Spatially encoded pure-shift diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy yielded by chirp excitation

Spatially-encoded diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (SPEN-DOSY) has emerged as a new time-efficient tool for the analysis of mixtures of small molecules in solution. Time efficiency is achieved using the concept of spatial parallelization of the effective gradient area, instead of the sequential incrementation used in conventional diffusion experiments. The data acquired with such sequences are then usually processed to extract diffusion coefficients, but cases when peak overlap in the 1H spectrum are difficult to address. Such limitation in conventional diffusion experiments is addressed via using the Pure Shift Yielded by CHirp Excitation (PSYCHE)-iDOSY sequence. Here we have adapted the PSYCHE-iDOSY sequence by using echo planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) to acquire SPEN-DOSY data. The pure shift mode of PSYCHE separates the overlapped components and a modified Stejskal-Tanner equation is used to extract the corresponding diffusion coefficient. The primary results obtained with the above-mentioned mixtures seem to open the possibility of separating complex mixtures in less time than PSYCHE-iDOSY.

Hsc70 phosphorylation patterns and calmodulin regulate AP2 Clathrin-Coated-Vesicle life span for cell adhesion protein transport

AP2 forms AP2 CCV with clathrin and over 60 additional coat proteins. Due to this complexity, we have a limited understanding of CCV life cycle regulation. Synapses contain canonical AP2 CCV, canCCV, and more stable, thereby longer lived, AP2 CCV. The more stable AP2 CCV can be distinguished from canCCV due to the stable binding of Hsc70 to clathrin. The AP1/σ1B complex knockout leads to impaired synaptic vesicle recycling and altered endosomal protein sorting. This causes as a secondary phenotype the twofold upregulation of endocytosis by canCCV and by more stable AP2 CCV. These stable CCV are more stabilized than their wt counterpart, hence stCCV. They have less of the uncoating proteins synaptojanin1 and Hsc70, and more of the coat stabilizing AAK1. Hsc70 clathrin dissociation activity is regulated by complex phosphorylation patterns. Two major groups of hyper- and of hypo-phosphorylated Hsc70 proteins are formed. The latter are enriched in wt stable CCV and stabilized stCCV. Hsc70 T265 phosphorylation regulates binding of CaM/Ca2+. CaM/Ca2+ binding to the T265 domain blocks Hsc70 homodimerization and its concentration in stCCV required for clathrin disassembly. Kinases DYRK1A and CaMK-IIδ can phosphorylate T265 preventing CaM/Ca2+ binding. Their and the levels of STK38L and STK39/Cab39, which are able to phosphorylate additional Hsc70 residues are reduced in stCCV. The stCCV pathway sorts specifically the cell adhesion proteins CHL1 and Neurocan, supporting our model of that the stCCV pathway fulfills specific functions in synaptic plasticity.

Development and Evaluation of an Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Formulation Valorized from Fruit Peels

Hand sanitizer usage has proven to be a common and practical method for reducing the spread of infectious diseases which can be caused by many harmful pathogens. There is a need for alcohol-free hand sanitizers because most hand sanitizers on the market are alcohol-based, and regular use of them can damage the skin and can be hazardous. India is the world's largest producer of fruits and one of the major problems after fruit consumption is their peels, causing waste management problems and contributing to the formation of greenhouse gases leading to air pollution and adding to the problem of climate change. Valorization of such wastes into other value-added products and their incorporation into formulations of eco-friendly alcohol-free hand sanitizers would solve these issues, save the environment, benefit the society, and help in achieving the sustainable development goals. Thus, this research focuses on formulating an effective natural alcohol-free hand sanitizer that harnesses the antimicrobial properties of the various types of bioactive components found in fruit peels of pomegranate, sweet lime, and lemon. The peel extracts and the formulated sanitizer proved considerable antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic Escherichia coli and hand microflora. Molecular docking was also applied to examine ligand-protein interaction patterns and predict binding conformers and affinity of the sanitizer phytocompounds towards target proteins in COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia viruses. The binding affinities and the protein-ligand interactions virtual studies revealed that the sanitizer phytocompounds bind with the amino acids in the target proteins' active sites via hydrogen bonding interactions. As a result, it is possible to formulate a natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizer from fruit peels that is effective against pathogenic germs and viruses using the basic structure of these potential findings.

Single-Scan Ultraselective NMR Experiments with Preserved Sensitivity

Selective NMR experiments provide rapid access to important structural information, and are essential to tackle the analysis of large molecules and complex mixtures. Single-scan ultraselective experiments are particularly useful, as they can rapidly select signals that overlap with other signals. Here, we describe a novel type of single-scan ultraselective NMR experiments that is robust against the effects of translational molecular diffusion, and thus make it possible to improve significantly the sensitivity of the experiment. This will largely broaden the applicability of this powerful class of experiments.

Accounting for gradient non-uniformity in spatially-encoded diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy

Diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) is a powerful tool for the analysis of mixtures. Spatially-encoded (SPEN) DOSY makes it possible to collect a complete DOSY data set in a single scan, through spatial parallelisation of the gradient dimension. One limitation of current SPEN DOSY experiments is that the data is analysed assuming that the field gradient is uniform over the sample. This is usually not the case for high resolution NMR probes, and even less for triple-axis gradient probes. In this work, we have developed methods to account for gradient non-uniformity in the processing of SPEN DOSY experiment. We have first mapped the field gradient, using a stimulated echo (STE) NMR sequence with a weak readout gradient. We have then modified the calculation of the position-dependent effective gradient pulse area that is used in the analysis of SPEN DOSY data. The resulting model was validated through numerical simulations. A comparison of results obtained with and without inclusion of the effect of non-uniform gradients shows that the proposed approach increases the accuracy of SPEN DOSY experiments.

