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This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various glucose-lowering therapies as add-on to standard care for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Malaysia. A state-transition microsimulation model was developed to compare the clinical and economic outcomes of 4 treatments: standard care, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Cost-effectiveness was assessed from a healthcare provider's perspective over a lifetime horizon with 3% discount rate in a hypothetical cohort of people with T2D. Data input were informed from literature and local data when available. Outcome measures include costs, quality-adjusted life-years, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, and net monetary benefits. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess uncertainties. Over a lifetime horizon, the costs to treat a person with T2D ranged from RM 12 494 to RM 41 250, whereas the QALYs gains ranged from 6.155 to 6.731, depending on the treatment. Based upon a willingness-to-pay threshold of RM 29 080 per QALY, we identified SGLT2i as the most cost-effective glucose-lowering treatment, as add-on to standard care over patient's lifetime, with the net monetary benefit of RM 176 173 and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of RM 12 279 per QALY gained. The intervention also added 0.577 QALYs and 0.809 LYs compared with standard care. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed that SGLT2i had the highest probability of being cost-effective in Malaysia across varying willingness-to-pay threshold. The results were robust to various sensitivity analyses. SGLT2i was found to be the most cost-effective intervention to mitigate diabetes-related complications. • With the myriad of new glucose-lowering therapies, there is now an unprecedented challenge to choose the most cost-effective treatment as add-on to standard care for people with diabetes. • To our best knowledge, this is the first study to assess the cost-effectiveness of various new second-line pharmacotherapies that are part of a national medicine reimbursement program in a middle-income country. Our economic model found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors as add-on to standard care provided the highest net monetary benefit among all the other glucose-lowering therapies included. • Our findings highlight the cost-effectiveness of incorporating new glucose-lowering therapy, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor in diabetes management. The findings would be useful to inform decision making for clinicians, policy makers, and the public in tackling this chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein causes aggressive intraocular retinal tumors in children. Recently, Rb tumors have been shown to have a distinctly altered metabolic phenotype, such as reduced expression of glycolytic pathway proteins alongside altered pyruvate and fatty acid levels. In this study, we demonstrate that loss of hexokinase 1(HK1) in tumor cells rewires their metabolism allowing enhanced oxidative phosphorylation-dependent energy production. We show that rescuing HK1 or retinoblastoma protein 1 (RB1) in these Rb cells reduced cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, invasion, and spheroid formation and increased their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Induction of HK1 was accompanied by a metabolic shift of the cells to glycolysis and a reduction in mitochondrial mass. Cytoplasmic HK1 bound Liver Kinase B1 and phosphorylated AMP-activated kinase-α (AMPKα Thr172), thereby reducing mitochondria-dependent energy production. We validated these findings in tumor samples from Rb patients compared to age-matched healthy retinae. HK1 or RB1 expression in Rb-/- cells led to a reduction in their respiratory capacity and glycolytic proton flux. HK1 overexpression reduced tumor burden in an intraocular tumor xenograft model. AMPKα activation by AICAR also enhanced the tumoricidal effects of the chemotherapeutic drug topotecan in vivo. Therefore, enhancing HK1 or AMPKα activity can reprogram cancer metabolism and sensitize Rb tumors to lower doses of existing treatments, a potential therapeutic modality for Rb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) was conducted on 60 participants suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at the outpatient departments of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India. • Primary and secondary outcome measures were IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire, IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) and EQ-5D-5L scores respectively; all measured at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. • IHMs performed significantly better than placebo in all the specified outcome measures. • Pulsatilla nigricans and Thuja occidentalis were the most frequently prescribed medicines. Gastrointestinal ailments are some of the common conditions treated in homeopathy; yet only a few trials have explored the effects of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To explore the efficacy of IHMs in treatment of IBS. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Outpatient departments of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, India. Sixty patients suffering from IBS; randomized to receive either IHMs (n = 30) or identical-looking placebo (n = 30). IHMs or placebo in the mutual context of concomitant care in terms of dietary advice, yoga, meditation and exercises. Primary – IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire; secondary –IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) and EQ-5D-5L scores; all measured at baseline and every month, up to 3 months. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on intention-to-treat (ITT) sample. Groups were comparable at baseline. Recruitment, retention and attrition rates were 64.5%, 91.7% and 8.3% respectively. Group differences in IBS-QOL total scores, IBS-SSS, EQ-5D-5L scores favored IHMs against placebo overall and at all the time points (all P < 0.001). Pulsatilla nigricans (n = 4, 6.7%) and Thuja occidentalis (n = 4, 6.7%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. Barring some minor events unrelated to interventions, no harms or serious adverse events were recorded in either of the groups. Thus, IHMs acted significantly better than placebos in the treatment of IBS. Independent replications are warranted. [Trial registration: CTRI/2019/10/021632] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A 3-months, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of individualized homeopathic medicines was conducted on 60 participants with post-stroke hemiparesis at National Institute of Homoeopathy, West Bengal, India. • There was a small, but non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy against placebos in treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis. • Causticum, Lachesis mutus , and Nux vomica were the most frequently prescribed medicines. : Hemiparesis is a serious motor impairment following stroke and affecting around 65% of stroke patients. This trial attempts to study the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in comparison with identical-looking placebos in treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis (PSH) in the mutual context of standard physiotherapy (SP). : A 3-months, open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n = 60) was conducted at the Organon of Medicine outpatient departments of National Institute of Homoeopathy, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive IHMs plus SP (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos plus SP (n = 30). Primary outcome measure was Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength grading scale; secondary outcomes were Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) version 2.0, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and stroke recovery 0–100 visual analogue scale (VAS) scores; all measured at baseline and 3 months after intervention. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on intention-to-treat sample. : Although overall improvements were higher in the IHMs group than placebos with small to medium effect sizes, the group differences were statistically non-significant (all P >0.05, unpaired t -tests). Improvement in SIS physical problems was significantly higher in IHMs than placebos (mean difference 2.0, 95% confidence interval 0.3 to 3.8, P = 0.025, unpaired t -test). Causticum, Lachesis mutus , and Nux vomica were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations or any serious adverse events were reported from either group. : There was a small, but non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy against placebos in treatment of post-stroke hemiparesis. : CTRI/2018/10/016196; UTN: U1111–1221–7664 [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household biogas plants (HBPs) are widely promoted in developing countries like Nepal to decarbonize the cooking fuel sector, mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with traditional, non-clean cooking fuels. However, their decarbonization potential mainly relies on the overall GHG emissions associated with HBP and the avoidable emissions to be substituted by the HBP, and there is a lack of systematic studies evaluating these emissions under Nepalese context. This study addresses this gap, probably for the first time in Nepal, by analyzing GHG emissions associated with HBP, assessing their decarbonization potential under various operational conditions, and identifying opportunities to enhance the potential. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, we examined the decarbonization potential of HBPs and evaluated the impact of their operational uncertainties through sensitivity analysis. Our results indicate that HBPs could decarbonize the cooking fuel sector in Nepal by around 150,000 kt of CO 2 equivalent annually; however, GHG emissions from about two-third of HBPs exceeded avoidable emissions, hindering their overall decarbonization potential. To improve this potential, we recommend strategies such as effective operation and maintenance, efficient digestate utilization, and context (regional, socioeconomic etc.) specific intervention policies such as biogas yield enhancement through codigestion of locally available feedstock. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to assess and enhance the decarbonization potential of HBPs in Nepal and other parts of the developing countries under similar contexts. • Decarbonization potential of household biogas in cooking fuel sector was estimated • Substitution of forest wood with biogas resulted maximum decarbonization • Fugitive and digestate emission are major influencer in decarbonization potential • Impact of regional and seasonal factor on decarbonization potential was analysed. • 100 % digestate utilization alone may enhance decarbonization potential by twice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LSMO nanoparticles with core-shell structure have been synthesized by the non-aqueous sol-gel method and for comparison of their structural, magnetic, transport, and electrochemical properties, the non-core-shell LSMO nanoparticles have been synthesized by citrate gel method. The structural analysis confirms the formation of LSMO core-shell nanostructure with a ~2.3 nm shell layer and non-core-shell LSMO nanoparticle. The magnetic properties of LSMO-CS are explained in terms of the exchange interaction between the core and the disordered surface layer of the nanoparticles. The transport properties are examined with the help of different conduction mechanisms involved in different temperature regions. The low field magnetoresistance (LFMR) and electrochemical properties of the LSMO-CS are improved as compared to the LSMO-NCS nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the combined effect of varying gravity and heat flux direction with respect to gravity on the melting dynamics of Phase Change Material. Similar conditions are relevant to applications in space, at different space infrastructures, such as orbiting satellites, as well as various extraterrestrial surface assets, landers, and rovers. The numerical simulations are performed to study the melting dynamics of a paraffin-based phase change material with Prandtl number Pr ≈ 71 and Stefan number Ste ≈ 0.33 inside a differentially heated square enclosure. The mathematical model employs a control volume-based enthalpy porosity approach to simulate the melting process inside enclosure. The direction of the incoming heat flux relative to the gravity vector is defined in terms of an orientation angle, which is varying circularly with a step of 45°, whereas the gravity level is ranging from the terrestrial surface value g to 0.2 g to analyze the melting process over a wide range of Rayleigh number 100 ≤ Ra ≤ 107. The study provides a detailed insight into the attributes of heat transfer, flow dynamics, and energy storage, along with a quantitative analysis of the transition between various melting regimes and temporal fluctuations in the performance parameters. The findings demonstrate that the mutual orientation between the directions of incoming heat flux and gravity, as well as the value of the latter, significantly affect features of the convective motion in the liquid phase, as well as the entire thermally driven heat transfer within the domain. In particular, for the oppositely directed gravity and heat flux, the melted fluid closely resembles Rayleigh-Bénard convection with the presence of multicellular flow structures, while at other orientation angles, except for a co-directed gravity and heat flux case, a circular convective motion of the melted fluid takes place. The results of numerical simulations reveal declining melting rates as the mutual orientation of gravity and heat flux changes from opposite to co-directed and vice versa. The low gravity conditions delay the onset of convection-driven melting, reducing the melting rate significantly. • Effect of heat flux direction and varied gravity on PCM melting dynamics is studied. • Paraffin-based PCM (Pr ≈ 71, Ste ≈ 0.33) filled inside square enclosure is investigated. • Study considers orientation angle range (0 ° to 315 °) and gravity level (0.2g to g). • A detailed analysis of thermal, flow, and energy storage attributes is presented. • Results reveal details useful for designing thermal control for space applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

● A baumannii strains endemic to a hospital system are resistant to more antibiotic classes. ● Carriage of an endemic strain is associated with a higher Schmid score on admission. ● Risk factors for A baumannii carriage were not elevated for endemic compared with sporadic strains. Acinetobacter baumannii causes increasingly resistant nosocomial infections worldwide. Although some patients are already colonized with A baumannii on hospital admission, others become colonized with endemic strains that are more likely to be antibiotic-resistant. Colonization increases risk of infection and transmission to others. This study aimed to identify risk factors for colonization with endemic compared to sporadic A baumannii among hospitalized patients. The study population were patients colonized with A baumannii at a single