Vocal repertoire of Microhyla nilphamariensis from Delhi and comparison with closely related M. ornata populations from the western coast of India and Sri Lanka.

Advertisement calls in frogs have evolved to be species-specific signals of recognition and are therefore considered an essential component of integrative taxonomic approaches to identify species and delineate their distribution range. The species rich genus Microhyla is a particularly challenging group for species identification, discovery and conservation management due to the small size, conserved morphology and wide distribution of its members, necessitating the need for a thorough description of their vocalization. In this study, we provide quantitative description of the vocal behaviour of Microhyla nilphamariensis, a widely distributed south Asian species, from Delhi, India, based on call recordings of 18 individuals and assessment of 21 call properties. Based on the properties measured acrossed 360 calls, we find that a typical advertisement call of M. nilphamariensis lasts for 393.5 ±  57.5 ms, has 17 pulses on average and produce pulses at rate of 39 pulses/s. The overall call dominant frequency was found to be 2.8 KHz and the call spectrum consisted of two dominant frequency peaks centered at 1.6 KHz and 3.6 KHz, ranging between 1.5-4.1 KHz. Apart from its typical advertisement call, our study also reveals the presence of three 'rare' call types, previously unreported in this species. We describe variability in call properties and discuss their relation to body size and temperature. We found that overall dominant frequency 1 (spectral property) was found to be correlated with body size, while first pulse period (temporal property) was found to be correlated with temperature. Further, we compare the vocal repertoire of M. nilphamariensis with that of the congener Microhyla ornata from the western coast of India and Sri Lanka and also compare the call properties of these two populations of M. ornata to investigate intra-specific call variation. We find statistically significant differentiation in their acoustic repertoire in both cases. Based on 18 call properties (out of 20), individuals of each locality clearly segregate on PCA factor plane forming separate groups. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) using PCA factors shows 100% classification success with individuals of each locality getting classified to a discrete group. This confirms significant acoustic differentiation between these species as well as between geographically distant conspecifics. The data generated in this study will be useful for comparative bioacoustic analysis of Microhyla species and can be utilized to monitor populations and devise conservation management plan for threatened species in this group.

Strongyloides stercoralis infection masquerading as malignant ascites in a case of angiosarcoma.

ABSTRACT: Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic nematode that infects millions of people worldwide. It primarily infects humans but can also be found in domestic animals and primates. The severity of infection varies from asymptomatic to life-threatening complications. We present a case of a 56-year-old male with a known case of angiosarcoma liver with massive ascites and low-grade fever. He was clinically diagnosed as having malignant ascites and was planned for chemotherapy. During therapeutic cum diagnostic ascitic tap, cell block sections revealed the presence of cross sections of nematode S. stercoralis gravid uterus with eggs. Later, stool for ova and cysts also revealed multiple larval forms of the nematode. S. stercoralis hyperinfection is often accompanied by sepsis or meningitis with enteric organisms. Patient was started on tab. ivermectin 12 mg once a day for two days (in the standard dosage of 200 mcg/kg) was then repeated in the same dosage for another two days after two weeks, and gradually the ascites settled. Post-treatment ascitic tap cell block preparations did not show any parasites. Patient has been on follow-up for 6 months, and he remains asymptomatic.

Use of Endodontic Procedures in Young Permanent Teeth.

Background: Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) have emerged as a promising treatment option for young permanent teeth with pulp necrosis, offering the potential for tissue repair and preservation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 30 patients aged 8 to 16 years with pulp necrosis in young permanent teeth. The patients underwent REPs, including disinfection, triple antibiotic paste application, and a coronal barrier. Clinical and radiographic data were collected at baseline and follow-up appointments at 6, 12, and 24 months. Radiographs were analyzed for root lengthening, apical closure, and resolution of periapical lesions. Results: The mean increase in root length after 24 months was 3.42 mm (SD ± 1.12 mm), and 90% of cases demonstrated complete apical closure. The overall success rate, defined as the absence of clinical symptoms and radiographic evidence of pathology, was 80. Conclusion: REPs show promising outcomes in young permanent teeth with pulp necrosis, promoting root development, and apical closure.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles influence on plant tolerance to salinity stress: insights into physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses.