AN EVALUATION OF ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION PRACTICES: PERSPECTIVES OF VETERINARY TRAINEES AND PRACTICING VETERINARIANS

Antibiotic resistance is a major worldwide problem that has an impact on the well-being of humans as well as animals. Antibiotic resistance is caused by the misuse and excessive use of antibiotics. The key to reducing this issue lies in educating veterinary medical learners on the proper and accountable utilization of antibiotics for the care of animals. Objective - using awareness-raising and instruction as the foundation, this research of Indian veterinary learners can help resolve the issue of antibiotic resistance throughout the care of animals. The questionnaire survey was taken between June and July 2022 and it was aimed at learners registered in veterinary medical studies at academic and research institutions in India. The study included 500 pupils overall. The purpose of the survey was to gather information about students' knowledge of antibiotics, including antibiotic resistance, as well as their feelings on the consequences of antibiotic resistance on the globe at large and their acquaintance with the one health ideology. According to this study's findings, 83.3 percent of respondents thought antibiotic resistance was a serious problem. 57.92 percent of respondents understood the issue's worldwide consequences and its one health ideology. The study emphasizes the significance of expanding the veterinary educational program to include thorough instruction on prudent antibiotic usage and the concepts of one health.

EXPLORING CLINICAL VARIATIONS AND CO-MORBID TRENDS IN PD-MCI GROUPS

Parkinson's Disease in Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI) is a complex condition characterized by a variety of cognitive problems that coexist with the physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aims to examine the different medical indicators and associated tendencies among different PD-MCI groups. We investigated 132 people who had been given PD-MCI diagnoses. Utilizing SPSS, statistical evaluations are carried out. In overall PD-MCI variants, this investigation found that visuospatial ability and attentional/executive performance are the most impaired cognitive areas. It was also noticed that distinct PD-MCI groups had variances in their neurological characteristics, in multi domain amnesia (Non-Memory) PD-MCI patients exhibiting especially severe issues with unstable posture and walking. The intricacy of PD- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is highlighted by those results, which also imply that the interplay between mental and physical signs may be controlled by a number of interrelated factors, such as particular cognitive areas, brain surfaces, and the general level of cognitive impairment.

Cancer-associated mesothelial cells are regulated by the anti-Müllerian hormone axis

Cancer-associated mesothelial cells (CAMCs) in the tumor microenvironment are thought to promote growth and immune evasion. We find that, in mouse and human ovarian tumors, cancer cells express anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) while CAMCs express its receptor AMHR2, suggesting a paracrine axis. Factors secreted by cancer cells induce AMHR2 expression during their reprogramming into CAMCs in mouse and human in vitro models. Overexpression of AMHR2 in the Met5a mesothelial cell line is sufficient to induce expression of immunosuppressive cytokines and growth factors that stimulate ovarian cancer cell growth in an AMH-dependent way. Finally, syngeneic cancer cells implanted in transgenic mice with Amhr2-/- CAMCs grow significantly slower than in wild-type hosts. The cytokine profile of Amhr2-/- tumor-bearing mice is altered and their tumors express less immune checkpoint markers programmed-cell-death 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4). Taken together, these data suggest that the AMH/AMHR2 axis plays a critical role in regulating the pro-tumoral function of CAMCs in ovarian cancer.

Theoretical analysis of flow effects in spatially encoded diffusion NMR

The measurement of translational diffusion coefficients by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is essential in a broad range of fields, including organic, inorganic, polymer, and supramolecular chemistry. It is also a powerful method for mixture analysis. Spatially encoded diffusion NMR (SPEN DNMR)" is a time efficient technique to collect diffusion NMR data, which is particularly relevant for the analysis of samples that evolve in time. In many cases, motion other than diffusion is present in NMR samples. This is, for example, the case of flow NMR experiments, such as in online reaction monitoring and in the presence of sample convection. Such motion is deleterious for the accuracy of DNMR experiments in general and for SPEN DNMR in particular. Limited theoretical understanding of flow effects in SPEN DNMR experiments is an obstacle for their broader experimental implementation. Here, we present a detailed theoretical analysis of flow effects in SPEN DNMR and of their compensation, throughout the relevant pulse sequences. This analysis is validated by comparison with numerical simulation performed with the Fokker-Planck formalism. We then consider, through numerical simulation, the specific cases of constant, laminar, and convection flow and the accuracy of SPEN DNMR experiments in these contexts. This analysis will be useful for the design and implementation of fast diffusion NMR experiments and for their applications.

