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Lichens, algae and fungi-based symbiotic associations, are sources of many important secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. Wide range of experiments based on in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that lichens are a rich treasure of anti-cancer compounds. Lichen extracts and isolated lichen compounds can interact with all biological entities currently identified to be responsible for tumor development. The critical ways to control the cancer development include induction of cell cycle arrests, blocking communication of growth factors, activation of anti-tumor immunity, inhibition of tumor-friendly inflammation, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and suppressing chromosome dysfunction. Also, lichen-based compounds induce the killing of cells by the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, that inturn positively modulates metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. Many lichen-based compounds have proven to possess potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with other anti-cancer compounds. This review primarily emphasizes on an updated account of the repository of secondary metabolites reported in lichens. Besides, we discuss the anti-cancer potential and possible mechanism of the most frequently reported secondary metabolites derived from lichens.

The role of epigenetics in the etiology of cancer progression is being emphasized for the past two decades to check the impact of chromatin modifiers and remodelers. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, nucleosome positioning, regulation by non-coding RNAs and precisely microRNAs are influential epigenetic marks in the field of progressive cancer sub-types. Furthermore, constant epigenetic changes due to hyper or hypomethylation could efficiently serve as effective biomarkers of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic development. Ongoing research in the field of epigenetics has resulted in the resolutory role of various epigenetic markers and their inhibition using specific inhibitors to arrest their key cellular functions in in-vitro and pre-clinical studies. Although, the mechanism of epigenetics in cancer largely remains unexplored. Nevertheless, various advancements in the field of epigenetics have been made through transcriptome analysis and in-vitro genome targeting technologies to unravel the applicability of epigenetic markers for future cancer therapeutics and management. Therefore, this review emphasizes on recent advances in epigenetic landscapes that could be targeted/explored using novel approaches as personalized treatment modalities for cancer containment.

Various imaging modalities have been used in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. Ultrasonography followed by USG guided FNAC is usually done in evaluating any thyroid nodule that is palpable on physical examination. FNAC often used as the initial screening test for diagnosis of thyroid nodule. This study was a cross-sectional study where patients with palpable thyroid nodules or clinically evident thyroid disease (hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism) were evaluated by ultrasound examination, which were correlated with FNAC of the patient. Statistical software SPSS (version 20.0) and Microsoft Excel were used to carry out the statistical analysis of data. It was concluded that conclusion high resolution ultrasound is an accurate technique to assess the morphology of thyroid nodules.

Extensive applications are found in aluminum matrix composites, where high strength to weight ratio, low weight and high corrosion resistance are needed. One of the categories of such materials is the SiC reinforced aluminum matrix composite. This reinforcing material belongs to ceramic group of materials and can withstand high temperature and improve several properties when incorporating in the grain structure of the base matrix. The introduction of SiC enhances wear resistance, hardness value and tensile strength. However, the use of high percentage of SiC material reduces the machinability (ductility) and toughness resistance and the machining of such material becomes difficult. In this current study, an attempt is made to develop an aluminum (LM25 alloy) matrix composite, which is reinforced with 7%SiC and 3%Gr particulates through stir casting route. The fabrication of composite is followed by evaluating the machining behavior of hybrid composite through electric discharge machining. During machining, current, voltage, pulse on time and pulse off time are selected as input controllable variables while material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR) and over cut are chosen as responses. The experiments are carried out as per Taguchi's L9 OA, with the aid of ANOVA and significant parameters effecting responses are identified. Main effects plots are drawn and optimum set of input machining conditions are determined.

Information Technology in Sports has established scientific discipline, Research activities, improve Learning and coaching, Bio-mechanical analysis and field research have evolved. In future very soon the way computer with be applicable in sports with good quality and best results. The modern alternative is the use of technology meant to increase accessibility to information and teaching process effectiveness. This paper highlights the use of modern technology in physical education and sports. The use of technology for teaching and learning has been summarized, in the following aspects: the needs for technology, computer-motion analysis, internet, video analysis/conferencing, chatting and challenges. It is concluded that technology use enormously improve teaching and learning of physical education and sport. The field of physical education and sports can make a significant contribution to the role that technologies play in our lives by carefully considering the benefits and liabilities of new information technologies on the whole person, body as well as mind. Information technology play vital role in the human being in particularly in field of sports and games.

