Synthesis of a trinuclear zinc(II) cluster composed of [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane cages: a rapid detection and degradation probe for the chemical warfare agent simulant diethyl cyanophosphonate in protein-rich food products.

Diethyl cyanophosphonate (DCNP), a simulant of Tabun, is a common pollutant in pharmaceutical waste and poses a high risk to living organisms. Herein, we demonstrate a compartmental ligand-derived trinuclear zinc(II) cluster [Zn3(LH)2(CH3COO)2] as a probe for the selective detection and degradation of DCNP. It consists of two pentacoordinated Zn(II) [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane cages bridged through a hexacoordinated Zn(II) acetate unit. The structure of the cluster has been elucidated by spectrometric, spectroscopic, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The cluster shows a two-fold increased emission as compared to the compartmental ligand (at λexc = 370 nm and λem = 463 nm) due to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence effect and acts as a turn-off signal in the presence of DCNP. It can detect DCNP at nano levels up to 186 nM (LOD). The direct bond formation between DCNP and Zn(II) via the -CN group degrades it to inorganic phosphates. The mechanism of the interaction and degradation is supported by spectrofluorimetric experiments, NMR titration (1H and 31P), time of flight mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations. The applicability of the probe has been further tested by the bio-imaging of zebrafish larvae, analysis of high-protein food products (meat and fish) and vapour phase detection by paper strips.

Clinical Classification of Urethrocutaneous Fistulas Developing after Hypospadias Repair.

Background Clinical classification of the urethrocutaneous fistulas (UCFs) was designed to help the surgeons in (1) categorizing the fistulas, (2) selecting appropriate treatments, (3) keeping record at presentation and discharge, and (4) transferring information while referring a patient with recurrent fistula to a higher center. Methods This retrospective study comprised of 68 patients with UCFs who reported in the "Hypospadias and VVFs Clinic" between 2004 and 2016. The study was performed to determine the incidence or etiology of the UCFs. It was rather performed to classify fistulas into different categories depending on the number of fistulas: A (5 fistulas), B (16 fistulas), C-a (28 fistulas), C-b (4 fistulas), D (4 fistulas), and E (11 fistulas). Category A fistulas healed conservatively. Category B fistulas underwent transection of the fistula tracts (tractotomy), purse-string closure, or multilayered closure (fistulorrhaphy). Category C-a fistulas were reenforced by preputial or penile skin flaps or waterproofing flaps. Category C-b fistulas underwent re-tubularization of their neourethral plates and eccentric closure of peno-preputial skin. The urethral plates of category D fistulas were re-tubularized after 3 to 6 months and cover was provided by the Cecil-Culp procedure. Category E fistulas had associated hairy urethra, stricture distal urethra, stricture with diverticulum, perifistular scar-induced chordee, long narrow urethral plate, balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), and short reconstructed neourethra. Accordingly, appropriate corrective measures were taken. Miscellaneous category F was excluded from the study. Results Except for one in category D, none of the patients had any recurrence of fistula. One patient of category E had residual diverticulum. Conclusion The designed clinical classification of UCFs is simple. Treatment was in accordance with reconstructive ladder wherein complexity of treatment paralleled with increasing complexity of fistulas.

Mononuclear Pseudostannatranes Possessing Unsymmetrical [4.4.3.01,5]Tridecane Cage: Experimental and Theoretical Aspects of Reverse Kocheshkov Reaction in Phenyl Pseudostannatrane.

The synthetic protocols, structural aspects, and spectroscopic aspects of mononuclear pseudostannatranes possessing a [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane cage have been reported. A tripodal ligand N(CH2CH2OH){CH2(2-t-Bu-4-Me-C6H2OH)}2 (H3L) having unsymmetrical arms was reacted with n-butyltrichlorostannane, phenyltrichlorostannane, and tin tetrachloride under different solvent systems to obtain pseudostannatranes (1-3). The reaction of n-butyltrichlorostannane and the ligand in CH3OH/Na/THF yielded an aqua complex of pseudostannatrane [LSnBu(H2O)] (1a), which was crystallized as its acetone solvate (i.e 1a·Me2CO). However, the same reactants yielded methanol complex [LSnBu(CH3OH)] (1b) when the reaction was carried out in the NaOCH3/C2H5OH system. Similarly, the reaction of phenyltrichlorostannane and the ligand under these solvent systems yielded pseudostannatranes, i.e., an aqua complex [LSnPh(H2O)] (2a) and a methanol complex [LSnPh(CH3OH)] (2b) (where 2a was crystallized as 2a·Me2CO). The reaction of tin tetrachloride and the ligand in the Et3N/THF system resulted in the formation of pseudostannatrane [LHSnCl2] (3). A similar product was isolated as its triethylamine solvate (3·NEt3) due to the disproportion reaction when PhSnCl3 was reacted with the ligand in the Et3N/C6H5CH3 system, which demonstrates the first report on the reverse Kocheshkov reaction in pseudostannatranes. The experimental findings on the formation of 3·NEt3 due to the reverse Kocheshkov reaction have been corroborated with 119Sn NMR spectroscopy and density functional calculations that provide insightful information about the underlying details of the reaction route.

