Synthesis, characterization and application of chitosan functionalized and functional graphene oxide membranes for desalination of water by pervaporation

The use of graphene sheets in water treatment is increasing due to its adsorption capacity, reactivity, catalytic action and surface area. The challenges linked to wastewater treatment are vast due to the constant influx of various pollutants. Can the challenges of water desalination and purification be encountered by graphene-based composites and membranes?.The current work describes the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) using modified Hummers' method. GO was functionalized with chitosan and used as adsorbents. On the other hand, it was reported that the surface of thin-film-composite (TFC) polyamide membranes was modified in order to desalinate highly saline water using pervaporation. The findings showed that GO synthesized by modified Hummers' method has a greater capacity for the adsorption of sodium ion and have better regeneration performance. Functionalization with chitosan increased adsorption capacity from 680.2 to 740.5 mg/g at the initial concentration of 45,000 mg/l of Na+ ions. On the other hand, modification in membrane comprises the chlorine treatment of surface of polyamide membrane. Layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of positively charged polyethyleneimine (PEI) and negatively charged graphene oxide (GO) was followed. The PEI/GO LbL membrane's pure water flux was twice as high as compare to the original membrane. The synthesized membrane was tested against the aqueous solutions containing Na2SO4, MgSO4, NaCl and MgCl2 salts for their desalination. At different concentrations, a water flux of 8.9 kg/m2h with a huge salt rejection (>99.9%) was attained for every tested salt. It was observed that CS functionalized GO and GO membrane showed higher adsorption capacity and improved regeneration performance can be measured as an operational and active adsorbent for sea water desalination.

Exploring the sensing potential of Fe-decorated h-BN toward harmful gases: a DFT study

Gas sensing technology has a broad impact on society, ranging from environmental and industrial safety to healthcare and everyday applications, contributing to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. We studied pure and Fe-decorated hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) gas sensor for monitoring of carbon-based gases using density functional theory (DFT). The calculations utilized the Generalized Gradient Approximation with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (GGA-PBE) exchange-correlation functional. The novelty of our study lies in the investigation of the adsorption of harmful gases such as carbonyl sulfide, carbinol, carbimide, and carbonyl fluoride on both pure and Fe-decorated h-BN. The deviation in structural, electronic, and adsorption properties of h-BN due to Fe decoration has been studied along with the sensing ability to design said material towards carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonyl sulfide (COS), carbinol, (CH4O), carbimide (CH2N2), and carbonyl fluoride (CF2O) gases. Gases such as CO, COS, CH2N2, and CF2O exhibited chemisorption, while CO2, and CH4O exhibited physisorption behavior. The introduction of Fe altered the semiconductor properties of h-BN and rendered it metallic. Enhanced electronic properties were observed due to a robust hybridization occurring between the d-orbitals of Fe-decorated BN and the gas molecules. The extended recovery periods observed for gases, aside from CO2, indicate their adhesive interactions with Fe-decorated h-BN. The reduction in desorption duration as temperature rises allows Fe-decorated h-BN to function as a reversible gas sensor. This research opens up a novel pathway for the synthesis and advancement of cost-effective, environmentally friendly double-atom catalysts with high sensitivity for capturing and detecting molecules such as CO, COS, CH2N2, CO2, CH4O, and CF2O.

Is ethnicity a risk factor for mortality in major trauma? A single-centred cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Many studies have found varying health outcomes in patients from different minority ethnic groups. There has been limited research into the outcomes in major trauma dependent on ethnicity. The aim was to analyse whether ethnicity was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality in patients presenting to a major trauma centre when adjusting for confounders.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of all patients presenting to a single major trauma centre from 2010 to 2020. Data were collected on patient demographics and variables including mechanism and injury severity score. Logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

There were 10,668 data sets with ethnicity data; of these 9,098 were of White ethnicity, 1,143 were Asian and 427 were classified as Black. The 30-day mortality rate was 7.76% for White ethnicities, 6.91% for Asian ethnicity and 5.15% for people of Black ethnicity. On multivariate logistic regression, ethnicity (p = 0.076) was not associated with 30-day mortality. Age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Probability of Survival (PS) score, shock and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS; p < 0.001) were associated with 30-day mortality. White ethnicity had an odds ratio (OR) of mortality of 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.658-2.040) (p = 0.609) compared with Black ethnicity and an OR of 0.74 (95% CI 0.546-1.001) (p = 0.050) compared with Asian patients. Black patients had an OR of mortality of 0.65 (95% CI 0.351-1.193) (p = 0.164) compared with the Asian population.

CONCLUSION

Ethnicity is not a significant risk factor for 30-day mortality in trauma patients.

Mass spectrometric study of low energy Cs+ ion-induced sputtered fragmentation of PADC polymer

In this study, low-energy cesium (Cs+ ) ion-induced sputtered fragmentation of poly allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) was investigated using mass spectrometry. The collision-induced dissociation mechanism revealed emission of various fragments, including monoatomic (H- , C1 - , O1 - ), diatomic (C2 - ), and multiatomic (C3 - , CO2 - , C2 O2 - , C3 O2 - ) species within the Cs+ ion energy range of 1-5 keV. The anion current of these fragments exhibited a linear increase with rising incident Cs+ ion energy, indicating a corresponding rise in fragment abundance. Analysis of normalized yield indicated that at 1 keV incident energy, the dominant fragment was monoatomic hydrogen (H- ), followed by diatomic carbon (C2 - ), monoatomic carbon (C1 - ), and monoatomic oxygen (O1 - ). Although C2 - remained dominant up to 5 keV, other fragments exhibited varying normalized yields at different ion energy steps. The sputter yield estimation revealed that monoatomic hydrogen (H- ) and diatomic carbon (C2 - ) exhibited the highest yields, increasing exponentially beyond 3 keV, while multiatomic fragments like C3 - , CO2 - , C2 O2 - , and C3 O2 - displayed the lowest yields. The sputter dissociation mechanism pointed to dehydrogenation, chain scission, and bond breakage as the primary processes during low-energy Cs+ ion impact. Postsputtering Scanning Electron Mircoscope (SEM) micrographs show craters, pits, and micropores on the PADC surface, indicating significant surface degradation. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra exhibited reduced diffraction intensity, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the absence of molecular bands in the IR spectrum, confirming extensive surface damage due to Cs+ ion-induced sputtering.

Disinfection by methylthionine chloride and chitosan in combination with Photo radiation therapy on caries affected dentin nano hardness, adhesive integrity, and bond failure

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the disinfection efficacy, bond integrity, and nano hardness of caries-affected dentin (CAD) surface bonded to resin cement when disinfected with chlorhexidine (CHX), Methylene blue activated by Photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT), chitosan, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), chitosan activated by PDT, and SDF-diode laser against S. mutans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 human mandibular molars were extracted non-traumatically and gathered using ICDAS criteria. The dentin surface was prepared, leaving CAD to receive a disinfection procedure. After inoculation with S. mutans, the CAD samples were divided into six groups and disinfected with various disinfectants (n = 10) CHX, MB-PDT, chitosan, chitosan-PDT, SDF, and SDF+ diode laser. Survival rates of S. mutans were analyzed following the restoration of samples with resin cement via the etch and rinse method to assess SBS. Also, nano hardness was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by using the ANOVA and the Tukey multiple test (p<0.05). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the change in survival rate.

