Molecular imprinted polymer functionalized carbon nanotube sensors for detection of saccharides

In this work, we report the synthesis and fabrication of an enzyme-free sugar sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on the surface of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Electropolymerization of 3-aminophenylboronic acid (3-APBA) in the presence of 10 M d-fructose and fluoride at neutral pH conditions resulted in the formation of a self-doped, molecularly imprinted conducting polymer (MICP) via the formation of a stable anionic boronic ester complex between poly(aniline boronic acid) and d-fructose. Template removal generated binding sites on the polymer matrix that were complementary to d-fructose both in structure, i.e., shape, size, and positioning of functional groups, thus enabling sensing of d-fructose with enhanced affinity and specificity over non-MIP based sensors. Using carbon nanotubes along with MICPs helped to develop an efficient electrochemical sensor by enhancing analyte recognition and signal generation. These sensors could be regenerated and used multiple times unlike conventional affinity based biosensors which suffer from physical and chemical stability

હાઉસીંગ ફાઈનાન્સ કંપનીઓની નફાકારકતાનું વિશ્ર્લેષણ (ગુજરાત રાજ્યનાં સંદર્ભમાં)

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Genomic Variation: What Does It Mean?

New technologies have given us the ability to detect genomic variation at resolutions 50-100 times greater than earlier tests. The good news is that we can now detect variations that help explain developmental delays, autism, or multiple congenital anomalies in up to 20% of children. The bad news is that we can also detect small missing or extra pieces of chromosomes that remain unexplained: that is, we don’t know whether they have any clinical significance at all. The rapid pace of technological change may have outpaced the lab’s ability to interpret, providers’ abilities to explain, and patients’ abilities to understand the test results. This Issue Brief summarizes a series of studies examining the uncertainties revolving around chromosomal microarray testing, which has become the new standard of practice in genetic testing of children with unexplained anomalies

A prospective study of intrauterine death cases at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Intrauterine fetal death is defined as foetus with no signs of life in utero after 20 weeks of gestations. Stillbirth is a useful index to measure the values of antenatal and intra-natal care. Intrauterine fetal death is due to various causes whether it be maternal causes, fetal causes or placental causes.Methods: It was a prospective study, conducted at SSG hospital, Vadodara over a period of 1 year from January 2019 to December 2019. All pregnant women coming to labour room with intrauterine fetal death with gestation age more than 28 weeks were included in study. It included complaints on admission, obstetric profile, mode of delivery, fetal outcomes, placental examination, condition of cord and investigation reports.Results: During the study period of one year, a total of 462 intrauterine fetal deaths were reported amongst 7295 deliveries conducted during the study period. Incidence rate calculated was 63/1000 births. Many of the intrauterine fetal death cases were associated with pregnancy induced hypertension and antepartum hemorrhage. Out of all intrauterine death cases, 410 cases delivered vaginally. Congenital anomalies were also found to be associated with intrauterine death cases.Conclusions: High risk pregnancy cases should be identified during routine antenatal check-ups so that intrauterine fetal death can be prevented. The mode of antepartum and intrapartum surveillance for fetal wellbeing should be advanced to prevent fetal demise

Time trends in tuberculosis in London during the COVID-19 pandemic

This document describes changes in the rate and characteristics of diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) cases in London during the COVID-19 pandemic

Governance in Action: How Board Characteristics Mitigate Cash Flow Classification Shifting? The Moderating Role of Financial Constraints

Purpose: We empirically examine the impact of board characteristics (BCs) on a novel form of classification shifting (CS) using cash flows among Indian listed firms. Additionally, we aim to investigate whether the financial constraints influence this nexus. Methodology: We used a dataset consisting of 1602 firm-year observations from 2013 to 2022 to achieve these objectives. Employing a fixed-effect panel-data regression approach, our findings reveal compelling evidence that Indian firms actively engage in cash flow classification shifting (CS), strategically reallocating cash flow items across different reporting activities. Findings: This result underscores the need for enhanced governance mechanisms to ensure financial reporting transparency. In terms of BCs, we found that board size, board gender diversity, and board independence are negatively associated with CS, highlighting their effectiveness in curbing activities like CS and improving the financial reporting quality. Furthermore, the findings reveal that financial constraint moderates the association between BCs and CS, as board independence and women directors are ineffective to curb CS, when Indian firms are facing financial constraints; however, board meetings positively impact cash-flow CS. The main results remain robust after employing GMM estimation and an alternative proxy of financial constraint. Originality: Our study offers significant implications for policymakers and regulators, particularly emphasizing the critical role of female board members and the presence of independent directors in fostering transparent and ethical corporate practices

