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Abstract Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women globally, making its diagnosis and treatment challenging. The use of nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis and treatment is an emerging area of research. To address this issue, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were ligand exchanged with butyric acid (BA) to gain hydrophilic character. The successful functionalization was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Surface morphology changes were observed using SEM, while TEM confirmed the structural integrity of the MWCNTs after functionalization. Particle size, zeta potential, and UV spectroscopy were also performed to further characterize the nanoparticles. The breast cancer aptamer specific to Mucin-1 (MUC-1) was then conjugated with the functionalized MWCNTs. These MWCNTs successfully targeted breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) as examined by cellular uptake studies and exhibited a reduction in cancer-induced inflammation, as evidenced by gene transcription (qPCR) and protein expression (immunoblotting) levels. Immunoblot and confocal-based immunofluorescence assay (IFA) indicated the ability of CNTs to induce photothermal cell death of MDA-MB-231 cells. Upon imaging, cancer cells were effectively visualized due to the MWCNTs’ ability to act as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Additionally, MWCNTs demonstrated photothermal capabilities to eliminate bound cancer cells. Collectively, our findings pave the way for developing aptamer-labeled MWCNTs as viable “theranostic alternatives” for breast cancer treatment. Graphical abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to find out the role of terpenoid compounds as potential inhibitors against certain protein targets of dengue virus. Methods: The 2-dimensional structures of terpenoid compounds were retrieved from the PubChem database. They were analysed for their interactions with target proteins of dengue virus such as envelope (1OKE), NS5 (1R6A-RPV & SHA) and NS2B/NS3 (4M9K) by docking studies followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using Schrödinger software, version 10.7. Results: Out of 513 terpenoid compounds studied, malacitanolide showed the highest interaction energy values of −7.072 kcal/mol (hydrogen bond (HB) interactions with Thr280, Gln200, Gln271, Gln49 and Ala50), −5.295 kcal/mol (HB interactions with Ser150, Lys29, Ser214) and −4.030 kcal/mol (HB interactions with Glu1169 and Asn1119) against 1OKE, 1R6A-RPV and 4M9K targets, respectively. Paclitaxel had shown the interaction energy value of −9.334 kcal/mol (HB with Lys61, Asp146, Trp87, Gly148, and Arg84) with 1R6A-SAH. MD simulation studies revealed that the best interacting compound malacitanolide maintained a stable complex with 1OKE of dengue virus. Malacitanolide, reissantin E, and paclitaxel exhibited very good interactions with all three-protein targets of dengue virus and had also shown significant stability. Conclusions: In the present study, it is concluded that the terpenoid compounds malacitanolide, reissantin E, and paclitaxel could act as potential inhibitors against all three target proteins of dengue virus.

Background: Hyoid bone plays an important role in craniomandibular functions through its unique interaction with other structures. The effects of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) on the craniocervical posture and position of hyoid bone were considered, although the results endure inconclusive. Objective: The objective is the comparison of the position of the hyoid bone in patients with the temporomandibular joint disorder of pre- and post-neuromuscular orthotics utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Treatment using ultra-low-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation was administered, and a myocentric bite was registered, with which an orthotic was fabricated and delivered to the patient for full-time wear. Materials and Methods: The hyoid bone position of 14 TMD patients of pre- and post-treatment was observed using CBCT, and symptom severity score, joint pain, joint sounds, and limited mouth opening were studied pre- and post-treatment clinically. Results: All patients had relief of symptom severity score post treatment and no significant improvement in the anteroposterior direction of hyoid bone with no statistical significance with P value < 0.001. The majority of the patients had an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone post intervention with a P value less than 0.001. Conclusion: Neuromuscular orthotics resulted in a decrease in the symptom severity score of the patients along with an anteriorly and inferiorly positioned hyoid bone.

