Showing papers by "Manipal University published in 2019"
TL;DR: Clinical trials assessing the curcumin effect on inflammation, skin, eye, central nervous system, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urogenital and metabolic disorders are presented and discussed.
291 citations
TL;DR: Graphene and graphene oxide composites have been used for wastewater purification because of their adsorption, oxidation, and catalytic properties as mentioned in this paper, and their composites naturally have significant pore volume, high conductivity, rich surface chemistry, and an exceptionally large aspect ratio.
Abstract: Graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and their composites have been prominently utilized for wastewater purification because of their adsorption, oxidation, and catalytic properties. Graphene and GO and its composites naturally have significant pore volume, high conductivity, rich surface chemistry, and an exceptionally large aspect ratio which make it favorable for adsorption and catalysis of organic pollutants from wastewater. The sheet-like, resonating, polyaromatic π-system of graphene subsidiaries play a significant role in π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and/or electrostatic interactions with organic pollutants that include dyes, pharmaceutical waste, and agricultural and industrial effluents whose base structure consists of notably reactive unsaturated aromatic rings and oxygen-rich functional groups. The adsorption capacities of pollutants have been widely researched and catalogued by considering the adsorption isotherm (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, DR model) they fit, the kinetic models (pseudo-fi...
228 citations
McGovern Institute for Brain Research1, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies2, Sapienza University of Rome3, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine4, Université libre de Bruxelles5, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital6, University of Nantes7, The Mind Research Network8, University of New Mexico9, Tel Aviv University10, University of Padua11, University of Amsterdam12, University of Sassari13, National Institute on Drug Abuse14, Monash University15, Assiut University16, Imperial College London17, University of Toronto18, Saint Petersburg State University19, University of Vienna20, Kent State University21, Emory University22, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo23, Islamic Azad University24, Cooper University Hospital25, Manipal University26, Medical University of South Carolina27, Erasmus University Rotterdam28, Roswell Park Cancer Institute29, National Institutes of Health30, Shanghai Mental Health Center31, University of Burgundy32, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences33, University of Kentucky34, Tehran University of Medical Sciences35, University of Science and Technology of China36, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill37, Laval University38, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev39, City College of New York40
TL;DR: The goal of this effort is to provide the community with guidelines for best practices in tES/TMS SUD research, and to accelerate the speed at which the community translates basic neuroscience into advanced neuromodulation tools for clinical practice in addiction medicine.
173 citations
TL;DR: The characteristics of the NiV outbreak that occurred in Kerala, India, during May-June 2018 are described and the dynamics of NiV transmission are elucidated.
Abstract: Background Nipah Virus (NiV) is a highly fatal emerging zoonotic virus and a potential threat to global health security. Here we describe the characteristics of the NiV outbreak that occurred in Kerala, India, during May-June 2018. Methods We used real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of throat swab, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid specimens to detect NiV. Further, the viral genome was sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. We conducted an epidemiologic investigation to describe the outbreak and elucidate the dynamics of NiV transmission. Results During 2-29 May 2018, 23 cases were identified, including the index case; 18 were laboratory confirmed. The lineage of the NiV responsible for this outbreak was closer to the Bangladesh lineage. The median age of cases was 45 years; the sex of 15 (65%) was male. The median incubation period was 9.5 days (range, 6-14 days). Of the 23 cases, 20 (87%) had respiratory symptoms. The case-fatality rate was 91%; 2 cases survived. Risk factors for infection included close proximity (ie, touching, feeding, or nursing a NiV-infected person), enabling exposure to droplet infection. The public health response included isolation of cases, contact tracing, and enforcement of hospital infection control practices. Conclusion This is the first recorded NiV outbreak in South India. Early laboratory confirmation and an immediate public health response contained the outbreak.
166 citations
TL;DR: Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using the leaf extract of Cyanometra ramiflora and zinc acetate precursor possibly will play a promising part in the degradation of toxic dyes present in the wastewater.
