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The etiology of neurodegenerative diseases is poorly understood; however, studies have shown that heavy metals, such as copper, play a critical role in neurotoxicity, thus, adversely affecting the development of these diseases. Because of the limitations associated with classical metal detection tools to obtain accurate speciation information of ultra-low concentrations of heavy metals in the brain, analysis is primarily performed in blood, urine, or postmortem tissues, limiting the translatability of acquired knowledge to living systems. Inadequate and less accurate data obtained with such techniques provide little or no information for developing efficient therapeutics that aid in slowing down the deterioration of brain cells. In this study, we developed a biocompatible, ultra-fast, low-cost, and robust surface-modified electrode with carbon fibers by electrodepositing dopamine via fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to detect Cu2+ in modified tris buffer. We studied the surface morphology of our newly introduced sensors using high-resolution images by atomic force microscopy under different deposition conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) of our surface-modified sensor was 0.01 µM (0.64 ppb), and the sensitivity was 11.28 nA/µM. The LOD and sensitivity are fifty and two times greater, respectively, compared to those of a bare electrode. The sensor's response is not affected by the presence of dopamine in the matrix. It also exhibited excellent stability to multiple subsequent injections and repeated measurements of Cu2+ over a month, thus showing its strength to be developed into an accurate, fast, robust electrochemical tool to monitor ultra-low concentrations of heavy metals in the brain in real time.

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Pore modulation via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) needs investigation due to its crucial effect on surface that influences its multirole utilization of such ultraporous sorbents in applications of energy storage- hydrogen and capacitive- as well as for pollutant abatement- carbon capture and dye removal. Hence, loblolly pine was hydrothermally carbonized followed by KOH activation to synthesize superactivated hydrochars (SAH). The resulting SAHs had specific surface area (SSA) 1462-1703 m2/g, total pore (TPV) and micropore volume (MPV) of 0.62-0.78 cm3/g and 0.33-0.49 cm3/g, respectively. The SAHs exhibit excellent multifunctional performance with remarkably high atmospheric CO2 capture of 145.2 mg/g and high pressure cryogenic H2 storage of 54.9 mg/g. The fabricated supercapacitor displayed substantial specific capacitance value of maximum 47.2 Fg-1 at 1 A g-1 in 6 M KOH and highest MB dye removal of 719.4 mg/g. Higher HTC temperature resulted in increased surface porosity as higher SSA, TPV benefitted H2 storage and MB dye removal while superior MPV favored CO2 capture. Moderate HTC temperature ensured higher mesopore-to-macropore volume ratio favoring electrochemical performance. Isotherm modelling of the adsorbates was compared using models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir- Freundlich and Temkin.

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Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global public health problem despite the availability of effective vaccine and antiviral therapy. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), another hepatotropic virus, is also very prevalent in the general population worldwide. Both HBV and CMV can persist in the host and have potential to reactivate especially with weakened host cellular immunity. Superimposed CMV infection can lead to severe HBV reactivation. The pathogenesis of the co-infection of HBV and CMV remains poorly understood. Studies reported conflicting results regarding the inhibitory effect of CMV on HBV replication. There is an unmet need on the management of co-infection of HBV and CMV; research initiatives dedicated to understanding their interactions are urgently needed.

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Virus detection at the point-of-care facility has become an alarming topic in the research community. The latest coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the limitations of current conventional virus detection methods. Compared to nonelectrochemical sensors, electrochemical sensors provide the ideal platform for rapid, cheap, fast, sensitive, and selective diagnosis of several viruses, particularly at point-of-care facilities. This article highlights the most promising studies reported over the past decade to detect a broad spectrum of viruses using voltammetry, amperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

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Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a proteasome inhibitor currently approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Multiple trials are ongoing to evaluate its efficacy and safety in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). The use of CFZ-based two- or three-drug combination regimens as induction for the management of NDMM is an emerging approach. CFZ-based regimens include combinations of immunomodulators, alkylating agents, and monoclonal antibodies along with dexamethasone. In this review, we assess the efficacy and toxicity of CFZ-based regimens in NDMM. We reviewed a total of 27 studies (n=4538 patients) with overall response rates (ORR) ranging between 80% and 100%. Studies evaluating the combination of CFZ with daratumumab reported an ORR of approximately 100%. Achievement of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, measured by multi-parameter flow cytometry (MPFC), ranged between 60% and 95% in 4 (n=251) out of 6 studies that measured MRD-negativity. The interim results of the ENDURANCE trial failed to show superior efficacy and progression-free survival (PFS) of carfilzomib-lenalidomide when compared to bortezomib-lenalidomide combination, albeit with a lower incidence of neuropathy. Hematological toxicity was the most common adverse event observed with these regimens, and the most common non-hematological adverse events were related to cardiovascular and electrolyte disturbances. We need to further evaluate the role of CFZ in NDMM by conducting more Phase III trials with different combinations.

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Heavy metal contamination and its detrimental health effects are a growing concern globally. Several metal mitigation systems and regulatory approaches have been implemented to minimize the negative impacts on human health. However, none of these function at maximum efficiency, mainly due to the lack of accurate information about metal speciation. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop novel, cheap, efficient, and robust metal detecting sensors. In this study, we describe the application of a nanopipet based electrochemical sensor to detect aqueous Cd(ii) ions. The inner radius of our nanopipets is ∼300 nm, and the fundamental mechanism behind our sensor's response is ion transfer between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES). The absence of redox behavior makes ITIES an excellent, attractive electrochemical tool to study various ions in aqueous solutions. In this study, we used 1,10-phenanthroline as our ionophore in the organic phase (dichloroethane) to facilitate the transfer of Cd(ii) ions from the polar aqueous phase to the less polar organic phase. Unlike previous studies, we characterized our nanopipet in complicated matrices, including, but not limited to, tris buffer and artificial seawater. We performed quantitative assessments to determine our sensor's limit of detection, stability, sensitivity, and selectivity. We further show that our nanosensor can detect free Cd(ii) ions in the presence of strong complexing agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, etc. We quantified the concentration of free Cd(ii) ions in a water sample collected from a local lagoon. Thus, we showcased the power of our nanopipets to act as a robust, accurate, and efficient speciation sensor to detect Cd(ii) ions in environmental samples.