Bacterial contamination of water and food is a grave health concern rendering humans quite vulnerable to disease(s), and proving, at times, fatal too. Exploration of the novel diagnostic tools is, accordingly, highly called for to ensure rapid detection of the pathogenic bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli. The current manuscript, accordingly, reports the use of silane-functionalized glass matrices and antibody-conjugated cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots (QDs) for efficient detection of E. coli. Synthesis of QDs (size: 5.4–6.8 nm) using mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) stabilizer yielded stable photoluminescence (∼62%), corroborating superior fluorescent characteristics. A test sample, when added to antibody-conjugated matrices, followed by antibody-conjugated CdTe-MPA QDs, formed a pathogen-antibody QDs complex. The latter, during confocal microscopy, demonstrated rapid detection of the selectively captured pathogenic bacteria (10 microorganism cells/10 μL) with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. The work, overall, encompasses establishment and design of an innovative detection platform in microbial diagnostics for rapid capturing of pathogens in water and food samples. HIGHLIGHTS Antibody-mediated fluorescent biosensor for efficient capturing and detection of E. coli.; Bioconjugation of QDs and E. coli antibodies.; Qualitative, quantitative and selective assessment of E. coli in contaminated water using CLSM.; High sensitivity of glass matrix biosensor, with detection limit of 10 microorganisms/10 mL.; Capability of technology extension for detecting other microbial pathogens.;

Background: Diseases related to cardiac problems have caused deaths in about one-third of the world, and the number may rise in the near future. According to the American Heart Association, 65% of the deaths from type II diabetes are caused by cardiac diseases and stroke. Objective: The main motive of this study was to examine the plasma for its atherogenic index, non-HDL cholesterol, and other indices that could make diabetic patients prone to cardiac diseases. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The subjects who were included in this study have type II diabetes. The cases were from Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences in Nalanda, Bihar. This was done on 170 patients. AIP calculator was used for the calculation of AIP values. Statistical analysis was done by using the chi-square test. Results: According to the study age, body mass index, sex as well and AIP have a strong correlation with TC, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. For less than 10 years, 60 people (60.3%) had been found to be suffering from type II diabetes. A total of 40 (54.1%) people did not have diabetes in their immediate family. 30 people were classified as obese according to BMI. Conclusion: This study showed that increasing AIP is directly related to cardiovascular risk factors. So, these risk factors influence the AIP indices. Lifestyle change, regular exercising and a healthy diet are recommended based on the study.

The purpose of this study was to determine if short-term outcomes differed for pediatric patients with suspected musculoskeletal infection with or without a preoperative MRI. This was a multicenter, retrospective review of patients aged 0–16 years who presented with atraumatic extremity pain, underwent irrigation and debridement (I&D), and received at least one preoperative or postoperative MRI over a 10-year period. Primary outcomes were time to OR, total I&Ds, readmission rate, time from OR to discharge, and total number of MRIs. Secondary outcomes entailed the rate at which concurrent osteomyelitis was identified in patients with septic arthritis and the extent of the resulting surgical debridement. Of the 104 patients, 72.1% had a preoperative MRI. Patients with a preoperative MRI were significantly less likely to have surgery on the day of admission. No difference was found between groups regarding total I&Ds, readmission rate, time from OR to discharge, and total number of MRIs. Of the 57 patients diagnosed with septic arthritis, those with a preoperative MRI were significantly more likely to have concurrent osteomyelitis identified and to undergo bony debridement in addition to arthrotomy of the joint. In conclusion, patient outcomes are not adversely affected by obtaining a preoperative MRI despite the delay in time to OR. Although preoperative MRI can be beneficial in ruling out other pathologies and identifying the extent of concurrent osteomyelitis, the decision to obtain a preoperative MRI and timing of surgery should be left to the discretion of the treating surgeon.

