Quantification of Neuronal Cell-Released Hydrogen Peroxide Using 3D Mesoporous Copper-Enriched Prussian Blue Microcubes Nanozymes: A Colorimetric Approach in Real Time and Anticancer Effect

Despite the effectiveness and selectivity of natural enzymes, their instability has paved the way for developing nanozymes with high peroxidase activity using a straightforward technique, thereby expanding their potential for multifunctional applications. Herein, meso-copper-Prussian blue microcubes (Meso-Cu-PBMCs) nanozymes were successfully prepared via a cost-effective hydrothermal route. It was found that the Cu-PBMCs nanozymes, with three-dimensional (3D) mesoporous cubic morphologies, exhibited an excellent peroxidase-like property. Based on the high affinity of Meso-Cu-PBMCs toward H2O2 (Km = 0.226 μM) and TMB (Km = 0.407 mM), a colorimetric sensor for in situ H2O2 detection was constructed. On account of the high catalytic activity, affinity, and cascade strategy, the Meso-Cu-PBMCs nanozyme generated rapid multicolor displays at varying H2O2 concentrations. Under optimized conditions, the proposed sensor exhibits a preferable sensitivity of 18.14 μA μM-1, a linear range of 10 nM-25 mM, and a detection limit of 6.36 nM (S/N = 10). The reliability of the sensor was verified by detecting H2O2 in spiked human blood serum and milk samples, as well as by detecting in situ H2O2 generated from the neuron cell SH-SY5Y. Besides, the Meso-Cu-PBMCs nanozyme facilitated the catalysis of H2O2 in cancer cells, generating •OH radicals that induce the death of cancer cells (HCT-116 colon cancer cells), which holds substantial potential for application in chemodynamic therapy (CDT). This proposed strategy holds promise for simple, rapid, inexpensive, and effective intracellular biosensing and offers a novel approach to improve CDT efficacy.

The impact of electronic pathways and digital systems on neck of femur fracture outcomes globally: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Electronic pathways (e-pathways) and digital systems are novel interventions with several uses in healthcare, ranging from clinical decision support systems to checklists for care delivery. Their application in the management of neck of femur (NOF) fractures is evolving and they may play a key role in facilitating improvements in care delivery. The primary aim of this review was to outline the impact of e-pathways/digital systems on NOF fracture outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 698 citations were evaluated, of which 38 passed the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six studies were then finalised following full-text review. Heterogenous data meant a narrative synthesis was undertaken. Risk of bias for each paper was assessed using the Downs and Black scale.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement was demonstrated for time to theatre (3/6 studies), length of hospital stay (2/6 studies) and secondary fracture prevention (2/6 studies). Although postoperative delirium and mortality improved with the introduction of e-pathways/digital systems, statistical significance was not achieved. No outcome measures were adversely affected.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review of the literature demonstrates that e-pathways and digital systems are promising novel interventions, displaying a significant positive impact on several NOF fracture outcomes. Owing to the novel nature of e-pathways and digital systems in orthopaedics, a limited number of studies were identified for review, each with variable study design. More high quality homogenous prospective cohort studies with a standardised primary outcome measure are required for more definitive conclusions of efficacy to be drawn.

Optimization of biogas potential using kinetic models, response surface methodology, and instrumental evidence for biodegradation of tannery fleshings during anaerobic digestion

The optimization of the batch size experiment was run for a hydraulic retention time of 45 days using proteolytic enzyme pretreatment. The highest amounts of biogas were produced in comparison to conventional BDS (25:75), which is not processed with enzymes, and there was an increase in the biogas generation of 13.9 and 18.57%. The kinetic models show the goodness of fit between 0.993 and 0.998 and the correlation coefficient's value domain was [-1, 1] from a statistical perspective. The Box-Behnken design was carried out using the response surface methodology at different levels of independent parameters to optimize the process. Different instruments were evaluated to determine the chemical structure change and the contamination of the different treatments and the raw sample of tannery fleshings was determined. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to determine the loss of weight on thermal degradation. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was carried out to determine the different functional groups, such as -OH, -CH, -NH, and C-O, present in the samples of tannery fleshings. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were carried out to determine the morphological alterations in the substrate, digestate, enzyme-pretreated fleshings, and the chemical composition of samples.

