Cotton Wool Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Alovera Perfume Lotion

Liquid preparations called lotions are designed to be applied externally without causing friction. They're used straight onto the skin with the aid of some absorbent material that has been soaked in it, such as gauze or cotton wool. The market for natural products and natural extracts in cosmetic formulations was driven by consumer desire for herbal products. Natural herbs and their products are employed for their aromatic value in cosmetic preparation. The most widely used medical plant in the world and the oldest known medicinal plant is aloe vera.

Case report: Acute macular neuroretinopathy post-COVID-19 infection.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare disease that causes transient or permanent visual disturbance. The exact etiology remains unknown, but vascular compromise of the deep retinal capillary plexus was postulated as the main mechanism. Retinal vascular event post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is recently highlighted during the pandemic, which includes AMN. To report a case of AMN post-COVID-19 infection. A 24-year-old Indian woman presented with acute-onset painless bilateral central scotoma for a day. The symptom was preceded by a history of COVID-19 infection 3 weeks prior. Ocular examination revealed a near-normal visual acuity for both eyes. Fundus examination showed bilateral dull foveal reflex with mild scattered cotton wool spot and vascular tortuosity. Optical coherence tomography macula revealed a distinct short hyperreflective band involving the outer plexiform and outer nuclear layers nasal to the fovea. The Bjerrum perimetry test revealed central scotoma temporal to the fixation. Optical coherence tomography lesions and scotomas are identical and congruous in both eyes. Serial fundus photographs are captured showing the evolving changes of near-normal macula to pigmented wedge-shaped petaloid lesions around the fovea. The patient was diagnosed as bilateral AMN and treated with oral prednisolone. On subsequent follow-up, the central scotoma improved. This case illustrates a clear temporal and possible causal relationship of COVID-19 infection with AMN. Further studies and data are required to justify its association, but the rising cases of AMN shall be anticipated as COVID-19 infections have become endemic worldwide.

Delayed high-altitude retinal hemorrhages in well-acclimatized lowlanders: A hidden risk unveiled.

High-altitude retinal hemorrhage (HARH), a frequent entity of high-altitude retinopathy (HAR), is associated with acute exposure to high altitudes (HAs) with rapid ascent. However, the delayed occurrence of HARH in well-acclimatized individuals has received less attention. This study explored the prevalence and characteristics of HARH in individuals who were acclimatized to HA for extended periods, aiming to elucidate the physiological responses of the retina to chronic hypoxic conditions. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study involving 1,457 male participants who had resided at altitudes above 3353 meters (11,000 ft) in the Himalayan region for more than three months. Patients who had ocular or systemic diseases affecting the retina, chronic retinotoxic medication use or smoking were excluded. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including the best corrected visual acuity test, dilated fundus examination and photography. A total of 1,457 males were screened, and the mean age was 34 ± 2 years. Of all the participants screened, 12 (0.82%) had HAR, with all cases occurring at altitudes above 4267 meters (14,000 ft). Seventy-five percent (75%) of the HAR patients had retinal hemorrhage and venous dilatation. Macular involvement and cotton wool spots were observed in 34% and 25% of HAR patients, respectively. Only four participants had foveal involvement with significant visual impairment. Delayed HARH in acclimatized individuals underscores the importance of long-term ocular monitoring for those exposed to HA, despite acclimatization, to prevent and manage potential visual impairments.

A study on the effectiveness of (+)-usnic acid as oral toxic sugar bait against adult male and female Anopheles gambiae

