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Heterologously expressed and purified azoreductase enzyme from facultative Klebsiella pneumoniae was used to degrade sulphonated azo dye. Methyl orange (MO) was used as the model dye to study the azo dye decolorization potential of the purified enzyme at different conditions. The enzyme had maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 8.0. The enzyme was observed to be thermo-stable as some enzyme activity was retained even at 80 °C. The apparent kinetic parameters, i.e., appKm and appVmax, for azoreductase using MO as a substrate were found to be 17.18 μM and 0.08/min, respectively. The purified enzyme was able to decolorize approximately 83% of MO (20 μM) within 10 min in the presence of NADH. Thus, efficient decolorization of MO was observed by the purified enzyme. The recombinant enzyme was purified approximately 18-fold with 46% yield at the end of four steps of the purification process. Enzyme was present in a tetrameric structure as confirmed by the volume at which protein was eluted in gel filtration chromatography, and the monomeric molecular mass of enzyme was found to be 23 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The dye degradation efficiency of azoreductase cloned from Klebsiella pneumoniae and purified from recombinant Escherichia coli was observed to be much higher as compared with the efficiencies of the reported azoreductases from other bacterial strains. In the present study, we report the purification and characterization of the azoreductase cloned from Klebsiella pneumoniae and expressed in Escherichia coli.

Background: Autistic children want a lot of help cleaning their teeth and they have a higher risk of periodontal disorder and less caries than the general public. The study's purpose is to see how helpful manual and powered toothbrushing are for autistic kids aged 6-12 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 autistic children aged 6-12 years were chosen at random from Mangalore city schools. The simplified oral hygiene index was used to determine the baseline oral health (OHI-S). Children were split into two classes during an oral review. Children in Group 1 received a manual toothbrush, and those in Group 2 received a powered toothbrush. Many of the children were given Colgate fluoride-free toothpaste. Under the guidance of care professionals, children were taught to brush for 3 min. They were taught to count from 1 to 20 when brushing each buccal and lingual section. The index was rechecked at the conclusion of the 1st month (30th day) and the next month (3rd month) (90th day). On the 60th day, the recently learned techniques were reinforced (end of the 2nd month). Result: In Group 1, a statistically significant reduction in mean OHI-S scores was observed in baseline versus 30 days and baseline versus 90 days, while in Group 2, a statistically highly significant reduction in baseline versus 30 days, baseline versus 90 days, and 30 days versus 90 days was observed. Conclusion: Furthermore, in autism children, powered teeth brushing shows potential. Long-term follow-up and greater sample size are, however, needed.

Nosocomial infections or healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are acquired under medical care in healthcare facilities. In hospital environments, the transmission of infectious diseases through textiles such as white coats, bed linen, curtains, and towels are well documented. Textile hygiene and infection control measures have become more important in recent years due to the growing concerns about textiles as fomites in healthcare settings. However, systematic research in this area is lacking; the factors contributing to the transmission of infections through textiles needs to be better understood. The review aims to critically explore textiles as contaminants in healthcare systems, and to identify potential risks they may pose to patients and healthcare workers. It delineates different factors affecting bacterial adherence on fabrics, such as surface properties of bacteria and fabrics, and environmental factors. It also identifies areas that require further research to reduce the risk of HAIs and improve textile hygiene practices. Finally, the review elaborates on the strategies currently employed, and those that can be employed to limit the spread of nosocomial infections through fabrics. Implementing textile hygiene practices effectively in healthcare facilities requires a thorough analysis of factors affecting fabric-microbiome interactions, followed by designing newer fabrics that discourage pathogen load.Key points• Healthcare textiles act as a potential reservoir of nosocomial pathogens• Survival of pathogens is affected by surface properties of fabric and bacteria• Guidelines required for fabrics that discourage microbial load, for hospital use

Fabrics act as fomites for microorganisms, thereby playing a significant role in infection transmission, especially in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. This study aimed to examine the biofilm formation ability of four nosocomial infection–causing bacteria ( Acinetobacter calcoaceticus , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus aureus ) on cotton, polyester, polyester-cotton blend, silk, wool, viscose, and nylon, used frequently in the healthcare sector, by qualitative and quantitative methods. The impact of temperature, pH, and relative humidity (RH) on biofilm formation was also assessed. P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were strong biofilm producers, while E. coli produced weak biofilm. Wool (maximum roughness) showed the highest bacterial load, while silk (lowest roughness) showed the least. P. aeruginosa exhibited a higher load on all fabrics, than other test bacteria. Extracellular polymeric substances were characterized by infrared spectroscopy. Roughness of biofilms was assessed by atomic force microscopy. For biofilm formation, optimum temperature, pH, and RH were 30 °C, 7.0, and 62%, respectively. MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 were the most effective in removing bacterial biofilm. In conclusion, biofilm formation was observed to be influenced by the type of fabric, bacteria, and environmental conditions. Implementing recommended guidelines for the effective disinfection of fabrics is crucial to curb the risk of nosocomial infections. In addition, designing modified healthcare fabrics that inhibit pathogen load could be an effective method to mitigate the transmission of infections.

