Bandgap Shrinkage and Charge Transfer in 2D Layered SnS2 Doped with V for Photocatalytic Efficiency Improvement.

Effects of electronic and atomic structures of V-doped 2D layered SnS2 are studied using X-ray spectroscopy for the development of photocatalytic/photovoltaic applications. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements at V K-edge reveal the presence of VO and VS bonds which form the intercalation of tetrahedral OVS sites in the van der Waals (vdW) gap of SnS2 layers. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) reveals not only valence state of V dopant in SnS2 is ≈4+ but also the charge transfer (CT) from V to ligands, supported by V Lα,ß resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. These results suggest V doping produces extra interlayer covalent interactions and additional conducting channels, which increase the electronic conductivity and CT. This gives rapid transport of photo-excited electrons and effective carrier separation in layered SnS2 . Additionally, valence-band photoemission spectra and S K-edge XANES indicate that the density of states near/at valence-band maximum is shifted to lower binding energy in V-doped SnS2 compare to pristine SnS2 and exhibits band gap shrinkage. These findings support first-principles density functional theory calculations of the interstitially tetrahedral OVS site intercalated in the vdW gap, highlighting the CT from V to ligands in V-doped SnS2 .

Synergistic Effect of Arginine on Remineralization Potential of Fluoride Varnish and Nanohydroxyapatite on Artificial Caries Lesions: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the synergistic effect of arginine on the remineralizing potential of fluoride varnish and nanohydroxyapatite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 teeth were taken; of them, 50 teeth were allotted for microhardness test and 50 teeth for scanning-electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Fifty teeth used for hardness testing were sectioned to obtain 100 samples, and the baseline hardness values were measured. Samples were allotted into five groups (n = 20): group I: arginine; group II: fluoride varnish; group III: nanohydroxyapatite; group IV: arginine + fluoride varnish; group V: arginine + nanohydroxyapatite. Microhardness values were measured after 96 hours of demineralization and then again after application of remineralizing agents (pH cycling) for 10 days to check for gain in microhardness. The other 50 samples were subjected to SEM-EDX analysis for evaluating gain in the mineral content after demineralization and after application of the remineralizing agents. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 22.0. RESULTS: The maximum mean microhardness values were observed in group IV and group V. There was no statistical significance between them. Similarly, maximum mineral gain was seen in groups IV and V. A significant increase in fluoride gain was seen in group IV. CONCLUSION: Arginine has a synergistic effect on remineralization potential of fluoride varnish and nanohydroxyapatite. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of arginine into fluoride varnishes and nanohydroxyapatite significantly increased their remineralization potential.

Derepression of hTERT gene expression promotes escape from oncogene-induced cellular senescence.

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a critical tumor-suppressing mechanism that restrains cancer progression at premalignant stages, in part by causing telomere dysfunction. Currently it is unknown whether this proliferative arrest presents a stable and therefore irreversible barrier to cancer progression. Here we demonstrate that cells frequently escape OIS induced by oncogenic H-Ras and B-Raf, after a prolonged period in the senescence arrested state. Cells that had escaped senescence displayed high oncogene expression levels, retained functional DNA damage responses, and acquired chromatin changes that promoted c-Myc-dependent expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (hTERT). Telomerase was able to resolve existing telomeric DNA damage response foci and suppressed formation of new ones that were generated as a consequence of DNA replication stress and oncogenic signals. Inhibition of MAP kinase signaling, suppressing c-Myc expression, or inhibiting telomerase activity, caused telomere dysfunction and proliferative defects in cells that had escaped senescence, whereas ectopic expression of hTERT facilitated OIS escape. In human early neoplastic skin and breast tissue, hTERT expression was detected in cells that displayed features of senescence, suggesting that reactivation of telomerase expression in senescent cells is an early event during cancer progression in humans. Together, our data demonstrate that cells arrested in OIS retain the potential to escape senescence by mechanisms that involve derepression of hTERT expression.

