Construction of coumarin-appended calix[4]arene-based fluorescence sensor for the detection of carbofuran in cabbage.

This study presents a novel approach for the detection of carbofuran (CBF) insecticide by systematically exploring a calix[4]arene-derived fluorescence probe, CouC4S, functionalized with two coumarin-labelled cystamine linkages at the narrow edge of the calix[4]arene platform. The proposed method showed a fluorescence "signal - off" effect when CBF binds with CouC4S by quenching the fluorescence intensity of CouC4S. Its limit of detection was as low as 5.55 µM according to the emission study. The working concentration range for this ligand was observed to be up to 5-65 µM. This method could be applied for the on-spot detection of CBF in real samples such as cabbage by spiking CBFvia in situ experiments, which exhibited a limit of detection of 8.823 ppm. For the further confirmation of CouC4S:CBF binding, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR titration, MALDI-TOF and computational investigations were carried out.

Biofilm inhibition/eradication: exploring strategies and confronting challenges in combatting biofilm.

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced extracellular matrix, posing a significant threat to different sectors, including healthcare and industry. This review provides an overview of the challenges faced due to biofilm formation and different novel strategies that can combat biofilm formation. Bacteria inside the biofilm exhibit increased resistance against different antimicrobial agents, including conventional antibiotics, which can lead to severe problems in livestock and animals, including humans. In addition, biofilm formation also imposes heavy economic pressure on industries. Hence it becomes necessary to explore newer alternatives to eradicate biofilms effectively without applying selection pressure on the bacteria. Excessive usage of antibiotics may also lead to an increase in the number of resistant strains as bacteria employ an advanced antimicrobial resistance mechanism. This review provides insight into multifaceted technologies like quorum sensing inhibition, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophage, phytocompounds, and nanotechnology to neutralize biofilms without developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Furthermore, it will pave the way for developing newer therapeutic agents to deal with biofilms more efficiently.

The five homologous CiaR-controlled Ccn sRNAs of Streptococcus pneumoniae modulate Zn-resistance.

Zinc is a vital transition metal for Streptococcus pneumoniae, but is deadly at high concentrations. In S. pneumoniae, elevated intracellular free Zn levels result in mis-metallation of key Mn-dependent metabolic and superoxide detoxifying enzymes resulting in Zn intoxication. Here, we report our identification and characterization of the function of the five homologous, CiaRH-regulated Ccn sRNAs in controlling S. pneumoniae virulence and metal homeostasis. We show that deletion of all five ccn genes (ccnA, ccnB, ccnC, ccnD, and ccnE) from S. pneumoniae strains D39 (serotype 2) and TIGR4 (serotype 4) causes Zn hypersensitivity and an attenuation of virulence in a murine invasive pneumonia model. We provide evidence that bioavailable Zn disproportionately increases in S. pneumoniae strains lacking the five ccn genes. Consistent with a response to Zn intoxication or relatively high intracellular free Zn levels, expression of genes encoding the CzcD Zn exporter and the Mn-independent ribonucleotide reductase, NrdD-NrdG, were increased in the ΔccnABCDE mutant relative to its isogenic ccn+ parent strain. The growth inhibition by Zn that occurs as the result of loss of the ccn genes is rescued by supplementation with Mn or Oxyrase™, a reagent that removes dissolved oxygen. Lastly, we found that the Zn-dependent growth inhibition of the ΔccnABCDE strain was not altered by deletion of sodA, whereas the ccn+ ΔsodA strain phenocopied the ΔccnABCDE strain. Overall, our results indicate that the Ccn sRNAs have a crucial role in preventing Zn intoxication in S. pneumoniae.

Primary oral histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent host masquerading as malignancy.

Histoplasma capsulatum is known to cause deep mycotic infections, the primary site being pulmonary, and may disseminate in immunosuppressed patients. Oral presentation is usually a part of disseminated disease however may rarely occur as an isolated event. Extensive literature search has shown that only 17 cases of primary oral histoplasmosis in immunocompetent hosts have been reported from India to date. We hereby report a rare case of primary oral histoplasmosis in a middle-aged, non-diabetic, and HIV-negative patient masquerading as malignancy.

Nanotheranostics: Molecular Diagnostics and Nanotherapeutic Evaluation by Photoacoustic/Ultrasound Imaging in Small Animals.