A slight variation in ecological milieu of plants, like drought, heavy metal toxicity, abrupt changes in temperature, flood, and salt stress disturbs the usual homeostasis or metabolism in plants. Among these stresses, salinity stress is particularly detrimental to the plants, leading to toxic effects and reduce crop productivity. In a saline environment, the accumulation of sodium and chloride ions up to toxic levels significantly correlates with intracellular osmotic pressure, and can result in morphological, physiological, and molecular alterations in plants. Increased soil salinity triggers salt stress signals that activate various cellular-subcellular mechanisms in plants to enable their survival in saline conditions. Plants can adapt saline conditions by maintaining ion homeostasis, activating osmotic stress pathways, modulating phytohormone signaling, regulating cytoskeleton dynamics, and maintaining cell wall integrity. To address ionic toxicity, researchers from diverse disciplines have explored novel approaches to support plant growth and enhance their resilience. One such approach is the application of nanoparticles as a foliar spray or seed priming agents positively improve the crop quality and yield by activating germination enzymes, maintaining reactive oxygen species homeostasis, promoting synthesis of compatible solutes, stimulating antioxidant defense mechanisms, and facilitating the formation of aquaporins in seeds and root cells for efficient water absorption under various abiotic stresses. Thus, the assessment mainly targets to provide an outline of the impact of salinity stress on plant metabolism and the resistance strategies employed by plants. Additionally, the review also summarized recent research efforts exploring the innovative applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles for reducing salt stress at biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels.

Influence of Silicon Supplementation on Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant, Hormonal Profile and Bone Health Biomarkers in Pre-ruminant Crossbred Calves.

Silicon (Si), a newer trace element, is believed to be important for healthy bone formation and to decrease bone resorption, improving the quality of bone by manipulating several hormones and enzymes. Therefore, the current investigation was conducted to determine the impact of Si supplementation on growth, immunity, antioxidant, hormonal profile and biomarkers of bone health in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Twenty-four crossbred calves (5-7 days) were selected on the basis of their body weight (BW 31.65 ± 0.46 kg) and divided into 4 groups (n = 6) and fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards except that these were additionally supplemented with 0 (Si0), 50 (Si50), 100 (Si100) and 150 (Si150) mg of Si/kg dry matter (DM) in four respective groups for 90 days. Every month, peripheral blood samples were drawn (0, 30, 60 and 90 days post supplementing with Si) and analysed for antioxidant status, hormonal profile and bone health biomarkers. It is reported that dietary Si supplementation improved (P < 0.05) net body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g) and average dry matter intake (kg), whereas feed intake (kg/100 kg BW), was not altered due to Si supplementation. Structural growth measurements were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Si100 and Si150 groups as compared to Si50 and control groups. However, immune response (humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity), erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, GPx and catalase), plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power (FRAP) activity and the plasma concentration of total immunoglobulins (TIg) remained unaffected by Si supplementation. Silicon increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of plasma growth hormone (GH), vitamin D3, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) in Si100 and Si150 groups, but the levels of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hydroxyproline (HYP) remained similar among all the groups. As a result of the current investigation, it can be inferred that the inclusion of 100 and 150 mg of Si/kg DM was effective in improving the growth performance, growth hormone, vitamin D3 and bone health status in pre-ruminant calves. However, supplementation of 150 mg of Si/kg DM had no additional benefit; therefore 100 mg of Si/kg DM is the optimum level of Si supplementation in pre-ruminant calves.

A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Relationship Between Malnutrition and Gross Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy.

