A dual-sensing strategy for the early diagnosis of urinary tract infections via detecting biofilm cellulose using aromatic amino acid-capped Au and Ag nanoparticles.

Currently, urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis focuses on planktonic cell detection rather than biofilm detection, but the facile identification of UPEC bacterial biofilms is crucial in UTI diagnosis as the biofilm formed by bacteria is the causative agent of recurrent and chronic UTIs. Therefore, in this work, we developed a simple, cost-effective, colorimetric, and electrochemical-based strategy for the detection of cellulose in urine. Cellulose, a biofilm matrix component, was detected using tyrosine-capped gold and silver nanoparticles through a visible colorimetric change with a decrease in the absorbance intensity and a decrease in current response in the case of cyclic voltammetry. The sensor displayed a linear detection range of 10-70 mg mL-1 for colorimetry and 10-300 µg mL-1 for cyclic voltammetry with a good selectivity of <2.8% and a recovery rate of 95-100% in real-time sample analysis. Moreover, the binding affinity of cellulose with tyrosine was investigated using molecular docking studies to validate the sensing mechanism. We anticipate that our work will aid clinicians in the implementation of rapid, cost-effective, and definitive diagnosis of UTIs.

Adipokine secretion and lipolysis following gender-affirming treatment in transgender individuals.

BACKGROUND: The organ-specific effects of gender-affirming sex hormone treatment (GAHT) in transgender women (TW) and transgender men (TM) are insufficiently explored. This study investigated the effects of GAHT on adipose tissue function. METHODS: In a single-center interventional prospective study, 32 adults undergoing GAHT, 15 TW and 17 TM, were examined with anthropometry and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies obtained before initiation of treatment, 1 month after endogenous sex hormone inhibition and three and 11 months after initiated GAHT. Fat cell size, basal/stimulated lipolysis and cytokine secretion in adipose tissue were analyzed. RESULTS: TW displayed an increase in complement component 3a and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) secretion after sex hormone inhibition, which returned to baseline following estradiol treatment. No changes in lipolysis were seen in TW. TM showed downregulation of RBP4 after treatment, but no changes in basal lipolysis. In TM, the estrogen suppression led to higher noradrenaline stimulated (NA) lipolysis that was normalized following testosterone treatment. At 11 months, the ratio of NA/basal lipolysis was lower compared to baseline. There were no significant changes in fat cell size in either TW or TM. CONCLUSION: In TW, gonadal hormone suppression results in transient changes in cytokines and in TM there are some changes in NA-stimulated lipolysis following testosterone treatment. However, despite the known metabolic effects of sex hormones, the overall effects of GAHT on adipose tissue function are small and likely have limited clinical relevance, but larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02518009, Retrospectively registered 7 August 2015.

Knowledge on mucormycosis among nursing Indian students in the state of Gujarat.

The disorder known as angio-invasive mucormycosis is characterized by tissue necrosis and infarction. The Mucorales order of saprophytic fungi is responsible for its development. It is unclear how widespread mucormycosis is in India due to a lack of population-based investigations. Diabetes mellitus is the risk factor that occurs the most frequently, followed by solid organ transplant and hematological cancer. The present study has been carried out to assess the knowledge regarding mucormycosis among nursing students from Nootan College of Nursing, Visnagar, Gujarat. For this we have selected 100 students by using the probability sampling technique. Structured questions were used to assess the knowledge of nursing students regarding mucormycosis. The Score was categorized as poor, average and good. The results show that 45(45%) of the nursing students having poor knowledge, 35(35%) of them were having average knowledge, 20(20%) of them were having good knowledge. There is an association between gender, program and their level of knowledge. Most of the students having poor knowledge regarding mucormycosis and we need to create awareness regarding mucormycosis to Nursing students.

Effect of aloe vera juice on type 2 diabetes mellitus among Indian patients.

