A Repurposing Programme Evaluating Transdermal Oestradiol Patches for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer Within the PATCH and STAMPEDE Trials: Current Results and Adapting Trial Design.

AIMS: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), usually achieved with luteinising hormone releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa), is central to prostate cancer management. LHRHa reduce both testosterone and oestrogen and are associated with significant long-term toxicity. Previous use of oral oestrogens as ADT was curtailed because of cardiovascular toxicity. Transdermal oestrogen (tE2) patches are a potential alternative ADT, supressing testosterone without the associated oestrogen-depletion toxicities (osteoporosis, hot flushes, metabolic abnormalities) and avoiding cardiovascular toxicity, and we here describe their evaluation in men with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PATCH (NCT00303784) adaptive trials programme (incorporating recruitment through the STAMPEDE [NCT00268476] platform) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of tE2 patches as ADT for men with prostate cancer. An initial randomised (LHRHa versus tE2) phase II study (n = 251) with cardiovascular toxicity as the primary outcome measure has expanded into a phase III evaluation. Those with locally advanced (M0) or metastatic (M1) prostate cancer are eligible. To reflect changes in both management and prognosis, the PATCH programme is now evaluating these cohorts separately. RESULTS: Recruitment is complete, with 1362 and 1128 in the M0 and M1 cohorts, respectively. Rates of androgen suppression with tE2 were equivalent to LHRHa, with improved metabolic parameters, quality of life and bone health indices (mean absolute change in lumbar spine bone mineral density of -3.0% for LHRHa and +7.9% for tE2 with an estimated difference between arms of 9.3% (95% confidence interval 5.3-13.4). Importantly, rates of cardiovascular events were not significantly different between the two arms and the time to first cardiovascular event did not differ between treatment groups (hazard ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.80-1.53; P = 0.54). Oncological outcomes are awaited. FUTURE: Efficacy results for the M0 cohort (primary outcome measure metastases-free survival) are expected in the final quarter of 2023. For M1 patients (primary outcome measure - overall survival), analysis using restricted mean survival time is being explored. Allied translational work on longitudinal samples is underway.

Effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Systemic Inflammatory Markers, Glycemic Status and Levels of Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients With Chronic Periodontitis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:  The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on systemic inflammatory markers, glycemic status, and levels of proteinuria in Type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic individuals with chronic periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: A total of 120 patients, categorized into three groups of 40 each, were included in this randomized observational study. Group 1 comprised patients with chronic periodontitis; Group 2 had chronic periodontitis with controlled diabetes; and Group 3 represented patients with chronic periodontitis with uncontrolled diabetes based on fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Periodontal clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, and clinical attachment levels were evaluated. Blood samples and urine samples were collected and assessed for the levels of FBS, HbA1c, total protein, albumin, globulin, and proteinuria. All parameters recorded at baseline and three months after non-surgical periodontal therapy were analyzed for statistical significance at p <.05 using SPSS Inc. Released 2007. SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the periodontal clinical parameters within the groups, except for the clinical attachment level in Group 1 patients (p = 0.05), was observed. Glycemic status revealed a significant reduction after non-surgical periodontal therapy (p < 0.001), and on intragroup comparison, the total protein, albumin, globulin, and microprotein blood and urine levels showed significance among the evaluated groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Non-surgical periodontal treatment can effectively improve the periodontal and circulating inflammatory status. Results of our study showed improved glycemic control and a reduction in systemic inflammatory markers and proteinuria after performing non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived rapid drug screening system for Alzheimer's disease for the identification of novel drugs.