RESULTS

Related to the survival rates, the SDF+ diode laser displayed the highest reduction in S. mutans levels and chitosan presented the lowest level of disinfection. The intergroup comparison revealed that CHX and chitosan-PDT displayed comparable outcomes of S. mutans survival rate to that of SDF+ diode laser (p>0.05). Likewise, MB-PDT and SDF displayed a comparable survival rate of S. mutans to Chitosan disinfection (p>0.05). Considering SBS and nano hardness, the highest SBS and NH were exhibited by the SDF+ diode laser, and the lowest SBS and NH values were exhibited by MB-PDT. The intragroup comparison revealed that CAD specimens disinfected with Chitosan-PDT showed comparable SBS and NH values to the SDF+ diode laser (p>0.05). CHX, chitosan, and SDF exhibited bond values and NH comparable to MB-PDT (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Synergistic use of Silver diamine fluoride with diode laser and chitosan activated by PDT can be used as an alternative to CHX for controlling S. mutans growth, promoting enhanced bond efficacy and nano hardness for bonding resin cement to the caries-affected dentin.

Characterization for optimizing the integrated management of solid waste for energy recovery and circular economy

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management poses a significant environmental challenge in municipalities across developing nations worldwide. Our studies were focused on characterizing the waste and analyzing the chemical properties of mixed waste fractions to assess their potential for waste-to-energy conversion. The objective of our study was to scrutinize the existing state of the MSW management system and gauge its waste generation rates. Specific ASTM methods were employed to carry out both physical and chemical characterizations. The outcomes reveal that the city generates a daily volume of 1155 tons of domestic solid waste (DSW), translating to a generation rate of 0.51 kg-1 capita-1 day-1. When analyzed by source, organic matter emerged as the predominant constituent, accounting for 73.74% of the waste, followed by combustible content waste at 15.17%. The moisture content of MSW ranged between 26 and 58% throughout the seasons, while volatile solids varied from 22.35 to 99.74%. Among the components screened, carbon and oxygen stood out as the dominant elements. The calorific values encompassed a broad range, ranging from 14.87 MJ kg-1 for leather waste to a substantial 25,629.27 MJ kg-1 for organic waste. To alleviate the escalating burden of increasing solid waste generation, alternative treatment approaches were recommended. These include composting, biomethane plants, the establishment of recycling facilities, and the enhancement of existing landfill sites to scientifically designed landfills. In summary, the findings from this study provide valuable insights for regulatory bodies and municipal authorities. These insights can guide the formulation of policies concerning waste sampling, characterization, segregation, and the implementation of education and awareness campaigns.

Risk assessment of toxic and hazardous metals in paddy agroecosystem by biochar-for bio-membrane applications

Toxic and carcinogenic metal (loid)s, such arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd), found in contaminated paddy soils pose a serious danger to environmental sustainability. Their geochemical activities are complex, making it difficult to manage their contamination. Rice grown in Cd and As-polluted soils ends up in people's bellies, where it can cause cancer, anemia, and the deadly itai sickness. Solving this issue calls for research into eco-friendly and cost-effective remediation technology to lower rice's As and Cd levels. This research delves deeply into the origins of As and Cd in paddy soils, as well as their mobility, bioavailability, and uptake mechanisms by rice plants. It also examines the current methods and reactors used to lower As and Cd contamination in rice. Iron-modified biochar (Fe-BC) is a promising technology for reducing As and Cd toxicity in rice, improving soil health, and boosting rice's nutritional value. Biochar's physiochemical characteristics are enhanced by the addition of iron, making it a potent adsorbent for As and Cd ions. In conclusion, Fe-BC's biomembrane properties make them an attractive option for remediating As- and Cd-contaminated paddy soils. More efficient mitigation measures, including the use of biomembrane technology, can be developed when sustainable agriculture practices are combined with these technologies.

An efficient synthesis and characterization of La@MOF-808: A promising strategy for effective arsenic ion removal from water

Addressing serious waterborne arsenic issues, for the first time, lanthanum-doped MOF-808 (La@MOF-808) has been developed to remove total arsenic (Total As) and arsenite [As(III)] from water. This study involves the solvothermal synthesis of La@MOF-808, its characterization via FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM, in which distinct physicochemical attributes were identified, and the adsorption capacity of arsenic ions. The saturated adsorption capacity of La@MOF-808 for Total As and As(III) reached 282.9 mg g-1 and 283.5 mg g-1, as compared to 229.7 mg g-1 and 239.1 mg g-1 for pristine MOF-808, respectively. XRD and ATR-FTIR analyses underscored the central roles of electrostatic interactions and hydroxyl groups in the pollutant adsorption process. The impact of temperature, concentration, pH, and exposure duration times on adsorption performance was thoroughly investigated. The Langmuir model showed the maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) of La@MOF-808 was 307.7 mg g-1 for Total As and 325.7 mg g-1 for As(III), surpassing those of MOF-808 adsorbent, which suggests that monolayer adsorption occurred. Optimal adsorption was observed in a pH range of 2.0-7.0, and thermodynamic studies classified the process as spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorbent retains high capacity across repeated cycles, outperforming many standard adsorbents. Lanthanum doping markedly enhances MOF-808's arsenic removal, underscoring its potential for water treatment.

COMPARISON BETWEEN PRE- AND POST-OPERATIVELY BOTOX INJECTION IN SECONDARY WOUNDS HEALING

Tension impacts wound healing and scarring. Tissue stress reduces blood flow and promotes fibroblastic response in wound treatment. Botox injections reduce tension. A total of 18 male albino rats weighing 250-350 grams each got 1 IU of Botox and saline injected into a subcutaneous muscle in the center of each 1.5 CM two circles with 4.5 CM a gap between them. Group A seven days pre-operatively; group B, after wound incidence. The study compared Botox-treated wounds to those treated immediately after surgery. Group A animals were surgery-ready after 7 days, removed full-thickness skin. Group B got Botox and saline in separate cages following full-thickness skin excision. Each group had three equal subgroups. Each group had immunohistochemistry tests on days 3, 7, and 14. and histological test on day 14 only, Skin biopsies following euthanasia showed significant variations between A and B groups. On day three, the group A showed increase significantly MMP-9 expression than B group. On day 7, the group A displayed a significant increase CD31 expression, suggesting significant new blood vessel development than group B. On day 14, both groups showed strong MMP-9 and CD31 expression, demonstrated greater endothelial cell, and keratinocyte proliferation resulted in very well re-epithelialization. Botox injection before surgery improved wound healing and reduced fibrosis and scarring.