EMQN best practice guidelines for the molecular genetic testing and reporting of chromosome 11p15 imprinting disorders: Silver–Russell and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome

Molecular genetic testing for the 11p15-associated imprinting disorders Silver–Russell and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (SRS, BWS) is challenging because of the molecular heterogeneity and complexity of the affected imprinted regions. With the growing knowledge on the molecular basis of these disorders and the demand for molecular testing, it turned out that there is an urgent need for a standardized molecular diagnostic testing and reporting strategy. Based on the results from the first external pilot quality assessment schemes organized by the European Molecular Quality Network (EMQN) in 2014 and in context with activities of the European Network of Imprinting Disorders (EUCID.net) towards a consensus in diagnostics and management of SRS and BWS, best practice guidelines have now been developed. Members of institutions working in the field of SRS and BWS diagnostics were invited to comment, and in the light of their feedback amendments were made. The final document was ratified in the course of an EMQN best practice guideline meeting and is in accordance with the general SRS and BWS consensus guidelines, which are in preparation. These guidelines are based on the knowledge acquired from peer-reviewed and published data, as well as observations of the authors in their practice. However, these guidelines can only provide a snapshot of current knowledge at the time of manuscript submission and readers are advised to keep up with the literature

Reductions in hypothalamic Gfap expression, glial cells and α-tanycytes in lean and hypermetabolic Gnasxl-deficient mice

BACKGROUND: Neuronal and glial differentiation in the murine hypothalamus is not complete at birth, but continues over the first two weeks postnatally. Nutritional status and Leptin deficiency can influence the maturation of neuronal projections and glial patterns, and hypothalamic gliosis occurs in mouse models of obesity. Gnasxl constitutes an alternative transcript of the genomically imprinted Gnas locus and encodes a variant of the signalling protein Gαs, termed XLαs, which is expressed in defined areas of the hypothalamus. Gnasxl-deficient mice show postnatal growth retardation and undernutrition, while surviving adults remain lean and hypermetabolic with increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. Effects of this knock-out on the hypothalamic neural network have not yet been investigated. RESULTS: RNAseq analysis for gene expression changes in hypothalami of Gnasxl-deficient mice indicated Glial fibrillary acid protein (Gfap) expression to be significantly down-regulated in adult samples. Histological analysis confirmed a reduction in Gfap-positive glial cell numbers specifically in the hypothalamus. This reduction was observed in adult tissue samples, whereas no difference was found in hypothalami of postnatal stages, indicating an adaptation in adult Gnasxl-deficient mice to their earlier growth phenotype and hypermetabolism. Especially noticeable was a loss of many Gfap-positive α-tanycytes and their processes, which form part of the ependymal layer that lines the medial and dorsal regions of the 3(rd) ventricle, while β-tanycytes along the median eminence (ME) and infundibular recesses appeared unaffected. This was accompanied by local reductions in Vimentin and Nestin expression. Hypothalamic RNA levels of glial solute transporters were unchanged, indicating a potential compensatory up-regulation in the remaining astrocytes and tanycytes. CONCLUSION: Gnasxl deficiency does not directly affect glial development in the hypothalamus, since it is expressed in neurons, and Gfap-positive astrocytes and tanycytes appear normal during early postnatal stages. The loss of Gfap-expressing cells in adult hypothalami appears to be a consequence of the postnatal undernutrition, hypoglycaemia and continued hypermetabolism and leanness of Gnasxl-deficient mice, which contrasts with gliosis observed in obese mouse models. Since α-tanycytes also function as adult neural progenitor cells, these findings might indicate further developmental abnormalities in hypothalamic formations of Gnasxl-deficient mice, potentially including neuronal composition and projections