Nanomedicine at the Pulmonary Frontier: Immune-Centric Approaches for Respiratory Disease Treatment

Respiratory diseases (RD) are a group of common ailments with a rapidly increasing global prevalence, posing a significant threat to humanity, especially the elderly population, and imposing a substantial burden on society and the economy. RD represents an unmet medical need that requires the development of viable pharmacotherapies. While various promising strategies have been devised to advance potential treatments for RD, their implementation has been hindered by difficulties in drug delivery, particularly in critically ill patients. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for delivering medications to the inflamed organ sites, such as the lungs. Although this approach is enticing, delivering nanomedicine to the lungs presents complex challenges that require sophisticated techniques. In this context, we review the potential of novel nanomedicine-based immunomodulatory strategies that could offer therapeutic benefits in managing this pressing health condition.

Interfacial Tensions, Solubilities, and Transport Properties of the H2/H2O/NaCl System: A Molecular Simulation Study

Data for several key thermodynamic and transport properties needed for technologies using hydrogen (H2), such as underground H2 storage and H2O electrolysis are scarce or completely missing. Force field-based Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Continuous Fractional Component Monte Carlo (CFCMC) simulations are carried out in this work to cover this gap. Extensive new data sets are provided for (a) interfacial tensions of H2 gas in contact with aqueous NaCl solutions for temperatures of (298 to 523) K, pressures of (1 to 600) bar, and molalities of (0 to 6) mol NaCl/kg H2O, (b) self-diffusivities of infinitely diluted H2 in aqueous NaCl solutions for temperatures of (298 to 723) K, pressures of (1 to 1000) bar, and molalities of (0 to 6) mol NaCl/kg H2O, and (c) solubilities of H2 in aqueous NaCl solutions for temperatures of (298 to 363) K, pressures of (1 to 1000) bar, and molalities of (0 to 6) mol NaCl/kg H2O. The force fields used are the TIP4P/2005 for H2O, the Madrid-2019 and the Madrid-Transport for NaCl, and the Vrabec and Marx for H2. Excellent agreement between the simulation results and available experimental data is found with average deviations lower than 10%.

Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Cosmeceutical and Skin Care: A Systematic Review

Cosmeceuticals have gained great importance and are among the top-selling products used for skin care. Because of changing lifestyles, climate, and increasing pollution, cosmeceuticals are utilized by every individual, thereby making cosmeceuticals a fruitful field for research and the economy. Cosmeceuticals provide incredibly pleasing aesthetic results by fusing the qualities of both cosmetics and medicinal substances. Cosmeceuticals are primarily utilized to improve the appearance of skin by making it smoother, moisturized, and wrinkle-free, in addition to treating dermatological conditions, including photoaging, burns, dandruff, acne, eczema, and erythema. Nanocosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that combine therapeutic effects utilizing nanotechnology, allowing for more precise and effective target-specific delivery of active ingredients, and improving bioavailability.

Immune Control of Avian Influenza Virus Infection and Its Vaccine Development

The avian influenza A virus (AIV) is naturally prevalent in aquatic birds, infecting different avian species and transmitting from birds to humans. Both AIVs, the H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, have the potential to infect humans, causing an acute influenza disease syndrome in humans, and are a possible pandemic threat. AIV H5N1 is highly pathogenic, whereas AIV H7N9 has comparatively low pathogenicity. A clear insight into the disease pathogenesis is significant to understand the host’s immunological response, which in turn facilitates the design of the control and prevention strategies. In this review, we aim to provide comprehensive details on the pathogenesis and clinical features of the disease. Moreover, the innate and adaptive immunological responses to AIV and the recent studies conducted on the CD8+ T cell immunity against AIVs are detailed upon. Further, the current status and advancement in the development of AIV vaccines, along with the challenges, are also discussed. The information provided will be helpful in combating the transmission of AIV from birds to humans and, thus, preventing severe outbreaks leading to pandemics worldwide.

Modular electromagnetic railgun accelerator for high velocity impact studies

A modular electromagnetic railgun accelerator facility named "RAFTAR" (i.e., Railgun Accelerator Facility for Technology and Research) has been commissioned and its performance has been characterized for high velocity impact testing on materials in a single-shot mode. In the first tests, RAFTAR demonstrated an acceleration of more than 1000 m/s for an 8 g solid aluminum-7075 armature projectile. The current fed was 220 kA, having a muzzle time of about 1.75 ms. It is a single pulse breech-fed rectangular bore (14 × 13 mm²) railgun, and its 1.15 m long barrel assembly consists of two parallel copper bars with an inter-gap of 13 mm that are encased within 50 mm thick high strength reinforced fiberglass sheets (Garolite G10-FR4) and bolted from both the sides. RAFTAR is powered by two capacitor bank modules that have a maximum stored energy of 160 kJ each (containing eight 178 μF/15 kV capacitors), two high power ignitron switches, and a pulse shaping inductor. To obtain consistent acceleration of the armature inside the barrel, reversal of driving current is prevented, and its pulse duration is stretched by tactical integration of the crowbar switch and bitter coil inductor in the circuit. Armature projectile velocity measurement in-bore and outside in free space was performed by the time-of-flight technique using indigenously made miniature B-dot sensors and a novel shorting-foil arrangement, respectively. The time resolved measurement of the in-bore armature evidenced a velocity-skin-effect in the high acceleration phase. There is good agreement between the experimentally measured and theoretically predicted efficiency, confirming the optimal choice of operating parameters. The conclusion summarizes important experimental findings and analyzes the underlying causes that limit the performance of railguns.

