Search

SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Omicron period was frequent amongst a cohort of vaccinated pediatric solid organ transplant recipients (pSOTRs) despite robust anti-receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD) antibody response, suggesting poor neutralizing capacity against Omicron subvariants. Breakthrough infections among pSOTRs were overall limited in severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a natural resource used for drinking, agriculture, and industry, apart from surface water. Its quality should be assessed regularly, and the condition of water resources should be maintained accordingly. The most common analytical method for describing and assessing the general water quality is the Water Quality Index (WQI). This study aims to assess the South Gujarat Region's groundwater quality using the WQI. Various physicochemical parameters like pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, fluorides, and total alkalinity are considered for the present study. The data period from 2018 to 2022 is considered for the same. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index Technique is used to evaluate these data. For checking the potability of the parameters within the acceptable limit, the Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification code (IS: 10050-2012) is adopted. According to the study mentioned above, a few wells' groundwater quality has been found to be higher than the WQI value. It is also observed that four wells were found unsuitable for drinking purposes in 2018. It is noted that if the WQI value of groundwater is above 51, it is considered harmful to human health; therefore, it requires some kind of processing before use. This study will be beneficial to the policymakers for identifying and providing details about groundwater quality in the form of a specific value, i.e., WQI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Beta (ACACB) plays a key role in fatty acid oxidation and was known to be involved in production of very-long-chain fatty acid and other compounds needed for proper development. This gene is mainly expressed in the tissues of heart, muscle, liver and colon. It chiefly involved in the production of malonyl-coA, a potent inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT-I) enzyme needed in transport of long-chain fatty acyl-coAs to the mitochondria for β-oxidation. Methods: The present study was conducted to explore the expression pattern of the ACACB gene in breast muscle tissue during pre-hatch embryonic day (ED) 5th to 18th and post-hatch (18th, 22nd and 40th week of age) periods of White leghorn (IWI line) by using Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Then, fold change of ACACB gene expression was calculated. Result: Our study showed that the ACACB gene expression was down-regulated during embryonic stages from ED6 to ED18. The gene expression was also down-regulated during adult stages i.e. on 22nd and 40th week of age. This result indicated that the initial expression of the ACACB gene is required for embryo development and during adult periods, low gene expression leads to the less fat deposition in muscle of layer chicken. Finally, it can be concluded that there was a differential expression pattern of the ACACB gene during the pre-hatch embryonic and post-hatch adult periods to mitigate varied requirements of lipids during different physiological stages in layer chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bacteria and their byproducts are key contributors to the onset and perpetuation of pulpoperiapical pathosis. Intracanal medication is vital in achieving successful endodontic outcomes as it targets and eradicates remaining microorganisms following biomechanical preparation. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide (CH) paste, triple antibiotic paste (TAP), and probiotics (PBs) as intracanal medicament in 12–17-year-old children undergoing root canal treatment for the management of infected pulpal tissues in young permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients aged 12–17 years indicated for endodontic therapy in maxillary incisors and with no systemic complications were selected. They were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., Group I – CH group, Group II – TAP, and Group III – PB allocating 10 teeth in each group. After access opening, the first sample (S1) was collected by inserting a paper point into the root canal, the second sample (S2) was collected immediately after biomechanical preparation, and the third sample (S3) was collected after 7 days, i.e., postintracanal medication. Samples were sent for microbiological analysis to assess the microbial count, and statistical analysis was done for the obtained data. Results: The three intracanal medicaments were successful in reducing the microbial counts of Enterococcus faecalis in the infected root canals. However, according to the results of the study, the PB group demonstrated greater effectiveness against E. faecalis compared to the CH group and displayed similar antimicrobial efficacy as the TAP group. Conclusion: PB exhibited antimicrobial efficacy comparable to TAP but greater than Ca (OH) 2 paste. Hence, PB can be utilized as an intracanal medicament in young permanent teeth.