Infertility is a serious public health issue affecting around 15% of couples globally. Of the 60-80 million people of reproductive age affected by infertility, 40-50% are due to male factor while 30-40% of cases are still idiopathic. The recent global deterioration in sperm quality raises apprehensions regarding the toxic effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health of males. Environmental toxicants have shown strong evidences for inducing oxidative stress affecting spermatogenesis severely, thereby leading to reduced sperm motility, count, and DNA damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) influences the spermatozoa development and transit process both internally and externally. Low level of ROS is indispensable for critical physiological sperm processes like sperm capacitation, motility, acrosome reaction, hyper-activation, sperm-oocyte interaction, etc., while excessive ROS disrupt antioxidant molecules which is detrimental to normal functioning of the sperm. Hence, identification of potential environmental toxicant may have clinical relevance for early screening and diagnosis of male infertility.

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives To study the CD45RA (naive) and CD45RO (memory) in CD4 + T cell population after in vitro stimulation to Aspergillus flavus antigen in CRSwNP patients and healthy controls. Methods The study included 30 cases of CRSwNP (before and after six months of treatment) and 30 healthy controls. Postoperatively biopsies (polyp tissues) were subjected to KOH and culture for mycological investigation. Preoperatively, blood sample (4 ml) was collected from cases and controls for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) separation. PBMCs were treated in vitro by Aspergillus flavus antigen (20 μg/ml) and Phytohemagglutinin and incubated for 18 h at 37°C in CO2 incubator. Cells were harvested after incubation and stained with different monoclonal antibodies such as CD3, CD4, CD45RA, and CD45RO for flow cytometry analysis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Data were expressed as mean ± SD and the significance level was considered at probability below 0.05. Results The profiles of various CRSwNP patients and healthy controls were studied. The mean age and duration of disease of the patients were recorded as 28.92 years and 9.08 months. A total of 24/30 (80%) cases were found positive for Aspergillus flavus from KOH/culture investigation. The percentage positivity of CD3 + CD4 + T cells was significantly increased after A. flavus stimulation in patients as compared with healthy controls. Decreased levels of CD45RA + CD4 + T cells were analyzed in patients before and after treatment as compared with healthy controls. The percentage of CD45RO + CD4 + T cells was found to be increased upon A. flavus stimulation in patients compared with the healthy control group. Conclusion The continuous exposure to fungal spores may induce unusual immune responses to Aspergillus flavus spores, triggering an allergic immunological reaction with increased CD4 + T cell responses. Increased levels of CD4 + CD45RO + T cells may transform the pathogenic reaction and highlight the chances of A. flavus reactive T cells involvement in initiating inflammation in cases of CRSwNP.

With a year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, still, variance in terms of transmission and susceptibility of different populations/ethnicities to the disease remains an enigma. The clinical outcome of COVID-19 disease is poor in patients with associated morbidities; however, the reasons behind significant mortality of immuno‐competent healthy individuals attributed to fulminant infection remains to be elucidated. Generally, protective B and T cell-mediated immune responses seem to have a tilted balance causing a sustained inflammatory state in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. The genetic makeup of an individual is highly likely to play a major role in elicitation as well as the outcome of the immune response in COVID‐19 cases. The Indian response to COVID-19 indicates a potential influence of genetic background on host immune response pathways leading to decreased susceptibility and mortality to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Many host genes are involved in the entry and replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the subsequent host immune response. The current review discusses the potential cytokine gene polymorphisms prevalent in the Indian population that may influence the transmission, severity and mortality due to COVID‐19 infection.

IntroductionThe role of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) +874 A>T (rs2430561) gene polymorphism has been evaluated in different ethnicities with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection, and inconsistent results have been reported. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to determine the precise association between IFN-γ +874 A>T gene polymorphism and PTB susceptibility.Material and methodsA total of 21 studies comprising 4281 confirmed PTB cases and 5186 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis by searching the PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Google Scholar web-databases.ResultsWe observed reduced risk of PTB in allelic contrast (T vs. A: p = 0.001; OR = 0.818, 95% CI: 0.723–0.926), homozygous (TT vs. AA: p = 0.017; OR = 0.715, 95% CI: 0.543–0.941), heterozygous (AT vs. AA: p = 0.002; OR = 0.782, 95% CI: 0.667–0.917), dominant (TT+AT vs. AA: p = 0.002; OR = 0.768, 95% CI: 0.652–0.906), and recessive (TT vs. AA+AT: p = 0.042; OR = 0.802, 95% CI: 0.649–0.992) genetic models. In ethnicity-wise subgroup analysis, reduced risk of PTB was found in the Caucasian population. However, we did not find an association with any of the genetic models in the Asian population.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the IFN-γ +874 A>T gene polymorphism is significantly associated with reduced risk of PTB, showing a protective effect in the overall and in the Caucasian population. However, this polymorphism is not associated with PTB risk in the Asian population.

