (response rate 84.6%) had filled the survey and were included in the study. 61.3% (n = 95) of the respondents were males. The mean knowledge score of 155 participants was (5.16 ± 1.56), where the highest score was 9 and the lowest score was 2 out of 10. 15.5% (n = 24) of the participant strongly agreed that Beers criteria use is necessary in clinical setting and would be very helpful. While 22.5% (n = 35) of the participants strongly agreed that PIMs cause adverse drug event (ADE) and drug-related problems (DRPs) in older adults. Age of the participant had a significant effect on the knowledge score (p = 0.009), and participant aged between 31 and 40 years had significantly higher knowledge scores compared with participants falls under 20-30 years. CONCLUSION: Medical students and postgraduate residents had average knowledge of PIMs and are unaware of the standard guidelines in older adults such as the Beers criteria. Lack of formal education or training about Beers guidelines was the main reason responsible for average knowledge among participants.

Modulating chronic outcomes after pediatric traumatic brain injury: Distinct effects of social and environmental enrichment.

Impairments in social and cognitive function are a common consequence of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rehabilitation has the potential to promote optimal behavioral recovery. Here, we evaluated whether an enhanced social and/or cognitive environment could improve long-term outcomes in a preclinical model of pediatric TBI. Male C57Bl/6 J mice received a moderately-severe TBI or sham procedure at postnatal day 21. After one week, mice were randomized to different social conditions (minimal socialization, n = 2/cage; or social grouping, n = 6/cage), and housing conditions (standard cage, or environmental enrichment (EE), incorporating sensory, motor, and cognitive stimuli). After 8 weeks, neurobehavioral outcomes were assessed, followed by post-mortem neuropathology. We found that TBI mice exhibited hyperactivity, spatial memory deficits, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and reduced sensorimotor performance compared to age-matched sham controls. Pro-social and sociosexual behaviors were also reduced in TBI mice. EE increased sensorimotor performance, and the duration of sociosexual interactions. Conversely, social housing reduced hyperactivity and altered anxiety-like behavior in TBI mice, and reduced same-sex social investigation. TBI mice showed impaired spatial memory retention, except for TBI mice exposed to both EE and group housing. In the brain, while TBI led to significant regional tissue atrophy, social housing had modest neuroprotective effects on hippocampal volumes, neurogenesis, and oligodendrocyte progenitor numbers. In conclusion, manipulation of the post-injury environment has benefit for chronic behavioral outcomes, but the benefits are specific to the type of enrichment available. This study improves understanding of modifiable factors that may be harnessed to optimize long-term outcomes for survivors of early-life TBI.

Metamaterial foundation for seismic wave attenuation for low and wide frequency band.

Metamaterials are periodic structures made by repeating a unit cell. Such a structure shows frequency-specific wave attenuation behaviour. In this work, a 2D metamaterial foundation is proposed for the seismic protection of buildings. The paramount challenge is to offer low frequency attenuation (~ 2-8 Hz), which is the dominant excitation during an earthquake. Based on the parametric study performed, a new type of metamaterial structure was proposed. It was found that the foundation consisting of repeating circular scatterers made of steel and plumbum embedded in rubber matrix can provide low and wide frequency wave attenuation from 2.6 to 7.8 Hz. The computational model of the structure was subjected to transient excitation against three pre-recorded earthquake excitations. The result showed that the novel foundation can resist the propagation of the seismic wave to the structure. Further, the response of a 2D building frame with metamaterial foundation was compared to a concrete foundation exposed to different earthquake excitations. The results are very promising as the frame vibration on the metamaterial foundation was significantly less than the same frame on the concrete foundation. The presented work opens the path to new research and development of seismic metamaterial foundation for earthquake attenuation.

Light Field View Synthesis Using the Focal Stack and All-in-Focus Image.

Light field reconstruction and synthesis algorithms are essential for improving the lower spatial resolution for hand-held plenoptic cameras. Previous light field synthesis algorithms produce blurred regions around depth discontinuities, especially for stereo-based algorithms, where no information is available to fill the occluded areas in the light field image. In this paper, we propose a light field synthesis algorithm that uses the focal stack images and the all-in-focus image to synthesize a 9 × 9 sub-aperture view light field image. Our approach uses depth from defocus to estimate a depth map. Then, we use the depth map and the all-in-focus image to synthesize the sub-aperture views, and their corresponding depth maps by mimicking the apparent shifting of the central image according to the depth values. We handle the occluded regions in the synthesized sub-aperture views by filling them with the information recovered from the focal stack images. We also show that, if the depth levels in the image are known, we can synthesize a high-accuracy light field image with just five focal stack images. The accuracy of our approach is compared with three state-of-the-art algorithms: one non-learning and two CNN-based approaches, and the results show that our algorithm outperforms all three in terms of PSNR and SSIM metrics.

