Hmrbase: a database of hormones and their receptors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hormones are signaling molecules that play vital roles in various life processes, like growth and differentiation, physiology, and reproduction. These molecules are mostly secreted by endocrine glands, and transported to target organs through the bloodstream. Deficient, or excessive, levels of hormones are associated with several diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes etc. Thus, it is important to collect and compile information about hormones and their receptors.</p> <p>Description</p> <p>This manuscript describes a database called Hmrbase which has been developed for managing information about hormones and their receptors. It is a highly curated database for which information has been collected from the literature and the public databases. The current version of Hmrbase contains comprehensive information about ~2000 hormones, e.g., about their function, source organism, receptors, mature sequences, structures etc. Hmrbase also contains information about ~3000 hormone receptors, in terms of amino acid sequences, subcellular localizations, ligands, and post-translational modifications etc. One of the major features of this database is that it provides data about ~4100 hormone-receptor pairs. A number of online tools have been integrated into the database, to provide the facilities like keyword search, structure-based search, mapping of a given peptide(s) on the hormone/receptor sequence, sequence similarity search. This database also provides a number of external links to other resources/databases in order to help in the retrieving of further related information.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Owing to the high impact of endocrine research in the biomedical sciences, the Hmrbase could become a leading data portal for researchers. The salient features of Hmrbase are hormone-receptor pair-related information, mapping of peptide stretches on the protein sequences of hormones and receptors, Pfam domain annotations, categorical browsing options, online data submission, DrugPedia linkage etc. Hmrbase is available online for public from <url>http://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/hmrbase/</url>.</p

Curie temperature engineering in a novel 2D analog of iron ore (hematene) via strain

As a newly exfoliated magnetic 2D material from hematite, hematene is the most far-reaching ultrathin magnetic indirect bandgap semiconductor. We have carried out a detailed structural analysis of hematene via prefacing strain by means of first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). Hematene in the pristine form emerges out to be a magnetic semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.0/2.0 eV for the majority/minority spin channel. The dependence of magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE), TC, and the bandgap on compressive and tensile strains has been scanned exclusively. It is examined that TC depends firmly on the compressive strain and increases up to 21.1% at a compressive strain of 6% whereas it decreases significantly for tensile strain. The MAE is negatively correlated with the tensile and compressive strain. The value of MAE for all compressive strain cases is more than that of the pristine hematene. These results summarize that the studied 2D hematene has broad application prospects in spintronics, memory-based devices, and valleytronics

Dose optimization of ceftriaxone-vancomycin combination using fractional inhibitory concentration kinetics in resistant bacteria

The notorious Staphylococcus aureus resistant strains with ever changing resistance patterns have limited treatment options and have led to substantial number of deaths. Almost dried antibiotic pipeline has led us to look into combinations of already approved antibiotics for tackling rising incidence of antibacterial resistance. Recommended use of vancomycin and ceftriaxone together for treating severe infections involving resistant S. aureus is limited by dose adjustments and different dose frequencies. We have developed a pharmacodynamically synergistic fixed dose combination (FDC) of ceftriaxone and vancomycin (2:1), for eliminating individual component dose adjustments and frequencies. For identification of optimum exposure-response of FDC, one compartment in vitro system was used for dose escalation, fractionation and dose-response studies. The in-silico pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, simulations and validations were done. The results suggested % T>MICcomb (percentage of time fractional inhibitory concentrations of the drugs combined remained above the MICcomb [minimum inhibitory concentration for FDC]) followed by AUCcomb/MICcomb (ratio of area under fractional inhibitory curves to MICcomb) can predict the exposure (dose of FDC)-response (reduction in bacterial load) relationships effectively (r2 >0.9). Total exposure of 6 g in two divided doses (3 g each) was identified to be optimum. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the effect of increasing doses against different MICs. Clinical breakpoint of the FDC was identified to be 4 µg/mL, which was 2 fold higher than that of vancomycin suggesting better antibacterial coverage

Development of a Prototype Global Positioning System Based Stick for Blind Patients