Synthesis of carbon molecular sieves from agricultural residues: Status, challenges and prospects

Adsorption is the most promising technology used in the gas separation and purification process. The key success of this technology relies on the selection of an adsorbent. Activated carbon and zeolites are the most commonly used adsorbents in the separation of particular gas from gaseous mixtures. Activated carbon deriving from fossil and biomass-based resources has wide pore size distribution and thereby results in lower selectivity. Whereas, zeolites synthesized from natural minerals are expensive which increases the cost of the purification process. Taking this into concern, the quest for synthesizing low-cost and effective adsorbents has gained greater attention in recent years. Carbon Molecular Sieves (CMSs), are considered as an attractive alternative to replace the conventional adsorbents. Furthermore, CMSs exhibit higher selectivity and adsorption capacity, due to their narrow micropore size distribution (0.3-0.5 nm). CMSs are synthesized from any organic carbonaceous precursor with low inorganic content. Since most of the agricultural residues fall under this category, they can be used as a feedstock for CMSs production. The synthesis of CMSs involves three stages: carbonization, activation, and pore modification. In this review, physicochemical characteristics of various agricultural residues, the effects of carbonization process parameters, activation methods, and pore modification techniques adopted for producing CMSs are comprehensively discussed. The effect of deposition temperature, time, and flow rate of depositing agent on pore characteristics of CMSs is briefed. The prospects and challenges in CMSs production are also studied. The insights in this review provide guidelines for synthesizing CMSs from agro-residues.

Forced symmetry breaking as a mechanism for rogue bursts in a dissipative nonlinear dynamical lattice

We propose an alternative to the standard mechanisms for the formation of rogue waves in a nonconservative, nonlinear lattice dynamical system. We consider an ordinary differential equation (ODE) system that features regular periodic bursting arising from forced symmetry breaking. We then connect such potentially exploding units via a diffusive lattice coupling and investigate the resulting spatiotemporal dynamics for different types of initial conditions (localized or extended). We find that in both cases, particular oscillators undergo extremely fast and large amplitude excursions, resembling a rogue wave burst. Furthermore, the probability distribution of different amplitudes exhibits bimodality, with peaks at both vanishing and very large amplitude. While this phenomenology arises over a range of coupling strengths, for large values thereof the system eventually synchronizes and the above phenomenology is suppressed. We use both distributed (such as a synchronization order parameter) and individual oscillator diagnostics to monitor the dynamics and identify potential precursors to large amplitude excursions. We also examine similar behavior with amplitude-dependent diffusive coupling.

Biogenesis of Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles by Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd) Leaf Extract: Characterization and their Antimicrobial Activities

Aims: To determine the antimicrobial activity of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) synthesized by Justicia Adhatoda leaf extract. Study Design: Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity determination of ZrO2 NPs. Place and Duration of Study: PG and Research Department of Chemistry, V.O.Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India, between April 2020 and April 2021. Methodology: Justicia adhatoda leaf extract was used to synthesize ZrO2 NPs. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to characterize ZrO2 NPs. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the function of biomolecules in plant extract in the synthesis of ZrO2 NPs was identified. XRD was used to determine the particle size of nanparticles. ZrO2 NPs were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Results: The synthesis of ZrO2 NPs was clearly visible in an absorbance band at 321 nm in the UV–visible spectrum. The absorption peak of ZrO2 NPs in the FTIR was 880 cm-1, confirming the Zr–O vibrational mode in ZrO2 NPs. As evidenced by XRD measurements, the average crystallite size of ZrO2 NPs was found to be 40 nm. The biosynthesized ZrO2 NPs were found to have potent antibacterial action against Escherichia coli bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Conclusion: ZrO2 NPs mediated by Justicia adhatoda leaf extract have demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity

Antibacterial Activity of CuO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Justicia adhatoda Leaf Extract

Aims: To determine the antibacterial activity of CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized by Justicia adhatoda leaf extract. Study Design:  Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity determination of CuO NPs. Place and Duration of Study: PG and Research Department of Chemistry, V.O.Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India, between April 2019 and April 2020. Methodology: CuO NPs were synthesised using Justicia adhatoda leaf extract. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to characterize CuO NPs. The role of biomolecules in plant extract in the formation of the CuO NPs was identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The particle size and lattice properties of CuO NPs were determined using XRD. The surface morphology of CuO NPs was studied using SEM. The presence of Cu and O in CuO NPs was confirmed using EDAX analysis. Bacterial antimicrobial activity was investigated. Results: An absorbance band at 285 nm in the UV–visible spectrum clearly revealed the formation of CuO NPs. In the FTIR, CuO NPs had a distinct absorption peak at 608 cm-1, confirming metal–oxygen stretching in Cu-O nanostructures. The presence of crystalline CuO NPs was confirmed by XRD patterns, and they were found to be spherical in shape with a size range of 23.21–37.57 nm, as evidenced by FESEM. The biosynthesized CuO NPs exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus bacteria. Conclusion: Justicia adhatoda leaf extract mediated CuO NPs have shown significant antibacterial activity and they are considered potent antibacterial agents.

Kinetic and thermodynamic study of finger millet straw pyrolysis through thermogravimetric analysis

Pyrolysis kinetics of finger millet straw (FMS) was studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer under N₂ environment. Physico-chemical characteristics of FMS were comparable with the established pyrolysis feedstocks. FMS thermally decomposed in three stages: drying, active pyrolysis, and char formation resulting in 70.37% overall weight loss. Average activation energy determined by Friedman and Starink methods was 177.80 and 172.18 kJ mol^-1, respectively. Frequency factor was found to be in the range of 10⁸ to 10²⁹. Reaction pathway followed diffusion, nucleation, and order-based mechanisms. The pyrolysis of FMS was characterized by empirical modeling and predicted well with model adequacy of 97.55%. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG and ΔH) revealed the non-spontaneous and endothermic nature of FMS pyrolysis. The biochar obtained at multiple heating rates were characterized for its physicochemical, functional, and morphological characteristics. The kinetic and thermodynamic analyses illustrate the feasibility of exploiting finger millet straw as a pyrolysis feedstock to derive biofuels.

Fabrication of eco-friendly chitosan functionalized few-layered WS2 nanocomposite implanted with ruthenium nanoparticles for in vitro antibacterial and anticancer activity: Synthesis, characterization, and pharmaceutical applications

The abundance of two-dimensional (2D) components has provided them with a broad material platform for building nano and atomic-level applications. So, 2D nanomaterials are unique because of their physicochemical properties. Over many years, graphene is a conventional 2D layered element that has significant attention in the scientific community. In recent years numerous new 2D nanomaterials other than graphene have been reported. The study of 2D nanomaterials is also in its infant stages, with the majority of research focusing on the explanation of special material properties, but very few articles are focusing on the biological applications of 2D nanomaterials. As a result, we focused on the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) such as MoS₂ and WS₂, which were emerging and exciting groups of elements with display great opportunities in several fields, such as cancer nanomedicine. Herein, we synthesized biologically active CS/WS₂/Ru composite by liquid exfoliation approach. The CS/WS₂/Ru composites exhibit significant antibacterial action towards (S. aureus, and E. coli) bacteria. Also, the composite suggests synergetic anticancer action against MCF-7 cancer cells. These reports are possible to explore the innovative aspects of biological outcomes in carcinological applications.

