Open Reading Frame 4 protein as potential drug target for HEV: Structural evaluation through computational approaches

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. The viral infection caused by G1 HEV in pregnant women has become a major health concern in the past few years. The mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of viral infection in HEV G1 isolates is attributed to four different open-reading frames (ORFs) i.e., ORF1, ORF2, ORF3 and ORF4. The present analysis has considered ORF4 protein as the molecular target due to its intrinsic disorder propensity. Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are regions in proteins that do not possess stable secondary and tertiary structure and are prevalent in eukaryotes. IDRs are found to be closely associated with numerous human diseases, for instance, Parkinson and Alzheimer disease. The extreme flexibility and random coiled conformations of IDR allow it to undergo protein-protein interaction (PPI). The 3-dimensional (3D) structures of the target protein were designed using homology modelling algorithms. The generated models were assessed through structure verification tool PROCHECK. In this paper, we provide an overview of ORF4 protein structure-function relationship and its involvement in several biological processes through PPIs. Our results suggest that ORF4 protein has the potential to act as drug molecule, thus can accelerate the process of drug designing strategies against HEV

A novel approach of developing micro crystalline cellulose reinforced cementitious composites with enhanced microstructure and mechanical performance

This paper reports a novel approach of preparing aqueous suspensions of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for fabrication of cementitious composites. MCC was dispersed homogeneously in water using Pluronic F-127 as a surfactant with the help of ultrasonication process and the aqueous suspensions were added to cement/sand mixture to prepare cementitious composites. A commonly used stabilizing agent for MCC, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) was also used for the comparison purpose. The prepared suspensions were characterized through visual inspection, UV-Vis spectroscopy and optical microscopy. The developed composites were characterized for their bulk density, flexural and compressive properties as well as microstructure. The influence of Pluronic and CMC concentration, superplasticizer, dispersion technique and dispersion temperature on mortar's mechanical performance was thoroughly studied to find out the optimum conditions. Overall, Pluronic (with Pluronic: MCC ratio of 1:5) led to better MCC dispersion as well as dispersion stability as compared to CMC. The best mechanical performance was achieved with Pluronic in combination with superplasticizer using ultrasonication process, resulting in improvement of 106%, 31% and 66% in flexural modulus, flexural strength and compressive strengths, respectively (highest values reported till date). The bulk density and hydration of cementitious composites also improved significantly with the addition of MCC.The authors acknowledge the Portuguese Fundação para a Ciência e a Technologia (FCT) for financial support through project PEst-C/CTM/LA0025/2013 (Strategic Project - LA 25 - 2013-2014). The authors also acknowledge the financial support from Portuguese National Funding, through, on the framework of project UID/CTM/00264/2013 and national funds through FCT, I.P., within the research unit C-MADE, Centre of Materials and Building Technologies (CIVE-Centro-Covilhã-4082), Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development of multi-scale carbon nanofiber and nanotube-based cementitious composites for reliable sensing of tensile stresses

In this work, multi-scale cementitious composites containing short carbon fibers (CFs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied for their tensile stress sensing properties. CF-based composites were prepared by mixing 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 wt.% CFs (of cement) with water using magnetic stirring and Pluronic F-127 surfactant and adding the mixture to the cement paste. In multi-scale composites, CNFs/MWCNTs (0.1 and 0.15 wt.% of cement) were dispersed in water using Pluronic F-127 and ultrasonication and CFs were then added before mixing with the cement paste. All composites showed a reversible change in the electrical resistivity with tensile loading; the electrical resistivity increased and decreased with the increase and decrease in the tensile load/stress, respectively. Although CF-based composites showed the highest stress sensitivity among all specimens at 0.25% CF content, the fractional change in resistivity (FCR) did not show a linear correlation with the tensile load/stress. On the contrary, multi-scale composites containing CNFs (0.15% CNFs with 0.75% CFs) and MWCNTs (0.1% MWCNTs with 0.5% CFs) showed good stress sensitivity, along with a linear correlation between FCR and tensile load/stress. Stress sensitivities of 6.36 and 11.82%/MPa were obtained for the best CNF and MWCNT-based multi-scale composite sensors, respectively.The research is funded by Fibrenamics, Institute of Innovation in Fiber-based Materials and Composites and University of Minho—Guimarães, Portugal, Project UID/CTM/00264/2019 of 2C2T—Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, funded by National Funds through FCT/MCTES. The APC is funded by the School of Arts and Humanities, University of Huddersfield and Fibernamics, Institute of Innovation in Fiber-based Materials and Composites and University of Minho—Guimarães, Portugal, Project UID/CTM/00264/2019 of 2C2T—Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, funded by National Funds through FCT/MCTES

