Simple and Cost-Effective Quantum Dot Chemodosimeter for Visual Detection of Biothiols in Human Blood Serum.

An emission "turn-off" chemodosimeter for the naked-eye detection of biothiols using silica-overcoated cadmium selenide quantum dots is developed. Hole scavenging by the thiol group of cysteine, homocysteine, or glutathione on interaction with quantum dots resulted in an instant and permanent emission quenching under physiologically relevant conditions. Also, the emission suppression is so specific that thiols and substituted thiols (methionine and cystine) can easily be distinguished.

γ-Ray-Induced Photocatalytic Activity of Bi-Doped PbS toward Organic Dye Removal under Sunlight.

Photocatalysts based on semiconducting chalcogenides due to their adaptable physio-chemical characteristics are attracting attention. In this work, Bi-doped PbS (henceforth PbS:Bi) was prepared using a straightforward chemical precipitation approach, and the influence of γ-irradiation on PbS's photocatalytic ability was investigated. Synthesized samples were confirmed structurally and chemically.

Impact of disability in the quality of life of patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries based on a questionnaire survey in a tertiary center in South India.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the disability and its impact in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its various domains in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI).

Materials And Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 41 patients with TBPI in a tertiary care center in South India. The assessment of disability and HRQOL was done as per the guidelines of the Gazette of India (2001) and WHO BREF questionnaire, respectively.

Quantum Dot-Based Fluorometric Sensor for Hg(II) in Water Customizable for Onsite Visual Detection.

An easy naked-eye detection technique for mercuric ions in water using silanized quantum dots is demonstrated. Cadmium selenide quantum dots were synthesized and rendered water soluble by silica overcoating. The quantum dot emission was instantly turned off by the mercuric ions in the analyte, enabling visual detection.

Effects of surface patterning and topography on the cellular functions of tissue engineered scaffolds with special reference to 3D bioprinting.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tissue organ exhibits a topography from the nano to micrometer range, and the design of scaffolds has been inspired by the host environment. Modern bioprinting aims to replicate the host tissue environment to mimic the native physiological functions. A detailed discussion on the topographical features controlling cell attachment, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and the effect of geometrical design on the wettability and mechanical properties of the scaffold are presented in this review.

Psychosocial Intervention Among Orphans: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: There has been an increase in the number of orphans around the world as a result of natural or man-made causes. Orphans are likely to face a number of challenges throughout their lives that go unrecognized. Considering these challenges, much focus needs to be given to manage their mental health issues.

Development of high resilience spiral wound suture-embedded gelatin/PCL/heparin nanofiber membrane scaffolds for tendon tissue engineering.

This study develops a spiral wound scaffold based on gelatin/PCL/heparin (GPH) nanofiber membranes for tendon tissue engineering. By embedding sutures in dual layers of aligned GPH nanofiber membranes, prepared from mixed electrospinning of gelatin and PCL/heparin solutions, we fabricate a high resilience scaffold intended for the high loading environment experienced by tendons. The basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was anchored to GPH scaffold through bioaffinity between heparin and bFGF, aim to provide biological cues for maintenance of tenogenic phenotype.

Recent Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding: A Review.

The mushrooming utilization of electronic devices in the current era produces electromagnetic interference (EMI) capable of disabling commercial and military electronic appliances on a level like never before. Due to this, the development of advanced materials for effectively shielding electromagnetic radiation has now become a pressing priority for the scientific world. This paper reviews the current research status of polymer nanocomposite-based EMI shielding materials, with a special focus on those with hybrid fillers and MXenes.

Effects of Processing Parameters of 3D Bioprinting on the Cellular Activity of Bioinks.

In this review, few established cell printing techniques along with their parameters that affect the cell viability during bioprinting are considered. 3D bioprinting is developed on the principle of additive manufacturing using biomaterial inks and bioinks. Different bioprinting methods impose few challenges on cell printing such as shear stress, mechanical impact, heat, laser radiation, etc.