[1, 8]-Naphthyridine derivatives as dual inhibitor of alkaline phosphatase and carbonic anhydrase

[1,8]-Naphthyridine derivatives have been reported to possess important biological activities and may serve as attractive pharmacophores in the drug discovery process. [1,8]-Naphthyridine derivatives (1a-1l) were evaluated for inhibitory potential for isozymes of carbonic anhydrase (CA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). CAs have been reported to carry out reversible hydration of CO2 into HCO3-, secretion of electrolytes, acid-base regulation, bone resorption, calcification, and biosynthetic reactions. Whereas ALPs hydrolyze monophosphate esters with the release of inorganic phosphate and play an important role in bone mineralization. Both enzymes have been found to be over-expressed and raised functional activities in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery of dual inhibitors of these enzymes may provide a synergistic effect to cure bone disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Among the test compounds, the most potent inhibitors for CA-II, CA-IX, and CA-XII were 1e, 1g, and 1a with IC50 values of 0.44 ± 0.19, 0.11 ± 0.03 and 0.32 ± 0.07 µM, respectively. [1,8]-Naphthyridine derivatives (1a-1l) were approximately 4 folds more potent than standard CA inhibitor acetazolamide. While in the case of ALPs, the most potent compounds for b-TNAP and c-IAP were 1b and 1e with IC50 values of 0.122 ± 0.06 and 0.107 ± 0.02 µM, respectively. Thus, synthesized derivatives proved to be 100 to 800 times more potent as compared to standard inhibitors of b-TNAP and c-IAP (Levamisole and L-phenyl alanine, respectively). In addition, selectivity and dual inhibition of [1,8]-Naphthyridine derivatives confer precedence over known inhibitors. Molecular docking and molecular simulation studies were also conducted in the present studies to define the type of interactions between potential inhibitors and enzyme active sites.

Corrigendum to "Cartesian Control of Sit-to-Stand Motion Using Head Position Feedback"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2020/1979342.].

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles using the plant-based reducing agent Matricaria chamomilla induce cell death in colorectal cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

There is a need to treat cancer cells with safe and natural nanoparticles to avoid the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Chamomile is considered a safe, natural plant with anticancer activity. We synthesize simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (SNs) using Chamomile (CHM) to tune their anticancer properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SN-CHM was synthesized by reducing 1 mM silver nitrate aqueous solution in 100 mL with the aqueous ethanolic flower extract of CHM (18 mg/mL, w/v). The reaction proceeded overnight at 600 rpm and 28°C. SN-CHM was characterized for their % yield, average diameter, charge, morphology, and silver release. Moreover, SN-CHM was investigated for its antioxidant and anticancer activities at 200 µg/mL and 5 mg/ mL, respectively.

RESULTS

A 59.12% yield and a uniform SN-CHM size of 115 ± 3.1 nm with a ζ-potential of -27.67 ± (-3.92) mv were observed. The UV-visible absorption showed shifts from 379.5 to 383.5 nm for CHM and SN-CHM, respectively. Moreover, Ag+ was ultimately released from SN-CHM after 5 h. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed characteristic absorption peaks of CHM and produced SN-CHM. Furthermore, SN-CHM showed moderate antioxidant activity. SN-CHM inhibited the % viability of SW620 and HT-29 cell lines at 20 μM. SN-CHM may also greatly upregulate the apoptotic gene BAX while considerably downregulating the anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and BCL-Xl.

CONCLUSIONS

CHM can be a safe soft drink, especially when conjugated with Ag ions as anticancer NPs. SN-CHM is considered potent anticancer activity against SW620, and HT-29 cell lines.

Development and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Novasomes for the Trans-nasal Delivery of Fluvoxamine Using Arachidonic Acid-Carboxymethyl Chitosan Conjugate

Depression is the major mental illness which causes along with loss of interest in daily life, a feeling of hopelessness, appetite or weight changes, anger and irritability. Due to the hepatic first-pass metabolism, the absolute bioavailability of fluvoxamine (FVM) after oral administration is about 50%. By avoiding the pre-systemic metabolism, nasal delivery would boost bioavailability of FVM. Additionally, the absorption is anticipated to occur more quickly than it would via the oral route because of the existence of microvilli and high vasculature. A nonionic surfactant, cholesterol and an arachidonic acid-carboxymethyl chitosan (AA-CMCS) conjugate were used to develop FVM-loaded novasomes. To investigate the effects of surfactant concentration, AA-CMCS conjugate concentration and stirring speed on the novasomes' characteristics, a Box-Behnken design was used. The dependent variables chosen were zeta potential, polydispersity index and particle size. The AA-CMCS conjugate was confirmed by 1H-NMR and FTIR. Using Design Expert software (version 7; Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), novasomes were further optimized. The chosen optimal formulation (NAC8) was made up of AA-CMCS conjugate, Span 60 and cholesterol. Particle size, zeta potential and PDI values for NAC8 formulation were 101 nm, -35 mV and 0.263, respectively. The NAC8 formulation's DSC and TGA analysis demonstrated that the medication had been uniformly and amorphously distributed throughout the novasomes. The NAC8 formulation showed 99% and 90% FVM release and permeation, respectively, and the novasome adherence time was 24 h. An improved antidepressant effect along with five-fold increase in bioavailability of FVM was observed after trans-nasal administration of NAC8 formulation compared to the reference commercially available Flumin® tablets. FVM-loaded novasomes administered via the nasal route may therefore constitute an advancement in the management of depression.

THE IMPACT OF ALOE VERA GEL ON REMINERALIZATION OF THE TOOTH AND ITS EFFECT AGAINST ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS: AN IN VITRO STUDY

The Aloe vera plant is a cactus-like plant in the Liliacea family that has been known and utilized for its medical benefits. It has been attempted to be used as a remineralizing agent and shows an antibacterial effect. Aim of the study - assessment of the remineralizing effect of solution of saturated Aloe vera gel compared to distal water by microhardness Vickers test and Densometric X-Ray Analysis and effect of Aloe vera gel against Enterococcus faecalis. 10 extracted permanent molars were used in this in vitro study. each tooth enrolls in Teflon tape and only the enamel of the occlusal surface was exposed to a demineralizing solution (acid etch) for 45 seconds in-vitro and randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 was treated with distal water; group 2 was treated with Aloe vera gel. All groups except the control baseline group were treated with their respective remineralizing solution for 10 days. Vicker's Microhardness Number (VHN) and Densometric X-Ray Analysis were carried out at baseline, post-demineralization and later post 10 days of remineralization. The antibacterial effect of Aloe vera gel was assessed by the disc diffusion method. The filter paper was immersed in 20µl of different concentrations of Aloe vera gel extract as fresh Aloe vera (100 %) and (50 % and 25 %) diluted with de-ionized water after that the disc was distributed in a plate containing the E. faecalis. Antibiotics disc of Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid 30ug) were also poured in the same plate and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and the zone of inhibition of antibiotic was measured for comparison with a zone of inhibition of filter paper saturated with Aloe vera gel. Densitometric X-Ray Analysis and Microhardness Number (VHN) evaluation showed improvement in the enamel density and the surface hardness after remineralization. The mean value in the group treated with Aloe vera solution was higher than the recorded mean value for the group treated with distal water. There was a significant difference between Aloe vera solution and distal water. Significant (p-value≤0.05) after 10 days. The antibacterial effect showed that E. faecalis was resistant to Aloe vera gel in different concentrations compared with Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid 30ug). Aloe vera gel could be used for caries prevention in terms of safety and efficiency. While E. faecalis show resistance activity against Aloe vera gel.

