Naphthalene derived Schiff base as a reversible fluorogenic chemosensor for aluminium ions detection

Schiff base (HNPD) was achieved by reacting 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine in enthanol medium. The spectroscopic analyses were done to establish the formation of Schiff base apparently. Further, synthesized Schiff base conjugate was successfully used as a fluorogenic chemosensor to detect aluminium ions (Al3+) with high fluorescence amplification among the other interfering various metal ions. The limit of detection of 0.0248 × 10-6 M and a binding constant of 6.19 × 103 M-1 were obtained by the receptor HNPD for Al3+ detection. A high influence of intramolecular charge transfer kinetics was established to realize the selective responsiveness towards Al3+ ions. Density functional theory approximation formulated the band energy modulation and localization and delocalization of electron density for the HNPD and Al3+ complexation. The developed sensor ultimately inspected on the real soil and water samples and ascertained the practical ability of Al3+ ions detection of HNPD chemosensor.

Sulfur deficiency mediated visible emission of ZnS QDs by magnesium dopant and their application in waste water treatment

The photocatalyst with antimicrobial activity serves as a better candidate material for wastewater treatment, as wastewater contains microbes, hazardous dyes, and heavy metals. Hence, the present study extensively examines the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities against two waterborne bacterial strains, namely Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Pure and Mg-doped ZnS (Mg:ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using a low-cost and simple co-precipitation method. The QDs' structural, surface morphology, chemical purity, and optical characteristics were analyzed through XRD, SEM, EDAX, TEM, UV-visible, and photoluminescence spectra. The incorporation of Mg dopants did not introduce significant alterations to the cubic blende structure of ZnS, nor did it induce substantial changes in the structural parameters. However, the QDs exhibited a slight sulfur deficiency, which was further increased by the presence of Mg dopant. The Mg dopant, due to its dominant compositional effect, reduced the band gap. Several optical emission bands were observed in the UV, violet, blue, and green regions, corresponding to NBE emission, sulfur-related defects, and Zn-related defects. Initially, Mg doping enhanced visible emission related to defects, while NBE emission was suppressed by the Mg dopant. However, increasing the concentration of the Mg dopant led to a slight increase in NBE emission. The Mg dopant enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the QDs, and a strong correlation was found between photocatalytic activity and NBE emission. The presence of the Mg dopant led to an increased rate of ROS-based decolorization by reducing the electron-hole recombination rate.

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in syphilis

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a focal, local, or systemic reaction, which follows the first dose of antisyphilitic remedy. JHR is a self-limiting reaction. The appearance of secondary syphilitic rashes following injection of benzathine penicillin was not so common nowadays to meet with JHR. Rashes were resolved completely a week after the injection. This case was reported to alert the physicians about the appearance of secondary syphilitic rashes following the antisyphilitic treatment which could be confused with hypersensitive reactions of penicillin.

Outer membrane vesicles as carriers for bacterial extracellular ATP modulate local and remote inflammation in peritoneal sepsis

Objective

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) may be released to the extracellular space and activate specific purinergic receptors to modulate inflammatory responses. In addition to eukaryotes, ATP is also released by bacteria. This bacterial extracellular ATP (eATP) subsequently may act as an inter-kingdom signaling molecule between bacteria and its host. How ATP is secreted by bacteria and its consequences in systemic infection such as sepsis remains unclear. This study aims to determine how ATP is secreted by bacteria and to elucidate its interaction with the host immune system in a model of peritoneal sepsis.

Methods

Bacteria from septic patients were isolated from peritoneal washes. Peritoneal sepsis in mice was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. Peritoneal fluid was collected, (an)aerobically plated and colonies were identified by 16S-sequencing. EATP was periodically measured from bacteria culture supernatant using a luciferin-luciferase assay. Bacteria in culture were counted by plating and the amount of live/dead bacteria was assessed using flow cytometry. To specifically assess the role of bacterial eATP in vivo, E. coli K-12 BW25113 parental strain from the keio collection was used, transformed with a plasmid coding for an apyrase and i.p. injected. Furthermore, a hypervesiculation mutant of this keio collection was used to collect outer membrane vesicles (OMV). These OMV were then loaded with ATP using electroporation and injected i.p in mice.