BackgroundDespite the application of various tools for the control of vectors of Plasmodium falciparum, malaria remains the major killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa accounting for up to 90% of deaths due to the disease. Due to limitations of the useage of chemical insecticides such as resistance, negative impact on the environment and to nontarget organisms, the World Health Organization (WHO) requires that affected countries find alternative vector control tools. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ( +)-usnic acid (UA) as an insecticide through oral administration to male and female Anopheles gambiae as an alternative or additional active ingredient to be used in toxic sugar bait.Methods( +)-usnic acid was diluted using acetone at 5, 10, and 15 mg/ml concentrations in three replicates. A 5 ml mixture of 2% food dye and 10% sugar using chlorine-free water mixed with the dilutions of the ( +)-usnic acid and negative control was made containing 2% food dye and 10% sugar solution. The preparations were soaked on a ball of cotton wool and placed over the net of a cup. 5 male and 5 non-blood-fed female newly hatched starved An. gambiae Kisumu strain were introduced together into a cup and monitored for knockdown and mortalities after 4, 24 48, and 72 h. The data were analysed using a multiple linear regression model using the lm function, a base R function and a posthoc test were conducted on the significant main effects and interaction terms using the emmeans function from the emmeans R package. All analyses were performed in RStudio using base R (version 4.3.3).ResultsThere was high mortality of both male and female An. gambiae after ingestion of the toxic sugar bait. 15 mg/ml usnic acid caused the highest mortality (50%) within the first 4 h compared to 5 and 10 mg/ml ( +)-UA. There was a decline in the mortality rate with increased exposure time from 24 to 72 h, however, there was a significant difference in mortality at 5, 10 and 15 mg/ml. Acute toxicity was associated with ingestion of 15 mg/ml after 24 h. 72 h post-mortality was lower in all concentrations than in the control. High mortality was observed among females over the first 4 h (60%) compared to males (40%) due to higher feeding rate of the toxic agent. The proportion of dead males and females was equal after 24 h while after 48 h, the proportion of dead males was high.There was a significantly lower mortality rate after 72 h for both males and females (0 to 13.3%). Compared to all the treatments, high mortality of males was observed.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that ( +)-UA when administered as oral sugar bait to An. gambiae has insecticidal properties and is a suitable ingredient to be used as a toxic agent in the novel attractive toxic sugar bait for the control of malaria vectors. ( +)-UA may be an alternative active ingredient as toxic bait in the effort to reduce and eliminate the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum in Africa.

Synthesis And Efficiency Evaluation of Chitosan-Alginate Hydrogel Polyelectrolyte Complex Filter for Treatment of Oil Spillage

Crude oil spills pose considerable environmental concerns thereby demanding the development of effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly remediation solutions. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the efficiency of a biodegradable polymer filter using sodium alginate and chitosan for the treatment of oil spillage. The sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogel polyelectrolyte complex (SACHPC) filter was synthesized via dipping method using a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique integrated with cotton wool as the filter medium. The efficiency of the filter was evaluated based on flow rate of recovered oil and reusability of the filter. Simulated oil spillage of 0.5 M was subjected to filtration using the SACHPC filter. The flow rate was determined based on the time taken for 1 L of oil to pass through the filter. The SACHPC filter exhibited underwater superoleophobic behaviour with exceptional filtration efficiency (> 98.3%) in acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions (pH 3, 7 and 11). The flow rate of the filter was 120 mL/min, while the third-use filter exhibited a decrease flow rate of 50 ml/min. Moreover, the filter achieved an impressive crude oil recovery rate of 85%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed crude oil adsorption in the presence of an amorphous phase while scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the structural morphology of the SACPHC filter. Overall, the SACHPC filter maintained high filtration efficiency thereby offering a sustainable strategy for oily wastewater purification and oil spill clean-up.

Novel insights into presenilin 1 mutation associated with a distinctive dementia phenotype and cotton wool plaques.

The mutations in the presenilin 1 gene (PSEN1) are the main cause of familial Alzheimer's disease. PSEN1 mutations affect amyloid-beta peptide production, which accumulates in the brain as senile plaque and cotton wool plaques (CWPs) and relates to other neurodegenerative disorders. Here we report the second case of the PSEN1 G266S mutation, which showed distinctive neuropathological features, including abundant CWPs. Lewy body pathology, and altered amyloid-beta production. Using the proband's samples, we performed genetic analysis of the PSEN1, APP, MAPT, and APOE genes, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the brain tissue, and biochemical analysis of Aβ production in COS cells transfected with wild-type or mutant PSEN1. The patient presented with memory loss, abnormal behavior, and visual hallucinations. Brain scans showed reduced blood flow, mild atrophy, and white matter lesions. Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous mutation at codon 266 (G266S) of PSEN1 and polymorphism of MAPT (Q230R). The brain had many CWPs, severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), senile plaque, Lewy bodies, and neurites. Electron microscopy displayed myelinated fiber degeneration, mitochondrial damage, and amyloid fibrils in the white matter. The production level of Aβ42 in PSEN1 G266S-transfected cells significantly increased. Our findings suggest that the PSEN1 G266S mutation may cause a heterogeneous clinical and pathological phenotype, influenced by other genetic or environmental factors.