It is of interest to assess the effect of Aloe vera juice on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Non-probability convenience sampling techniques was used to obtain sample of fifty type 2 diabetic patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Blood sugar level was assessed by using glucometerbefore and after consumption of Aloe vera juice. The average post-test score in the experimental group 177.43 (Standard deviation 17.64) was significantly lower than the average post-test score in control group 128.76 (Standard deviation 27.50). Unpaired 't' value 7.2926. It shows there is a significant difference found in the post-test scores on the level of blood glucose. Chi square analysis showed that there was no correlation between patients with demographic variables except age, occupation, smoking habit, habit of alcoholism and family history.

Importance of basic life support training in rural India.

Basic life support (BLS) provided right away can lower fatality rates. Cardiac arrest typically results in death within minutes if it is untreated. Therefore, it is of interest to assess how BLS training affected villagers. The pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was chosen for the investigation. A non-probability volunteer sampling technique was adopted to collect a sample of 220 village residents who met the inclusion requirements. The participants received training in basic life support that is achieved by using a real-life role model, hands-on CPR instruction. Checklist served as a standardized method for assessing the BLS training program. The pre-test and post-test's means were 23.05 and 56.51, respectively, and their respective standard deviations were 11.89 and 8.27. The 'z test' calculation result is 12.36) The results showed that BLS training was more successful for villagers and that they required regular BLS training programs to maintain their BLS skill level.

Clinical features, severity and outcome of acute pancreatitis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but life threatening manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The current study aims to study the clinical characteristics, severity, mortality, and outcome of SLE-related AP in Indian population. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with SLE who had AP in the past. Data from 13 rheumatology centers across India were compiled. All patients satisfied SLICC criteria for SLE and ATLANTA criteria for AP. AP was classified in to mild, moderate and severe using revised Atlanta classification. Patients with known risk factors like gall stone and alcohol were excluded.Sixty-six patients (six, children) were studied. Majority of patients were females (82%). The median age of presentation was 24 (11-63) years and most patients (57.5%) presented within first year of diagnosis of lupus. AP occurred mostly in the setting of active lupus (89%). Active nephritis was seen in 39% while a fourth had CNS disease. Patients with severe AP had lower C3. Ascites and sepsis were most common local and systemic complications, respectively. Mortality was 17%. Hypocalcemia, presence of sepsis and shock predicted mortality. In the multivariate analysis, only presence of shock remained as independent predictor of death (OR 63.0, 95% CI: 5.2-760.3). Pancreatitis is an early manifestation of SLE and is associated with active disease. Significant mortality is seen particularly with severe pancreatitis.

Is levator trauma an independent risk factor for anal incontinence?

AIM: To determine the role of levator ani trauma in anal incontinence (AI), whilst controlling for anal sphincter injury. METHODS: The records of 1273 patients who had attended a tertiary urogynaecology unit between 1st of January to 31st December 2016 were reviewed. AI was assessed using St Mark's score and visual analogue scale (VAS). Levator muscle and anal sphincter trauma were examined by translabial ultrasound using tomographic imaging, with archived data sets investigated blinded against all clinical data. A complete avulsion was diagnosed if at least three central tomographic slices showed an abnormal muscle insertion, rated separately for each side. A significant anal sphincter defect was diagnosed if at least four out of six slices showed a defect of ≥ 30°. RESULTS: Avulsion was associated with St Mark's score (P = 0.005) and VAS bother of AI (P = 0.022) both on univariate analysis and when controlling for external anal sphincter (EAS) trauma on translabial imaging, forceps, body mass index (BMI) and age (P = 0.011 and P = 0.04, respectively). AI expressed as a binary variable was significantly associated with avulsion on univariate analysis (P = 0.011), although the association became nonsignificant after controlling for anal sphincter trauma, age, BMI and forceps delivery (P = 0.084). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective observational study, we found a weak association between levator ani avulsion and measures of AI, which largely remained significant when controlling for anal sphincter trauma. However, given the large data set, any clinical effect of levator trauma on AI is likely to be minor.

Secondary lymphedema after head and neck cancer therapy: A review.