Ultrafast 2D NMR for the analysis of complex mixtures

2D NMR is extensively used in many different fields, and its potential for the study of complex biochemical or chemical mixtures has been widely demonstrated. 2D NMR gives the ability to resolve peaks that overlap in 1D spectra, while providing both structural and quantitative information. However, complex mixtures are often analysed in situations where the data acquisition time is a crucial limitation, due to an ongoing chemical reaction or a moving sample from a hyphenated technique, or to the high-throughput requirement associated with large sample collections. Among the great diversity of available fast 2D methods, ultrafast (or single-scan) 2D NMR is probably the most general and versatile approach for complex mixture analysis. Indeed, ultrafast NMR has undergone an impressive number of methodological developments that have helped turn it into an efficient analytical tool, and numerous applications to the analysis of mixtures have been reported. This review first summarizes the main concepts, features and practical limitations of ultrafast 2D NMR, as well as the methodological developments that improved its analytical potential. Then, a detailed description of the main applications of ultrafast 2D NMR to mixture analysis is given. The two major application fields of ultrafast 2D NMR are first covered, i.e., reaction/process monitoring and metabolomics. Then, the potential of ultrafast 2D NMR for the analysis of hyperpolarized mixtures is described, as well as recent developments in oriented media. This review focuses on high-resolution liquid-state 2D experiments (including benchtop NMR) that include at least one spectroscopic dimension (i.e., 2D spectroscopy and DOSY) but does not cover in depth applications without spectral resolution and/or in inhomogeneous fields.

Deciphering the link between Diabetes mellitus and SARS-CoV-2 infection through differential targeting of microRNAs in the human pancreas

PURPOSE

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and Diabetes mellitus affect each other bidirectionally. However, the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection on the incidence of diabetes is unclear. In the SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, host microRNAs (miRNAs) may target the native gene transcripts as well as the viral genomic and subgenomic RNAs. Here, we investigated the role of miRNAs in linking Diabetes to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the human pancreas.

METHODS

Differential gene expression and disease enrichment analyses were performed on an RNA-Seq dataset of human embryonic stem cell-derived (hESC) mock-infected and SARS-CoV-2-infected pancreatic organoids to obtain the dysregulated Diabetes-associated genes. The miRNA target prediction for the Diabetes-associated gene transcripts and the SARS-CoV-2 RNAs has been made to determine the common miRNAs targeting them. Minimum Free Energy (MFE) analysis was done to identify the miRNAs, preferably targeting SARS-CoV-2 RNAs over the Diabetes-associated gene transcripts.

RESULTS

The gene expression and disease enrichment analyses of the RNA-Seq data have revealed five biomarker genes, i.e., CP, SOCS3, AGT, PSMB8 and CFB that are associated with Diabetes and get significantly upregulated in the pancreas following SARS-CoV-2-infection. Four miRNAs, i.e., hsa-miR-298, hsa-miR-3925-5p, hsa-miR-4691-3p and hsa-miR-5196-5p, showed preferential targeting of the SARS-CoV-2 genome over the cell's Diabetes-associated messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the human pancreas.

CONCLUSION

Our study proposes that the differential targeting of the Diabetes-associated host genes by the miRNAs may lead to diabetic complications or new-onset Diabetes that can worsen the condition of COVID-19 patients.

Quadratic spacing of the effective gradient area for spatially encoded diffusion NMR

Diffusion NMR experiments rely on the measurement of signal attenuation as a function of the area of diffusion-encoding pulsed magnetic-field gradients. In conventional experiments, arbitrary series of gradient values can be used, and different gradient spacing strategies have different advantages. Ultrafast diffusion NMR relies on the spatial parallelisation of effective gradient area values to collect full 2D diffusion data sets in a single scan. Until recently, only linear spacing was available. We have shown that quadratic spacing can be achieved using a tailored frequency swept pulse. Here we describe the design of the pulse and validate it with numerical spin simulations, that make it possible to check the effect of the quadratic spacing pulse at different stages of the pulse sequence. We also show that quadratic spacing makes it possible to use a recently reported analysis method for diffusion NMR, the Matrix Pencil Method. We describe the results obtained with the MPM and those obtained with the direct exponential curve resolution algorithm (DECRA), which also requires quadratic gradient spacing. Overall, these developments open new opportunities for applications of spatially encoded diffusion experiments, such as ultrafast DOSY NMR and ultrafast Laplace NMR.

Optimisation of spatially-encoded diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy for the analysis of mixtures

Diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY NMR) is a widely used method for the analysis of mixtures. It can be used to separate the spectra of a mixture's components and to analyse interactions. The classic implementation of DOSY experiments, based on an incrementation of the diffusion-encoding gradient area, requires several minutes or more to collect a 2D data set. Spatially-encoded (SPEN) DOSY makes it possible to collect a complete data set in less than 1 s, by spatial parallelisation of the effective gradient area. While several short descriptions of SPEN DOSY experiments have been reported, a thorough characterisation of its features and its practical use is missing, and this hinders the use of the method. Here, we present the unusual principles and implementation of the SPEN DOSY experiment, an understanding of which is useful to make optimal use of the method. The encoding and acquisition steps are described, and the parameter relations that govern the setup of SPEN DOSY experiments are discussed. The influence of key parameters, including on sensitivity, is illustrated experimentally on mixtures of small molecules. This study should be useful for the setup of SPEN DOSY experiments, which are particularly useful for systems that evolve in time.

Salivary parameters and their correlation with neutrophil counts in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is known to render children immuno-deficient. A concomitant suppression of local defence mechanisms, such as saliva may further aggravate the adverse consequences of chemotherapy. The present study was conducted to evaluate alterations in salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity and to correlate these parameters with Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC).