A reliable and efficient in vitro model is needed to screen drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD), as many drugs are currently in the developmental stage. To address this, we developed an in vitro model using amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AM-MSCs) to screen novel drugs for AD. We differentiated AM-MSCs into neurons and degenerated them using beta amyloid1-42 (Aß). We then tested AD drugs, which are commercially available such as donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, citicoline, and two novel drugs, that is, probucol, an anti-hyperlipidaemic drug, and NMJ-2, a cinnamic acid analogue for their potential to protect the cells against neurodegeneration. We used gene expression and immunofluorescence staining to assess the neuroprotective ability of these drugs. We also measured the ability of these drugs to reduce lactate dehydrogenase, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide levels, as well as their ability to stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential and increase acetylcholine (ACh) levels. The AD drugs and novel drugs reduced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, and restored ACh levels. Furthermore, they reduced BACE1 expression, with a concomitant increase in the expression of cholinergic markers. This AM-MSCs-based AD-like model has immense potential to be an accurate human model and an alternative to animal models for testing a large number of lead compounds in a short time. Our results also suggest that the novel drugs probucol and NMJ-2 may protect against Aß-induced neurodegeneration.

Local governments and community-based rehabilitation for developmental disabilities: leaving no one behind.

SETTING: The BUDS (not an acronym) institutions comprise a community-based rehabilitation initiative for children and families affected by developmental disabilities in Kerala, India. OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of local governments in the establishment and functioning of BUDS institutions. DESIGN: We used qualitative approaches comprising document review and in-depth interviews with trainers, parents of children with developmental disabilities and elected representatives. RESULTS: BUDS was created by Kudumbasree, a decentralised women empowerment and poverty alleviation initiative. Our findings illustrate the role of local governments in facilitating expansion through the establishment of infrastructure, therapy equipment, transportation and financial allocation for these, as well as through the development of human resources, assistance with enrolment for financial assistance and insurance programmes, and coordination with education and health sectors. Programme implementation varied considerably regarding available infrastructure, staffing and services among the institutions studied. The institutions were physically closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but continued to function in alternative ways. CONCLUSION: Despite variable implementation, local governments have supported the expansion of BUDS institutions, thereby creating more spaces for inclusive and integrated education and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities in Kerala. The expansion over the past two decades and measures during the COVID-19 pandemic suggest resilience and sustainability of the model.

CONTEXTE: Les institutions BUDS (ceci n'est pas un acronyme) ont mis en place une initiative communautaire pour la réhabilitation des enfants et familles touchés par des troubles du développement au Kérala, Inde. OBJECTIF: Analyser le rôle des gouvernements locaux dans la fondation et le fonctionnement des institutions BUDS. MÉTHODES: Nous avons utilisé des approches qualitatives fondées sur une analyse documentaire et sur des entretiens approfondis avec des formateurs, des parents d'enfants atteints de troubles du développement et des représentants élus. RÉSULTATS: BUDS a été créé dans le cadre d'une initiative décentralisée de réduction de la pauvreté et d'autonomisation des femmes, dénommée Kudumbasree. Nos résultats illustrent le rôle des gouvernements locaux dans la facilitation de l'expansion par la mise à disposition d'infrastructures, d'équipements thérapeutiques, de transports et l'allocation de fonds pour ceux-ci, ainsi que par le développement des ressources humaines, l'inclusion dans des programmes d'assistance financière et d'assurances, et la coordination avec les secteurs de l'éducation et de la santé. De grandes différences de mise en œuvre du programme ont été observées entre les institutions à l'étude, en matière d'infrastructures disponibles, de personnel et de services. Les institutions ont fermé leurs portes pendant la pandémie de COVID-19, mais elles continuaient de fonctionner de manière alternative. CONCLUSION: En dépit d'une mise en œuvre variable, les gouvernements locaux ont soutenu le développement des institutions BUDS et ainsi élargi l'espace pour une éducation et une réhabilitation inclusives et intégrées des personnes porteuses de handicaps au Kérala. Le développement de ces institutions au cours des 20 dernières années et les mesures instaurées pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 laissent transparaître la résilience et le caractère durable du modèle.

