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AbstractThe main objective of this work is to synthesize multifunctional nanodendritic structural molecules that can effectively encapsulate hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic therapeutic agents. Four different types of fourth-generation lysine-citric acid based dendrimer have been synthesized in this work: PE-MC-Lys-CA-PEG, TMP-MC-Lys-CA-PEG, PE-MS-Lys-CA-PEG, and TMP-MS-Lys-CA-PEG. The antibacterial drug cefotaxime (CFTX) was further conjugated to these dendrimers. The dendrimer and drug-dendrimer conjugate structures were characterized with the help of FTIR,1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Zeta sizer, AFM, and HR-TEM techniques were used to investigate the particle size, surface topography, and structural characteristics of drug-dendrimer conjugates. In vitro drug release was then investigated using dialysis method. Various kinetic drug release models were examined to evaluate the type of kinetic drug release mechanism of the formulations. Cytotoxicity study revealed that the dendrimers encapsulated with CFTX exhibited 2-3% toxicity against healthy epithelial cells, indicating their safe use. Plain dendrimers show 10-15% hemolytic toxicity against red blood cells (RBC), and the toxicity was reduced to 2-3% when CFTX was conjugated to the same dendrimers. The 3rd and 4th generation synthesized drug-dendrimer conjugates exhibit a significantly effective zone of inhibition (ZOI) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For Gram-positive bacteria, the lower concentration of 0.1 mg/mL showed more than 98% inhibition of drug-dendrimer conjugate samples against B. subtilis and more than 50% inhibition against S. aureus using 0.2 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, samples with concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL exhibited more than 50% inhibition against S. typhimurium and E. coli, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reports long term clonal fidelity validation of M. acuminata. • Determination of quercetin, p -coumaric acid and eugenol within various tissues using HPTLC. • Assessment of anti- bacterial activity of various plant parts against prominent strains. • Validation of genetic conformity using SCoT and CBDP-gene targeted markers. • Model approach for other terrestrial orchids. Malaxis acuminata D. Don [ = Crepidium acuminatum (D. Don) Szlach.] is one of the prized medicinal orchids with large-scale application in various nutraceutical and herbal preparations. However, due to paucity in the availability of plant materials, its usage is often restricted. In order to ensure continuous supply of raw material for the pharmaceutical and herbal industries, plant tissue culture plays a crucial role. In the present research, transverse thin cell layer (t -TCL) derived in vitro cultures of M. acuminata were initiated and maintained in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l meta -topolin (m T), 5.0 mg/l chitosan, 1.5 mg/l indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) and 5.0 mg/l phloroglucinol (PG) for three years time period under culture room conditions by regular intermittent sub-culturing. However, the success of in vitro propagated plant bio-resources are often adversely impacted due to the occurrence of clonal variations which is considered as a serious limitation for the commercial utilization. In order to ascertain the clonal fidelity of the long term - propagated in vitro lines of M. acuminata , genetic homogeneity amongst the regenerated plantlets was accessed using two advanced gene targeted molecular markers namely start codon targeted (SCoT) and CAAT box derived polymorphism (CBDP). The plants were found to exhibit 93.34% clonal fidelity in comparison to their mother plant. Keeping in consideration the therapeutic attributes of M. acuminata , the phytochemical makeup of the wild and in vitro - derived plant parts was compared using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique. Furthermore, M. acuminata is considered to be one the most precious medicinal orchids having rich reserves of biomolecules which can be used against various pathogenic bacterial strains. The antibacterial activities of various tissue extracts of M. acuminata were also evaluated against the opportunistic bacterial strains viz. Escherichia coli (MTCC43), Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC733), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96) and Bacillus subtilis (MTCC121). The results of antibacterial assays demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of the in vitro - derived plant parts at identical magnitude with that of their wild counterparts. The present research provides a holistic insight into the clonal stability of the long term - propagated in vitro plants of M. acuminata with promising antibacterial activity. This study can also serve as a model approach for the maintenance of genetically stable in vitro lines of therapeutically important endangered orchid species over a period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop an efficient metal-free solar energy harvester, we herein performed the electronic structure calculation, followed by the hot carrier relaxation dynamics of two dimensional (2D) aza-covalent organic framework by time domain density functional calculations in conjunction with non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulation. The electronic structure calculation shows that the aza-covalent organic framework (COF) is a direct bandgap semiconductor with acute charge separation and effective optical absorption in the UV-visible region. Our study of non-adiabatic molecular dynamics simulation predicts the sufficiently prolonged electron–hole recombination process (6.8 nanoseconds) and the comparatively faster electron (22.48 ps) and hole relaxation (0.51 ps) dynamics in this two-dimensional aza-COF. According to our theoretical analysis, strong electron–phonon coupling is responsible for the rapid charge relaxation, whereas the electron–hole recombination process is slowed down by relatively weak electron–phonon coupling, relatively lower non-adiabatic coupling, and quick decoherence time. We do hope that our results of NAMD simulation on exciton relaxation dynamics will be helpful for designing photovoltaic devices based on this two dimensional aza-COF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigments are an essential part of life on earth, ranging from microbes to plants and humans. The physiological and environmental cues induce microbes to produce a broad spectrum of pigments, giving them adaptation and survival advantages. Microbial pigments are of great interest due to their natural origin, diverse biological activities, and wide applications in the foods, Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textile industries. Despite noticeable research on pigment-producing microbes, commercial successes are scarce, primarily from higher, remote, and inaccessible Himalayan niches. Therefore, substantial bioprospection integrated with advanced biotechnological strategies is required to commercialize microbial pigments successfully. The current review elaborates on pigment-producing microbes from a Himalayan perspective, offering tremendous opportunities for industrial applications. Additionally, it illustrates the ecological significance of microbial pigments and emphasizes the current status and prospects of microbial pigment production above the test tube scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