Results

All bacteria that were isolated from human or mouse peritoneal washes were able to secrete ATP in a growth-phase dependent manner in vitro. In addition to passive release by dying bacteria, we have identified that the amount of eATP is connected with the formation of outer membrane vesicles (OMV) as shown by the E. coliΔtolB hypervesiculation mutant. Whole bacterial eATP led to a significant worse outcome in mice suffering from peritoneal sepsis. In addition, bacterial eATP specifically delivered via OMV worsened septic outcome as well, critically modulating neutrophil recruitment. At the infection site, ATP-loaded OMV led to an impaired recruitment of neutrophils whereas in the lung they led to an elevated infiltration.

Conclusion

OMV serve as a carrier of bacterial wall LPS on its surface as well as bacterial eATP as its content and specifically alter the outcome during sepsis influencing neutrophils locally as well as at remote sites.

Genotoxicity evaluation of medical devices: A regulatory perspective

This review critically evaluates our current regulatory understanding of genotoxicity testing and risk assessment of medical devices. Genotoxicity risk assessment of these devices begins with the evaluation of materials of construction, manufacturing additives and all residual materials for potential to induce DNA damage. This is followed by extractable and/or leachable (E&L) studies to understand the worst case and/or clinical exposures, coupled with risk assessment of extractables or leachables. The TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) approach is used to define acceptable levels of genotoxic chemicals, when identified. Where appropriate, in silico predictions may be used to evaluate the genotoxic potentials of identifiable chemicals with limited toxicological data and above the levels defined by TTC. Devices that could not be supported by E&L studies are evaluated by in vitro genotoxicity studies conducted in accordance with ISO10993-3 and 33. Certain endpoints such as 'site of contact genotoxicity' that are specific for certain classes of medical devices are currently not addressed in the current standards. The review also illustrates the potential uses of recent advances to achieve the goal of robust genotoxicity assessment of medical devices which are being increasingly used for health benefits. The review also highlights the gaps for genotoxicity risk assessment of medical devices and suggests possible approaches to address them taking into consideration the recent advances in genotoxicity testing including their potential uses in biocompatibility assessment.

Weather and population based forecasting of novel COVID-19 using deep learning approaches

The spread of novel corona virus across the globe has a significant impact on various stake holders and posting a major challenge to the research community. Government has taken several measures for maintaining social distance and containment of disease, but still it is not a sufficient for the developing countries like India where the level of understanding the issue is deprived and hence it is a major challenge to the Health Care professionals. Therefore, it is mandatory that a prediction of the number of possible cases enables the preparedness of the Government and the Hospitals in resolving the issues and to take measures in controlling the spread of the disease Series. Deep learning model has been built by considering the features of weather and COVID-19 data (recovered, infected and deceased) for predicting the number of cases expected in India. The model is built on Concurrent Neural Network (CNN), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Bidirectional RNN (BRNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Bidirectional LSTM (BLSTM) based on the daily weather and COVID-19 data collected from Indian subcontinent. The results revealed that the algorithm BRNN yields a better prediction model when compared with the other models.

Detecting the Phishing Attack Using Collaborative Approach and Secure Login through Dynamic Virtual Passwords

User data protection is a major problem in the technical world. To get critical data from people such as bank account, credit card details and passwords, fraudulent people use different techniques for their advantages. Misuse of user credentials affects many industry sectors day by day. The fraudulent practice where more people connected to a network revealing sensitive data of individual, group or a company of legitimate sources called phishing. The aids for the hackers are forged websites and emails which look similar as original. There are different anti-phishing methods are proposed which follows various methods, to protect users against phishing. Proposed technique has detection of phishing at various stages. It contains incoming mail analysis for its feature as well as source. If mail has link to webpage, that cautious webpage is checked for its legitimateness. It is examined by using two methods. For popular sites, webpage content is compared with content of known legitimate site. The second step is to find whether any cautious site is increasingly dependable on any related pages to calculate relationship strength indirectly or directly associated pages. To protect from phishing attacks, these techniques uses virtual passwords for logging into sites.