The Heusler compounds have been recognized not only for their applications in spintronic and memory devices but also for thermoelectric devices. In this paper, the electronic and thermoelectric properties of Mn2PtCo full-Heusler compound have been investigated by using the full-potential linearized augmented planewave method and the Boltzmann semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory, respectively. The Mn2PtCo was found stable in Cu2MnAl-prototype structure with ferromagnetic phase. The Mn2PtCo showed metallic character in both the spin channels using generalized gradient approximation. Further, thermoelectric properties like Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity and power factor have been obtained within the specified temperature range (0–1000 K). The value of power factor was calculated to be 5.90 × 1011 WK−2m−1s−1 at 1000 K.

The mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) enzyme protects lungs against oxidative stress by neutralizing the free radical superoxide produced in the respiratory function. This has relevance to asthma. Therefore, it is of interest to describe the potential effect of MnSOD Ala16Val genetic polymorphism to asthma risk. Known data in this context is inconclusive in nature. The possible link between MnSOD Ala16Val polymorphism and asthma is explored using sequence meta-analysis. Data from the pooled analysis of MnSOD Ala16Val polymorphism using five genetic models i.e., allelic (Val vs. Ala: p=0.846; OR=1.033, 95% CI=0.742 to 1.440) is discussed. Homozygous (Val Val vs. Ala Ala: p=0.517; OR=1.307, 95% CI=0.582 to 2.932) and heterozygous (Val Ala vs. Ala Ala: p=0.307; OR=1.138, 95% CI=0.888 to 1.459) data using the described models are documented. Data from the dominant model (Val Val + Val Ala vs. Ala Ala: p=0.301; OR=1.289, 95% CI=0.797 to 2.085) and the recessive model (Val Val vs. Val Ala + Ala Ala: p=0.761; OR=0.924, 95% CI=0.555 to 1.538) analyses for several ethnic subgroups in this context is reported.

Water quality monitoring is an important tool in determining the safety and suitability of water for various desired and intended uses. The procedures involved in the evaluation of water quality are numerous and multifaceted. Therefore, taking into consideration the specific objectives of water quality monitoring, sampling design is of vital importance. Most of the physical parameters of water quality are determined via in-situ measurements using modern testing equipment/field testing kits. Although there are some good field-based sensors that are being used for evaluation of water quality, the chemical parameters traditionally are mostly analyzed through laboratory-based experiments. This chapter is aimed to offer an inclusive knowledge and insights on the importance and assessment of physico-chemical parameters that are of high priority for monitoring the water quality of wetlands.

Simple Summary Breast cancer prevalence is a major challenge worldwide due to the lack of early diagnostics and treatment modalities. In this era of technological advancements, researchers are exploring several grey areas in breast cancer research, which may lead to the appropriate point of care, non-invasive and diagnostic aid for early breast cancer detection and management. Exosome-based research, an emerging area, endeavors to locate and elucidate the role of exosomes in breast cancer diagnostics, immune response and clinical outcomes. This review may provide insights on small extracellular vesicles research and their role in breast cancer. Future extensive studies on exosome biology in conjunction with cancer genetics shall undoubtedly open up new vistas in exosome-based diagnostics for early cancer detection and therapeutics. Abstract Despite the recent advancements in therapeutics and personalized medicine, breast cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers among women. The prognostic and diagnostic aids mainly include assessment of tumor tissues with conventional methods towards better therapeutic strategies. However, current era of gene-based research may influence the treatment outcome particularly as an adjunct to diagnostics by exploring the role of non-invasive liquid biopsies or circulating markers. The characterization of tumor milieu for physiological fluids has been central to identifying the role of exosomes or small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). These exosomes provide necessary communication between tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The manipulation of exosomes in TME may provide promising diagnostic/therapeutic strategies, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer patients. This review has described and highlighted the role of exosomes in breast carcinogenesis and how they could be used or targeted by recent immunotherapeutics to achieve promising intervention strategies.