Architecting the Z-scheme heterojunction of Gd2O3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light-induced photoactivity towards organic pollutants degradation.

A basic calcination process in one step was employed to create g-C3N4 photocatalytic composites modified by Gd2O3 nanoparticles. SEM (scanning electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), PL (photoluminescence studies) as well as TEM (transmission electron microscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and CV (cyclic voltammetry) were employed to explain the structural traits, optical properties, and morphological features of the processed photocatalyst. The findings show that Gd2O3 (Gd) does not affect the sample's crystalline structure but rather increases g-C3N4 surface area by spreading it superficially. Furthermore, Gd can redshift the light absorption peak, reduce the energy gap, and improve the efficiency with which photogenerated holes and electrons are removed in g-C3N4. The surface morphology of g-C3N4, in particular, could be significantly enhanced. We similarly employed three distinct photocatalytic complexes of Gd2O3 and g-C3N4 in 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 proportions to degrade methylene blue (MB). After 100 min in visible light (400-800 nm), the photodegradation rate of composites is 58.8% for 1:1 (GG1), 94.5% for 2:1 (GG2), and 92% for 3:1 (GG3). In addition to the MB dye, the photocatalytic activity of synthesized materials was also studied for methyl orange. The result shows phenomenal degradation values, i.e.; for GG1 86%, GG2 96%, and for GG3 84.6%. The narrow band gap that separates the photogenerated electron and hole enhances g-C3N4 ability to degrade photo-catalytically. From the result, we concluded that the photocurrent and cyclic photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue shows that a composition of 2:1 Gd2O3/g-C3N4 has high photocatalytic stability.

Mg/Li@GCN as highly active visible light responding 2D photocatalyst for wastewater remediation application.

In this study, a highly visible light responding 2D photocatalytic material has been prepared and analysed for its potential for photodegradation of organic pollutants. The pristine GCN has been co-doped with Mg/Li using the facile synthesis route. The prepared photocatalytic materials were then analysed using characterisation techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) analysis. The prepared samples were analysed for photocatalytic degradation analysis towards methylene blue dye. The apparent rate constant value increased up to 5.4 times in the case of the GCNML (0.5,2) sample in comparison to GCNP. In addition, the GCNML (0.5,2) sample was also analysed for degradation of crystal violet (CV) (97% in 80 min), rose bengal (RB) (84% in 120 min) and methyl orange (MO) (45% in 120 min) dyes. The result obtained from the study confirmed that GCNML (0.5,2) can act as a potential photocatalyst for wastewater remediation application.

Ccr2 Gene Ablation Does Not Influence Seizure Susceptibility, Tissue Damage, or Cellular Inflammation after Murine Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health issue, and a risk factor for the development of post-traumatic epilepsy that may profoundly impact the quality of life for survivors. As the majority of neurotrauma research is focused on injury to the adult brain, our understanding of the developing brain's response to TBI remains incomplete. Neuroinflammation is an influential pathophysiological mechanism in TBI, and is thought to increase neuronal hyperexcitability, rendering the brain more susceptible to the onset of seizures and/or epileptogenesis. We here hypothesized that peripheral blood-derived macrophages, recruited into the injured brain via C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) chemokine/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) signaling, contributes to neuroinflammation and thus seizure susceptibility after experimental pediatric TBI. Using Ccr2 gene-deficient mice in the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI, in 3-week-old male mice we found that TBI led to an increase in susceptibility to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-evoked seizures, associated with considerable cortical tissue loss, a robust cellular neuroinflammatory response, and oxidative stress. Intriguingly, although Ccr2-deficiency increased CCL2 levels in serum, it did not exacerbate seizure susceptibility or the neuroinflammatory cellular response after pediatric TBI. Similarly, acute post-injury treatment with a CCR2 antagonist did not influence seizure susceptibility or the extent of tissue damage in wild-type (WT) mice. Together, our findings suggest that CCR2 is not a crucial driver of epileptogenesis or neuroinflammation after TBI in the developing brain. We propose that age may be an important factor differentiating our findings from previous studies in which targeting CCL2/CCR2 has been reported to be anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective or anti-seizure.

Syphilis and COVID-19: Changing trends.

