Search

Carbonaceous manganese ferrite nanoparticles were prepared at relatively lower temperature using co-precipitation method followed by a single-step pyrolysis process. Synthesized nanoparticles were further characterized by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure and the presence of graphitic carbon of plane (002) and the size of the prepared nanostructure was of 36 nm. With the confirmation of formation of carbonaceous MnFe2O4 and the number of oxygen functionalities such as hydroxyl and C-O-C groups emanating from the carbon matrix, as confirmed by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) studies motivated their usage to remove Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solution. The study parameters such as influence of time, adsorbent dosage, concentration and pH are explored along with isotherm and kinetic studies. The carbonaceous nanoparticle was able to remove Cr (VI) by ∼80% at native pH, with a carbonaceous MnFe2O4 dose of 10 mg, and the initial concentration 10 ppm of contaminant with the contact time, 80 min and is found promising for the practical applications.

Background: Variations in osteological features are not uncommon; the mandible bone is one such paramount component of the facial skeleton fostering lower dentures, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and ligaments for their structural and functional stability possessing numerous osteological features which tend to show variations in its anatomical presentations. Aim and Objectives: To study the morphology of retromolar, mandibular, and accessory mandibular foramen in dry mandibles belonging to the Southern part of Karnataka state and their clinical significance. Material and Methods: One hundred and twelve mandibles of either sex were used to study the retromolar region, accessory mandibular foramen along with the pattern of the mandibular canal. Morphometric measurements of these bony features were taken by using a digital caliper. Measurements of the exact anatomical location of the abovementioned bony features were subjected to statistical analysis and results were expressed (millimeters) in terms of percentage, and mean +/- standard deviation. Results: Retromolar foramen was found in 25%; their bilateral and unilateral existence were found at 4.5% and 20.5% respectively. Accessory mandibular foramen was found in 30.4% of specimens. It was located in posterior and posterosuperior relation with mandibular foramen opening in 4.5% and 8% of specimens respectively. The unusual bifurcation of mandibular foramen was found in 3% of specimens. Conclusion: The occurrence of uncommon features like retromolar foramen, accessory mandibular foramen, and split mandibular foramen and their occupancy with aberrant neurovascular channels and their relations with other bony features play an important role in several dental surgical and oromaxillary procedures including prosthetic rehabilitation.

Abstract Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonises the human intestine and virulent strains can cause severe diarrhoeal and extraintestinal diseases. The protein SslE is secreted by a range of pathogenic and commensal E. coli strains. It can degrade mucins in the intestine, promotes biofilm maturation and it is a major determinant of infection in virulent strains, although how it carries out these functions is not well understood. Here, we examine SslE from the commensal E. coli Waksman and BL21 (DE3) strains and the enterotoxigenic H10407 and enteropathogenic E2348/69 strains. We reveal that SslE has a unique and dynamic structure in solution and in response to acidification within mature biofilms it can form a unique aggregate with amyloid-like properties. Furthermore, we show that both SslE monomers and aggregates bind DNA in vitro and co-localise with extracellular DNA (eDNA) in mature biofilms, and SslE aggregates may also associate with cellulose under certain conditions. Our results suggest that interactions between SslE and eDNA are important for biofilm maturation in many E. coli strains and SslE may also be a factor that drives biofilm formation in other SslE-secreting bacteria.

Abstract The relationship between ATR/Chk1 activity and replication stress, coupled with the development of potent and tolerable inhibitors of this pathway, has led to the clinical exploration of ATR and Chk1 inhibitors (ATRi/Chk1i) as anticancer therapies for single-agent or combinatorial application. The clinical efficacy of these therapies relies on the ability to ascertain which patient populations are most likely to benefit, so there is intense interest in identifying predictive biomarkers of response. To comprehensively evaluate the components that modulate cancer cell sensitivity to replication stress induced by Chk1i, we performed a synthetic-lethal drop-out screen in a cell line derived from a patient with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), using a pooled barcoded shRNA library targeting ~350 genes involved in DNA replication, DNA damage repair, and cycle progression. In addition, we sought to compare the relative requirement of these genes when DNA fidelity is challenged by clinically relevant anticancer breast cancer drugs, including cisplatin and PARP1/2 inhibitors, that have different mechanisms of action. This global comparison is critical for understanding not only which agents should be used together for combinatorial therapies in breast cancer patients, but also the genetic context in which these therapies will be most effective, and when a single-agent therapy will be sufficient to provide maximum therapeutic benefit to the patient. We identified unique potentiators of response to ATRi/Chk1i and describe a new role for components of the cytosolic iron–sulfur assembly (CIA) pathway, MMS19 and CIA2B-FAM96B, in replication stress tolerance of TNBC.

