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Primary endobronchial presentation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is rare in the paediatric age group. We present a 12-year-old boy with breathlessness, fever, cough and weight loss, who was misdiagnosed as a case of tuberculosis and started on antitubercular therapy, which showed no improvement. Chest X-ray showed a completely opacified left hemithorax and chest computed tomography revealed a mass encircling the left main bronchus with collapse– consolidation of the left lung. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed a growth in the left main bronchus. Subsequently, fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy from the mass confirmed it to be a malignancy consistent with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Metastatic work-up revealed no other sites of involvement. Chemotherapy resulted in rapid and complete regression of the tumour. No evidence of local or distant recurrence was reported after 18 months of followup. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of this presentation as prompt diagnosis and treatment can give promising results. This case highlights the importance of timely tissue diagnosis in patients with non-resolving pyrexia and organ lesions on imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nipah virus is a pleomorphic virus that causes high mortality with unpredictable outbreaks. The virus also shows high zoonotic potential with long term neurological damage after recovery further adding to the disease burden. An in-silico epitope-based vaccine offers a promising solution to supplement wider efforts to control the viral spread. This is achieved through immunoinformatics approach using a plethora of servers available. We derived cytotoxic T-cell, T-Helper, B-cell and IFN-γ targeting epitopes from surface glycoprotein G. Cytotoxic T-cell specific epitopes, HLA-B*4402, chimeric multiepitope vaccine structures were prepared using homology modelling method. The structures were validated using various methods and docking simulation was performed between epitopes and HLA-B*4402. Similarly, the vaccine construct was docked to Toll like receptor-4 and a molecular dynamics simulation was performed to assess stability of interaction. Both the docking simulations showed stable interactions with their respective receptors. Immune-simulation was carried out to validate the efficacy of vaccine candidate which showed elevated levels of antibodies such as IgM and IgG due to increase in active B cell population. Both in-vitro and in-vivo serological analysis is required for confirmation of vaccine potency. To facilitate this effort, codon optimization was undertaken to remove existing codon bias. The optimized gene sequence was cloned into the PUC19 vector to express in Escherichia coli K12 strain. Additionally, a poly histidine (6xHis) tag was added at the C-terminal end to ease the purification step. The immune-informatics approach hopes to accelerate vaccine development process to reduce the risk of attenuation while increasing the success rates of pre-clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia(JMML) is a pediatric myeloproliferative disorder. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the only curative treatment for JMML. Pre-transplant therapy is a matter of controversy, and there are no firm recommendations. Whether chemotherapy is effective in achieving durable remission is questionable. Patients diagnosed as JMML at our center from January-2014 to December-2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients treated with at least one cycle of sequential therapy with subcutaneous cytarabine and oral 6-mercaptopurine were further assessed. The total number of patients diagnosed during the study period was 33. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who did not get any chemotherapy (n = 13) and ones who received at least one cycle of chemotherapy(n = 20). Age, total leukocyte count (TLC), monocyte percent, platelet count and spleen size were comparable between the two groups. There was no difference in the overall survival between the two groups, but 6 out of 20 patients showed a response to chemotherapy (2 complete remission, 4 partial remission). Two patients out of 20 underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The patients who achieved complete remission received 12 cycles of chemotherapy and have been in follow up for 28 months and 50 months respectively. Our results showed that sequential therapy with 6-mercaptopurine and cytarabine may be offered to patients in whom HSCT is not feasible or as a bridge therapy in those awaiting HSCT. The advantages of this approach include low cost, out-patient management and decreased requirement of blood components. In a subset of patients it may achieve remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prosthetic rehabilitation in temporomandibular disorders is a challenging task, This article reviews about the present condition and provides the data regarding the treatment needs of the TMD patients and what approach should be followed the practitioner. There has been tremendous development in Evaluating through MRI, it was inferred that the splint therapy through various means reduced the risk of the temporomandibular disorders by eliminating the etiological factor. Furthermore it allowed the patient to cope with the disease such as disk displacement with greater tolerance rate. Moreover, after treatment the patients are likely to cope with disc displacements with larger or smaller tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilia is a common finding in the pediatric age group. While