This paper presents a novel vision impairment assistive device to improve mobility and independence. This device consists of Arduino Nano microcontroller technology that powers the Satellite/GPS-based stick, which tracks and navigates in real-time. Arduino Nano’s adaptability and compactness enable our portable, affordable white cane replacement. Satellite signals let the stick locate the user, compute the best routes, and provide aural navigation cues through speakers or headphones. The obstacle detection sensors notify users of adjacent risks, improving safety. The proposed device is a stable and user-friendly technology that delivers a potential answer to visually impaired navigation issues after rigorous development and testing

Recyclable Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

This study explores the potential of recyclable polymer matrix nanocomposites for sustainable packaging solutions. Nanocomposites were created by combining different polymer matrices (PET, PLA, HDPE, PP) with various types of nanofillers (Clay, Graphene, Cellulose, Nanoclay), and the nanofiller content varied from 2% to 5%. Graphene-based nanocomposites demonstrated exceptional tensile strength (55 MPa) and Young's modulus (4.0 GPa) in comparison to alternative formulations, as indicated by mechanical properties analysis. Graphene nanocomposites demonstrated the most effective barrier properties, with the lowest oxygen permeability (1.0 cm^3/m^2·day·atm) and water vapor transmission rate (2.3 g/m^2·day). The analysis revealed that cellulose nanocomposites exhibited the highest glass transition temperature (72°C) and melting temperature (185°C) in terms of their thermal properties. The findings highlight the wide range of benefits that recyclable polymer matrix nanocomposites can bring to sustainable packaging applications. These include improved mechanical strength, enhanced barrier performance, and increased thermal stability. This underscores their versatility and potential in this field. Additional research is necessary to enhance synthesis methods, investigate new nanofiller materials, and assess long-term performance in real-world packaging scenarios

Effectiveness of pegylated erythropoietin in renal anaemia patients on dialysis-a multicentre, cross-sectional, observational outcome study

Background: Low dose of pegylated erythropoietin (PegEPO) is better than conventional erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) in improving hyporesponsiveness and maintaining stable haemoglobin (Hb) levels in renal anaemic patients undergoing hemodialysis. This real-world study aimed to assess effectiveness and safety of low-dose PegEPO (30 µg/0.3 mL), administered at different time-points in renal anaemia patients on dialysis. Methods: HEMEPEG (HEMoglobin outcomE with PegEPO) was a multicentre, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study of renal anaemia patients receiving PegEPO up to 3 months. The study assessed an increase in Hb, patients achieving Hb 10-12 g/dl, and Hb increase by ≥1 and ≥2 g/dl. Results: Data from 223 out of 273 patients from 19 Indian centers were analyzed. PegEPO was administered weekly to 132 patients (59.19%), with 38.64% being diabetic and 77.27% previously treated with ESAs. Ten day dosing was given to 91 patients (40.81%), including 46.15% diabetic patients and 72.53% previously treated with ESAs. A Significant (p&lt;0.0001) increase in mean Hb levels from baseline to day 30, 60 and 90 were observed for both studied groups, with a target Hb of 10-12 g/dl achieved in 51.08% and 52.85% of patients in the respective groups after 3 months. An increase in Hb by ≥1 and ≥2 g/dl were observed in weekly (68.67% and 45.78%) and 10-day group (77.14% and 50.00%) patients, respectively. Conclusions: PegEPO (30 µg/0.3 mL) was effective treatment of renal anaemia and diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis when administered weekly or every 10 days over a 3-month treatment period

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Tailored Exosomes Treat Bacteria-Associated Diabetes Foot Ulcers: A Customized Approach From Bench to Bed