The classification of breast lesions as indolent or aggressive to tailor treatment is crucial. Here, the authors use single-cell transcriptomics and multiparametric imaging of a breast cancer mouse model, report distinct tumor-immune features for the two types of lesions, and suggest the role of IL-17 signaling in disease progression.

Background: The internal carotid artery supplies the anterior part of the brain, the eye and its appendages and sends branches to the forehead and nose.Carotid canal is a curved channel in the petrous temporal bone through which internal carotid artery enters the skull. Aim: In the present study 20 skulls of unknown sex were considered. The morphometric study of carotid canal was studied by direct bone method and by silicone cast method. The present study aimed to show the differences of measurements by two methods and the silicon cast method is of its kind to measure the length of the carotid canal. Materials and Methods: Carotid canal were measured at three different levels by both methods. Length of carotid canal to bend, diameter at the bend, length from the bend to foramen lacerum. The data was analysed for all the measurements of two methods and comparison of mean and SD at three different levels was done.Significant difference between two methods at three different levels was observed. Independent sample t-test was applied for total length of carotid canal. Results: By observation there is a mean significant difference between two methods in the measurements of carotid canal from lower opening till the angulation on left side of the skull. The study showed that there is a bilateral significant difference in measurements of diameter between two methods. There was no significant difference observed in total length of the canal in both left and right sides. Conclusion: Morphometrical details of the canal are of great significance to neurosurgeons and otologists. Silicon cast method was cost effective and much easier method to study the length and measurements of carotid canal as it exactly depicts the curvature of carotid canal.

While most breast cancers are thought to arise from the luminal layer of the breast tissue, it remains unclear which specific cells in the luminal layer are the cells of origin of breast cancer. We have previously reported that WAP-positive luminal epithelial cells are at increased susceptibility to tumor initiation by ErbB2 compared to the bulk population, while the mammary cells with canonical Wnt signaling activity fail to evolve into tumors upon ErbB2 activation. Here, we used retrovirus to introduce ErbB2 into the Krt6a-positive mammary progenitor subset of the luminal epithelium and, for comparison, into the mammary luminal epithelium indiscriminately. Tumors developed from both groups of cells with a similar latency. These data indicate that the Krt6a-positive subset of mammary epithelial cells can be induced to form cancer by ErbB2 but it is not more susceptible to tumorigenesis initiated by ErbB2 than the bulk population of the luminal epithelium.

Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in the brain is regarded as an early toxic effect in the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Currently, Aβ is considered a key marker for AD and a promising target for drug development for the future management of debilitating diseases such as AD. However, the pathomechanism of Aβ has not yet been precisely understood in terms of AD patients, specifically regarding the pathological forms of Aβ and how it associates with other biochemical markers to cause dementia. Identifying Aβ as a key hallmark, especially at the earliest stages of the disease, is essential for understanding the progression of AD and its applicability for the development of novel therapeutics aimed at managing cognitive impairment and AD. This review aims to explain the neurotoxicity of Aβ and its correlation with various other biological markers that contribute to the induction of AD and memory deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential to assist researchers in writing research proposals, by generating hypotheses, identifying literature, and suggesting methods for data collection and analysis. However, the use of AI in research proposal writing raises important bioethical implications, including the unintentional propagation of bias and questions about the role of human expertise and judgment in the research process. This paper explores the ethical implications of using AI in research proposal writing and proposes guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI in this context. The paper will review the potential benefits and challenges associated with using AI in research proposal writing, discuss the role of human expertise and judgment, and propose guidelines for promoting transparency and accountability in developing and using AI systems. Ultimately, addressing the bioethical issues related to AI in research proposal writing will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders, as well as a commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts an empirical analysis of the impact of climate risk on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments in Asia. Using monthly data from 2015 to 2022 for 11 Asian countries and applying wavelet coherence analysis with a panel Auto-regressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) cointegration approach, the study concludes that (1) ESG and stock market returns are positively correlated during economic turmoil in China and Malaysia; (2) climate risk positively influences ESG returns, suggesting that it enhances returns during uncertain times rather than having a detrimental effect; (3) returns on conventional assets are negatively impacted by climate risk; and (4) ESG investments serve as an effective hedge against climate risk and provide a sound strategy for portfolio diversification in the Asian market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the worst diseases in the world, hepatic carcinoma requires expensive medical care upfront. Around the world, Bryophyllum pinnatum is a plant that is used in folk medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Because of its abundance of active therapeutic compounds, the plant is employed for its major pharmacological effects. As a result, it aids in the treatment of liver cancer, and Bryophyllum pinnatum can be used in place of more expensive medications. In hepatocarcinogenesis disease, the Pi3k-Akt pathway, downstream signalling pathway, MAPK pathway, and PDGF pathway in the liver is engaged in the invasion and spread of malignant cells. Methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of the phytochemicals of Bryophyllum pinnatum were subjected to qualitative analysis, the results indicated that the yield of phytochemicals in the ethanolic extracts was higher than in the other two extracts. The bufadienolides, β-sitosterol and bryophyllin A, which possess chemotherapeutic potential, were chosen for our computational investigation to assess their ability to interact with key signalling molecules such as VEGFR2, IGFR, C-KIT, RET, Pi3K, C-Met, MEK-inhibitor, and PDGFR. UCSF Chimera X was utilised to optimise the recovered molecules and by using data from the protein databank. The interaction of bryophyllin A and β-sitosterol, of the plant with the selected signalling molecules was investigated using the molecular docking tool, CB-Dock. According to the docking analysis, Bryophillin A strongly interacted with Pi3K than the other proteins whereas β-sitosterol showed stronger interaction with C-met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccinellidae is a diverse and species-rich family that includes predaceous, phytophagous and mycophagous insects, which are significant to agriculture. This study aimed to estimate the diversity of coccinellids and document their associated prey in agricultural fields of northern Kerala, India and to generate DNA barcodes for the species collected during the study. Twenty-seven species under seven tribes were reported in this study, which includes three phytophagous, two mycophagous and 22 predaceous beetles. The information on prey species and/or host plants of the beetles are given furnished. Diversity indices of coccinellids across different agroecological zones and crops of northern Kerala were estimated. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences of 18 species were generated and phylogenetic analysis was carried out. Coccinellini was recorded as the predominant tribe of Coccinellidae in northern Kerala. High hills were found to be the most diverse agroecological zone for Coccinellidae, whereas plantation crops and vegetables were the most diverse crop ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Its clinical manifestations include a progressive loss of memory and other cognitive domains, as well as brain atrophy. An elevated homocysteine level (>15 µmol/L), known as hyperhomocysteinemia, is also an attributing risk factor for AD, vascular pathologies, and brain atrophy. Neuroimaging studies including T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed white matter hyperintensities in the periventricular and deep white matter, enlarged ventricles, widened sulci, and decreased white matter mass, which are features of aging, as well as cerebrovascular changes. This case series investigated changes in biochemical marker levels including serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12, and the degree of atrophic variations in cortical-subcortical white matter in AD. The present study hypothesized that serum homocysteine levels might be used as a surrogate marker to screen for AD at an earlier stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was conducted to study the seasonal occurrence of Bactrocera spp. (Diptera, Tephritidae) in the mango orchards of College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Padannakkad. Surveillance of fruit flies was conducted using bottle traps with methyl eugenol lure. A total of 10,546 fruit flies were trapped with the predominant species being Bactrocera dorsalis. Four species viz., B. dorsalis, Zeugodacus tau, B. zonata and Z. cucurbitae were identified from the population collected in that order of dominance. Out of fruit flies captured, B. dorsalis, accounted for 97.97 per cent. The highest weekly population of fruit flies was recorded in the 14th standard meteorological week (SMW) of 2022 from April 2 to 8, 2022, with 793 fruit flies, while the lowest population in 50th SMW from December 10 to 16, 2021 with only one fruit fly. The monthly average population was highest in May with 667.5 flies per month and lowest in December with 16 flies per month. During the period of host availability (April to June), the population of fruit flies exhibited significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (0.805), and a significant negative correlation with soil temperature (-0.512). There was a negative correlation with maximum temperature (-0.329) and wind speed (-0.192) while a positive correlation was observed with rainfall (+0.204). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to use green synthesized TiO2 as a photocatalyst in suspended and immobilized form under UV light to efficiently degrade a combination of reactive dyes, namely titan yellow, methyl orange, rhodamine B, and methylene blue. TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Tamarindus indica leaf extract and were utilized to parametrically study photo-degradation at room temperature. The green synthesized NPs were characterized by Powder XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques to understand the crystalline phase/purity, morphology, and functional groups respectively. The TiO2 in suspension under UV light showed >90% degradation towards a 10 ppm composite dye at a loading of 1.5 gL−1, pH 7, and an irradiation time of 120 min. Subsequently, TiO2 was further immobilized in-situ, on inert supports of perlite granules and glass and studied for catalytic activity in batch and continuous modes. The TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on perlite granules and glass showed 59 and 48% degradation in batch operation under the same conditions as in suspended form. In continuous mode, the highest degradation activity was recorded at 2 Lh−1 after 4 passes. Further, kinetic studies reveal that the degradation reaction is best described by Langmuir Hinshelwood kinetics for both suspended and immobilized TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke in pregnancy is rare but is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Pregnancy, as a prothrombotic state, acts as a precursor for stroke. Preeclampsia, eclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, hypertension, diabetes, and many other factors predispose to the development of stroke. Endothelial cell injury leading to arteriosclerosis, causing a stroke, has been associated with raised homocysteine levels. Hereby, the authors present a case of a 26-year-old Gravida 3 Pregnancy 1 Live 1 Abortion 1 (G3P1L1A1) at 35 weeks gestation with a cephalic presentation who complained of a headache for two days, sudden onset of weakness in the right upper limb and lower limb with an inability to walk without support and inability to speak since 12 hours, associated with one episode of vomiting. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain showed acute infarcts in the left fronto-parietal lobes and capsule region with haemorrhagic transformation in the left frontal lobe. Serum vitamin B12 measured by Electroluminescence Assay (ECLA) was found to be low at 113pg/mL (normal range -191-771pg/mL). Serum homocysteine levels measured by enzymatic method were elevated at 46 umol/L (normal range 3-18 umol/L). A diagnosis at 34 weeks of pregnancy with acute cerebrovascular accident with right hemiparesis with Broca's aphasia due to hyperhomocysteinaemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency was made. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are known to decrease morbidity in women with cerebrovascular accidents. MRI brain with venogram is known to be the gold standard procedure in diagnosing stroke. Thrombolytic therapy has proven beneficial in the treatment of the disease and in preventing its progression. Prenatal and natal supplementation with folic acid/vitamin B12 in the first trimester of pregnancy prevents Vitamin B12 deficiency and raised homocysteine levels in the maternal serum, thereby decreasing the incidence of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The complexity of the subject content, and its 3D orientation in anatomy makes students difficult to learn, assimilate, and recapitulate the topics. There is a need for innovative teaching methods in anatomy for better understanding of the subject and improved performance of students. In this context, an attempt is made to use concept maps as a tool for learning anatomy. Material and methods: After obtaining ethical committee approval and informed consent, 128 first-term MBBS students were divided into 2 groups, 64 in the study and the control group. After the lecture on each topic from anatomy (radial nerve, median nerve, and ulnar nerve), a pre-test was conducted on 128 MBBS students. Post-test multiple-choice questions-based assessment was conducted for both groups after 1 week of each lecture. Difference in knowledge by comparing the assessment scores of the study group and control group. A feedback form with a 5-point Likert scale was administered to all students at the end of 3 sessions. Mann–Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied to check the significance (p≤.01) of the results. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups during the pre-test for cognition, and total scores and the post-test for recall, cognition, and total scores. 98% of students perceived that the concept map-based approach helped better retain the topic. Conclusions: Concept maps promote comprehensive learning and applying knowledge in new situations. From this study, we recommend that concept mapping can be a pedagogical tool in Anatomy. Resumen: Antecedentes: La complejidad del contenido de la asignatura y su orientación 3D en Anatomía dificulta que los estudiantes aprendan, asimilen y recapitulen los temas. Existe la necesidad de métodos de enseñanza innovadores en Anatomía para una mejor comprensión de la materia y un mejor rendimiento de los estudiantes. En este contexto, se intenta utilizar los mapas conceptuales como herramienta para el aprendizaje de Anatomía. Material y métodos: Después de obtener la aprobación del comité ético y el consentimiento informado, 128 estudiantes de primer semestre de MBBS se dividieron en 2 grupos, 64 en el estudio y el grupo control. Después de la conferencia sobre cada tema de Anatomía (nervio radial, nervio mediano y nervio cubital), se realizó una prueba previa a 128 estudiantes de MBBS. Se realizó una evaluación posterior a la prueba basada en MCQ para ambos grupos después de una semana de cada conferencia. Diferencia en el conocimiento al comparar las puntuaciones de evaluación entre el grupo de estudio y el grupo de control. Se administró a todos los estudiantes un formulario de retroalimentación con una escala Likert de cinco puntos al final de 3 sesiones. Se aplicaron la prueba U de Mann Whitney y la prueba de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para comprobar la significancia (p ≤ 0,01) de los resultados. Resultados: Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los dos grupos durante la prueba previa de cognición y puntuaciones totales y la prueba posterior de memoria, cognición y puntuaciones totales. El 98% de los estudiantes percibió que el enfoque basado en mapas conceptuales ayudó a retener mejor el tema. Conclusiones: Los mapas conceptuales promueven el aprendizaje integral y la aplicación del conocimiento en situaciones nuevas. A partir de este estudio, recomendamos que los mapas conceptuales pueden ser una herramienta pedagógica en Anatomía.