Prognostic impact of postoperative low platelet count after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The positive impact of platelets has been recently implicated in liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for graft loss and mortality after LT, focusing on perioperative platelet counts. METHODS: We reviewed all deceased donor LT from 2000 to 2012 and enrolled 975 consecutive recipients. The risk factors for graft loss and mortality were analyzed by multivariate analysis, using Cox's regression model. RESULTS: Using cutoff values acquired by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, multivariate analyses determined that viral hepatitis C (hazard ratio [HR]=1.32), donor age >40 (HR=1.33), higher peak serum alanine aminotransferase (HR=1.01), reoperation within 30 days (HR=1.51), and platelet count <72 500/µL on postoperative day (POD) 5 (HR=1.30) were independent risk factors for graft loss. Viral hepatitis C (HR=1.33), reoperation within 30 days (HR=1.35), and platelet count <72 500/µL on POD 5 (HR=1.38) were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: A low platelet count on POD 5 was associated with graft loss and mortality after LT. Platelet count <72 500/µL on POD 5 can be a predictor of poor graft and overall survival. Maintaining higher postoperative platelet counts could potentially improve graft and overall survival rates.

Prediction of biliary anastomotic stricture after deceased donor liver transplantation: the impact of platelet counts - a retrospective study.

Biliary stricture is a common cause of morbidity after liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to determine the risk factors for post-transplant biliary anastomotic strictures (BAS), focusing on perioperative platelet counts. We enrolled 771 consecutive recipients who underwent ABO-identical/compatible deceased donor LT with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction from January 2000 to June 2012. BAS was identified in 142 cases. The median time for stricture development was 176 days. Preoperative and postoperative platelet counts within 5 days after LT were significantly lower in patients with BAS than those without BAS. Using cutoff values acquired by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, persistent postoperative thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet counts <41 × 1000/µl and <53 × 1000/µl on postoperative day (POD) 3 and POD 5, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated persistent postoperative thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.38) was the only independent risk factor for BAS. No significant associations were observed in terms of donor and surgical factors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated estimated blood loss (OR = 1.01, per 100 ml) was an independent contributing factor for persistent postoperative thrombocytopenia. We demonstrated low platelet count was associated with progression of post-transplant BAS. Minimizing intraoperative blood loss potentially contributes to maintain post-transplant platelet count, which may reduce incidence of BAS.

Oncogene-induced telomere dysfunction enforces cellular senescence in human cancer precursor lesions.

In normal human somatic cells, telomere dysfunction causes cellular senescence, a stable proliferative arrest with tumour suppressing properties. Whether telomere dysfunction-induced senescence (TDIS) suppresses cancer growth in humans, however, is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that multiple and distinct human cancer precursor lesions, but not corresponding malignant cancers, are comprised of cells that display hallmarks of TDIS. Furthermore, we demonstrate that oncogenic signalling, frequently associated with initiating cancer growth in humans, dramatically affected telomere structure and function by causing telomeric replication stress, rapid and stochastic telomere attrition, and consequently telomere dysfunction in cells that lack hTERT activity. DNA replication stress induced by drugs also resulted in telomere dysfunction and cellular senescence in normal human cells, demonstrating that telomeric repeats indeed are hypersensitive to DNA replication stress. Our data reveal that TDIS, accelerated by oncogene-induced DNA replication stress, is a biological response of cells in human cancer precursor lesions and provide strong evidence that TDIS is a critical tumour suppressing mechanism in humans.

Novel Perspectives of TSLP and RXR Signaling in Corticosteroid-Resistant Asthma: Updates on TSLP Blockers.

Previous studies described that asthma patients who received corticosteroid therapy have been constrained by the corticosteroid resistance subsequently fostered to severe refractory asthma. In this review, we discussed the implications of TSLP, RXR, the role of STAT5-activating cytokines, and IL-33/NH-cell signaling pathways, and recent clinical evidence on TSLP blockers in steroid-resistant asthma. We have searched several public databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, and Relemed and obtained information pertinent to the TSLP, RXR, TSLP blockers, the STAT5-activating cytokines, and IL-33. We discussed the multiple cell signaling mechanisms underlying steroid resistance. Blocking the TSLP and other key signaling molecules like STAT5 can retrieve the sensitivity of natural helper-cells to corticosteroids. RXR derivatives treatment can modulate the activity of TSLP, which further modulates steroid resistance in severe asthmatic patients and in patients with refractory asthma. We discussed the steroid-resistance mediated by the Th2 cells and Th2-driven eosinophilia upon corticosteroid intake. Thus, this review will be beneficial for clinicians and molecular biologists to explore the inflammatory pathways associated with refractory asthma conditions and develop novel therapies against corticosteroid-resistant asthma.