l-Asparaginase (l-ASNase) is a key enzyme used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a childhood blood cancer. Here, we report on the characterization of a recombinant l-ASNase (Ps44-asn II) from Pseudomonas sp. PCH44. The gene was identified from its genome, cloned, and overexpressed in the host Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant l-ASNase (Ps44-ASNase II) was purified with a monomer size of 37.0 kDa and a homotetrameric size of 148.0 kDa. The purified Ps44-ASNase II exhibited optimum activity of 40.84 U/mg in Tris–HCl buffer (50 mM, pH 8.5) at 45 °C for 15 min. It retained 76.53% of enzyme activity at 45 °C after 120 min of incubation. The half-life and Kd values were 600 min and 1.10 × 10–3 min−1, respectively, at 45 °C. The kinetic constants values Km and Vmax were 0.56, 0.728 mM, and 29.41, 50.12 U/mg for l-asparagine and l-glutamine, respectively. However, kcat for l-glutamine is more (30.91 s−1) than l-asparagine (18.06 s−1), suggesting that enzymes act more efficiently on l-glutamine than l-asparagine. The docking analysis of l-asparagine and l-glutamine with active site residues of the enzyme revealed a molecular basis for high l-glutaminase (L-GLNase) activity and provided insights into the role of key amino acid residues in the preferential enzymatic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility and safety of intra-arterial infusion of amphotericin B for the management of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in patients unable to receive full dose and schedule of intravenous amphotericin B and/or unsuitable for surgery. Materials and Methods Five consecutive patients underwent five sessions of intra-arterial infusion each via both external carotid arteries on alternate days. Liposomal amphotericin B (50 mg) was infused at each session. The baseline and follow-up investigations as well as local and systemic complications were charted. Results Procedure could be completed for all participants without any local complications. One patient had transient and another had progressive deterioration in renal parameters during the follow-up period of 30 days. Conclusions Authors conducted successfully a pilot study of multisession intra-arterial infusion of amphotericin B, with the premise that it can provide high concentration of drug at the desired site with reduced systemic complications. They recommend further larger randomized studies to evaluate its efficacy for the management of advanced rhino-oculo-cerebral mucormycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glacial and kettle lakes in the high-altitude Himalayas are unique habitats with significant scope for microbial ecology. The present study provides insights into bacterial community structure and function of the sediments of two high-altitude lakes using 16S amplicon and whole-genome shotgun (WGS) metagenomics. Microbial communities in the sediments of Parvati kund (glacial lake) and Bhoot ground (kettle lake) majorly consist of bacteria and a small fraction of archaea and eukaryota. The bacterial population has an abundance of phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobia. Despite the common phyla, the sediments from each lake have a distinct distribution of bacterial and archaeal taxa. The analysis of the WGS metagenomes at the functional level provides a broad picture of microbial community metabolism of key elements and suggested chemotrophs as the major primary producers. In addition, the findings also revealed that polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a crucial stress adaptation molecule. The abundance of PHA metabolism in Alpha- and Betaproteobacteria and less representation in other bacterial and archaeal classes in both metagenomes was disclosed. The metagenomic insights provided an incisive view of the microbiome from Himalayan lake's sediments. It has also opened the scope for further bioprospection from virgin Himalayan niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-asparaginase having low glutaminase activity is important in clinical and food applications. Herein, glutaminase-free L-asparaginase (type I) coding genes from Pseudomonas sp. PCH182 (Ps -ASNase I) and Rahnella sp. PCH162 (Rs- ASNase I) was amplified using gene-specific primers, cloned into a pET-47b(+) vector, and plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli (E. coli). Further, affinity chromatography purified recombinant proteins to homogeneity with monomer sizes of ~37.0 kDa. Purified Ps -ASNase I and Rs- ASNase I were active at wide pHs and temperatures with optimum activity at 50 °C (492 ± 5 U/mg) and 37 °C (308 ± 4 U/mg), respectively. Kinetic constant K m and V max for L-asparagine (Asn) were 2.7 ± 0.06 mM and 526.31 ± 4.0 U/mg for Ps -ASNase I, and 4.43 ± 1.06 mM and 434.78 ± 4.0 U/mg for Rs- ASNase I. Circular dichroism study revealed 29.3 % and 24.12 % α-helix structures in Ps -ASNase I and Rs- ASNase I, respectively. Upon their evaluation to mitigate acrylamide formation, 43 % and 34 % acrylamide (AA) reduction were achieved after pre-treatment of raw potato slices, consistent with 65 % and 59 % Asn reduction for Ps -ASNase I and Rs -ASNase I, respectively. Current findings suggested the potential of less explored intracellular L-asparaginase in AA mitigation for food safety. • Glutaminase-free L-asparaginases were expressed and biochemically characterized. • The purified L-asparaginases exhibited stability over various pHs and temperatures. • Ps -ASNase I and Rs- ASNase I have higher substrate specificity and half-life stability. • Ps -ASNase I and Rs- ASNase I significantly reduced acrylamide in fried potato chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Print media is the oldest media for news and information. It includes newspapers, magazines, journals and other printed material etc. The print media is responsible for reporting the latest and accurate news and information. The common people find the plethora of thoughts from the newspapers so that they can formulate their own opinions, ideas and judgment about the issues. Health related stories are an important part of the information published in the newspapers. In this research paper the researcher has undertaken content analysis of four national dailies published from Jaipur city over a period of three years (2019, 2020 & 2021) on their coverage of 'World Blood Donor Day'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical results of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in patients with non-operable malignant biliary tract obstruction (MBTO) and the survival benefit of internal drainage. Methods: Prospective data of consecutive patients of PTBD from May 2014 to August 2017 was analyzed for 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality, and mean survival of patients undergoing external drainage (ED) and internal drainage (ID) using internal–external ring biliary catheterization or biliary stent were compared. Other important variables evaluated were drop in the total bilirubin (TBil) levels, improvement in pain and pruritus, procedure-related complications, and patient satisfaction. Results: In 87 cases (54 male, 33 female) with mean age 37.3 y (22–70 y; 95% CI: 31.1 y–43.5 y), 10, 45 and 32 patients underwent stenting, external and internal-external catheterization, respectively (total 152 procedures [> 1 in 35.63%, n = 31]). PTBD resulted in decrease in mean TBil by 8.2738 ± 0.912 mg/dL at 30 days (P < 0.001), 