Background: There is a change in the pattern and prevalence of acquired syphilis due to better awareness, surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment in India in recent years. However, restrictive measures for COVID-19 may produce different effects on incidence. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to study the changing trend of acquired syphilis in relation to COVID-19 outbreak in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all the cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was done from January 2016 to June 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of acquired syphilis were recorded and analyzed for changing trends in prevalence, clinical presentations, association with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and its relation to COVID-19. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: A total of 1105 patients attended STD clinic from January 2016 to June 2022, of which 216 patients were venereal disease research laboratory and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay positive (19.5%). Before COVID-19, there was an increasing trend of acquired syphilis (late latent). Patients diagnosed with syphilis pre- and postlockdown did not differ significantly in their mean age, median age, male/female ratio, and HIV status. However, there is an increase in number of cases of primary and secondary syphilis postlockdown which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Restrictive measures for COVID-19 during the lockdown produced a declining trend of syphilis. It is unclear whether the observed decrease in number of STI cases was due to true decline, inadequate testing, underreporting, or avoidance of high-risk sexual activities. The upsurge in the number of cases of acquired syphilis after lockdown suggests the possibility that lockdowns did not completely disrupt STI transmission.

Deciphering the Proteomic Landscape of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Response to Acid and Oxidative Stresses.

The fundamental to the pathogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the modulation in the control mechanisms that play a role in sensing and counteracting the microbicidal milieu encompassing various cellular stresses inside the human host. To understand such changes, we measured the cellular proteome of Mtb subjected to different stresses using a quantitative proteomics approach. We identified defined sets of Mtb proteins that are modulated in response to acid and a sublethal dose of diamide and H2O2 treatments. Notably, proteins involved in metabolic, catalytic, and binding functions are primarily affected under these stresses. Moreover, our analysis led to the observations that during acidic stress Mtb enters into energy-saving mode simultaneously modulating the acid tolerance system, whereas under diamide and H2O2 stresses, there were prominent changes in the biosynthesis and homeostasis pathways, primarily modifying the resistance mechanism in diamide-treated bacteria while causing metabolic arrest in H2O2-treated bacilli. Overall, we delineated the adaptive mechanisms that Mtb may utilize under physiological stresses and possible overlap between the responses to these stress conditions. In addition to offering important protein signatures that can be exploited for future mechanistic studies, our study highlights the importance of proteomics in understanding complex adjustments made by the human pathogen during infection.

Efficacy and safety of saroglitazar for the management of dyslipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Saroglitazar is a newer antidiabetic agent approved to manage dyslipidemia. The objective is tevaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of saroglitazar in patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar from the inception until January 2022. Interventional studies comparing the anti-hyperlipidaemic effect and safety of saroglitazar with or without a control group(s) were included. The efficacy of saroglitazar was assessed concerning its effect on total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, and non-HDL cholesterol. The effects on serum creatinine levels, bodyweight reduction, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were considered to be safety endpoint.The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS: A total of six studies with 581 adults with a mean age ranging from 40.2 to 62.6 years were included in this study. A significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed with saroglitazar 4 mg therapy compared to saroglitazar 2 mg [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.23 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.00; p = 0.05; 2 studies], and control [SMD: -0.36 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.12; p = 0.0026; 3 studies]. Also, a significant decrease in the total cholesterol was observed with saroglitazar 4 mg therapy compared to saroglitazar 2 mg [SMD - 0.28 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 0.52 to -0.04; p < 0.01; 2 studies], and control [SMD - 0.49 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 0.72 to -0.26; p < 0.0001; 3 studies]. Saroglitazar was not associated with adverse effects such as increase in serum creatinine levels, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and bodyweight reduction. CONCLUSION: Saroglitazar appeared to be an effective and safer therapeutic option for improving dyslipidemia in patients. However, comparative studies of saroglitazar with the other pharmacological agents are warranted.

Gd(III) metal-organic framework as an effective humidity sensor and its hydrogen adsorption properties.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a class of nanoporous materials built up by metal ions and organic linkers with several interesting potential applications. The present study described the synthesis and characterization of Gd(III)-based MOF with the chemical composition [Gd(BTC)(H2O)]·DMF (BTC - trimesate, DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide), known as MOF-76(Gd) for hydrogen adsorption/desorption capacity and humidity sensing applications. The structure and morphology of as-synthesized material were studied using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The crystal structure of MOF-76(Gd) consists of gadolinium (III) and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate ions, one coordinated aqua ligand and one crystallization DMF molecule. The polymeric framework of MOF-76(Gd) contains 1D sinusoidally shaped channels with sizes of 6.7 × 6.7 Å propagating along c crystallographic axis. The thermogravimetric analysis, heating infrared spectroscopy and in-situ heating powder X-ray diffraction experiments of the prepared framework exhibited thermal stability up to 550 °C. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurement at -196 °C showed a BET surface area of 605 m2 g-1 and pore volume of 0.24 cm3 g-1. The maximal hydrogen storage capacity of MOF-76(Gd) was 1.66 wt % and 1.34 wt % -196 °C and -186 °C and pressure up to 1 bar, respectively. Finally, the humidity sensing measurements (water adsorption experiments) were performed, and the results indicate that MOF-76(Gd) is a suitable material for moisture sensing application with a fast response (11 s) and recovery time (2 s) in the relative humidity range of 11-98%.