Density Distribution in Soft Matter Crystals and Quasicrystals

The density distribution in solids is often represented as a sum of Gaussian peaks (or similar functions) centered on lattice sites or via a Fourier sum. Here, we argue that representing instead the logarithm of the density distribution via a Fourier sum is better. We show that truncating such a representation after only a few terms can be highly accurate for soft matter crystals. For quasicrystals, this sum does not truncate so easily, nonetheless, representing the density profile in this way is still of great use, enabling us to calculate the phase diagram for a three-dimensional quasicrystal-forming system using an accurate nonlocal density functional theory.

Indium-Catalyzed Aromative Spiro Coupling of Quinones with Oxindoles for Highly Functionalized Xanthenes as Efficient Fluorophores

A convenient and an efficient protocol for the assembly of diverse xanthenes bearing a biologically interesting oxindole nucleus is developed by utilizing the In(III)-catalyzed spiro coupling of 1,4-benzoquinones or 1,4-naphthoquinones with oxindoles. This novel protocol proceeds via a cascade of double Michael additions and intramolecular cyclization. The synthesized compounds have potential use as fluorophores for the selective imaging of heavy metals in living cells.

Resuming elective hip and knee arthroplasty in the COVID-19 era: a unique insight into patient risk aversion and sentiment

INTRODUCTION

There has been guidance from the government and orthopaedic community on how best to ensure the safety of our patients and colleagues as we recommence elective surgery in the UK. The primary aim was to determine what proportion of patients feel they should proceed with their elective hip and knee arthroplasty surgery during the COVID-19 climate. The secondary aim was to investigate what variables affected this decision.

METHODS

Patient information from a single surgeon's waiting list in a district general hospital were recorded. A standardised telephone discussion was had with all the patients noting the severity of pain and the potential reasons for not wanting to proceed with surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 70.6% (96/136) of patients wished to proceed with surgery; 29.4% (40/136) did not wish to proceed. The decision to proceed with surgery was not correlated with sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade or COVID-19 risk. Those who wished to proceed with surgery had a mean age of 68.5 years while those who did not had a mean age of 72.4 years (P = 0.03). Within the matched subgroups, patients under the age of 70 years were more willing to proceed with primary hip arthroplasty surgery (87.9%) compared with primary knee arthroplasty surgery (57.1%; P = 0.007); 75% of the patients who did not wish to proceed with surgery expressed concerns about perioperative COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant proportion of arthroplasty patients on waiting lists who would be willing to accept the increased risks associated with COVID-19 to undergo surgery on an urgent basis. The subgroup of younger patients awaiting hip arthroplasty is more willing than those awaiting knee arthroplasty to proceed with surgery.

Fabrication of heteroatom doped NFP-MWCNT and NFB-MWCNT nanocomposite from imidazolium ionic liquid functionalized MWCNT for antibiofilm and wound healing in Wistar rats: Synthesis, characterization, in-vitro and in-vivo studies

Bacterial biofilm is an obstacle for wound healing because it can affect the epithelialization, development of granular cells, and other regular inflammatory procedures. It plays the role of safeguarding pathogens from antiseptics and antibiotics. In this respect, this research work aims to develop heteroatom (N, F, P/B) incorporated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), such as NFP-MWCNT and NFB-MWCNT, which can maximize the wound healing efficacy via destroying the wound pathogen and biofilms. NFP-MWCNT and NFB-MWCNT were obtained using self-assembling ionic liquids (ILs) such as BMIM-PF₆ and BMIM-BF₄ in an acid-functionalized MWCNT (A-MWCNT) suspension, followed by pyrolysis in a nitrogen atmosphere. The composite formation was established by FTIR, XRD, RAMAN, EDX mapping, and XPS spectroscopy. TEM and SEM analyses confirmed the bamboo stick-like morphology. During this reaction, IL molecules might be cross-linked with A-MWCNT via hydrogen bonding and ionic interaction, with further pyrolysis producing the defects with doping of N, F, P, or B elements. Finally, they were assessed for their antibiofilm activity against typical bacterial strains such as K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, E. coli (Gram-negative), and B. subtilis (Gram-positive), using a quantitative estimation approach. The results revealed greater effectiveness of NFB-MWCNT and NFP-MWCNT, compared to pristine MWCNT. The antibiofilm activity of NFP-MWCNT and NFB-MWCNT was associated with their specific surface chemistry (due to the presence of N, F, P/B heteroatoms), and their nanosize. Moreover, the synthesized material was examined for its wound-healing ability in Wistar rats. The results proved that cells cultured on NFB-MWCNT and NFP-MWCNT displayed exceptional healing ability. The different electronegativity between the heteroatoms creates the surface charge that inhibits the biofilm formation, leading to healing the wounds together with the heteroatom mineral source for mouse fibroblast regeneration and granulation. This is the first study in which the role of different heteroatoms incorporated into MWCNT is examined in the context of antibiofilm-associated wound-healing ability.