Abstract Background There have been reports of patients suffering from typhoid fever, particularly those involving infants and immunocompromised patients, which at times present with Salmonella induced brain infection. Although rare, it has frequently been associated with adverse neurological complications and increased mortality. In this context, the gut-brain axis, involving two-way communication between the gut and the brain, holds immense significance as various gut ailments have been associated with psychiatric complications. In turn, several neurodegenerative diseases have been associated with an altered gut microbiota profile. Given the paucity of effective antimicrobials and increasing incidence of multi-drug resistance in pathogens, alternate treatment therapies such as probiotics have gained significant attention in the recent past. Results In the current study, prophylactic effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (RTA 8) in preventing neurological complications occurring due to Salmonella brain infection was evaluated in a murine model. Along with a significant reduction in bacterial burden and improved histoarchitecture, L. plantarum (RTA 8) administration resulted in amelioration in the level of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the gut as well as in the brain tissue. Simultaneously, increased gene expression of physiologically essential molecules such as mucin (MUC1 and MUC3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also observed in this group. Conclusion Present study highlights the potential benefits of a probiotic supplemented diet in improving various aspects of host health due to their multi-targeted approach, thereby resulting in multi-faceted gains.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emerged as the most challenging global health problem of this century. The concomitant presence of co-morbidities like chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, CHD, further complicates the problem. Aim: To assess the patterns of LFT abnormalities in patients of SARS-CoV-2 infection with and without CKD and evaluate the probable outcomes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective observational study done on 600 patient samples (Group 1: SARS-CoV-2 without CKD, Group 2: SARS-CoV-2 with CKD and Group 3: CKD uninfected with SARS-CoV-2) which were processed for LFT and KFT. Results: AST and ALT were significantly higher in all SARS-CoV-2 infected; Group 1 mean ± 2SD, (63.63 ± 42.89U/L & 50.25 ± 46.53U/L), group 2 (90.59 ± 62.51U/L & 72.09 ± 67.24 U/L) as compared to Group 3 (25.24 ± 7.47U/L & 24.93 ± 11.44U/L). A statistically significant elevation is seen in these two parameters in Group 2 as compared to Group 1. There was a negative significant correlation between eGFR and AST/ALT levels in Group 1 (p < 0.05). In Group 2, a weak positive correlation was seen with ALT. Group 3, eGFR's showed strong correlations with AST and ALT levels; reduction in kidney function correlated well with increase in serum ALP levels. Conclusions: This study establishes that SARS-CoV-2 infected, with CKD, show higher elevations in serum aminotransferase levels in comparison to those without CKD. In contrast, the CKD group not infected, shows a decline in serum aminotransferase levels. Serum ALT values in SARS-CoV-2 show significant correlation with eGFR. Also, elevated ALP values in CKD patients may be used as an indicator of declining kidney function.

A large area of Gujarat and Rajasthan is rain-fed exposing rural population to food prices spike due to frequent droughts. The present study was conducted in year 2020 and is based on NSSO data on household consumption expenditures of rural households of these states for the year 2009 to analyse the effects that food price changes have on food expenditure and calorie intake. The results show a strong negative effect of price rises on calorie intake. The negative impact of prices of foods particularly wheat, and milk is more on richer than on poorer households as they have the capability to cut calorie intake in the event of a price rise while its opposite for coarse cereals. The food prices particularly, milk, wheat and, pulses also have highly positive influence on food expenditure of poorer households. Rice price does not have much significant effect on food security in both the states.

Drug-delivery systems employing phytopharmaceuticals based on the leads in traditional knowledge offers not only an alternative but quicker and more economic strategy for drug development. Nanophytopharmaceuticals promise remarkable opportunities with the ability to overcome challenges associated with herbal medicines, such as low solubility and bioavailability, poor target specificity, and shelf life. Berberis extracts documented as Ropana (wound healer) in Sushruta Samhita are a popular traditional remedy that is amiss in the modern system of medicine as it exhibits very poor biopharmaceutical properties. Poor solubility and bioavailability necessitate the administration of high doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Exploiting the diversified type of compounds with pleiotropic properties present in Berberis, the biopharmaceutical properties were engineered using an optimized freeze-dried extract and developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as an effective drug-delivery system. An industrially viable and environment-friendly hot high-pressure homogenization technique led to a stable formulation with an average particle size of 178.4 nm, as well as a 7-fold increase in loading and a significant entrapment of 91 ± 1.25%. The pharmacodynamic studies of developed nanosystems in excision-wound models showed faster and complete healing of wounds with no scars.

Abstract A signal embedding scheme into the emission of multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) frequency hopping (FH) radar is analysed. In this scheme, the phase shift keying (PSK) communication symbols are multiplied with the frequency hops in fast‐time, resulting in dual‐function radar‐communication (DFRC) waveforms. The authors examine the impact of PSK symbol embedding on the ambiguity function (AF) and power spectral density (PSD) and show that modulation of the radar pulse can benefit the radar functionality. The effect of PSK symbol embedding on the radar target detection performance of the DFRC system is delineated. The authors’ analyses show that the use of the DFRC waveforms enhances target detection performance. The authors also provide the symbol error rates (SERs) corresponding to different phase constellations at the communication receiver and address the practical data transfer rates that can be achieved with the underlying embedding scheme.