Field Emission Behaviour of the Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Grown by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD) System

Single wall carbon nanotubes have been grown on Fe using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD) system. The thickness of the Fe film prepared by RF sputtering system was about 10 nm. The field emission characteristic was measured which showed good enhancement factor. The grown CNTs were characterized by various techniques such as SEM, Raman study etc. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/3100

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION OF A UNANI ANALGESIC FORMULATION HABB-E-SURANJAN

Habb-e-Suranjaan is an important compound preparation which is used for a centuries in Unani system of medicine as an effective analgesic for all types of Waj-al-Mafasil (Arthritics). The drug is known for its pharmacological actions such as Mushile-Balgham (Phlegmagogue), Mushile-Safra (Cholagogue), Mushile-Sauda (Melanagogue), Mohallile-Waram (Anti-inflammatory), Musakkin-e-Alam (Analgesic), Dafae Niqris (Anti-gout) Muqawwi-e asaab (Nervine tonic) Munawwim (Hypnotic/Soporific), Musaffi-e-Dam (Blood Purifier). Ingredients of Habb-e-Suranjaan play very effective role in management of different types of Waj-al-Mafasil.  In this article, standardized value of a specimen of Habb-e Suranjaan assessed on physico-chemical and analytical parameters viz Macroscopic and microscopic features, extractive values, moisture contents, Ash values, loss of weight on drying, pH of 1 % and 10 % solution, TLC and  Fluorescence analysis are provided. The moisture content and the ash value were found within the recommended normal range. The value of different hot extracts (Petroleum ether, Methanol, chloroform and Aqueous) is more than the cold extracts of drug. Keywords-  Habb-e-Suranjaan, Waj-al-Mafasil, Analgesic

Co-infection with Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses

Dengue and Chikungunya fever are the arboviral infections that are endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. These two viral infections share common clinical symptoms. These infections are transmitted by a common mosquito vector so these viruses co-circulate in many geographical regions. Various clinical investigations, particularly from India and African countries have documented the dual infection with these viruses. However, the true disease burden of Dengue and Chikungunya dual viral infections is still not known because most of these studies involved a smaller patient group. Therefore, in depth investigations involving larger patient groups are needed to examine the complete pathogenicity and severity of the dual viral infections. The timely diagnosis of the pathogens and correlation of disease severity with mono or dual infections is essential for effective patient management. In addition, the detailed molecular and cellular mechanism of co-infection should be investigated to describe a complete picture of the interaction of two viral pathogens in the host cell. Further comprehensive studies of dual infections from the endemic regions will determine the epidemiological and evolutionary pattern of these emerging viruses. This data will also assist in designing and implementation of effective control measures

Newly recognized turbidity current structure can explain prolonged flushing of submarine canyons

Seabed-hugging flows called turbidity currents are the volumetrically most important process transporting sediment across our planet and form its largest sediment accumulations. We seek to understand the internal structure and behavior of turbidity currents by reanalyzing the most detailed direct measurements yet of velocities and densities within oceanic turbidity currents, obtained from weeklong flows in the Congo Canyon. We provide a new model for turbidity current structure that can explain why these are far more prolonged than all previously monitored oceanic turbidity currents, which lasted for only hours or minutes at other locations. The observed Congo Canyon flows consist of a short-lived zone of fast and dense fluid at their front, which outruns the slower moving body of the flow. We propose that the sustained duration of these turbidity currents results from flow stretching and that this stretching is characteristic of mud-rich turbidity current systems. The lack of stretching in previously monitored flows is attributed to coarser sediment that settles out from the body more rapidly. These prolonged seafloor flows rival the discharge of the Congo River and carry ~2% of the terrestrial organic carbon buried globally in the oceans each year through a single submarine canyon. Thus, this new structure explains sustained flushing of globally important amounts of sediment, organic carbon, nutrients, and fresh water into the deep ocean

A Prospective Three-Year Cohort Study of the Epidemiology and Virology of Acute Respiratory Infections of Children in Rural India