55.14% (n = 48) cases reaching 3 mg/dL at mean 45 days, and 35/48 cases received chemotherapy. Overall mortality was 6.89%, 37.93% and 90.80% at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year, respectively. Mean survival with ID (236.40 ± 33.37 days) was better than with ED (110.35 ± 26.16 days) (P < 0.001). Pain (62.06%; n = 54; mean Visual Analog Scale [VAS] score = 6.7) improved significantly (mean VAS score 3.4; P < 0.001). Pruritus (n = 29) was relieved in 100% of the cases. Complication rate of 18.39% (n = 16) and no procedure-related death were seen. Conclusion: PTBD offers a safe and significant improvement in TBil, pain, and pruritus in non-operable MBTO, with ID offering additional survival benefit over ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common lung problem faced by a post-COVID patient is lung fibrosis. Clinical recovery is generally complete in mild-to-moderately severe COVID-19 cases but a small proportion of patients with severe disease may go on to develop lung fibrosis. Patient groups at the highest risk to develop lung fibrosis are the elderly, especially those requiring ICU stay and mechanical ventilation. No definitive therapy for managing this pulmonary fibrosis exists as of date, even though various options are being explored. This case series highlights three cases of post-COVID lung fibrosis and reviews the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a safe sclerotherapy session to be completed in the orbital low-flow malformation (namely lymphovenous malformation or venolymphatic malformation), accurate identification of the target lesion for the drug injection is crucial. Regarding the dependability and viability of the injection approach, the authors have discussed their experiences with image-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy on a few patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute Necrotizing Encephalitis as a Probable Association of COVID-19 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe results of image guided sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VM) localized in the masseter muscle. Methods: Retrospective review of prospectively maintained data was done to include consecutive cases treated over 5-year period, with minimum 6 months follow-up. Sclerotherapy was done using ultrasound (US) guided needle puncture(s) of the lesions percutaneously, and 3% polidocanol foam injected under image guidance. Results: Seventeen cases (10 male, 7 female) with mean age 15.6 years (range 6-28 years) were identified. Clinical presentation was with facial asymmetry, becoming pronounced on jaw clenching, and three cases had mild local pain. On US, the lesions appeared as partially compressible masses with anechoic spaces, showing color filling on releasing probe pressure. Fourteen had phleboliths. Eight patients had undergone magnetic resonance imaging, lesions appearing as oval, homogenous, lobulated, T2 hyperintense masses, with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Number of sclerotherapy sessions were—single in four cases, two in eight cases and three in five cases, for total of 35 sessions (average 2.05 session per patient). The mean dose of drug injected per session was 1.85 mL and total mean dose per patient was 2.79 mL. Post-procedure vomiting occurred in one patient while all had local swelling and mild pain, lasting between 3 to 7 days. No facial nerve palsy or sloughing/ulceration/skin necrosis was noted. On US follow-up (6-26 months, mean 15.9 months), 12 patients had small echogenic masses without any vascularity, and five had small anechoic areas <25%. All patients had complete resolution of swelling and pain. Conclusions: For VMs localized to the masseter muscle, image guided sclerotherapy is highly effective and safe, and recommended as first line treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous heating is the major cause of unintentional coal burning in the underground coal mine. It is responsible for releasing a number of combustible gases. For measuring the concentration of these gases, the role of gas sensors becomes very important to plan efficient preventive measures. In general, the outputs of sensor produced in digital format after processing through the microcontroller platform. However, the sensor data need to be displayed in a standard format. Therefore, a tool is needed to convert the digital output of the sensors to the standard format (PPM or %) in actual environmental condition. Hence, in the present paper, mathematical expressions have been deduced for each sensor to produce the output in a standard format for test environmental condition and the same were compared simultaneously with the handheld gas analyzer. The results were found in agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is one of the most hazardous and hostile occupations in the world. Even though a lot of hazards are associated with this industry, mining of both fuel and mineral based deposit from earth is necessary for the economic growth of the nation, maintaining a low cost of production by avoiding import and gaining independence from other mineral rich and technologically advanced nation for its day to day requirements of minerals. But, the industry must keep in mind that it should adopt the policy of safety first than production in the context of a large number of dangers which are associated with mining activity and must take necessary action to avoid such unwanted events from happening. Though safety standards in current mining industry scenario have improved by providing training sessions to miners regarding safe and better work practices and using better machines for stabilization of mining structure and extraction. But still disaster tends to happen in mines worldwide and rescue of miners and mining machinery is the first task that is performed by industry by sending rescue team without prior knowledge about underground mine environmental condition since post-disaster installed mine environment monitoring is either damaged or destroyed. Subsequently, sending mine rescuers will be dangerous and may cause even bigger disaster from happening which is evident in past. Therefore, the mining industry is now relying upon robotics for mine disaster rescue management to assist human rescuers and avoid further exposure to dangerous post-disaster underground mine environment. This paper gives an overview of applicability of robotics in mine disaster rescue management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Media is considered the most powerful platform to create awareness in human society. It plays an important role in spreading public awareness and disseminating information about pandemic diseases such as coronavirus. A survey through a questionnaire was used and the descriptive analysis of questions as asked to the people on COVID 19 published by the leading newspapers of Rajasthan, western India was done to analyze the role print media played in spreading awareness about Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: The objectives used both quantitative and qualitative methodology. In the quantitative method, a self-structured questionnaire was circulated among the various professionals. A descriptive method of secondary sources was also used to measure the effect of articles and advisements on the people published in the newspapers. Results: A total of 106 various professionals participated in the study. The research reveals that 56 percent of males and 43 percent of females are part of