Background and Objectives: The morbidity and mortality spectrum of the south Indian state of Kerala is dominated by chronic non-communicable diseases, yet febrile illnesses because of neglected tropical diseases and emerging viral infections are often reported. As fever deaths are mostly avoidable, understanding the determinants of mortality is essential for implementing preventive measures. Methods: A case-control study was done during an ongoing dengue outbreak in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala during 2017–18. Cases included all fever deaths from the line list of Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP). Data were obtained from hospital case records and by interviewing patients or care givers. The theoretical model for determinants of mortality was constructed at three levels namely sociodemographic factors, access to health care and health seeking behavior, and clinical determinants. Results: This study confirmed association of mortality with age above 40 years (P = 0.010, OR = 3.48), being heavy built (P = 0.029, OR = 13.25), clinical symptoms of breathlessness (P < 0.001, OR = 24.89), restlessness (P < 0.001, OR = 97.26), clinical signs of drowsiness (P = 0.024, OR = 7.97), hypotension (P < 0.001, OR = 42.22), complications such as ARDS (P = 0.047, OR = 171.56), and myocarditis (P = 0.012, OR = 16.59). A low occupation status of semiskilled work or less (P = 0.012, OR = 0.30), choosing a nearby hospital for treatment (P = 0.018, OR = 0.48) and shortening the time gap between onset of symptom and final diagnosis (P = 0.044, OR = 0.72) was found to be protective. Conclusion: Along with biological and clinical factors, distal determinants like social factors, health seeking behavior, and health system factors are associated with fever mortality.

The problem that is used as the object of research is the knowledge competency of the trainees is very low. The attitude competency of the trainees is very low. The skills competency of the trainees is very low. This study aims to: 1) Know the effect of discipline on competence, 2) Know the influence of personality on competence, 3) Know the effect of training on competence, 4) Know the effect of discipline and personality together on competence, 5) Know the effect of discipline and training jointly on competence, 6) Knowing the influence of personality and training together on competence, and 7) Knowing the effect of discipline, personality, and training together on competence. The data collection technique was using a questionnaire given to the participants of the training as 125 respondents. The hypothesis used is simple regression analysis and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that: 1) There was a positive and significant effect of discipline on competence, 2) There was a positive and significant influence on personality on competence, 3) There was a positive and significant effect of training on competence, 4) There was a positive influence and significant discipline and personality together towards competence. 5) There is a positive and significant effect of discipline and joint training on competence, 6) There is a positive and significant influence on personality and training together on competence, and 7) There is a positive and significant influence on discipline, personality, and joint training of competencies.

Higher education operational costs have a standard reference set in the standard unit of higher education operational costs, so it is hoped that there will be conformity and optimality and operational allocation of State Universities, therefore the purpose of this research is to analyze and examine in depth the ratio of direct and indirect costs. higher education operations, which use data from 2017 and 2018 because they meet the requirements for using the SSBOPT reference, using descriptive analysis techniques, content analysis and descriptive analysis. Sekaran & Bougie (2010) say content analysis is used to systematically analyze and identify information obtained from recorded interviews, advertisements, websites, and the like, then a description of the explanatory analysis obtained by the results of research in 2017, the amount of direct costs is 79, 24% while the indirect costs were 20.76%, then in 2018 the amount of direct costs was 71.86% while indirect costs were 28.14%. However, if the analysis is carried out one by one on the work unit, almost all work units, both faculties and departments, make expenditures that are not in accordance with the SSBOPT regulations, it is clearly stated in SSBOPT that the indirect costs of operating education are 50% of the direct costs of operating education. However, after adding spending data from the Directorate of Human Resources in the form of spending data on accounts 51 and 54 which are direct educational operational costs in general for institutions, the ratio of direct costs to indirect costs is in accordance with SSBOPT