Concentration of kidney markers and detection of exosomes in urine samples collected in cotton wool balls in preterm and term neonates

Collecting urine samples in neonates by catheterisation or suprapubic puncture causes trauma, whereas self-adhesive collection bags can damage fragile skin. An alternative method is the collection of samples from urine-soaked cotton wool balls placed in diapers. The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of albumin, creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and uromodulin between clean-catch urine and samples collected in cotton balls in neonates and assess the efficiency of exosome extraction. Standard clean-catch urine samples (SSs) were assayed for albumin, creatinine, NGAL, and uromodulin using commercial ELISA kits. Concentrations were compared to the same urine samples extracted immediately from soaked cotton wool balls (sample 2, S2) or the urine extracted from cotton wool balls placed in diaper in a warm incubator for 2 h before extraction (sample 3, S3). Exosomes were extracted from all three samples of one patient for visualisation by electron microscopy. Twenty-six infants (17 males) of median gestational age at birth of 32+1 weeks had urine collected at a median age of 29 days at 37+6 weeks corrected age. Concentrations in S2 and S3 were within 10% of the concentration of SS in 46% and 35% of specimens for albumin, 69% and 58% for creatinine, 12% and 12% for NGAL, and 27% and 15% for uromodulin, respectively, without consistent positive or negative bias. Urine albumin/creatinine ratios (UACRs) were 4.3% less in S2 and 4.5% less in S3 than in SS. Exosomes were extracted and visualised from all three sample types. Neonatal urine samples extracted from cotton wool balls can be used to screen for relevant albuminuria ​but provide imprecise estimates of NGAL and uromodulin. The proof of exosome extraction from urine collection in cotton wool balls opens the potential to examine exosomal cargo.

Spectrum of retinal microvascular ischemia in patients with COVID-19 based on multimodal imaging

PurposeTo describe and evaluate the multimodal imaging findings in retinal microvascular ischemia associated with COVID-19 infection. MethodsPatients with COVID-19 associated retinal microvascular ischemia and visiting the outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital from December 2022, to February 2023, were documented and their multimodal images were retrospectively reviewed. Retinal microvascular ischemia was defined as the presence of isolated or multiple focal retinal whitening(s) on color fundus images. Patients with retinal vessel occlusion or retinopathies secondary to systematic disorders diagnosed before infection were excluded. ResultsA total of 32 eyes from 21 patients were included, 24 (75.00 %) eyes with multiple retinal whitenings, while 8 (25.00 %) eyes with isolated lesions. When divided by the types of ischemia, 9 (28.13 %) eyes had only inner retinal involvement (known as cotton wool spot, CWS), 4 (12.50 %) eyes had only middle retinal involvement (known as paracentral acute middle maculopathy, PAMM), and 19 (59.38 %) eyes had both. In addition, 4 (12.50 %) eyes had coincident angular sign of Henle fiber layer hyperreflectivity (ASHH). Patients with hypertension tended to have multiple lesions rather than isolated lesion of retinal microvascular ischemia (P = 0.008). Transient uncontrolled high blood pressure or acute kidney injury was simultaneously detected in some cases. ConclusionsOcular manifestation of COVID-19 associated microvascular ischemia can be variable, including CWS, PAMM and ASHH. Multimodal fundus imaging technologies are useful tools to reveal involved retinal layers, extent, and severity. Moreover, ocular manifestations may serve as a window of COVID-19 related microcirculation in other systems throughout the body.

Pseudo-outbreak of Bacillaceae species associated with poor compliance with blood culture collection recommendations.