Which Wave Numbers Determine the Thermodynamic Stability of Soft Matter Quasicrystals?

For soft matter to form quasicrystals an important ingredient is to have two characteristic length scales in the interparticle interactions. To be more precise, for stable quasicrystals, periodic modulations of the local density distribution with two particular wave numbers should be favored, and the ratio of these wave numbers should be close to certain special values. So, for simple models, the answer to the title question is that only these two ingredients are needed. However, for more realistic models, where in principle all wave numbers can be involved, other wave numbers are also important, specifically those of the second and higher reciprocal lattice vectors. We identify features in the particle pair interaction potentials that can suppress or encourage density modes with wave numbers associated with one of the regular crystalline orderings that compete with quasicrystals, enabling either the enhancement or suppression of quasicrystals in a generic class of systems.

Phyto-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using fucoidan isolated from Spatoglossum asperum and assessment of antibacterial activities

The present study was aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of fucoidan mediated silver nanoparticles (Fu-AgNPs) synthesized from Spatoglossum asperum. The synthesized Fu-AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible, Field emission - scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Tranmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential analysis. The UV-visible spectrum of Fu-AgNPs exhibited a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 440 nm. The electron microscopic results revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical to oval in shape and are found to be 20 to 46 nm. Altogether the X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the Fu-AgNPs were crystalline in nature. The FT-IR spectrum confirmed the existence of CC stretching vibration of aromatic compounds and sulfated groups of fucoidan plays a major role in the synthesis of Fu-AgNPs. The biosynthesized Fu-AgNPs shows potential antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae in agar bioassay, disk diffusion, reactive oxygen species, protein leakage and confocal laser scanning microscopy assays. Furthermore, Artemia toxicity assay results showed less mortality (3.3 ± 0.8%) even at higher concentration of Fu-AgNPs. Therefore, Fu-AgNPs can be effectively used as an antibacterial agent in the pharmaceutical fields.

Structural crossover in a model fluid exhibiting two length scales: Repercussions for quasicrystal formation

We investigate the liquid state structure of the two-dimensional model introduced by Barkan et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 098304 (2014)10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.098304], which exhibits quasicrystalline and other unusual solid phases, focusing on the radial distribution function g(r) and its asymptotic decay r→∞. For this particular model system, we find that as the density is increased there is a structural crossover from damped oscillatory asymptotic decay with one wavelength to damped oscillatory asymptotic decay with another distinct wavelength. The ratio of these wavelengths is ≈1.932. Following the locus in the phase diagram of this structural crossover leads directly to the region where quasicrystals are found. We argue that identifying and following such a crossover line in the phase diagram towards higher densities where the solid phase(s) occur is a good strategy for finding quasicrystals in a wide variety of systems. We also show how the pole analysis of the asymptotic decay of equilibrium fluid correlations is intimately connected with the nonequilibrium growth or decay of small-amplitude density fluctuations in a bulk fluid.

Factors associated with nurses' perceptions about quality of end-of-life care

AIM

To examine the factors associated with nurses' perceptions of the quality of end-of-life care.

