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In this work, sodium cobalt phosphate (NaCoPO4) was successfully prepared by a cost-effective ionothermal method using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) for the first time. The synthesized NaCoPO4 was used to fabricate a cathode material for aqueous rechargeable sodium-ion batteries. The surface morphology of the prepared materials and its compositional analysis were done by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, and EDX studies revealed that the material has orthorhombic-shaped particle morphology with uniform distribution and is in nanoscale (approximately 50 nm). The nature of the cation inserted (Na+ ion insertion) was confirmed by recording CV profiles at different concentrations of the Na2SO4 electrolyte. The reversibility of the electrode redox reaction was studied by varying the scan rate in CV studies, and it was found that the electrode exhibits a reversible behavior with a resistive behavior. In GCPL studies, the cell TiO2/2MNa2SO4/NaCoPO4 showed significant reversibility with a prominent discharge capacity of 85 mAh g−1 at 0.1°C and 88% of capacity retention after 100 cycles. Thus, the prepared materials could be used as an effective futuristic alternative battery material for rechargeable batteries.

Introduction: Cognitive function, depression, and functional health profiles of older adults directly predict overall well-being. Family dynamics in India are changing mainly due to urbanization, migration of the younger generation for education or employment, and change in the social system, making the elderly parents alone and slowly getting transferred to old age homes. Hence, the investigators were interested in determining the functional health, depression, and cognitive decline among young and middle-aged non-debilitated institutionalized older adults. Objectives: To determine the correlation between cognitive function and depression among the young-old and old-old elderly and determine the functional health profiles of non-debilitated older adults residing at the old age homes of the coastal part of southern India. Study design: An exploratory study at the homes for the aged. Methodology: The survey was conducted at old age homes after obtaining permission from the respective authorities. Socio-demographic proforma, functional health profiles, Modified Barthel Index, Short-form depression scale, and Muscle strength assessments were the data collection instruments. Statistical Analysis was done through Jamovi. (Version 2.3). Descriptive statistics and Karl Pearson's parametric statistic test were applied. Results: Montreal's cognitive assessment revealed that 81% of the elderly had borderline cognitive impairment. The short-form geriatric depression score revealed that 87% reported mild depressive symptoms. As cognitive ability declined, depressive symptoms were common among institutionalized older adults (r = −0.494, p

ABSTRACT Whole-genome sequencing has created a revolution in tuberculosis management by providing a comprehensive picture of the various genetic polymorphisms with unprecedented accuracy. Studies mapping genomic heterogeneity in clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using a whole-genome sequencing approach from high tuberculosis burden countries are underrepresented. We report whole-genome sequencing results of 242 clinical isolates of culture-confirmed M. tuberculosis isolates from tuberculosis patients referred to a tertiary care hospital in Southern India. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates in our study belonged to five different lineages, with Indo-Oceanic (lineage 1, n = 122) and East-African Indian (lineage 3, n = 80) being the most prevalent. We report several mutations in genes conferring resistance to first and second line antitubercular drugs including the genes rpoB, katG, ahpC, inhA, fabG1, embB, pncA, rpsL, rrs, and gyrA. The majority of these mutations were identified in relatively high proportions in lineage 1. Our study highlights the utility of whole-genome sequencing as a potential supplemental tool to the existing genotypic and phenotypic methods, in providing expedited comprehensive surveillance of mutations that may be associated with antitubercular drug resistance as well as lineage characterization of M. tuberculosis isolates. Further larger-scale whole-genome datasets with linked minimum inhibition concentration testing are imperative for resolving the discrepancies between whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic drug sensitivity testing results and quantifying the level of the resistance associated with the mutations for optimization of antitubercular drug and precise dose selection in clinics. IMPORTANCE Studies mapping genetic heterogeneity of clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis for determining their strain lineage and drug resistance by whole-genome sequencing are limited in high tuberculosis burden settings. We carried out whole-genome sequencing of 242 M. tuberculosis isolates from drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis patients, identified and collected as part of the TB Portals Program, to have a comprehensive insight into the genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis in Southern India. We report several genetic variations in M. tuberculosis that may confer resistance to antitubercular drugs. Further wide-scale efforts are required to fully characterize M. tuberculosis genetic diversity at a population level in high tuberculosis burden settings for providing precise tuberculosis treatment.