First Report of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (16SrXII-A) Associated with Fox Nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.) Stolbur Disease in India

Fox nut also known as Gorgon nut, Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) is a high value aquatic crop belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. In India, it is generally grown in flood prone areas of North Bihar, lower Assam, parts of West Bengal, Odisha, Manipur and Tripura (Jana et al., 2018). India contributes nearly 70-80% of the global fox nut production. During September 2021, a phytoplasma like symptom was noticed on fox nut leaves at Basudeopur Farm of Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga, Bihar, India (23° 9' N and 65° 53' E). The characteristic symptom was that some portion of leaf lamina deformed along the veins with wrinkled and raised overgrowth or hypertrophy. The veins were thickened and reddened in the infected leaf area. The infection occurs in petiole as well as in flower stalk. The disease incidence was found as high as 30% which caused severe yield loss which was calculated to be 40% in that particular field. Total of 20 sampled fox nut plants, 10 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic ones, were collected and tested for the presence of phytoplasma. A nested PCR assay using the phytoplasma universal 16S rRNA primer pairs: P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2 (J. Jović et al. 2011) amplified the expected ~1.2-kb 16S rDNA fragment in all 10 symptomatic samples. No amplification was detected from asymptomatic samples. One of the ten 1.2-kb nested 16S rDNA PCR products was gel purified, cloned into the pGEM-T-easy plasmid vector (Promega, Madison, WI), and sequenced and was deposited in NCBI under the Accession no.OL873590. BLAST analysis showed that the sequence of the PCR 16S rDNA product was 100% identical to several GenBank sequences of Ca. P. solani (16SrXII Stolbur group) viz. KF907506. Furthermore, analysis by iPhyClassifier software showed that the virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern of the sequenced PCR 16S rDNA product is identical (similarity coefficient 1.00) to the reference pattern of the 16SrXII-A subgroup. Identification of 'Ca. P. solani' was conducted following the STOL11 stolbur-specific protocol (Radonjić et al. 2009). Sequencing of tuf gene (Elongation factor Tu) was performed by using tuf marker genes (Cvrković et al. 2014) from 10 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic samples. Sequence of the amplified gene (896 bp) was deposited in GenBank under Accession number OM174272. The presence of 'Ca. P. solani' was detected in all symptomatic samples, while all control plants tested negative. The RFLP analysis of tuf gene nested PCR products using HpaII endonuclease (Fermentas) revealed uniform tuf-b type in all positive samples. Nucleotide blast analyses showed that the tuf gene was 100% identical to STOL11 strain of C. P. solani subgroup 16SrXII-A (Accession No JQ797670). For developing a suitable management strategy, identification of the vector is essential. Leaf hoppers visiting the infected plants as well as nearby crop fields will be tested for presence of the phytoplasma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (16SrXII-A) infecting Fox nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.) in India. References Cvrković et al. 2014. Plant Pathol. 63:42. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.12080 Jana, B. R., et al. 2018. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. Sci. 7(12): 578-587. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.712.072 Jović, J. et al. 2011. B. Insectol. 64:S83. ISI Radonjić, S. et al. 2009. J. Phytopathol. 157:682. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439- 0434.2009.01560.

Image quality improvement for optical imaging interferometric microscopy

Imaging interferometric microscopy (IIM) is an optical microscopy resolution enhancement technique involving combining multiple sub-images to increase resolution. Several image reconstruction challenges can degrade the image quality including the frequency, phase deviations between sub-images, and maintenance of a uniform frequency response across the entire space. This work proposes methods to address these issues. The methods are first compared in simulation using a Manhattan structure of 260-nm critical dimension with 2-µm-pitch calibration grating on the sides. The proposed correction methods are then applied to the experimental results and found to be effective in improving the image quality of IIM.

The association of plasma acyl ghrelin level with alcohol craving in early abstinent alcohol dependent patients

Background

Craving plays an important role in maintenance of alcohol dependence. Earlier studies have analyzed the role of ghrelin in craving and their results have been heterogenous. Acyl ghrelin is its more active form as it crosses the blood brain barrier. Hence we aimed to examine the relationship between plasma acyl ghrelin and craving in Indian patients having alcohol dependence syndrome.

Methods

The present study was a hospital-based prospective study. A total of 60 drug-naive patients of alcohol dependence and 30 healthy controls were included. After taking informed consent fasting blood samples were collected from them on day 1 and tested for plasma acyl ghrelin level. Fasting blood samples were repeated in all cases on day 14. During this time, we also assessed the patients' cravings by obsessive compulsive drinking scale, and alcohol craving questionnaire; and withdrawal by clinical institute withdrawal assessment for alcohol scale. These scales were repeated on day 14. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 25.0.

