Uncovering the impact of alcohol on internal organs and reproductive health:Exploring TLR4/NF-kB and CYP2E1/ROS/Nrf2 pathways

This review delves into the detrimental impact of alcohol consumption on internal organs and reproductive health,elucidating the underlying mechanisms involving the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/Nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells(NF-kB)pathway and the Cytochrome P4502E1(CYP2E1)/reactive oxygen spe-cies(ROS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathways.The TLR4/NF-kB pathway,crucial for inflammatory and immune responses,triggers the production of pro-inflammatory agents and type-1 interferon,disrupting the balance between inflammatory and antioxidant responses when tissues are chronically exposed to al-cohol.Alcohol-induced dysbiosis in gut microbes heightens gut wall permeability to pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs),leading to liver cell infection and subsequent inflammation.Concurrently,CYP2E1-mediated alcohol metabolism gen-erates ROS,causing oxidative stress and damaging cells,lipids,proteins,and deoxy-ribonucleic acid(DNA).To counteract this inflammatory imbalance,Nrf2 regulates gene expression,inhibiting inflammatory progression and promoting antioxidant re-sponses.Excessive alcohol intake results in elevated liver enzymes(ADH,CYP2E1,and catalase),ROS,NADH,acetaldehyde,and acetate,leading to damage in vital organs such as the heart,brain,and lungs.Moreover,alcohol negatively affects reproduc-tive health by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,causing infertility in both men and women.These findings underscore the profound health concerns associated with alcohol-induced damage,emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding the intricate interplay between immune responses and the multi-organ im-pacts of alcohol consumption.

Magnesium oxide(MgO)nanoadsorbents in wastewater treatment:A comprehensive review

Wastewater contamination by heavy metals and synthetic dyes presents a significant environmental challenge,necessitating effective and sustainable separation techniques.This review article provides a detailed examination of magnesium oxide(MgO)nanoparticles as an innovative nanoadsorbent for wastewater treatment,with a specific focus on heavy metal and dye removal.The review comprehensively explores various aspects of MgO nanoparticles,including their structural characteristics and synthesis techniques.The article delves into the morphology and crystallographic arrangement of MgO nanoparticles,offering insights into their structural attributes.Given the complexity of adsorption processes,the review identifies and analyzes parameters influencing the adsorption efficiency of MgO nanoparticles,such as temperature,pH,contact time,initial concentration,and co-existing ions.The interplay between these parameters and the adsorption capability of MgO nanoparticles emphasizes the importance of optimizing operational conditions.Furthermore,the review assesses various synthesis methods for MgO nanoparticles,including sol-gel,hydrothermal,precipitation,green synthesis,solvothermal,and template-assisted techniques.It discusses the advantages,limitations,and resulting nanoparticle characteristics of each method,enabling readers to grasp the implications of synthesis processes on adsorption efficiency.This comprehensive review consolidates current insights into the effectiveness of MgO nanoparticles as a potent nanoadsorbent for removing heavy metals and dyes from wastewater covering a wide spectrum of aspects related to MgO nanoparticles.Moreover,there is a need to investigate the use of MgO in the treatment of actual wastewater or river water,in order to leverage its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency for practical water treatment applications in real-time.

Comprehensive Assessment of Anxiolytic Properties in 4-HPAA Derivatives: Bridging in Vivo Validation and Molecular Docking Analyses

Anxiety is a significant mental health issue that substantially affects an individual’s quality of life. Feelings of uneasiness, irritability, and sleep disturbances characterize it. 4-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4-HPAA) is identified in brain cells as a physiological byproduct of tyramine. This study hypothesizes that 4-HPAA may regulate anxiety due to its anxiolytic properties, acting as a modulator of the GABAergic system, which plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Our study aims to enhance the anxiolytic effects of 4-HPAA through chemical modification to improve its pharmacokinetic properties. Three derivatives, namely Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (IHPA), Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (MPAA), and 4-methoxyphenyl acetate (MPHA), have been synthesized from 4-HPAA. This assessment will use well-established animal models, specifically the Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) and Zero Maze (EZM) tests, selected for their validity in replicating anxiety-like symptoms in animals. Chronic caffeine administration via drinking water (0.3 g/l for 14 days) was employed to induce an anxiety state for testing purposes. IHPA and MPAA demonstrated significant anxiolyticactivity when tested in the EPM and EZM experiments. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina indicated that 4-HPAA derivatives had docking scores ranging from −5.8 to −4.8 kcal/mol, compared to the standard anxiolytic medication Diazepam, which scored −7.1 kcal/mol. These scores suggest a potential for 4-HPAA derivatives to interact effectively with the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) receptor. In conclusion, our in vivo and in silico analyses indicate a promising anxiolytic potential for 4-HPAA derivatives.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived apoptotic bodies alleviate alveolar bone destruction by regulating osteoclast differentiation and function