Dental caries is an important dental public health problem and is the most prevalent oral disease among children in the world. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and comparatively assess the change in plaque and salivary pH after ingestion of various commercially available infant milk formulae, and also to evaluate and comparatively assess plaque and salivary samples for change in colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans caused due to their ingestion. 36 children in the age group of 1-2 years were fed with infant milk formulae three times a day for 21 days and results quantified. The present study revealed a highly significant increase in the levels of colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans in both the plaque and salivary samples when assessed at baseline and after a period of 21 days, with the t value being 11.92 for the plaque samples and 11.66 for the salivary samples. It was also observed that all the test samples produced significantly lower plaque pH values than pre-feed pH. Based upon this study, further evaluation of the cariogenicity of infant milk formulae is recommended.

The objectives of this research are to study the pattern of cigarette consumption among the youth. The specific emphasis has given on to analyze the factors affecting the consumption of cigarettes as well as the dominant discouraging factors influencing people’s efforts to quit smoking. In this empirical study information is collected on various demographic parameters through a structured questionnaire using simple random sampling technique. The results of Factor Analysis and Chi - Square test suggest that the encouraging factor affecting smoking habits are social factor, with maximum contribution of enhancement of social status whereas awareness, government intervention and market factors are some of the discouraging factors.

BACKGROUND African American (AA) patients face disproportionate barriers to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care, including lower biologic use and greater corticosteroid dependence. Structural barriers such as limited access, poor follow-up, and geographic disadvantage persist, yet few studies have examined these in AA-majority cohorts. Clarifying therapy access in this context is essential to addressing IBD inequities. Aim To characterize treatment patterns and assess associations with disease severity, follow-up adherence, and sociodemographic factors in a diverse IBD cohort. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 197 IBD patients (88 Crohn’s disease [CD], 109 ulcerative colitis [UC]) diagnosed 2011-2024. Clinicopathological, pharmacologic, and follow-up data were abstracted from electronic records. Medications included 5-ASA, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics, and JAK inhibitors. Time-to-escalation was calculated from diagnosis to advanced therapy initiation. Associations were tested with chi-square, correlation, and logistic regression. RESULTS Among 197 patients (88 CD, 109 UC), treatment patterns differed by subtype. UC patients more often received 5-ASA (74/109, 67.9%) vs. CD (15/88, 17.0%; p < 0.001) and corticosteroids (41/109, 37.6% vs. 19/88, 21.6%; p = 0.015). Advanced therapies were uncommon: immunosuppressants 27/197 (13.7%), biologics 16/197 (8.1%), JAK inhibitors 1/197 (0.5%). Escalation correlated with histologic severity, with immunosuppressants in 18/50 severe (36%) vs. ≤9% in mild/none (p < 0.001), and biologics in 10/50 (20%) vs. ≤6% (p = 0.023). Time-to-escalation (n = 13) showed biologic/JAK initiation occurred ∼3 years after diagnosis. Follow-up strongly influenced therapy. Up-to-date patients were more often on 5-ASA (40/68, 58.8%, p = 0.001) and steroids (29/68, 42.6%, p = 0.007). Biologic use was absent among those lost to follow-up (0/18, p≈0.050). Biologics rose with regimen intensity (10% monotherapy, 58% dual, 67% triple; p < 0.001). UC cases clustered in disadvantaged wards, yet advanced therapies remained underused. In multivariate analysis (N = 132), female sex predicted immunosuppressant use (OR 4.5, p = 0.029). Lower BMI increased likelihood, with BMI 30–34.9 linked to reduced odds (OR 0.06, p = 0.023). White patients showed higher use than AA (46% vs. 12%; adjusted OR 15.6, p = 0.10). For biologics, CD (OR 8.5, p = 0.039) and younger age (OR 0.87/year, p = 0.004) predicted use, while retired status was linked to lower odds (OR 0.015, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION In this AA-predominant cohort, UC patients more often received 5-ASA and corticosteroids, while advanced therapies were underutilized. Escalation occurred with severe histology and was delayed ∼3 years. Follow-up adherence correlated with therapy. Persistent steroid reliance and racial/geographic disparities highlight critical gaps in timely, equitable IBD care.

Background: Autistic children want a lot of help cleaning their teeth and they have a higher risk of periodontal disorder and less caries than the general public. The study's purpose is to see how helpful manual and powered toothbrushing are for autistic kids aged 6-12 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 autistic children aged 6-12 years were chosen at random from Mangalore city schools. The simplified oral hygiene index was used to determine the baseline oral health (OHI-S). Children were split into two classes during an oral review. Children in Group 1 received a manual toothbrush, and those in Group 2 received a powered toothbrush. Many of the children were given Colgate fluoride-free toothpaste. Under the guidance of care professionals, children were taught to brush for 3 min. They were taught to count from 1 to 20 when brushing each buccal and lingual section. The index was rechecked at the conclusion of the 1st month (30th day) and the next month (3rd month) (90th day). On the 60th day, the recently learned techniques were reinforced (end of the 2nd month). Result: In Group 1, a statistically significant reduction in mean OHI-S scores was observed in baseline versus 30 days and baseline versus 90 days, while in Group 2, a statistically highly significant reduction in baseline versus 30 days, baseline versus 90 days, and 30 days versus 90 days was observed. Conclusion: Furthermore, in autism children, powered teeth brushing shows potential. Long-term follow-up and greater sample size are, however, needed.