Disulfide Bridged Nanoparticles of Thiolated Sodium Alginate and Eudragit RS100 for Oral Delivery of Paclitaxel: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Most biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class IV drugs have limited oral bioavailability due to poor solubility and poorer permeability. This work aims to investigate the possibility of utilizing disulfide bridged nanoparticles to improve BCS IV drug solubility and oral absorption. Disulfide bridged nanoparticles were made using thiolated sodium alginate (TSA) and thiolated eudragit RS100 (TERS100). This study used paclitaxel (PTL) as a model drug to create PTL-loaded nanoparticles using the air oxidation approach. PTL-loaded nanoparticles boosted the solubility of PTL by over 11 times (∼59 μg/mL). The nanoparticles had particle sizes of 103 nm, polydispersity indices of 0.034, and zeta potentials of -21 mV, respectively. Nanoparticles demonstrated 75.34% and 89.18% entrapment and loading efficiency of PTL, respectively. The PTL release data from nanoparticles had good sustained release properties. The effective permeability of PTL from nanoparticles was 2.19-fold higher than that of pure PTL suspension. The relative bioavailability of PTL with disulfide bridged nanoparticles was 237.11%, which was much higher than that of PTL suspension, according to the pharmacokinetic data. These results show that disulfide bridged nanoparticles have a wide range of clinical applications.

Exploring chromone sulfonamides and sulfonylhydrazones as highly selective ectonucleotidase inhibitors: Synthesis, biological evaluation and in silico study

Ectonucleotidases, a well-known superfamily of plasma membrane located metalloenzymes plays a central role in mediating the process of purinergic cell signaling. Major functions performed by these enzymes include the hydrolysis of extracellular nucleosides and nucleotides which are considered as important cell-signaling molecules. Any (patho)-physiologically induced disruption in this purinergic cell signaling leads to several disorders, hence these enzymes are important drug targets for therapeutic purposes. Among the major challenges faced in the design of inhibitors of ectonucleotidases, an important one is the lack of selective inhibitors. Access to highly selective inhibitors via a facile synthetic route will not only be beneficial therapeutically, but will also lead to an increase in our understanding of intricate interplay between members of ectonucleotidase enzymes in relation to their selective activation and/or inhibition in different cells and tissues. Herein we describe synthesis of highly selective inhibitors of human intestinal alkaline phosphatase (h-IAP) and human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (h-TNAP), containing chromone sulfonamide and sulfonylhydrazone scaffolds. Compound 1c exhibited highest (and most selective) h-IAP inhibition activity (h-IAP IC₅₀ = 0.51 ± 0.20 µM; h-TNAP = 36.5%) and compound 3k showed highest activity and selective inhibition against h-TNAP (h-TNAP IC₅₀ = 1.41 ± 0.10 µM; h-IAP = 43.1%). These compounds were also evaluated against another member of ectonucleotidase family, that is rat and human ecto-5'-nucleotidase (r-e5'NT and h-e5'NT). Some of the compounds exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against ecto-5'-nucleotidase. Compound 2 g exhibited highest inhibition against h-e5'NT (IC₅₀ = 0.18 ± 0.02 µM). To rationalize the interactions with the binding site, molecular docking studies were carried out.

An assessment of the efficacy of biochar and zero-valent iron nanoparticles in reducing lead toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Soil heavy metal contamination is increasing rapidly due to increased anthropogenic activities. Lead (Pb) is a well-known human carcinogen causing toxic effects on humans and the environment. Its accumulation in food crops is a serious hazard to food security. Developing environment-friendly and cost-efficient techniques is necessary for Pb immobilization in the soil. A pot experiment was executed to determine the role of biochar (BC), zero-valent iron nanoparticles (n-ZVI), and zero-valent iron nanoparticles biochar composite (n-ZVI-BC) in controlling the Pb mobility and bioaccumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results showed that BC and n-ZVI significantly enhanced the wheat growth by increasing their photosynthetic and enzymatic activities. Among all the applied treatments, the maximum significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement in wheat biomass was with the n-ZVI-BC application (T3). Compared to the control, the biomass of wheat roots, shoots & grains increased by 92.5, 58.8, and 49.1%, respectively. Moreover, the soil addition of T3 amendment minimized the Pb distribution in wheat roots, shoots, and grains by 33.8, 26.8, and 16.2%, respectively. The outcomes of this experiment showed that in comparison to control treatment plants, soil amendment with n-ZVI-BC (T3) increased the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 49.8 and 31.1%, respectively, ultimately declining electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content in wheat by 38.7, 33.3, and 38%respectively. In addition, applied amendments declined the Pb mobility in the soil by increasing the residual Pb fractions. Soil amendment with n-ZVI-BC also increased the soil catalase (CAT), urease (UR), and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities by 68, 59, and 74%, respectively. Our research results provided valuable insight for the remediation of Pb toxicity in wheat. Hence, we can infer from our findings that n-ZVI-BC can be considered a propitious, environment friendly and affordable technique for mitigating Pb toxicity in wheat crop and reclamation of Pb polluted soils.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Amide and Thiourea Derivatives as Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) Inhibitors

Series of sulfonamide-substituted amide (9-11), benzamide (12-15), and 1,3-disubstituted thiourea (17-26) derivatives were synthesized from a common precursor, i.e., substituted benzoyl chlorides. Structures of all of the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques (¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR),¹³C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)). All of the amide (9-15) and thiourea (17-26) derivatives were screened against human carbonic anhydrases, hCA-II, hCA IX, and hCA-XII. Sulfonamide-substituted amides 9, 11, and 12 were found to be excellent selective inhibitors with IC₅₀ values of 0.18 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.05, and 0.58 ± 0.05 μM against hCA II, hCA IX, and hCA XII, respectively. Compound 9 was found to be highly selective for hCA II and about 6-fold more potent as compared to the standard antagonist, acetazolamide. Safe toxicity profiling of the most potent and selective compounds was determined against normal BHK-21 and HEK-293 T cells. Molecular docking studies were performed, which described the type of interactions between the synthesized compounds and enzyme proteins. In addition, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies were performed, which showed that all of the synthesized molecules fulfilled the druggability criteria.

Biomedical waste management associated with infectious diseases among health care professionals in apex hospitals of a typical south asian city

Biomedical waste from healthcare activities poses a higher hazard of infection and damage than other types of trash. The main objective of the study was to assess the awareness knowledge and practices of biomedical waste management (BMWM) among health care professionals in the health care units. The cross-sectional study was carried out to access the awareness, knowledge and practices of health care professionals for BMWM. Using a qualitative approach, the study was escorted in two Apex hospitals i.e. the Allied Hospital and the District Head Quarter Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan from August 5, 2019 to October 15, 2019. More than 90% of respondents knew the phrase BMWM, but just 35.4% had awareness about biomedical waste regulations. About 71.6% of the respondents were familiar with biomedical waste's color-coding segregation. The study concludes gap in the awareness, knowledge and practices for BMWM. The sanitary workers of the hospitals had no knowledge about BMWM and the BMWM/healthcare waste management rule 2005 established in Pakistan due to the lack of training regarding waste management and the segregation process. Some of the staff members were aware of the BMWM practices under the rules and regulations of Pakistan but were unable to implement at their work place. It is necessary to dispose of the biomedical waste according to the established terms and conditions of BMWM rules (2005) of Pakistan. Weak structure of BMWM was observed at the study sites due to the lack of training, liabilities and absence of penalties against improper biomedical waste disposal as violation of the rules and regulations. It's a dire need of the time to consider the biomedical waste as hazardous waste and make policies for its safe disposal and ensure the implementation of the policies in all the medical centers of Pakistan.