Introduction Cerebral palsy (CP) characterizes a range of permanent, nonprogressive symptoms of postural and motor dysfunction caused by an insult to the developing central nervous system in a fetus or an infant. CP manifests early in life, often within the first two to three years of age. CP is associated with poor growth, that is the deviation from the normal growth parameters. The prevalence of CP ranges from 2.0 to 3.5 per 1000 live births in high-income countries which is comparable to the estimates from low-income countries. Antenatal and perinatal insults are among the most commonly reported causes of CP; however, a large number of cases do not have an identifiable etiology of CP. The current study aims to examine the relationship between malnutrition and gross motor function in children with CP. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nehru Hospital, Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, Gorakhpur (UP) over a period of one year (August 2020 to July 2021) after obtaining ethical clearance from the College Research Council. Children of age 1-15 years with CP attending the pediatric outpatient and inpatient departments were enrolled as the study participants after obtaining informed consent from a legal guardian. Assessment of motor function was done using the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS). Associations of malnutrition across levels of gross motor function were tested using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test whichever was applicable. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 as significant. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Result We analyzed 110 children with a diagnosis of CP (median age 6.5 years, interquartile range (IQR) 4.4-9.0 years). The majority (65/110; 59%) of the patients were male, and 68 (61.8%) delivered at term gestation. The most common presenting symptom among children with CP was seizures (79/110; 72.3%), the second most common being delayed milestones among 73 (66.8%), followed by difficulty in breathing among 63 (57.5%). The association between the anthropometric index of participants and GMFCS was found to be highly significant. Conclusion Most CP patients were facing gross motor disturbances. Spastic type of CP was most frequent, and more than half of the patients experienced feeding difficulty. A statistically significant association was found between gross motor functioning and the prevalence of malnutrition and stunting.

Ultrahigh Photo-Responsivity and Detectivity in 2D Bismuth Sulfide Photodetector for Vis-NIR Radiation.

Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) exhibits a direct energy bandgap and an exceptional optical absorption capability over a broadband radiation, thus presents a novel class of 2D photodetector material. The field effect transistor (FET) photodetector device is fabricated from 2D Bi2S3. An anomalous variation in the transport characteristics of 2D Bi2S3 is observed with the variation in temperature. The electrical resistance reduces by 99.26% at 10 K compared to the response at 300 K. Defects due to the bismuth and sulfur vacancies play a critical role in the dramatic behavior, which is confirmed using photoluminescence, time-resolved photoluminescence, Hall measurements, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The density functional theory calculations provide a significant insight into the thermodynamic properties of intrinsic defects in Bi2S3. Moreover, the effect of gate bias on responsivity additionally confirms its invariance at low temperature. The Bi2S3 based FET photodetector achieves ultrahigh responsivity in the order of ≈106 A W-1 and detectivity of ≈1014 Jones. Moreover, the external quantum efficiency of ≈107% is measured in a wide spectrum of optical illumination (532 to 1064 nm) with a noise-equivalent power of 3.5 × 10-18 W/√Hz at a bias of 0.2 V. The extraordinary performance of Bi2S3 photodetector outstands 2D photodetectors.

Comparison of a Novel Score "NOD-ACLF" to Other Established Prognostic Scores for Prediction of Mortality in APASL-ACLF Patients: A Cohort Study from a Tertiary Care Center of North India.

Background: Commonly used prognostic scores for acute on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have complex calculations. We tried to compare the simple counting of numbers and types of organ dysfunction to these scores, to predict mortality in ACLF patients. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, ACLF patients diagnosed on the basis of Asia Pacific Association for Study of the Liver (APASL) definition were included. Severity scores were calculated. Prognostic factors for outcome were analysed. A new score, the Number of Organ Dysfunctions in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (NOD-ACLF) score was developed. Results: Among 80 ACLF patients, 74 (92.5%) were male, and 6 were female (7.5%). The mean age was 41.0±10.7 (18-70) years. Profile of acute insult was; alcohol 48 (60%), sepsis 30 (37.5%), variceal bleeding 22 (27.5%), viral 8 (10%), and drug-induced 3 (3.8%). Profiles of chronic insults were alcohol 61 (76.3%), viral 20 (25%), autoimmune 3 (3.8%), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis 2 (2.5%). Thirty-eight (47.5%) were discharged, and 42 (52.5%) expired. The mean number of organ dysfunction (NOD-ACLF score) was ->4.5, simple organ failure count (SOFC) score was >2.5, APASL ACLF Research Consortium score was >11.5, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Lactate (MELD-LA) score was >21.5, and presence of cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunctions were significantly associated with mortality. NOD-ACLF and SOFC scores had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic to predict mortality among all these. Conclusion: The NOD-ACLF score is easy to calculate bedside and is a good predictor of mortality in ACLF patients performing similar or better to other scores.