Nanotheranostics is a rapidly developing field that integrates nanotechnology, diagnostics, and therapy to provide novel methods for imaging and treating wide categories of diseases. Targeted nanotheranostics offers a platform for the precise delivery of theranostic agents, and their therapeutic outcomes are monitored in real-time. Presently, in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, fluorescence imaging, ultrasound imaging, and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), etc. are noninvasive imaging techniques that are preclinically available for the imaging and tracking of therapeutic outcomes in small animals. Additionally, preclinical imaging is essential for drug development, phenotyping, and understanding disease stage progression and its associated mechanisms. Small animal ultrasound imaging is a rapidly developing imaging technique for theranostics applications due to its merits of being nonionizing, real-time, portable, and able to penetrate deep tissues. Recently, different types of ultrasound contrast agents have been explored, such as microbubbles, echogenic exosomes, gas-vesicles, and nanoparticles-based contrast agents. Moreover, an optical image obtained through photoacoustic imaging is a noninvasive imaging technique that creates ultrasonic waves when pulsed laser light is used to expose an object and creates a picture of the tissue's distribution of light energy absorption on the object. Contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging may be endogenous (hemoglobin, melanin, and DNA/RNA) or exogenous (dyes and nanomaterials-based contrast agents). The integration of nanotheranostics with photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging allows simultaneous imaging and treatment of diseases in small animals, which provides essential information about the drug response and the disease progression. In this review, we have covered various endogenous and exogenous contrast agents for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. Additionally, we have discussed various drug delivery systems integrated with contrast agents for theranostic application. Further, we have briefly discussed the current challenges associated with ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging.

Maize Seedlings Colonization with Serendipita indica and Its Colonization Efficiency Analysis.

Maize is one of the most important crops in the world, and ensuring its successful growth and productivity is crucial for global food security. One way to enhance maize growth and productivity is by improving the colonization of its roots by beneficial microorganisms. In this regard, Serendipita indica, a plant growth-promoting fungus, has gained attention for its ability to enhance plant growth and productivity, especially in cereal crops and medicinal plants. Previous studies have shown that S. indica can colonize various plant species, including maize, but the efficiency of the colonization process in maize seedlings has not been extensively characterized. This protocol outlines a method for efficient colonization of maize seedlings with the beneficial fungus S. indica. The protocol includes the preparation of stock solutions, maintenance and growth of S. indica, surface sterilization and germination of seeds, preparation of S. indica chlamydospores, and colonization of maize plants with S. indica. The advantages of this protocol include the use of surface sterilization techniques that minimize contamination, the production of a large number of viable chlamydospores, and efficient colonization of maize seedlings with S. indica. This protocol may be useful for researchers studying the role of S. indica in promoting plant growth and combating biotic and abiotic stress. Additionally, this protocol may be used in the development of biofertilizers using S. indica as a means of increasing crop yields and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Overall, this protocol offers a reliable and efficient method for colonizing maize seedlings with S. indica and may have potential applications in the agricultural industry. This study also provides a valuable tool for researchers interested in studying plant-microbe interactions in maize and highlights the potential of S. indica as a biocontrol agent to enhance maize productivity under adverse conditions. Key features • This protocol builds upon the method developed by Narayan et al. (2022), and its application optimized for the root endophytic symbiotic fungus S. indica. • This protocol also allows for histochemical analysis to visualize the colonized fungal spores in the root cells of host plant species. • This protocol helps in mathematical calculation of the percent colonization or efficiency of colonization. • This protocol utilizes readily available laboratory equipment, including a light microscope, autoclave, and laminar flow hood, ensuring ease of reproducibility in other research laboratories.

Correlation of ultrasound-based TIRADS and the Bethesda system for reporting of thyroid cytopathology: A study in a tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND: The age-standardised incidence rate of thyroid cancer in India is 1 in 416 in the general population. This increased incidence has mainly been attributed to improved detection methods for small thyroid lesions. Two such methods are the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TIRADS) and the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC). AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the correlation between ACR TIRADS and TBSRTC, and between each system and the final histopathological report. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thyroid cytopathology cases were retrieved for the period January 2019 to July 2022. For each case, the TIRADS score and Bethesda category were noted. Histopathology specimens were also traced. RESULTS: The study comprised 1100 cases, with 955 female and 145 male patients (M:F = 1:6.59), and ages ranging between 7 and 85 years. The TIRADS scoring was available for 1036 cases. Histopathology was available for 231 cases. There was a significant correlation between TIRADS and TBSRTC, with a p-value of 0.000 and a substantial Kappa agreement of 0.688. Both TIRADS and TBSRTC also had significant correlations with the histopathology data, with a p-value of 0.000 for each. The sensitivity values for TBSRTC and TIRADS were 69.4% and 65.8%; specificity, 99.3% and 96.5%; positive predictive value (PPV), 98.3% and 91.8%; and negative predictive value (NPV) 84.7% and 84.4%, respectively. The risk of malignancy (ROM) was also calculated and was found to be high, especially for TBSRTC II, III, IV and V (11.3%, 20%, 61.5%, 97.4% respectively) and TIRADS 2 and 3 (10.3% and 29.6% respectively). CONCLUSION: The TIRADS and TBSRTC systems of categorisation of thyroid lesions are concordant and could help improve the overall survival rate of patients with thyroid malignancies.

Role of CD44 as cancer stem cell marker in triple-negative breast cancer and its association with histological grade and angiogenesis.