Results

Plasma concentrations of acyl ghrelin increased significantly during early abstinence in patients from day 1 to day 14 (P < 0.0001). Pearson correlation test revealed a trend of positive correlation between plasma concentration of acyl ghrelin on day 14 and severity of craving on day 1.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the plasma concentration of acyl ghrelin may be a predictor of severity of alcohol craving during early abstinence. Anti-craving drugs acting on acyl ghrelin level in brain may open an innovative avenue for optimum treatment of alcohol dependence.

Scanning of a Double-Sided Germanium Strip Detector

This work presents the results from the characterization of a Position-Sensitive Planar Germanium (PSPGe) detector. The PSPGe detector is a double-sided orthogonal strip detector consisting of 10x10 electrical segmentation along the horizontal and vertical directions. The characterization was performed using the coincidence setup between the PSPGe detector and the well-characterized scanning system employing the positron annihilation correlation principle. The scanning system consists of a Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) and 22Na positron source. The main objective of this study is to deploy PSPGe detector for future decay experiments at the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), Germany. The measurements have been performed to find the depth of gamma-ray interaction in the planar segmented detector. The 2-Dimensional image obtained from the PSD has been used to find the depth of gamma-ray interaction in the planar strip detector using pulse shape analysis. In addition, the sensitivity of PSPGe detector has been investigated by calculating the rise-time from pulse shapes for the front and back strips of the detector.

Development of a position-sensitive fast scintillator (LaBr3(Ce)) detector setup for gamma-ray imaging application

We have characterized a Cerium doped Lanthanum Bromide (LaBr3(Ce) ) crystal coupled with the position-sensitive photo-multiplier system for the gamma-ray imaging application. One can use this detector set-up for the scanning of high purity germanium detectors for pulse shape analysis in gamma-ray spectroscopy experiments and the image formation of an object by Compton back-scattering . The sensor has been tested for energy, timing and position information of the gamma-rays interacting within the detector crystal. The GEANT4 simulation results are consistent with the experimental results. We have reconstructed the image of irradiation spots in different positions throughout the detector crystal. Position resolution is found to be around 3.5 mm with the 2 mm collimated gamma-rays. The 2-d image of hexagonal Bismuth Germanate (BGO) crystal and a cylindrical LaBr3(Ce) crystal have been reconstructed in coincidence technique. The performance of the detector for imaging application has been investigated by coincidence technique in GEANT4 simulation and compared with the experimental data. We have reconstructed the 2-d images of objects with various geometrical shapes by Compton back-scattered events of the gamma-rays. This position-sensitive detector can be used as an absorber of a Compton camera for the image reconstruction of an extended radioactive source. One can also use this kind of set-up as in radiation imaging and many other applications where the energy and source position of the gamma-ray is the main interest.

Effect of internet use on medical students before and after 4g internet service in india: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

Internet is being used extensively throughout the world from last decade. In India internet service has entered into new generation called 4G. Medical students are particularly vulnerable group for problematic internet use on account of the time they spend online. This might have negative effects on their physical, psychological and social health. Hence they are more prone to internet addiction.

AIMS

To compare use and effect of internet service among medical students before and after the availability of 4G service.

STUDY DESIGN

Institution based cross sectional study.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Predesigned validated questionnaires were provided to the medical students in the year 2014. The questionnaire included demographics, pattern of internet use and Young's internet addiction test. Again in the year 2018 the similar procedure was carried out after introduction of 4G service. The data was collected and compared. Analysis was done using SPSS 25.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics, Chi² test and Mann-Whitney test was applied.

RESULTS

Among 424 medical students 207 students were assessed in the year 2014 and 217 students in 2018.There was a significant change of pattern of use. Also significant increase in number of female users and severity of internet addiction in 2018. The ill effect of internet was on rise after availability of 4G service.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of internet addiction and its ill effect on behavior among medical students was higher after availability of 4G service in same college. So appropriate preventive and interventional strategies need to be developed in professional institutions.

Detection of thermodynamic "valley noise" in monolayer semiconductors: Access to intrinsic valley relaxation time scales

Together with charge and spin, many novel two-dimensional materials also permit information to be encoded in an electron's valley degree of freedom-that is, in particular momentum states in the material's Brillouin zone. With a view toward valley-based (opto)electronic technologies, the intrinsic time scales of valley scattering are therefore of fundamental interest. Here, we demonstrate an entirely noise-based approach for exploring valley dynamics in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenide semiconductors. Exploiting their valley-specific optical selection rules, we use optical Faraday rotation to passively detect the thermodynamic fluctuations of valley polarization in a Fermi sea of resident carriers. This spontaneous "valley noise" reveals narrow Lorentzian line shapes and, therefore, long exponentially-decaying intrinsic valley relaxation. Moreover, the noise signatures validate both the relaxation times and the spectral dependence of conventional (perturbative) pump-probe measurements. These results provide a viable route toward quantitative measurements of intrinsic valley dynamics, free from any external perturbation, pumping, or excitation.