Abstract: In the current study, the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using the leaf extract of Cyanometra ramiflora and zinc acetate precursor is presented. The phyto-components of the extract aided the reduction and the formation of nanoparticles. The purified ZnONPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, SEM, EDS, XRD, BET, and FTIR techniques. A sharp absorption maximum at 360 nm in the UV–Vis data affirmed the formation of ZnONPs. SEM image revealed the nanoflower morphology and EDS showed strong signals for zinc and oxygen elements. XRD spectrum confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure of size 13.33 nm. A significant large surface area of 16.27 m2/g with mesopores, was affirmed using BET analysis. FTIR substantiated the existence of the characteristic zinc and oxygen bonding vibrations at 557 cm−1, 511 cm−1 and 433 cm−1. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnONPs was examined using the pollutant dye, Rhodamine B. A remarkable degradation efficiency of 98% within 200 min was achieved under sunlight irradiation and a degradation constant of 0.017 min−1 was obtained. Therefore, ZnONPs synthesized using a cheap and abundant source – the leaf extract of C.ramiflora possibly will play a promising part in the degradation of toxic dyes present in the wastewater.
158 citations
TL;DR: The evidence highlights the effectiveness of a structured exercise intervention program for insulin resistance in T2DM with a moderate level 2 of evidence.
158 citations
TL;DR: A secure authenticated key management protocol in fog computing-based IoV deployment, called AKM-IoV, which is tested for its security analysis under the widely accepted real-or-random (ROR) model, informal, and formal security verification using the broadly accepted automated validation of Internet security protocols and applications (AVISPAs).
Abstract: Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is an intelligent application of Internet of Things (IoT) in smart transportation that takes intelligent commitments to the passengers to improve traffic safety and efficiency, and generate a more enjoyable driving and riding environment. Fog cloud-based IoV is another variant of mobile cloud computing where vehicular cloud and Internet can co-operate in more effective way in IoV. However, more increasing dependence on wireless communication, control, and computing technology makes IoV more dangerous to prospective attacks. For secure communication among vehicles, road-side units, fog and cloud servers, we design a secure authenticated key management protocol in fog computing-based IoV deployment, called AKM-IoV. In the designed AKM-IoV, after mutual authentication between communicating entities in IoV they establish session keys for secure communications. AKM-IoV is tested for its security analysis using the formal security analysis under the widely accepted real-or-random (ROR) model, informal, and formal security verification using the broadly accepted automated validation of Internet security protocols and applications (AVISPAs) tool. The practical demonstration of AKM-IoV is shown using the NS2 simulation. In addition, a detailed comparative study is conducted to show the efficiency and functionality and security features supported by AKM-IoV as compared to other existing recent protocols.
149 citations
Qatar University1, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón2, Mayo Clinic3, Keele University4, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais5, German Sport University Cologne6, International Olympic Committee7, Manipal University8, National University of Singapore9, University of the West Indies10, University of Iceland11, University of Banja Luka12, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board13, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki14, Marmara University15, Inje University16, Fu Jen Catholic University17, University of Auckland18, Tbilisi State Medical University19, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences20, Palacký University, Olomouc21, Oulu University Hospital22, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences23, Edinburgh Napier University24, Shaare Zedek Medical Center25, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital26, Frederiksberg Hospital27, Cardiovascular Institute of the South28, Karolinska Institutet29, University of British Columbia30, Moncton Hospital31, Beijing United Family Hospital32, University Health Network33
TL;DR: This study ascertained CR availability, volumes and its drivers, and density globally, finding that capacity is grossly insufficient, such that most patients will not derive the benefits associated with participation.
123 citations
TL;DR: This paper proposes a new certificate-based “lightweight access control and key agreement protocol in the IoT environment, called LACKA-IoT,” that utilizes the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) along with the “collision-resistant one-way cryptographic hash function.”