Challenges and Opportunities in Repurposing of Drugs: Mini Review

for treating a new clinical condition takes time and consumes a lot of investment. Therefore, there is much attention given towards repurposing of old drugs for new therapy. Majority of drugs approved by FDA for a particular treatment has found applications in the treatment of various other clinical conditions too. In other words, it can be said as ‘reusing’ of a drug. This mini review focused on the use of repurposed drugs for bacterial infections and cancer treatment. Apart from the benefits of repurposing of drugs, there are some challenges needed to be addressed. Therefore, in this review paper the use of repurposed drugs in treatment of communicable (bacterial infections) and non-communicable (cancer) diseases were discussed. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(3) 2020 p.365-371

Cutaneous Sarcoidosis- A Report of Two Intriguing Cases

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease which leads to formation of noncaseating granuloma in the affected organs like lungs, lymph nodes and less commonly the skin. Cutaneous sarcoidosis occurs in about 20-35% of individuals with systemic sarcoidosis. Skin involvement serves as an early marker and may be the presenting sign of systemic sarcoidosis. Wide variety of morphological forms of cutaneous sarcoidosis is known to occur simulating several other dermatoses. Isolated skin involvement is very rare. Histopathological examination and special stains plays an important role in ruling out other granulomatous conditions like cutaneous tuberculosis, leprosy, foreign body granuloma and granuloma annulare from sarcoidosis. Corticosteroids remain the main cornerstone in the treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis. Here, the authors reported two interesting cases of cutaneous sarcoidosis without systemic involvement, of which one presented as micropapular sarcoidosis and the other was mimicking lupus vulgaris. Both of them responded well to corticosteroid treatment and are in regular monitoring for development of systemic symptoms. Informed consent was obtained was obtained from both the patients.

Investigations on the existence of piezoelectric property of a bio-polymer – chitosan and its application in vibration sensors

A variety of physical and chemical properties of bio-polymers like chitosan have been investigated although their inherent behavior, such as piezoelectricity, has not been investigated to date.

Scrub typhus meningitis in a renal transplant recipient

Scrub typhus is a rickettsial infection commonly seen in Asia. The clinical presentation ranges from nonspecific febrile illness to potentially fatal multiorgan involvement such as liver, kidney, or lung. Central nervous system involvement is uncommon. We report a 45-year-old female renal transplant recipient who presented with fever, headache, meningeal signs, graft dysfunction, and eschar. IgM antibodies against Orientia tsutsugamushi were positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Despite oral doxycycline therapy for 5 days, she did not improve but responded well to intravenous azithromycin. To the best of our knowledge, scrub typhus as a cause of meningitis in a renal transplant recipient has not been reported so far.

Thrombotic microangiopathy: An unusual cause of renal failure in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the commonest rheumatological diseases. Renal involvement is not common but can occur as a result of chronic inflammation as part of disease process or drug toxicity. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and organ failure of variable severity. Only a few cases of TMA in patients with RA were reported to date. We describe a 45-year-old female patient with RA who presented with oliguria and edema. Renal biopsy showed TMA with patchy cortical necrosis. She improved with hemodialysis and plasmapheresis.

Substitutional impact on biological activity of new water soluble Ni(II) complexes: Preparation, spectral characterization, X-ray crystallography, DNA/protein binding, antibacterial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity

A series of new water soluble nickel(II) complexes containing triphenylphosphine and 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde-4(N)-substituted thiosemicarbazones were synthesized and characterized. Crystallographic investigations confirmed the structure of the complexes (1-4) having the general structure [Ni(4-Msal-Rtsc)(PPh₃)] (Where R=H (1); CH₃ (2); C₂H₅ (3); C₆H₅ (4)) which showed that thiosemicarbazone ligands coordinated to nickel(II) ion as ONS tridentate bibasic donor. DNA/BSA protein binding ability of the ligands and their new complexes were studied by taking calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) through absorption and emission titrations. Ethidium bromide (EB) displacement study showed the intercalative binding trend of the complexes to DNA. From the albumin binding studies, the mechanism of quenching was found as static and the alterations in the secondary structure of BSA by the compounds were confirmed with synchronous spectral studies. The binding affinity of the complexes to CT-DNA and BSA has the order of [Ni(4-Msal-etsc)(PPh₃)] (3) >[Ni(4-Msal-mtsc)(PPh₃)] (2) >[Ni(4-Msal-tsc)(PPh₃)] (1) >[Ni(4-Msal-ptsc)(PPh₃)] (4). In vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested on human lung cancer cells (A549), human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human liver carcinoma cells (Hep G2). All the complexes exhibited significant activity against three cancer cells. Among them, complex 4 exhibited almost 2.5 fold activity than cisplatin in A549 and HepG2 cell lines. In HeLa cell line, the complexes exhibited significant activity which is less than cisplatin. While comparing the activity of the complexes in A549 and HepG2 cell lines it falls in the order 4>1>2>3>cisplatin. The results obtained from DNA, protein binding and cytotoxicity studies, it is concluded that the cytotoxicity of the complexes as determined by MTT assay were not unduly influenced by the complexes having different binding efficiency with DNA and protein. The complexes exhibited good spectrum of antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria such as E. faecalis (gram +ve), S. aureus (gram +ve), E. coli (gram -ve) and P. aeruginosa (gram -ve).

Multiple osteolytic lesions in a 14-year-old boy with HIV disease

A 14 year old boy, said to have had multiple transfusions during infancy, was brought to the hospital for complaints of pain over right thigh for one week duration. MRI reveals multiple osteolytic lesions with enhancing hyperintense bone marrow lesions over iliac bones, right acetabulum and lumbar vertebral bodies and enlarged para-aortic, iliac and inguinal lymph nodes. CT of the whole body revealed osteolytic lesions on skull, mandible, right scapula, head of both humeri, L1 and L4 vertebrae, 5(th) and 10(th) ribs, both acetabulum and ala of sacrum along with enlargement of cervical, axillary and mesenteric, iliac and inguinal nodes. HIV ELISA was positive. Viral load was 141,700 copies/ml. CD4 count was 226 cells/mm(3). Multiple biopsy from the lesions and bone marrow revealed no evidence of tuberculosis and malignancy. Now the boy is on ART (ZDV + 3TC + EFV) since August 2013. His CD4 count improved and viral load became undetectable and he gained weight within 5 months of ART. Due to the rarity of its presentation, this case report is being reported.

Multiple osteolytic lesions in a 14-year-old boy with HIV disease

A 14 year old boy, said to have had multiple transfusions during infancy, was brought to the hospital for complaints of pain over right thigh for one week duration. MRI reveals multiple osteolytic lesions with enhancing hyperintense bone marrow lesions over iliac bones, right acetabulum and lumbar vertebral bodies and enlarged para-aortic, iliac and inguinal lymph nodes. CT of the whole body revealed osteolytic lesions on skull, mandible, right scapula, head of both humeri, L1 and L4 vertebrae, 5(th) and 10(th) ribs, both acetabulum and ala of sacrum along with enlargement of cervical, axillary and mesenteric, iliac and inguinal nodes. HIV ELISA was positive. Viral load was 141,700 copies/ml. CD4 count was 226 cells/mm(3). Multiple biopsy from the lesions and bone marrow revealed no evidence of tuberculosis and malignancy. Now the boy is on ART (ZDV + 3TC + EFV) since August 2013. His CD4 count improved and viral load became undetectable and he gained weight within 5 months of ART. Due to the rarity of its presentation, this case report is being reported.