Modulation of calcium-influx by carboxymethyl tamarind­gold nanoparticles promotes biomineralization for tissue regeneration.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been reported to modulate bone tissue regeneration and are being extensively utilized in biomedical implementations attributable to their low cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and simplicity of functionalization. Lately, biologically synthesized nanoparticles have acquired popularity because of their environmentally acceptable alternatives for diverse applications. Here we report the green synthesis of AuNPs by taking the biopolymer Carboxymethyl Tamarind (CMT) as a unique reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. The synthesized CMT-AuNPs were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometer, DLS, FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM and TEM. These results suggest that CMT-AuNPs possess an average size of 19.93 ± 8.52 nm and have long-term stability. Further, these CMT-AuNPs promote the proliferation together with the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast cells in a "dose-dependent" manner. Additionally, CMT-AuNPs are non-toxic to SD rats when applied externally. We suggest that the CMT-AuNPs have the potential to be a suitable and non-toxic agent for differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast cells in vitro and this can be tested in vivo as well.

Anesthetic Management of a Broken Tracheostomy Tube Stem as a Foreign Body in the Trachea: A Case Report.

Tracheostomy is commonly performed in patients to secure the airway. There are known early and late complications related to tracheostomy. Few case reports have described the rupture of the stem of the tracheostomy tube and its migration into the tracheobronchial tree. Here we describe a pediatric case with a broken stem of the tracheostomy tube in the trachea, acting as a foreign body and causing mild respiratory distress. The patient was successfully managed with neck exploration under general anesthesia using a supraglottic airway device in low-resource settings. In addition, we have described the potential problems that may be faced while managing the airway of such patients and how to deal with these complications.

Machine learning-assisted prediction of trabeculectomy outcomes among patients of juvenile glaucoma by using 5-year follow-up data.

OBJECTIVE: To develop machine learning (ML) models, using pre and intraoperative surgical parameters, for predicting trabeculectomy outcomes in the eyes of patients with juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) undergoing primary surgery. SUBJECTS: The study included 207 JOAG patients from a single center who met the following criteria: diagnosed between 10 and 40 years of age, with an IOP of >22 mmHg in the eyes on two or more occasions, open angle on gonioscopy in both eyes, with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and requiring a trabeculectomy for IOP control. Only the patients with a minimum 5-year follow-up after surgery were included in the study. METHODS: A successful surgical outcome was defined as IOP ≤18 mmHg (criterion A) or 50% reduction in IOP from baseline (criterion B) 5 years after trabeculectomy. Feature selection techniques were used to select the most important contributory parameters, and tenfold cross-validation was used to evaluate model performance. The ML models were evaluated, compared, and prioritized based on their accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Matthew correlation coefficient (MCC) index, and mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The prioritized models were further optimized by tuning the hyperparameters, and feature contributions were evaluated. In addition, an unbiased relationship analysis among the parameters was performed for clinical utility. RESULTS: Age at diagnosis, preoperative baseline IOP, duration of preoperative medical treatment, Tenon's thickness, scleral fistulation technique, and intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) use, were identified as the main contributing parameters for developing efficient models. The three models developed for a consensus-based outcome to predict trabeculectomy success showed an accuracy of >86%, sensitivity of >90%, and specificity of >74%, using tenfold cross-validation. The use of intraoperative MMC and a punch for scleral fistulation compared to the traditional excision with scissors were significantly associated with long-term success of trabeculectomy. CONCLUSION: Optimizing surgical parameters by using these ML models might reduce surgical failures associated with trabeculectomy and provide more realistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes in young patients.