this research; more than 80 percent of respondents belong to the age group of fewer than 40 years. Among the active respondents, 91 percent are said to read the newspaper regularly. The study also shows that 96 percent of respondents are read articles, news, columns related to COVID-19 and particular about Coronavirus. Nearly 91 percent of respondents are in favor that media coverage of COVID-19 has improved their knowledge of Coronavirus. Around 93 percent of respondents agree that media spreading awareness among the people on Coronavirus through newspaper published articles, news, and advisements. The study exhibits that 95 percent of respondents expressed their views that print media has played an active role in disseminating the government directives on Coronavirus and almost 97 percent of the respondents are opined that print media will play a more effective role in spreading awareness on coronavirus. Conclusion: The respondents expressed that print media has played a vital role in spreading awareness on the pandemic of coronavirus disease. The newspaper spread awareness among the people on coronavirus through newspaper published articles, news and advisements. The newspaper also published a variety of queries and doubts as asked by the people to Doctors on coronvirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common inflammatory myopathy above the age of 50 years and three times more common in males than females. It presents as a distal more than proximal myopathy and has an indolent progressive course. Despite the latest advancements, it is challenging to diagnose this disease as it may resemble amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinically and polymyositis histopathologically. What sets it apart from the other myopathies is the fact that it has a very poor response to standard therapies of steroids and immunosuppressants. We present a case of a 30-year-old female patient presenting with relatively rapid onset of quadriparesis and dysphagia which was ultimately diagnosed with IBM. This case report attempts to highlight the difficulties in diagnosing this rare disease and the limited modalities of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, effect of asphaltenes on optical textures of semi-coke and pitches prepared from vacuum residues (VRs) and their deasphalted oils (DAOs) during heat treatment at a temperature 390 °C was investigated. Optical microscopic image analysis shows that VR-1 which contains 10.44 wt% asphaltenes produces semi-coke VR-390-1 having 29 vol% mesophase content and flow type coalescence. On the other hand, VR-2 which contains 24.57 wt% asphaltenes produces semi-coke VR-390-2 having 27 vol% mesophase content and mosaic type texture. Further, it was observed that deasphalting of these vacuum residues improve the optical textures as well as enhance the mesophase content in DAO-390-1 (48 vol%) and DAO-390-2 (36 vol%) semi-cokes. Furthermore, we have also concluded that asphaltenes molecules affect the growth of mesophase development in an adverse manner. In this study, we have prepared pitches from clarified oil (CLO) and aromatic extract (AE) having very low asphaltenes content at temperatures 380 and 390 °C respectively without and with the addition of 3% asphaltenes. Optical microscopic images of these pitches show that mesophase contents were decreases with the addition of asphaltenes externally. In addition, semi-cokes and pitches were also characterized by using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The study revealed that asphaltenes either present in the feed stock or externally added in the feed stock play a negative role on mesophase development as well as on coke texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian power sector is experiencing a lot of pressure to supply sustainable electricity at affordable cost due to heavy demand especially in the summer peak season. Most of India's electricity is produced by fossil fueled power plants, which are the source of CO 2 emissions. In this case, renewable energy sources play a vital role in securing sustainable energy without environmental emissions. This paper examines the effects of renewable energy use in electricity supply systems and estimates the CO 2 emissions by developing various scenarios under the least cost approach. The LEAP energy model is used to develop these scenarios. The results show that in a ARET (accelerated renewable energy technology) scenario, 23% of electricity is generated by renewables only, and 74% of CO 2 reduction is possible by 2050. If the maximum energy savings potential is combined with the ARET scenario, the renewables share in electricity supply rises to 36% as compared to the reference scenario, while the CO 2 emission reduction in this case remains at 74%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to fast rising energy demand, Southeast Asia has become a larger energy consumer and bigger player in global energy markets. Energy security and environmental emissions reduction have become higher priorities to ensure energy supply at affordable costs, for continued economic growth and development. To address these issues renewable energy plays a vital role in the long-term future for sustainable development. This paper estimates and analyzes the renewable energy potential in the energy mix in two Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia and Thailand. The LEAP energy model is used to develop different renewable energy policy scenarios from base year 2010 to 2050. The results of the simulation show that a large proportion of electricity must be produced by renewables by 2050 if full potential of renewables is to be exploited. In this case, 81% and 88% of CO 2 emissions are reduced in Indonesia and Thailand respectively. In implementing renewables at large scale in both these countries the cost of production increases substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, environmentally-benign mesophase pitches were prepared from feed stocks obtained from two different petroleum refinery processes namely ‘clarified oil’ (CLO) from fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit of Fuel Block and ‘heavy extract’ (HE) from solvent extraction unit of Lube Block by giving thermal treatment at 370 °C. The effect of thermal treatment and role of transition metal catalysts on development of mesophase in petroleum feed stocks have been discussed in this paper. Mesophase formation behavior in the feed stocks and microstructures of mesophase pitches produced were investigated by optical microscopic imaging. It was observed that mesophase formation in the feed stocks was slow under the influence of thermal soaking only. The addition of divalent transition metal salts of cobalt and nickel during thermal soaking accelerates the mesophase formation in pitches. The addition of 3 wt% of cobalt catalyst enhanced the mesophase content (MC) from below countable limit (BCL) to 16 vol% in CLO pitch and from 10 to 40 vol% in HE pitch and also reduced thermal soaking time in both the cases. The 3 wt% of nickel catalyst also showed similar behaviour and enhanced the mesophase content (MC) from below countable limit (BCL) to 13 vol% in CLO pitch and from 10 to 18 vol% in HE pitch in shorter thermal soaking time. The study further revealed that cobalt catalyst exhibited greater catalytic activity for mesophase formation than nickel catalyst. These catalysts also help to increase the yield of mesophase pitches. Pitch yield in case of uncatalysed pitch CLO-0-0 is 11.88 wt% which increases to 16.22 wt% (CLO-Co-3) and 15.08 wt% (CLO-Ni-3), whereas in case of heavy extract pitch yield increases from 24.41 wt% (HE-0-0) to 24.79 wt% (HE-Co-3) and 26.16 wt% (HE-Ni-3) by the addition of Co and Ni catalysts. The effect of transition metal catalysts on mesophase pitch properties such as elemental analyses (CHNS), softening point (SP), coking value (CV), toluene insolubles (TI) and quinoline insolubles (QI) have also been studied. The mesophase pitches were also characterized using NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Endovascular neurointervention (interventional neuroradiology) is a highly demanding science requiring deep understanding of disease, anatomy, clinical skills and manual dexterity, consequently with a long learning curve and thus posing significant challenges to a physician entering new into the competitive arena. Aim: To evaluate the procedural success, complications and outcome in the first year of independent endovascular neurointervention practice in a suburban hospital. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data of all diagnostic and therapeutic neurointerventional cases performed by the author between the period of January 02, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Results: A total of 61 procedures were performed. The performance success rate of the diagnostic procedures was 100% (38/38) and that of therapeutic procedures was 82.6% (19/23). The periprocedural complication rates were nil and 13%, respectively, for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The 3 month patient outcome for therapeutic procedures was good outcome (Modified Rankin Scale <2) in 87% cases (20/23), and poor outcome in 13% (2 dead and 1 debilitated with Modified Rankin Scale of 3). Conclusion: For a well trained endovascular neurointerventionalist, the first year of practice had high procedural success rate and acceptable complication with patient outcome rates comparable to the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. 3D Rotational Angiography (RA) is indispensable for evaluation of intracranial aneurysms, providing infinite viewing angles and defining the aneurysm morphology. Its role in follow-up of clipped aneurysms remains unclear. We aimed to compare the aneurysm residue/recurrence detection rate of 3D RA with 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Methods. 47 patients harboring 54 clipped aneurysms underwent both 2D DSA and 3D RA. The residual/recurrent aneurysms were classified into five grades and the images of both modalities were compared. Results. The residual/recurrent aneurysm detection rate was 53.70% (29/54 aneurysms) with 2D DSA and 66.67% (36/54 aneurysms) with 3D RA (P = 0.05). In 12 aneurysms, 3D RA upgraded the residue/recurrence among which nine had been completely not detected on 2D DSA and were found to have grade one or two residual necks on the 3D RA, and, in three cases, a small neck on 2D DSA turned out to be aneurysm sac on 3D RA. In a total of 5 aneurysms, the classification was downgraded by 3D RA. Conclusion. 3D RA picks up more aneurysm residue/recurrence; hence, both 2D DSA and 3D RA should be performed in follow-up evaluation of clipped aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the role of relative motion between the fluid components of a plasma model, which is simulated by concatenation of two anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluids, on the propagation of low-frequency waves and instabilities. The gyrotropic pressure of both the MHD components is given by generalized polytropic laws that allow the system to reduce to a variety of states. The linearized analysis is carried out and dispersion relation is derived using the normal mode technique. The dispersion relation, which gives numerous earlier results as special cases, is discussed both analytically as well as numerically for parameters appropriate for the space plasma. It is found that the relative motion between the two components, besides modifying the condition for fire-hose instability, causes the concatenated system to exhibit different kinds of relative ordering of the magnitudes of phase speeds of the various MHD modes in the directions parallel and antiparallel to the magnetic field. The relative motion between the components also influences the phase relationship between density and magnetic field fluctuations for the various compressive modes in the background ambient plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of 12-year-old girl who was suffering from swelling of both orbits which was diagnosed as tubercular pansinusitis with orbital and intracranial extension. Topics discussed include anti-tubercular treatment of the patient which reduced protrusion of eye, vision problem associated with sinonasal tuberculosis and mentions non-tuberculous infections as causes of proptosis in childhood.

We present an improved method for the determination of membership of an open cluster using ensemble-based unsupervised machine learning techniques. The working principle of this method relies on two stages: (i) choosing a suitable range of three astrometric parameters (π, μαcos δ, μδ) using k -nearest neighbour (kNN) algorithm on the data downloaded for the cluster within a smaller search radius; (ii) application of two component Gaussian mixture modelling (GMM) on the resulting one dimensional Gaussian distribution of Mahalanobis distance (MD) of stars using the range of parameters obtained from the earlier step, but with the data downloaded within a bigger search radius. MD is calculated from the mean of each of the parameters in three dimensions. Thus the use of MD reduces the input of the GMM from the 3D parameter space into a 1D parameter space for the cluster membership determination. The method has been tested on a few clusters including those which have overlaps in some/all the parameters using the data obtained from the Gaia DR3 data base. It is found that the approach can easily separate the cluster members from the field stars. The clean colour-magnitude diagrams and similar direction of proper motions of the member stars obtained for the clusters shows that this method is very efficient and robust in segregating the cluster members from the field stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a rare constellation of variant anatomy of the aortic arch branches, seen on a magnetic resonance angiographic examination during the course of investigation for recent onset memory loss in a 52-year-old patient. There was a common origin of both the common carotid arteries (CCA), the common trunk being the first major branch of the aortic arch, the right vertebral artery arising from the right CCA and the right subclavian artery arising as the last branch of the arch. In isolation, the three components of this constellation have been reported with different frequencies, but as per the authors' knowledge, this entire constellation has been rarely reported. We review the literature and propose an embryological mechanism for this variant anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-asparaginase is an important therapeutic biomolecule, used to treat lymphocytic leukemia. In the present study, Iodobacter sp. PCH194 genome was mined for new L-asparaginase (Id-ASNase II). In silico analysis including amino acid composition and pI revealed its sequence-based novelty and phylogenetic closeness to the commercial bacterial L-asparaginases. Subsequently, the gene was successfully cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli BL21 DE3). The monomeric molecular weight of Id-ASNase II was 38 kDa with a native size of 150 kDa. Maximum L-asparaginase activity (80 U mg− 1) was achieved in 25 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.2) at 37 °C after 10 min of incubation. The enzyme was active in wide pH (5.0–11.0) and temperature ranges (4–70 °C). The half-life (t1/2) of the enzyme at 37 °C was 13.54 h, whereas Km, Vmax, kcat, and kcat/Km were 1.2 mM, 128 µmoles min− 1, 82 s− 1, and 63.1 s− 1 mM− 1, respectively. Id-ASNase II exhibited cytotoxicity against cancer cell line K562 (IC50 value 0.4 U mL− 1) leading to cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase after treatment. Furthermore, 10 U Id-ASNase II led to a 57% acrylamide reduction in potato chips. Thus, the study discovered and characterized Id-ASNase II with potential applications for treating leukemia and food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Himalayan Viola species (Banksha) are traditionally important herbs with versatile therapeutic benefits such as antitussive, analgesic, antipyretic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancerous ones. The current investigation was focused on exploring polyphenolic profiles, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potentials of wild viola species at 15 gradient locations (375–1829 m). Methods: Morphological, physiochemical, and proximate analyses were carried out as per WHO guidelines for plant drug standardization. Total polyphenolic and flavonoid content were carried out using gallic acid and rutin equivalent. UPLC-DAD was used to profile the targeted polyphenols (gallic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, quercetin, luteolin, caffeic acid, and epicatechin). Similarly, all samples were screened for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Statistical analysis was used to correlate polyphenolic and targeted activities to assess Viola species adaptation behavior patterns. Results: Viola canescens (V. canescens) and Viola pilosa (V. pilosa) were found abundantly at their respective sites. Among flowers and leaves, flowers of V. canescens and V. pilosa showed higher total polyphenolic and flavonoid content (51.4 ± 1.13 mg GAE/g and 65.05 ± 0.85 mg RE/g, and 33.26 ± 0.62 mg GAE/g and 36.10 ± 1.41 mg RE/g, respectively). Furthermore, UPLC-DAD showed the uppermost content of p-coumaric acid in flowers and ferulic acid in leaves, while rutin was significant in both the tissues. Conclusions: The adaptive behavior of Viola species showed variability in morphological characters with the altitudes, while targeted polyphenols and activities were significant at mid-altitudes. This research helps in the selection of right chemotype for agrotechnological interventions and the development of nutraceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pycnodysostosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the cysteine protease Cathepsin K gene located on chromosome 1q21. It has a well characterized skeletal phenotype which include short stature, generalized increased bone density with propensity of fractures, open calvarial sutures and fontanelle, dental abnormalities, obtuse mandibular angle, resorption of lateral end of clavicle, acro-osteolysis, and in some cases visceromegaly. Central nervous system involvement is very rare and porencephalic cysts has been reported only once, the cause being hypothesised to be an imbalance between the growing brain, its vascular supply and intraventricular fluid pressure. We had a patient with bilateral frontal lobe porencephalic cysts; the patient presenting with complex partial seizures. Cathepsins have been found to be involved in neurological diseases and role of proteases has been well established in gliosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives  The loss of swallow tail sign (STS) has been studied for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The study aims to establish the role of STS on high-resolution 3D susceptibility-weighted images (SWI) on 3T MRI in clinically diagnosed cases of PD and compare with control population. Methods and Materials  Forty-five patients with clinically diagnosed PD and Parkinson plus syndrome (PPS) formed the study group and were compared with 45 controls without any neurological disease and normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Presence or absence of STS was studied on 1-mm thick axial 3D SWI images in bilateral substantia nigra by two radiologists independently, followed by consensus reading. Bilateral absent, unilateral absent, and faintly present STS were considered as absent STS and predicted PD or PPS, and bilateral presence was considered as a positive STS, and was assessed keeping the clinical diagnosis as the gold standard. Results  The sensitivity of the absent STS was 75.55%, specificity 97.77%, positive predictive value 97.14%, negative predictive value 80% and accuracy 86.66%, in the diagnosis of PD or PPS, with odd ratio of 132 (confidence interval 15.97–1098.75). Kappa coefficient was 0.80 (p  < 0.001) for both inter- and intrarater agreement, suggesting high reproducibility for the detection of STS. Conclusions  Absence of the STS is a good predictor of degeneration of the nigrosome 1 in the substantia nigra in the PD or PPS patients; hence, it can act as a useful marker of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thromboembolism during aneurysm coiling is a known complication with almost all thromboembolic phenomenon occurring ipsilateral to the side of vessel catheterization and sometimes bilaterally. A case is reported in which thromboembolism occurred exclusively on the opposite side of vessel catheterization, the first case to be reported, to our knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we report a case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in which there were central cervical cord signal changes on MRI. The spinal cord is uncommonly involved in SSPE. However, demonstration of spinal cord signal change in a patient of SSPE has significant implications for the differential diagnosis and management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical ribs rarely become symptomatic. Cerebral ischemia or infarct due to cervical rib is extremely rare and, invariably, these patients have a history of upper limb symptoms before presenting with stroke. We report a young boy with cervical rib who presented with stroke. A right sided cervical rib was noted during angiogram, causing mild stenosis and post stenotic dilatation of right subclavian artery distal to the rib. An abduction angiogram showed complete occlusion of the right subclavian artery and visualization of collaterals. Right carotid angiogram also showed evidence of thromboembolic episodes in the right middle cerebral artery territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral involvement is rare in polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and is mostly characterized by ischemic events and intracranial hemorrhages secondary to cerebral aneurysms is extremely rare. We report two patients of PAN with multiple intracranial aneurysms. One patient presented with intracerebral hemorrhage and in the other patient multiple intracranial aneurysms were incidental findings and were asymptomatic. Both our cases suggest that multiple intracranial aneurysms are not very uncommon in PAN and cerebral angiography should be considered while doing abdominal angiogram