An Overview of Ovarian Cancer: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Chemoresistance and a Precision Medicine Approach Targeting the Wnt Pathway with the Antagonist sFRP4.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological cancers, having a relatively high fatality rate with a low five-year chance of survival when detected in late stages. The early detection, treatment and prevention of metastasis is pertinent and a pressing research priority as many patients are diagnosed only in stage three of ovarian cancer. Despite surgical interventions, targeted immunotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, relapses are significantly higher than other cancers, suggesting the dire need to identify the root cause of metastasis and relapse and present more precise therapeutic options. In this review, we first describe types of ovarian cancers, the existing markers and treatment modalities. As ovarian cancer is driven and sustained by an elusive and highly chemoresistant population of cancer stem cells (CSCs), their role and the associated signature markers are exhaustively discussed. Non-invasive diagnostic markers, which can be identified early in the disease using circulating tumor cells (CTCs), are also described. The mechanism of the self-renewal, chemoresistance and metastasis of ovarian CSCs is regulated by the Wnt signaling pathway. Thus, its role in ovarian cancer in promoting stemness and metastasis is delineated. Based on our findings, we propose a novel strategy of Wnt inhibition using a well-known Wnt antagonist, secreted frizzled related protein 4 (sFRP4), wherein short micropeptides derived from the whole protein can be used as powerful inhibitors. The latest approaches to early diagnosis and novel treatment strategies emphasized in this review will help design precision medicine approaches for an effective capture and destruction of highly aggressive ovarian cancer.

Universal power-law of terahertz optical properties of borosilicate, tellurite, and chalcogenide glass families.

Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS, THz-TDS) was used to measure THz optical properties, i.e., refractive indices and absorption coefficients, of borosilicate, tellurite, and chalcogenide glass families. We observe that the THz optical properties depend on glass compositions. THz refractive indices recorded an increasing trend from borosilicate to chalcogenide and to tellurite glass families. Our results demonstrate the ability to select a glass family, system, and composition to target THz optical properties for potential use in THz optical and photonic applications. We report K and ß fitting parameters for the power-law model used to describe these properties and show how it can be universally applied to several glass families.

Short peptide domains of the Wnt inhibitor sFRP4 target ovarian cancer stem cells by neutralizing the Wnt ß-catenin pathway, disrupting the interaction between ß-catenin and CD24 and suppressing autophagy.

AIMS: One of the hallmarks of cancer stem cells (CSC) is hyperactive Wnt ß-catenin signaling due to the decreased presence of Wnt antagonists such as secreted frizzled related protein 4 (SFRP4). Cysteine-rich domain (CRD) and netrin-like domain (NLD) are the two functional domains of SFRP4 having anti-tumor properties. In this study, we have explored the effectiveness of short micropeptides SC-301 (from CRD) and SC-401 (from NLD) on CSC properties, EMT, apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian CSCs enriched from PA-1 and SKOV-3 cell lines. MAIN METHODS: Gene expression analysis, Western blot and immunocytochemistry were performed on ovarian CSCs to evaluate the inhibitory potential of micropeptides to various CSC associated oncogenic properties. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to detect the binding of CD24 to ß-catenin protein complex. CYTO-ID Autophagy Detection Kit 2.0 was used to monitor autophagic flux in peptide treated CSCs. KEY FINDINGS: It is clearly seen that the micropeptides derived from both the domains inhibit Wnt pathway, initiate apoptosis, inhibit migration and chemosensitize CSCs. Specifically, CD24, a defining marker of ovarian CSC was suppressed by peptide treatment. Notably, interaction between CD24 and ß-catenin was disrupted upon peptide treatment. SFRP4 peptide treatment also suppressed the autophagic process which is crucial for CSC survival. SIGNIFICANCE: The study demonstrated that although both peptides have inhibitory effects, SC-401 was emphatically more effective in targeting CSC properties and down regulating the Wnt ß-catenin machinery.

Classification of wheelchair pressure relief maneuvers using changes in center of pressure and weight on the seat.