A Schiff base modified graphene oxide film for anodic stripping voltammetric determination of arsenite.

A protocol is described for chemical modification of graphene oxide with a Schiff base derived from diethylenetriamine and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone. The base was grafted onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) film and applied to electroanalytical determination of arsenite. Successful grafting was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Secondly, the coated ITO film served as a working electrode for the stripping voltammetric determination of arsenite. The analytical signal is generated by selective oxidation of metal species via multi-donor sites present in the derivatized Schiff base. The electroanalytical protocol was optimized by investigating the effects of deposition time, working potential, frequency and amplitude of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The method has attractive features including (a) the usage of a non-metallic, non-toxic and cost-effective material; (b) improved sensitivity (with limit of detection as low as 156 pM) due to better adsorption of arsenite in the Schiff base pockets on the ITO, and (c) the application to the determination of arsenite in real samples. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of the fabrication of a Schiff base-functionalized graphene oxide on an indium tin oxide (SB@SiO2@GO@ITO) electrode for selective electrochemical sensing of arsenite due to adsorption on multi-donor sites.

Molecular characterization of locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island in shigatoxic Escherichia coli isolated from human & cattle in West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Shigatoxic Escherichia coli (STEC) recovered from dairy animals of Kolkata, India, harboured the putative virulence genes; however, the animals did not exhibit clinical symptoms. Similarly, human isolates in this locality also showed variations in degree of symptoms. Hence, this study was designed to know the presence of recognized gene(s) in the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island in these STEC isolates and functional status of the cardinal gene (eae) related to pathogenicity. METHODS: Genes were characterized using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and functional status of cardinal gene (eae) was evaluated by fluorescent actin staining (FAS) assay. Variation in eae gene was determined by intimin PCR. RESULTS: Cattle STEC isolates carried 22 genes in LEE pathogenicity island in different frequencies ranging from 5.63 to 47.88 per cent of the isolates. In human isolates, the genes namely ler, escRSTU, orf 2, esc C, esc V, orf 3 and tir that are associated with secretory function, were found to be absent and rest of the genes were present in lower frequency. Further, the cardinal gene (eae) responsible for initiation of pathogenesis was in a very low frequency in human (n=2; 10.5%) and cattle (n=11; 15.5%) isolates. None of theseeae+ STEC isolates from human and cattle revealed positivity in FAS assay. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Majority of human STEC isolates lacked the cardinal virulence gene (eae), and genes for secretory function that are essential for facilitating pathogenesis. This may partially be attributed to low occurrence of STEC in human clinical diarrhoea in this area. Although a few isolates (11 of 71) from cattle had eae gene, they did not express phenotypically. This could be one of the reasons for not appearing of clinical symptoms in the hosts.

Imprinted silica nanoparticles coated with N-propylsilylmorpholine-4-carboxamide for the determination of m-cresol in synthetic and real samples.

m-Cresol-imprinted silica nanoparticles coated with N-propylsilylmorpholine-4-carboxamide have been developed that contain specific pockets for the selective uptake of m-cresol. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel process followed by functionalization of their surface with N-propylsilylmorpholine-4-carboxamide. The formation of m-cresol-imprinted silica nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Electron microscopic studies revealed the formation of monodispersed imprinted silica nanoparticles with spherical shape and an average size of 83 nm. The developed nanoparticles were filled in a syringe and used for the extraction of m-cresol from aqueous samples followed by quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Various adsorption experiments showed that developed m-cresol-imprinted silica nanoparticles exhibited a high adsorption capacity and selectivity and offered a fast kinetics for rebinding m-cresol. The chromatographic quantification was achieved using mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/water (70:30 v/v) at an isocratic flow rate of 1.0 mL/min using a reversed-phase C18 column and detection at λmax = 275 nm. The limits of detection and quantification were 1.86 and 22.32 ng/mL, respectively, for the developed method. The percent recoveries ranged from 96.66-103.33% in the spiked samples. This combination of this nanotechnique with molecular imprinting was proved as a reliable, sensitive and selective method for determining the target from synthetic and real samples.