Abstract: For secure communication between any two neighboring sensing devices on the Internet of Things (IoT) environment, it is essential to design a secure device access control and key agreement protocol, in which the two phases, namely, “node authentication” and “key agreement” are involved. While the node authentication allows two sensing devices to authenticate each other using their own pre-loaded secret credentials in memory, the key agreement phase permits to establish a secret key between them if the mutual authentication is successful. In this paper, we propose a new certificate-based “lightweight access control and key agreement protocol in the IoT environment, called LACKA-IoT,” that utilizes the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) along with the “collision-resistant one-way cryptographic hash function.” Through a detailed security analysis using the formal security under the “Real-Or-Random (ROR) model,” informal (non-mathematical) security analysis, and formal security verification using the broadly used “Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA)” tool, we show that the LACKA-IoT can protect various known attacks that are needed for a secure device access control mechanism in the IoT. Furthermore, through a comparative study of the LACKA-IoT and other relevant schemes, we show that there is a better tradeoff among the security and functionality features and communication and computational costs of the LACKA-IoT as compared to other schemes. Finally, the “practical demonstration using the NS2 simulation” has been carried out on the LACKA-IoT to measure various network parameters.
116 citations
University of Alberta1, University of British Columbia2, University of Calgary3, University of Ottawa4, University of Yaoundé I5, Saint Louis University6, University of Hassan II Casablanca7, University of Oxford8, Singapore General Hospital9, Manipal University10, The George Institute for Global Health11, University of California, Irvine12, University of California, Los Angeles13, Monash Medical Centre14, Monash University, Clayton campus15, Veterans Health Administration16, University of Tennessee Health Science Center17, University of Zurich18, Brigham and Women's Hospital19, University of Manchester20, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust21, Iran University of Medical Sciences22, St. Michael's Hospital23, University of Toronto24, University of Paris25, University of Melbourne26, Tbilisi State Medical University27, Charles University in Prague28, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital29, Bezmialem Foundation University30, University of Hong Kong31, Memorial Hospital of South Bend32, Chang Gung University33, First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Peterburg34, Public Health Research Institute35, University of Bristol36, North Bristol NHS Trust37, University of Cape Town38, Pan American Health Organization39, University of Leicester40, University of Sydney41, University of Queensland42, Princess Alexandra Hospital43, Translational Research Institute44
TL;DR: These comprehensive data show the capacity of countries (including low income countries) to provide optimal care for patients with end stage kidney disease and demonstrate substantial variability in the burden of such disease and capacity for kidney replacement therapy and conservative kidney management, which have implications for policy.
Abstract: Objective To determine the global capacity (availability, accessibility, quality, and affordability) to deliver kidney replacement therapy (dialysis and transplantation) and conservative kidney management. Design International cross sectional survey. Setting International Society of Nephrology (ISN) survey of 182 countries from July to September 2018. Participants Key stakeholders identified by ISN's national and regional leaders. Main outcome measures Markers of national capacity to deliver core components of kidney replacement therapy and conservative kidney management. Results Responses were received from 160 (87.9%) of 182 countries, comprising 97.8% (7338.5 million of 7501.3 million) of the world's population. A wide variation was found in capacity and structures for kidney replacement therapy and conservative kidney management-namely, funding mechanisms, health workforce, service delivery, and available technologies. Information on the prevalence of treated end stage kidney disease was available in 91 (42%) of 218 countries worldwide. Estimates varied more than 800-fold from 4 to 3392 per million population. Rwanda was the only low income country to report data on the prevalence of treated disease; 5 (<10%) of 53 African countries reported these data. Of 159 countries, 102 (64%) provided public funding for kidney replacement therapy. Sixty eight (43%) of 159 countries charged no fees at the point of care delivery and 34 (21%) made some charge. Haemodialysis was reported as available in 156 (100%) of 156 countries, peritoneal dialysis in 119 (76%) of 156 countries, and kidney transplantation in 114 (74%) of 155 countries. Dialysis and kidney transplantation were available to more than 50% of patients in only 108 (70%) and 45 (29%) of 154 countries that offered these services, respectively. Conservative kidney management was available in 124 (81%) of 154 countries. Worldwide, the median number of nephrologists was 9.96 per million population, which varied with income level. Conclusions These comprehensive data show the capacity of countries (including low income countries) to provide optimal care for patients with end stage kidney disease. They demonstrate substantial variability in the burden of such disease and capacity for kidney replacement therapy and conservative kidney management, which have implications for policy.
111 citations
TL;DR: The present review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art technology on LDDS in periodontal therapy to ensure that the practitioners are able to choose LDD agents which are custom made for a specific clinical condition.