Aim: Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors with variable clinical presentation, including hypertension, and usually arise from the adrenal medulla. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of patients with pheochromocytoma. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study designed to study the clinical, laboratory, radiological, and surgical outcomes of 14 patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. Results: Of 14 patients, 10 were females and 4 males, with a mean age of 38 ± 16 years at diagnosis. Headache (96.6%), palpitation (64.3%), abdominal pain (64.3%), and sweating (57.1%) were the most common presenting symptoms, while triad was present in 42.8%. Hypertension was the predominant clinical finding (92.8%) followed by orthostasis in 35.7% and hyperglycemia in 35.7%. Most pheochromocytomas were sporadic (85.7%), adrenal gland tumors (78.6%), and benign (92.8%); two were familial (each due to neurofibromatosis type and von Hippel–Lindau). Metanephrine and nor-metanephrine secretory pattern was seen in 58.3% of the patients, while metanephrine only was seen in 41.7% of the patients. More than half of the tumors (54.5%) were located on the left side, with 36.4% on the right side, and one patient had bilateral presentation of a tumor. Postsurgical remission of hypertension was found in 35.7% of the hypertensive patients. Biochemical cure was obtained in 85.7% and surgical cure rate in 78.5% of the patients. Patient survival ranged from 2 months to 9 years. Conclusions: The present study confirms that the clinical presentation of pheochromocytoma is variable and nonspecific. Although pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor, proper evaluation, preoperative preparation, and complete surgical excision are important for its management.

Full potential linearized augmented plane wave method was used to calculate structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of CsEuCl3 within the framework of density functional theory. The ground state stability of CsEuCl3 was tested among non-magnetic, ferromagnetic, and anti-ferromagnetic phases. It was found that CsEuCl3 is stable in ferromagnetic phase. The computed ground state structural parameters in stability phase show excellent agreement with the available literature. The spin-polarized electronic properties reveal that CsEuCl3 is a direct band gap semiconductor in spin-up channel and large indirect band semiconductor in spin-down states. So, the overall nature of CsEuCl3 is semiconductor. The computed magnetic properties show that the main contribution toward ferromagnetic nature of studied compound is from the Eu atom. The calculated optical properties indicated the usefulness of CsEuCl3 in devices working in visible and ultraviolet regions of electromagnetic spectrum.

Experimental lattice constant has been used for theoretical predictions on structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic magnetic thermoelectric and thermodynamic properties of Sr2MnTaO6 double perovskite oxide within well-known ab-initio density functional theory. Optimized lattice constant has been employed for obtaining spin involved electronic structure results within generalized gradient approximation (GGA), Hubbard approximation (GGA + U) and modified Becke Johnson approximation (mBJ). Electronic results show half-metallic nature with majority spin channels as metallic and minority spin channels as semi-conducting. Magnetic moment calculated within GGA + U was found equal to 4 µb. Calculated large value of Bulks modulus (B) and Young modulus (Y) characterize it as hard and stiffer material. Pugh ratio (B/G) and Cauchy pressure (C12–C44) portray its brittle nature. Using Boltztrap code we have calculated the variation of electrical conductivity (σ/τ), Seebeck coefficient (S), electronic thermal conductivity (k/τ) and Power factor (PF) in both spin channels. (σ/τ) is found to have decreasing nature in spin up states and increasing nature in spin down states, hence confirms the metallic nature in spin up states and semi-conducting in spin down states. Seebeck coefficients (S) reveal the presence of positive charge carriers in spin up states and negative in spin down states. The computed value of total power factor was found to be 1.99 × 1012 WK−2 m−1 s−1 at 1000 K. Furthermore, we have computed pressure and temperature dependent thermodynamic parameters for this compound in the temperature range of 0 K to 1000 K and pressure range of 0 GPa to 18 GPa with a step size of 3 GPa.

Cubic perovskite oxides RbSbO3 and CsSbO3 have been investigated for structural stability, electronic results, elastic, mechanical stability and thermodynamic results by most accurate density functional theory (DFT). The optimization has been completed using Local density approximation (LDA) and Generalized gradient approximation (GGA) within the scheme of Perdew, Burke and Ernzrhof (PBE). The ground state optimized results present minimum energy within GGA for both compounds. Band structure and density of state results both present the metallic nature for these compounds. The mechanical properties like Young's modulus, Bulk modulus etc. have been deduced from elastic values. RbSbO3 was found to have more resistance to compression as compared to strength CsSbO3. Both the materials were found to have brittle nature from Poisson's ratio (υ), Cauchy's pressure (C12–C44) and Pugh ratio (B/G) criteria. The melting temperature was calculated to be 2148 ± 300 K, 1746 ± 300 K, respectively for RbSbO3 and CsSbO3. Pressure and temperature variation has been used for calculation of thermodynamic parameters within quasi-harmonic Debye approximation. The nature of Bulk modulus, cell volume, specific heat capacity and thermal expansion has been computed in the temperature range of 0 K–900 K and pressure varied from 0 GPa to 15 GPa.