in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takayasu aortoarteritis (TA) rarely affects the nervous system, but when it does, it usually manifests as cerebral ischemia or stroke. These strokes have mainly been attributed to stenotic extracranial vessels. Stenoses of intracranial vessels, although rare in TA, can occur due to either embolization into the vessel or because of the vasculitic process itself. Intracranial aneurysms are very rare in patients with TA. Bilateral cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms are rarer. They have been reported following radiation therapy and in association with fibromuscular dysplasia and juvenile Paget disease. Bilateral mycotic intracavernous aneurysms also occur. Bilateral giant cavernous ICA aneurysms with carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) consequent to rupture into the cavernous sinus in a case of TA are extremely unusual. We report a case that fulfilled both American College of Rheumatology and European League against Rheumatology criteria for TA. The patient had bilateral cavernous sinus giant aneurysms and CCF because the right-sided aneurysm had ruptured and was leaking into the cavernous sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the introduction of its energy concept in 2010, the German government set ambitious targets for the country's energy and climate policy. According to this concept, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will have to be reduced by 80% by 2050, as compared to 1990 levels, and renewables will have to supply 80% of all electricity needs by the same year. Additionally, Germany has decided to phase out its nuclear energy by 2022. This study investigates the possible components to achieve these targets. The analysis is based on an hourly simulation model EnergyPlan. Three scenarios are developed to investigate the potential development of the German energy supply system until 2050. The results indicate renewable shares of 92% and 81% for scenarios B and A, respectively, by 2050 compared to 69% in the reference scenario. The proposed renewable energy system is even found to involve lower costs than today's energy system (i.e. total annual cost for scenario B is € 260 bn compared to € 293 bn in the reference scenario). The results show that a massive decarbonization of the German energy system until 2050 seems technically and economically feasible, if smart grid costs are disregarded and if this sustainable energy transformation is accompanied by political and genuine public willingness to actually achieve the set goals and take the necessary steps. • In this paper low carbon technologies are used to estimate the CO 2 mitigation potential in Germany. • The EnergyPlan model has been used in this work. • Three scenarios are developed by considering different policies for Germany. • The result shows 90% CO 2 emission reduction and 92% renewable generation possible in B scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There has been a sudden increase in the number of rhino-orbital mucormycosis cases, primarily affecting patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. The local health authorities have declared the current situation an epidemic. In this study, we assess the role of exenteration in preventing disease progression and improving survival in patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Methods: The patients undergoing exenteration were grouped into the exenteration arm and those denying exenteration were grouped into the nonexenteration arm. The patients were followed at 1 month and 3 months. The 6-month survival data were collected telephonically. Continuous data were presented as Mean ± SD/Median (IQR) depending on the normality distribution of data, whereas the frequency with percentages was used to present the categorical variables. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were created to estimate the difference in survival of patients with exenteration in rhino-orbital mucormycosis versus those without exenteration. Results: A total of 14 patients were recruited for our study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients were qualified for exenteration; however, only eight patients underwent exenteration and six patients did not consent to exenteration. At the end of 3 months in the exenteration group, four (50%) patients died. Two patients died within a week of exenteration, whereas two patients died after 2 weeks of exenteration. The deaths in the first week were attributed to septic shock and the deaths happening beyond 2 weeks were attributed to severe meningitis. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed the cumulative probability of being alive at 1 month in the exenteration arm to be 85%, and it decreased to 67% by 53 days and subsequently remained stable until the end of 3 months. Conclusion: The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis did not show a survival benefit of exenteration at 3 months and 6 months in COVID-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report on the isolation of bacterial isolates from Himalayan niches, which produced extracellular l-asparaginase with low/no glutaminase activity. From the 235 isolates, 85 asparaginase positive bacterial isolates were identified by qualitative screening using optimized chromogenic dyes assay. Optimized concentration of different dyes revealed maximum color visualization in phenol red (0.003%). The diversity analysis of asparaginase positive isolates revealed that Proteobacteria (83%) are the most dominant, followed by Actinobacteria (12%), Firmicutes (3%), and Bacteriodetes (2%). Eleven isolates, which represented seven Pseudomonas species, one species each of the genus Arthrobacter, Janthinobacterium, Lelliottia, and Rahnella, were selected for further studies based on highest zone ratio and novel aspects for l-asparaginase production. Of these, five isolates, namely, Pseudomonas sp. PCH133, Pseudomonas sp. PCH146, Pseudomonas sp. PCH182, Rahnella sp. PCH162, and Arthrobacter sp. PCH138, produced l-asparaginase without glutaminase activity after 55 h of growth with the former isolate showing the highest l-asparaginase activity (1.67 U/ml). Interestingly, this is the first report of l-asparaginase production by members of the genera Janthinobacterium, Rahnella, and Lelliottia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) or Grnaulomatosis polyangitis (GPA) has been well described in the literature, but this is the first case report of ABPA with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) mimicking as granulomatous vasculitis (EGPA and GPA) as per the authors. A 25-year-old woman, symptomatic for the past 4 years and initially treated for bronchial asthma, presented with worsening dyspnea, cough, fever, anorexia, and leg pain. There were increasing pulmonary opacities in the chest radiograph, and a computed tomography scan demonstrated left hilar adenopathy and consolidation. The patient was diagnosed with ABPA after the initial workup and prescribed oral prednisolone with itraconazole. The patient also had nasal polyposis, sinusitis, mucin in sinuses, and fungal growth in mucin favoring the diagnosis of AFRS. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed plaque-like endobronchial lesions and bronchial stenosis, and histopathologic examination of the biopsy from the nodular lesion demonstrated eosinophilic bronchitis. Normal serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels, positive Mantoux test, and the eosinophilic inflammation in the endobronchial biopsy ruled out the possibility of sarcoidosis. Both cytoplasmic and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c- and p-ANCA, respectively) were found positive in a vasculitis panel test, the positive p-ANCA favoring the diagnosis of EGPA, while the combination of endobronchial lesion, sinus abnormality, and nonresolving consolidation along with positive c-ANCA favoring the diagnosis of GPA as well. However, in the absence of histopathological evidence of vasculitis, ANCA may be false positive. Accordingly, a final diagnosis of ABPA combined with AFRS was made. The patient responded well to oral prednisolone along with inhaled asthma medications. Our case highlights the overlapping clinical features of eosinophilic lung diseases and small-vessel vasculitis, which may coexist, and the need to investigate thoroughly for better clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologically mediated lung disease that occurs in response to Aspergillus fumigatus which affects primarily asthmatic and cystic fibrosis patients. Central bronchiectasis is a classical radiological presentation of ABPA, but the presentation as total collapse of the lung, pneumothorax, lung mass, or fibrocavitary disease has been rarely described. First case was a 50-year-old nonsmoker male who presented radiologically as complete collapse of left lung. The second case was 54-year-old nonsmoker male presented with breathlessness and chest radiograph showed right-sided pneumothorax which expand after chest tube insertion. The third case a 35-year-old female who treated as bronchial asthma and refer to us for provisional diagnosis of malignancy after saw chest radiograph. The last case was a 22-year-old male who had typical symptoms and radiologically features of pulmonary tuberculosis. All these patients were treated by antitubercular drug, but later, all four case turn out as ABPA. This case series highlights the rare radiological presentation of ABPA (pneumothorax, lung collapse, lung mass, and fibrocavitary), and identifying these diseases in the early stage can prevent the development of end-stage pulmonary fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current guidelines for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are based primarily on the demonstration of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on sputum microscopy and chest radiograph. Knowing various radiological manifestations and their association with sputum microscopy findings can allow for early diagnosis and early initiation of treatment. Aims: This study was performed to compare the chest radiograph features seen in sputum-positive and sputum-negative tuberculosis patients, respectively. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational study, which included 147 consecutive patients newly diagnosed and treated as PTB between Jan 2018 and July 2018. Chest X-ray was reviewed by 2 independent radiologists and the findings were compared between sputum-positive and sputum-negative PTB cases. The obtained data were analyzed by statistics using SPSS version 15 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and χ2 test and Student t test were used for statistical analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Out of a total of 147 patients, 38 (25 males and 13 females, mean age 35.23 ± 18.40) were sputum positive and 109 (77 males and 32 females, mean age 36.07 ± 18.15) were sputum negative. The frequency of patchy consolidation (78.94% vs 49.54%) and cavitation (36.84% vs 15.59%) was significantly higher in sputum-positive PTB (P < 0.05). Radiological lesions like nodular shadow (10.09% vs 2.63%), cystic lesion (13.76% vs 5.26%), fibrosis (12.84% vs 7.89%), miliary shadows (2.75% vs 2.63%), and pleural effusion (1.83% vs 0%) were seen more commonly with sputum-negative PTB but the difference was not statistically significant for any of these features. Sputum-positive PTB tends to occur more commonly on the left side (47.36%) compared with sputum-negative PTB (27.52%) (P < 0.05). 34.21% and 35.77% of the chest X-ray lesions were bilateral in sputum-positive and sputum-negative PTB, respectively. Conclusion: Patchy infiltration and cavitation on chest X-ray are seen more frequently in sputum-positive cases of PTB compared with sputum-negative cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extremely rare variation of the (left) middle meningeal artery (MMA) originating from the basilar artery, detected incidentally during cerebral angiography, is reported. The right MMA was normal and an accessory meningeal artery arising from the maxillary artery was present on both the sides. The foramen spinosum on the variant side was absent. This abnormal origin of the MMA can be explained by the presence of a perineural arterial network in the region of the Gasserian ganglion, formed by branches of the developing basilar and stapedial arterial systems; the middle meningeal—basilar arterial channel opening up in the absence of a normally developing MMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been gold standard investigation for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Availability and cost are two main factors limiting the universal use of MRI in all those patients in whom ligament injury is suspected. We compared the outcome of functional USG with gold standard MRI scan in this prospective study. Materials and Methods: In this study, we included the patients coming to orthopedics outpatient department with sign and symptoms of ACL injury. We performed functional USG of the injured and uninjured knee and noted the difference in translation, measured by USG. More than 1 mm of difference in translation of tibia on the affected side as compared to uninjured side is taken as significant. We compared our result with the findings of MRI. The study result of 130 patients revealed high sensitivity (81.65%) and high specificity (89%) in diagnosing ACL injury. The positive predictive value of the test was 97.8%, and the negative predictive value was 44%. The P value of the difference of translation as 0.0001 was also statistically significant. Conclusions: We can safely conclude from the study that the functional USG can be used as a primary tool to diagnose ACL tears. USG's ubiquitous availability and simple technique of the procedure can bring a revolution in the future for diagnosing and managing ACL injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmastoid branch of the occipital artery is an important supply to posterior fossa vascular malformations and tumors and is often difficult to catheterize due to tortuosity and a transforaminal course. In very difficult situations, we can try to induce spasm of the occipital artery just beyond the origin of the mastoid branch by repeated passages of the microcatheter/wire. This induces a temporary 'ligation' like effect so that the microcatheter can then be manipulated into the mastoid branch via the mastoid foramen. Rarely, the occipital artery has to be sacrificed if spasm cannot be induced or is short living, following which particles can be injected from a distance without entering the mastoid foramen. Occluding the occipital artery proximally has no effect on distal perfusion, as collaterals and anastomoses from superficial temporal artery, posterior auricular artery, and opposite occipital artery take over the supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the case of a patient who was diagnosed with hematomyelia due to anterior spinal artery aneurysm.