Periodontitis is caused by overactive osteoclast activity that results in the loss of periodontal supporting tissue and mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are essential for periodontal regeneration.However,the hypoxic periodontal microenvironment during periodontitis induces the apoptosis of MSCs.Apoptotic bodies(ABs)are the major product of apoptotic cells and have been attracting increased attention as potential mediators for periodontitis treatment,thus we investigated the effects of ABs derived from MSCs on periodontitis.MSCs were derived from bone marrows of mice and were cultured under hypoxic conditions for 72 h,after which ABs were isolated from the culture supernatant using a multi-filtration system.The results demonstrate that ABs derived from MSCs inhibited osteoclast differentiation and alveolar bone resorption.miRNA array analysis showed that miR-223-3p is highly enriched in those ABs and is critical for their therapeutic effects.Targetscan and luciferase activity results confirmed that Itgb1 is targeted by miR-223-3p,which interferes with the function of osteoclasts.Additionally,DC-STAMP is a key regulator that mediates membrane infusion.ABs and pre-osteoclasts expressed high levels of DC-STAMP on their membranes,which mediates the engulfment of ABs by pre-osteoclasts.ABs with knock-down of DC-STAMP failed to be engulfed by pre-osteoclasts.Collectively,MSC-derived ABs are targeted to be engulfed by pre-osteoclasts via DC-STAMP,which rescued alveolar bone loss by transferring miR-223-3p to osteoclasts,which in turn led to the attenuation of their differentiation and bone resorption.These results suggest that MSC-derived ABs are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of periodontitis.

Small Intestine Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour—A Case Report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are mesenchymal tumours that arise most commonly from the stomach. They are the 3rd most common tumour diagnosed behind adenocarcinomas and lymphomas. The majority of these tumours are asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed in UGI scopy or contrast enhanced CT abdomen and pelvis studies. Obstruction, ulceration, gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage and perforation warrants an urgent surgical intervention. GIST is medically managed by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and surgically by resection and anastomosis. This case report highlights the diagnosis and management of a 42-year-old gentleman who presented with vague right iliac fossa mass. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case. This case was chosen to be reported because of the rare incidence of small intestine GIST in South India and the effectiveness of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery in management.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome-Neonate: Biochemical Parameters as Early Marker of Adverse Neurodevelopmental Outcome

Background: Pregnant women and newborns are highly susceptible to Covid-19, manifesting as multisystem inflammatory syndrome-New-born (MISC-N) in many babies born to Covid positive mothers. The relationship between Covid-19 infection during pregnancy and neonatal neurodevelopmental outcome, if any, is unclear necessitating a follow-up study in this aspect. Methods: 16 babies with MIS-N, born to symptomatic Covid antibody positive mothers were enrolled. Demographic profile, treatment details and biochemical parameters were analyzed with neurodevelopmental follow-up. Results: 25% mothers received 2 doses of Covid vaccine;50% had oligohydramnios and 75% received antenatal steroids. 87.5% were preterm of which 62.5% required surfactant with ventilator support and 75% required ionotropic support. Significant association was found between the antibody level and D-dimer levels with the ferritin and LDH levels of the baby (p 0.05);gestational age with LDH and D-dimer levels (p 0.05) and Covid antibody level of the baby vs the duration of ventilator requirement (P-value-0.0009). D-dimer values of babies were positively associated with both maternal antibody and D-dimer levels. Neurodevelopmental follow-up done at 6 months of corrected gestational age showed 37.5% were normal, 37.5% hypertonic and 25% hypotonic. HINE score was below 60 in 62.5%. Development assessment using Bayley-III showed a delay in the motor domain (62.5%), cognitive domain (56.25%) and language domain (62.5%). Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental problems occur in babies born to Covid positive mothers and should be stratified as “high risk”. Anticipatory guidance to prospective mothers for preterm care should be given. Covid antibody titre and D-dimer levels may help to predict the NICU stay, ventilator requirement and the adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in these babies.

Awareness of Breast Cancer in Lower Socioeconomic Status Women Attending the Surgery Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Teaching Institution

Background: Worldwide breast cancer represents nearly a quarter (25%) of all cancers and is the most common female cancer. Objective: The present study was conducted to check the awareness of breast cancer warning signs & symptoms, available investigations and treatment options among women of a suburban area in Chennai, Tamilnadu (India). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted amongst women attending the surgery outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching institution in Chennai, Tamilnadu (India), using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered during one to one interview by trained research assistants. Results: The study population showed poor awareness of warning signs like changes in position of nipple, pulling in of nipple, nipple rash, changes in size of nipple, puckering/dimpling of breast skin colour changes in breast skin, lump under armpit, changes in size and shape of breast. Conclusion: The observations indicated that the level of awareness and knowledge about the presentation and management of breast cancer is suboptimal among women in Thandalam (suburban Chennai).

