There is a need for biomarkers to predict outcomes, including mortality, in interstitial lung disease (ILD). Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) and surfactant protein D (SP-D) are associated with lung damage and fibrosis in all ILDs and are related to important clinical outcomes. Though these two biomarkers have been associated with ILD outcomes, there are no studies that have evaluated their predictive potential in combination. This study aims to determine whether KL-6 and SP-D are linked to poor disease outcomes and mortality. Additionally, we plan to examine whether changes in KL-6 and SP-D concentrations correspond with changes in lung function and whether serial measurements improve their predictive potential to identify disease progression and mortality. Forty-four patients with ILD participated in a prospective 6-month longitudinal observational study. ILD patients who succumbed had the highest KL-6 levels (3990.4 U/mL (3490.0–4467.6)) and highest SP-D levels (256.1 ng/mL (217.9–260.0)), followed by those who deteriorated: KL-6 levels 1357.0 U/mL (822.6–1543.4) and SP-D levels 191.2 ng/mL (152.8–210.5). The generalized linear model (GLM) analysis demonstrated that changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂) were correlated to changes in KL6 (p = 0.016, 0.014, 0.027, 0.047) and SP-D (p = 0.008, 0.012, 0.046, 0.020), respectively. KL-6 (odds ratio (OR): 2.87 (1.06–7.79)) and SPD (OR: 1.76 (1.05–2.97)) were independent predictors of disease progression, and KL-6 (hazard ratio (HR): 3.70 (1.46–9.41)) and SPD (HR: 2.58 (1.01–6.59)) were independent predictors of death by Cox regression analysis. Combined biomarkers (KL6 + SPD + CT + FVC) had the strongest ability to predict disease progression (AUC: 0.797) and death (AUC: 0.961), on ROC analysis. Elevated KL-6 and SPD levels are vital biomarkers for predicting the severity, progression, and outcomes of ILD. High baseline levels or an increase in levels over a six-month follow-up despite treatment indicate a poor prognosis. Combining KL6 and SPD with conventional measures yields a more potent prognostic indicator. Clinical studies are needed to test additional interventions, and future research will determine if this combined biomarker benefits different ethnicities globally.

Exacerbation due to antimicrobial-drug-resistant bacteria among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients contributes to mortality and morbidity. We examined the prevalence of the bacterial organisms and trends in drug resistance in AECOPD. In this retrospective study, between January 2016 to December 2020, among 3027 AECOPD patients, 432 (14.3%) had bacteria isolated. The regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used for trends in the resistance patterns over five years, adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities. Klebsiella pneumoniae (32.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (14.4%), Escherichia coli (10.4%), and Staphylococcus aureus (2.5%) were common. We observed high levels of drug resistance in AECOPD patients admitted to ICU (87.8%) and non-ICU (86.5%). A Cox proportional hazard analysis, observed infection with Acinetobacter baumannii and female sex as independent predictors of mortality. Acinetobacter baumannii had 2.64 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–6.43) higher odds of death, compared to Klebsiella pneumoniae. Females had 2.89 (95% CI: 1.47–5.70) higher odds of death, compared to males. A high proportion of bacterial AECOPD was due to drug-resistant bacteria. An increasing trend in drug resistance was observed among females.

The present work describes the chemical preparation of Schiff bases derived from 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (L₁–L₅) and their Co(II) metal complexes. The evaluation of antimicrobial and anticancer activities against MCF-7 cell line and human lung cancer cell line A-549 was performed. The aforementioned synthesized compounds are characterized by spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis confirms successful synthesis. The results from the above analytical techniques revealed that the complexes are in an octahedral geometry. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes under study was carried out by using the agar well diffusion method. The ligand and complex interactions for biological targets were predicted using molecular docking and high binding affinities. Further, the anticancer properties of the synthesized compounds are performed against the MCF-7 cell line and human lung cancer cell line A-549 using adriamycin as the standard drug.