Identifying and quantifying the biological concentrations of certain biomolecules such as dopamine, glucose, tyrosine, and cholesterol, etc. has become the basis for medical diagnosis in the treatment of a number of related diseases. In most cases, the concentrations of these biomolecules in biofluids like blood acts as a biomarker and becomes crucial in the treatment of diseases. On the other hand, advanced ceramics refers to oxides (alumina, zirconia), non-oxides: (carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides), Composites (particulate reinforced combinations of oxides and non-oxides), etc. This review article discusses recent developments in the field of electrochemical sensors developed using metal and metal oxide based advanced ceramics with an emphasis on developments in the field over the past five years. The article presents the key results, important findings, and interesting chemistry of biosensing advanced ceramic based electrochemical biosensors for some important biomolecules such as acetaminophen, glucose, and dopamine, etc.

We are living in a sensor world. Sensors are used in the house, office, car, and other areas detecting our presence by turning lights on, adjusting room temperature, detecting fires, and many other tasks. Today sensor has become a “buzz word”, without which it is hard to imagine living. They play a vital role in all sectors including housing, industry, aviation, medicine, and automobiles to name a few. Sensors can be manufactured with many types of materials. However, sensors made of ceramics have significance and have advantages when compared to those made from other materials. This mini review examines ceramic sensors and their applications in various sectors including the materials used to build them and their functioning in different areas. The paper precisely reports ceramic sensors and their applications in industry, including the medical, automotive, and aviation sectors.

Native fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates from the rhizosphere of various crops grown in the state of Karnataka in southern India were isolated, identified and screened for their ability to act as biological control agents for economically important fungal plant pathogens. Ninety two Pseudomonas isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of different crop plants from the farms of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (India) and surrounding villages, Dharwad and IIHR, Bangalore using specific medium. All the isolates were found to be gram-negative rods. Among these, 66 isolates produced the characteristic yellow pigmentation and showed fluorescence. The isolates were categorized into four groups based on siderophore production (high, moderate, low and no production) and evaluated for the presence of pvdA, phl and plt genes associated with siderophore production, DAPG and pyoluteorin respectively. None of them appeared to carry the pvdA and plt genes. However, one isolate RPF-13 was found to carry the phl gene based on gene specific PCR results. This DAPG+ve isolate was identified as Pseudomonas putida by 16s r DNA sequence analysis. This paper reports the identification of one of the few highly effective DAPG producing Pseudomonas isolates from southern India that can be used biological control in addition to the identification and characterization of several other fluorescent Pseudomonads with potential to serve as bio-control agents against a number of important pathogenic fungal species.

In recent times, substantial research progress has been done towards the detection of neurotransmitters that foresee the status of a disease. In this trail of the avenue, a new ray has been found in the form of electrochemical sensors to quantify the level of neurochemical messengers as their level is one of the biomarkers of the upcoming disorder. In the process of detection of neurotransmitters using conventional methods to electroanalytical techniques, a mammoth leap was observed which directs the sensing process towards electrochemical sensors. Particularly, nonenzymatic sensors are the pinnacle of all existing methods of electroanalysis. An impetus for the development of a submissive enzyme-free electrochemical sensor has been prepared majorly from functionalized materials like metal oxide nanoparticles, conducting polymers, and carbon materials for surface functionalization of the electrode. The aim of this review article is addressing the existing issues in the selective determination of neurotransmitters, challenges in the field of nonenzymatic sensors followed by a concise study of versatile methods of electroanalysis. In the conglomeration of different metal oxide nanoparticles and their respective nanocomposites along with other confidants, it is understood that oxides of iron, copper, nickel, and zinc have been significantly contributed for the fabrication of electrochemical sensors. Finally, it's a journey into a land of functionalized materials using a torch of different methods of electroanalysis for accurate detection of neurotransmitters where present status and prospects were proclaimed.