CT Scan of the Foot in Patients with Chronic Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease where there is an increased blood sugar level in the body which is either caused due to inability of the pancreas to secrete insulin or the body’s inability to utilize it. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is growing rapidly worldwide. Statistics show that in the year 2014, there were a total of 422 million cases of DM. Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness and leg amputations. Diabetic foot ulcers are quite common and are estimated to affect nearly 15% of all diabetic patients during their lifetime. In long standing diabetic patients with chronic non-healing ulcers, bony changes or deformities are not uncommon. These bony changes can be identified using CT scans. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted on a total of 40 patients with chronic non-healing ulcer attending the surgery outpatient department of Saveetha Medical College, Chennai, Tamilnadu. The CT-scans of their foot were observed for deformities or bony changes. Results: Out of 40 patients, 67.5% were males and 32.5% were females. A maximum number of subjects fell under the age group of 51 - 60 years. The most common site of the ulcer was found to be in the plantar surface of big toe (53%). Among the 40 patients, 33 of them were found to have bony abnormalities on the CT scan of foot and no apparent changes were seen in the rest. Bone erosions (35%), osteopenic changes (22.5%), Charcot’s joint (2.5%), osteophyte formation (12.5) and reduced joint space (10%) were the predominant changes observed on the CT scans of the study population.

Fungal Carbuncle Due to <i>Apophysomyces elegans</i>—A Case Report

Background: Deep seated cutaneous fungal infection is a rare entity in surgical practice and is very often under diagnosed. Due to the atypical presentation and slow but aggressive progression of the disease, the associated mortality is high. Aim: The aim of this article to update clinicians about the peculiar presentation of mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans. Case Presentation: A 50 year old gentleman with a painful swelling and fever was admitted into our care. He had history of trivial trauma and no medical comorbid. His initial labs came back relatively unremarkable. He did not respond to an empirical antibacterial regimen and progressively worsened. The region was debrided and found to have granular secretions with sloughed tissue. On opening the dressing post operatively, a fungal mould was found. Fungal etiology was suspected and KOH mount confirmed the diagnosis. He was started on empirical IV antifungals, and local therapy while awaiting culture and sensitivity reports. However, he progressively deteriorated and succumbed to the disease eventually. Conclusion: Here we describe a deep seated cutaneous fungal infection in an immunocompetent patient and the challenges we faced during the course of his management. Fungal etiology is generally encountered in immunocompromised hosts. Deep seated cutaneous fungal infections with poor response to antifungal therapy and systemic sepsis led to this patients’ demise. This being the case, the onus is on the clinicians to diagnose a fungal etiology early and start appropriate anti fungal measures.

Incidence of Ostomies in Tertiary Care Teaching Institution

A retrospective observational study was conducted at Saveetha medical college and hospital, over 2 years, from January 2017-January 2019. A total of 29 patients with ostomies were included in this study. Information regarding the types and indications of the ostomies were collected from the hospital records. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and represented by tables and charts. Majority of patients were the males and the predominant age group was 51 - 60 years old. The objective of the present study was to classify ostomies based on organs and to analyze the aetiology for creating those ostomies.

A Rare Interstitial Type of Post Appendectomy Incisional Hernia

Intraparietal Hernias are hernias occurring in the anterior abdominal wall at different anatomical planes. An interparietal hernia has a hernial sac that passes between the layers of the anterior abdominal wall. Appendectomy is a very common surgical procedure, and post appendectomy incisional hernia is a very rare complication. Here we present a case of a 24-year-old male with swelling in the right hypochondrium and lumbar region with an open appendectomy scar. He was diagnosed to have an interparietal hernia in the anterior abdominal wall. After obtaining consent patient was taken up for surgery. At surgery, the patient was found to have a defect in the transverse abdominis muscle with a medial leaf far from the incision site. Open repair of the defect along with double breasting of external oblique done. Interparietal hernias are rare in post appendectomy scar and this case is of significance since it Highlights a rare interstitial type incisional hernia, as a complication of post appendectomy scar, and not many cases reports are mentioned in literature.

Organoaxial Gastric Volvulus—Chronic Hematoma and a Gastric Twist

A 70-year-old male presented with gastric volvulus secondary to a hematoma that caused an organoaxial rotation. Contrast-enhanced CT was contributory to the diagnosis. The patient underwent laparotomy with gastrojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy. We present our findings and review the literature of this uncommon pathology. A written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case.

Schwannomas—Atypical Presentation and Challenges

Introduction: Neurogenic tumors include schwannomas and neurofibro-mas. They occur often in the head and neck. However, their occurrence on the vagus is uncommon. A high index of suspicion is needed to order imaging in pelvic lesions that present atypically. Discussion: Schwannomas are hypointense on T1 and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2 on MRI. The histopathological appearance with Antoni type A and type B is typical of Schwannoma. Conclusion: Schwannomas are slow growing benign tumors that are separable from the parent nerve. Recurrence is uncommon after resection.