This study describes a pseudo-outbreak of Bacillaceae spp. bloodstream infections that spanned five months starting in May 2023 and the infection prevention measures implemented to control it. This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Bucharest, Romania. An observational audit of the blood culture collection practice in our hospital was performed, and the materials used during blood culture collection were sampled. Bacterial colonies were identified using MALDI Biotyper. The Bacillaceae blood culture positivity rates in the previous four years were compared using the Kruskal‒Wallis rank test. Bacillaceae spp.-positive blood cultures were recovered from 60 patients over a five-month period. In the case of 58 patients, Bacillaceae spp.-positive blood cultures were considered contaminated. Two patients were treated for Bacillus spp. bacteraemia. The audit revealed significant variation during the preparation of the venipuncture site step and the use of nonsterile medical cotton wool. Medical cotton wool contaminated with species of Bacillaceae was found in 10 out of 12 wards. The control measures included repeated training on the blood culture collection procedure and the removal of Bacillaceae spp.-contaminated cotton wool. The pseudo-outbreak was caused by the unjustified use of medical cotton wool for disinfection of the skin and blood culture bottle septums. The investigation of this pseudo-outbreak highlighted a gap in blood culture collection practices at our facility and thus allowed for its improvement.

The use of a simple and affordable skin patch for measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin levels in neonates during phototherapy.

Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements during and after phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia must be performed on unexposed skin. There are commercially made skin patches for this purpose, but they are relatively unavailable in low-resource settings. We devised a simple cotton patch and tested its use for TcB during phototherapy. Measurements were taken in healthy neonates born at a gestational age of ≥35 weeks who were undergoing phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia in western India before, 12 h after the start, and 12 h after the end of phototherapy. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured using the diazo method in a clinical laboratory. TcB measurements were performed using a Dräger Jaundice Meter JM-105 placed over the sternum on two skin areas that were protected during and after treatment by a commercial (Philips BilEclipse) or self-made patch comprised of cotton gauze and wool. In total, 47 neonates were included in our study. Before phototherapy, TSB and TcB values had a strong correlation (Pearson, r = 0.88), with a mean difference of -1.35 mg/dl. Correlations with TSB were good and equivalent for TcB values measured on skin covered by the commercial and self-made patches during (0.78 and 0.70, respectively) and after (0.57 and 0.58, respectively) phototherapy. TcB values measured on skin covered by the two patches correlated well both during and after phototherapy, with r = 0.82 and 0.90, respectively, and mean (95% confidence interval) differences of -1.21 and -0.32 mg/dl, respectively. Reliable TcB measurements taken during and after phototherapy can be achieved on skin covered with a simple and affordable cotton skin patch.

Investigating the Sound Absorption Properties of Silk Cotton and Other Sound-Absorbent Materials

This research investigates the acoustic properties of various materials to mitigate sound transmission and enhance acoustic environments, focusing on silk cotton, cotton wool, chipped foam, and open-cell polyurethane foam. The study evaluates these materials for sound absorption and reduction, considering sound frequency and material density. Materials were tested for their sound reduction and absorption coefficients, with silk cotton emerging as the most effective across a broad frequency spectrum, particularly below 200 Hz and above 1000 Hz. The research demonstrated that silk cotton, with its high porosity and fine fibre structure, achieved significant sound reduction even at low densities The findings align with theoretical predictions of resonance frequencies, showing a strong correlation (r2 = 0.9988 for the sound box and r2 = 0.9894 for the sound pipe). Sound intensity and sound pressure levels were measured using a sound level meter, and data analysis was conducted using graphing and calculating software. The researcher employed modified laboratory methods to account for loose materials and equipment limitations, validating the use of theoretical equations to estimate sound absorption and reduction properties The study provides some insights into using fibrous materials like silk cotton for noise reduction and acoustic enhancement. These findings have practical implications for improving sound quality in various environments, such as schools, studios, and public spaces, contributing to noise reduction strategies and enhancing auditory experiences.

Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic: A Real-world Observation Study

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical and retinal imaging features of Chinese patients with acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) associated with COVID-19. DesignA prospective observational study. MethodsRetinal imaging, including color fundus photography, near-infrared imaging (NIR), swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and Humphrey perimetry, were conducted for each case. ResultsAll cases were included within the first three months following the pandemic outbreak. A total of 12 male patients (36.36 %) and 21 female patients (63.64 %) were prospectively recruited, and 29 cases (87.88 %) were bilaterally affected. The median interval between the onset of fever and the appearance of ocular symptoms was two days (range, 0.5–5.0 days). Apart from the outer retinal changes typical of AMN, changes in the inner retinal layers were observed, including intraretinal hemorrhage (8.06 %), cotton wool spots (9.68 %), and paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) (8.06 %). Smaller retinal inner nuclear layer hyperreflective speckles (RIHS) (41.94 %) were identified as a distinguishing feature from typical PAMM. Voids of vessel signals were found in the superficial (11.54 %), intermediate (82.69 %), and deep capillary plexus (98.08 %), and in the choriocapillaris (19.23 %) on OCTA. Humphrey perimetry illustrated central, paracentral, and peripheral scotomas. The occult lesions associated with AMN, PAMM, and some of the RIHS illustrated by OCT were visualized topographically and further confirmed by OCTA as perfusion defects. ConclusionAn increase in AMN cases correlated with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Additional features, including widespread inner retinal perfusion deficits, were observed and may serve as potential biomarkers for systemic microcirculation dysregulation in COVID-19.

Endovascular treatment of chronic subdural hematoma in a dual-trained neurosurgical unit: Results and proposal of a randomized controlled trial protocol

IntroductionChronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a prevalent neurosurgical condition with an increasing incidence due to the rising life expectancy and the widespread use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies. Insights into the inflammatory origins of cSDH led to the exploration of Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) embolization as a therapeutic strategy. In recent years the endovascular treatment of MMA has gained momentum. Herein we present the initial experience of a dual trained neurovascular unit implementing this therapeutic technique. MethodsThis single-center, prospective pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of MMA embolization in the treatment of cSDH. Following ethical approval and informed consent, demographic, clinical, and radiological data were collected. Patients requiring emergent surgical treatment were excluded. The study focused on assessing clinical outcomes, including the Modified Rankin Score (mRS) and volumetric analysis of cSDH, before and after embolization. ResultsFifteen patients underwent MMA embolization, with a predominance of males (80%) and a mean age of 72.4 years. The most common presenting symptom was headache (53.3%). The average hospital stay was 3.9 days. Various embolization techniques were employed, with DMSO-EVOH being the most frequent. All procedures were successfully conducted without complications. Although not statistically significant, trends suggested better outcomes in patients with homogeneous cSDH on the CT scan, displaying the cotton wool sign on angiography and treated with EVOH-DMSO. ConclusionMMA embolization for cSDH demonstrates promise as a safe and effective treatment, potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention and recurrence rates. This study lays the groundwork for a larger, randomized controlled trial which protocol is herein presented.

K-Means Clustering Algorithm for exudates segmentation in fundus images for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy currently remains one of the major causes of blindness or loss of vision in people. Automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy has been one of the challenging research fields in recent history. Exudates, optic disc, hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and microaneurysms can slow the development of an illness if diagnosed early and with adequate treatment. The monitoring and identification process of the lesions associated with diabetic retinopathy remain very tedious tasks loaded with repetition and are prone to errors. It is in this regard that this research proposes a new methodology for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy in an automated way. First of all, EYEPACS-1 and APTOS 2019 retinal images datasets are obtained. After fundus image quality collection, some enhancements are made through adaptive histogram equalization and the Haar discrete wavelet transform with the support of filtering based on a Gaussian matched kernel. Further, the fovea and blood-retinal vessels are eliminated; through the K-means clustering segmentation algorithm, the areas of an optic disc are highlighted by the Gaussian blur approach. Color histogram features are then extracted from these segmented areas before being fed into a deep learning model, CNN, to classify healthy subjects versus those affected by DR with severity grading. According to the simulation findings, the accuracy posted by the proposed model was 97.25% against the EYEPACS-1 dataset and 96.85% against the APTOS 2019 datasets & samples.

