Retraction Note: Empirical evidence of effects of stringency amid Covid-19 pandemic spread.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1007/s00500-022-06986-0.].

Enantiodivergent Synthesis of Both ()- and ()-Heteroaryl Aldols by Rationally Engineered Aldolases.

Aldolases, especially 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase (DERA) enzymes, have been widely employed to access key chiral precursors for various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This has been enabled by expanding their substrate scope toward non-natural acceptors and donors via protein engineering. In this study, we endeavored to broaden the acceptor substrate scope of DERA from sp.

Microwave-synthesized NiZrO@GNP and NiZrO3@MWCNT nanocomposites: enhanced antimicrobial efficacy against biofilms and .

Unlabelled: The persistent challenge posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and tuberculosis necessitates innovative approaches to antimicrobial treatment. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of NiZrO₃ nanoparticles integrated with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), using a microwave-assisted green synthesis route, employing fenugreek () seed extract as a gelling agent. The synthesised nanocomposites were systematically analyzed using XRD, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, HR-SEM and HR TEM analysis to assess structural, optical, and morphological properties.

In vivo self-assembled siRNAs within small extracellular vesicles attenuate LRRK2-induced neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease models.

Rationale: Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene play an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis, and downregulation of LRRK2 has become a promising therapy for PD. Here, we developed a synthetic biology strategy for the self-assembly and delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of LRRK2 into the substantia nigra via small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) using a genetic circuit (in the form of naked DNA plasmid) to attenuate PD-like phenotypes in mouse model.

Methods: We generated the genetic circuit encoding both a neuron-targeting rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) tag and a LRRK2 siRNA under the control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, and assessed its therapeutic effects using LRRK2 mouse models of PD.

Pectin Hydrogels as Structural Platform for Antibacterial Drug Delivery.

Hydrogels are hydrophilic 3-dimensional networks characterized by the retention of a large amount of water. Because of their water component, hydrogels are a promising method for targeted drug delivery. The water component, or "free volume", is a potential vehicle for protein drugs.

Repurposing Plant-Based Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors: A Review of Novel Therapeutic Strategies Against Drug-Resistant Fungal Biofilms.

The rapid emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains necessitates the development of novel therapeutic approaches for battling biofilm-related infections. Biofilms, efflux pumps, and suppression of virulence traits in pathogenic yeasts are governed by epigenetic enzymes, namely, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). The review article is focused on the use of histone acetyltransferase inhibitors (HATi), a mechanism-based epidrug that inactivates the regular function of HATs.

Dipeptides from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum limit Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis.

Aims: Lactobacilli have drawn a great deal of attention due to the heterogeneity of their cells, as well as their remarkable ability to adapt to a range of harsh conditions. One such adaptation response by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was forming a V-shaped cell structure in low acidic pH conditions. This study aims to identify low pH induced-biofilm formation in L.

TUBB4B is essential for the cytoskeletal architecture of cochlear supporting cells and motile cilia development.

Microtubules are essential for various cellular processes. The functional diversity of microtubules is attributed to the incorporation of various α- and β-tubulin isotypes encoded by different genes. In this work, we investigated the functional role of β4B-tubulin isotype (TUBB4B) in hearing and vision as mutations in TUBB4B are associated with sensorineural disease.

Prominin 1 is crucial for the early development of photoreceptor outer segments.

Prominin 1 (PROM1) is a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein localized on the nascent photoreceptor discs. Mutations in PROM1 are linked to various retinal diseases. In this study, we assessed the role of PROM1 in photoreceptor biology and physiology using the PROM1 knockout murine model (rd19).

Excessive tubulin glutamylation leads to progressive cone-rod dystrophy and loss of outer segment integrity.

Mutations in Cytosolic Carboxypeptidase-like Protein 5 (CCP5) are associated with vision loss in humans. To decipher the mechanisms behind CCP5-associated blindness, we generated a novel mouse model lacking CCP5. In this model, we found that increased tubulin glutamylation led to progressive cone-rod dystrophy, with cones showing a more pronounced and earlier functional loss than rod photoreceptors.

Microbial alcohol dehydrogenases: recent developments and applications in asymmetric synthesis.

Alcohol dehydrogenases are a well-known group of enzymes in the class of oxidoreductases that use electron transfer cofactors such as NAD(P)/NAD(P)H for oxidation or reduction reactions of alcohols or carbonyl compounds respectively. These enzymes are utilized mainly as purified enzymes and offer some advantages in terms of green chemistry. They are environmentally friendly and a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis of bulk and fine chemicals.

Epidemiology and preventability of hospital-onset bacteremia and fungemia in 2 hospitals in India.

Objective: Studies evaluating the incidence, source, and preventability of hospital-onset bacteremia and fungemia (HOB), defined as any positive blood culture obtained after 3 calendar days of hospital admission, are lacking in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design, Setting, And Participants: All consecutive blood cultures performed for 6 months during 2020-2021 in 2 hospitals in India were reviewed to assess HOB and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reportable central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) events. Medical records of a convenience sample of 300 consecutive HOB events were retrospectively reviewed to determine source and preventability.

Prenylation is essential for the enrichment of cone phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6) in outer segments and efficient cone phototransduction.

Phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6) is the key phototransduction effector enzyme residing in the outer segment (OS) of photoreceptors. Cone PDE6 is a tetrameric protein consisting of two inhibitory subunits (γ') and two catalytic subunits (α'). The catalytic subunit of cone PDE6 contains a C-terminus prenylation motif.