Integration of transcriptomes of senescent cell models with multi-tissue patient samples reveals reduced COL6A3 as an inducer of senescence.

Senescent cells are a major contributor to age-dependent cardiovascular tissue dysfunction, but knowledge of their in vivo cell markers and tissue context is lacking. To reveal tissue-relevant senescence biology, we integrate the transcriptomes of 10 experimental senescence cell models with a 224 multi-tissue gene co-expression network based on RNA-seq data of seven tissues biopsies from ∼600 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We identify 56 senescence-associated modules, many enriched in CAD GWAS genes and correlated with cardiometabolic traits-which supports universality of senescence gene programs across tissues and in CAD. Cross-tissue network analyses reveal 86 candidate senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, including COL6A3. Experimental knockdown of COL6A3 induces transcriptional changes that overlap the majority of the experimental senescence models, with cell-cycle arrest linked to modulation of DREAM complex-targeted genes. We provide a transcriptomic resource for cellular senescence and identify candidate biomarkers, SASP factors, and potential drivers of senescence in human tissues.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of ESßL Producers Isolated from the Mobile Phones.

Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of human lives for communication, education, and entertainment activities. This study aims to evaluate the diversity pattern of bacterial contaminants on mobiles and to check antibiotic resistance profiles in 105 samples. The study revealed a contamination of 51% in men and 49% in women, the highest in the 21- to 30-year age group, evidencing the extreme use of mobiles by teenagers. The study observed Gram-negative bacteria (63%) versus Gram-positive bacteria (37%). Overall, Gram-negative bacterial isolates showed the highest sensitivity to antibiotic nitrofurantoin (90%) and the lowest in ampicillin (35%). Gram positive has highest incidence of sensitivity towards tigecycline (100%) and lowest in cefoxitin (20%). ESßL producers were found to be 21.0% and highest being in Klebsiella oxytoca (35%) followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (31%). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus capitis have been identified on the mobile phones for the very first time. Interestingly, some soil microbes were also isolated and unfortunately found to have some antibiotic resistance like Raoultella ornithinolytica and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. The results revealed that mobiles were contaminated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, and this study also showed that few of the saprophytic soil strains have antibiotic resistance, which can be an alarming situation that needs to be addressed.

Detection of Dysfunctional Telomeres in Oncogene-Induced Senescence.

Expressing oncogenes in normal somatic human cells leads to cellular senescence after just a few cell division cycles. In cells that are more resistant to culture stresses, such as human dermal fibroblasts, this oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a result of a DNA damage response (DDR) that is activated due to the formation of DNA lesions at both non-telomeric and telomeric DNA sequences. DNA lesions can be visualized as DDR foci by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against a number of DDR factors, including ϒ-H2AX and 53BP1. Over time and as cells remain arrested in OIS, non-telomeric DDR foci progressively become resolved, while telomeric DDR foci, also called dysfunctional telomeres, persist. Here we describe a protocol to detect dysfunctional telomeres in cultured human cells, to monitor a temporal enrichment of dysfunctional telomeres in cells that had undergone OIS, and to detect dysfunctional telomeres in paraffin-embedded and formalin-fixed human tissue.

Quality Assessment of Spinal Cord Injury Patient Education Resources.

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of spinal cord injury patient education resources. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of online patient education materials written about spinal cord injury. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The use of online materials by health care consumers to access medical information presents unique challenges. Most Americans have access to the Internet and frequently turn to it as a first-line resource. METHODS: The quality of online patient education materials was evaluated via a readability analysis. Materials provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Association of Neurological Surgeons; The National Spinal Cord Injury Association; Mayo Clinic; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation; American Academy of Neurology; Paralyzed Veterans of America; and the Shepherd Center were assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level evaluations with Microsoft Office Word software. Unnecessary formatting was removed and the readability was evaluated with the spelling and grammar function. RESULTS: A total of 104 sections from 10 different Web sites were analyzed. Overall, the average values of the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (11.9) and Flesch Reading Ease (40.2) indicated that most Americans would not be able to fully comprehend this material. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the language used on materials provided by the aforementioned sites is perhaps too advanced for the average American to fully comprehend. The quality of these education resources may be improved via Web site revisions, which might be beneficial for improved patient utilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Persistent vestige of dorsal ophthalmic artery: a case report.