The impact of knitted linked seams on comfort and friction perception

Friction from knitted clothing can cause discomfort and skin issues, underscoring the importance of tactile comfort for wearers. Seamless knitted garments are assumed to be comfortable to wear, yet there is little understanding of their tactile comfort in comparison to linked seams – the most common form of knitted garment. This novel study examines the influence of a garments knitted structural architecture on clothing comfort and wearability by investigating skin friction and tactile perception across ten body regions in both male and female participants, using two commonly utilised materials and seam designs: cotton and merino wool with plain and linked seams. The impact of seam design and regional factors on skin friction and tactile perception was analysed, revealing varying levels across tested body regions. Removing seams exposed a greater surface area to skin contact, leading to higher perceived friction levels. As such, structural elements in knitted garments enhance wearer comfort.

Isolation and Partial Characterization of 11-Octadecenoic Acid Methyl Ester and Bis (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate from Celtis integrifolia Lam

Introduction: Celtis integrifolia Lam is a traditional medicinal plant used as a remedy for the cure of diarrhea, measles, bleeding, ecbolic, sore throat and as an antinociceptive agent. Aim: The study was aimed at the isolation and partial characterization of phytocompounds from Celtis integrifolia crude extract. Methodology: The stembark sample was powdered and extracted using maceration technique with methanol. The extract was filtered using cotton wool and clarified using Whatmann No.1 filter paper. The filtrate was concentrated on a rotavapor at 45oC. The crude extract was then reconstituted in water and partitioned successively with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The ethyl acetate and the n-hexane fractions were concentrated and subjected to purification on column chromatography. Results: Gradient elution of extract fractions on open-column chromatography yielded two compounds coded CiL1 and CiL2 from the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions respectively. The isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic data from Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and literature database. Compound CiL1 with Rf = 0.43 in hexane: Ethyl acetate (9:1) was identified as 11-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester while Compound CiL2 isolated from ethyl acetate fraction as a yellow substance with Rf = 0.38 in hexane: ethyl acetate (8:2) was identified as bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Conclusion: The study showed the presence of 11-octadecenoic acid methyl ester and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in the stembark extract of Celtis integrifolia Lam. These two phytocompounds are reported for the first time from Celtis integrifolia Lam based on available literature. Since the presence of phytochemical substances is believed to be the basis of any observed pharmacological activity, the study therefore lends credence to the traditional medicinal uses of Celtis integrifolia Lam.

Sensory Textile-Bacterial Hybrids: Textile-Bacteria Fusion to Impart Forest-Associated Scents

This research paper presents a study on the development of living textile-bacterial hybrids, focusing on the scent produced by Streptomyces violaceruber, a bacterial species, throughout its growth phase. The objective of this study was to observe scent profiles of S. violaceruber on different fibres: cotton, acrylic, linen, and merino wool; and analyse the potential impact of fibre properties on scent profile, intensity, and duration. In doing so, the research suggests potential opportunities to curate living scents through textiles and the generation of sensory textile-bacterial hybrids. Interdisciplinary methods were applied to compare changes in the present volatile compounds and identify fibres and fabrication processes most suitable for creating a living textile. The paper reports on the development of textile samples that are infused with S. violaceruber and observed for their subjective scent, as well as the volatile compounds, which were analysed via gas chromatography. The findings of this study confirmed the presence and development of bacterial scents on textiles during bacterial growth. The scents identified included earthy, soil-like, floral, jasmine, and fruity notes, offering potential for further exploration in fibre and yarn selection, as well as the structural design of the textile. This research contributes to the field of biotextiles by examining the influence of textile fibres and knitted textiles on bacterial volatile compounds. It establishes a platform for investigating how different fibres and structural factors influence the bacterial scent profile. It also provides valuable insights for the future development of living sensory textiles and their integration into various applications.