The bidirectional relationship between growth and appetite regulation in the first year of life

 

Childhood obesity is a public health crisis. Even though appetite traits in infancy were associated with childhood adiposity, whether early weight gain can influence later appetite has not been researched. Our aim was to prospectively examine the bidirectional association between growth and appetite traits during the first year of life. We followed up 450 healthy term infants for 12 months (m). Appetite traits at 4 weeks (wk), 6m and 12m were assessed using the Baby and Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaires. Infant feeding, anthropometric, socioeconomic and demographic data were also collected. Infant weight-for-age z-scores (WFAZ) were calculated using the WHO 2006 growth reference. Growth was assessed as conditional WFAZ change (cWFAZc) by saving the residuals from linear regression models of WFAZ at each successive time point versus WFAZ at the earlier time point. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyse bidirectional associations between cWFAZc (0-4wk, 4wk-6m, 6-12m) and appetite traits Enjoyment of Food (EF), Food Responsiveness (FR), Satiety Responsiveness (SR) and Slowness in Eating (SE) at 4wk, 6m and 12m. All models were adjusted for relevant confounders. At 4wk, SR score was associated with lower (β:-0.16; 95% CI:-0.28,-0.03), and FR score with higher (β:0.10; 95% CI:0.01,0.19) cWFAZc from 4wk to 12m. SR score at 6m was inversely associated with cWFAZc from 6-12m (β:-0.09; 95% CI:-0.16,-0.01). Conversely, higher cWFAZc between 4wk-6m was associated with higher EF (β:0.10; 95% CI:0.01,0.19) and FR (β:0.16; 95% CI:0.04,0.29) scores at 12m. cWFAZc between 6m-12m was inversely associated with SR at 12m (β:-0.18; 95% CI:-0.35,-0.01). Our results suggest that the growth acceleration hypothesis, where faster growth in infancy leads to later obesity, may be mediated by an up-regulation of appetite traits at 12m. This highlights the public health importance of avoiding growth acceleration in infancy as a way to curb the childhood obesity epidemic.

Key messages

• Weight gain in early infancy impacts appetite regulation in the first year of life and up-regulation of appetite traits at 12 months predisposes to childhood obesity.

• Avoiding growth acceleration in infancy can decrease the risk for childhood obesity.

Effect of sodium alginate supplementation on weight management and reproductive hormones in polycystic females

Dietary fiber is getting attention these days due to its tendency to improve the reproductive performance in human beings. Sodium alginate (SA) is one of the natural dietary fibers. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of SA on serum insulin, blood sugar, lipid profile, estrogen and testosterone in polycystic (PCOS) females. A single in vivo trial was conducted on thirty adult PCOS females (25 ± 5 years old) with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5 ± 3.5 kg m^-2. Blood samples of all PCOS females were drawn for the initial biochemical analysis and considered as the negative control (NC). A complete randomized design was used to divide the NC group into three equal subgroups (n = 9) i.e. SA3: with 0.03 g; SA6: with 0.06 g per kg body weight per day of sodium alginate; the positive control (PC): metformin 500 mg day^-1 for 60 days (two months). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the body weight, BMI, blood sugar, serum insulin, lipids and testosterone was observed, while a significant incremental effect (p < 0.05) was observed in the high-density lipoprotein level. The percentages of some physical parameters were also improved like obesity, menstrual cycle, physical activity, psychological issues and hirsutism. Therefore, the study concluded that SA exhibited therapeutic potential for weight management and the improvement of serum testosterone in PCOS females.

The quality of reporting in cardiac MRI artificial intelligence segmentation studies - a systematic review

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This work was supported by an NIHR AI Award, AI_AWARD01706. This research was also funded in part, by the Wellcome Trust [Grant number 205188/Z/16/Z ].

Background

There has been a rapid increase in the number of Artificial Intelligence (AI) studies of cardiac MRI (CMR) segmentation. AI has huge potential to improve image analysis assessments. However, advancement and clinical translation in this field depend on researchers presenting their work in a transparent and reproducible manner.

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality of reporting in AI studies involving CMR segmentation.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for AI CMR segmentation studies on 18/11/2021. The flow of study inclusion is shown in Figure 1. Any AI method to segment any cardiac structure on CMR was eligible for inclusion. Each study was assessed for compliance with the Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM).

Results

70 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Studies were published between 2015 to 2021, with the majority (71%) published in 2020 and 2021. Most studies were performed in Europe (33%), China (27%) and the USA (26%). Short-axis sections were segmented in 70% of studies and most commonly included both ventricles (51%) or the left ventricle alone (30%). 20 different architecture implementations were represented. Figure 2 summarises the most relevant CLAIM domains to AI segmentation. The training sample eligibility criteria, demographics and clinical characteristics were not reported in 47% and 81% of studies, respectively. Ground truth annotations, source of the annotations and annotation tool were absent in 31%, 36% and 51% of studies respectively. Preprocessing steps and software libraries and packages used in training were not included in 27% and 24%. Details on the training approach including the number of models trained and method of selecting the final model were missing in 20% and 17% of the studies. Methods of validation or testing on external data, inter- and intra- rater variability and failure analysis were unreported in 57%, 63% and 74%, respectively.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights important gaps in the AI literature of CMR studies. We identified key items missing in the dataset description, model development, validation and testing that limit the transparency, reproducibility and hence validity of published AI studies. This review may support closer adherence to established frameworks for reporting standards.

Purinergic receptors modulators: An emerging pharmacological tool for disease management

Purinergic signaling is mediated through extracellular nucleotides (adenosine 5'-triphosphate, uridine-5'-triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, uridine-5'-diphosphate, and adenosine) that serve as signaling molecules. In the early 1990s, purines and pyrimidine receptors were cloned and characterized drawing the attention of scientists toward this aspect of cellular signaling. This signaling pathway is comprised of four subtypes of adenosine receptors (P1), eight subtypes of G-coupled protein receptors (P2YRs), and seven subtypes of ligand-gated ionotropic receptors (P2XRs). In current studies, the pathophysiology and therapeutic potentials of these receptors have been focused on. Various ligands, modulating the functions of purinergic receptors, are in current clinical practices for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, several purinergic receptors ligands are in advanced phases of clinical trials as a remedy for depression, epilepsy, autism, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancers. In the present study, agonists and antagonists of purinergic receptors have been summarized that may serve as pharmacological tools for drug design and development.

Development of people with disabilities (PWD)-friendly module for bakery production

People with disabilities (PWDs) are often excluded from the surrounding community due to their physical or mental health deficiencies. This special group needs special care to enable them to have equal opportunities in all aspects. This project aims to develop PWDfriendly modules specially designed to train and build PWD skills on basic bakeries products including pizza bread, red bean bun, sausage bread and “paung” bread (plain bun). Considering their disabilities in reading for most of the PWD, the modules are more focused on visual presentations rather than instructions. To access the functioning of the modules, direct practical experience was conducted in a series of workshops in community-based rehabilitation (CBR). The effectiveness of the modules was evaluated in terms of their feasibility and acceptability including colour scheme, language used, skills and knowledge enhancement, user friendly and attractiveness level. Most of the respondents either strongly agreed or agreed on the components of feasibility and acceptability of the PWD-friendly modules. The modules were said to user friendly, helpful and recommended to be used by others. Not only these modules could improve the PWD skills on bakeries products for commercialization but also increased their motivation and self-confidence to get involved with the community.