METHODS

A cohort of 43 patients, aged 3-12 years were evaluated for the aforementioned parameters at baseline, post-induction and post-consolidation phases. Salivary collection was done and ANC was measured from routine haematological reports.

RESULTS

A decrease in the salivary parameters was observed at the end of Induction phase as compared to baseline, with a statistically significant decrease in unstimulated salivary flow rates (p < 0.01). Statistically significant positive correlations were found between ANC and salivary flow rate (p = 0.005), pH (p < 0.00) and buffering capacity (p < 0.00). On testing the significance of these correlations, all the values for these parameters were found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Salivary parameters showed derangements over the phases of chemotherapy, with maximum decrease at the end of induction phase. The positive correlations of salivary parameters with ANC of the subjects may be considered indicative of a concomitant immunological compromise in these children.

A mutant wfs1 zebrafish model of Wolfram syndrome manifesting visual dysfunction and developmental delay

Wolfram syndrome (WS) is an ultra-rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder defined by early-onset diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy. The majority of patients harbour recessive mutations in the WFS1 gene, which encodes for Wolframin, a transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum protein. There is limited availability of human ocular and brain tissues, and there are few animal models for WS that replicate the neuropathology and clinical phenotype seen in this disorder. We, therefore, characterised two wfs1 zebrafish knockout models harbouring nonsense wfs1a and wfs1b mutations. Both homozygous mutant wfs1a-/- and wfs1b-/- embryos showed significant morphological abnormalities in early development. The wfs1b-/- zebrafish exhibited a more pronounced neurodegenerative phenotype with delayed neuronal development, progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and clear evidence of visual dysfunction on functional testing. At 12 months of age, wfs1b-/- zebrafish had a significantly lower RGC density per 100 μm2 (mean ± standard deviation; 19 ± 1.7) compared with wild-type (WT) zebrafish (25 ± 2.3, p < 0.001). The optokinetic response for wfs1b-/- zebrafish was significantly reduced at 8 and 16 rpm testing speeds at both 4 and 12 months of age compared with WT zebrafish. An upregulation of the unfolded protein response was observed in mutant zebrafish indicative of increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Mutant wfs1b-/- zebrafish exhibit some of the key features seen in patients with WS, providing a versatile and cost-effective in vivo model that can be used to further investigate the underlying pathophysiology of WS and potential therapeutic interventions.

A randomized controlled trial of restricted versus standard fluid management in late preterm and term infants with transient tachypnea of the newborn

BACKGROUND

Transient tachypnea of the newborn(TTNB) is the most common respiratory morbidity in late preterm and term babies and is pathophysiologically related to delayed lung fluid clearance after birth. Mimicking low physiological fluid intake in the initial period of life may accelerate the recovery from TTNB. In a randomized controlled trial, we compared the roles of restricted versus standard fluid management in babies with TTNB requiring respiratory support.

METHODS

This parallel group,non-blinded, stratified randomized controlled trial was conducted in a level III neonatal unit of eastern India. Late preterm and term babies with TTNB requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were randomly allocated to standard and restricted fluid arms for the first 72 hours (hrs). Primary outcome was CPAP duration.

RESULTS

In total, 100 babies were enrolled in this study with 50 babies in each arm. CPAP duration was significantly less in the restricted arm (48[42, 54] hrs vs 54[48,72] hrs, p = 0.002). However, no difference was observed in the incidence of CPAP failure between the two arms. In the subgroup analysis, the benefit of reduced CPAP duration persisted in late preterm but not in term infants. However, the effect was not significant in the late preterm babies exposed to antenatal steroid.

CONCLUSION

This trial demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of restrictive fluid strategy in reducing CPAP duration in late preterm and term babies with TTNB. Late preterm babies, especially those not exposed to antenatal steroid were the most benefitted by this strategy.

Wire mesh capped DRPS based bronchial dosimeter for personal inhalation dosimetry due to radon progeny

A study has been carried out to experimentally determine the calibration factor (CF) of the passive bronchial dosimeter, which consists of a direct radon progeny sensor capped with a 100-wire mesh. First, the CF was determined in controlled environmental conditions simulated in a calibration chamber. With aerosol concentrations varying from 10⁴p cm^-3to 10⁵p cm^-3and relative humidity varying from 60% to 80% in the chamber, CF was observed to be nearly constant with an average value of (3.8 ± 0.5) × 10^-3mSv tracks^-1cm². Then, the CF was determined in real indoor environments in which it was again observed to be almost constant and the mean value was found to be (5.6 ± 0.1) × 10^-3mSv tracks^-1cm². Pooling all the data on CFs obtained under controlled conditions and in real indoor environments, a lognormal distribution of the CF was observed with a geometric mean and geometric standard deviation of 0.0052 mSv tracks^-1cm²and 1.28 respectively. The experimentally determined value of CF was found to be in close agreement with the theoretically estimated value, taking into consideration the unattached fraction of radon progeny. This dosimeter is passive, cheap, lightweight and, moreover, the CF being stable against environmental variations, will be useful in monitoring inhalation doses due to radon progeny for occupational workers.

Ultrafast diffusion-based unmixing of 1H NMR spectra

We show that the NMR spectra of components in a mixture can be separated using 2D data acquired in less than one second, and an algorithm that is executed in just a few seconds. This NMR unmixing method is based on spatial encoding of the translational diffusion coefficients of the mixture's components, with multivariate processing of the data. This requires a new frequency swept pulse, which is designed and implemented to obtain quadratic spacing of the spatially parallelised gradient dimension. Ultrafast NMR unmixing may help in the analysis of mixtures that evolve in time.