BACKGROUND

With increasing demand for hospitals to provide end-of-life care, the low quality of palliative care provided in hospital settings is an issue of growing concern in developing countries. Most dying patients receive their care from general nurses, irrespective of the nurses' specialty or level of training.

METHOD

A structured cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of 553 nurses working at a teaching hospital in Malaysia.

RESULTS

The mean scores for nurses' knowledge about end-of-life care, their attitudes towards end-of-life care and the perceived quality of end-of-life care were low. The factors identified as significantly associated with the quality of end-of-life care were nurses' levels of knowledge and their attitudes towards end-of-life care.

DISCUSSION

Factors that contributed to the low quality of end-of-life care were inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes. These findings may reflect that end-of-life care education is not well integrated into nursing education.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that there is a need to increase the nurses' level of knowledge and improve their attitude towards end-of-life care in order to enhance the quality of care provided to dying patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Nurse managers and hospital policymakers should develop strategies to enhance nurses' level of knowledge, as well as providing adequate emotional support for nurses who care for dying patients and their families. Nurses should be proactive in increasing their knowledge and adopting more positive attitudes towards end-of-life care.

Combining Medical Informatics and Bioinformatics toward Tools for Personalized Medicine

Objectives: Key bioinformatics and medical informatics research areas need to be identified to advance knowledge and understanding of disease risk factors and molecular disease pathology in the 21st century toward new diagnoses, prognoses, and treatments. Methods: Three high-impact informatics areas are identified: predictive medicine (to identify significant correlations within clinical data using statistical and artificial intelligence methods), along with pathway informatics and cellular simulations (that combine biological knowledge with advanced informatics to elucidate molecular disease pathology).

Results: Initial predictive models have been developed for a pilot study in Huntington’s disease. An initial bioinformatics platform has been developed for the reconstruction and analysis of pathways, and work has begun on pathway simulation.

Conclusions: A bioinformatics research program has been established at GE Global Research Center as an important technology toward next generation medical diagnostics. We anticipate that 21st century medical research will be a combination of informatics tools with traditional biology wet lab research, and that this will translate to increased use of informatics techniques in the clinic.

Imaging spectroscopy of solar radio burst fine structures

Solar radio observations provide a unique diagnostic of the outer solar atmosphere. However, the inhomogeneous turbulent corona strongly affects the propagation of the emitted radio waves, so decoupling the intrinsic properties of the emitting source from the effects of radio wave propagation has long been a major challenge in solar physics. Here we report quantitative spatial and frequency characterization of solar radio burst fine structures observed with the Low Frequency Array, an instrument with high-time resolution that also permits imaging at scales much shorter than those corresponding to radio wave propagation in the corona. The observations demonstrate that radio wave propagation effects, and not the properties of the intrinsic emission source, dominate the observed spatial characteristics of radio burst images. These results permit more accurate estimates of source brightness temperatures, and open opportunities for quantitative study of the mechanisms that create the turbulent coronal medium through which the emitted radiation propagates.

Radio observations of the solar atmosphere provide a unique view on the non-thermal processes in the outer atmosphere. Here the authors use LOFAR observations to demonstrate that the observed radio burst characteristics are dominated by propagation effects rather than underlying emission variations.

SYN-004 (ribaxamase), an oral beta-lactamase, mitigates antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis in a porcine gut microbiome model

AIM

To evaluate an antibiotic inactivation strategy to protect the gut microbiome from antibiotic-mediated damage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

SYN-004 (ribaxamase) is an orally delivered beta-lactamase intended to degrade penicillins and cephalosporins within the gastrointestinal tract to protect the microbiome. Pigs (20 kg, n = 10) were treated with ceftriaxone (CRO) (IV, 50 mg kg^-1 , SID) for 7 days and a cohort (n = 5) received ribaxamase (PO, 75 mg, QID) for 9 days beginning the day before antibiotic administration. Ceftriaxone serum levels were not statistically different in the antibiotic-alone and antibiotic + ribaxamase groups, indicating ribaxamase did not alter systemic antibiotic levels. Whole-genome metagenomic analyses of pig faecal DNA revealed that CRO caused significant changes to the gut microbiome and an increased frequency of antibiotic resistance genes. With ribaxamase, the gut microbiomes were not significantly different from pretreatment and antibiotic resistance gene frequency was not increased.