BACKGROUND: Pressure injuries from prolonged sitting are a significant problem for wheelchair users incurring high costs in healthcare expenditures and reducing quality-of-life. There is a need to improve pressure relief training and adherence in a variety of settings. OBJECTIVE: To identify effective common wheelchair pressure relief (PR) manoeuvres based on changes to users' seated centre of pressure (CoP) and seated weight. PARTICIPANTS: 20 individuals who use manual wheelchairs as their primary means of mobility. METHODS: Participants performed 5 types of PR including seated push-ups, leftward, rightward, forward, and backward leans-while sitting in a wheelchair equipped with a custom instrumented seat pan support. Data were analysed using both clustering and decision tree approaches to identify types of PR. RESULTS: Both clustering and decision tree approaches were able to identify and classify PR though neither could accurately distinguish between forward and backward PR. CONCLUSION: Changes in the centre of pressure and the total weight on the wheelchair's seat can be used to automatically characterise type, amplitude and duration of pressure relief manoeuvres. Building such a classification and quality assessment scheme into an algorithm could enable a virtual coaching system to track users' pressure relief behaviour and make suggestions to improve adherence with clinical recommendations.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMultiple bending beam load cells can be used to measure wheelchair users' seated centre of pressure independent of type of cushion used.Both cluster analysis and decision tree algorithms can classify commonly practiced pressure reliefs by measuring changes to the centre of pressure and total weight on the wheelchair's seat.The combination of force sensing for centre of pressure determination and either algorithm could serve as the basis for an application to coach wheelchair users to do effective pressure reliefs.

An Update to the Malthus Model for Radiotherapy Utilisation in England.

AIMS: The Malthus Programme predicts national and local radiotherapy demand by combining cancer incidence data with decision trees detailing the indications, and appropriate dose fractionation, for radiotherapy. Since the last model update in 2017, technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increasing hypofractionation of radiotherapy schedules. Indications for radiotherapy have also evolved, particularly in the context of oligometastatic disease. Here we present a brief update on the model for 2021. We have updated the decision trees for breast, prostate, lung and head and neck cancers, and incorporated recent cancer incidence data into our model, generating a current estimate of fraction demand for these four cancer sites across England. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The decision tree update was based on evidence from practice-changing randomised controlled trials, published guidelines, audit data and expert opinion. Site- and stage-specific incidence data were taken from the National Disease Registration Service. We used the updated model to estimate the proportion of patients who would receive radiotherapy (appropriate rate of radiotherapy) and the fraction demand per million population at a national and Clinical Commissioning Group level in 2021. RESULTS: The total predicted fraction demand has decreased by 11.4% across all four cancer sites in our new model, compared with the 2017 version. This reduction can be explained primarily by greater use of hypofractionated treatments (including stereotactic ablative radiotherapy) and a shift towards earlier stage presentation. The only large change in appropriate rate of radiotherapy was an absolute decrease of 3% for lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with our previous model, the current version predicts a reduction in fraction demand across England. This is driven principally by hypofractionation of radiotherapy regimens, using technology that requires increasingly complex planning. Treatment complexity and local service factors need to be taken into account when translating fraction burden into linear accelerator demand or throughput.

Participatory action design and engineering of a manual wheelchair virtual coach including in-home and community usage.

BACKGROUND: Current clinical practice guidelines (CPG) recommend periodic pressure redistribution (PR) to alter sitting pressure and reduce the risk of developing pressure injuries (PI). Individuals who have strength and trunk stability are asked to perform PR such as wheelies, leaning laterally, and forward-leaning to minimize the duration of pressure acting on the same region of the body. OBJECTIVE: Our long-term objective is to build upon previous research and development to create a more effective device for improving PR training and adherence to CPG among manual wheelchair users (MWU). Through this study, we employed a participatory action design and engineering (PADE) approach in developing the hardware and user interface to increase the likelihood of eventually yielding a device effective for both MWU and clinicians. PARTICIPANTS: Focus Groups: Ten clinicians - 6 physical therapists, 3 occupational therapists, and one registered nurse, and 10 MWU with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who reported using their wheelchairs 40-80 h per week. Five-Day Assessment: Five male MWU with SCI who had been wheelchair users for 18.5 ± 16.2 years. Four-Week Investigation: The 7 participants with SCI were 5 males and 2 females, who had been wheelchair users for 24.7 ± 17.0 years. METHODS: A PADE approach was used to improve upon a manual wheelchair virtual coaching system for people with SCI. The system comprises a seat support instrumented with force sensors, software algorithms to detect PR, and a smart phone app for user interface. The methods included three stages: multiple focus groups, a five-day evaluation phase with participants using their own wheelchairs in their homes and communities, and a 4-week assessment with improvements made based on the 5-day results by users with their own wheelchairs in their homes and communities. RESULTS: The focus groups yielded guidance for ergonomics, user interface, charging frequency, and key dimensions and mass. The 5-day study identified mechanical, electrical, and connectivity challenges, which were resolved before the 4-week study. The 4-week trial suggested that participants performed PR less frequently than clinically recommended and provided an indication of the types of maneuvers that they performed. CONCLUSION: A prototype manual wheelchair virtual coaching system was developed using a PADE process. The system was able to detect and record PR in home and community environments. Following improvements identified in this study, a future version will be tested with additional users to determine whether it can improve adherence to PR guidance.