Myths, facts and scope of spinal cord tolerance dose revision in Intensity modulated SIB treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer: A dosimetrical and radiobiological demonstration

PURPOSE

To explore the possibility of revising the spinal cord tolerance dose in Simultaneously Integrated Boost (SIB) intensity modulated treatment plan of locally advanced head and neck (H&N) cancer and assessment of achieved planning gain due to the revision. In SIB regimen, the Organ at Risk (OARs) tolerance dose is equally distributed throughout the treatment. Clinicians have usually considered the spinal cord tolerance to be the same as in conventional technique. However, in SIB fractionation regimen with intensity modulation treatment, the spinal cord may receive a physical dose of 45Gy, with much lesser dose per fraction than 2Gy per fraction. So when the dose of spinal cord is distributed throughout the treatment, the tolerance dose limit of physical dose can be considered higher than the usual conventional dose limits. In this study, an attempt has been made to explore the possibilities of dose escalation and treatment planning benefits while exploiting this "Window of Opportunity (WoO)" of increase in spinal cord and Planning Risk Volume (PRV) spinal cord tolerance dose.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 12 patients CT data set along with approved structure set of H&N cancer used for treatment planning in. Three independent SIB VMAT plans named as SPC, SPR and SPDE were generated for the 12 patients. First plan (SPC) was generated by considering standard spinal cord tissue constraint of maximum dose of 45Gy and PRV spinal cord maximum dose 50Gy as per QUANTEC summary and second plan (SPR) was generated considering spinal cord tissue constraint of maximum dose 52.50Gy and PRV spinal cord maximum dose 56.35Gy while optimization and dose calculation. The objectives for rest of the Organ at Risk (OAR) were kept same in both the plans during optimization and dose calculation. The SPC plan was copied for creation of third plan (SPDE) in which dose was escalated by increasing dose per fraction for target volumes such that dose to spinal cord reached a maximum dose of 52.50Gy and PRV spinal cord maximum dose of 56.35Gy. In this plan there have been changes to only dose per fraction, however dose optimization and dose calculation have not been performed. Radiobiological parameters TCP and NTCP were also calculated by using indigenously developed software.

RESULTS

Considering the increase of spinal cord tolerance dose as "window of opportunity", a sufficient escalation in physical dose, Biological Effective Dose (BED) and Tumor Control Probability (TCP) was observed for all target volumes with acceptable level of NTCP values.

CONCLUSION

Sufficient dose escalation and increased in TCP for target volumes or effective planning benefits can be achieved by revising the spinal cord tolerance dose in intensity modulated SIB treatment of locally advanced H&N cancers.

Case Report of an 18 Year Old Girl with Solid Pseudo-papillary Tumor of Pancreas

Solid Pseudo-papillary Tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare tumor which typically affects young women without any significant clinical symptoms. Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor usually shows an indolent behavior and only rare cases recur and/or metastasize after complete resection. Here is a case report of 18 years old girl who presented to our centre with complaints of severe epigastric pain and underwent pancreatic parenchyma saving surgery for a large pancreatic head mass. In conclusion, Solid Pseudo-papillary Tumor being a large tumor possess a low malignant potential in which R0 resection has excellent prognosis.

ASSESSMENT OF DOSE DUE TO AMBIENT Rn222/Rn220 PROGENY IN DIFFERENT DWELLINGS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE, INDIA

The un-attached part of radon (222Rn) progeny is one of the imperative variables for the definitive evaluation of the effective dose from the radon exposure perspective, and it might fluctuate enormously in various ecological conditions. Therefore, estimate dispersion of 222Rn/220Rn progeny, un-attached part and aerosol concentration was estimated in an indoor domain of Jammu and Kashmir State, India utilizing progeny deposition based sensors. Distinctive sorts of residence were picked up for this exploratory examination and maximum 222Rn and thoron (220Rn) descendants concentration was found in working environments or workplaces when contrasted from other abodes because of low ventilation rate. The average evaluated portions of an unattached for 222Rn and 220Rn are 0.29 and 0.26 and in addition, observed to be most extreme in work environments. The age-dependent dose has furthermore been determined utilizing attached and un-attached 222Rn/220Rn progeny concentrations. The dose to trachea-bronchial region and aerosol concentrations has additionally been estimated.

T11TS immunotherapy potentiates the repressed calcineurin-NFAT signalling pathway of T cells in Cryptococcus neoformans infected rats: a cue towards T-cell activation for antifungal immunity

AIMS

To examine the modulation of the interacting partners of the calcineurin (CaN)-NFAT pathway in T cells during Cryptococcus neoformans fungal infection and post-T11TS immunotherapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Wistar rats were infected with C. neoformans and followed by immunotherapy with immune-potentiator T11TS. T cells were analysed by flow cytometry, immunoblotting and nuclear translocation study. The signalling proteins LCK, FYN, LAT, PLCγ1 and CaN in T cells were regulated by C. neoformans infection resulting in reduced nuclear translocation of NFAT and IL-2 expression. Following T11TS immunotherapy, the expressions of the above-mentioned proteins were boosted and thus resulting in the clearance of C. neoformans from lung and spleen.