Conductive Biomaterials as Substrates for Neural Stem Cells Differentiation towards Neuronal Lineage Cells.

The injuries and defects in the central nervous system are the causes of disability and death of an affected person. As of now, there are no clinically available methods to enhance neural structural regeneration and functional recovery of nerve injuries. Recently, some experimental studies claimed that the injuries in brain can be repaired by progenitor or neural stem cells located in the neurogenic sites of adult mammalian brain.

Moving Out of Shadows: Depression among the Elderly in Dehradun District of Uttarakhand, India.

Background: Depression, a stigma swept under the rug, has morphed to be tabbed as the theme of World Health Day 2017 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Depression in old age is stereotypically tethered to the ageing process but it is a medical problem that has been under-researched. This study was conducted to estimate the point prevalence of depression among the elderly in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand and to identify its predictor variables.

Association of Dopamine Transporter Gene with Heroin Dependence in an Indian Subpopulation from Manipur.

Dopamine transporter (DAT) or solute carrier family 6 member 3 (SLC6A3) is a transmembrane protein regulating dopaminergic neurotransmission. It has been implicated in playing important roles in the dopaminergic reward pathways, and thus, DAT1 is a strong candidate gene for association studies with heroin dependence. A case-control study involving 279 individuals (147 controls and 132 heroin-dependent cases) was conducted.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in (rs483481) and risk for heroin use disorder.

Opioid receptor mu1 (OPRM1) is the target of many opioid drugs, and it is known to have affinity toward both endogenous and exogenous opioids, opiate and opioid analgesic drugs. The present study was undertaken to explore association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene with heroin use disorder. Ten polymorphisms were analyzed in 132 cases and 147 healthy controls.

Flame Retardant Epoxy Composites on the Road of Innovation: An Analysis with Flame Retardancy Index for Future Development.

Nowadays, epoxy composites are elements of engineering materials and systems. Although they are known as versatile materials, epoxy resins suffer from high flammability. In this sense, flame retardancy analysis has been recognized as an undeniable requirement for developing future generations of epoxy-based systems.

Flexible regenerated cellulose/polypyrrole composite films with enhanced dielectric properties.

Flexible regenerated cellulose/polypyrrole (RC-PPy) conductive composite films were prepared by insitu polymerization of pyrrole on regenerated cellulose (RC) matrix using ammonium persulphate as oxidant. FTIR, XPS and XRD analysis of RC-PPy composite films revealed strong interaction between polypyrrole (PPy) and RC matrix. XRD results indicated that crystalline structure of RC matrix remains intact even after composite formation.

Polyphenolics isolated from virgin coconut oil inhibits adjuvant induced arthritis in rats through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

We evaluated the protective efficacy of the polyphenolic fraction from virgin coconut oil (PV) against adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. The activities of inflammatory, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were estimated.

Treatment of paper factory effluent using a phenol degrading Alcaligenes sp. under free and immobilized conditions.

Treatment of the paper factory effluent was done with free and immobilized cells of a phenol degrading Alcaligenes sp. d(2). The free cells could bring a maximum of 99% reduction in phenol and 40% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) after 32 and 20 h of treatment, respectively.

Nutraceutical effects of garlic oil, its nonpolar fraction and a Ficus flavonoid as compared to vitamin E in CCl4 induced liver damage in rats.

Carbon tetrachloride feeding (3.2g/kg/72hr) for one month increased significantly the serum and tissue lipid profile and deranged the enzyme levels viz; alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, glutathionze reductase, HMGCoA reductase, catalase, gluc.6.

Anti-oxidant activity of Centella asiatica on lymphoma-bearing mice.

Oral treatment with 50 mg X kg(-1) day(-1) of crude methanol extract of Centella asiatica for 14 days significantly increased the anti-oxidant enzymes, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and anti-oxidants like glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid decreased in lymphoma-bearing mice.