Abstract P6-07-10: The ERβ4 variant induce transformation of the normal breast mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A; the ERβ variants ERβ2, ERβ4 and ERβ5 increase aggressiveness of TNBC by regulation of hypoxic signaling

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) still remains a challenge to treat in the clinic due to a lack of good targets for treatment. Although TNBC lacks expression of ERα, the expression of ERβ and its variants are detected quite frequently in this cancer type and can represent an avenue for treatment. We show that the variants of ERβ, namely ERβ1, ERβ2, ERβ4, and ERβ5, regulate aggressiveness of TNBC by regulating hypoxic signaling. RNA-seq of patient derived xenografts (PDX) from TNBC show expression of ERβ4 and ERβ5 variants in more than half of the samples. Furthermore, expression of ERβ4 in the immortalized, normal mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A that is resistant to mammosphere formation caused transformation and development of mammospheres. By contrast, ERβ1, ERβ2 or ERβ5 were unable to support mammosphere formation. We have previously shown that all variants except ERβ1 stabilizes HIF-1α but only ERβ4 appear to have the ability to transform normal mammary epithelial cells, pointing towards a unique property of ERβ4. We propose that ERβ variants may be good diagnostic tools and also serve as novel targets for treatment of breast cancer.

Citation Format: Faria M, Karami S, Granados-Principal S, Dey P, Verma A, Choi DS, Elemento O, Bawa-Khalfe1 T, Chang JC, Gustafsson J-A, Strom AM. The ERβ4 variant induce transformation of the normal breast mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A; the ERβ variants ERβ2, ERβ4 and ERβ5 increase aggressiveness of TNBC by regulation of hypoxic signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-10.

Gate-Controlled Spin-Valley Locking of Resident Carriers in WSe_{2} Monolayers

Using time-resolved Kerr rotation, we measure the spin-valley dynamics of resident electrons and holes in single charge-tunable monolayers of the archetypal transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductor WSe_{2}. In the n-type regime, we observe long (∼130  ns) polarization relaxation of electrons that is sensitive to in-plane magnetic fields B_{y}, indicating spin relaxation. In marked contrast, extraordinarily long (∼2  μs) polarization relaxation of holes is revealed in the p-type regime, which is unaffected by B_{y}, directly confirming long-standing expectations of strong spin-valley locking of holes in the valence band of monolayer TMDs. Supported by continuous-wave Kerr spectroscopy and Hanle measurements, these studies provide a unified picture of carrier polarization dynamics in monolayer TMDs, which can guide design principles for future valleytronic devices.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in infertile women

BACKGROUND

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) has a profound impact on the reproductive health of patients including infertility. Conventional diagnostic techniques have low sensitivity and specificity as well as long turnaround time. There is a need of developing newer, rapid and practically adaptable technique, especially in low-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

To standardize and evaluate loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for diagnosis of FGTB.

METHODS

A total of 300 endometrial biopsy samples from infertile females were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, Lowenstein-Jensen culture, automated culture (BACTEC mycobacterial growth indicator tube), histopathological examination (HPE), nucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and LAMP technique. Composite gold standard (either smear/culture/HPE/PCR positive) was considered for calculation of outcome parameters.

RESULTS

The observed sensitivities of ZN smear, culture, HPE, PCR and LAMP were 2.94%, 10.29%, 8.82%, 95.59% and 66.18%, respectively. Overall concordance between PCR and LAMP was 63%, which shows a good agreement.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to evaluate LAMP in the diagnosis of FGTB and found it to be a rapid and convenient technique, especially in low resource endemic settings.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: an unusual case of chronic diarrhoea in a child

Most cases of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) are described in adults. It is a rare disorder in childhood. Most cases present with abdominal pain due to peptic ulceration and chronic diarrhoea not responding to general measures. The symptom complex is initially confused with other more common diseases, which lead to a delay in diagnosis. We present a rare case of a-12-year boy who initially presented with abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and progressive weight loss for over a two-year period before he was finally diagnosed as a case of ZES with the primary tumour in the pancreatic head and with multiple metastasis in both the liver and lymph nodes.

Image-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of deep-seated enlarged lymph nodes

Purpose: To evaluate the role of image-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of deep-seated lymph nodes.

Material and Methods: Image-guided FNACs were performed on 242 patients of deep-seated lymph nodes which included thoracic, retroperitoneal and abdominal nodes. A sterile 3.5/5-MHz micro convex sector probe was used for localisation of the node. The FNAC was performed using a 0.7- to 0.9-mm needle with the stylet removed and attached to a 20-ml syringe and FNAC handle after the needle was visualised in the lesion. For each case a minimum of 4-5 smears were made, and two observers without bias interpreted the smears.

Results: A total of 242 patients were aspirated, of which 216 (90%) aspirations were US-guided and the remaining 26 (10%) were CT-guided. Adequate material for cytologic diagnosis was obtained in 208 (86%) patients with a similar diagnostic accuracy. The aspirate material was non-representative or scanty in 34 (14%) patients. The most common cytological diagnosis was tuberculosis/consistent with tuberculosis seen in 108 (45%) patients followed by metastasis (17%) and reactive hyperplasia (10%). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed in 22 (9%) patients. All patients were briefly followed for a period of 1 1/2 to 2 years (mean 1 year).