Simultaneous malignant hyperthermia reactions in two siblings during living donor liver transplantation

We report a case of simultaneous malignant hyperthermia reactions occurring in two siblings during living donor liver transplantation. This report highlights the conflicting goals in the clinical management of liver transplantation and malignant hyperthermia, including the use of total intravenous anaesthesia and dantrolene in the face of the potential for drug-induced hepatotoxicity in the remnant liver or transplanted liver graft, as well as cautious fluid management needed for liver transplantation balanced against the liberal fluid therapy required to prevent acute kidney injury associated with malignant hyperthermia. The logistical challenges of managing this emergency in two closely related patients are discussed, including rapid preparation of two vapour-free anaesthesia machines, the need for availability of additional dantrolene and the requirement for additional personnel. Prompt recognition, immediate removal of the triggering agents and conversion to total intravenous anaesthesia helped to curtail the malignant hyperthermic reactions in our patients, both of whom made a full recovery.

Genetic Factors Underlying Single Fiber Quality in A-Genome Donor Asian Cotton (Gossypium arboreum)

The study of A-genome Asian cotton as a potential fiber donor in Gossypium species may offer an enhanced understanding of complex genetics and novel players related to fiber quality traits. Assessment of individual fibers providing classified fiber quality information to the textile industry is Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) in the recent technological era. Keeping the scenario, a diverse collection of 215 Asiatic cotton accessions were evaluated across three agro-ecological zones of China. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) was performed to detect association signals related to 17 AFIS fiber quality traits grouped into four categories viz: NEPs, fiber length, maturity, and fineness. Significant correlations were found within as well as among different categories of various traits related to fiber quality. Fiber fineness has shown a strong correlation to all other categories, whereas these categories are shown interrelationships via fiber-fineness. A total of 7,429 SNPs were found in association with 17 investigated traits, of which 177 were selected as lead SNPs. In the vicinity of these lead SNPs, 56 differentially expressed genes in various tissues/development stages were identified as candidate genes. This compendium connecting trait-SNP-genes may allow further prioritization of genes in GWAS loci to enable mechanistic studies. These identified quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) may prove helpful in fiber quality improvement in Asian cotton through marker-assisted breeding as well as in reviving eroded genetic factors of G. hirsutum via introgression breeding.

Synthesis of Sulfonamide Tethered (Hetero)aryl ethylidenes as Potential Inhibitors of P2X Receptors: A Promising Way for the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation

P2X receptors have the ability to regulate various physiological functions like neurotransmission, inflammatory responses, and pain sensation. Such physiological properties make these receptors a new target for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Several antagonists of P2X receptors have been studied for the treatment of neuropathic pain and neurodegenerative disorders but potency and selectivity are the major issues with these known inhibitors. Sulfonamide derivatives were reported to be potent inhibitors of P2X receptors. In this study, sulfonamide carrying precursor hydrazide was synthesized by a facile method that was subsequently condensed with methyl (hetero)arylketones to obtain a series of new (hetero)aryl ethylidenes. These compounds were screened for inhibitory potential against h-P2X2, h-P2X4, h-P2X5, and h-P2X7 receptors to find their potency and selectivity. Computational studies were performed to confirm the mode of inhibition as well as type of interaction between ligand and target site. In calcium signaling experiments, compound 6h was found to be the most potent and selective inhibitor of h-P2X2 and h-P2X7 receptors with IC₅₀ ± standard error of the mean (SEM) values of 0.32 ± 0.01 and 1.10 ± 0.21 μM, respectively. Compounds 6a and 6c exhibited selective inhibition for h-P2X7 receptor, whereas 6e, 7a, and 7b expressed selective inhibitions toward h-P2X2 receptor that were comparable to the positive control suramin and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS).

471 LET’S TALK DEMENTIA

Introduction

By 2021 over one million people will be living with dementia (1) costing the government an estimated £30bn a year (2). However, cognitive decline is often misdiagnosed or missed completely in hospital admissions, resulting in delays in detection and treatment for patients. Quick and simple screening tools such as the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) could help provide early detection and faster treatment times for such patients. Data from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn showed that only 56.8% of patients over the age of 75 were being assessed for cognitive function on admission, while the national targets are set at 90%.

Methods

A multi-cycle, trust wide, quality improvement project was used to improve screening outcomes for dementia in QEHKL. A baseline measure of screening was taken by QEHKL coding department. Five PDSA (Plan Do Study Act) cycles were undertaken, implementing interventions to aid screening at each stage. Examples include improved medical clerking booklets, trust wide education and allocated ward ‘Dementia Champions’. Performance was assessed by auditors, through patient notes and discharge letters.

Results

Over a 4-month period, 432 patient notes were inspected on six medical wards. Results after interventions showed a significant rise in Dementia Screening from 58.7% to 89.8%. AMTS completion was 70.7% in September 2020 on medical wards which improved to 85.7% in November 2020. Results were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic however, COVID wards were excluded.

Conclusion

The QI project has highlighted that education and accessible tools can improve cognitive screening numbers. An important note is, due to increased pressures during the COVID pandemic it is plausible that screening rates were adversely affected. Despite this, our figures still show positive improvement. The next cycle of our project includes surgical wards and we expect by the time of presentation to have this data to show.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in Brassica plants and their impact on animal health in Punjab, Pakistan

Growing Brassica rapa L. (Brassica rapa subsp. campestris (Linn.) Clapham) with wastewater and their use as a fodder for animals is a common practice in suburb of all cities in Punjab, Pakistan, despite the wastewater containing heavy metals is of public health concern. This study assessed the risk of heavy metals on animal health via consumption of B. rapa as fodder grown with wastewater, tube-well and canal water, and its source apportionment, in suburb of Multan City, Pakistan. Samples of B. rapa (n = 30) were collected from six agricultural farms and analyzed for cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Total target health quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 47.22 to 136.64 in wastewater irrigation farm, 2.32 to 3.71 in canal water, and 4.86 to 7.50 in tube-well water irrigation farms, respectively exhibiting high carcinogenic health risk to animals across the farms. B. rapa grown with industrial effluents exhibited the highest carcinogenic health risk, while the canal water posed the lowest risk. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated that the wastewater samples containing heavy metals and contaminated soils were common sources of B. rapa contamination. Proper treatment of wastewater for removal of toxic elements before application in agricultural fields may safeguard the health of animals, public, and the ecosystem.