A rare case of a persistent dorsal ophthalmic artery is reported. An elderly woman presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus. A CT angiogram revealed findings consistent with a small aneurysm and the presence of a dorsal ophthalmic artery. This was confirmed with catheter diagnostic angiography. The radiological findings, embryology and anatomy of these dual ophthalmic arteries are discussed.

Synthesis, Characterization and In Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel Pyrazolothiazol-4(5H)-one Derivatives.

Antimicrobial screening of several novel pyrazolothiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives (3a-3j) has been performed. Reaction of aromatic aldehydes with aromatic ketones yielded starting chalcones (1a-1j) which have been subsequently reacted with thiosemicarbazide for obtaining N-thiocarbamoylpyrazole derivatives (2a-2j). These were further cyclized to pyrazolothiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives (3a-3j) in the presence of ethylbromoacetate. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by FTIR and (1)H NMR and/or MS. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of these compounds was evaluated against Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. Their minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by tube dilution method. The results showed that most of the compounds have promising antimicrobial activity as compared to standard drugs. Among the test compounds, 2-[5(4-chlorophenyl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazol-1-yl]-thiazol-4(5H)-one (3e) was found to show the most potent antimicrobial activity.

Current therapeutic strategies for inflammation following traumatic spinal cord injury.

Damage from spinal cord injury occurs in two phases - the trauma of the initial mechanical insult and a secondary injury to nervous tissue spared by the primary insult. Apart from damage sustained as a result of direct trauma to the spinal cord, the post-traumatic inflammatory response contributes significantly to functional motor deficits exacerbated by the secondary injury. Attenuating the detrimental aspects of the inflammatory response is a promising strategy to potentially ameliorate the secondary injury, and promote significant functional recovery. This review details how the inflammatory component of secondary injury to the spinal cord can be treated currently and in the foreseeable future.

Reusable Gowns for routine use in hospital and laboratory: a necessity arising of COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has started a paradigm shift in working in a hospital or laboratory and airborne precautions have become equally significant as universal blood and body fluid precautions. Use of PPE including surgical masks or N95FFR is becoming a norm and this has led to scarcity of PPE for healthcare workers. We have prepared gowns for healthcare and laboratory workers made from a reusable material and tested with various disinfectants and heat. The cloth could tolerate repeated exposures to heat, alcohol, hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide, but was damaged by phenol. Since this impermeable material did not allow the air to pass, we used a cool vest made up of indigenous "Khadi" cloth with pockets containing phase change material. The cost of whole reusable assembly of gown and cap was Indian Rupees 250 (1USD=76INR). This can be used in healthcare workers in hospital and community as well as people in diagnostic and research laboratories as a cost effective PPE.

Making cotton face masks extra-protective by use of impervious cloth as the front layer to restrict flow of aerosols and droplets

IntroductionOne of the important measures to prevent spread of COVID-19 in community is use of face mask. Though the debate is going on regarding the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 it makes reasonable point for universal use of face masks. A large variety of face masks are available in the market or people can make their own using household items. The efficacy of masks depends upon the type of cloth and number of layers of the cloth. Material and methodsWe have created an innovative mask with two layers of cotton and an impervious layer. The impervious layer made from polypropylene coated with polyurethane was applied on the outer side in the middle half of the mask in front of mouth and nose. The efficacy of this test mask was measured against N95FFR (reference standard), triple layer surgical masks and single layer cotton mask. A manikin was used wearing these masks/respirator and aerosols/droplets of diluted red coloured carbol fuchsin and fluorescent Auramine O were sprayed from distance of 1m and 2m. We also tested use of face shield. Both macroscopic and microscopic examination of the dissected masks and respirator was performed. ResultsThe N95FFR was able to block the aerosols/droplets by its front layer. One triple layer surgical mask showed microscopic presence of stain in its innermost layer while the other blocked it with middle layer. The single layer cotton mask was not able to protect as we observed stain on the face itself. The test mask blocked most of the stain on impervious layer and also on the front cotton layer on lateral sides, where impervious layer was absent. When fluorescent stain was used, ultraviolet examination demonstrated that the whole area covered by test mask was clean while the other non covered area was fluorescent. ConclusionWe believe that our innovation can be used in the community as well as in general areas of the hospital like, offices, labs, etc. and can be a better alternative to single use triple layer surgical masks. Further testing may be done by other organizations to rule out bias in our study.