medical center during a 17-month period of active surveillance. Endemic A baumannii (cases) had a repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) type that occurred 10 or more times during the surveillance period. Cases carrying 1 of the 5 endemic REP types were matched to comparison cases (controls) carrying sporadic strains by facility and time. There were 69 cases with REP-1, and 64 with REP-2-5. After adjustment, each unit increase in Schmid score was associated with a 70% increase in REP-1 carriage (P =.04) and a 50% increase in REP-2-5 (P =.07). Days in the intensive care unit prior to colonization, longer length of stay, immunosuppression, and the Charlson comorbidity index were not significantly associated with carriage of endemic strains. Following best practices for antibiotic stewardship and hygiene will help minimize the emergence and persistence of A baumannii strains adapted to the health care environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In developing countries like Malaysia, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate. Various complications develop in patients diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetic foot is one such complication that is a threat to morbidity and mortality rate owing to its risk of amputation. Understanding the microbiology of diabetic foot infection becomes an essential part of management as it can help to channel the exact treatment rather than empirical treatment. Aim To determine the distribution and prevalence of microorganism causing diabetic foot infection in Hospital Serdang and Hospital Ampang for the year 2010 till 2014. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study using retrospective data from January 2010 to December 2014 of 885 patients with diabetic foot infection in Hospital Serdang and Hospital Ampang, tertiary hospitals in Klang Valley. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 for Windows. Results A total of 1356 pathogens were isolated from 885 patients, with a rate of 1.53 isolates per culture (IPC). The prevalence of gram-negative bacteria was predominant in DFI accounting for 71.27% whereas gram-positive was only 28.73%. Among the gram-negative isolates, the most common pathogen was Pseudomonas aeroginosa accounting for 24.49% followed by Proteus mirabilis (14.34%) and Klebsiella spp. (11.12%). Gram-positive isolates consist of Staphylococcus aureus with a percentage of 66.77% and Streptococcus spp. 33.23%. The Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounts for 26.24% of the isolates. There were more monomicrobial cultures than polymicrobial culture (465 vs. 420). The most common antibiotic prescribed is ampicillin/sulbactam (55.57%) followed by cloxacillin (13.29%) and penicillin (10.77%) Conclusion The prevalence of gram-negative bacteria in DFI is higher than gram-positive bacteria. The most common gram-negative bacteria is Pseudomonas aeroginosa followed by Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella spp. whereas the most common gram-positive bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus. The rate of monomicrobial infection is slightly higher than polymicrobial infection. Ampicillin/sulbactam is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for a patient with DFI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed changes in the phases of aluminum tris 8–hydroxyquinoline (Alq 3 ) after thermal treatment at different temperatures and their photo–physical properties. We prepared α–Alq 3 phosphor via the co–precipitation method. Improvements in the phase purity due to stagnation of the α–phase and the transformation from α to ε–Alq 3 were achieved by thermal treatment in an Ar atmosphere. The initial formation, stagnation, improvement in the phase purity, and conversion to ε–Alq 3 were confirmed by X–ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The XRD results were also validated by Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy was conducted in the presence of acidic and basic media at concentrations of 10 −6  M to 10 −3  M, respectively. The modifications in the UV–Vis absorption spectra indicated changes in the band gap energy ( E g ) after thermal treatment. The variations in E g for α and ε–Alq 3 supported the stagnation and transformation of the phase. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis of the as–prepared α–Alq 3 determined a λ emi maximum at 516 nm. A minor blue shift of Δλ = 2 nm was observed as the PL intensity increased for the annealed α–Alq 3 . A large blue shift of Δλ = 18 nm as the PL intensity decreased was due to the change in phase from α to ε–Alq 3 . PL study of the α and ε–Alq 3 phases in acidic solvent detected blue shifts, whereas red shifts occurred in the basic solvents due to variations in their dielectric constants. The mechanism related to the solvatochromatic effect on the shifts in PL emission was also determined in this study. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to determine the thermal stability of the prepared phosphors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the synthesis of different particle size La 0.7 Sr 0.3 MnO 3 (LSMO) nanoparticles using non-aqueous sol gel synthesis route by calcination at temperatures 750 °C, 850 °C and 950 °C. In the present work, the effect of particle size of LSMO nanoparticles on its structural, magnetic and transport properties has been studied in detail. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of LSMO nanoparticles having rhombohedral ( R 3 ̅ c ) structure with average particle size of 20 nm, 22.5 nm and 25.6 nm. An increase in magnetization and decrease in coercivity with increase in particle size is attributed to the magnetically disordered surface layer. The bifurcation in ZFC-FC magnetization indicates the possibility of spin glass like behavior of the LSMO nanoparticles. The effect of particle size on the resistivity and magnetoresistance were studied by using different conduction mechanism for different temperature regions. The upturn in the ρ-T curve at lower temperatures was explained by using Kondo-like transport mechanism. The maximum LFMR achieved was 32.3% at a field of 1 T at 10 K for 20 nm LSMO nanoparticle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Acetylcholinestrase (AChE) inhibition, a novel biosensing electrode involving Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) supported Zirconium Oxide (ZrO 2 /RGO) nanoparticles is fabricated for Chlorpyrifos (pesticide) detection. AChE/ZrO 2 /RGO biosensor when used for pesticide detection, exhibited high sensitivity towards Chlorpyrifos. Typically AChE/ZrO 2 /RGO biosensing electrode is capable of detecting Chlorpyrifos concentration as low as 10 − 13 M (with 28% enzyme inhibition). Furthermore the enzyme inhibition is remarkable high (> 70%) in case of high Chlorpyrifos concentration (up to 10 − 4 M). Our results indicate that AChE/ZrO 2 /RGO is an efficient and biocompatible electrode that can be used for Chlorpyrifos detection in ultra low concentrations. Electrochemical sensing response of AChE/ZrO 2 /RGO sensor revealed two different linear ranges of chlorpyrifos detection. The first linear response was observed from 10 − 13 M to 10 − 9 M whereas the second linear range was observed between 10 − 9 M to 10 − 4 M revealing complete saturation of enzyme active sites by Chlorpyrifos. Ameperometric response of AChE/ZrO 2 /RGO electrode demonstrates constant decrease in the current with respect to increase in the Chlorpyrifos concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two equation standard k–ɛ turbulence model and the two-dimensional compressible Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations have been used to computationally simulate the double cavity scramjet combustor. Here all the simulations are performed by using ANSYS 14-FLUENT code. At the same time, the validation of the present numerical simulation for double cavity has been performed by comparing its result with the available experimental data which is in accordance with the literature. The results are in good agreement with the schlieren image and the pressure distribution curve obtained experimentally. However, the pressure distribution curve obtained numerically is under-predicted in 5 locations by numerical calculation. Further, investigations on the variations of the effects of the length-to-depth ratio of cavity and Mach number on the combustion characteristics has been carried out. The present results show that there is an optimal length-to-depth ratio for the cavity for which the performance of combustor significantly improves and also efficient combustion takes place within the combustor region. Also, the shifting of the location of incident oblique shock took place in the downstream of the H 2 inlet when the Mach number value increases. But after achieving a critical Mach number range of 2–2.5, the further increase in Mach number results in lower combustion efficiency which may deteriorate the performance of combustor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here structure-property relationship between linear and branched polyethylene imines by examining their antimicrobial activities against wide range of pathogens. Both the polymers target the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and yeasts, eliciting rapid microbicidal properties. Using multiscale molecular dynamic simulations, we showed that, in both fully or partially protonated forms LPEI discriminates between mammalian and bacterial model membranes whereas BPEI lacks selectivity for both the model membranes. Simulation results suggest that LPEI forms weak complex with the zwitterionic lipids whereas the side chain amino groups of BPEI sequester the zwitterionic lipids by forming tight complex. Consistent with these observations, label-free cell impedance measurements, cell viability assays and high content analysis indicate that BPEI is cytotoxic to human epithelial and fibroblasts cells. Crosslinking of BPEI onto electrospun gelatin mats attenuate the cytotoxicity for fibroblasts while retaining the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and yeasts strains. PEI crosslinked gelatin mats elicit bactericidal activity by contact-mediated killing and durable to leaching for 7 