Assessment of Bacterial Isolates from the Urine Specimens of Urinary Tract Infected Patient.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) maintained a serious public health concern, as did the growth in antibiotic resistance both between uropathogenic microorganisms. A regular assessment of the microbiological agents that cause UTIs, as well as their antimicrobial resistance, is essential for a tailored empirical antibiotic response. Knowing the variables that cause UTIs can help you intervene quickly and simply to get the condition under control. The most common infecting species in acute infection is Escherichia coli (E. coli). To strengthen infection control strategies, it is necessary to know the prevalence and location of UTI. The goal of this research is to measure the frequency of microorganisms isolated from patients with UTIs as well as the antimicrobial sensitivity characteristics of Gram-negative bacteria. The purpose of this research has been to evaluate the frequency of UTIs by extracting and characterizing the various bacterial etiological organisms, as well as to assess the factors linked to UTIs. The goal of this research is to identify, characterize, and establish the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria linked to urinary tract infections. Fresh collected urine specimen was taken from inpatients or outpatients in UTI cases and bacteriologically tested using conventional microbiological methods. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to create the antibiogram. Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus (28%), and Escherichia coli (24.6%) were the most common isolates (20%). The evaluated agents' antibacterial activity was all in the following order: cefixime, ciprofloxacin, augmentin, gentamicin, ceftazidime, nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin, and cefuroxime. It was discovered that each and every one of the microbes exhibited varied degrees of resistance to the antibiotics nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Every type of bacteria, with the exception of those belonging to the genus Streptococcus, has a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) that is more than 0.2. The first-line therapies for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the region would consist of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin. Lower urinary tract infections almost never result in problems if they are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible and in the correct manner. However, if treatment is not sought, a urinary tract infection can lead to serious complications.

Phase Stability and Electronic Properties of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Solid Solution (CH(NH2)2) x (CH3NH3)1-x Pb(Br y I1-y )3 as a Function of Composition.

Compositional mixing provides the means to maintain the structural stability of a hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite for efficient and robust photovoltaic applications. Here we present a theoretical, first-principles study of the electronic and energetic properties of the solid solution (CH(NH2)2) x (CH3NH3)1-x PbBr y I1-y , the mixing of two organic molecules with various orientations, formamidinium and methylammonium, and two halides, bromide and iodide. Our results show the variation in the band gap as a function of composition (x and y) provides several candidates that exceed the 27.5% Schockley-Queisser efficiency. The variation in the composition of hybrid perovskite shows specific regions where either the hexagonal or cubic phase dominates. We discuss the balance between the band gap and phase stability and indicate regions where the phase transition temperature between cubic and hexagonal phases is far from room temperature, indicating that these compositions are more robust at room temperature against phase transitions.

Predicting the Growth of F. proliferatum and F. culmorum and the Growth of Mycotoxin Using Machine Learning Approach.