Low cost metal ion storage system with abundant resources and high working voltage is promising candidate for current market demand. Advance energy technologies are focusing on the development of energy storage system via waste management. Here flexible potassium-ion capacitor was developed using waste silk cocoon from textile industry as a carbon source for N-S doped carbon nanofibers. This carbon material used as an anode material for K+ ion excessive adsorption through potassium alloy on the N-S doped carbon nanofiber as anode and large graphitic layer containing exfoliated graphite cathode. The present anode exhibits high electroactive surface area and hierarchical mesoporous structure. High specific capacitance, cyclic stability and electrochemical rate stability exhibits by this anode due to its excellent mechanical stability and high conductivity. Keeping these features in mind, a potassium-ion capacitor was constructed using N-S doped carbon nanofibers as anode and exfoliated graphite with large graphitic layers as cathode electrodes. The capacitor displays a high specific capacitance 200 mAh g−1 and stable cycling life (68% capacity retention over 140 cycles). This will promote application of flexible N-S doped carbon nanofibers as hybrid capacitors. The satisfactory electrochemical results promote the waste management concept for scalable production of eco-friendly energy storage system.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of different season, stages of lactation, parity and milk production on milk inflammatory parameters in healthy and mastitis infected Sahiwal cows. Three parameters, viz. pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and somatic cell count (SCC) were taken to assess the quality of milk. The study was conducted on 100 selected Sahiwal cows maintained at livestock farm at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana. Significant higher values of pH, EC and SCC were found in milk samples during rainy season, followed by winter and summer. Effect of parity, lactation and milk production on inflammatory parameters was non-significant. The pH, EC and SCC also differed significantly in healthy, subclinical and clinical stages of mastitis. A significant positive coefficient of correlation was observed between SCC and EC (r=0.679) whereas moderate (r=0.526) but significant positive correlation was found in pH and EC. In view of above results, it can be deduced that the elevated value of pH, EC and SCC indicates inflammation into the udder of the animals which leads to reduced quality of milk. Hence it is imperative that pH, EC and SCC need to be considered along with effective management strategies.

The current study describes a suppository base composed of aqueous gelatin solution emulsifying oil globules with probiotic cells dispersed within. The favorable mechanical properties of gelatin to provide a solid gelled structure, and the tendency of its proteins to unravel into long strings that interlace when cooled, lead to a three-dimensional structure that can trap a lot of liquid, which was exploited herein to result in a promising suppository form. The latter maintained incorporated probiotic spores of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 in a viable but non-germinating form, preventing spoilage during storage and imparting protection against the growth of any other contaminating organism (self-preserved formulation). The gelatin–oil–probiotic suppository showed uniformity in weight and probiotic content (23 ± 2.481 × 108 cfu) with favorable swelling (double) followed by erosion and complete dissolution within 6 h of administration, leading to the release of probiotic (within 45 min) from the matrix into simulated vaginal fluid. Microscopic images indicated presence of probiotics and oil globules enmeshed in the gelatin network. High viability (24.3 ± 0.46 × 108), germination upon application and a self-preserving nature were attributed to the optimum water activity (0.593 aw) of the developed composition. The retention of suppositories, germination of probiotics and their in vivo efficacy and safety in vulvovaginal candidiasis murine model are also reported.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) comprises a set of symptoms that pose significant risk factors for various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Effective and safe methods to treat all the pathological symptoms of PCOS are not available. The gut microbiota has been shown to play an essential role in PCOS incidence and progression. Many dietary plants, prebiotics, and probiotics have been reported to ameliorate PCOS. Gut microbiota shows its effects in PCOS via a number of mechanistic pathways including maintenance of homeostasis, regulation of lipid and blood glucose levels. The effect of gut microbiota on PCOS has been widely reported in animal models but there are only a few reports of human studies. Increasing the diversity of gut microbiota, and up-regulating PCOS ameliorating gut microbiota are some of the ways through which prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols work. We present a comprehensive review on polyphenols from natural origin, probiotics, and fecal microbiota therapy that may be used to treat PCOS by modifying the gut microbiota.

