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Case report of one patient with tuberculosis of both the posterior and anterior elements of the spine presenting with severe back pain and upper motor neuron type of weakness in both the lower limbs are described who was initially diagnosed as a case of dorsal spine metastasis with unknown primary. This patient underwent extensive radiological and biochemical survey to find out the primary neoplasm but in vain. CT-guided biopsy was done. Biopsy proved the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Proper diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis was made. Patient started on standard anti-tubercular regimen. At 3 months follow-up, patient had no neurological deficit with marked reduction in back pain. Thus, in developing countries where tuberculosis is an endemic disease, tuberculosis must be kept as a differential diagnosis in all cases of extradural compressive myelopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferulic acid is one of high molecular weight phenolic compounds of raw bio-oil produced from thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. Due to its unique chemical fragmentation, it can be converted into various specialty chemicals such as methyl-2-phenylacetate, cinnamic acid, methyl-benzoate, methyl- and ethyl-cinnamate and others. In this numerical study, ferulic acid is converted into aforementioned specialty chemicals with analyses of their potential energy surfaces, activation energies, and thermodynamic feasibilities by density functional theory using B3LYP functional. The selection of B3LYP functional is also demonstrated by comparing single point energy of a couple of reaction pathways with those obtained by M05-2X functional. In the thermochemical analyses, all reaction schemes are subjected at a wide range of temperature conditions varying from 598 to 898 K. The productions of phenol and cinnamic acid required overall activation energy of only 5 kcal/mol due to the same rate-determining step. Further conversion of phenol into the end product methyl-benzoate is not advantageous because of high-energy demands and positive values of reaction free energy and reaction enthalpy at each temperature. According to thermochemical analysis, the production of methyl-2-phenylacetate is highly spontaneous even at the lower temperature; however, at elevated temperature conditions, its spontaneity decreases and exothermicity improves further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive amounts of oxy-functional groups in unprocessed bio-oil vitiate its quality as fuel; therefore, it has to be channelized to upgrading processes, and catalytic hydrodeoxygenation is one of the most suitable routes for the upgrading of crude bio-oil. In this computational work, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol, which is an important phenolic compound of crude bio-oil, has been carried out using density functional theory (DFT) over a Pd(111) catalyst. The Pd(111) catalyst surface does not endorse direct eliminations of functional groups of guaiacol; however, it is found to perform excellently in stepwise dehydrogenation reactions of oxy-functionals of guaiacol according to present DFT results. The catechol product, formed through dehydrogenation of the methoxy group, followed by elimination of CH2 and association of the hydrogen atom, has been identified as one of the major products. The overall reaction rate is controlled by scission of CH2 from 2-methylene-oxy-phenol with an activation energy demand of 23.06 kcal mol-1. Further, the kinetic analysis of each reaction step involved in HDO of guaiacol over the Pd(111) catalyst surface has also been carried out at atmospheric pressure and at a wide range of temperatures from 473 to 673 K, with temperature intervals of 50 K. In the kinetic analysis part, various kinetic parameters, such as forward and reverse reaction rate constants, Arrhenius constants, and equilibrium rate constants, are reported. The kinetic modeling of the dominating reaction steps has revealed that even a lower temperature of 473 K provides a favorable reaction environment; and the temperature increment further improves the reaction favorability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Finger millet seeds harbour important plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria. • All Enterobacter spp. showed IAA production, phosphate and potassium solubilization. • Paenibacillus dendritiformis significantly inhibited all tested phytopathogens. • P. dendritiformis and E. hormaechei protected seedlings from F. oxysporum infection. • Re-inoculation of seed endophytic bacteria increased seedling growth-development. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of seed inhabiting bacterial endophytes on finger millet seedling development and protection from fungal infection. This study has shown that removal of endophytic bacteria from millet seeds compromised seedling health, however, re-inoculation of the same bacterial isolates restored its growth. A total of six endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized seeds of finger millet and molecularly identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as Paenibacillus dendritiformis (EC1), Enterobacter hormaechei (EC2), Enterobacter cloacae (EC3), Bacillus safensis (EC4), Enterobacter hormaechei (EC5), and Enterobacter hormaechei (EC6). These isolated endophytes were tested for their plant growth-promoting activities. Enterobacter strains (EC2, EC3, EC5 and EC6) were found positive for IAA (Indole acetic acid) test and showed phosphate as well as potassium solubilization activities while siderophore production was shown by EC1 and EC4. Antifungal activity was also evaluated with isolate EC1 showing inhibition against all the tested phytopathogens. In seedling protection assay, bacterial endophytes significantly reduced the infection from Fusarium oxysporum. Re-inoculation experiment was carried out and it was found that bacterial strains EC1, EC4, and EC5 were most active in seedling development of finger millet, showing considerable improvement in root-shoot lengths, fresh weights and content of chlorophyll pigments. Endophytic bacterial colonization in the seedling roots was observed using fluorescent microscopy. This study reports the presence of endophytic bacteria inside seeds of finger millet having stimulatory effects on its growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a highly isolated pattern diversity multiband MIMO antenna using two ring-shaped radiating elements with a rectangular stub placed inside it. The proposed multiband MIMO antenna is resonating at three frequencies centred at 2.45 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 5.4 GHz. A high-quality factor U-shaped bandstop filter is designed and placed between the two antenna elements to achieve simultaneous high isolation and pattern diversity. The isolation between the antenna elements at 2.45 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 5.4 GHz is −25 dB, −20 dB and −35 dB, respectively. The diversity gain is 10 dB, while the ECC is less than 0.05. The antenna is fabricated on a low-cost substrate, FR4, and its dimensions are 31 mm × 31 mm × 0.8 mm. Measured results verify the multiband behaviour of the proposed MIMO antenna. The proposed MIMO antenna is useful for WLAN, WiMAX and 5 G sub-6 GHz-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : The potential of endophytic bacteria to improve plant health has been well-established. In maize plants, studies have reported the antagonistic activity of endophytic bacteria against various kinds of phytopathogenic strains; however, the effect of lipopeptide inoculation on germinated seedlings and its underlying defense responses remain unexplored. In this study, we examined the effects of seed endophytic bacterium Bacillus velezensis and its lipopeptides in improving plant defense against Fusarium verticillioides in maize seedlings. Methods: In vitro germinated maize seedlings were treated with lipopeptides extracted from the B. velezensis, followed by inoculation with the phytopathogen Fusarium verticillioides. The lipopeptides were characterized using MALDI-TOF analysis and their effects on fungal colonization and defense gene expression were investigated. Polyphenol content was checked in the bacterium-ZMW8 as well as ZMW8 and Fusarium-inoculated seedlings through UHPLC. Results: Lipopeptide treatment to the maize seedling's roots resulted in enhanced protection from the fungus with significant improvement in all the growth parameters measured. Antifungal lipopeptides were identified as bacillomycin D and fengycin. Confocal microscopy images revealed the heavy colonization of fungus on the seed and root surface of non-lipopeptide-treated seedlings. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of various defense response genes including ZmPR-1, ZmPR-4, ZmSOD-2, ZmLOX, ZmPDF1.2, and ZmERF in the roots of bacteria and lipopeptides-treated maize seedlings. Targeted metabolite analysis through UHPLC revealed the accumulation of antifungal polyphenols including p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, dihydrokaempferol (DHK), and dihydroquercetin (DHQ). Conclusions: The study highlights the potential of bacterial lipopeptides as elicitors of defense responses in maize seedlings against Fusarium infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bacterial seed endophytes of sorghum inhibited the growth of fungal pathogens. • The presence of surfactin (Sfp) gene was confirmed in Bacillus pumilus. • B. pumilus and its lipopeptide extract caused structural deformations in R. solani. • B. pumilus significantly protected the sorghum seedlings from R. solani infection. • B. pumilus up-regulated the expression of defense genes in sorghum seedlings. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of seed endophytic bacteria (SEB) in fungal disease protection in sorghum seedlings. Total six SEB, including two Bacillus spp. (SM1 and SM6), and four Paenibacillus spp. (SM2, SM3, SM4, and SM5) were isolated from sorghum seeds. All isolates produced auxin while only SM3 isolate showed phosphate solubilization activity. All SEB inhibited the growth of tested fungal pathogens. Bacillus pumilus (SM1) and Bacillus subtilis (SM6) showed positive drop collapse assay, and presence of surfactin gene was also screened in their genomes. Further, lipopeptides extracted from SM1 and SM6 strongly inhibited Rhizoctonia solani growth in disc diffusion assay. Live-dead staining and fluorescence microscopy revealed the structural deformations and cell death in R. solani by lipopeptides. In microcosm assay, seeds inoculated with B. pumilus significantly protected the seedlings from Rhizoctonia infection. B. pumilus inoculated seedlings showed significant increase in the levels of PAL and SOD enzymes and their gene expressions (2.76, 2.00 and 4.61, 2.25 folds, respectively) compared to control. PR1 gene expression was also increased by 2.68 folds compared to the control. Present study concludes that sorghum seeds inhabit SEB like B. pumilus which is crucial in protecting seedlings from R. solani by producing lipopeptides, enhancing antioxidant and defense enzymes level and their gene expressions. This study is significant in terms of its originality which presents a first report on SEB of sorghum roles in seedlings protection against soil borne fungal pathogen like Rhizoctonia solani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐based electrodes represent a promising approach to improve stability and up‐scalability of perovskite photovoltaics. The temperature at which these contacts are processed defines the absorber grain size of the perovskite solar cell: in cells with low‐temperature carbon‐based electrodes (L‐CPSCs), layer‐by‐layer deposition is possible, allowing perovskite crystals to be large (>100 nm), while in cells with high‐temperature carbon‐based contacts (H‐CPSCs), crystals are constrained to 10–20 nm in size. To enhance the power conversion efficiency of these devices, the main loss mechanisms are identified for both systems. Measurements of charge carrier lifetime, quasi‐Fermi level splitting (QFLS) and light‐intensity‐dependent behavior, supported by numerical simulations, clearly demonstrate that H‐CPSCs strongly suffer from non‐radiative losses in the perovskite absorber, primarily due to numerous grain boundaries. In contrast, large crystals of L‐CPSCs provide a long carrier lifetime (1.8 µs) and exceptionally high QFLS of 1.21 eV for an absorber bandgap of 1.6 eV. These favorable characteristics explain the remarkable open‐circuit voltage of over 1.1 V in hole‐selective layer‐free L‐CPSCs. However, the low photon absorption and poor charge transport in these cells limit their potential. Finally, effective strategies are provided to reduce non‐radiative losses in H‐CPSCs, transport losses in L‐CPSCs, and to improve photon management in both cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Maize seeds vectored endophytic bacteria which are crucial for seedling development and protection. • Removal of bacteria from seeds compromised the seedling development and re-inoculation of bacterial isolates (Lysinibacillus sp. and Paenibacillus dendritiformis) restored the seedling growth. • Fifteen bacterial isolates inhibited the growth of tested fungal pathogens in dual plate culture assay. • Seeds inoculated with Bacillus velezensis protected seedlings from Fusarium infection. Bacteria from different crops and plant varieties have been shown to possess enormous growth promotional attributes. The study aimed to investigate the role of the endophytic microbiome of seeds of corn in improving the growth of seedlings of two different varieties of maize crops (K-25 and baby corn). Furthermore, the study also assessed the role of these bacteria in the protection of seedlings from fungal pathogens. Total twenty-three endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from maize seeds and identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. Most of the isolates had the ability to synthesize auxin (70 %) and solubilize phosphate (74 %), while all the isolates showed nitrogen fixation ability. Some isolates also showed antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi including Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium sp. suggesting their biocontrol potential. The presence of different lipopeptide genes including bacillomycin D, fengycin, iturin A and surfactin was confirmed in some of the isolates. We observed that treating seeds with an antibiotic compromised the seedlings' growth; however, re-inoculation with endophytic isolates (ZM1/ Lysinibacillus sp. and ZM2/ Paenibacillus dendritiformis) restored the growth of the seedlings in terms of improved root and shoot development in comparison to non-inoculated controls. The colonization of inoculated bacteria on the root surface was visualized using fluorescent microscopy. Seedling protection assay showed that treated seeds (with ZMW8/ Bacillus velezensis) were protected from fungal infestation (Fusarium verticillioides) even after 12 days of inoculation in comparison to the uninoculated control. The study concludes that indigenous seed-associated bacteria of maize play a major role during seed germination, seedling formation and protect them from phytopathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed endophytic bacteria have been shown to promote the growth and development of numerous plants. However, the underlying mechanism still needs to be better understood. The present study aims to investigate the role of a seed endophytic bacterium Lysinibacillus sp. (ZM1) in promoting plant growth and shaping the root architecture of maize seedlings. The study explores how bacteria-mediated auxin biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism affect plant growth promotion and shape the root architecture of maize seedlings. The results demonstrate that ZM1 inoculation significantly enhances root length, root biomass, and the number of seminal roots in maize seedlings. Additionally, the treated seedlings exhibit increased shoot biomass and higher levels of photosynthetic pigments. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis revealed extensive colonization of ZM1 on root hairs, as well as in the cortical and stellar regions of the root. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis demonstrated elevated auxin content in the roots of the ZM1 treated maize seedlings compared to the uninoculated control. Inoculation with ZM1 significantly increased the levels of endogenous ammonium content, GS, and GOGAT enzyme activities in the roots of treated maize seedlings compared to the control, indicating enhanced nitrogen metabolism. Furthermore, inoculation of bacteria under nitrogen-deficient conditions enhanced plant growth, as evidenced by increased root shoot length, fresh and dry weights, average number of seminal roots, and content of photosynthetic pigments. Transcript analysis indicated upregulation of auxin biosynthetic genes, along with genes involved in nitrogen metabolism at different time points in roots of ZM1-treated maize seedlings. Collectively, our findings highlight the positive impact of Lysinibacillus sp. ZM1 inoculation on maize seeds by improving root architecture through modulation of auxin biosynthesis and affecting various nitrogen metabolism related parameters. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential utilization of seed endophytic bacteria as biofertilizers to enhance plant growth and yield in nutrient deficient soils. [Display omitted] • Seed endophytic bacterium Lysinibacillus sp. (ZM1) improves maize growth under normal and low nitrogen conditions. • Confocal microscopy reveals extensive root colonization by ZM1. • LC-MS/MS detects increased auxin levels in ZM1 treated maize roots. • ZM1 influences ammonium content and GS, GOGAT activities in maize seedlings. • Auxin biosynthetic and nitrogen metabolic genes are upregulated in ZM1 treated maize roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Burkholderia has proven potential in improving plant performance. In recent decades, a huge diversity of Burkholderia spp. have been reported with diverse capabilities of plant symbiosis which could be harnessed to enhance plant growth and development. Colonization of endophytic Burkholderia spp. have been extensively studied through techniques like advanced microscopy, fluorescent labelling, PCR based assays, etc. , and found to be systemically distributed in plants. Thus, use of these biostimulant microbes holds the promise of improving quality and quantity of crops. The endophytic Burkholderia spp. have been found to support plant functions along with boosting nutrient availability, especially under stress. Endophytic Burkholderia spp. improve plant survival against deadly pathogens via mechanisms like competition, induced systemic resistance, and antibiosis. At the same time, they are reported to extend plant tolerance towards multiple abiotic stresses especially drought, salinity, and cold. Several attempts have been made to decipher the potential of Burkholderia spp. by genome mining, and these bacteria have been found to harbour genes for plant symbiosis and for providing multiple benefits to host plants. Characteristics specific for host recognition and nutrient acquisition were confirmed in endophytic Burkholderia by genomics and proteomics-based studies. This could pave the way for harnessing Burkholderia spp. for biotechnological applications like biotransformation, phytoremediation, insecticidal activity, antimicrobials, etc. All these make Burkholderia spp. a promising microbial agent in improving plant performance under multiple adversities. Thus, the present review highlights critical roles of endophytic Burkholderia spp., their colonization, alleviation of biotic and abiotic stresses, biotechnological applications and genomic insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the safety and withdrawal period of orally administered oxytetracycline in advance fingerlings of Cirrhinus mrigala. For evaluation of safety, the drug was administered as feed-top dressing @ 80, 240, 400 and 800 mg kg−1 fish biomass per day consecutively for 30 days. Samples of liver, kidney, gills were collected at ten days intervals for histopathological examination. For determination of withdrawal period, fish were administered orally at the therapeutic dose of 80 mg kg−1 day−1 consecutively for