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a major killer of children in developing countries. Although the frequency of ARI is similar in both developed and developing countries, mortality due to ARI is 10-50 times higher in developing countries. Viruses are common causes of ARI among such children, yet the disease burden of these infections in rural communities is unknown.A prospective longitudinal study was carried out in children enrolled from two rural Indian villages at birth and followed weekly for the development of ARI, classified as upper respiratory infection, acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), or severe ALRI. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, parainfluenza viruses and adenoviruses in nasopharyngeal aspirates were detected by direct fluorescent antibody testing (DFA) and, in addition, centrifugation enhanced culture for RSV was done. 281 infants enrolled in 39 months and followed until 42 months. During 440 child years of follow-up there were 1307 ARIs, including 236 ALRIs and 19 severe ALRIs. Virus specific incidence rates per 1000 child years for RSV were total ARI 234, ALRI 39, and severe ALRI 9; for influenza A total ARI 141, ALRI 39; for INF B total ARI 37; for PIV1 total ARI 23, for PIV2 total ARI 28, ALRI 5; for parainfluenza virus 3 total ARI 229, ALRI 48, and severe ALRI 5 and for adenovirus total ARI 18, ALRI 5. Repeat infections with RSV were seen in 18 children.RSV, influenza A and parainfluenza virus 3 were important causes of ARI among children in rural communities in India. These data will be useful for vaccine design, development and implementation purposes

Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)

Background: This study provides a global overview of the management of patients with acute cholecystitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: CHOLECOVID is an international, multicentre, observational comparative study of patients admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on management were collected for a 2-month study interval coincident with the WHO declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and compared with an equivalent pre-pandemic time interval. Mediation analysis examined the influence of SARS-COV-2 infection on 30-day mortality. Results: This study collected data on 9783 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to 247 hospitals across the world. The pandemic was associated with reduced availability of surgical workforce and operating facilities globally, a significant shift to worse severity of disease, and increased use of conservative management. There was a reduction (both absolute and proportionate) in the number of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from 3095 patients (56.2 per cent) pre-pandemic to 1998 patients (46.2 per cent) during the pandemic but there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality after cholecystectomy comparing the pre-pandemic interval with the pandemic (13 patients (0.4 per cent) pre-pandemic to 13 patients (0.6 per cent) pandemic; P = 0.355). In mediation analysis, an admission with acute cholecystitis during the pandemic was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death (OR 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 1.79, P = 0.121). Conclusion: CHOLECOVID provides a unique overview of the treatment of patients with cholecystitis across the globe during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study highlights the need for system resilience in retention of elective surgical activity. Cholecystectomy was associated with a low risk of mortality and deferral of treatment results in an increase in avoidable morbidity that represents the non-COVID cost of this pandemic

Microstructure and mechanical properties of nanomaterial reinforced cementitious composites