CONCLUSION

Ribaxamase mitigated CRO-mediated gut microbiome dysbiosis and attenuated propagation of the antibiotic resistance genes in pigs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Damage of the microbiome can lead to overgrowth of pathogenic organisms and antibiotic exposure can promote selection for antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms. Ribaxamase has the potential to become the first therapy designed to protect the gut microbiome from antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis and reduce emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Minimally invasive periacetabular osteotomy using a modified Smith-Petersen approach: technique and early outcomes

AIMS

Periacetabular osteotomy is an effective way of treating symptomatic hip dysplasia. We describe a new minimally invasive technique using a modification of the Smith-Peterson approach. We performed a prospective, longitudinal cohort study to assess for any compromise in acetabular correction when using this approach, and to see if the procedure would have a higher complication rate than that quoted in the literature for other approaches. We also assessed for any improvement in functional outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 168 consecutive patients (189 hips) who underwent acetabular correction between March 2010 and March 2013 we excluded those who had undergone previous pelvic surgery for DDH and those being treated for acetabular retroversion. The remaining 151 patients (15 men, 136 women) (166 hips) had a mean age of 32 years (15 to 56) and the mean duration of follow-up was 2.8 years (1.2 to 4.5). In all 90% of cases were Tönnis grade 0 or 1. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Non Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Tegner activity scores.

RESULTS

The mean pre-operative lateral centre-edge angle was 14.2° (-5° to 30°) and the mean acetabular index was 18.4° (4° to 40°). Post-operatively these were 31° (18° to 46°) and 3° (-7° to 29°), respectively, a significant improvement in both (p < 0.001). Allogenic blood transfusion was required in two patients (1.2%). There were no major nerve or vascular complications, and no wound infections. At the time of last follow-up, we noted a significant improvement in functional outcome scores: UCLA improved by 2.31 points, Tegner improved by 1.08 points, and the NAHS improved by 25.4 points (p < 0.001 for each). Hypermobility and longer duration of surgery were significant negative predictors for a good post-operative UCLA score, while residual retroversion was a positive predictor of post-operative UCLA score.

CONCLUSION

We have found this approach to be safe and effective, facilitating early recovery from surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:22-8.

Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals on the Usage of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in a Teaching Hospital from a Middle-Income South East Asian Country

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals' (HCPs) in a South East Asian nation towards percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding.

DESIGN

Semi-structured, qualitative interviews.

SETTINGS

A teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 17 healthcare professionals aged 23-43 years, 82% women.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis revealed five themes that represent HCPs' perceptions in relation to the usage of PEG feeding: 1) knowledge of HCPs, 2) communication, 3) understanding among patients, and 4) financial and affordability.

CONCLUSION

The rationale for reluctance towards PEG feeding observed in this regions was explained by lack of education, knowledge, communication, team work, and financial support. Future studies should assess the effects of educational programmes among HCPs and changes in policies to promote affordability on the utilization of PEG feeding in this region.