IntroductionIn April 2020 weekly teleconferences were established involving adult and paediatric representation from all 7 UK liver transplant (LT) centers and NHS England to discuss and maintain a national LT service during the COVID19 pandemic. Objective criteria for adult patients of high clinical urgency for prioritized access to LT were established. In lieu of such criteria for children, all three paediatric centers agreed to prioritize individual patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), who were clinically deteriorating, by consensus. A process to nationally prioritize clinically deteriorating children was successfully introduced in October 2020. We report on the utilization of the prioritization and outcome of these patients at a national level.MethodsPatients from all 3 paediatric LT centers registered on the newly established national prioritised paediatric registration tier from October 2020-April 2022 were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed.ResultsSince the introduction of the prioritization tier for children there were fourteen UK elective applications and all approved registrations. Mean age of patients was 5 3.9 years (range, 0–17). All patients were listed for LT prior to prioritization except patient 5 and 9, listed for liver-small bowel transplant and for bowel transplantation before being prioritized for isolated LT, respectively. Indications for prioritization were hepatocellular carcinoma, acute decompensation due to portal hypertension, encephalopathy, sepsis, acute kidney injury, hepatic artery thrombosis, acute decompensation of CLD. At time of prioritization median values and range of alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin, INR and platelets were 95 IU/L (23–453), 29 g/L (table 1).Abstract P69 Table 1Demographic and transplant data for all 14 prioritised patients Patient/Sex Centre Age at registration (yrs) Primary liver disease Registered prior to Prioritisation Indication of Prioritization LT Waiting time on prioritised tier/Time on list prior to prioritisation 1/M 1 0 CDG Yes Acute decompensation with presence of encephalopathy Yes/LLS 5/27 2/M 2 1 Cryptogenic Cirrhosis Yes CLD with nodular lesions s/o HCC Yes/LLS 16/48 3/F 1 15 AILD Yes Chronic rejection Yes/whole liver 3/4 4/M 2 0 Biliary Atresia Yes PTLD/HAT/Sepsis Yes/LLS 14/71 5/F 2 4 IFALD No Coagulopathy with active bleeding/Renal impairment Yes/LLS 15/820 6/F 2 0 Biliary Atresia Yes Acute decompensation due to portal hypertension Yes/LLS 37/405 7/M 2 10 NSC Yes Decompensated chronic liver disease/Renal impairment Yes/reduced R lobe 4/7 8/M 3 8 PFIC3 Yes Acute decompensation of Chronic liver disease Yes/LLS 6/51 9/F 1 0 Other(Hepatoblastoma) Intestinal Tx prioritized Acute decompensation of Chronic liver disease Yes/LLS 11/ 10/F 2 0 Biliary atresia Yes Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease with Severe Coagulopathy Yes/LLS 10/120 11/M 1 0 Biliary atresia(Hepatoblastoma) Yes Acute decompensation of Chronic liver disease Yes/LLS 9/4 12/F 3 0 Biliary atresia Yes Acute decompensation of Chronic liver disease Yes/LLS 12/323 13/F 1 17 Hepatic Artery thrombosis Yes Hepatic Artery thrombosis Yes/whole liver 2/ 14/F 2 0 Biliary atresia Yes Acute decompensation of Chronic liver disease Suspended 12/65 PFIC3; Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis type 3, LT; Liver transplantation, HCC; Hepatocellular Carcinoma NSC; Neonatal Sclerosing Cholangitis, CDG; Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation, AILD; Autoimmune Liver Disease, IFALD; Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease,PTLD; Center 1-Kings; Center2-Birmingham; Center3-Leeds.ConclusionThe national paediatric prioritization tier, introduced during the COVID19 pandemic, has been a pivotal initiative for the UK paediatric LT program, showcasing national collaboration. All patients underwent a LT successfully within a short time from prioritization with 100% patient and graft survival. The intention is to maintain this prioritized paediatric tier beyond the pandemic.

Tumors of jaw bones are among the most uncommon of all types of neoplasms. Osteosarcoma of jaw bones represents a distinct group of lesions from the conventional type commonly occurring in long bones. Nonetheless, our present knowledge of the tumor allows us to affirm that its clinical behavior and pathologic features differ markedly from those of its homolog in the long bones. The maxillary tumors show predilection for posterior portion of the alveolar process and the antrum, whereas the body is most commonly involved in the mandible followed, by angle, symphysis, and ascending ramus. We have reviewed around 300 cases of osteosarcoma of varied racial origin from PubMed indexed journals spanning from 1967 to 2010 and present their etiology, pathogenesis, features and treatment modalities.