BACKGROUND Cyclin D1 (CCND1) polymorphisms, a regulator of the cell cycle progress from G1 to the S phase, may lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and lack of apoptosis. G870A, a common single-nucleotide polymorphism in CCND1 influences breast cancer risk. However, the association between G870A polymorphism and breast cancer risk is ambiguous so far. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case-control study, we analyzed the role of G870A polymorphism with breast cancer risk in Indian women. A meta-analysis of 18 studies was also performed to elucidate this association by increasing statistical power. RESULTS In our case-control study, significant risk association of the CCND1 G870A AA genotype with breast cancer in total cohort (odds ratio [OR], 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-5.42; P value, 4.96e-04) and premenopausal women (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.54-7.08; P value, .003) was found. The results of the meta-analysis showed that AA genotype of the CCND1 G870A polymorphism significantly increases breast cancer risk in total pooled data (AA vs GG+GA: OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.39; P value, 0.016*) and Caucasian (AA vs GG+GA: OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.99 to 1.51; P value, .056*) but not in Asian population. Further, a significant protective association with breast cancer was also found in the GA vs AA comparison model in pooled data (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.92; P value, .007*) as well as in Caucasian subgroup (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.94; P value, .022*). CONCLUSION CCND1 G870A AA genotype was found associated with breast cancer risk. Future association studies considering the environmental impact on gene expression are required to validate/explore this association.

In the present work the structural, electronic, optical and magnetic properties of pure cubic HfO2and 3d transition metal (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) doped (Hf1-xTMxO2) alloys (x = 0.25%) have been investigated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) as implemented in the FP-LAPW (full-potential augmented plane wave plus local orbital's) method employing generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and TB-mBJ exchange correlation methods. The calculated results such as lattice parameters and band gap are in good agreement with available experimental results. The calculation indicates that Hf1-xTMxO2 with x = 0 is a symmetric band gap semi-conductor but as a result of 3d TM doping, the band structure changes dramatically, presenting the half-metallic nature for all Hf1-x(TM)xO2 (x = 0.25, TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) with majority spin states (spin up) as metallic and minority spin states (spin down) as semi-conducting for TM = Mn, Fe, Co and for TM = Ni the majority spin states (spin up) as semi-conducting and minority spin states (spin down) as metallic. The main contributions to the magnetic moment are mainly from the doped transition metals,TM = Mn, Fe, Co and Ni atoms with partial moments of 3.67 μB, 4.08 μB, 2.36 μB and 2.16 μB, respectively. From the charge density contour plots it was found that Hf0.75TM0.25O2 compounds have merged ionic and covalent character for the Hf–O and TM–O bonds. Further we have also explored the optical properties like reflectivity, index of refraction, energy loss, optical spectrum (absorption spectrum) corresponding to the imaginary part of dielectric function in the range 0–30 eV.

In the present paper we have investigated tungsten-based cubic perovskite oxides RbWO3 and CsWO3 for structural, electronic and elastic-mechanical results using first-principles density functional theory. Generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA) have been used for structural optimization. The calculated results like lattice constant, volume, bulk modulus, pressure derivative of bulk modulus and energy have been obtained from both GGA and LDA. Results of band structure calculations along high-symmetry directions of the Brillouin zone and the density of states showed the metallic nature for both the materials. The d-states of tungsten and p-states of oxygen are found to be present at the Fermi level and are responsible for the metallic nature of these compounds. The elastic constants (C11, C12 and C44) have been computed in order to understand the mechanical stability of these materials. Using the value of these elastic constants, some important mechanical properties of these materials like Young’s modulus, shear modulus and bulk modulus have been predicted. Both the materials were found to have a large bulk modulus, Young’s modulus and shear modulus, and hence may serve as important candidates in fuel cells as electrode materials. The calculated melting temperature from elastic constants for both the materials was found to be large enough, equal to 3215 ± 300 K and 3016 ± 300 K, respectively, for RbWO3 and CsWO3. Cauchy’s pressure (C12–C44), Poisson’s ratio (υ) and the Pugh ratio (B/G) predict both the materials as brittle. Thermodynamic parameters like specific heat capacity, Debye temperature and thermal expansion have been calculated as a function of temperature (0 K to 1400 K) and pressure (0 GPa to 32 GPa).