Toxicity of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles to soil organic matter cycling and their interaction with rice-straw derived biochar

Given the rapidly increasing use of metal oxide nanoparticles in agriculture as well as their inadvertent addition through sewage sludge application to soils, it is imperative to assess their possible toxic effects on soil functions that are vital for healthy crop production. In this regard, we designed a lab study to investigate the potential toxicity of one of the most produced nanoparticles, i.e. zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO), in a calcareous soil. Microcosms of 80 g of dry-equivalent fresh soils were incubated in mason jars for 64 days, after adding 100 or 1000 mg of biogenically produced nZnO kg^-1 soil. Moreover, we also added rice-straw derived biochar at 1 or 5% (w: w basis) hypothesizing that the biochar would alleviate nZnO-induced toxicity given that it has been shown to adsorb and detoxify heavy metals in soils. We found that the nZnO decreased microbial biomass carbon by 27.0 to 33.5% in 100 mg nZnO kg^-1 soil and by 39.0 to 43.3% in 1000 mg nZnO kg^-1 soil treatments across biochar treatments in the short term i.e. 24 days after incubation. However, this decrease disappeared after 64 days of incubation and the microbial biomass in nZnO amended soils were similar to that in control soils. This shows that the toxicity of nZnO in the studied soil was ephemeral and transient which was overcome by the soil itself in a couple of months. This is also supported by the fact that the nZnO induced higher cumulative C mineralization (i.e. soil respiration) at both rates of addition. The treatment 100 mg nZnO kg^-1 soil induced 166 to 207%, while 1000 mg nZnO kg^-1 soil induced 136 to 171% higher cumulative C mineralization across biochar treatments by the end of the experiment. However, contrary to our hypothesis increasing the nZnO addition from 100 to 1000 mg nZnO kg^-1 soil did not cause additional decrease in microbial biomass nor induced higher C mineralization. Moreover, the biochar did not alleviate even the ephemeral toxicity that was observed after 24d of incubation. Based on overall results, we conclude that the studied soil can function without impairment even at 1000 mg kg^-1 concentration of nZnO in it.

Toward a uniform pathway in managing incidental lung nodules on computerised tomography [CT] coronary angiography; for a cost effective and safe outcome

Background

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines (NICE CG95) recommends computed tomography coronary angiography [CTCA] as the first line investigation for all patients with suspected typical or atypical angina irrespective of pre-test probability due to its excellent performance and cost effectiveness. However previous cost effectiveness analyses have not factored in the burden of lung nodules [LN] or extracardiac incidentalomas, which are commonly identified on CTCA.

Purpose

As we increasingly detect LN on CTCA scans, it is prudent that a uniform pathway is followed for surveillance of LN. The British Thoracic Society (BTS) has enabled evidence-based development of an algorithm for the management of LN which defines a cut off LN size of ≥5mm requiring further follow up. We aimed to assess the compliance of LN follow up in our patients according to radiology recommendation on CTCA reports and also to assess how well these recommendations adhere to BTS guidelines.

Method

117 patients who underwent CTCA as the initial diagnostic investigation were retrospectively identified from the rapid access chest pain clinic database. Data was collected during a 1 year period between January - December 2017. Data was analysed to determine whether appropriate surveillance pathway was followed for repeat imaging. According to BTS guidelines, nodules ≥5mm should have a systematic work up for surveillance and hence we have stratified our data based on the nodule size. In case of multiple nodules, the largest nodule size was considered.

Results

Out of 117 patients, 77% patients were female with average age 57.8±9.0 years. 40% patients were found to have incidental LN with an average size of 4.63±1.92mm; 44% had a history of cigarette smoking.

Among patient with nodules, 22 (19%) had CT thorax to assess interval change and interestingly 16 (73%) had persisting LN; whereas in 4 (18%), the LN resolved and only 2 (9%) showed increase in LN size. Repeat CT chest was advised for these 2 patients; 1 was advised to undergo biopsy which eventually ruled out malignancy. 6 patients (5%) from group 1 were recommended for repeat CT despite having LN size &lt;5mm.

In the remaining 25 patients (21%) with LN, 15 (60%) did not have further surveillance imaging even though this was recommended by the reporting radiologist. Of these only 3 (12%) had LN ≥5mm which qualified for surveillance CT.

Conclusion

CTCA frequently detects incidentalomas especially LN which cannot be overlooked and require further imaging irrespective of the primary presentation. Our findings also suggest a discrepancy on surveillance CT recommendation against the current BTS guidelines, with potential significant impact on the overall cost effectiveness of CTCA. A systematic approach to LN surveillance could be best achieved with a multidisciplinary team approach (e.g. referral pathway to nodule MDT) and adherence to a standard guideline.

Lung nodule surveillance following CTCA

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Midwifery leadership, advocacy and action to improve maternal health in PNG

Background

The SDG target for maternal mortality is less than 70 per 100,000 live births; in Papua New Guinea, it is estimated to be 145. PNG will require significant resources and strong leadership to meet the 2030 target. The PNG Midwifery Leadership Buddy Program (Buddy Program), funded and coordinated by Rotary, offers an innovative model to improve maternal health, which may be transferable to other low-middle-income countries.

Objectives

The Buddy Program aims to build midwifery leadership resulting in improved outcomes in PNG. As partners, midwives from PNG and Australia undertake leadership training in Port Moresby and enter a reciprocal peer support relationship. Over 12 months, they support each other in their professional roles and progress a quality improvement project.

Results

Three cohorts of midwives (18 from each country), have participated in the leadership training and the first group has completed 12 months of peer support. Participants have reported increased confidence for leadership, action and advocacy. There has been some communication challenges and variation in expectations, predominately due to cultural differences. The Buddy Program has resulted in a number of tangible projects including the introduction of family planning education at a local school and University, introduction of respectful care in pregnancy charter and increased surveillance and treatment of pregnant women with anaemia. Interestingly, a number of participants have continued to support each other beyond the initial 12-month commitment.

Conclusions

Supportive partnerships that grow midwifery leadership hold significant potential to increase the quality of maternity care and reduce preventable maternal deaths in low-middle-income countries.

Key messages

Midwifery leadership plays a vital role in addressing the SDG targets for maternal health. The Buddy Program offers an innovative model to progress the agenda for universal access to quality maternity care.

Cartesian Control of Sit-to-Stand Motion Using Head Position Feedback

Sit-to-stand (STS) motion is an indicator of an individual's physical independence and well-being. Determination of various variables that contribute to the execution and control of STS motion is an active area of research. In this study, we evaluate the clinical hypothesis that besides numerous other factors, the central nervous system (CNS) controls STS motion by tracking a prelearned head position trajectory. Motivated by the evidence for a task-oriented encoding of motion by the CNS, we adopt a robotic approach for the synthesis of STS motion and propose this scheme as a solution to this hypothesis. We propose an analytical biomechanical human CNS modeling framework where the head position trajectory defines the high-level task control variable. The motion control is divided into low-level task generation and motor execution phases. We model CNS as STS controller and its Estimator subsystem plans joint trajectories to perform the low-level task. The motor execution is done through the Cartesian controller subsystem that generates torque commands to the joints. We do extensive motion and force capture experiments on human subjects to validate our analytical modeling scheme. We first scale our biomechanical model to match the anthropometry of the subjects. We do dynamic motion reconstruction through the control of simulated custom human CNS models to follow the captured head position trajectories in real time. We perform kinematic and kinetic analyses and comparison of experimental and simulated motions. For head position trajectories, root mean square (RMS) errors are 0.0118 m in horizontal and 0.0315 m in vertical directions. Errors in angle estimates are 0.55 rad, 0.93 rad, 0.59 rad, and 0.0442 rad for ankle, knee, hip, and head orientation, respectively. RMS error of ground reaction force (GRF) is 50.26 N, and the correlation between ground reaction torque and the support moment is 0.72. Low errors in our results validate (1) the reliability of motion/force capture methods and anthropometric technique for customization of human models and (2) high-level task control framework and human CNS modeling as a solution to the hypothesis. Accurate modeling and detailed understanding of human motion can have significant scope in the fields of rehabilitation, humanoid robotics, and virtual characters' motion planning based on high-level task control schemes.