Livestock products are not only rich in calories but have a high nutritional value too. The northern hill states of Himachal Pradesh (HP), Uttarakhand (UK), and erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir (now a UT) face unique challenges which may have a direct bearing on food security. The present study used NSSO reports pertaining to the year 2011-12 to analyse the consumption pattern of livestock and nutritional contribution in northern hill states. Apart from high CAGR in real MPCE (2.6-4.8%) on livestock products, their share in total food expenditure has also risen and it has overtaken the expenditure on cereals in the states considered. Liquid milk was the major livestock product consumed and its level of consumption was much higher than national average. Highest consumption of milk in HP in India calls for ramping up the cattle productivity. Consumption of chevon/mutton in JK and HP was unparalleled. There is huge demand for the market curd in urban areas of the hill states. Livestock products contributed a major chunk of proteins (18-28%) and fats (33-37%) in the northern hill states. Consumption of eggs, fish, and meat in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh was very less.

Background: Sequential chemical application for irrigating a root canal during chemomechanical debridement can affect the dentin microstructure. Understanding the effects of various irrigants on chemical properties of dentin can elucidate their effects on physical properties and thereby explain the higher incidence of structural failure in endodontically treated teeth. This in vitro research aimed to compare and evaluate the effects of three different irrigating solutions on the chemical structure of root canal dentin in extracted human teeth. Methods: Forty-eight extracted single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were sectioned at the cemento–enamel junction by a diamond disc and were then randomly assigned to four groups of twelve samples each. The groups were irrigated using 5.25% NaOCl, ozonated olive oil, silver citrate, or distilled water. Dentin sections measuring 1.5 mm were obtained from the root portion and each section and were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). FTIR and EDS values are reported as means ± standard deviations. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). Results: A comparison of the FTIR and EDS values among the groups using ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in the organic and inorganic peak values among the groups. An intergroup comparison between NaOCl with silver citrate and ozonated olive oil revealed significant reductions in the carbonate and phosphate peak values in the NaOCl group (p < 0.05). The EDS values tabulated for the carbon, oxygen, phosphorous, and calcium peak levels showed significant differences between the groups using an ANOVA. An SEM analysis was conducted under 1500× magnification, which revealed smear layer removal in the silver citrate group. Conclusions: The silver citrate solution and the ozonated olive oil caused less changes in the organic and mineral contents of dentin than sodium hypochlorite.

Introduction: For the containment of growing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, rapid diagnostic facilities are need of today. Indigenously developed TrueNat assay is a point-of-care assay developed for early diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a portable, fully automated, chip-based, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction system with a turnaround time of 1.5-2 hours. Aim: To assess the practical utility and diagnostic accuracy of TrueNat testing for COVID-19 in a pandemic situation. Materials and Methods: A cohort selection cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2020 at Department of Biochemistry, Vardhaman Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, Bihar, India, after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval. A total of 296 cases with symptoms of COVID-19 were selected for the study. Assuming real-time Reverse TranscriptionPolymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) to be the gold standard, we collected oropharyngeal swabs from symptomatic COVID-19 suspected cases and tested by both TrueNat and standard RT-PCR. Agreement between both the assays were assessed by overall, Positive Percent Agreement (PPA) and Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) and Cohen’s kappa coefficient using Epitools (Ausvet 2020). Results: Out of 296 oropharyngeal swabs taken from suspected COVID-19 patients, 19 were read as “invalid” and discarded; hence only 277 samples were tested by TrueNat and RT-PCR both. Assuming RT-PCR as standard, TrueNat assay demonstrated an overall percent agreement of 99.64%, PPA of 95.65%, NPA 99.81%. The kappa coefficient was 0.9546. Conclusion: TrueNat assay offers a rapid, accurate and affordable technique for COVID-19. It may be deployed for mass screening and confirmation of COVID-19 cases in hospitals and remote areas.

Quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystals of semiconducting material possessing quantum mechanical characteristics with capability to get conjugated with drug moieties. The particle size of QDs varies from 2 to 10 nm and can radiate a wide range of colours depending upon their size. Their wide and diverse usage of QDs across the world is due to their adaptable properties like large quantum yield, photostability, and adjustable emission spectrum. QDs are nanomaterials with inherent electrical characteristics that can be used as drug carrier vehicle and as a diagnostic in the field of nanomedicine. Scientists from various fields are aggressively working for the development of single platform that can sense, can produce a microscopic image and even be used to deliver a therapeutic agent. QDs are the fluorescent nano dots with which the possibilities of the drug delivery to a targeted site and its biomedical imaging can be explored. This review is mainly focused on the different process of synthesis of QDs, their application especially in the areas of malignancies and as a theranostic tool. The attempt is to consolidate the data available for the use of QDs in the biomedical applications.