Conclusion: Image-guided FNAC has a pivotal role, and is a cost-effective tool for establishing tissue diagnosis as a primary investigative modality. It is also helpful and accurate in follow-up of patients with a known malignant disease, thereby avoiding surgical intervention.

Morphometric analysis of endometrial cells in liquid-based cervical cytology samples

BACKGROUND

Exfoliated endometrial cells can be seen in cervical smears in association with a wide variety of conditions ranging from normal proliferative endometrium to endometrial malignancies. It is often difficult to differentiate between benign, atypical and malignant endometrial cells using cytomorphology alone. This study was conducted to evaluate if morphometric analysis of endometrial nuclei on liquid-based cervical samples could be of help in differentiating between these endometrial cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three groups of cervical samples with histopathological correlation were selected: Group A: showing benign endometrial cells; Group B: showing atypical endometrial cells and Group C: showing malignant endometrial cells. There were 30 cases each in Group A and B and 39 cases in Group C. Image J, NIH, USA was used for selecting the endometrial nuclei and performing the morphometric measurements. MANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean nuclear area and nuclear perimeter were significantly different between the three groups of endometrial cells with a P-value <0.05. However, the mean standard deviation of the nuclear area (SDNA) was not significantly different between atypical and malignant endometrial cells (P = 0.765) and the mean nuclear diameter was not statistically different between benign and atypical cells (P = 0.112). Also, the difference in the mean integrated gray density amongst all three groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.397, 0.844, 0.732).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the morphometric parameters of the nuclear area and nuclear perimeter are helpful in differentiating between benign, atypical and malignant endometrial nuclei even in liquid-based cervical cytology samples.

Significance of epithelial cell clusters in pseudomyxoma peritonei

BACKGROUND

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by distension of the peritoneum by jelly-like ascites. Cytological evaluation of peritoneal fluid is often an initial diagnostic test for possible ovarian and/or appendiceal primary tumours.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The present work was conducted to study the usefulness of peritoneal fluid cytomorphology in the early diagnosis of PMP and to evaluate the significance of the presence of epithelial cell (EC) clusters and their prognostic implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the detailed cytological features of 21 cases of PMP retrospectively. Both conventional and liquid-based cytology smears of peritoneal fluid were reviewed, cytological features were compared with histological findings and cases were classified into disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis (DPAM) and peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA).

RESULTS

In our study, the common causes of PMP were primary gastrointestinal malignancies (appendix and colorectal, 57.14%), followed by primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms (28.57%) and synchronous ovarian and appendicular tumours (14.28%). Thick mucinous material was present in all cases (100%). ECs were present in 18 of 21 (85.17%) patients, with mild nuclear atypia in the majority of cases. Histiocytes, mesothelial cells and fibroblast-like, spindle-shaped cells with entrapped mucin were also noted in the background. The cases of PMCA showed greater numbers of EC clusters in cytology smears and these patients had recurrent episodes of PMP.

CONCLUSION

On cytomorphology, high-grade tumours were more cellular and frequently showed EC clusters with moderate to severe atypia, prominent nucleoli and mitosis, and were more prone to PMCA.

Strong Quantum Coherence between Fermi Liquid Mahan Excitons

In modulation doped quantum wells, the excitons are formed as a result of the interactions of the charged holes with the electrons at the Fermi edge in the conduction band, leading to the so-called "Mahan excitons." The binding energy of Mahan excitons is expected to be greatly reduced and any quantum coherence destroyed as a result of the screening and electron-electron interactions. Surprisingly, we observe strong quantum coherence between the heavy hole and light hole excitons. Such correlations are revealed by the dominating cross-diagonal peaks in both one-quantum and two-quantum two-dimensional Fourier transform spectra. Theoretical simulations based on the optical Bloch equations where many-body effects are included phenomenologically reproduce well the experimental spectra. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations provide insight into the underlying physics and attribute the observed strong quantum coherence to a significantly reduced screening length and collective excitations of the many-electron system.

Efficacy of modified rapid economic acetic acid-based Papanicolaou stain

BACKGROUND

Papanicolaou (Pap) staining is used with various modifications for the staining of cervical smears. It gives a good contrast with sharp nuclear features which aid in accurate interpretation. However, it utilises ethyl alcohol, which is expensive and difficult to purchase. We have attempted to devise a rapid Pap technique which uses acetic acid instead of ethyl alcohol, and yet provides good staining for correct diagnosis.

METHODS

Liquid-based cytology samples were collected from 102 patients as a part of routine screening. Two smears were prepared from each sample, which were stained with conventional as well as rapid Pap. In the rapid Pap method, the smears were fixed in methanol and dehydration was performed before and after OG6 with 0.5% acetic acid. The final dehydration was performed with methanol. Smears from both techniques were compared by two independent observers for staining quality.

RESULTS

With the rapid Pap stain, nuclear staining was comparable with that of conventional Pap (P < 0.05). Cytoplasmic staining was optimal in 69.6% of cases; however, the suboptimal staining in the rest of the smears did not pose any diagnostic problem.