ten days, and an edible portion (muscle-skin) was collected for estimation of residue levels at 48 h intervals after the termination of medication. The animal behaviour was observed daily, and growth was measured once in 10 days. The drug was well tolerated up to 240 mg kg−1 while fish administered with higher doses (400 mg and 800 mg kg−1 day−1) showed growth retardation. Histopathological examination revealed mild to moderate changes in the gills, liver and kidney in the group receiving 400 and 800 mg kg-1 concentration of OTC. Residue analysis using LC-MS/MS showed the highest concentration of the drug in the liver (13.53 mg kg−1) followed by the muscle (296.00 μg kg−1) on 5th day while in kidney (287.40 μg kg−1) it was on 13th day. On the ninth day, after the cessation of medicated feeding, the tissue residue (189.4 μg kg−1) was below the maximum residual limit (MRL) prescribed by the FAO Codex Alimentarius (200 μg kg−1) in the edible portion. These results help tropical countries like India to determine the safe dose and appropriate withdrawal time to ensure the safety of aquatic food products. • Study reports biosafety and withdrawal period of orally administered oxytetracycline in Cirrhinus mrigala. • The drug was well tolerated up to 240 mg kg−1 for 30 days. • Higher doses induced growth retardation and mild to moderate reversible tissue changes • The withdrawal period of the drug was 9 days (Codex Alimentarius, MRL 200 μg kg−1). • Results help tropical countries to determine the safe dose (80 mg kg−1 for 10 days) and appropriate withdrawal time (9 days). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While perovskite photovoltaic (PV) devices are on the verge of commercialization, promising methods to recycle or remanufacture fully encapsulated perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules are still missing. Through a detailed life-cycle assessment shown in this work, we identify that the majority of the greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by re-using the glass substrate and parts of the PV cells. Based on these analytical findings, we develop a novel thermally assisted mechanochemical approach to remove the encapsulants, the electrode, and the perovskite absorber, allowing reuse of most of the device constituents for remanufacturing PSCs, which recovered nearly 90% of their initial performance. Notably, this is the first experimental demonstration of remanufacturing PSCs with an encapsulant and an edge-seal, which are necessary for commercial perovskite solar modules. This approach distinguishes itself from the "traditional" recycling methods previously demonstrated in perovskite literature by allowing direct reuse of bulk materials with high environmental impact. Thus, such a remanufacturing strategy becomes even more favorable than recycling, and it allows us to save up to 33% of the module's global warming potential. Remarkably, this process most likely can be universally applied to other PSC architectures, particularly n-i-p-based architectures that rely on inorganic metal oxide layers deposited on glass substrates. Finally, we demonstrate that the CO 2 -footprint of these remanufactured devices can become less than 30 g/kWh, which is the value for state-of-the-art c-Si PV modules, and can even reach 15 g/kWh assuming a similar lifetime., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following competing financial interest(s): P.v.W. is an employee of Energy21 BV, D.Ma., S.N. and A.V. are employees of Solaronix SA, S.S. is a co-founder of Swift Solar., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

A sacrificial film of polystyrene nanoparticles was utilized to introduce nano-cavities into mesoporous metal oxide layers. This enabled the growth of larger perovskite crystals inside the oxide scaffold with significantly suppressed non-radiative recombination and improved device performance. This work exemplifies potential applications of such nanoarchitectonic approaches in perovskite opto-electronic devices.

The formation of secondary organic aerosols caused by atmospheric oxidation of isoprene is harmful to human health and the climate; thus, isoprene oxidation is further mandatory to obtain less harmful or harmless highly oxidised products. In this numerical investigation, 2-hydroperoxy-2-methylbut-3-en-1-ol (ISOPOOH) was considered the model compound to investigate the formation of three RO 2 radicals (C 5 H 11 O 4 , C 5 H 11 O 6 and C 5 H 11 O 5 ) and two saturated highly oxidised products (C 5 H 12 O 6 and C 5 H 10 O 6 ). The complete reaction network and its thermodynamics and kinetics were analysed to obtain the most probable and feasible reaction pathways. Four different levels of theories (HF, B3LYP, M06-2X and ωB97XD with basis set of 6-31+g(d,p)) were employed to explore a global minimum of ISOPOOH. All theories provided approximately close energetics; however, because of the novelty of the functional and parameterisation of the basis set, the ωB97XD functional was selected to examine the reaction mechanism. C 5 H 12 O 6 was formed as the second-generation highly oxidised product during ISOPOOH oxidation.