Cryo-EM structures of cotton wool plaques’ amyloid β and of tau filaments in dominantly inherited Alzheimer disease

Cotton wool plaques (CWPs) have been described as features of the neuropathologic phenotype of dominantly inherited Alzheimer disease (DIAD) caused by some missense and deletion mutations in the presenilin 1 (PSEN1) gene. CWPs are round, eosinophilic amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques that lack an amyloid core and are recognizable, but not fluorescent, in Thioflavin S (ThS) preparations. Amino-terminally truncated and post-translationally modified Aβ peptide species are the main component of CWPs. Tau immunopositive neurites may be present in CWPs. In addition, neurofibrillary tangles coexist with CWPs. Herein, we report the structure of Aβ and tau filaments isolated from brain tissue of individuals affected by DIAD caused by the PSEN1 V261I and A431E mutations, with the CWP neuropathologic phenotype. CWPs are predominantly composed of type I Aβ filaments present in two novel arrangements, type Ic and type Id; additionally, CWPs contain type I and type Ib Aβ filaments. Tau filaments have the AD fold, which has been previously reported in sporadic AD and DIAD. The formation of type Ic and type Id Aβ filaments may be the basis for the phenotype of CWPs. Our data are relevant for the development of PET imaging methodologies to best detect CWPs in DIAD.

Severe Leukemic Retinopathy due to Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia

Leukaemia is a myeloproliferative disorder which commonly affects the eye. The retina is most commonly affected by leukaemia. Both acute and chronic leukaemia can develop retinopathy. Patients can develop anaemia and thrombocytopenia. The ophthalmic features include white-centred retinal haemorrhages (Roth spot), cotton wool spots, macular haemorrhages and vitreous haemorrhages. CNS involvement through the optic nerve can cause papillo-oedema and cranial nerve palsy. Opportunistic infection can occur after chemotherapy. A young female patient was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL); she presented with pain and blurred vision in both her eyes. In coloured fundus photograph (CFP) shows dilated, tortuous blood vessels and grey-white streaks along vessels due to perivascular infiltrate. Large whitish opacity all over the fundus. Optic nerve infiltration is also present. Vascular occlusion like CRVO occurs due to hyperviscosity. OCT shows leukaemic infiltration of the retina, causing detachment. The modalities of the Management of leukaemia involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy, but the Management of leukaemic retinopathy is symptomatic. ALL is treated with vincristine, prednisolone and L-asparagine. Eye treatment was done by intravitreal injection of methotrexate. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) may be asymptomatic and develop vision loss (VL). CBMJ 2024 July: vol. 13 no. 02 P: 277-281

Optical coherence tomography characteristics and prognostic predictors of acute macular neuroretinopathy following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

To analyze the characteristics of optical coherence tomography in acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and discuss the prognostic predictors. Patients with AMN following SARS-CoV-2 infection were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of hyperreflective outer nuclear layer (ONL) lesion involving the fovea. The first visit included 14 eyes in the fovea-involved group and 20 eyes in the no fovea-involved group. Ellipsoid zone (EZ) hyporeflection and interdigitation zone (IZ) interruption were detected in all eyes. Other common manifestations were myoid zone (MZ) hyperreflection (76.5%), ONL hyperreflection (73.5%), outer plexiform layer (OPL) thickening (64.7%), and EZ interruption (50%). The follow-up period was 48.4 ± 55.3 days. At the last visit, 12 eyes were in the fovea-involved group and 13 eyes in the no fovea-involved group. IZ interruption was detected in all eyes. Other common manifestations were EZ hyporeflection (92.0%), ONL atrophy (40.0%), OPL thickening (36.0%), OPL linear (32.0%), and MZ hyperreflection (32%). The improvement of visual acuity (VA) was -0.5 ± 0.5 and -0.2 ± 0.4 in the fovea-involved group and the no fovea-involved group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between them (P = 0.045). Initial VA, initial cotton wool spot, initial ONL cyst, final ONL cyst, and final OPL linear were associated with final VA (P = 0.000, P = 0.029, P = 0.044, P = 0.049, P = 0.049, respectively). In the early stage of AMN following SARS-CoV-2 infection, IZ interruption and EZ hyporeflection were the most common manifestations, and pathology of IZ was more serious than that of EZ. Subsequently, OPL and ONL atrophied, and ONL atrophied faster. Regardless of whether hyperreflective ONL involved the fovea, VA improved, with a more noticeable improvement found in the fovea-involved group. The presence of initial ONL cyst and initial cotton wool spot, rapid atrophy of OPL, and poorer initial VA indicating poorer VA outcome.