Doctoral Thesis in Science and Engineering of Polymers and CompositesNanotechnology has now become a widely accepted technology to improve performance and functionality of materials. Like all other engineering disciplines, nanotechnology is emerging as a boon for civil engineering also. Considerable efforts have been directed towards using various nano and micro materials [e.g. carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nano TiO2, nano SiO2, nanocellulose, etc.] to improve cementitious materials, which are most widely used in construction all over the world. Despite of tremendous research attempts, most of these advanced cementitious materials could not be utilized at commercial scale, mainly due to the cost and processing difficulties of nano or micro materials (e.g. agglomeration, long dispersion time, energy consumption, health hazards, etc.). This PhD work aims at improving the microstructure and mechanical performance of cementitious materials by dispersing CNT and micro crystalline cellulose (MCC) through short and industrially viable dispersion techniques. To achieve this objective, novel dispersion routes (using Pluronic F-127 as surfactant) have been explored for the fabrication of CNT and MCC reinforced cementitious composites. These two types of reinforcing materials were homogeneously dispersed within the cementitious matrix and their influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties (flexural and compressive properties and fracture energy) was thoroughly investigated. The effectiveness of the dispersion routes was characterized by studying the dispersion homogeneity and agglomeration (using optical microscopy), extractability (using UV-Vis spectroscopy) as well as short and long term storage stability. The optimum concentration of Pluronic F-127 (with respect to different CNT/MCC concentrations) and the best dispersion parameters were investigated. In the first phase of this research, different types of CNT, namely single-walled (SWCNT), multi-walled (MWCNT), functionalized SWCNT (f-SWCNT) and functionalized MWCNT (f-MWCNT) were dispersed in water using Pluronic F-127 with the help of a short (1hr) and medium energy (80W) ultrasonication process at different concentrations (0.1 to 0.3 wt.%). A commonly used surfactant for CNT dispersion, sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) was also used for the comparison purpose. Pluronic F-127 at optimum concentrations (1 wt.% for 0.1 wt.% CNT, 5 wt.% for 0.2 wt.% CNT and 5 wt.% for 0.3 wt.% CNT) provided highly homogeneous CNT dispersion with very less agglomerates. Overall, SWCNTs exhibited higher extractability than MWCNTs with Pluronic and surface functionalization reduced the extractability, but enhanced the long term stability. Although SDBS could lead to higher extractability, the long term stability was considerably improved with Pluronic. Pluronic acted as superplasticizer and significantly improved the bulk density and mechanical properties of cement mortar. Further, dispersion of 0.1% SWCNT with Pluronic improved flexural modulus of mortar by 72% and flexural and compressive strengths by 7% and 19%, respectively after 28 days of hydration. Flexural and compressive strengths of cement mortar containing functionalized SWCNT increased with the hydration period up to 17% and 23% after 56 days, respectively. All CNT reinforced cementitious composites exhibited significantly higher stiffness, fracture energy and ductility as compared to plain mortar and composite samples prepared using SDBS. In the second phase, MCC was dispersed homogeneously in water using Pluronic F-127 as a surfactant with the help of ultrasonication process (15 mins, 80W) and the aqueous suspensions were added to cement/sand mixture to prepare cementitious composites. A commonly used stabilizing agent for MCC, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) was also used for the comparison purpose. The influence of Pluronic and CMC concentration, superplasticizer, dispersion technique and dispersion temperature on cement mortar’s mechanical performance was thoroughly studied to find out the optimum conditions. Overall, Pluronic (with Pluronic: MCC ratio of 1:5) led to better MCC dispersion as well as dispersion stability as compared to CMC. The best mechanical performance was achieved with Pluronic in combination with superplasticizer using ultrasonication process, resulting in improvement of 106%, 31% and 66% in flexural modulus, flexural strength and compressive strengths of cement mortar, respectively (highest values reported till date). The bulk density and degree of hydration of cementitious composites also improved significantly with the addition of MCC. However, the breaking strain of the cement mortar reduced significantly due to MCC incorporation. This thesis explored the possibility of achieving excellent dispersion of CNT and MCC within cementitious matrices through a short and less energy intensive dispersion route involving Pluronic F-127 as surfactant, in order to develop high performance cementitious composites.Hoje em dia o uso de nanotecnologias e de nanomateriais é cada vez mais generalizado, com o objetivo de melhorar o desempenho e funcionalidade dos materiais. Tal como noutras áreas da engenharia, também na engenharia civil a utilização de nanomateriais se apresenta muito promissora. Têm-se verificado esforços consideráveis no sentido de utilizar materiais de dimensões nano e