Restoration of excessively worn dentition is a challenging treatment procedures. It requires efficient diagnosis and treatment plan. Hobo's techniques and Pankey Mann Schuyler's philosophy are widely used and documented for full mouth rehabilitation. We have reported the case of a 56-year- old male patient who presented with the severely worn dentition and had difficulty in chewing. To rehabilitate this case Hobo's twin stage technique had been adopted as it is based on scientific data and mathematical analysis for both disocclusion and anterior guidance thus reducing chair side time. Keywords: attrited; hobo; occlusion; rehabilitation.

Water dissociation is an important reaction involved in many industrial processes. In this computational study, the dissociation of water is used as a model reaction for probing the activity of interfacial sites of globally optimized ZrO 2 supported Pt and Rh clusters under the framework of density functional theory. Our findings demonstrate that the perimeter sites of these small clusters can activate water, but the dissociation behavior varies considerably between sites. It is shown that the studied clusters break scaling relationships for water dissociation, suggesting that these catalysts may achieve activities beyond the maximum imposed by such relations. Furthermore, we observed large differences in the thermodynamics of the water dissociation reaction between global minimum and near-global minimum isomers of the clusters. Overall, our results highlight the uniqueness of interfacial sites in catalytic reactions and the need for developing new concepts and tools to deal with the associated complexity.

Xylose is an integral part of hemicellulose fraction of lignocellulosic biomass. Its abundance in the lignocellulose makes it a desirable component for converting into various value-added compounds. In this study, conversion of xylose to four linear alkanes has been discussed by five different schemes including their thermochemistry under the framework of density functional theory. Main products are butane, pentane, octane and tridecane whereas the intermediate products include furfural, tetrahydrofuran, pentane-1,5-diol, etc. The simulations have been performed at B3LYP/6-31 + g(d,p) and M06-2X/6-31 + g(d,p) level of theories in aqueous phase using SMD solvation model. Thermochemical parameters (ΔG, ΔH and K eq ) are obtained at a wide range of temperature, i.e. 298-698 K. Single point energy change (ΔE) of all the conversion steps has also been calculated at M05-2X/6-311++g(3df,2p) level of theory in the aqueous phase. It is observed that temperature plays a vital role in the formation of products. At high temperature, only scheme RS 1 (i.e. xylose to butane) can proceed to produce butane. The absolute difference between two functionals, B3LYP and M06-2X, was found to be small (<2 kcal/mol) for ring opening reactions making both the functionals suitable for a qualitative study. For saturation of cyclic compounds, a large difference (>10 kcal/mol) was observed between the two functionals making higher accuracy method more suitable for them. For all other reactions, use of M06-2X can be preferred., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Osmotic behavior of erythrocytes is not only important clinically, but is also significant in understanding of material transport across biological membranes. It is most commonly studied through fragiligrams - plots of the degree of hemolysis as a function of extracellular osmolarity. A fundamental assumption in experimental and theoretical studies on osmolarity driven transport of water across the plasma membranes of all cells is the sigmoidal nature of their osmotic behavior. Sigmoidal data is mathematically monotonic showing either a decreasing only or an increasing only trend, but not both, within certain thresholds; beyond these thresholds the data is asymptotic or flat. Fragiligrams of erythrocytes are usually sigmoidal, with maximal hemolysis in plain solute-free water and often up to a certain extracellular hypotonic environment. In this work, we report a new discovery of non-monotonic osmotic behavior of avian erythrocytes. In contrast to the expected monotonic fragiligrams obtained for mammalian erythrocytes, fragiligrams of avian erythrocytes show non-monotonic curves. Maximal hemolysis of avian erythrocytes was not observed at the most hypotonic conditions - instead, maximal hemolysis was observed at mild hypotonic conditions. Hemolysis of avian erythrocytes first increases then decreases with increasing extracellular osmolarity. We also report that the non-monotonic fragiligrams of chicken erythrocytes are converted to the expected monotonic sigmoids subsequent to controlled extracellular trypsinization. While possibly having profound evolutionary implications for vertebrates, the findings reported in this work have a direct impact on understanding of avian physiology. Our results also compel revisiting of experimental and theoretical models for understanding material transport across biological membranes under different osmotic conditions.