TL;DR: A comprehensive review of the clinical utility of liquid biopsy and its effectiveness as an important diagnostic and prognostic tool in colorectal, breast, hepatocellular, gastric and lung carcinomas which were the five leading cancer related mortalities in 2018 is provided.
Abstract: Liquid biopsy is a technique that utilizes circulating biomarkers in the body fluids of cancer patients to provide information regarding the genetic landscape of the cancer. It is emerging as an alternative and complementary diagnostic and prognostic tool to surgical biopsy in oncology. Liquid biopsy focuses on the detection and isolation of circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA and exosomes, as a source of genomic and proteomic information in cancer patients. Liquid biopsy is expected to provide the necessary acceleratory force for the implementation of precision oncology in clinical settings by contributing an enhanced understanding of tumor heterogeneity and permitting the dynamic monitoring of treatment responses and genomic variations. However, widespread implementation of liquid biopsy based biomarker-driven therapy in the clinical practice is still in its infancy. Technological advancements have resolved many of the hurdles faced in the liquid biopsy methodologies but sufficient clinical and technical validation for specificity and sensitivity has not yet been attained for routine clinical implementation. This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical utility of liquid biopsy and its effectiveness as an important diagnostic and prognostic tool in colorectal, breast, hepatocellular, gastric and lung carcinomas which were the five leading cancer related mortalities in 2018.
Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón1, Mayo Clinic2, Qatar University3, Keele University4, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais5, German Sport University Cologne6, International Olympic Committee7, Manipal University8, National University of Singapore9, University of the West Indies10, University of Iceland11, University of Banja Luka12, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board13, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki14, Marmara University15, Inje University16, Fu Jen Catholic University17, University of Auckland18, Tbilisi State Medical University19, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences20, Palacký University, Olomouc21, Oulu University Hospital22, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences23, Edinburgh Napier University24, Shaare Zedek Medical Center25, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital26, Frederiksberg Hospital27, Cardiovascular Institute of the South28, Karolinska Institutet29, University of British Columbia30, Moncton Hospital31, Beijing United Family Hospital32, University Health Network33
TL;DR: This first-ever survey of CR around the globe suggests CR quality is high, however, there is significant regional variation, which could impact patient outcomes.
TL;DR: The present review will provide a comprehensive account of the analogues and derivatives of curcumin that have been reported since 2014 which have indicated a better anticancer activity thanCurcumin.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of injection pressure on the combustion characteristics of a biodiesel engine using cerium oxide nanoparticles as a fuel additive was investigated experimentally, and the results showed that the higher injection pressure associated with nanoparticle addition improves engine combustion characteristics, e.g., it leads to a higher peak pressure and a higher heat release rate.
TL;DR: A state-of-the-art review of research on automated diagnosis of 5 neurological disorders in the past 2 decades using AI techniques says that CAD systems using AI and advanced signal processing techniques can assist clinicians in analyzing and interpreting physiological signals and images more effectively.
Abstract: Background Authors have been advocating the research ideology that a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system trained using lots of patient data and physiological signals and images based on adroit integration of advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning techniques in an automated fashion can assist neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and other medical providers to make better clinical decisions. Summary This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of research on automated diagnosis of 5 neurological disorders in the past 2 decades using AI techniques: epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and ischemic brain stroke using physiological signals and images. Recent research articles on different feature extraction methods, dimensionality reduction techniques, feature selection, and classification techniques are reviewed. Key Message: CAD systems using AI and advanced signal processing techniques can assist clinicians in analyzing and interpreting physiological signals and images more effectively.
TL;DR: In this article, the physicochemical properties of new natural fiber extracted from Albizia amara (AA) bark were investigated and the chemical composition and structural, thermal, and tensile properties of the fiber were analyzed.
Abstract: The present investigation aimed to understand the physicochemical properties of new natural fiber extracted from Albizia amara (AA) bark. The chemical composition and structural, thermal, and tensi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a critical assessment and detailed overview about the sequential process for bio-ethanol production from macroalgal biomass and provide an insight on various statistical optimization approaches using response surface methodology for the biomass pretreatment step.