HSP90α is needed for the survival of rod photoreceptors and regulates the expression of rod PDE6 subunits.

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is an abundant molecular chaperone that regulates the stability of a small set of proteins essential in various cellular pathways. Cytosolic HSP90 has two closely related paralogs: HSP90α and HSP90β. Due to the structural and sequence similarities of cytosolic HSP90 paralogs, identifying the unique functions and substrates in the cell remains challenging.

Use of Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor Remogliflozin and Possibility of Acute Kidney Injury in Type-2 Diabetes.

The major trials, e.g., EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS, and CREDENCE, showed the renal and cardiovascular benefit of sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Relevance of Machine Learning to Predict the Inhibitory Activity of Small Thiazole Chemicals on Estrogen Receptor.

Background: Drug discovery requires the use of hybrid technologies for the discovery of new chemical substances. One of those interesting strategies is QSAR via applying an artificial intelligence system that effectively predicts how chemical alterations can impact biological activity via in-silico.

Aim: Our present study aimed to work on a trending machine learning approach with a new opensource data analysis python script for the discovery of anticancer lead via building the QSAR model by using 53 compounds of thiazole derivatives.

Visible Light Driven Metal-Free Photoredox Catalyzed α-benzylation and α-oxygenation of N-substituted Tetrahydroisoquinolines: Applications to Synthesis of Natural Products.

Herein, visible light mediated organophoto redox catalysed simple and convenient method for the α-benzylation and α-oxygenation of tertiary amines is demonstrated. Synthesis of novel thiophenol based donor acceptor organophotoredox catalysts 4 a-4 d were investigated along with commercial catalyst 4-CzIPN (4 e). A diverse biologically active α-benzylated tetrahydroisoquinolines and natural products such as (±)-Norlaudanosine, (±)-laudanosine and (±)-xylopinine have been synthesized under the optimized conditions in yields ranging from from 62-91%.

Bioleaching of Heavy Metals by Streptomyces avermitilis - BBA4 Isolate from Coal Mine Soil of Tamil Nadu.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) includes precious metals, heavy metals and brominated flame retardants. The usage of PCB is increasing exponentially, generated in vast quantities, and considered an E-waste contaminating the environment. The bioleaching potential of a novel isolated Streptomyces BBA4 strain from a coal mine soil was studied and discussed here.

Empirical evidence of effects of stringency amid Covid-19 pandemic spread.

The objective of this paper is to provide an insight on effect of stringency in Covid-19 spread in India especially in Chennai, a city were more lockdown, and restrictions was imposed to control the infection. Even though the restriction was imposed in the country by the end of March 2020, the growth reduction was seen in the mid of June as the awareness was increased. The average Covid-19 case growth was got reduce from 3.

A novel machine learning scheme for face mask detection using pretrained convolutional neural network.

Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) erupted toward the end of 2019, and it has continued to be a source of concern for a large number of people and organizations well into 2020. Wearing a face cover has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of viral transmission while also providing a sense of security. Be that as it may, it isn't attainable to physically follow the execution of this strategy.

Re-engineering a Liposome with Membranes of Red Blood Cells for Drug Delivery and Diagnostic Applications.

Red blood cells (RBCs) make up the overwhelming majority of cells in the vascular system, spending most of their lives wandering the vast network of vessels that permeate every tissue of our bodies. Therefore, the delivery of any class of therapeutic agent that must stay in the circulatory system may benefit from being carried by RBCs. Toward this direction, we have re-engineered a synthetic liposome with the membranes of RBCs and incorporated a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent gadolinium along with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) to form a biomimetic liposome (BML).

Point Absorber Limits to Future Gravitational-Wave Detectors.

High-quality optical resonant cavities require low optical loss, typically on the scale of parts per million. However, unintended micron-scale contaminants on the resonator mirrors that absorb the light circulating in the cavity can deform the surface thermoelastically and thus increase losses by scattering light out of the resonant mode. The point absorber effect is a limiting factor in some high-power cavity experiments, for example, the Advanced LIGO gravitational-wave detector.

Biocatalytic Asymmetric Cyclopropanations via Enzyme-Bound Iminium Ion Intermediates.

Cyclopropane rings are an important structural motif frequently found in many natural products and pharmaceuticals. Commonly, biocatalytic methodologies for the asymmetric synthesis of cyclopropanes rely on repurposed or artificial heme enzymes. Here, we engineered an unusual cofactor-independent cyclopropanation enzyme based on a promiscuous tautomerase for the enantioselective synthesis of various cyclopropanes via the nucleophilic addition of diethyl 2-chloromalonate to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.

Biocatalytic enantioselective hydroaminations enabling synthesis of -arylalkyl-substituted L-aspartic acids.

N-Substituted l-aspartic acids are important chiral building blocks for pharmaceuticals and food additives. Here we report the asymmetric synthesis of various N-arylalkyl-substituted l-aspartic acids using ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid lyase (EDDS lyase) as a biocatalyst. This C-N lyase shows a broad non-natural amine substrate scope and outstanding enantioselectivity, allowing the efficient addition of structurally diverse arylalkylamines to fumarate to afford the corresponding N-arylalkyl-substituted l-aspartic acids in good isolated yield (up to 79%) and with excellent enantiopurity (>99% ee).