Spin-related optical behaviors of dilute magnetic semiconductor ZnSe:Ni(II) nanobelts

There are varied spin states in dilute magnetic semiconductors, and carriers are not the only elementary excitations that carry the spin. This article reports a study of spin interactions in excitons of ZnSe:NiI(II) nanostructures. High-quality ZnSe:NiI(II) nanobelts (NBs) prepared by chemical vapor deposition show a zinc blende structure by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra of doped NBs show independent free exciton (FX) and exciton magnetic polaron (EMP) peaks at room temperature with ferromagnetically coupled Ni ions. A single-mode lasing profile was obtained with femtosecond laser excitation due to condensation of EMPs over a threshold. The luminescence lifetimes at different pump powers indicated different relaxation profiles, confirming the formation of coherent EMP aggregates. At a slightly higher dopant concentration, a weak peak at the high-energy side of the FX peak showed up separately at low temperature; this should be the magnetic polaron emission band from the antiferromagnetically coupled Ni(II) pair binding with a FX (antiferromagnetic magnetic polaron). These results illustrate the typical spectroscopic characteristics of spin-spin magnetic coupling, exciton-spin or phonon interactions in dilute magnetic semiconductor nanostructures, showing that their different coupled spin types could work as exciton binders for their collective excitons, with possible use in spin nanophotonic devices and quantum modulations.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in raw milk of buffalo feeding at wastewater-irrigated agricultural farms in Pakistan

Wastewater irrigation to grow fodder for animals and cattle farming is common practice in Pakistan. Hence, this study was conducted in Multan, Pakistan, to assess heavy metal pollution, human health risk and the total target health quotient (TTHQ) of heavy metals in raw milk of buffalo feeding at different agricultural farms and to identify sources of toxicity in milk. Samples of raw milk (n = 60) were analyzed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb by ICP-OES, Perkin Elmer, USA. The TTHQ values of heavy metals ranged from 6.92 to 42.44 in raw milk of buffalo, highest at wastewater-irrigated agricultural farms and lowest at tube well water site, indicating high carcinogenic health risk to exposed population. The multivariate statistical analysis revealed that contaminated fodder like Maize and Brassica plants grown with wastewater and contaminated soil are common sources contributing the heavy metal contamination in raw milk. It invites attention of government to remediate the situation to avoid the potential risks to public health from resulting food chain contamination.

An efficient synthetic approach toward a sporadic heterocyclic scaffold: 1,3-Oxathiol-2-ylidenes; alkaline phosphatase inhibition and molecular docking studies

We developed a simple and robust method for synthesis of 1,3-oxathiol-2-ylidene benzamides (4a-m) a sporadic class of heterocycles, by reacting freshly prepared aroyl isothiocyanates, with ethyl 2-chloroacetoacetate in presence of N-methylimidazole in dry acetonitrile. The synthesized compounds were explored for their inhibition against alkaline phosphatases and HeLa cancer cell lines. The results suggest that almost all the compounds possess good % inhibition against both enzymes, with compound 4m showing dual inhibition while 4g and 4i as potent and selective inhibitors of TNAP and c-IAP respectively. Structure activity relationship for the active members of series has been carried out based on molecular docking studies. The result of SAR shows the involvement of active inhibitors in H-bonding at various sites with different amino acid residues in addition to secondary metal ion interactions with Zn ions inside the active pocket of the enzyme. The π-π interactions between the 1,3-oxathiole ring and imidazole ring of His321 and His 317 further defines the dual mode of inhibition by compound 4m. These compounds also possess inhibition potential against cervical cell lines in the range of 2.42-69.03% with the maximum inhibition shown by the unsubstituted member 4a compared to the reference drug cisplatin.

Bisthioureas of pimelic acid and 4-methylsalicylic acid derivatives as selective inhibitors of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP): Synthesis and molecular docking studies

Alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) are membrane bound metalloenzymes, distributed all over the body. Recent studies have revealed that by targeting ALPs can lead towards the treatment of many deadliest diseases including cardiac, cancerous and brain diseases. Thioureas and their derivatives are of considerable significance and are privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry. They show a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants etc. On the other hand, salicylic acid and its derivatives are known for its broad spectrum of activities. The work presented comprises of synthesis of N-acyl-N'-aryl substituted bisthioureas of pimelic acid (1-7) and 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole (11), 1-aroyl-3-aryl thiourea (12) and 1,3,4-oxadiazole (13) derivatives of 4-methyl salicylic acid. Structures of all the synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their alkaline phosphatases inhibition potential and exhibited high potency as well as selectivity towards h-TNAP and h-IAP. Compound 7 and 12 which were the bisthiourea derivative of pimmelic acid and thiourea derivative of 4-methyl salicylic acid, respectively, showed excellent selectivity against h-TNAP and h-IAP, respectively.

Sulfonylhydrazones: Design, synthesis and investigation of ectonucleotidase (ALP & e5'NT) inhibition activities

Medicinal importance of the sulfonylhydrazones is well-evident owing to their binding ability with zinc containing metalloenzymes. In the present study, we have synthesized different series of sulfonylhydrazones by using facile synthetic methods in good to excellent yield. All the successfully prepared sulfonylhydrazones were screened for ectonucleotidase (ALP & e5'NT) inhibitory activity. Among the chromen-2-one scaffold based sulfonylhydrazones, the compounds 7 was found to be most potent inhibitor for h-TNAP (human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase) and h-IAP (human intestinal alkaline phosphatase) with IC₅₀ values of 1.02 ± 0.13 and 0.32 ± 0.0 3 µM respectively, compared with levamisole (IC₅₀ = 25.2 ± 1.90 µM for h-TNAP) and l-phenylalanine (IC₅₀ = 100 ± 3.00 µM for h-IAP) as standards. Further, the chromen-2-one based molecule 5a showed excellent activity against h-ecto 5'-NT (human ecto-5'-nucleotidase) with IC₅₀ value of 0.29 ± 0.004 µM compared to standard, sulfamic acid (IC₅₀ = 42.1 ± 7.8 µM). However, among the series of phenyl ring based sulfonylhydrazones, compound 9d was found to be most potent against h-TNAP and h-IAP with IC₅₀ values of 0.85 ± 0.08 and 0.52 ± 0.03 µM, respectively. Moreover, in silico studies were also carried to demonstrate their putative binding with the target enzymes. The potent compounds 5a, 7, and 9d against different ectonucleotidases (h-ecto 5'-NT, h-TNAP, h-IAP) could potentially serve as lead for the development of new therapeutic agents.