In the pyrolysis of Sphagnum moss species, p-isopropenylphenol (p-IPP) is a major product which has been considered in this density functional theory based computational study for its conversion to various products such as benzene, phenol, 4-propenylphenol, indan-5-ol, 4-propylcyclohexanone, 4-cyclopropylphenol, etc. In order to achieve these products, eight different reaction schemes are performed using B3LYP/6-311 + g (d,p) level of theory. Further, thermodynamic properties such as reaction free energies and reaction enthalpies associated with these eight reaction schemes are developed in the temperature range of 298-898 K. The reaction schemes that include partial hydrogenation of the aromatic carbon followed by elimination of functional groups are found to demand low activation energy. The production of benzene from p-IPP with isopropenylbenzene as an intermediate product requiring only 19.83 kcal/mol of activation energy is the rate limiting reaction step. Indan-5-ol produced from p-IPP is validated with the literature results and found excellent agreement between two results. Furthermore, the temperature is found to have phenomenal effect in each reaction scheme., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study aims to study predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome in eclampsia and the impact of posterior encephalopathy syndrome on outcome., Material and Methods: This prospective study enrolled consecutive women with eclampsia. These women were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome were determined using univariate, followed by multivariate, analysis. Women were followed for 30days. Maternal outcome was assessed using modified Rankin scale (mRS)., Results: One hundred and four consecutive women with eclampsia were included. Seventy-four women with eclampsia had posterior encephalopathy syndrome. Predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome were primigravida status, altered sensorium, impairment of vision, vomiting, status epilepticus, unregistered status in a regular ante-natal check-up programme, lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid, low platelet count and deranged kidney and liver functions on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, vision impairment, primigravida status, and unbooked pregnancy were independent factors. Posterior encephalopathy syndrome was associated with a poor maternal and fetal outcome., Conclusion: Vision impairment, primigravida status, and unbooked pregnancy are independent predictors of posterior encephalopathy syndrome, that in turn is associated with a poor maternal and fetal outcome., (Copyright © 2017 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Angioplasmocellular hyperplasia is a rare clinical condition with blood vessel proliferation and a reactive plasma cell infiltrate. To the best of our knowledge fewer than 20 cases of cutaneous angioplasmocellular hyperplasia have been published in English literature. We report a case of a 65-year-old man who presented with a long standing asymptomatic flesh colored ulcerated nodule on the back. Histopathological examination revealed a dermal vascular proliferation with polyclonal plasma cell infiltration. A diagnosis of angioplasmocellular hyperplasia was established. This entity is rare and we would like to emphasize the importance of clinico-pathological correlation to differentiate it from various other conditions of cutaneous plasma cell infiltration.

The susceptibility of an individual to oral cancer is mediated by genetic factors and carcinogen-exposure behaviors such as betel quid chewing, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. This pilot study was aimed to identify the genetic alteration in 100 bp upstream and downstream flanking regions in addition to the exonic regions of 169 cancer-associated genes by using Next Generation sequencing with aim to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of tobacco- and betel quid-associated oral cancer of Northeast India. To understand the role of chemical compounds present in tobacco and betel quid associated with the progression of oral cancer, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion and deletion (Indels) found in this study were analyzed for their association with chemical compounds found in tobacco and betel quid using Comparative Toxogenomic Database. Genes (AR, BRCA1, IL8, and TP53) with novel SNP were found to be associated with arecoline which is the major component of areca nut. Genes (BARD1, BRCA2, CCND2, IGF1R, MSH6, and RASSF1) with novel deletion and genes (APC, BRMS1, CDK2AP1, CDKN2B, GAS1, IGF1R, and RB1) with novel insertion were found to be associated with aflatoxin B1 which is produced by fermented areca nut. Genes (ADH6, APC, AR, BARD1, BRMS1, CDKN1A, E2F1, FGFR4, FLNC, HRAS, IGF1R, IL12B, IL8, NBL1, STAT5B, and TP53) with novel SNP were found to be associated with aflatoxin B1. Genes (ATM, BRCA1, CDKN1A, EGFR, IL8, and TP53) with novel SNP were found to be associated with tobacco specific nitrosamines.