In distinct parts of the food web, Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium preserving the relationship can germinate and grow zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins (FUM), accordingly. Antimicrobial drugs used to combat these fungi and toxic metabolites raise the risk of hazardous residue in food products, as well as the development of fungus tolerance. For modeling fungal growth and pathogenicity under separate water action (a q ) (0.96 and 0.99) and surface temp (20 and 28°C) tyrannies, several machine learning (ML) methodologies (artificial neural, regression trees, and extreme rise enhanced trees) and multiple regression model (MLR) were used also especially in comparison. GR and mycotoxin levels inside the environment often reduced as EOC concentrations grew, although some treatment in association with specific a q and temperature values caused ZEA production. In terms of predicting the growth rate of F. culmorum and F. maintaining the relationship and the production of ZEA and FUM, random forest techniques outperformed neural network models and extreme gradient boosted trees. The MLR option was the most inefficient. It is the first research to look at the ML potential of bio EVOH products containing EOCs and ambient variables of F. culmorum and F. proliferatum development, as well as the generation of zearalenone and fumonisins. The findings show that these entire novel wrapping technologies, in tandem using machine learning techniques, could be useful in predicting and controlling the dangers connected with fungal species or biotoxins in foodstuff.

Self-assembly of CdSe 3D urchins and their photocatalytic response.

Photocatalysis is found to be one of the best suited processes that respond to the purification of water systems and the semiconductor nanomaterials are learned to be incredible materials which carry out the photocatalytic process as they readily decompose the pollutants effectively. In this present work, CdSe nanoparticles belonging to II-VI group semiconductor compounds were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal process with different precursor concentrations and were analysed for various characterization studies such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Photoluminescence (PL) studies. The XRD study of the synthesized CdSe nanostructures revealed that the average crystallite size was ranging from 18.5 nm to 24 nm pointing out the increase in size with increase in molar concentrations. The morphological structure of synthesized CdSe samples exhibited urchin-like structure for a lower concentration with several rod-like projections appearing in diverse directions. These CdSe nano-urchins synthesized with lower concentrations are found suitable to carry out the process of photocatalytic activity. The process was carried out under visible light radiation for 180 min with aqueous solution of methylene blue (MB) as the ideal toxin to be degraded. The attained degradation efficiency was nearly 80% clearly displaying that the synthesized samples are good photocatalysts. By tuning the bandgap, through the optimization of the precursor concentrations, greater efficiency can be achieved in future.

Insights into the capsid structure of banana bunchy top virus.

Banana is the major staple food crop for approximately 400 million people. Bunchy top disease of banana is one of the most devastating diseases caused by banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), which results in stunting of plants, bunchy appearance of leaves and a significant loss of yield. While many isolates of BBTV from various regions of India have been characterized by different groups, no structural study exists for this important virus. To bridge this gap, the pET28a clone of the coat protein (CP) gene from BBTV isolate of Hill banana grown in lower Pulney Hills (Virupakshi) of Tamilnadu was expressed in BL21 (DE3) pLysS. Purification of the CP was achieved by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. In vitro capsid assembly studied using sucrose density gradient centrifugation suggested that the CP did not assemble as a virus-like particle (VLP), but remained as smaller oligomers. Studies using dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicate that the purified protein is poly-dispersed, represented majorly as pentamers. Homology modeling studies provided useful insights into the probable fold of the CP suggesting that it is a ß-sandwich, similar to that seen in the majority of plant viruses. In silico capsid reconstruction aided the understanding of the quaternary organization of subunits in the capsid and their molecular interactions. The location of the aphid-binding EAG motif was identified on the surface loops close to the pentameric axis indicating its role in vector-mediated transmission. Comparison with the CP and capsid structure of geminiviruses provided useful insights into the mode of nucleic acid binding and the role of genome during capsid assembly. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03204-4.

Photocatalytic degradation effect of CdSe nanoparticles for textile wastewater effluents at low cost and proves to be efficient method.