A new series of N-substituted azetidinones (9a–h) synthesized by condensation of 4-arylidene hydrazino 1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolines (8a–h) with chloroacetyl chloride afforded 4-arylazetidin-2-ones (9a–h). The synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral and elemental analyses. All synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The hydrazone derivatives (8a–h) showed good antibacterial activity. Compounds 9a and 9b exhibited good anticancer activity. In a molecular docking study compounds 9a and 9b showed minimum binding energy and good affinity towards the active pocket. Thus, are believed to be good inhibitors of β-tubulin.

Studies on relationship between zooplankton abundance and water quality parameter in Mani reservoir were made between January 2008 and December 2008.in the urrent investigation, impact of different physico-chemical parameters on zooplankton population was found. Ten genera of zooplankton were identified. The relationship between zooplankton and water quality parameters was varied from place to place depending upon the condition of the reservoir water.

Studies on relationship between zooplankton abundance and water quality parameter in Mani reservoir were made between January 2008 and December 2008. In the current investigation, impact of different physico-chemical parameters on zooplankton population was found. Ten genera of zooplankton were identified. The relationship between zooplankton and water quality parameters was varied from place to place depending upon the condition of the reservoir water.

Background: The BRASH (bradycardia, renal failure, AV nodal blockade, shock, and hyperkalemia) syndrome is a synergy between hyperkalemia and AV nodal blockers, leading to bradycardia. Though treatment is mainly supportive care, understanding the pathophysiology and correcting the precipitating causes will help prevent the patient from progressing to a catastrophic outcome. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital. Medical records of cases admitted from the emergency medicine department from January 2021 to July 2022 with bradycardia and hyperkalemia were retrieved from hospital software systems. Data regarding presenting symptoms, vitals, laboratory and radiological investigations, and treatment received were noted, and the data was analyzed. Results: This study includes a total of seven cases that fit the definition of BRASH syndrome. The majority were elderly co-morbid patients with a median age of 53 (49-79) years, on anti-hypertensives, with varied presentations. They had mild to moderate hyperkalemia, with a mean value of 7.15 ± 2.31 mEq/L. Acute kidney injury was evident, with a mean creatinine value of 3.55 mg/dl. Initial ECG revealed bradyarrhythmias, with five junctional bradycardias and two sinus bradycardias. Among the seven cases, three were managed conservatively, three were dialyzed, and one underwent transvenous pacing. Six cases recovered and discharged home, with one mortality. Conclusion: BRASH syndrome is an under-recognized entity. Early recognition and treatment can avoid invasive procedures like pacing and dialysis and also prevent morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrub typhus is a vector-borne infection caused by the obligate intracellular organism Orientia tsutsugamushi. In some cases, scrub typhus can result in severe complications, multiorgan failure and death. To study the clinical and laboratory profiles of patients who succumbed to scrub typhus. A prospective cohort study was conducted from August 2019 through April 2023 on scrub typhus patients admitted to our hospital. Clinical and laboratory parameters of all the patients were recorded, and blood samples were drawn. To confirm scrub typhus, a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was performed in collected samples. Viable amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify infecting genotypes. A total of 261 patients were enrolled. Of these, nine (3.45%) patients succumbed at a median (Interquartile Range) duration of 5 (1.5, 10.5) days after admission. Sepsis with septic shock (9, 100%) and acute kidney injury (AKI) (6, 66%) were noted among the succumbed patients. All the succumbed patients (100%) required intensive care admission, inotropic and ventilatory support. While 5 (55%) patients required dialysis, two (22%) required blood transfusion. Three (33%) patient samples were co-positive for Leptospira IgM, and four (44%) patients had superinfection with Candida tropicalis, multi-drug-resistant (MDR) E. Coli sepsis, pan drug-resistant (PDR) Acinetobacter Baumanii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Orientia tsutsugamushi Japanese Gilliam-variant (JG-v) like (50%), Karp-like (37.5%), and Japanese Gilliam (JG) like (12.5%) strains among succumbed patients. Delay in scrub typhus diagnosis can result in severe complications, septic shock, and multisystem organ failure, culminating in death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]