Low Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Presenting as a Mucocoele of the Appendix

Low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) is a rare malignancy with incidence of 0.7% to 1.7% of all appendicectomies [1]. LAMN has the worst complication of mucin seeding into adjacent peritoneum leading to pseudomyxoma peritonei. LAMN lacks standardised treatment approach where only appendicectomy is preferred for resection of non metastatic disease. Case Presentation A 38 yr old female presented with right lower quadrant where CT Abdomen revealed Mucocele of Appendix. Patient underwent Laparoscopic Appendicectomy and Histopathological examination revealed Low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. Patient is on regular follow up and is disease free. Conclusion low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is usually an incidental finding where treatment depends on staging and histology of the tumour.

Role of flexible sensors for the electrochemical detection of organophosphate-based chemical warfare agents

This review article comprehensively explores the electrochemi-cal detection of organophosphate-based agents,including war-fare agents,pesticides,and simulants.It provides an in-depth analysis of their molecular structures,emphasizing the inherent toxicity and environmental risks posed by these compounds.The review highlights the significant role of flexible sensors in facilitating the electrochemical detection of organophosphate-based agents,offering insights into their design,development,and application in detection methodologies.Additionally,the article critically evaluates the challenges encountered in this field,such as sensor sensitivity and sample complexity,and discusses potential solutions to address these challenges.Furthermore,it outlines the future scope and opportunities for advancement in electrochemical detection technologies,includ-ing the integration of novel materials and the exploration of innovative detection strategies.By synthesizing current research findings and identifying future research directions,this review contributes to the ongoing discourse on the detection and mitigation of organophosphate-based agents’risks to human health and the environment.

C19MC miRNA-520G induces SP100 antiviral gene transcription and inhibits melanin production in skin cutaneous melanoma

SP100 is an antiviral protein that restricts the productive stage of human papillomavirus(HPV)and multiple other viruses,and viruses in turn block sUMO-1-mediated stabilization of SP100 and promotes its degradation(Table S1).Interferon(IFN)signaling could still produce more SP100 through transcription to counteract viruses.1 Viruses also disable the transcriptional up-regulation of SP100 to achieve persistent infection in hosts.

Thermal pyrolysis conversion of methane to hydrogen(H_(2)):A review on process parameters,reaction kinetics and techno-economic analysis

Hydrogen(H_(2))is a promising renewable energy which finds wide applications as the world gears toward low-carbon economy.However,current H_(2) production via steam methane reforming of natural gas or gasification of coal are laden with high CO_(2) footprints.Recently,methane(CH_(4))pyrolysis has emerged as a potential technology to generate low-carbon H_(2) and solid carbon.In this review,the current state-of-art and recent progress of H_(2) production from CH_(4) pyrolysis are reviewed in detail.Aspects such as funda-mental mechanism and chemistry involved,effect of process parameters on the conversion efficiency and reaction kinetics for various reaction media and catalysts are elucidated and critically discussed.Temper-ature,among other factors,plays the most critical influence on the methane pyrolysis reaction.Molten metal/salt could lower the operating temperature of methane pyrolysis to<1000℃,whereas plasma technology usually operates in the regime of>1000℃.Based on the reaction kinetics,metal-based cata-lysts were more efficient in lowering the activation energy of the reaction to 29.5-88 kJ/mol from that of uncatalyzed reaction(147-420.7 kJ/mol).Besides,the current techno-economic performance of the pro-cess reveals that the levelized cost of H_(2) is directly influenced by the sales price of carbon(by-product)generated,which could offset the overall cost.Lastly,the main challenges of reactor design for efficient product separation and retrieval,as well as catalyst deactivation/poisoning need to be debottlenecked.

Emerging bedaquiline resistance:A threat to the global fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis

Bedaquiline resistance is increasingly observed in the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis(TB),yet standardized regimens for managing bedaquiline-resistant TB are lacking.Studies indicate a high proportion of bedaquiline-resistant cases have previously been treated for TB,and often involve strains resistant to quinolones.Regular monitoring of the culture status in patients receiving bedaquiline resistance treatment is advised.Methods such as experimental evolution,protein modeling,genome sequencing,and phenotypic analysis have been instrumental in identifying the mechanisms of bedaquiline resistance.Specifically,variants in the Rv0678 transcriptional repressor of the MmpS5-MmpL5 efflux system are linked to this type of resistance.Bayesian probability estimates show promise in determining the genotypic–phenotypic association for bedaquiline resistance,suggesting potential utility in clinical practice.Future research should explore the practical application of Bayesian probabilities in managing bedaquiline resistance.Sequencing-based technologies are anticipated to play a vital role in the early detection and management of drug-resistant TB strains.