Transient Weakening of Earth's Magnetic Shield Probed by a Cosmic Ray Burst

The GRAPES-3 tracking muon telescope in Ooty, India measures muon intensity at high cutoff rigidities (15-24 GV) along nine independent directions covering 2.3 sr. The arrival of a coronal mass ejection on 22 June 2015 18:40 UT had triggered a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm (storm). Starting 19:00 UT, the GRAPES-3 muon telescope recorded a 2 h high-energy (∼20  GeV) burst of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) that was strongly correlated with a 40 nT surge in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Simulations have shown that a large (17×) compression of the IMF to 680 nT, followed by reconnection with the geomagnetic field (GMF) leading to lower cutoff rigidities could generate this burst. Here, 680 nT represents a short-term change in GMF around Earth, averaged over 7 times its volume. The GCRs, due to lowering of cutoff rigidities, were deflected from Earth's day side by ∼210° in longitude, offering a natural explanation of its night-time detection by the GRAPES-3. The simultaneous occurrence of the burst in all nine directions suggests its origin close to Earth. It also indicates a transient weakening of Earth's magnetic shield, and may hold clues for a better understanding of future superstorms that could cripple modern technological infrastructure on Earth, and endanger the lives of the astronauts in space.

Three-Dimensional Icosahedral Phase Field Quasicrystal

We investigate the formation and stability of icosahedral quasicrystalline structures using a dynamic phase field crystal model. Nonlinear interactions between density waves at two length scales stabilize three-dimensional quasicrystals. We determine the phase diagram and parameter values required for the quasicrystal to be the global minimum free energy state. We demonstrate that traits that promote the formation of two-dimensional quasicrystals are extant in three dimensions, and highlight the characteristics required for three-dimensional soft matter quasicrystal formation.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Solanum trilobatum fruits extract and its antibacterial, cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer cell line MCF 7

In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles by a simple and eco-friendly method using unripe fruits of Solanum trilobatum. The aqueous silver ions when exposed to unripe fruits extract were reduced and stabilized over long time resulting in biosynthesis of surface functionalized silver nanoparticles. The bio-reduced silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested for its antibacterial activity against few human pathogenic bacteria including Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria. In addition, we also demonstrated anticancer activity of these nanoparticles in vitro against human breast cancer cell line (MCF 7) using MTT, nuclear morphology assay, Western blot and RT-PCR expression. These results taken together show the potential applications of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using S. trilobatum fruits.

Influence of triazine herbicide exposure on guppies (poecilia sphenops) aromatase activities, altered sex steroid concentration and vitellogenin induction

Atrazine, a herbicide is one the most toxic and sustaining pollutants in aquatic environment. It is detectable in surface water and in underground sources of drinking water. Many studies indicate that atrazine might be a potent endocrine disrupting xenobiotic. There are limited studies have revealed that the effects of atrazine on sex steroids hormones, vitellogenin and induction of aromatase, gonadosomatic index and hepatosomatic index. In this study, juvenile Poecilia sphenops fish was exposed to three different (0.83, 1.25 and 2.5 ppm) concentration of atrazine for 100 d. Changes in plasma and gonadal content and concentrations of sex steroids and vitellogenin protein in poecilia sphenops under laboratory conditions were assessed. The low level of the atrazine show estrogenic effect in males, as determined by a shortage of testosterone induction. Present study suggests that low induction of plasma vitellogenin and aromatase in male fish become suitable biomarkers of exposure to estrogenic chemicals.

Psychological distress, job dissatisfaction, and somatic symptoms in office workers in 6 non-problem buildings in the Midwest

BACKGROUND

Researchers examined office worker characteristics and reports of non-specific somatic symptoms in 6 non-problem buildings in the Midwestern United States.

METHODS

We assessed office workers for demographic characteristics and somatic symptoms that occurred in the workplace. Sampling was conducted over a 1-week period in each building over 4 seasons. Our team administered the Medical Outcome Survey questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Job Content Questionnaire to individuals at each site, comparing office workers reporting no symptoms to those reporting ≥4 symptoms.

RESULTS

Self-reported nonspecific somatic symptoms were frequent in office workers in non-problem buildings. High symptom levels were associated with younger age, female sex, psychological distress, impaired quality of life, and poor job satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that office workers frequently report somatic symptoms they believe are related to the workplace even in buildings considered non-problematic. People with high symptom levels perceived as related to the workplace are psychologically distressed, have impaired quality of life, and feel dissatisfied and powerless in the workplace.