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BACKGROUND: Despite extensive industrial use, no major modifications to the bench drilling machine, with respect to ease of operation, have been undertaken. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to design a new feed handle (NFH) to perform the drilling task on a bench drilling machine and evaluate the existing (EFH) and new feed handles on the basis of performance measures like drilling productivity in terms of metal removal rate (MRR) and worker performance in terms of perceived discomfort score (PDS). METHODS: Participants performed the drilling task on a steel block for three different working durations at two drilling speeds. RESULTS: ANOVA analysis carried out for the MRR data showed that drilling speed had a statistically significant effect on the task performance of the operator for both handles. However, the task duration was found to be statistically significant only for the EFH. The ANOVA results obtained on the PDS data showed that the task duration and drilling speed had a statistically significant effect on the task performance of the operator for both systems. CONCLUSIONS: The MRR obtained was higher when the drilling task was carried out using NFH. An appreciable decrease in PDS was also observed using the proposed system.

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Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global public problem despite the availability of an effective vaccine. In the past decades, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has surpassed HBV as the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The prevalence of concomitant chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and NAFLD thus reaches endemic proportions in geographic regions where both conditions are common. Patients with CHB and NAFLD are at increased risk of liver disease progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to the complexity of the pathogenesis, accurate diagnosis of NAFLD in CHB patients can be challenging. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and determining disease severity, but it is an invasive procedure with potential complications. There is a growing body of literature on the application of novel noninvasive serum biomarkers and advanced radiological modalities to diagnose and evaluate NAFLD, but most have not been adequately validated, especially for patients with CHB. Currently, there is no approved therapy for NAFLD, although many new agents are in different phases of development. This review provides a summary of the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of the NAFLD and highlights the unmet needs in the areas of CHB and NAFLD coexistence.

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Distinguishing amoebic from pyogenic liver abscesses is crucial because their treatments and prognoses differ. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 577 adults with liver abscess in order to identify clinical, laboratory, and radiographic factors useful in differentiating these microbial aetiologies. Presumptive diagnoses of amoebic (n = 471; 82%) vs. pyogenic (n = 106; 18%) abscess were based upon amoebic serology, microbiological culture results, and response to therapy. Patients with amoebic abscess were more likely to be young males with a tender, solitary, right lobe abscess (P = 0.012). Univariate analysis found patients with pyogenic abscess more likely to be over 50 years old, with a history of diabetes and jaundice, with pulmonary findings, multiple abscesses, amoebic serology titres <1:256 IU, and lower levels of serum albumin (P < 0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that age >50 years, pulmonary findings on examination, multiple abscesses, and amebic serology titres <1:256 IU were predictive of pyogenic infection. Several clinical and laboratory parameters can aid in the differentiation of amebic and pyogenic liver abscess. In our setting, amebic abscess is more prevalent and, in most circumstances, can be identified and managed without percutaneous aspiration.

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The manual mode of working in industries is very common in the developing and under developed countries. Many industrial processes have generated high levels of noise and causing physiological effects on operators and thus leading to reduced performance. A survey was carried in various die casting industries to determine the levels of noise. It was found that the levels were in the range of 80-100dB(A). The survey also showed that the effects were more pronounced when the task was conducted under varying load conditions. Keeping this in view the problem was formulated to study whether the level of noise and amount of load has a bearing on human performance. For this purpose, experimental investigations in a simulated environment were carried out. Five subjects, all males and having no experience in the trade were selected for the task. The levels of noise under taken were 80, 90 and 100 dB(A) while the levels of load were 150, 200 and 250 N. A pulse oximeter was used to measure the human performance in terms of heart rate. The data was collected and analyzed on the basis of two factor repeated measure type of experimental design. Results of the study indicated that the level of noise and load both were having statistically significant effect on human performance. However, the interaction of level of noise and load was found to be statistically non-significant. The findings of the present work have been discussed in the light of the previous researches carried out on the topic. Suggestions have been made to reduce the levels of noise as per the recommendations of Occupational Safety and Health Association (1990). It is also suggested that instead of hand operated machines, foot operated versions should be used to reduce fatigue.

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Serum lipid profiles were obtained in 108 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and compared to 28 healthy volunteers. Serum cholesterol and low-density and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL) were found to be significantly lower in MDS patients than in normals (p = 0.0001, 0.0038 and 0.037, respectively). This difference was significant for all MDS categories. Serum cholesterol and HDL were negatively related to biopsy cellularity (p = 0.001 and 0.0001, respectively), and serum triglycerides were negatively related to labeling index (p = 0.0003). No differences were noted in the lipid profiles of MDS patients with normal versus abnormal karyotypes. However, low-risk MDS patients with abnormal karyotypes had significantly lower triglyceride levels compared with the high-risk patients (p = 0.027), as did low-risk patients with normal cytogenetics (p = 0.015). Serum HDL levels were significantly higher for the low-risk group with normal cytogenetics as well (p = 0.003). We conclude that serum cholesterol, LDL, and HDL are significantly reduced in MDS patients, probably indicating excessive intracellular lipid biosynthesis in the expanding clone. These relatively simple measurements could serve as important prognostic markers and reliable indicators of disease activity in individual patients. Prospective studies to determine their utility as independent variables that guide the need for active therapeutic intervention are warranted.

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