As a natural remedy to combat bacterial diseases that arise during intensive farming practices in aquaculture, extracts of milky mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha) leaves were prepared using acetone, diethyl ether, petroleum ether, and water. Among these, petroleum ether extract has shown the highest bactericidal and antioxidant potency. This extract was purified using column chromatography and preparative TLC and further characterized using mass spectroscopy (MS). The results from MS confirmed the presence of 4-methylumbelliferone, pinellic acid, 1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-6-methyl-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4 H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-3-yl) methanol, and 10-hydroxy-camptothecin, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential. Moreover, the efficiency of the extract was assessed by conducting in vivo studies on P. aeruginosa-infected Labeo rohita fingerlings. Among the five groups considered under study, Groups 4 and 5, which were treated with crude and purified extracts, recovered with 88% and 100% survival rates and also showed elevated levels of antioxidant (CAT and SOD) enzymes in the liver after the experimental period. Thus, the present investigation substantiates E. agallocha extract as an alternative medicine for existing drugs to treat bacterial infections in fishes owing to its antibacterial and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionHuman T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may cause spinal cord inflammation, leading to HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM). HAM is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that is associated with increased mortality and impaired quality of life. There are limited data on the incidence of HAM, with higher rates seen in Latin America and the Caribbean compared to Japan. We investigated the incidence of HAM in a cohort of initially asymptomatic people with HTLV-1 in the United Kingdom (UK).MethodsThis is a longitudinal retrospective observational study of people with confirmed HTLV-1 infection who first attended the National Centre for Human Retrovirology in London, UK, between 1st March 1991 and 31st March 2024. Clinical records were analysed to calculate the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of HAM. A secondary analysis was conducted to assess HAM incidence in people living with HTLV-1 and HIV coinfection. At the first visit, the HTLV-1 proviral load was compared between incident cases and those who remained asymptomatic during follow-up.ResultsIn a cohort with up to 33 years of follow-up of individuals living with HTLV-1 in the UK, the cumulative incidence of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM) was found to be 1.35% (4/297), with an incidence rate of 1.98 per 1,000 person-years. All people who developed HAM had a high proviral load at the first clinic visit. No cases of incident HAM were observed among individuals who had HIV-HTLV-1 coinfection during the study period.DiscussionThe incidence of HAM in the UK cohort is comparable to the rates reported in Latin America and the Caribbean and is higher than reported in other high-income countries. High proviral load of HTLV-1 predates the development of HAM.

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional impact resistance, making them attractive for various structural applications. This review presents recent advancements in understanding the impact behavior of FMLs under low- and high-velocity impact scenarios. Low-velocity impacts, commonly encountered during manufacturing, handling, and tool drops, are discussed, with a focus on damage mechanisms, energy absorption capabilities, and influential factors such as impactor geometry and boundary conditions. Additionally, this review delves into high-velocity impact events, simulating scenarios such as ballistic impacts, highlighting the role of FMLs in mitigating perforation and enhancing damage tolerance. The effects of various parameters on the impact response are critically analyzed. The findings presented herein contribute to the development of lightweight, impact-resistant FML components for aerospace, automotive, and defence applications.

Background: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme commonly found in various body fluids and tissues, including peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF). Its presence and activity in PICF have been implicated in inflammatory conditions such as mucositis around dental implants. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to compare the levels of AST in PICF collected from sites with mucositis (group A) and healthy sites (group B). PICF samples were collected using standardized paper strips and analyzed using enzymatic assays. The AST levels were quantified using a spectrophotometric method, and the data were statistically analyzed using Student’s t-test. Results: The mean AST level in group A (mucositis) was found to be 12.3 ± 2.1 U/mL, whereas in group B (healthy sites), it was significantly lower at 5.7 ± 1.3 U/mL (P < 0.05). These findings indicate a significant elevation of AST in PICF associated with mucositis compared to healthy peri-implant sites. Conclusion: Elevated levels of AST in PICF suggest its potential as a biomarker for detecting inflammatory conditions such as mucositis around dental implants. Monitoring AST levels in PICF could aid in the early detection and management of peri-implant diseases, contributing to improved clinical outcomes and implant longevity.

Background: Contemporary airborne pollen records underpin environmental health warnings, yet how pollen monitoring networks are sustained is poorly understood. This study investigated by whom and how pollen monitoring sites across the globe are managed and funded. Methods: Coordinators listed in the Worldwide Map of Pollen Monitoring Stations were invited to complete a digital questionnaire designed to survey the people and organisations involved, types, and duration of funding sources, as well as uses, purpose, and sharing of pollen information. Quantitative data were analysed by descriptive statistics and open text responses were examined by qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Eighty-four of 241 (35%) coordinators from 37 countries responded. Universities (42%) and hospitals/health services (29%) were most commonly responsible for monitoring. Most sites involved employees (87%) in pollen monitoring, of whom many were part-time (41%) or casual (11%), as well as students (29%) and volunteers (6%). Pollen monitoring was additional to core duties for over one-third of sites (35%), and 25% reported pollen monitoring was an in-kind contribution. Whilst funding for pollen monitoring was often sourced from government agencies (33%), government research grants (24%), or non-government grants (8%), 92% reported more than 1 funding source, and 99% reported dependence on “partnerships or grants requiring co-contributions”, indicating a complex resourcing structure, of short duration (median 3 years). Common reasons why airborne pollen was monitored included clinical allergy, population environmental health, aerobiology and forecasting. Climate change, research, and social duty were also referenced. Conclusions: Aerobiological monitoring is currently sustained by complex, insecure, and insufficient resourcing, as well as reliance on volunteerism. There are multiple direct, health-related, and other important uses of aerobiology data, that are aligned to multiple dimensions of sustainability. Evidence from this study can be used to inform the design of strategies to sustain the generation of aerobiology data.