Semiconductor nanoparticles and nanocrystals have a great impact due to its contribution in the diverse fields including electronics, solar energy, biological imaging, and photonics. Among these semiconductor nanoparticles, cadmium selenide of II-VI group binary semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized using solvothermal process for the different reaction temperatures. The XRD pattern of the synthesized samples confirms the crystalline nature of the samples and showed increase in its crystallite size with rise in temperature. The morphology of the samples was analysed with TEM images and found that the nanoparticles synthesized at different temperatures were varied in size and shape indicating the increase in the size of the particles with the raise in temperature. The optical properties of the samples pointed out that they exhibit a blue shift owing to quantum confinement. Photocatalytic activity was carried out for the synthesized samples under visible light radiation using methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant and it proved to be a good photocatalyst achieving the efficiency of 75% which is promising for future application with good optimization. The efficiency could be increased when these semiconductor CdSe nanoparticles are doped with metal particles due to an increase in the absorption edge wavelength and a decrease in bandgap energy were reported in detail.

Finite Element Analysis of Cornea and Lid Wiper during Blink, with and without Contact Lens.

Ocular surface disorders such as Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy (LWE), Superior Epithelial Arcuate Lesion (SEAL), and contact lens-induced Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) as well as Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) affect one's quality of life. Hence, it is imperative to investigate the underlying causes of these ocular surface disorders. During blink, the undersurface of the eyelid tends to interact with the cornea and the conjunctiva. The presence of a contact lens can add to the biomechanical frictional changes on these surfaces. To estimate these changes with and without a contact lens, a finite element model (FEM) of the eyelid wiper, eyeball, and contact lens was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics. Biomechanical properties such as von Mises stress (VMS) and displacement were calculated. Our study concluded that (a) maximum VMS was observed in the lid wiper in the absence of contact lens in the eye and (b) maximum VMS was observed in the superior 1.3 mm of the cornea in the presence of the contact lens in the eye. Thus, the development of friction-induced ocular surface disorders such as LWE, SLK, SEAL, and LSCD could be attributed to increased VMS. FEA is a useful simulation tool that helps us to understand the effect of blink on a normal eye with and without CL.

Laser induced plant leaf extract mediated synthesis of CuO nanoparticles and its photocatalytic activity.

Metal nanoparticles furnished by the green synthesis approach have exhibited fascinating attributes owing to their biocompatibility with biomolecules, and their rapid environmentally friendly synthesis. On copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, a laser induced bio reduction work has been accomplish using Centella asiatica aqueous extract at room temperature is the pioneer in the field. This synthesis technique is easy, fruitful, eco-friendly, and counterfeit for the size-tunable synthesis of diverse shapes of stable copper nanoparticles. UV-visible spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy - Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photodegradation study have astounding properties of regulating the formation, crystalline nature, and morphology of an integrated specimen. Moreover, the obtained copper oxide nanoparticle has the tendency to decrease the absorbance maximum value of methylene blue because of the catalytic activity posed by these nanoparticles on the reduction of methylene blue by Centella asiatica. It has been studied and confirmed by UV-visible spectrophotometer, and it has been recognised as an electron relay effect.

Regeneration study of MB in recycling runs over nickel vanadium oxide by solvent extraction for photocatalytic performance for wastewater treatments.

Recently, researchers are concentrating on the synthesis of composite materials to enhance the efficiency of the materials in various applications. In this work, nickel vanadium oxide (NiV2O6) nanocomposite material is prepared via two methods and the prepared samples have been characterized with basic studies to analyse the effect of preparation method and the reaction time. The XRD studies reveal a polycrystalline growth in both the methods. The broad XRD peaks obtained for samples prepared via hydrothermal method suggests the size reduction and 1D nanostructure formation. The SEM analysis shows the formation of 1D structures in hydrothermal and 3D microsphere structures in solvothermal methods. The possible formation mechanism behind this formation has been discussed in this manuscript. The FTIR peaks in the fingerprint region confirm the formation and vibration of metal-oxygen bonds. The large optical bandgap values obtained from Tauc plot again confirms the formation of nanostructures of the synthesized samples. The photocatalytic activity of nickel vanadium oxide on methylene blue dye under halogen light were performed and, the recyclability of the sample is investigated. It was found from the photocatalytic spectrum that, the samples prepared from both the methods shows a degradation efficiency of more than 80% within 150 min. It was confirmed that the prepared NiV2O6 photocatalyst samples does not lose their degradation ability even after five cycles of repeated usage.