CONCLUSIONS

The precise mechanism of suppression of the T-cell function by C. neoformans is still unknown. Previously, we have shown that T11TS positively regulates the function of T cells to abrogate glioma and other immunosuppressive conditions. T11TS immunotherapy increased the expression of the above signalling partners of the CaN-NFAT pathway in T cells and improved nuclear retention of NFAT. As a result, an increased IL-2 expression leads to activation and proliferation of T cells.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results demonstrate the role of T11TS in restoring the CaN-NFAT signalling pathway in T cells. It identifies T11TS as an immunotherapeutic agent with potential clinical outcomes to counteract C. neoformans infection.

ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL EFFECTIVE DOSE FROM EXPOSURE TO NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY SOURCES IN A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN BIHOR COUNTY, ROMANIA

The purpose of the article is to evaluate the annual effective dose for 80 women divided into two samples; one sample located in the former uranium Băiţa-Ştei area, hereinafter referred to as case sample, respectively for a control sample, located in the same county, but exposed in most cases to indoor radon activity concentrations <300 Bq m-3. In this regard, the homemade 'RaThoGamma' kit was used, which contained two thermoluminescent dosimeters, a CR-39 track detector (RSKS) for indoor radon activity concentration, two CR-39 track detectors (Radtrak2®/ Radtrak2T®) for radon and thoron activity concentrations as well as Direct Radon Progeny Sensors/Direct Thoron Progeny Sensors for measuring time-averaged radon and thoron progenies concentrations. In addition, a total of 80 water samples were collected in order to evaluate the ingestion dose due to radon and radium activity concentrations in drinking water. The maximum total annual effective dose in the control sample was 14.1 mSv, while in the case sample the maximum annual effective dose was 60.5 mSv. This difference is mainly due to radon progenies inhalation. Other pathways did not show a statistically significant difference between the two samples, showing a minor contribution to the annual effective dose.

Revealing Signs and Hidden 1H NMR Coupling Constants in Three-Spin Systems Using Long-Lived Coherences

Long-lived coherences (LLCs) in a pair of coupled protons have long lifetimes and hence decreased line width and increased spectral resolution. Fourier transformation of the damped oscillatory decay of the LLC also provides coupling information on the spin system. In a three-spin system, unlike in the two-spin case, the peaks in an LLC spectrum are observed at combinations of the coupling constants. This attribute is used to determine the relative signs of the coupling constants in weakly and strongly coupled model systems. In addition, it is shown that a coupling constant in a three-spin system that is unobservable in the ¹H NMR spectrum, as is the case in bispidinone, a molecule of significance in peptidomimetics, may be determined from the LLC spectrum.

Mechanistic Evaluation of Lipopolysaccharide-Alexidine Interaction Using Spectroscopic and in Silico Approaches

The increasing problem of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria calls for discovery of new molecules and diagnostic methodologies that are effective against a wide range of microbial pathogens. We have studied the role of alexidine dihydrochloride (alex) as a bioaffinity ligand against lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a pathogen-associated surface marker universally present on all Gram-negative bacteria. While the activity of alex against bacteria is biologically known, little information exists on its mechanism of action or binding stoichiometry. We have used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), fluorescence, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopies to probe the binding characteristics of alex and LPS molecules. Our results indicate that LPS:alex stoichiometry lies between 1:2 and 1:4 and has a dissociation constant ( K_D) of 38 μM that is mediated through electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged phosphate groups present on LPS and the positively charged guanidinium groups present in alex. Further, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed to determine the conformational interaction between the two molecules show good agreement with the experimental results, which substantiate the potential of alex molecule for LPS neutralization and hence, development of efficient in vitro diagnostic assays.

Partial trisomy 16q21➔qter due to an unbalanced segregation of a maternally inherited balanced translocation 46,XX,t(15;16)(p13;q21): a case report and review of literature

Background

Partial trisomy is often the result of an unbalanced segregation of a parental balanced translocation. Partial trisomy16q is characterized by a common, yet non-specific group of craniofacial dysmorphic features, and systemic malformations with limited post-natal survival. Most of the cases of partial trisomy 16q described in the scientific literature have reported only one, or less frequently two cardiac defects in the affected babies. Herein, we report a case of partial trisomy 16q21➔qter with multiple and complex cardiac defects that have not previously been reported in association with this condition.

Case presentation

We report the phenotypic and cytogenetic features of a Sri Lankan female infant with partial trisomy 16q21➔qter. The baby had a triangular face with downslanting eyes, low set ears and a cleft palate. Systemic abnormalities included multiple cardiac defects, namely double outlet right ventricle, ostium secundum atrial septal defect, mild pulmonary stenosis, small patent ductus arteriosus, and bilateral superior vena cavae. An anteriorly placed anus was also observed. The proband was trisomic for 16q21➔qter chromosomal region with a karyotype, 46,XX,der(15)t(15;16)(p13;q21)mat. The chromosomal anomaly was the result of an unbalanced segregation of a maternal balanced translocation; 46,XX,t(15;16)(p13;q21). Partial trisomy 16q was established by fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis.

Conclusions

The craniofacial dysmorphic features and the presence of cardiac and anorectal malformation in the proband are consistent with the phenotypic spectrum of partial trisomy 16q reported in the scientific literature. More proximal breakpoints in chromosome 16q are known to be associated with multiple cardiac abnormalities and poor long-term survival of affected cases. This report presents a unique case with multiple, complex cardiac defects that have not previously been described in association with a distal breakpoint in 16q. These findings have important diagnostic and prognostic implications.