days. The potent antimicrobial activity combined with enhanced selectivity of the crosslinked ES gelatin mats would expand the arsenel of biocides in the management of superficial skin infections. The contact-mediated microbicidal properties may avert antimicrobial resistance and expand the diversity of applications to prevent microbial contamination. Statement of Significance Current commercially available advanced wound dressings are either impregnated with metallic silver or silver salts which have side effects or may not avert antimicrobial resistance. In this article, we have used multidisciplinary approach comprising of computational, chemical and biological methods to understand the antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of linear (LPEI) and branched (BPEI) polyethylenimines. We then applied this knowledge to develop dual purpose wound dressings containing these polymers, which encourages healing while maintain antimicrobial activity. In addition, the approach can be expanded to rationalize the antimicrobial vs. cytotoxicity of other cationic polymers and the method of crosslinking would enhance their potentials as biocides for advanced materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke related studies in Nepal are primarily hospital-based and mainly from the capital city.Objectives: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of stroke and stroke risk factors in the South-Western community of Nepal.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2018 among 549 randomly selected Nepalese participants from diverse ethnicity, aged ≥15 years, in a region with the availability of neurological support facilities. Data were collected using a stroke questionnaire designed for the purpose. Stroke was identified by enumerators using the Balance-Eyes-Face-Arms-Speech-Time (BEFAST) scale, and a senior neurologist confirmed it. We assessed the presence of major risk factors associated with stroke.Results: The crude and age-standardised prevalence of stroke were 2368 and 2967 per 100,000 respectively. Of all the surveyed participants, 61% (n=335) reported consumption of full-fat dairy products >3 days per week, 87.6% (n=481) reported a high intake of salt (>5 g/day), 83.6% (n=459) with a low intake of fruits and vegetables (<400 g/day), 45.2% (n=248) with perceived stress related to work or home, 51.6% (n=283) with financial stress (283, 51.6%), 86.7% (n=457) with low high-density lipoprotein, 96.2% (n=507) with high blood urea nitrogen, 47.1% (n=356) were either overweight or obese 20.4% (n=112) with hypertension and 6.2% (n=34) with diabetes.Conclusions: The prevalence of stroke in the community of the South-Western part of Nepal is relatively higher than that estimated in South-Asia and global context. Our findings suggest an urgent community intervention, particularly with healthy lifestyles changes for future stroke prevention in the high-risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel oxide (NiO) is an interesting transition metal oxide with exceptional catalytic and electrochemical properties. The structural, magnetic, photocatalytic and electrochemical properties of the mesoporous NiO nanostructure synthesized using the sol-gel technique have been investigated. The structural analysis confirms the formation of mesoporous NiO with cubic structure. The magnetic measurement confirms the superparamagnetic behavior of the NiO nanostructure. The photocatalytic measurement shows a good catalytic behavior of the NiO mesoporous nanostructure with a 77.6 % degradation of the methylene blue dye (MB) after 6 h. Electrochemical measurement shows better electrochemical behavior of NiO-500 compared to NiO-600 and NiO-700. The photocatalytic and electrochemical properties are explained in terms of the surface area and the pore size distribution of the mesoporous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Imbalanced immune response is key driving factor in the progression of AD. • Skin and the gut microbiome have an immense impact on AD pathophysiology. • There is no cure for AD, and current therapeutic options have several limitations. • Prebiotics favoring the growth of "good bacteria", can be used to treat AD. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease that is highly prevalent, especially among children. In addition to impaired skin barrier functions, AD is characterized by dysfunctional immunity and altered skin and gut microbiome. On the skin, there is an increased S. aureus colonization and reduced microbiome diversity while in the gut there is a diminution of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium. There is no cure for AD, but symptoms can be managed by appropriate therapies aimed at minimizing exacerbations, and duration and degree of the AD flares. Functional foods, including probiotics and prebiotics, are being used to relieve AD symptoms. While probiotics supplement the gut with "good bacteria", prebiotics promote the growth of "good bacteria" on the skin and in the gut. Here, we review immune dysfunction and microbiome association in AD and potential use of prebiotics in the prevention and