Secondary head and neck lymphedema (SHNL) is a chronic condition affecting patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancers. It results from the disruption of normal lymphatic flow by surgery and/or radiation. The incidence of secondary head and neck lymphedema varies anywhere between 12 and 54% of all patients treated for head and neck cancer, but it is still commonly under-diagnosed in routine clinical practice. In spite of awareness of this condition, treatment has been difficult as definitive staging, diagnostic, and assessment tools are still under development. This review article is aimed at looking at the evidence, standards of management, and deficiencies in current literature related to SHNL to optimize management of these patients and improve their quality of life.

Toxicoproteomic analysis of human lung epithelial cells exposed to steel industry ambient particulate matter (PM) reveals possible mechanism of PM related carcinogenesis.

Toxicoproteomic analysis of steel industry ambient particulate matter (PM) that contain high concentrations of PAHs and metals was done by treating human lung cancer cell-line, A549 and the cell lysates were analysed using quantitative label-free nano LC-MS/MS. A total of 18,562 peptides representing 1576 proteins were identified and quantified, with 196 proteins had significantly altered expression in the treated cells. Enrichment analyses revealed that proteins associated to redox homeostsis, metabolism, and cellular energy generation were inhibited while, proteins related to DNA damage and repair and other stresses were over expressed. Altered activities of several tumor associated proteins were observed. Protein-protein interaction network and biological pathway analysis of these differentially expressed proteins were carried out to obtain a systems level view of proteome changes. Together it could be inferred that PM exposure induced oxidative stress which could have lead into DNA damage and tumor related changes. However, lowering of cellular metabolism, and energy production could reduce its ability to overcome these stress. This kind of disequilibrium between the DNA damage and ability of the cells to repair the DNA damage may lead into genomic instability that is capable of acting as the driving force during PM induced carcinogenesis.

Heterogeneous polymer composite nanoparticles loaded in situ gel for controlled release intra-vaginal therapy of genital herpes.

Herpes simplex virus causes serious and contagious genital infections in high percentage of female population world-wide. Acyclovir is a clinically successful antiviral molecule till date, in-spite of limitations as poor solubility, low half-life, reduced oral bioavailability and side effects at higher doses. In the present work, controlled release in situ gelling system loaded with polymeric nanoparticles of acyclovir containing a dose of drug equivalent to 105mg/day has been developed. The formulation containing drug loaded polyvinyl pyrrolidone-Eudragit RSPO hybrid polymeric nanoparticles (Size ∼99±3nm, Zeta ∼+26.1±1.5mV) in 15% Pluronic F-127 gel exhibited improved permeability through vaginal membrane (KP=2.20±0.19×10(-6)cm/s). The nanoparticles showed enhanced viability for vaginal epithelial cell lines up to concentration of 100-250µg/mL. The formulation was evaluated for bioavailability and biodistribution through intra-vaginal administration in rat models. The nanoparticle in situ gel formulation maintained an average therapeutic drug level of 0.6±0.2µg/mL in plasma for 24h. Significant improvement in mean residence time of the drug (12.52±1.12h) was observed with a two-fold increase in the relative bioavailability (AUC0-24h=14.92±2.44µgh/mL) compared to that of the pure drug (7.18±1.79µgh/mL). The tissue distribution was 2-3 folds higher in animals treated with nanoparticles in situ gel compared to that of pure drug. Sustained release of drug in vivo was demonstrated, ensuring the suitability of the formulation for clinical therapy in female population.

Structural, magnetic, and dielectric studies on Gd0.7Y0.3MnO3.

Structural, magnetic, specific heat, and dielectric studies were carried out on Y substituted (30 at. %) GdMnO(3) compound as a function of temperature. Anomalies occur at ~41 and 18 K, in the specific heat measurements and are ascribed to paramagnetic, to sinusoidal incommensurate antiferromagnetic transition (ICAFM) and ICAFM to commensurate antiferromagnetic transitions, respectively. Changes in the lattice parameters across these temperatures indicate magneto-elastic coupling present in the compound. However, in the dielectric measurements, an anomaly at 18 K alone is observed and is ascribed to a ferroelectric transition, giving rise to spontaneous ferroelectric ordering at low temperatures. This observation is supported by an anomaly in lattice parameters, across the transition temperature. From the frequency dependent dielectric studies, a strong coupling between Gd(3+) and Mn(3+) magnetic sublattices is inferred and Y substitution results in substantial changes in the relaxation process compared to that of GdMnO(3).