Abstract. Introduction:. Mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) variant rs1799971 introduces a CpG site, which may influence DNA methylation (DNAm) and opioid/pain outcomes. Objectives:. In this nested analysis, we investigated both OPRM1 A118G genotype and promoter/immediate downstream blood DNAm sequencing data for associations with opioid effects and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in a surgical cohort. Methods:. Prospectively recruited opioid naïve patients undergoing Nuss procedure or spinal fusion with rs1799971 genotypes (Illumina arrays), DNAm (next generation enzymatic methylation sequencing at Chr6:154,039,209-154,039,803) and outcomes—opioid analgesia (integrated opioid use + pain over postoperative days 0 and 1 normalized to surgery type), safety—respiratory depression (RD) in high opioid use groups, and CPSP (Numerical Rating Scale >3/10 2-12 months postsurgery)—were included. Linear and logistic regression were performed to test genetic and epigenetic associations, adjusted for sociodemographics, cell types, and analgesics. Results:. In this cohort (N = 112; 15.3 ± 2.0 years, 50% female, 83% White, 55% had CPSP, 13% had RD), DNAm at Chr6:154039216-154039217 was associated with CPSP (odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.57; P = 0.03), Chr6:154039661-154039662 with acute integrated pain (β = −20.9, 95% CI, −40.70 to −1.10, P = 0.04), Chr6:154039520-154039521 (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09-2.03; P = 0.01), and Chr6:154039571-154039572 (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.08-2.01; P = 0.02) with RD. Significant CpG sites were located in Repressed Polycomb chromatin states. Genotype was not associated with DNAm or outcomes. Conclusion:. Our analyses support OPRM1 DNAm as predictors of acute and chronic pain/opioid outcomes in children after painful surgery. Study limitations included absent GG genotype, low sequencing coverage, and lack of correction for multiple testing.