Mutagenic Effect on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Seedling Survival of Pigeon Pea (<i>Cajanus cajan</i> (L.) Millsp)

In the present investigation the seeds of Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) were treated with different doses of gamma radiation (05KR, 10KR, 15KR, 20KR, 25KR, 30KR, 35KR, 40KR, 45KR, and 50KR) and concentration of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (05mM, 10mM, 15mM, 20mM, 25mM, 30mM, 35mM, 40mM, 45mM, and 50mM) for studying seed germination, seedling height, (shoot and root), seedling injury, seedling vigour index, and seedling survival of plants at 30th day. The seed germination percentage was decreased with increased in the concentration/doses when compared to control. The LD50 (Lethal dose) value was determined based upon the seed germination percentage. The 50 percentage of seed germination and reduction was observed in 20KR of gamma rays and 25mM of EMS and it is considered as LD50 value for both the treatments. The decrease in seed germination was more prominent with gamma rays than that of EMS treatments. The seedling parameters of gamma rays and EMS treated seedlings were progressively decreased with increase dose/concentration in all mutagenic treatments when compared to control. The maximum seedling parameters were observed in 05KR of gamma rays and 05mM of EMS. Minimum seedling parameters were observed in 50mM of EMS and 50KR of gamma rays respectively.

Mutagenic Effect on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Seedling Survival of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp)

In the present investigation the seeds of Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) were treated with different doses of gamma radiation (05KR, 10KR, 15KR, 20KR, 25KR, 30KR, 35KR, 40KR, 45KR, and 50KR) and concentration of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (05mM, 10mM, 15mM, 20mM, 25mM, 30mM, 35mM, 40mM, 45mM, and 50mM) for studying seed germination, seedling height, (shoot and root), seedling injury, seedling vigour index, and seedling survival of plants at 30th day. The seed germination percentage was decreased with increased in the concentration/doses when compared to control. The LD50 (Lethal dose) value was determined based upon the seed germination percentage. The 50 percentage of seed germination and reduction was observed in 20KR of gamma rays and 25mM of EMS and it is considered as LD50 value for both the treatments. The decrease in seed germination was more prominent with gamma rays than that of EMS treatments. The seedling parameters of gamma rays and EMS treated seedlings were progressively decreased with increase dose/concentration in all mutagenic treatments when compared to control. The maximum seedling parameters were observed in 05KR of gamma rays and 05mM of EMS. Minimum seedling parameters were observed in 50mM of EMS and 50KR of gamma rays respectively.

Apoptotic role of natural isothiocyanate from broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica) in experimental chemical lung carcinogenesis

CONTEXT

Sulforaphane (SFN) [1-isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl)butane] is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli [Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck. (Brassicaceae)]. Since it is among the most potent bioactive components with antioxidant and antitumor properties, it has received intense attention in the recent years for its chemopreventive properties.

OBJECTIVE

The present work determined the rehabilitating role in alleviating the oxidative damage caused by benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] to biomolecules and the apoptotic cascade mediated by orally administered isothiocyanate-SFN (9 µmol/mouse/day) against B(a)P (100 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) induced pulmonary carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oxidative damage was assessed by measuring lipid peroxidation, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, glycoprotein components, protein carbonyl levels and DNA-protein crosslinks. DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis and caspase-3 activity by ELISA proved apoptotic induction by SFN along with the protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Cyt c.

RESULTS

SFN treatment was found to decrease the H2O2 production (p < 0.001) in cancer induced animals, proving its antioxidant potential. Apoptosis was induced by increasing the release of Cyt c (p < 0.001) from mitochondria, decreasing and increasing the expression of Bcl-2 (p < 0.01) and Bax (p < 0.001), respectively. Caspase-3 activity was also enhanced (p < 0.001) which leads to DNA fragmentation in SFN treated groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results reflect the rehabilitating role of SFN in B(a)P induced lung carcinogenesis.

Length-weight relationship of Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus 1758) in Vellar estuary, southeast coast of India

A detailed study on the length weight relationship of Mugil cephalus in Vellar estuary was conducted between January 2004 and December 2005. Statistical tests such as regression coefficient 'b' and 'a' tests were performed to compare the b values of males and females from the hypothetical value of 3. The b value of male (2.7658) differed significantly from the hypothetical value of 3 (t = -2.8586 < 0.05), the b value of female (2.8586) did not differ significantly from the hypothetical value (t = -1.0158 > 0.05). Values of both males and females were less than 3 which proved the negative allometry growth pattern.