Improvement of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) with oral risperidone: case report.

We describe a 38-year-old woman who developed symptoms of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) after using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) once and continued to have symptoms of HPPD for nearly 17 years, although she did not use LSD after her first use. The symptoms of HPPD were temporally related to her first LSD use and she responded well to risperidone within a few weeks of commencing on the same. Although different medications have been tried in the management of HPPD including risperidone, olanzapine, clonidine, fluoxetine, sertraline, benzodiazepines and anti-epileptic medications, none have been proven to be the definitive medication of choice in the treatment of HPPD. Furthermore, there have been case reports suggesting worsening of symptoms with risperidone; however, the response to risperidone in our patient suggests the possibility of its effectiveness in the management of HPPD symptoms in some patients.

Gambling: an Irish perspective.

Gambling legislation in Ireland has not been amended for the last several decades. The proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 provides the opportunity to enact a bill in accordance with the current trends in gambling. The classification of Gambling Disorder in DSM 5 under Substance Use Disorders in 2013 highlights the addiction potential of gambling and the perils associated with the same. This editorial discusses the prevalence of gambling disorders, its societal implications, mental health conditions co-morbid with gambling disorders, screening tools available for gambling disorders, and the treatment options available for gambling disorders at present. Furthermore, factors to be considered before enacting the proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 into legislation have also been discussed.

High pressure Raman spectroscopy of layered matlockite, PbFCl.

The pressure dependence of various inter- and intra-layer Raman modes has been studied on pristine matlockite compound, PbFCl, up to ~41 GPa. The low-frequency interlayer vibrational modes, A1g(1) and Eg(1), identified as rigid layer modes, exhibit non-monotonic behavior with increasing pressure. They exhibit points of inflexion at ~24 GPa and ~31 GPa respectively, indicating the onset of a subtle instability. The emergence of a new Raman mode (~181 cm(-1)) at ~24 GPa and a sudden large increase in the intensity of the A1g(1) mode signify the occurrence of a symmetry lowering structural transition of the parent tetragonal phase with enhanced interlayer coupling. Two more modes appear at higher pressures (~33 GPa) at frequencies below the A1g(1) mode and are ascribed to a monoclinically distorted phase (space group P21/m). High pressure x-ray diffraction studies performed up to ~47 GPa confirm the occurrence of the structural transitions with decreasing crystal symmetry. These observations are consistent with a picture in which the structural distortion involves destabilization of the tetragonal unit cell following a gradual change in the bonding nature from layer-like (2D) to non-layer like (3D) involving the Cl-bilayers along the c direction.

Polymorphism of dense, hot oxygen.

The phase diagram and polymorphism of oxygen at high pressures and temperatures are of great interest to condensed matter and earth science. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy of oxygen using laser and resistively heated diamond anvil cells reveal that the molecular high-pressure phase ε-O(2), which consists of (O(2))(4) clusters, reversibly transforms in the pressure range of 44 to 90 GPa and temperatures near 1000 K to a new phase with higher symmetry. The data suggest that this new phase (η') is isostructural to a phase η reported previously at lower pressures and temperatures, but differs from it in the P-T range of stability and type of intermolecular association. The melting curve increases monotonically up to the maximum pressures studied (∼60 GPa). The structure factor of the fluid measured as a function of pressure to 58 GPa shows continuous changes toward molecular dissociation.

FT-IR, FT-Raman spectra, density functional computations of the vibrational spectra and molecular conformational analysis of 2,5-di-tert-butyl-hydroquinone.