Abstract: In order to combat emerging concerns due to global climate change and increasing conventional fuel prices, bioethanol appears to be a sustainable green resource as co-fuel to meet the future energy demand for transportation. As per the present scenario, bioenergy research emphasizes on bioethanol production from alternate non-terrestrial substrates, like microalgae and macroalgae. Among them, macroalgae represent a rich source of carbohydrates for bioethanol production. The production of bioethanol from macroalgal biomass mainly involves three steps namely mechanical pre-processing, pretreatment and microbial fermentation. Of these, the pretreatment step is the most crucial that tends to improve the saccharification efficiency for efficient bioethanol production. Currently, there are three main types of pretreatment methods used for macroalgae viz., physical/physicochemical, chemical and biological. In addition, the two-step saccharification or combinational pretreatment approach is also utilized to enhance the yield of reducing sugars, which can be fermented to bioethanol using suitable microbial strain(s) under restrained conditions. The current review provides a critical assessment and detailed overview about the sequential process for bioethanol production from macroalgal biomass. Additionally, this paper gives an insight on various statistical optimization approaches using response surface methodology for the biomass pretreatment step and provides a viewpoint about the technical advances in third-generation bioethanol production.
TL;DR: The present review first focuses on the structure of the ECs followed by an appraisal of the data from experimental studies about the metals released in EC aerosols and their associated health hazards.
Abstract: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are essentially nicotine delivery devices that mimic the appearance of a conventional cigarette (CC). Lately, they have been marketed as tools for quitting smoking. Even though they are promoted as safe alternatives to CC, they are not devoid of hazardous components. Literature reveals that the EC aerosols and e-liquids are a potential source of elements that induce and promote development of chronic conditions. These include trace metals which are leached from their core assembly. Some of these metals like nickel, chromium, cadmium, tin, aluminum, and lead are potential carcinogens. They have been associated with fatal conditions like lung and sinonasal cancer. Besides, they may have adverse effects on oral tissues like periodontal ligament and mucosa where they may trigger chronic periodontitis and oral cancer. However, there is only trivial evidence related to health hazards of metals released from ECs. With this background, the present review first focuses on the structure of the ECs followed by an appraisal of the data from experimental studies about the metals released in EC aerosols and their associated health hazards.
TL;DR: It is elucidated that an 11-week structured exercise program for HNC patients receiving CRT helps in improving their functional capacity and quality of life and prevents deterioration of fatigue levels in the exercise group.
Abstract: Fatigue, decreased functionality, and impaired quality of life are some of the most common adverse outcomes of chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). Head and neck cancers (HNC) affect more than half a million individuals globally and its treatment takes a heavy toll on the patient, often affecting their speech, swallowing, and respiratory functions, and as a result they often develop fatigue, depression, and physical inactivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation on functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue, hemoglobin, and platelet counts in patients with HNC on CRT. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 148 patients with head and neck cancer undergoing CRT to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise on functional capacity measured by the 6-min walk test, quality of life measured by the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 v2 questionnaire, fatigue by the NCCN (0–10) scale, hemoglobin, and platelets. The control group received standard physical activity recommendations while the exercise group received a structured exercise program of aerobic and active resistance exercises for a period of 11 weeks. There was a significant improvement in the functional capacity (p < 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), and prevention of worsening of fatigue (p < 0.001) in the exercise group. The blood parameters did not show a significant difference between the control group and the exercise group. Our results elucidate that an 11-week structured exercise program for HNC patients receiving CRT helps in improving their functional capacity and quality of life. It also prevents deterioration of fatigue levels in the exercise group.
TL;DR: This mini-review highlights the understanding of the modular regulatory principles of lncRNA interactions in CSCs and elaborate on how can lncRNAs impact CSC properties via interacting with other macromolecules at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels.
Alfaisal University1, King Khalid University2, Uludağ University3, University of California, San Francisco4, Boston Children's Hospital5, Manipal University6, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology7, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology8, Howard Hughes Medical Institute9, United Arab Emirates University10, Harvard University11
TL;DR: This study refines the phenotype of CM, expands its genetics heterogeneity, and informs the workup of children born with this developmental brain defect.