CONCLUSION

The rapid Pap technique is a cost-effective alternative to conventional Pap which also saves time and provides good staining quality without compromising the diagnostic interpretation.

Optical Coherence in Atomic-Monolayer Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides Limited by Electron-Phonon Interactions

We systematically investigate the excitonic dephasing of three representative transition-metal dichalcogenides, namely, MoS_{2}, MoSe_{2}, and WSe_{2} atomic monolayer thick and bulk crystals, in order to gain a proper understanding of the factors that determine the optical coherence in these materials. Coherent nonlinear optical spectroscopy and temperature dependent absorption, combined with theoretical calculations of the phonon spectra, indicate electron-phonon interactions, to be the limiting factor. Surprisingly, the excitonic dephasing, differs only slightly between atomic monolayers and high quality bulk crystals, which indicates that material imperfections are not the limiting factor in atomically thin monolayer samples. The temperature dependence of the electronic band gap and the excitonic linewidth combined with "ab initio" calculations of the phonon energies and the phonon density of states reveal a strong interaction with the E' and E" phonon modes.

Abstract P3-04-04: Estrogen receptor β5 increases aggressiveness of the triple negative breast cancer cell line SUM159

Recent clinical studies are indicating that the estrogen receptor β variant β5 (ERβ5) expression correlates to worse prognosis. We wanted to know if expression of ERβ5 is changing the growth behavior of the triple negative cell line SUM159. Estrogen receptor β5 is highly similar to estrogen receptor β1 except for a truncated C-terminus making the remaining ligand binding domain incapable of binding to estrogen. In addition a 4 amino acid unique peptide is added to the C-terminal end. Stably expressing ERβ5 using a transposon integrated tetracycline regulated expression system we find that expression of ERβ5 increases proliferation of the triple negative SUM159 cells especially in reduced serum condition compared to control cells. Since SUM159 have been shown to depend on autocrine stimulation for growth we are suggesting that expression of ERβ5 is affecting the production of autocrine growth factors.

Citation Format: Faria M, Tin-U C, Dey P, Gustafsson J-A, Strom AM. Estrogen receptor β5 increases aggressiveness of the triple negative breast cancer cell line SUM159. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-04-04.

Biexciton formation and exciton coherent coupling in layered GaSe

Nonlinear two-dimensional Fourier transform (2DFT) and linear absorption spectroscopy are used to study the electronic structure and optical properties of excitons in the layered semiconductor GaSe. At the 1s exciton resonance, two peaks are identified in the absorption spectra, which are assigned to splitting of the exciton ground state into the triplet and singlet states. 2DFT spectra acquired for co-linear polarization of the excitation pulses feature an additional peak originating from coherent energy transfer between the singlet and triplet. At cross-linear polarization of the excitation pulses, the 2DFT spectra expose a new peak likely originating from bound biexcitons. The polarization dependent 2DFT spectra are well reproduced by simulations using the optical Bloch equations for a four level system, where many-body effects are included phenomenologically. Although biexciton effects are thought to be strong in this material, only moderate contributions from bound biexciton creation can be observed. The biexciton binding energy of ∼2 meV was estimated from the separation of the peaks in the 2DFT spectra. Temperature dependent absorption and 2DFT measurements, combined with "ab initio" theoretical calculations of the phonon spectra, indicate strong interaction with the A1 (') phonon mode. Excitation density dependent 2DFT measurements reveal excitation induced dephasing and provide a lower limit for the homogeneous linewidth of the excitons in the present GaSe crystal.

First Report of Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) Naturally Occurring on Jute (Corchorus olitorius) in India

Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is an important bast fiber crop that is mainly grown in the Southeast Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and a few South American countries. In June 2013, symptoms suggestive of a viral disease were noticed on jute (cv. JRO524) in an experimental field of the CRIJAF research farm, Barrackpore, India, and the incidence of the disease was less than 2%. The infected plants showed stunted growth and short height. Mostly the upper leaves elongated with curling and coiling of lamina. Puckering and shoe string effect were also noticed. Petioles and stipules of the affected leaves were exceptionally longer. Although initially the incidence was low, it may spread to larger areas in subsequent years. Because the jute fiber is extracted from the stem, stunted growth and short height would badly affect the fiber yield and quality. Ten symptomatic and ten asymptomatic healthy looking samples were collected from the field. Corchorus golden mosaic begomovirus is common in jute; therefore, all the samples were tested by PCR using JMFL-AF/JMFL-AR, DNA-A component specific primer pair and JMFL-BF/JMFL-BR, DNA-B component specific primer pairs (1). However, there was no amplification. Because the aphid Aphis gossypii was often noticed in the jute field, all the samples were tested by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA for common aphid transmitted viruses, e.g., Cucumber mosaic virus, Bean common mosaic virus, Cowpea mosaic virus, Papaya ring spot virus, Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), Potato virus Y, and Watermelon mosaic virus using commercial diagnostic kits (Agdia). The symptomatic samples showed positive reaction only for PLRV. Five ELISA-positive samples and five asymptomatic healthy samples were used for RNA extraction. Total RNA was extracted by using QIAGEN RNeasy mini kit. RT-PCR was carried out with PLRV CP gene specific primer pair (3) which generated a cDNA amplicon of 627 bp in all ELISA-positive symptomatic samples. PLRV was not detected in symptomless samples. The five purified cDNA products were cloned in a pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega) and were sequenced. One of the five identical sequences was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF233880). The consensus sequence was analyzed by NCBI BLAST and found to share 99% similarity with the coat protein sequence of PLRV reference strain (S77421). Nucleotide span and ORF finder (NCBI) analysis indicated the 627-bp PCR amplicon coded part of a coat protein gene that had 100% identity with translated gene product (Protein ID AAB33483). PLRV is a small isometric RNA virus with worldwide distribution belonging to the family Luteoviridae whose natural host range is mainly restricted to solanaceous plants and few plants of other families (2,4). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PLRV naturally occurring on jute (C. olitorius). References: (1) R. Ghosh et al. J. Virol. Methods 159:34, 2009. (2) S. Guyader and D. G. Ducray. J. Gen. Virol. 83:1799, 2002. (3) M. A. Mayo et al. J. Gen. Virol. 70:1037, 1989. (4) K. Mukherjee et al. Virus Genes 26:247, 2003.