The purpose of finding conformer among six different possible conformers of 2,5-di-tert-butyl-hydroquinone (DTBHQ), its equilibrium geometry and harmonic wavenumbers were calculated by the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) method. The infrared and Raman spectra of DTBHQ were recorded in the region 400-4000 cm(-1) and 50-3500 cm(-1), respectively. In addition, the IR spectra in CCl(4) at various concentrations of DTBHQ are also recorded. The computed vibrational wavenumbers were compared with the IR and Raman experimental data. Computational calculations at B3LYP level with two different basis sets 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) are also employed in the study of the possible conformer of DTBHQ. The complete assignments were performed on the basis of the potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes, calculated using VEDA 4 program. The general agreement between the observed and calculated frequencies was established.

Determination of perfluorooctanoate and perfluorooctanesulfonate in water matrices by inline matrix elimination liquid chromatography with reversed phase separation and suppressed conductivity detection.

This work describes a new method for the determination of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water matrices by suppressed conductivity detection. Separation was achieved by isocratic elution on a reversed-phase column thermostated at 45°C using an aqueous mobile phase containing boric acid and acetonitrile. The PFOA and PFOS content in the water matrix were quantified by a pre-concentration technique. For the concentration range of 1 to 15 ng/mL and 2 to 30 ng/mL, the linear calibration curve for PFOA and PFOS yielded coefficients of determination (R(2)) of 0.9995 and 0.9985, respectively. The relative standard deviations were smaller than 1.5% for PFOA and PFOS. The retention-time precision of four consecutive 12 h injections was smaller than 0.641% and 0.818%, respectively. The presence of common divalent cations, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron in water matrices impairs PFOS recovery. This drawback was overcome by applying inline matrix elimination method. The optimized method was successfully applied for drinking water, ground water, and seawater samples.

Simultaneous determination of arsenite and arsenate in arsenic trioxide injection by dual detection ion chromatography.

This paper describes a rapid method to determine arsenite assay and arsenate impurity in Arsenic Trioxide Injection using a single conductivity detector. The arsenite assay was determined in a non-suppressed conductivity detection mode and arsenate impurity was quantified in a suppressed conductivity detection mode. Dual-conductivity detections were enabled by valve switching and time programming. The method was validated with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, and limit of quantification. The limit of detection and quantification for arsenite were 0.855 mg/L and 2.593 mg/L, and 0.044 mg/L and 0.133 mg/L for arsenate, respectively.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the molecular and electronic structure of anticancer drug camptothecin.

The Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum of (S)-4 ethyl-4-hydroxy-1H-pyrano [3',4':6,7]-indolizino-[1,2-b-quinoline-3,14-(4H,12H)-dione] [camptothecin] was recorded in the region 4000-400 cm(-1). The Fourier Transform Raman spectrum of camptothecin (CPT) was also recorded in the region 3500-50 cm(-1). Quantum chemical calculations of geometrical structural parameters and vibrational frequencies of CPT were carried out by MP2/6-31G(d,p) and density functional theory DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) methods. The assignment of each normal mode has been made using the observed and calculated frequencies, their IR and Raman intensities. The harmonic vibrational frequencies were calculated and the scaled values have been compared with experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. Most of the computed frequencies were found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations. The isotropic chemical shifts computed by (13)C and (1)H NMR analysis also show good agreement with experimental observations. Comparison of calculated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of computational method to describe the vibrational modes of large sized organic molecule.

A virtual experiment control and data acquisition system for in situ laser heated diamond anvil cell Raman spectroscopy.

Doubled-sided laser heated diamond anvil cell methods allow simultaneous in situ confocal Raman measurements of materials up to megabar pressures and high temperatures. This paper describes a virtual control and data acquisition system developed to automate setups for simultaneous Raman/laser heating experiments. The system enables reduction of experiment time by ∼90% in comparison to manual operations, allowing measurements of high quality Raman spectra of even highly reactive or diffusive samples, such as hydrogen at extreme conditions using continuous wave laser heating. These types of measurements are very difficult and often impossible to obtain in a manual operation mode. Complete data archiving and accurate control of various experimental parameters (e.g., on-the-fly temperature determination and self-adjusting data collection time to avoid signal saturation) can be done, and open up possibilities of other types of experiments involving extreme conditions.