Development of molecularly imprinted microspheres for the fast uptake of 4-cumylphenol from water and soil samples.

Molecularly imprinted microspheres containing binding sites for the extraction of 4-cumylphenol have been prepared for the first time. The imprinted microspheres were synthesized by a precipitation method using 4-cumylphenol as a template molecule, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and divinylbenzene-80 as a cross-linker for polymer network formation. The formation and the morphology of molecularly imprinted microspheres were well characterized using infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric studies, and scanning electron microscopy. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis revealed the high surface area of the sorbent indicating formation of molecularly imprinted microspheres. The developed microspheres were employed as a sorbent for the solid-phase extraction of 4-cumylphenol and showed fast uptake kinetics. The sorption parameters were optimized to achieve efficient sorption of the template molecule, like pH, quantity of molecularly imprinted microspheres, time required for equilibrium set-up, sorption kinetics, and adsorption isotherm. A standard method was developed to analyze the sorbed sample quantitatively at 279 nm using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. It was validated by determining target analyte from synthetic samples, bottled water, spiked tap water, and soil samples. The prepared material is a selective and robust sorbent with good reusability.

Blending polydopamine-derived imprinted polymers with rice straw-based fluorescent carbon dots for selective detection and adsorptive removal of ibuprofen.

Dual-functioning probes capable of detecting and removing hazardous substances have recently received increased attention compared to exclusive sensory probes. Herein, a new composite is synthesized by blending polydopamine imprinted polymers with fluorescent carbon dots (PIP-FCDs) for the selective recognition and adsorption of Ibuprofen (IBF). IBF is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is excessively released in the pharmaceutical wastes. The PIP-FCDs consist of confined pockets for encasing IBF and quenches fluorescence signal when contact with the molecule. PIP-FCDs show high sensitivity (limit of detection = 1.58 × 10-5 µM) and selectivity towards IBF in the presence of other pharmaceutical drugs i.e., aspirin, ketoprofen, norfloxacin, and levofloxacin. The adsorption studies show an adsorption capacity of 209.8 mg g-1 with an extraction efficiency of around 99.9 %. Furthermore, PIP-FCDs are utilized to determine IBF levels in various aqueous pharmaceutical samples. This development provides a simple and dual-functioning probe for the detection and adsorption of IBF from various matrices.

Influence of industrial waste and mineral admixtures on durability and sustainability of high-performance concrete.

The present research explores the strength, durability, microstructure, embodied energy, and global warming potential investigations made toward cleaner production of high-performance concrete (HPC) using a new composition. For this, various mixes were considered by replacing cement with metakaolin (MK) and silica fumes (SF) while simultaneously altering fine aggregates with industrial waste, copper slag (CS) in 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% at 0.23 w/b ratio. The observations on fresh properties show a decrease in the slump due to pozzolans MK and SF but get compensated by the inclusion of copper slag simultaneously. HPC mixes with 50% replacement of CS revealed the best outcomes in compressive and splitting tensile strengths. Upon testing the concrete mixes against resistance to sulfate exposure, chloride penetration, and water absorption, the durability performance results best for modified mixes having 50% CS substitution levels. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy support a 25% substitution of CS, showing a thickset microstructure with an ample amount of C-S-H gel with negligible cracks and capillary channels resulting in having best-strengthening properties. Overall, decrement in embodied energies and global warming potential has resulted with a reduction in the usage of cement and river sand in modified concrete mixes, ultimately making the production sustainable as well as environment friendly.

Improvisations in classic and modified techniques of flap surgery to improve the success rate for pressure ulcer healing in patients with spinal cord injury.