Comparison of Objectively Assessed Versus Patient-Reported Clarity of Last Rectal Effluent for the Prediction of Quality of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Prospective, Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: Colonoscopy is a crucial procedure for various clinical purposes, including screening for colorectal cancer. Adequate bowel preparation is essential for its success. Poor bowel preparation can lead to bad outcomes. An objective assessment of bowel preparation quality is typically only possible after the colonoscope is inserted. This study aimed to objectively correlate the clarity of last rectal effluent, directly collected in a transparent container, with the quality of bowel preparation, and compare it with patient-reported descriptions. METHODS: This prospective, single-centre, case-control study obtained ethical clearance and included patients aged >18 years undergoing colonoscopies. Cases included patients who collected the last rectal effluent and took photographs, while controls relied on verbal descriptions. Data collected included demographics, clinical information, bowel preparation quality, and lastly, stool clarity. A statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations and associations. RESULTS: Of the 70 included patients, 45 were male. The mean age was 35.8 ± 14.3 years. Cases had a higher mean age (37.8 ± 14.6). A higher number of cases had comorbidities (11, 68.8%). Photographic recording of the last rectal effluent was not associated with the adequacy of bowel preparation. Thin yellow fluid was the most common last-rectal effluent clarity (33, 47.1%). Thin, clear fluid was significantly associated with adequate bowel preparation. CONCLUSION: Objective assessment of last rectal effluent clarity correlates with the quality of bowel preparation. This can improve the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopies and potentially reduce the need for repeat procedures, contributing to better patient outcomes and cost savings in healthcare systems.

Psychedelics for alzheimer's disease-related dementia: Unveiling therapeutic possibilities and pathways.

Psychedelics have traditionally been used for spiritual and recreational purposes, but recent developments in psychotherapy have highlighted their potential as therapeutic agents. These compounds, which act as potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonists, have been recognized for their ability to enhance neural plasticity through the activation of the serotoninergic and glutamatergic systems. However, the implications of these findings for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly dementia, have not been fully explored. In recent years, studies have revealed the modulatory and beneficial effects of psychedelics in the context of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related dementia, which lacks a definitive cure. Psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and Psilocybin have shown potential in mitigating the effects of this debilitating disease. These compounds not only target neurotransmitter imbalances but also act at the molecular level to modulate signalling pathways in AD, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling pathway and the subsequent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and other autophagy regulators. Therefore, the controlled and dose-dependent administration of psychedelics represents a novel therapeutic intervention worth exploring and considering for the development of drugs for the treatment of AD-related dementia. In this article, we critically examined the literature that sheds light on the therapeutic possibilities and pathways of psychedelics for AD-related dementia. While this emerging field of research holds great promise, further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols. Ultimately, the integration of psychedelics into the current treatment paradigm may provide a transformative approach for addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with AD-related dementia and their caregivers.

BM-MSC-Loaded Graphene-Collagen Cryogels Ameliorate Neuroinflammation in a Rat Spinal Cord Injury Model.