Gastroschisis is not a very rare congenital deformity, but extragastrointestinal association is rare, if any present, in that condition, an alternative diagnosis should be considered, like Pentalogy of Cantrell, Limb-body wall complex, etc., Other birth defects are always associated with gastroschisis, most commonly, abnormalities of the cardiac and genitourinary. The present case is one of the gastroschisis to highlight the associations of spinal and lower limbs anomalies, with two-vessel short umbilical cord and severe oligohydramnios in primiparous.

The Ponseti method has been reported to have successful results in clubfoot patients less than 6 months of age but the literature on its efficacy in older clubfoot patients still remains sparse. In our study, we prospectively evaluated 55 clubfeet (37 patients) to determine clinically whether the Ponseti method is effective in the management of clubfoot in older children between the age of 12 and 36 months (mean: 24.8 months). All the patients belonged to moderate or severe grades of deformity as per the Pirani scoring. Painless, supple, plantigrade and cosmetically acceptable feet were achieved in 49 clubfeet. Seven patients (seven feet) developed recurrence of adduction, varus and equinus deformity whereas three patients (five feet) developed isolated recurrence of equinus deformity. These seven patients responded to repeat treatment and obtained satisfactory outcome. Four of these seven patients underwent tibialis anterior transfer to third cuneiform for dynamic supination. Three patients, those developed isolated recurrence of equinus deformity, underwent repeat tenotomy. One foot achieved satisfactory amount of dorsiflexion, three feet underwent tendoachilles lengthening whereas another foot underwent posterior release to obtain satisfactory dorsiflexion. Six to 12 numbers of casts (mean: 10) were required to obtain correction of clubfoot deformities. Mean period of immobilization in a cast was 13.9 weeks (10-15 weeks). We found that the Ponseti method is effective in children between the age of 12 and 36 months.

Monteggia fracture dislocations are uncommon in childhood. Over a period of time, various equivalents of this entity have been described. These fractures with concomitant elbow injuries are exceedingly rare in young children. We present a case of a 6-year-old boy who sustained a fracture of proximal ulna with ipsilateral supracondylar fracture humerus. We suggest that the fracture pattern can be included under type I Monteggia equivalent on the basis of its characteristics, biomechanics and the mode of injury.

Purpose: Despite recent advances in the management of epilepsy the efforts to assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards epilepsy are limited, particularly in the developing countries. To delineate the magnitude and scope of this problem, present study was conducted to assess the knowledge attitude and practice about epilepsy amongst schoolteachers in Northeast Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India. The basis of involving schoolteachers was their special role in Indian society with their larger interaction among the segment of population most affected by epilepsy., Methods: Simple self-administered questionnaires were sent to the schoolteachers of primary and secondary levels. The questionnaires contained 15 questions related to awareness and attitudes towards epilepsy with details of first aid management of seizures., Results: We found that 97% of schoolteachers were aware of epilepsy with majority including it as a brain disease. A substantial proportion (38.2%) was uncertain about relation of epilepsy and insanity and 31.7% felt epileptics to be of below average intelligence. Only about half of them (55.3%) preferred their children to play with an epileptic. An overwhelming no was obvious about marriage with an epileptic (86.8%). Only 27.8% of the respondents had given any first aid measure to a seizing patient with only 16.3% giving it properly., Conclusion: Despite a great degree of awareness about epilepsy amongst schoolteachers in India negative and wrong attitudes still exist. Stress on proper first aid measure to a seizing child needs greater emphasis to remove fright and fear amongst the public. Besides adequate management, public education to address existing biases and fear are equally important to improve the quality of life of epileptics.