Exploring two-dimensional electron gases with two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy

The dephasing of the Fermi edge singularity excitations in two modulation doped single quantum wells of 12 nm and 18 nm thickness and in-well carrier concentration of ∼4 × 10(11) cm(-2) was carefully measured using spectrally resolved four-wave mixing (FWM) and two-dimensional Fourier transform (2DFT) spectroscopy. Although the absorption at the Fermi edge is broad at this doping level, the spectrally resolved FWM shows narrow resonances. Two peaks are observed separated by the heavy hole/light hole energy splitting. Temperature dependent "rephasing" (S1) 2DFT spectra show a rapid linear increase of the homogeneous linewidth with temperature. The dephasing rate increases faster with temperature in the narrower 12 nm quantum well, likely due to an increased carrier-phonon scattering rate. The S1 2DFT spectra were measured using co-linear, cross-linear, and co-circular polarizations. Distinct 2DFT lineshapes were observed for co-linear and cross-linear polarizations, suggesting the existence of polarization dependent contributions. The "two-quantum coherence" (S3) 2DFT spectra for the 12 nm quantum well show a single peak for both co-linear and co-circular polarizations.

First Report of a 16Sr I-B Phytoplasma Associated with Phyllody and Stem Fasciation of Flax (Linum usitatissimum) in India

Flax or linseed is grown as a fiber or oilseed crop in tropical and temperate regions. It is commercially cultivated in many countries of the world including Canada, China, India, the United States, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Russia, Poland, and Argentina (1). In December 2013, symptoms suggestive of phytoplasma infection were noticed on flax in different experimental fields of Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF) research farm, Barrackpore, India, and the incidence was less than 2%. Because incidence of phytoplasma diseases are increasing worldwide, occurrence of a phytoplasma in a new geographical area poses an imminent threat. The infected plants showed floral virescence, phyllody, and stem fasciation (flattened stem). Floral malformation was very conspicuous with abnormal structures replacing normal flowers. All the floral parts, including petals, turned into green leaves. Total DNA was extracted from leaf mid veins of three symptomatic and three asymptomatic plants using a DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen). PCR was carried out with the phytoplasma-specific universal P1/P7 primer set followed by nested primer pair R16F2n/R16R2 (2), resulting in DNA amplicons that were 1.8 kb and 1.2 kb, respectively, in all symptomatic samples tested. No amplification was observed with DNA from symptomless samples. This suggested association of a phytoplasma with the disease. The five purified nested PCR products were cloned in a pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega) and sequenced. One of the sequences that proved to be identical to the others was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KJ417660). The consensus sequence was analyzed by NCBI BLAST and found to share 99% similarity with the 16Sr DNA sequence of the 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' reference strain (GenBank HQ828108), which belongs to 16SrI group. The phylogenetic tree based on 16SrDNA sequence of phytoplasmas belonging to group 16SrI and other distinct phytoplasma groups also showed that the phytoplasma clustered with members of group 16SrI (3). The nested PCR product of R16F2n/R16R2 was digested using restriction enzymes AluI, BfaI, BstU, HhaI, HpaI, KpnI, MseI, and RsaI. The RFLP patterns were compared with those of known phytoplasma strains (2) and they matched the patterns for aster yellows subgroup B (16Sr I-B). Subsequently, the iPhyClassifier 16Sr group/subgroup classification based on similarity (4) analyses showed that the studied strain had 16SrDNA sequences in the 16SrI-B group with a similarity coefficient of 1.00. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of 16SrI-B phytoplasma associated with flax in India. References: (1) K. P. Akhtar et al. Phytoparasitica 41:383, 2013. (2) I. M. Lee et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 54:337, 2004. (3) N. Saitou and M. Nei. Mol. Biol. Evol. 4:406, 1987. (4) Y. Zhao et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 59:2582, 2009.