Significant progress has been achieved in understanding Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mechanisms and developing treatments to slow disease progression. This review article thoroughly assesses primary and secondary DMD therapies, focusing on innovative modalities. The primary therapy addresses the genetic abnormality causing DMD, specifically the absence or reduced expression of dystrophin. Gene replacement therapies, such as exon skipping, readthrough, and gene editing technologies, show promise in restoring dystrophin expression. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), a recent advancement in viral vector-based gene therapies, have shown encouraging results in preclinical and clinical studies. Secondary therapies aim to maintain muscle function and improve quality of life by mitigating DMD symptoms and complications. Glucocorticoid drugs like prednisone and deflazacort have proven effective in slowing disease progression and delaying loss of ambulation. Supportive treatments targeting calcium dysregulation, histone deacetylase, and redox imbalance are also crucial for preserving overall health and function. Additionally, the review includes a detailed table of ongoing and approved clinical trials for DMD, exploring various therapeutic approaches such as gene therapies, exon skipping drugs, utrophin modulators, anti-inflammatory agents, and novel compounds. This highlights the dynamic research field and ongoing efforts to develop effective DMD treatments.

The emerging interest in the field of coordination chemistry and their biological applications has created a novel impact in the field of chemical biology. With this motivation, in this work we have synthesized a novel benzimidazole derived imine ligand, 2-((E)-((1H-benzo[d]-2-yl)methylimino)methyl)-4-fluorophenol (HBMF) and its Co(III) and Cu(II) complexes. The metal complexes (C1–C4) were synthesized in 2:1 (HBMF: metal ion) and 1:1:1 (HBMF: metal ion: 1,10-phen) ratios. Structural elucidations of all the synthesized compounds were performed using FT-IR, UV-Visible, NMR, Mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis techniques. A combination of first principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations was applied to computationally investigate the structural, reactive, and spectroscopic properties of the newly synthesized HBMF ligand and its complexes with copper and cobalt metal ions. Quantum-mechanical calculations in this study were based on the density functional theory (DFT), while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were based on the OPLS4 force field. The DFT calculations were used to obtain the reactive and spectroscopic properties of the ligand and its complexes, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to address the ligand’s reactivity with water. Further, the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of the compounds was tested against the A549, Ehrlich–Lettre ascites carcinoma (EAC), SIHA and NIH3T3 cell lines. The biological results depicted that the compound C4, with molecular formula C₂₇H₂₃Cl₂CoFN₅O₃ exhibited profound anti-proliferative activity against the EAC cell line with a significant IC₅₀ value of 10 µm when compared to its parent ligand and other remaining metal complexes under study. Various assays of hematological parameters (alkaline phosphate, creatinine, urea, RBC and WBC) were performed, and significant results were obtained from the experiments. Furthermore, the effect of C4 on neovascularization was evaluated by stimulating the angiogenesis with rVEGF₁₆₅, which was compared with non-tumor models. The EAC cells were cultured in vivo and administrated with 50 and 75 mg/kg of two doses and tumor parameters were evaluated.

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health issue in India, with high incidence and mortality. The current literature on post-TB sequelae functional defects focuses heavily on spirometry, with conflicting obstruction vs. restriction data, lacks advanced statistical analysis, and has insufficient data on diffusion limitation and functional impairment. Objective: This study aimed to thoroughly evaluate post-tubercular sequelae after treatment, assessing chest radiology, spirometry, diffusing capacity, and exercise capacity. Methods: A total of 85 patients were studied at a university teaching hospital in Mysuru. The data collected included characteristics, comorbidities, smoking history, and respiratory symptoms. The investigations included spirometry, DLCO, chest X-rays with scoring, and 6MWT. Results: Of the patients, 70% had abnormal X-rays post-treatment, correlating with reduced lung function. Additionally, 70% had impaired spirometry with obstructive/restrictive patterns, and 62.2% had reduced DLCO, with females at higher risk. Smoking increased the risk of sequelae. Conclusions: Most patients had residual radiological/lung function abnormalities post-treatment. Advanced analyses provide insights into obstructive vs. restrictive defects. Ongoing research should explore pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic modalities to minimize long-term post-TB disability.