Effect of chitosan and acetic acid on the shelf life of sea bass fillets stored at refrigerated temperature

Considering the necessity on the use of chitosan and acetic acid as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, an attempt was made to study their effect on Asian sea bass fillets stored at refrigerated temperature of 4±1°C. The effectiveness of different antimicrobials (Chitosan and Acetic acid) were measured by disk diffusion method against five bacterial strains (E. coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas fragi) with 1% Acetic acid as (T1), 1% Acetic acid + 1% Chitosan as (T2), 1% Acetic acid + 2% Chi-tosan as (T3) and distilled water as control (C).T2 was more effective in inhibiting all the bacteria except Pseudomo-nas fragi. Treatment T1 was found to be more effective against it whereas the action of T3 on the bacterial strains was also effective but less than the other two treatments. Further, antioxidant property of the treatments were measured by DPPH method which indicated that T3 showed highest % of antioxidative activity (3.94%) followed by T1 (3.85%), T2 (2.62%), and C (1.788%).Thus, it is observed that the antioxidant activity was found to be increased with the increasing concentration of chitosan. Application of chitosan and acetic acid coatings on Asian sea bass ( Lates calcarifer) fillets successfully controlled the TVB-N values, PV and TBA values (p<0.05) when compared to control sample and among all the treatments T2 was found to be the best. Coating of chitosan and acetic acid on the fillets also resulted in improvement of sensory scores as well as acceptability under refrigerated condition.

INDOOR RADON, THORON AND THEIR PROGENY CONCENTRATIONS IN HIGH THORON RURAL SERBIA ENVIRONMENTS

This article deals with the variation of radon (Rn), thoron (Tn) and their progeny concentrations expressed in terms of equilibrium equivalent concentrations (EERC and EETC), in 40 houses, in four villages of Sokobanja municipality, Southern Serbia. Two types of passive detectors were used: (1) discriminative radon-thoron detector for simultaneous Rn and Tn gases measurements and (2) direct Tn and Rn progeny sensors (DRPS/DTPS) for measuring Rn and Tn progeny concentrations. Detectors were exposed simultaneously for a single period of 12 months. Variations of Tn and EETC appear higher than those of Rn and EERC. Analysis of the spatial variation of the measured concentrations is also reported. This work is part of a wider survey of Rn, Tn and their progeny concentrations in indoor environments throughout the Balkan region started in 2011 year.

Competition between Polar and Nonpolar Lattice Distortions in Oxide Quantum Wells: New Critical Thickness at Polar Interfaces

Two basic lattice distortions permeate the structural phase diagram of oxide perovskites: antiferrodistortive (AFD) rotations and tilts of the oxygen octahedral network and polar ferroelectric modes. With some notable exceptions, these two order parameters rarely coexist in a bulk crystal, and understanding their competition is a lively area of active research. Here we demonstrate, by using the LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} system as a test case, that quantum confinement can be a viable tool to shift the balance between AFD and polar modes and selectively stabilize one of the two phases. By combining scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and first-principles-based models, we find a crossover between a bulklike LaAlO_{3} structure where AFD rotations prevail, to a strongly polar state with no AFD tilts at a thickness of approximately three unit cells; therefore, in addition to the celebrated electronic reconstruction, our work unveils a second critical thickness, related not to the electronic properties but to the structural ones. We discuss the implications of these findings, both for the specifics of the LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} system and for the general quest towards nanoscale control of material properties.

Deposition and spatial variation of thoron decay products in a thoron experimental house using the Direct Thoron Progeny Sensors

Experiments have been carried out using the deposition-based Direct Thoron Progeny Sensors (DTPS) in a thoron experimental house. The objective was to study the thoron decay product characteristics such as the deposition velocities, spatial variability and dependence on aerosol particle concentrations. Since the deposition velocity is an important characteristic in the calibration of the DTPS, it is very important to study its dependence on aerosol concentration in a controlled environment. At low aerosol concentration (1500 particles/cm³) the mean effective deposition velocity was measured to be 0.159 ± 0.045 m h^-1; at high aerosol concentration (30 000 particles/cm³) it decreased to 0.079 ± 0.009 m h^-1. The deposition velocity for the attached fraction of the thoron decay products did not change with increasing aerosol concentration, showing measurement results of 0.048 ± 0.005 m h^-1 and 0.043 ± 0.014 m h^-1, respectively. At low particle concentration, the effective deposition velocity showed large scattering within the room at different distances from center. The attached fraction deposition velocity remained uniform at different distances from the wall. The measurements in the thoron experimental house can be used as a sensitivity test of the DTPS in an indoor environment with changing aerosol concentration. The uniform spatial distribution of thoron decay products was confirmed within the experimental house. This indicates that direct measurement of thoron decay product concentration should be carried out instead of inferring it from thoron gas concentration, which is very inhomogeneous within the experimental house.