The recurrence of pressure ulcers (PrUs) and dehiscence of reconstructive flap have always been a problem. The present study aimed to evaluate the results of reconstructive flap surgeries in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) having PrUs, using classic and modified flaps with improvisations to decrease wound dehiscence, flap necrosis and tension in flap. This is a prospective clinical study. The setting was a tertiary care centre in northern India. Thirty-five patients with SCI having 37 stage III and IV PrUs. PrUs were treated using classic and modified flaps with improvisations. The outcome was evaluated using criteria of wound dehiscence, flap necrosis and recurrence. The results of flap surgery were excellent in 32 (86·48%) patients, good in 4 (10·81%) patients and poor in 1 (2·7%) patient. Partial flap necrosis (2·7%), low incidence of PrU recurrence rate at flap site (5·4%) and overall PrU recurrence (11·4%) were the complications observed. Improvisation of classic and modified techniques of flap surgeries along with reinforcement of general care principles of paraplegia can be effective in minimising complications often associated with PrU reconstructive surgery thus improving the ultimate outcome.

A Review of Sensing Applications of Molecularly Imprinted Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Food and Biological Sample Analysis.

Molecularly imprinted fluorescent carbon dots (MI-FCDs) find numerous applications in analytical chemistry due to their outstanding photoluminescent properties and having specific pockets for the recognition of target molecules. Despite significant advances, practical applications of MI-FCDs-based fluorescent sensors are still in their initial stages. Therefore, the topical developments in the synthesis, working, and application of MI-FCDs for sensing various target species (e.g., pharmaceuticals, biomolecules, pesticides, food additives, and miscellaneous species) in food and biological media have been highlighted. Moreover, a careful evaluation has been made to select the best methods based on their performance in terms of analytical parameters. To expand the horizons of this field, important challenges and future directions for developing MI-FCDs for practical use are also presented. This review will highlight important aspects of MI-FCDs-based fluorescent sensors for their applicability in food science, material science, environmental science, nanoscience, and biotechnology.

Selective quantification of diclofenac from groundwater and pharmaceutical samples by magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer-based sorbent coupled with the HPLC-PDA detection.

Diclofenac (DCF) is a pharmaceutical contaminant of water bodies and therefore, improvement of analytical techniques for its removal and quantitation is one of the current interests of analysts. Herein, DCF selective magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) has been fabricated and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating scanning magnetometer, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyzer. Furthermore, the protocol for the quantification of DCF using MMIP-HPLC-PDA combo has been optimized by investigating the effect of the amount of MMIP, type and volume of eluent, and variation of pH. The optimized protocol suggested a method detection limit of 0.042 ng mL-1 and linearity of results in the range 0.1-100 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.99). The fabricated material offered recovery of DCF up to 96.38-99.46% from groundwater and pharmaceutical samples with a relative standard deviation of <4%. In addition, the material was found selective and sensitive for DCF among its analogous drugs like mefenamic acid, ketoprofen, fenofibrate, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Engineered organotin(IV) and vanadium(V) derivatives with distinct coordination modes and luminescent properties for the efficient detection and quantification of permanganate ions.

The distinction in coordination modes of metal complexes leads to their versatile structural features and unique properties. Here, we report two tetradentate Schiff base ligands (H2L1 and H2L2) bearing N2O2 donor sets, tactically selected to provide distinct coordination modes with different metal ions. The ligands were utilized to synthesize their organotin(IV) (1-4) and vanadium(V) (5) derivatives. The synthesized compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, multi-nuclei NMR (1H, 13C, and 119Sn) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The organotin(IV) derivatives (1-4) displayed hepta-coordination around both the Sn centres as they were achieved in their dimeric form. Contrariwise, the vanadium(V) compound (5) was isolated as a mononuclear entity exhibiting penta-coordinated geometry around the vanadium centre. The variation in the coordination modes was evident in their UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. The organotin(IV) compounds (1-4) exhibited a strong emission band centred at 468 nm when excited at a wavelength of 360 nm whereas the vanadium(V) (5) derivative displayed poor fluorogenic response. Compound 1 was further explored for the fluorogenic chemo-sensing of permanganate ions (MnO4-) amongst various anions by quenching response. A detailed investigation of the recognition of permanganate ions was accomplished by spectrofluorometric, spectroscopic (119Sn NMR), mass spectrometric, and computational studies.

Biomass-Derived Core-Shell Carbon Dots with Embedded Tripodal Receptors for the Selective Recognition of Mefenamic Acid in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Urine.