TL;DR: Among the three techniques, the shearlet transform achieves a highest classification accuracy of 97.38% using only fifteen optimally selected features, and is applied on 83 control images, as well as 529 abnormal images from patients with cerebrovascular, neoplastic, degenerative and inflammatory diseases.
TL;DR: In this paper, magnetic, ferric oxide nanoparticles (FONPs) were prepared by utilizing the leaf extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum for the first time, and Rod-like FONPs with agglomerations were witnessed in FE-SEM images.
Abstract: Plant-mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles is an eco-friendly and cheap method since it makes use of phyto-compounds present in various plant parts as reducing and stabilizing agents. Herein, magnetic, ferric oxide nanoparticles (FONPs) were prepared by utilizing the leaf extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum for the first time. Rod-like FONPs with agglomerations were witnessed in FE-SEM images. Sharp peaks for elemental oxygen and iron were witnessed in EDS spectrum. XRD spectrum ascertained the crystallinity of the FONPs and showed both γ and α–Fe 2 O 3 phases. The average crystallite size was 16.99 nm. A large specific surface area (66.44 m 2 /g) was found in BET analysis and the FONPs were mesoporous (pore diameter = 7.92 nm). TGA results showed a 20% weight loss during heating up to 800 °C. FTIR spectrum showed significant bands for various phyto-compounds and Fe–O. The Fenton-like catalytic efficiency of FONPs was studied for the methylene blue dye degradation during which 90% removal was noticed within 220min. The experimental results were satisfactorily fitted into a second-order model with a degradation constant of 0.0987 L/mg min. Also, the catalytic activity of the FONPs was assessed for the removal of MB dye with the reducing agent NaBH 4 . A remarkable dye degradation (92%) was attained within 27min, and the results were best suited for a first-order model with a kinetic degradation constant of 0.0856min −1 . Therefore, the green-synthesized FONPs obtained here could be used in the degradation of dyes as nanocatalysts for the remediation of wastewater.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of various chemical treatments on the mechanical, chemical structure, thermal and morphological behaviourof Phoenix pusilla fibres was investigated and the results revealed that chemical treatments helped in diminishing the amorphous content from the fibres, while the FTIR analysis clearly indicated the removal of many polar impurities.
Abstract: tPhoenix pusilla fibres (PPFs) were extracted from the leaves of a plant belonging to thefamily of Arecaceae, which is widely grown in Sri Lanka and Southern parts of India forsome medicinal purposes. Their use as possible reinforcement in hydrophobic polymericmatrix composites is yet to be studied and for this reason, the better understanding oftheir microstructure, chemical composition, and mechanical properties becomes essential.In this view, the present investigation deals with the study on the effect of various chemicaltreatments on the mechanical, chemical structure, thermal and morphological behaviourof PPFs. The chemical treatment of fibres was initially involved with NaOH and then fol-lowed by benzoyl peroxide, potassium permanganate and stearic acid solution at differentconcentrations for the suitable time interval. The results revealed that chemical treatmentshelp in diminishing the amorphous content from the fibres, while the FTIR analysis clearlyindicates the removal of many polar impurities. The increase in crystallinity index andcrystallite size was seen in all the modified fibres when compared with the raw ones. Theimproved thermal stability behaviour in all the chemically treated fibres was demonstratedby thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The tensile propertiesof the fibres were analyzed through ASTM standard and finally, the surface morphology wasanalyzed using scanning electron microscopy. All the favourable results indicated that thePPFs could be used in the applications of natural fibre composites.
TL;DR: Quercetin appears to be a promising candidate with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential and warrants further research.