Five derived forms of 2-oxo-2-H-chromene clubbed guanine, thiazole and imidazoline derivatives 10 (i–v), 11 (i–v), and 12 (i–v) were synthesized, characterized, and biologically tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity against two types of bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 87) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 40). The synthesized compounds demonstrated mild to moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at all concentrations (100 μg/ml, 250 μg/ml, and 500 μg/ml) in comparison to standard drug ciprofloxacin. It was observed that the compounds 10i, 10v, 11i, 11v, 12i, 12ii, 12iv and 12v have noticeable activity at higher dose in comparison to standard drug. Zone of inhibition values indicated higher antimicrobial activity at 500 μg/ml against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in case of imidazoline and thiazole clubbed coumarin derivatives in comparison to guanine derivatives. The guanine derivatives have been found to be potent at lower dose (100 μg/ml) in comparison to thiazole and imidazoline derivatives having negligible activity at 100 μg/ml. This suggests a differential efficacy profile among the synthesized compounds, with guanine derivatives showing promising activity at lower doses while thiazole and imidazole derivatives manifesting increased potency at higher concentrations. These findings underscore the potential of these novel compounds as antimicrobial agents, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.

Introduction Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). These patients may also be at higher risk of developing antitubercular treatment (ATT)-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Although dose modification has been recommended, data regarding the impact of impaired kidney function on ATT-associated ADRs is sparse. We studied the incidence and profile of ATT-associated ADRs in patients with CKD and compared them with those with normal kidney function.Methodology This retrospective study analyzed all patients initiated on ATT from January 2016 to August 2019. Patients were grouped into CKD and normal kidney function based on their eGFR. Data on ATT-associated ADRs were collected from medical records. Predictors of ADRs were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Additionally, Propensity score matching and analysis were done for CKD and normal kidney function in 1:3 ratio.Results Of 1815 patients on ATT, 75 (4.1%) had CKD. ADRs were more frequent [36/75 (48.0%) vs. 239/1740 (13.7%), p ≤ 0.0001] and more severe [15/46 (32.6%) vs. 43/283 (15.1%), p = 0.010] in CKD than those with normal kidney function. The most common ADRs were hepatobiliary [23/75 (30.6%) vs. 156/1740 (8.9%), p ≤ 0.0001], neuropsychiatric [8/75(10.6%) vs. 21/1740(1.2%), p ≤ 0.0001], renal [4/75(5.3%) vs. 8/1740(0.4%), p = 0.001], and gastrointestinal [5/75(6.6%) vs. 34/1740 (1.9%), p = 0.020]. CKD was an independent predictor for ADRs (OR −4.96, 95% CI: 2.79–8.82; p ≤ 0.0001). The matched cohort showed similar results.Conclusion ATT-associated ADRs were more common and severe in patients with CKD, despite drug dose modifications. Optimal dosing of ATT in CKD needs to be further evaluated.

Plasticizers improve polymeric materials' properties and processability as additives. Currently, a variety of liquid synthetic plasticizers derived from fossil fuels are available. The environmental unsuitability of these materials could potentially lead to adverse effects on the environment. When we compare solid and liquid plasticizers, we find an infinite variety of liquid plasticizers. As a result, our work focuses on the extraction of plasticizer from plant sources. Accordingly, the plasticizer is extracted from eucalyptus leaves via solvent purification and surface catalysis. Research was conducted utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet (UV) visible spectroscopy to determine the characteristics of plasticizer. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis are used to analyze the surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer. The plasticizer's UV examination reveals active absorption at 375.21 nm. The plasticizer was determined to have a lower density of 0.941 g/cm3. The plasticizer that was extracted had a low solubility in water and organic solvents while possessing an estimated molecular weight of 340. The glass transition temperature of plasticizer was also examined using differential scanning electron microscopy analysis and found to be 64.17 °C. The crystallinity index and size were found to be 34.08 % and 28.57 nm, respectively. The characteristic features obtained were well-suited for use as filler in polymer composite materials.