A tripodal amine (TPA) with -OH, N, and S donors is synthesized to functionalize a core-shell carbon dot composite (FCDs@SiO2-TPA) for sensing application. The TPA is characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, and the composite is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS) techniques. The composite has the ability to recognize mefenamic acid (MFA) selectively even in the presence of other drugs like ibuprofen sodium, acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen sodium, diclofenac sodium, and ketoprofen. It can also be used for the quantification of MFA by recording the emission quenching response of the sample at λexc. = 350 nm and λems. = 460 nm (linear range = 1-8 µM and LOD = 197 nM). The density functional theory calculations and 1H NMR titration suggest quenching of the emission signal due to photoinduced electron transfer via hydrogen bonding between the probe and MFA. The composite FCDs@SiO2-TPA has been demonstrated as a reliable and cost-effective sensing probe for the detection of MFA in pharmaceutical formulations, water samples, and cow urine samples.

Silatranes: a review on their synthesis, structure, reactivity and applications.

This critical review summarizes progress of the rapidly developing and very active field of silatrane chemistry. The first part of the review deals with general synthetic approaches used to synthesize different silatranes. The most interesting feature of silatranes, i.e., variation of Si-N bond length on the basis of the axial substituent of Si, and other structural features, are described in the second part with special emphasis on crystallographic and theoretical studies. It is followed by a discussion on the reactivity of various silatranes. Silatranes have now gained acceptance for a wide variety of applications which are summarized in the last section of review. Some of them have extensive interest due to their medical use to heal wounds or stimulate hair-growth (pilotropic activity), biological properties, pharmacological properties e.g. antitumor, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal activity, stimulating effect in animal production and seed germination effects. The review focuses on the extended potential of silatranes in sol-gel processes, mesoporous zeotypes, atomic force microscopy, commercial products such as adhesion promoters, polymer formation and rubber compositions. This critical review will be helpful for general researchers, experts, advanced undergraduates and newcomers working on silatrane chemistry as this review presents greater emphasis on synthesis and characterization, structural properties, reactivity and applications of silatranes in the field of biology, material science, sol-gel chemistry, pharmaceutics, agriculture and medicine (311 references).

In-situ generation of fluorescent silica nano-aggregates of silatranyl appended furfural Schiff base and its application to the spectrofluorimetric analysis of phenolic brominated flame retardants in aqueous medium.

A silatranyl appended furfural Schiff base (Silt-FUR) has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. The dissolution of Silt-FUR in methanol-water (90:10 v/v) results in the formation of fluorescent nano-aggregates due to the hydrolysis of the silatranyl ring. The formation of nano-aggregates has been confirmed by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The nano-aggregates exhibit quenching of fluorescence in the presence of phenolic brominated flame retardants such as 3,3',5,5'-tetrabromobisphenol A, 2,4-dibromophenol, 2,4,6-tribromophenol, and pentabromophenol. Density-Functional Theory and NMR titration suggest that acid-base pair formation between azomethinic functionality and flame retardants is the main cause of quenching of fluorescent signal as it causes photoinduced electron transfer. Due to the excellent spectrofluorimetric response of Silt-FUR nano-aggregates to detect brominated phenols, a spectrofluorimetric method has been standardized for the quantification of brominated flame retardants. The detection limit for pentabromophenol obtained is 0.432 µM under optimal experimental conditions, and the linear range of the determination is 0.0495-1.35 µM. Thus, the in-situ generation of nano-aggregates offers a user-friendly method for the detection, quantification and extraction of the brominated phenols with exceptionally high sensitivity and selectivity for pentabromophenol.

Anthranilic Acid Schiff Base as a Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Arsenite and Selenite: A Detailed Investigation of Analytical Parameters and Mechanism for Interaction.

The exploration of an anthranilic acid based Schiff base SB as a "Turn-ON" fluorescent probe for the detection of highly toxic selenite (SeIV) and arsenite (AsIII) species in an aqueous medium is described. The selectivity of SB towards SeIV and AsIII in the presence of other ions was investigated by some spectrofluorimetric and 1H NMR spectroscopic experiments. The studies revealed the interaction between SB and AsIII via the deprotonation of phenolic -OH, which enhanced the conjugation in phenolate ion and in turn enhanced the emission response. The SB has analytical prospects for the quantification of AsIII and SeIV with good sensitivity (LODs; 5.15 ppb for SeIV and 3.12 ppb for AsIII calculated by S/N = 3σ/K). Furthermore, it can be used to evaluate real and synthetic samples for the presence of SeIV and AsIII species as well as the fabrication of on-spot recognition devices (in the form of silica gels SB@SiO2 and silica coated TLC aluminium strips SB@SiO2@Al).

