Utkarsh Jain

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative microaerophilic bacterium that secretes several endotoxins to induce stomach and duodenum diseases. Herein, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based electrochemical and immuno-sensor was developed for the determination of H. pylori-specific BabA antigen (^BabAAg) and antibody (^BabAAb), respectively. The foremost step is the electropolymerization of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) onto the electrode surface. The second step involves the fabrication of an electropolymerization-based ^BabAAg recognition platform (MIP) at the screen-printed gold electrode surface. Thirdly, anti-^BabAAb was used to further cross-validate MIP_BabA and ^BabAAg binding on the fabricated electrode. The fabricated MIP_BabA/PdNPs/PEDOT sensor detects the variable concentrations of ^BabAAg under electrochemical studies. The imprinted polymer was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The electrochemical studies demonstrated the high sensitivity of the sensor with a low detection limit of 0.1 ng/ml in a linear dynamic range of 0.1-50 ng/ml BabA. The prospect of work includes the integration of a developed detection technique with a lab-on-a-chip kit, as accurate and early detection of H. pylori-associated biomarkers such as BabA is important for timely diagnosis and monitoring of gastric disorders, including gastric cancer.

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is a World Health Organization priority pathogen associated with hospital associated outbreaks. Its occurrence in vegetables and fruits is limited, with only a few reports till now but raising concerns regarding unnoticed community and hospital transmission. Grapes and environmental samples were screened for A. baumannii and cultured on selective media, bacteria were identified using species-specific PCR, VITEK, and biochemical testing. CLSI 2024 guidelines were used for antimicrobial susceptibility. Bacteriophages were isolated from Ganga, sewage, soil by enrichment, purification and plaque assay was done. Stability was measured throughout pH 3-10 and -80 °C to 60 °C, and transmission electron microscopy was used to analyse the morphology. A. baumannii isolates from different sources as soil and grapes showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. Five bacteriophages were isolated, ΦABGR01 and ΦABGR03, showed strong in vitro lytic activity against A. baumannii. These phages were stable and active across a wide pH (3-10) and temperature (-80 °C to 60 °C). Transmission electron microscopy revealed a podovirus morphotype with an icosahedral capsid and a short, non-contractile tail. This is the first report of MDR A. baumannii isolated from retail grapes in India, indicating a potential foodborne reservoir for this critical pathogen. Strong in vitro stability and activity were shown by environmental lytic phages, highlighting their potential as alternative treatments. These results underline the necessity of more thorough food safety monitoring as well as upcoming research that includes both in vivo and genomic validation.

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal disorder characterized by thinning of the cornea and conical protrusion leading to distorted vision and blindness. The disease often marks in adolescence and progresses until the mid-40s, with varying degrees of severity. Global prevalence shows regional variation, with higher rates in Asian populations and strong associations with systemic conditions such as Down syndrome. The current study investigates the underlying pathological mechanism with a focus on biomarkers, including Prolactin-Induced Protein (PIP), Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), Interleukins, and genetic markers as LOX and FOXO1. While the clinical appearance may be highly variable with relevant distorted vision, the pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Generally, it affects teenagers, young adults, and has been related to pathological factors like oxidative stress, environmental influences, hormonal changes, and eye rubbing. Although with the progress of diagnostic modalities from corneal topography and tomography to tear-based assays and artificial intelligence, it is still a challenge to diagnose it early. The involvement of systemic and local inflammatory responses in KC is now an area of increasing interest, implying that targeting these pathways will provide new treatment options. Besides, progress in tear-based diagnostics offers promising paths for non-invasive monitoring of disease progression. Clarifying the biochemical and genetic profile of keratoconus may help to focus on better diagnosis. The present review will increase our insights into keratoconus pathophysiology and encourage new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that can eventually enhance patient outcomes. Graphical abstract