A major obstacle to axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI) is neuroinflammation mediated by astrocytes and microglial cells. We previously demonstrated that graphene-based collagen hydrogels alone can decrease neuroinflammation in SCI. Their regenerative potential, however, is poorly understood and incomplete. Furthermore, stem cells have demonstrated both neuroprotective and regenerative properties in spinal cord regeneration, although there are constraints connected with the application of stem cell-based therapy. In this study, we have analyzed the regeneration capability of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC)-loaded graphene-cross-linked collagen cryogels (Gr-Col) in a thoracic (T10-T11) hemisection model of SCI. Our study found that BM-MSC-loaded Gr-Col improves axonal regeneration, reduces neuroinflammation by decreasing astrocyte reactivity, and promotes M2 macrophage polarization. BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col demonstrated enhanced regenerative potential compared to Gr-Col and the injury group control. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed that BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col modulates the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, thus decreasing the reactive and scar-forming astrocyte phenotype. The decrease in neuroinflammation in the BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col group is attributed to the modulation of Notch/Rock and STAT5a/b and STAT6 signaling. Overall, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis suggests the promising role of BM-MSC-loaded-Gr-Col in promoting axonal regeneration after SCI by modulating molecular pathways such as the PI3/Akt pathway, focal adhesion kinase, and various inflammatory pathways.

Comparative posterior corneal profile of keratoconus hydrops versus Haab's striae in congenital glaucoma.

Keratoconus eyes develop corneal decompensation more often compared to eyes with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) following Descemet's membrane (DM) tear. This study was conducted to compare the posterior corneal morphology in areas with DM breaks with regards to DM and pre-Descemet's layer (PDL) between the two. In this cross-sectional comparative study, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) scans of the posterior cornea of advanced keratoconus eyes with hydrops ( n = 12), PCG eyes with Haab's striae ( n = 15), and healthy control eyes ( n = 14) were compared for DM-PDL morphology. These were further corroborated by the histopathology of corneal buttons from keratoconus ( n = 14) and PCG ( n = 13) cases obtained following penetrating keratoplasty and compared with controls (enucleated retinoblastoma globes, n = 6) on light microscopy and collagen IV immunostaining. AS-OCT showed a thicker median DM/PDL complex in PCG (80 µm) versus keratoconus eyes (36 µm, P = 0.01; Kruskal-Wallis test). The median height and length of detached DM-PDL were significantly more in keratoconus versus PCG (145 µm, 1766.1 ± 1320.6 µm vs. 26.5 µm, 453.3 ± 303.2 µm, respectively, P = 0.012; Kruskal-Wallis test). Type-1 DM/PDL detachment (seen as a characteristic taut chord) in keratoconus (90%) was the most common morphological pattern versus intracameral twin protuberance (92%) following DM breaks in PCG. Histopathology confirmed thicker DM in PCG (median: 63.4 µm) versus keratoconus eyes (median: 33.2 µm) or controls (27.1 µm) ( P = 0.001; Kruskal-Wallis test). Greater height/length of DM/PDL detachment compounded by poor healing response (lower DM/PDL thickness) probably causes more frequent corneal decompensation in keratoconus eyes when compared to PCG eyes following DM tears.

Efficient assembly of a synthetic attenuated SARS-CoV-2 genome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using multi-copy yeast vectors.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been demonstrated to be an excellent platform for the multi-fragment assembly of large DNA constructs through its powerful homologous recombination ability. These assemblies have invariably used the stable centromeric single copy vectors. However, many applications of these assembled genomes would benefit from assembly in a higher copy number vector for improved downstream extraction of intact genomes from the yeast. A review of the literature revealed that large multi-fragment assemblies did not appear to have been attempted in multicopy vectors. Therefore, we devised a toolkit that would enable one to seamlessly transition with the same assembling fragments between a single copy and a multicopy vector. We evaluated the assembly of a 28 kb attenuated SARSCoV- 2 genome (lacking the N gene) from 10 fragments in both single copy and multicopy vector systems. Our results reveal that assembly was comparably efficient in the two vector systems. The findings should add to the synthetic biology toolkit of S. cerevisiae and should enable researchers to utilize any of these vector systems depending on their downstream applications.

Efficient detection of 45 ppb ammonia at room temperature using Ni-doped CeO2 octahedral nanostructures.