Surgery for pressure ulcers improves general health and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers interfere with the rehabilitation process in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and are a significant deterrent to participation in activities that contribute to independent, productive, and satisfying life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of surgery for pressure ulcers on general health and quality of life in patients with SCI. SETTING: Tertiary care center in northern India. METHODS: Various types of flap surgery were performed on 30 patients with SCI and 32 pressure ulcers (stages III and IV). Outcome was evaluated using general improvement in health (hemoglobin, serum proteins, and general well-being), patient satisfaction, and global quality of life scores (according to the visual analog scale). RESULTS: At admission, the mean values of global quality of life, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins were 50.15 (range, 30-65), 8.75 g/dL (range, 6-12 g/dL), 3.12 g/dL (range, 2.9-4.3 g/dL), and 5.21 (range, 5-6.2 g/dL), respectively. At 6-month follow up, mean values of global quality of life score, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins were 87.36 (range, 44-96), 10.85 g/dL (range, 8.2-13.5 g/dL), 3.89 g/dL (range, 3.2-4.5 g/dL), and 6.43 g/dL (range, 5.85-6.70 g/dL), respectively. The overall rise in quality of life scores, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins was statistically significant. Most of the patients (76.7%) reported improvement in subjective well-being, and 83.3% were satisfied with the ultimate outcome of the surgery. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that surgery for stages III and IV pressure ulcers offers the greatest benefit to the patients in terms of improvement in general health (anemia, hypoproteinemia, and general well-being) and quality of life.

Schiff base - Zn2+ ion combo as 'pick and degrade' probe for selected organophosphorus chemical weapon mimics and flame retardant analog: Detoxification of fruits and vegetables in aqueous media.

A hydrazone based Schiff base (SB) has been synthesized and investigated for the detection, quantification and degradation of selective organophosphates (i.e diethyl chlorophosphate, diethyl cyanophosphonate, tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate and dichlorvos). The organophosphates (OPs) form a covalent bond with -OH groups of SB and form SB-OP which quenches emission signal at 533 nm. Therefore, it can be used for the spectrofluorimetric detection and quantification of OPs upto the detection limits of 10.2, 158.2, 10.3 and 122.7 nM, respectively. Besides, the SB-OP duo undergoes degradation to non-toxic species in the presence of Zn2+ ions. The mechanism of interaction between SB-OP-Zn2+ trio is investigated by spectrofluorometric, spectroscopic, chromatographic and spectrometric experiments. The optimized recognition and degradation protocols were found accurate and precise when applied to fruits, vegetable and soil samples. Overall, the developed protocols prove SB as highly sensitive, selective and recyclable 'pick and degrade' probe for the recognition and degradation of OPs.

Exploration of solvent responsive Cr3+-Schiff base conjugates formonitoring Cr3+ ions and organophosphates: Fabrication of spot-testingdevices.

Herein, we report 2-((2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazono)(phenyl)methyl)-5-methoxyphenol (SB) synthesized by Schiff base condensation and characterized by spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. In solution phase, it interacts with Cr3+ ions and exhibits a prominent fluorimetric switch due to the formation of SB·Cr3+ conjugate. The dual behavior of SB·Cr3+ conjugates i.e. self-aggregation in high water fraction (fw > 50%) and dissolution in low water fraction (fw < 50%) proves this conjugation excellent tool for monitoring Cr3+ ions. The SB·Cr3+ conjugate in methanol-water (70:30 v/v) allows quantification of Cr3+ ions with limit of detection 0.44 µM and its self-aggregation in high water fraction facilitates extraction of Cr3+ ions with 95% extraction efficiency. Although SB interacts with Zn2+ ions which causes inference in the determination of Cr3+ ions however the interferent can be easily masked with SCN- ions. Besides, the SB·Cr3+ conjugates are also able to quantify organophosphate neurotoxins; i.e. diethyl chlorophosphate (with LOD 4.1 nM) and diethyl cyanophosphonate (with LOD 3.3 nM) from aqueous solutions. Moreover, SB and SB·Cr3+ conjugates can be coated on solid surfaces to fabricate portable devices for the on-spot detection of targets from real samples. Hence, the conjugation of Schiff base and Cr3+ ions can be explored for the recognition, quantification and extraction of Cr3+ ions and detection of organophosphates.