micro, como por exemplo nanotubos de carbono (CNT), nanopartículas de dióxido de titânio (TiO2), de dióxido de silício (SiO2), nanocelulose, etc., para melhorar cimentos, que são dos materiais mais amplamente utilizados em construção em todo o mundo. Apesar do grande esforço de investigação realizado nesse sentido, a maioria desses materiais avançados à base de cimento não podem ainda ser utilizados em escala comercial, principalmente devido ao custo das nanopartículas e à dificuldade no seu processamento (por exemplo aglomeração, tempo de dispersão no material à base de cimento, consumo de energia, os riscos para a saúde, etc.). Neste trabalho de doutoramento procurou-se melhorar a microestrutura e o desempenho mecânico dos materiais à base de cimento por adição de CNT e celulose microcristalina (MCC), usando técnicas de dispersão eficientes e industrialmente viáveis. Para atingir este objetivo foram exploradas novas estratégias de dispersão usando Pluronic F-127 como agente tensioativo, permitindo a produção de suspensões aquosas estáveis das nano e micro partículas, para a preparação de compósitos de cimento contendo CNT e MCC. Estes dois tipos de materiais de reforço foram homogeneamente dispersos na matriz de cimento e sua influência sobre a microestrutura e propriedades mecânicas (flexão, compressão e energia de fratura) foi extensamente investigada. A eficácia das estratégias de dispersão foi caracterizada através do estudo da homogeneidade da dispersão e aglomeração (por microscopia óptica), da capacidade para estabilizar nanopartículas em suspensão aquosa (usando espectroscopia UVVisível), bem como a estabilidade de armazenamento a curto e longo prazo. Foi investigada a concentração óptima de Pluronic F-127 (com respeito a diferentes concentrações CNT / MCC) assim como os melhores parâmetros de dispersão. Na primeira fase da investigação estudou-se a dispersão em água de diferentes tipos de CNT, nomeadamente de CNT de parede única (SWCNT), de parede múltipla (MWCNT), SWCNT funcionalizados (f-SWCNT) e MWCNT funcionalizados (f-MWCNT), usando Pluronic F - 127. A dispersão foi realizada com auxílio de um banho de ultrassons, em condições suaves (durante 1 h a 80W), e com diferentes concentrações das nano ou micro partículas (0,1 a 0,3 de % em peso, ou wt%). Utilizou-se também um agente tensioativo comumente aplicado na dispersão CNT, o dodecil benzeno sulfonato de sódio (SDBS), para efeitos de comparação. A utilização de Pluronic F-127 em concentrações óptimas (1 wt% para 0,1 wt% CNT, 5 wt% para 0,2 wt% CNT e 5 wt% para 0,3 wt% CNT) permitiu a dispersão homogénea de CNT, livre de aglomerados. Em geral conseguiu-se maior concentração de SWCNT em suspensão relativamente a MWCNT usando Pluronic, e a funcionalização da superfície reduziu a capacidade de suspensão de CNT, mas aumentou a estabilidade a longo prazo. Embora a utilização de SDBS aumentasse a capacidade de extração (ou seja, a concentração de CNT em suspensão na água), a estabilidade a longo termo aumentou consideravelmente com a utilização de Pluronic. Este tensioativo apresentou uma ação de superplastificante, melhorando significativamente a densificação e as propriedades mecânicas da argamassa de cimento. Além disso, a incorporação de uma dispersão de 0,1 wt% de SWCNT em Pluronic induziu um aumento de 72% do módulo de flexão da argamassa, e de 7% e 19% da resistência à flexão e à compressão, respetivamente, após 28 dias de hidratação. A resistência à flexão e à compressão da argamassa de cimento contendo f-SWCNT aumentou até 17% e 23%, respetivamente, com o período de hidratação de 56 dias. Todos os compósitos à base de cimento com CNT mostraram aumento significativo do módulo, energia de fratura e deformabilidade, em comparação com argamassa simples e amostras de compósitos preparados com SDBS. Na segunda fase, dispersou-se homogeneamente MCC em água usando Pluronic F-127 como um agente tensioativo, com a ajuda de ultrassons (15 minutos, 80 W) e as suspensões aquosas foram adicionados à mistura de cimento e areia para a preparação de compósitos. Para efeitos de comparação utilizou-se também um agente estabilizante para o MCC, a carboximetil celulose (CMC). Estudou-se detalhadamente a influência da concentração de Pluronic e CMC, de superplasticizador, da técnica de dispersão e da temperatura de dispersão no desempenho mecânico argamassa de cimento, com o objetivo de identificar o melhor conjunto de condições. Concluiu-se que, em geral, o Pluronic (com Pluronic:MCC na razão de 1:5) conduziu a uma melhor dispersão da MCC, bem como estabilidade da dispersão, em comparação com CMC. O melhor desempenho mecânico foi alcançada com Pluronic em combinação com superplasticizador usando dispersão por ultrassons, resultando no aumento de 106%, 31% e 66% no módulo de flexão, resistência à flexão e resistência à compressão da argamassa de cimento, respetivamente (valores mais elevados reportados até à data). A densidade e o grau de hidratação dos materiais compósitos à base de cimento também melhoraram significativamente com a adição de MCC. No entanto, a deformação de rutura da argamassa de cimento reduziu significativamente com a incorporação da MCC. Esta tese explorou a possibilidade de atingir uma excelente dispersão da CNT e MCC em matrizes à base de cimento através de um processo de dispersão simples e rápido, envolvendo Pluronic F-127 como agente tensioativo, a fim de produzir compósitos de cimento de alto desempenho