To meet the requirements in air quality monitors for the public and industrial safety, sensors are required that can selectively detect the concentration of gaseous pollutants down to the parts per million (ppm) and ppb (parts per billion) levels. Herein, we report a remarkable NH3 sensor using Ni-doped CeO2 octahedral nanostructure which efficiently detects NH3 as low as 45 ppb at room temperature. The Ni-doped CeO2 sensor exhibits the maximum response of 42 towards 225 ppm NH3, which is ten-fold higher than pure CeO2. The improved sensing performance is caused by the enhancement of oxygen vacancy, bandgap narrowing, and redox property of CeO2 caused by Ni doping. Density functional theory confirms that O vacancy with Ni at Ce site (VONiCe) augments the sensing capabilities. The Bader charge analysis predicts the amount of charge transfer (0.04 e) between the Ni-CeO2 surface and the NH3 molecule. As well, the high negative adsorption energy (≈750 meV) and lowest distance (1.40 Å) of the NH3 molecule from the sensor surface lowers the detection limit. The present work enlightens the fabrication of sensing elements through defect engineering for ultra-trace detection of NH3 to be useful further in the field of sensor applications.

Dynamic metabolism of endothelial triglycerides protects against atherosclerosis in mice.

Blood vessels are continually exposed to circulating lipids, and elevation of ApoB-containing lipoproteins causes atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein metabolism is highly regulated by lipolysis, largely at the level of the capillary endothelium lining metabolically active tissues. How large blood vessels, the site of atherosclerotic vascular disease, regulate the flux of fatty acids (FAs) into triglyceride-rich (TG-rich) lipid droplets (LDs) is not known. In this study, we showed that deletion of the enzyme adipose TG lipase (ATGL) in the endothelium led to neutral lipid accumulation in vessels and impaired endothelial-dependent vascular tone and nitric oxide synthesis to promote endothelial dysfunction. Mechanistically, the loss of ATGL led to endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced inflammation in the endothelium. Consistent with this mechanism, deletion of endothelial ATGL markedly increased lesion size in a model of atherosclerosis. Together, these data demonstrate that the dynamics of FA flux through LD affects endothelial cell homeostasis and consequently large vessel function during normal physiology and in a chronic disease state.

Reliability of Fractional Flow Reserve in Non-Infarct-Related Arteries in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing a Pharmaco-Invasive Approach.

Objectives We investigated the reproducibility of fractional flow reserve (FFR) of significant stenoses (≥70% narrowing) in the non-infarct related artery (NIRA) during the pharmaco-invasive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 24 hours of thrombolysis and at a follow up of 2-3 weeks. Background STEMI with multivessel disease has worse outcomes. The benefits of FFR-directed PCI of NIRA at the time of primary PCI are yet controversial. Assessing the hemodynamic severity of the NIRA may help in deciding the management strategy of these lesions, save time, and avoid complications. Methods Thirty-one patients undergoing PCI for STEMI under a pharmaco-invasive approach were prospectively recruited. The FFR measurements in 34 stenoses (≥70% diameter stenosis) were obtained immediately after PCI of the culprit stenosis and were repeated at a mean follow-up of 17.6 ± 3.55 (14-21) days. In addition, time to thrombolysis, time from symptom onset to PCI, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), quantitative coronary angiographic measurements of the non-culprit stenoses, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow were recorded. Results There was a significant change in FFR values at follow-up as compared to baseline (0.78 ± 0.08 (0.68-0.93) to 0.77 ± 0.08 (0.67-0.93)) (p = 0.014). In four of the lesions, the FFR values differed by >0.05 at follow-up. The follow-up FFR values led to a change in the management strategy in 5 out of 31 patients (15%) of the lesions. The TIMI flow, percentage diameter stenosis, minimum lumen diameter, and LVEF did not change. There were no predictors of this change in FFR values. Conclusions During the acute phase of STEMI, the severity of non-culprit coronary artery stenoses can not be reliably assessed by FFR. The prolonged jeopardized state of myocardium in pharmaco-invasive PCI as compared to primary PCI seems to be responsible.