Exosomes are nano-vesicles of endosomal origin inherited with characteristics of drug delivery and cargo loading. Exosomes offer a diverse range of opportunities that can be exploited in the treatment of various diseases post-functionalization. This membrane engineering is recently being used in the management of bacteria-associated diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the most crippling disease of society with a large share of its imposing economic burden. DM in a chronic state is associated with the development of micro- and macrovascular complications. DFU is among the diabetic microvascular complications with the consequent occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived exosomes post-tailoring hold promise to accelerate the diabetic wound repair in DFU associated with bacterial inhabitant. These exosomes promote the antibacterial properties with regenerative activity by loading bioactive molecules like growth factors, nucleic acids, and proteins, and non-bioactive substances like antibiotics. Functionalization of MSC-derived exosomes is mediated by various physical, chemical, and biological processes that effectively load the desired cargo into the exosomes for targeted delivery at specific bacterial DFUs and wound. The present study focused on the application of the cargo-loaded exosomes in the treatment of DFU and also emphasizes the different approaches for loading the desired cargo/drug inside exosomes. However, more studies and clinical trials are needed in the domain to explore this membrane engineering

Sustainable Approaches for Recycling Solar Panel Materials: A Circular Economy Perspective

A record number of photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed around the globe as a result of the shift towards renewable energy sources, especially solar electricity. But the problem of how to sustainably handle solar panels at the end of their lifecycle will inevitably arise with this increase. Using empirical data to provide light on important trends and consequences, this paper explores sustainable alternatives of recycling solar panel materials within the framework of a circular economy. The majority of solar panels are made of silicon, which accounts for 60% of their composition. Aluminum makes up 10%, glass is 20%, copper is 5%, plastic is 3%, and other materials make up 2%. The need for efficient waste management solutions became acute as yearly garbage output climbed from 1,000 tons to 1,250 tons during a five-year period. As far as recycling efficiency rates go, silicon was at 95%, then copper at 85%, glass at 90%, aluminum at 80%, plastics at 70%, and other materials at 60%. Plastics produced 700 tons, silicon 950 tons, aluminum 800 tons, copper 850 tons, glass 900 tons, and other materials 600 tons, all thanks to recycling efforts that overcame obstacles. Based on these results, it's clear that the solar energy industry needs more efficient use of resources and better recycling procedures. Solar energy may be ensured to remain a clean and sustainable source of energy for the long term by using technical advancements, regulatory assistance, and stakeholder engagement to speed the transition towards a circular economy model for solar panel materials

Optical characterization of ZnO nanoparticles capped with various surfactants

The presence of surfactants (Hexamine, tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) and PVP) on the surface of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles resulted variation in their optical properties. The optical properties of each surfactant-capped zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated using UV–visible absorption and fluorescence techniques. The particle size of these nanoparticles were calculated from their absorption edge, and found to be in the quantum confinement range. The absorption spectra and fluorescent emission spectra showed a significant blue shift compared to that of the bulk zinc oxide. Large reduction in the intensity of visible emission of zinc oxide/surfactant was observed and these emissions were vanished more quickly, with the decrease in excitation energy, for the smaller nanoparticles. Out of the four surfactants (other than PVP), CTAB-capped zinc oxide has smallest particle size of 2.4 nm, as calculated from the absorption spectrum. Thus the presence of surfactant on the surface of zinc oxide plays a significant role in reducing defect emissions. Furthermore, ZnO/PVP nanoparticles showed no separate UV emission peak; however, the excitonic UV emission and the visible emission at 420 nm overlap to form a single broad band around 420 nm

Fabrication of Langmuir-Blodgett film from Polyvinylpyrrolidone stabilized NiCo alloy nanoparticles

The fabrication of monolayer/multilayer films of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilized NiCo alloy nanoparticles with an average particle size 7 nm via Langmuir–Blodgett method is presented in this paper. The NiCo alloy nanoparticles were synthesized in ethanol using hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent at 60 °C in the presence of PVP and washed with a mixture of chloroform–methanol (1:1) solution to get pure PVP capped alloy nanoparticles. The NiCo alloy suspension was spread to the interface of air/water and transferred to the glass surface. The formation of a Langmuir monolayer/multilayer of PVP stabilized NiCo particles at air/water interface were revealed with the pressure-area isotherm curve. The transfer of nanoparticles on the glass surface was found to be efficient for the first six layers as exhibited by the pressure-area isotherm and increases in absorption intensity in the UV–Vis range. The atomic force microscopy results show that this film has a cubic symmetry in a two dimensional (2D) array. Manish Kumara, Anjali Pathaka, Mandeep Singhb, M.L. Singlaa