Introduction: Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are serious postoperative complications with significant impact on morbidity and mortality ranging from wound discharge associated with superficial skin infection to life-threatening conditions such as severe sepsis. In developed countries, guidelines for preventing SSI have been widely adopted. These evidence-based measures to prevent SSI are usually called ‘care bundles’, and multiple studies have confirmed that bundle compliance is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of SSI. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of bundle interventions in reducing SSI rate and readmission rate due to SSI. Materials and Methods: Present study was a retrospective, observational, case-control study conducted on records of 82 patients who underwent primary surgery for elective open lower gastrointestinal surgeries between January 2019-February 2020. Patients were divided into care bundle group (cases) from the concerned unit and non care bundle group (controls) from the other units of the General Surgery Department. Clinical data was obtained from the Medical Records Department and case sheets retrieved. The primary outcome was to measure the rate of superficial SSIs. Secondary outcomes included deep and organ space SSIs, wound dehiscence, postoperative sepsis, length of stay & 30-day readmission was measured. Statistical analysis were performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: In present study, total 82 patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal surgeries were included. SSI was noted in 10% from cases group and 21.4% from control group. Significant SSIs (p-value

BackgroundSphingosine-1-phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) is a recently recognized inborn error of metabolism associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome as well as adrenal insufficiency and immunological, neurological, and skin manifestations. SPLIS is caused by inactivating mutations in SGPL1, encoding the pyridoxal 5'phosphate-dependent enzyme sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase, which catalyzes the final step of sphingolipid metabolism. Some SPLIS patients have undergone kidney transplantation, and others have been treated with vitamin B6 supplementation. In addition, targeted therapies including gene therapy are in preclinical development. In anticipation of clinical trials, it will be essential to characterize the full spectrum and natural history of SPLIS. We performed a retrospective analysis of 76 patients in whom the diagnosis of SPLIS was established in a proband with at least one suggestive finding and biallelic SGPL1 variants identified by molecular genetic testing. The main objective of the study was to identify factors influencing survival in SPLIS subjects.ResultsOverall survival at last report was 50%. Major influences on survival included: (1) age and organ involvement at first presentation; (2) receiving a kidney transplant, and (3) SGPL1 genotype. Among 48 SPLIS patients with nephropathy who had not received a kidney transplant, two clinical subgroups were distinguished. Of children diagnosed with SPLIS nephropathy before age one (n = 30), less than 30% were alive 2 years after diagnosis, and 17% were living at last report. Among those diagnosed at or after age one (n = 18), ~ 70% were alive 2 years after diagnosis, and 72% were living at time of last report. SPLIS patients homozygous for the SPL R222Q variant survived longer compared to patients with other genotypes. Kidney transplantation significantly extended survival outcomes.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that SPLIS is a phenotypically heterogeneous condition. We find that patients diagnosed with SPLIS nephropathy in the first year of life and patients presenting with prenatal findings represent two high-risk subgroups, whereas patients harboring the R222Q SGPL1 variant fare better than the rest. Time to progression from onset of proteinuria to end stage kidney disease varies from less than one month to five years, and kidney transplantation may be lifesaving.

Detection of cancer at an early stage is one of the principal factors associated with successful treatment outcome. However, current diagnostic methods are not capable of making sensitive and robust cancer diagnosis. Nanotechnology based products exhibit unique physical, optical and electrical properties that can be useful in diagnosis. These nanotech-enabled diagnostic representatives have proved to be generally more capable and consistent; as they selectively accumulated in the tumor site due to their miniscule size. This article rotates around the conventional imaging techniques, the use of carbon based nanodots viz Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs), Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs), Nanodiamonds, Fullerene, and Carbon Nanotubes that have been synthesized in recent years, along with the discovery of a wide range of biomarkers to identify cancer at early stage. Early detection of cancer using nanoconstructs is anticipated to be a distinct reality in the coming years.