the majority of mild eosinophilia cases are benign and due to reactive causes, persistent hypereosinophilia is uncommon and requires prompt clinical evaluation because of the potential risk of end-organ damage associated with it. Given the broad differential diagnoses of eosinophilia, it is essential to have a systematic approach to the evaluation of unexplained eosinophilia in children. Here, we discuss the case of a 2-year-old child who presented with very high eosinophil counts. A systematic workup of the case helped us in arriving at a rare diagnosis of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRB)-rearranged clonal eosinophilia. Identification of such an entity is important as it has therapeutic implications, and early recognition helps in preventing associated end-organ damage by instituting appropriate therapy. Such cases of eosinophilia associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha and PDGFRB rearrangement respond dramatically to imatinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is being increasingly recognized as a cause of endogenous endophthalmitis in critically ill patients. Three patients were included in this case series. Antibiogram profile in all three cases showed sensitivity to colistin only. All cases were treated with systemic and intravitreal colistin. Although there was clinical improvement, final visual outcome was poor in all cases. Intravitreal colistin can be tried in multidrug resistance cases. Final prognosis depends on early diagnosis and quick institution of appropriate therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The main aim of this article is to prepare and evaluate sodium alginate microparticles and evaluate on the basis of their characterization. The drug is dissolved, encapsulated or attached to a microparticles matrix. Depending upon method of preparation microparticles were obtained. Microparticles were developed as a carrier for vaccines and other disease like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer etc. Microparticles were developed to increase the efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredient to a specific targeted site. Material and Method: Microparticles of Sodium Alginate, Pepsin and Calcium Chloride were prepared in six batches (A-F) with different ratio of sodium alginate and calcium chloride respectively i.e. (0.25:2.5), (0.25:5), (0.25:7.5), (0.5:2.5), (0.5:5), (0.5:7.5) by using a homogenizing method. Microparticles were evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential and morphology. Result and Discussion: The normal particle size of each of the six batches were analyzed by Zeta Sizer (Delsa C Particle Analyzer) and it was found that the Batch B (0.25:5) delivered the best microparticles with size distribution of 1.2731 (μm). All batches were seen under Motic magnifying microscope by using the Sulforhodamine B (M.W. 479.02) color as staining dye. Microparticles was found to be semi spherical in shape. Conclusion: Results of all the six batches was contrasted based on particle size investigation, zeta potential and morphology. Batch B (0.25:5) was considered as the best formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A six-year-old boy presented with multiple skin-colored to erythematous nodules on the face and scalp since infancy. Excisional biopsy from the new lesion on the frontal scalp revealed a spindle cell lesion arranged in short fascicles and whorls in a chondromyxoid background (Figs. a,b). Whole-body diffusion MRI scan done at the time of presentation did not show any lesion at the previous site, but a small 2-cm lesion was noted in the glenoid region of the right scapular bone (Fig.). [Extracted from the article]

Cognitive radio network (CRN) is a promising solution to spectrum scarcity that uses the dynamic spectrum access mechanism to increase the efficiency of the underutilized licensed spectrum. In a CRN, a pair of users exchanges their information at a common unused licensed channel to rendezvous. The rendezvous in all available channels and within the bounded time cycle is a challenging issue in CRNs. In this paper, the primary idea is to construct the channel hopping sequences by using primitive roots of the prime number. For guaranteed rendezvous in CRNs, we design three channel hopping protocols for the symmetric and asymmetric environment in synchronous and asynchronous scenarios of the CRN. Extensive simulation is performed to analyze the throughput, maximum time to rendezvous (MTTR), and average time to rendezvous (ATTR). Simulation results show that our protocols can outperform over the existing protocols and can give significant improvements in terms of MTTR, ATTR, and throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Silver nanoparticles () were prepared from the plant extract of N. arbor-tristis under atmospheric conditions through green synthesis and characterized by various physicochemical techniques like UV-Visible spectroscopy, IR Spectra, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the results confirmed the synthesis of homogeneous and stable by the plant extracts. The antimicrobial activity of was investigated against most common bacteria found in burn wound Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In these tests, Mueller Hinton agar plates were used with of various concentrations, supplemented in liquid systems. P. aeruginosa was inhibited at the low concentration of , whereas the growth-inhibitory effect on S. epidermidis was mild. These results suggest that can be used as effective growth inhibitors of various microorganisms, making them applicable to diverse medical devices and antimicrobial control systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research program, chitosan film was prepared by blending chitosan with Cloisite 30 B at different concentrations 0 wt %, 1 wt %, and 2.5 wt %. The blends were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. From the FTIR spectra the various groups present in chitosan/C 30 B blend were monitored. The homogeneity, morphology, and crystallinity of the blends were ascertained from SEM and XRD data, respectively. The most suitable form of blend was taken and used as a carrier for the controlled release of ofloxacin. The swelling studies have been carried out at different drug loading. Drug release kinetics was analyzed by plotting the cumulative release data versus time by fitting to an exponential equation which indicated the occurrence of non-Fickian type of kinetics. The drug release was investigated at different pH medium and it was found that the drug release depends upon the pH medium as well as the nature of matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin is the second-most natural polysaccharide in the world, next to cellulose. The main sources of chitin are two marine crustaceans, shrimp and crab. Our objective is to appraise the state of art concerning this polysaccharide, as well as one of its most important derivatives known as chitosan. Chitosan is soluble in acidic aquous media and has vast applications in various fields. Here we briefly describe the characterization, chemical modification, de-polymerization and applications of chitin and chitosan. This review emphasizes recent papers on high value adding applications of these materials in gene therapy, drug delivery, wastewater treatment, packaging, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: A biofilm is a layer of microorganisms contained in a matrix (slime layer), which forms on surfaces in contact with water. Their presence in drinking water pipe networks can be responsible for a wide range of water quality and operational problems. Aim: To identify the bacterial isolates, obtained from water pipelines of kitchens, to evaluate the water quality & to study the biofilm producing capacity of the bacterial isolates from various sources. Settings and Design: A prospective study using water samples from aqua guard & pipelines to kitchens of S.C.B Medical College hostels. Materials and Methods: Standard biochemical procedures for bacterial identification, multiple tube culture & MPN count to evaluate water quality & tissue culture plate (TCP) method for biofilm detection was followed. Statistical analysis: STATA software version 9.2 from STATA Corporation, College station road, 90 Houston, Texas was used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred eighty seven isolates were obtained from 45 water samples cultured. The isolates were Acinetobacter spp. (44), Pseudomonas spp.(41), Klebsiella spp.(36) & others . Biofilm was detected in (37) 19.78 % of the isolates (95% CI 30.08% -43.92%) including Acinetobacter spp.-10, Klebsiella spp. - 9, Pseudomonas spp. - 9, & others, majority (34) of which were from kitchen pipelines. Conclusion: Water from pipeline sources was unsatisfactory for consumption as the MPN counts were > 10. Most of the biofilm producers were gram negative bacilli & Pseudomonas & Acinetobacter spp. were strong (4+) biofilm producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous tuberculosis, pulmonary tuberculosis and hanseniasis are all caused by different spp. of Mycobacterium, an intracellular pathogen whose development depends on impaired cell mediated immunity. Scrofuloderma is the most common variant of cutaneous tuberculosis, which is characterized by a direct extension of the skin which overlies the infected lymph gland, bone or joint, that breaks down to form an undermined ulcer. We are reporting a rare association of Scrofuloderma (cutaneous tuberculosis) with Hanseniasis (leprosy) in an adult male whose immune status was controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an uncommon T-cell lymphoma, accounting for 10-15% of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Outcomes of ALCL have not improved in recent years despite better chemotherapy and supportive care. This study aimed to analyze the clinical profile and outcomes of pediatric ALCL patients at our center., Materials and Methods: Medical records of children with ALCL from July 2017 to December 2019 were reviewed. Their clinical and laboratory details were noted. The outcomes of all patients were recorded., Results: Ten patients were diagnosed with ALCL during this period. The median age at diagnosis was 8 years, with 7 patients being boys. Lymph nodes were the primary site of involvement in four children. Extranodal involvement was seen in 60%. One patient had the underlying chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Systemic (B) symptoms were seen in 70%. Three children had hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) at presentation. All of them had stage-III disease. Seven patients were treated on the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster-non-Hodgkin lymphomas (BFM-NHL) 90 protocol and three children are currently in remission. Four patients had disease relapse/progressive disease while on therapy. Three children had HLH at presentation and all had poor outcomes., Conclusions: Pediatric ALCL has diverse and atypical clinical presentation and a high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis. ALCL is an aggressive malignancy and is responsive to multiagent chemotherapy, though survival has not improved over the past decade. The integration of novel agents may improve the outcome., (Copyright © 2023 Copyright: © 2023 Indian Journal of Cancer.)