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is a versatile inorganic material due to its unique electronic, electrical, optical, and biological properties, hence widely studied for various engineering applications. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information about MoS2 for the researcher intended to start research on MoS2. The beginning of the review is focused on providing information on the methods, precursors, and conditions used for the synthesis of various MoS2 nanostructures such as nanospheres, nanotubes, nanoflakes, nanobelts, nanoflowers, nanofibers, nanoclusters, nanosheets, and nanowires. The structural features of MoS2, both in pure and with other composite forms, are discussed in detail using the XRD, Raman, PL and UV–visible spectra reported by various research groups. Further, the detailed morphological features of both pure and composite forms of MoS2 are also discussed by taking selected works of SEM and TEM images. Finally and very importantly, the review also summarises the multifunctional applications of the versatile MoS2 and its composites in lubricants, exploring its tribological properties, in lithium-ion batteries, revealing its electrical and electronic property, as a catalyst for water splitting hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reactions, endorsing its potential electrochemical property, various biomedical applications such as bio sensors, bioimaging, and very importantly in environmental applications. Graphical Abstract is Reproduced with permission from [1] [2], [3]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses trade network analysis and forward shock propagation models to analyze the structure and positioning of international trade networks and their exposure to shocks before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We include aggregate and sector-wise merchandise exports for the top 20 countries. The results reveal no discernible changes in the overall trade connectivity and intensity. Consumer goods, food and beverages, and industrial supplies indicate a high trade density. However, capital goods, fuels, and lubricants indicate a massive decline. Accordingly, countries should initiate and coordinate timely sector-wise policies to achieve resilience to shocks. Better trade facilitation measures and reduction in trade restrictions are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]