management of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in gestational diabetes mellitus ranges from 10.2% to 39.9% based on previous studies in Malaysia. Presence of depression, anxiety or stress in pregnancy may increase the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neonatal outcomes and its association among mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus with and without the presence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study. Tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 418) who deliver their neonates at two major tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Neonatal outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, macrosomia, metabolic and electrolyte disorders, neonatal respiratory distress and congenital anomalies were determined. Prevalence of low birth weight in neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus was 14.6%, followed by metabolic and electrolyte disorders 10.5%, preterm birth 9.1%, macrosomia 4.8%, neonatal respiratory distress 5.8% and congenital anomalies (2.4%). Among the adverse neonatal outcomes, neonatal respiratory distress was significantly associated with the presence of depression symptoms in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus using univariate analysis (p = 0.010). After controlling for confounding factors, predictors for neonatal respiratory distress at delivery were the presence of depression symptoms in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (Adjusted OR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.32-11.35), living without a husband (Adjusted OR = 9.74, 95% CI = 2.04–46.51), preterm delivery (Adjusted OR = 7.20, 95% CI = 2.23–23.30), caesarean section (Adjusted OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.09–10.15), being nulliparous and primiparous (Adjusted OR = 3.62, 95% CI = 1.17–11.17) and having family history of diabetes (Adjusted OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.11–9.21). The findings of this study demonstrate the positive association of neonatal respiratory distress with the presence of depression symptoms in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus. It is therefore important to identify depression symptoms after a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant mothers is made to enable early referral and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically encoded redox-sensitive fluorescent proteins are very useful tools for investigating the occurrence and consequences of reactive species (RS) in living cells. However, light-induced side effects are serious confounding factors [Edwards, A.M. & Silva, E.,2001; Eichler, M. et al.,2005]. Therefore, we have previously introduced a genetically engineered redox-sensitive sodium channel (rNaV1.4 mutant M1305C; roNaV1) as a non-photonic tool for measuring membrane-delimited cellular RS [Ojha, N.K. et al.,2014]. Here we introduce a second-generation NaV-channel based RS sensor, containing selenocysteine in its inactivation motif (rNaV1.4 mutant M1305U; roNaV2), with strongly increased RS sensitivity. Kinetics of loss of channel inactivation was assayed for application of 1 µM chloramine T: While the ratiometric signal of roNaV1 was basically insensitive to that low concentration, roNaV2 responded with a time constant of 300 s. Likewise, roNaV2 responded rapidly to 500 µM H 2 O 2 (ca. 50 s). Most importantly, roNaV2 responds to blue light (470 nm) induced chemical modification with a time constant of about 300 ms, while roNaV1 was 1,000- and wild-type NaV1.4 even 10,000-times slower. Thus, roNaV2 allows for the assessment of chemical modification induced in fluorescence microscopy settings with high sensitivity and time resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Forward osmosis resulted in 4-fold increase in brix as well as anthocyanin content. • Forward osmosis concentrate degraded slowly compared thermal processed sample. • Increase in HMF was less in FO concentrated juice showed increased shelf life. Pomegranate (Punica grantum L.) fruit juice was concentrated by forward osmosis or thermal evaporation and the samples were stored at ambient (25 °C) and accelerated (37 °C) storage conditions. The anthocyanin content of raw, reconstituted forward osmosis as well as reconstituted thermally evaporated pomegranate juice were 421.1, 414.4 and 357.2 mg/kg respectively. The physicochemical attributes of pomegranate juice concentrate such as anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, browning index, and hydroxymethyl furfural showed that the quality of the concentrate was markedly affected by storage conditions. Based on the hydroxymethyl furfural content (≤25 mg/kg), it was concluded that the forward osmosis concentrated juices could be stored at ambient and accelerated conditions for ∼101 and ∼66 days, respectively. While, thermally concentrated juice could only be stored for less ∼31 and ∼3 days, respectively. Forward osmosis could be a method to concentrate pomegranate juice with minimum effect on quality attributes with extended shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]