Relativistic Electron Streaming Instabilities Modulate Proton Beams Accelerated in Laser-Plasma Interactions

We report experimental evidence that multi-MeV protons accelerated in relativistic laser-plasma interactions are modulated by strong filamentary electromagnetic fields. Modulations are observed when a preplasma is developed on the rear side of a μm-scale solid-density hydrogen target. Under such conditions, electromagnetic fields are amplified by the relativistic electron Weibel instability and are maximized at the critical density region of the target. The analysis of the spatial profile of the protons indicates the generation of B>10  MG and E>0.1  MV/μm fields with a μm-scale wavelength. These results are in good agreement with three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations and analytical estimates, which further confirm that this process is dominant for different target materials provided that a preplasma is formed on the rear side with scale length ≳0.13λ_{0}sqrt[a_{0}]. These findings impose important constraints on the preplasma levels required for high-quality proton acceleration for multipurpose applications.

Synthetic minimalistic tryptophan zippers as a chiroptical switch

Supramolecular helices with left and right handed chirality were designed and synthesized based on l-tryptophan that undergo helical inversion upon addition of H₂PO₄⁻.

High resolution x-ray Thomson scattering measurements from cryogenic hydrogen jets using the linac coherent light source

We present the first spectrally resolved measurements of x-rays scattered from cryogenic hydrogen jets in the single photon counting limit. The 120 Hz capabilities of the LCLS, together with a novel hydrogen jet design [J. B. Kim et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. (these proceedings)], allow for the ability to record a near background free spectrum. Such high-dynamic-range x-ray scattering measurements enable a platform to study ultra-fast, laser-driven, heating dynamics of hydrogen plasmas. This measurement has been achieved using two highly annealed pyrolytic graphite crystal spectrometers to spectrally resolve 5.5 keV x-rays elastically and inelastically scattered from cryogenic hydrogen and focused on Cornell-SLAC pixel array detectors [S. Herrmann et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 718, 550 (2013)].

MEASUREMENT OF RADON CONCENTRATION IN DWELLINGS IN THE REGION OF HIGHEST LUNG CANCER INCIDENCE IN INDIA

Indoor radon/thoron concentration has been measured in Aizawl district, Mizoram, India, which has the highest lung cancer incidence rates among males and females in India. Simultaneously, radon flux emanated from the surrounding soil of the dwellings was observed in selected places. The annual average value of concentration of radon(thoron) of Aizawl district is 48.8(22.65) Bq m^-3 with a geometric standard deviation of 1.25(1.58). Measured radon flux from the soil has an average value of 22.6 mBq m^-2 s^-1 These results were found to be much below the harmful effect or action level as indicated by the World Health Organisation. On the other hand, food habit and high-level consumption of tobacco and its products in the district have been found to increase the risk of lung cancer incidence in the district.

RADIATION DOSE DUE TO RADON AND HEAVY METAL ANALYSIS IN DRINKING WATER SAMPLES OF JAMMU DISTRICT, JAMMU & KASHMIR, INDIA

In the present investigation, radon concentration and heavy metal analysis were carried out in drinking water samples in Jammu district, Jammu & Kashmir, India. The radon concentration was measured by using RAD-7, portable alpha particle detector. The values of radon concentration in drinking water samples were also compared within the safe limit recommended by different health agencies. The total annual effective dose ranged from 53.04 to 197.29 µSv y^-1 The annual effective dose from few locations from the studied area was found to be greater than the safe limit (100 µSv y^-1) suggested by World Health Organisation (WHO) and EU Council. Heavy metal concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A total of eight elements were analysed, viz. arsenic, mercury, zinc, iron, copper, chromium, manganese and cadmium. Heavy metals are considered to be the major pollutants of water sources. The results were compared with the limits of WHO, EU and Indian organisations. The trace metal analysis is not on the exceeding side of the permissible limit in all the samples.

Snakebite mediated acute kidney injury, prognostic predictors, oxidative and carbonyl stress: A prospective study

Snake bite is an occupational hazard in India and important preventable cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study was done to estimate the magnitude of snakebite-induced AKI (SAKI) who required renal replacement therapy, prognostic predictors, and final outcome, and to measure the oxidative and carbonyl stress (CS) level in SAKI patient who underwent hemodialysis (HD). All SAKI patients dialyzed between April 2010 and July 2011 in NRS Medical College were included. Demographical, clinical, and biochemical data were analyzed, and patients are followed to discharge or death. Oxidative and CS markers (advanced oxidation protein product [AOPP], advanced glycation end product, pentosidine, dityrosine, thioberbituric acid reactive substance, and methylglyoxal [MG]) were measured in 48 SAKI patient requiring HD. About 155 SAKI patients (M: F 2.2:1) received HD. Of them. The age was 36.2 (range 4–74) years. The most common site of the bite was lower limb (88.7%). Oliguria and bleeding manifestation were the common presentation. Hypotension was found in 52 (33.5%) cases, cellulitis and inflammation were found in about 63%. Mean creatinine was 4.56 ± 0.24 mg/dl. About 42 (27.1%) had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). 36 (78.2%) had cellulites, 24 (52.2%) had hypotension or shock at initial presentation (P < 0.05), bleeding manifestation was found in 37 (80.4%), and 22 (47.8%) had DIC (P < 0.05). Forty-six (29.7%) patient died. DIC and hypotension/shock at initial presentation came out as an independent predictor of death. Among all markers measured for oxidative and CS (n = 48) AOPP and MG came out as an independent predictor (P < 0.05) of adverse outcome. Hypotension, DIC, AOPP, and MG were a poor prognostic marker in SAKI patients requiring dialysis.