Abstract: Cancer cells have the unique ability to overcome natural defense mechanisms, undergo unchecked proliferation and evade apoptosis. While chemotherapeutic drugs address this, they are plagued by a long list of side effects and have a poor success rate. This has spurred researchers to identify safer bioactive compounds that possess chemopreventive and therapeutic properties. A wide range of experimental as well as epidemiological data encourage the use of dietary agents to impede or delay different stages of cancer. In the present study, we have examined the anti-ancer property of ubiquitous phytochemical quercetin by using cell viability assay, flow cytometry, nuclear morphology, colony formation, scratch wound assay, DNA fragmentation and comet assay. Further, qPCR analysis of various genes involved in apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, metastasis and different signal transduction pathways was performed. Proteome profiler was used to quantitate the expression of several of these proteins. We find that quercetin decreases cell viability, reduces colony formation, promotes G2-M cell cycle arrest, induces DNA damage and encourages apoptosis. Quercetin induces apoptosis via activating both apoptotic pathways with a stronger effect of the extrinsic pathway relying on the combined power of TRAIL, FASL and TNF with up-regulation of caspases and pro-apoptotic genes. Quercetin could inhibit anti-apoptotic proteins by docking studies. Further, quercetin blocks PI3K, MAPK and WNT pathways. Anticancer effect of quercetin observed in cell-based assays were corroborated by molecular biology studies and yielded valuable mechanistic information. Quercetin appears to be a promising candidate with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential and warrants further research.
TL;DR: It is concluded that education, investigation, funding, and development of new antimicrobials for ICU organisms should focus on carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms.
Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a global priority pathogen list (PPL) of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Our current objective was to provide global expert ranking of the most serious MDR bacteria present at intensive care units (ICU) that have become a threat in clinical practice. A proposal addressing a PPL for ICU, arising from the WHO Global PPL, was developed. Based on the supporting data, the pathogens were grouped in three priority tiers: critical, high, and medium. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was used to identify the priority tiers. After MCDA, mortality, treatability, and cost of therapy were of highest concern (scores of 19/20, 19/20, and 15/20, respectively) while dealing with PPL, followed by healthcare burden and resistance prevalence. Carbapenem-resistant (CR) Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenemase-expressing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC), and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified as critical organisms. High-risk organisms were represented by CR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Enterobacteriaceae. Finally, ESBL Serratia marcescens, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, and TMP-SMX-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were identified as medium priority. We conclude that education, investigation, funding, and development of new antimicrobials for ICU organisms should focus on carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms.
TL;DR: The Zr- NH2-benzenedicarboxylate MOF (NH2-UiO-66) proved to perform as an efficient and stable chemiresistive sensor for SO2, NO2 and CO2 at low concentrations and an operating temperature of 150 °C.
TL;DR: Male neonates, outborn admissions, need for artificial ventilation, gestational age <37 weeks and premature rupture of membranes are risk factors for sepsis among neonates in India.
Abstract: Background The incidence of neonatal sepsis in India is the highest in the world. Evidence regarding its risk factors can guide clinical practice and prevention strategies. Objective To review, assess and synthesize the available literature from India on the risk factors of sepsis among neonates. Methodology A systematic review was conducted. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Popline, IndMed, Indian Science Abstracts and Google Scholar from inception up to March 23, 2018 to identify observational analytical studies reporting on risk factors of laboratory-confirmed neonatal sepsis in India. Two authors independently screened studies (title, abstract and full-text stages), extracted data, and assessed quality. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed as substantial heterogeneity was anticipated. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were additionally performed. Effect size in our review included odds ratio and standardized mean difference. Results Fifteen studies were included from 11,009 records, of which nine were prospective in design. Birthweight and gestational age at delivery were the most frequently reported factors. On meta-analyses, it was found that male sex (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.68), out born neonates (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 2.39, 12.49), need for artificial ventilation (OR: 5.61; 95% CI: 8.21, 41.18), gestational age <37 weeks (OR: 2.05; 95% CI:1.40, 2.99) and premature rupture of membranes (OR:11.14, 95% CI: 5.54, 22.38) emerged as risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Included studies scored lowest on exposure assessment and confounding adjustment, which limited comparability. Inadequacy and variation in definitions and methodology affected the quality of included studies and increased heterogeneity. Conclusions Male neonates, outborn admissions, need for artificial ventilation, gestational age <37 weeks and premature rupture of membranes are risk factors for sepsis among neonates in India. Robustly designed and reported research is urgently needed to confirm the role of other risk factors of neonatal sepsis in India.
TL;DR: In this article, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using the aqueous extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum leaves by the reduction of zinc acetate.