Novel role of pancreatic differentiation 2 in facilitating self-renewal and drug resistance of pancreatic cancer stem cells

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute towards disease aggressiveness and drug resistance. Specific identification of CSC maintenance genes and targeting can improve the efficiency of currently available treatment modalities. Pancreatic differentiation 2 (PD2) has a major role in the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells. In the present study, we investigated the role of PD2 in pancreatic CSCs.

METHODS

Characterisation of CSCs and non-CSCs from mouse models, pancreatic cancer cells and human tissues by CSC and self-renewal marker analysis using confocal assay. Effect of PD2 knockdown in CSCs (after gemcitabine treatment) was studied by immunoblot and apoptosis assays.

RESULTS

A subpopulation of cells displayed PD2 overexpression in mouse (Kras(G12D); Pdx1-Cre and Kras(G12D); Trp53(R172H/+); Pdx1-Cre) and human pancreatic tumours, which co-express CSC markers. Cancer stem cells exhibited elevated expression of PD2 and self-renewal markers, such as Oct3/4, Shh and β-catenin. Gemcitabine treatment maintained the CSC population with simultaneous maintenance of PD2 and CSC marker expression. Knockdown of PD2 in CSCs resulted in reduced viability of cells and enhanced apoptosis along with abrogated expression of CD133 and MDR2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that PD2 is a novel CSC maintenance protein, loss of which renders the CSCs more susceptible to drug-induced cell death.

Experiences of women referred for urgent assessment of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB)

Women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) are referred for specialist assessment within 2 weeks of presentation to their GP. No research has previously examined women's experiences of expedited referral. This was investigated in the present study using questionnaires (6-item State Anxiety Inventory (6-STAI)) and focus groups. A total of 55 women completed questionnaires. Results showed high levels of anxiety at first hospital visit (mean 47.0 (SD 14.27); 95% CI 43.14-50.93). Scores declined by 90 days, but were higher in those not undergoing hysteroscopy. Fifteen women who underwent hysteroscopy attended focus groups. Women recalled fear of cancer from symptom onset until receipt of results. Anxiety was exacerbated by poor knowledge of PMB and lack of awareness of expedited referral. Post-discharge, those with unexplained or recurrent symptoms expressed frustration and upset. Effective strategies to raise awareness of PMB and its causes are needed, including reasons for expedited referral. Women without cancer may also need more support.

First Report of a 16SrV-C Phytoplasma Causing Little Leaf and Bunchy Top of Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius) in India

Jute is the most important phloem fiber crop of the world, and is mainly grown in the South East Asian countries of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar, and few South American countries. The fiber is used in making sacks, ropes, bags, carpets, shoes, geo-textiles, and home decorations. There are two kinds of jute: tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) and white jute (C. capsularis). In June 2012, symptoms suggestive of phytoplasma infection (little leaf and bunchy top) were noticed on tossa jute in different experimental fields of the CRIJAF research farm, Barrackpore, India, and the incidence of the disease varied from 5 to 20%. The infected plants showed profuse lateral branching with a bushy appearance. In many plants, branching at the apical portion developed a bunchy top symptom with tufts of smaller leaves. Leafy stem was also common in many plants with main stems covered with numerous little leaves. Total DNA was extracted from leaf midveins of 15 symptomatic and 5 asymptomatic plants by using an improved salt concentration and simple sodium acetate CTAB method (1). PCR was carried out with universal P1/P7 primer set followed by nested primer pair R16F2n/R16R2 (3), resulting in DNA amplicons that were 1.8 kb and 1.2 kb, respectively, in all symptomatic samples tested. Phytoplasma was not detected in symptomless samples. The five purified nested products were cloned in a pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega) and sequenced. One of the sequences that proved to be identical was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF501045). The consensus sequence was analyzed by NCBI BLAST and found to share 99% similarity with the 16Sr DNA sequence of the alder yellows phytoplasma reference strain (GenBank Accession No. AY028789), which belongs to the 16SrV group. The phylogenetic tree based on the 16SrDNA sequence of phytoplasmas belonging to group 16SrV and other distinct phytoplasma groups also showed that the phytoplasma clustered with members of subgroup 16SrV (4). Subsequently, in silico RFLP analysis of the nested PCR product with the pDRAW32 program using AluI and TruI restriction site used for 16SrV subgroups A, B, C, D, and E indicated that the 16SrV Corchorus strain belonged to subgroup C. RFLP patterns from all symptomatic C. olitorius samples were identical to the 16SrV-C pattern (2). The vector species transmitting the concerned phytoplasma in C. olitorius still needs to be identified. The leaf hopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula, may be a potential vector as it is often noticed in jute fields. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of 16SrV-C phytoplasma associated with tossa jute (C. olitorius) in India. Initiative has to be taken to manage this disease; otherwise, branching of the main stems would badly affect the fiber quality as well as yield. References: (1) C. Biswas et al. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 56:105, 2012. (2) B. Duduk et al. J. Phytopathology 152:575, 2004. (3) I. M. Lee et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 54:337, 2004. (4) N. Saitou and M. Nei. Mol. Biol. Evol. 4:406, 1987.