In Silico Detection and Conveyance Feasibility of Antifungal Prodrug Flucytosine on the Surface of Pristine and Germanium-Doped SiC Nanosheet.

The work describes a novel sensing and transportation feasibility of the well-established antifungal drug Flucytosine (5-FC) using a 2D Silicon carbide (SiC) and Germanium-doped Silicon carbide (Ge@SiC) nanosheet via PBE level of Density functional theory. The computational study revealed that the drug molecules adhere to SiC and Ge@SiC sheets, maintaining their structural properties through physisorption on SiC and chemisorption on Ge@SiC. The charge transfer process associated with the adsorption is observed by Lowdin charge analysis and both the SiC and Ge@SiC sheets are identified as a feasible oxidation-based nanosensor for the drug.

Assessment of Lead Exposure and Associated Risk Through Human Biomonitoring Among Urban Communities in Chennai, Southern India.

Background: Lead exposure is a widely acknowledged risk to public health for children and adults. However, despite efforts to phase out major sources over the last several decades, estimates of the prevalence of blood lead exposures and associated risks remain poorly characterized in many low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives:  This study aimed to determine blood lead levels (BLLs) and assess potential sources of lead exposure among urban communities in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Computational approaches for identifications of altered ion channels in keratoconus.

Background: Keratoconus is an etiologically complex, degenerative corneal disease that eventually leads to loss of corneal integrity. Cells in corneal epithelium and endothelium express various types of ion channels that play important roles in ocular pathology. This emphasizes the need of understanding alterations of ion channels in keratoconus.