Introduction: Cancer stem cells (CSC) within the tumors play a central role in tumorigenesis. It is, thus, of utmost importance to identify these cells to develop effective cancer therapy. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive molecular subtype of breast cancer associated with poor patient outcomes. The role of CD44 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a putative CSC in breast carcinomas, particularly of the TNBC-subtype is ambiguous, with equivocal results. Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to assess the role of CSC in breast carcinoma by immunohistochemical analysis of CD44 expression in TNBC. The association of TNBC expressing CSC with histological grade as well as with angiogenesis (using CD34 IHC) has been studied. Materials and Methods: Biopsy samples from 58 patients with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, NST were studied. The histology of the tumor was sub-classified into grades 1-3. Based on immunohistochemical analysis (ER, PR, HER2/Neu), the cases were divided into TNBC and NTNBC groups. The tissue sections were also subjected to analysis for CD44 to identify the CSC-phenotype and CD34 to evaluate angiogenesis, to determine the microvascular density (MVD). Results: Out of the 58 cases in the study, 28 were TNBC and 30 were NTNBC. CSC phenotype (CD44 positive) was expressed significantly higher in the TNBC (78%) versus the NTNBC (53%) (p-value 0.043). The MVD estimated using CD34 IHC was lower in the TNBC group in our study, though the difference was not statistically significant. A larger proportion of cases in TNBC showed a higher histological grade (35%) in comparison to NTNBC (27%). However, statistically, it was not significant. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that CD44 as a CSC marker is seen significantly more in the TNBC category of invasive ductal carcinomas. Further large-scale studies, to confirm these findings, will be of potential therapeutic and prognostic value.

The baneful alliance of COVID-19 and mucormycosis: Histopathological concerns.

Background: Mucormycosis, once a rare fungal disease, has now shown a surge in cases, and its epidemiology in India is intriguing. Rising incidence confers the necessity of defining the demography of the population at risk, early diagnosis, and recommendations for the management of mucormycosis in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection. Aims: To study the clinico-epidemological profile, risk factors, and histopathological features of COVID-19-associated Mucormycosis (CAM). Setting and Design: This is a retrospective observational study. Material and Methods: Fifty-six biopsy specimens taken from patients of COVID-19 with clinical suspicion of mucormycosis were included. Results: Diabetes mellitus, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy were the most common risk factors associated with CAM. The mean duration between the onset of symptoms of COVID-19 and onset of CAM was 25.2 ± 15.3 days. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) was present in 24.5% of the cases, with a survival rate of 58.3%. Histopathology showed tissue invasion by branching broad-based, pale, fungal hyphae consistent with mucor in 49 (87.5%) cases. Inflammation was acute neutrophilic type in 61.2% of the patients with a survival rate of 63.33%. The survival rate with chronic non-granulomatous and chronic granulomatous was 100% and 81.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Keeping a high index of suspicion for mucormycosis in COVID-19 by all medical fraternities of the health community in the existence of risk factors is the need of the hour for prompt diagnosis. Biopsy of antral necrotic tissue should be performed immediately after suspicion for histopathological study to confirm the diagnosis of mucormycosis and predict prognosis depending on the type of inflammation incited, fungal morphology, load, and necrosis.

Paper disc interfaced Prussian blue nanocube modified immunodevice for electrochemical detection of diverse biomarker at point of care.

The detection of specific biomarkers is used in various phases of the diagnosis of plant and human diseases, from prognosis to monitoring. Herein, we report a Prussian blue nanocube-modified immunodevice interfaced with a paper disc for the detection of plant biomarkers via streptavidin-biotin recognition. The detection ability of the immunodevice was assessed using Potato virus X as a model biomarker and analyzed using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The immunodevice displayed excellent performance for Potato virus X detection with a detection limit of 0.92 nM (3S/N). The selectivity of the fabricated Potato virus X immunodevice was investigated using closely associated antigens, such as potato aucuba mosaic virus, Potato virus Y, and Potato virus A. The Potato virus X immunodevice exhibited âˆ¼ 90 % recovery in spiked complex plant samples with a relative error of âˆ¼ 9 %. Furthermore, the immunodevice was used to screen for Potato virus X in 10 samples from potato tubers and leaves. The paper-disc-interfaced immunodevice was also evaluated by detecting other biomarkers, such as potato aucuba mosaic virus in plant diseases and C-reactive protein in human ones. This immunodevice may allow the on-site monitoring of diverse biomarkers by simplifying the current point of care diagnostic tools.

Inhibition and disintegration of Bacillus subtilis biofilm with small molecule inhibitors identified through virtual screening for targeting TasA(28-261), the major protein component of ECM.

Microbial biofilms have been recognized for a vital role in antibiotic resistance and chronic microbial infections for 2-3 decades; still, there are no 'anti-biofilm drugs' available for human applications. There is an urgent need to develop novel 'anti-biofilms' therapeutics to manage biofilm-associated infectious diseases. Several reports have suggested that targeting molecules involved in quorum sensing or biofilm-specific transcription may inhibit biofilm formation. However, the possibility of targeting other vital components of microbial biofilms, especially the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, has remained largely unexplored. Here we report targeting TasA(28-261), the major proteinaceous component of Bacillus subtilis ECM with two small molecule inhibitors (lovastatin and simvastatin) identified through virtual screening and drug repurposing, resulted in complete inhibition of biofilm. In molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies, lovastatin was observed to make stable interactions with TasA(28-261), whereas the simvastatin - TasA(28-261) interactions were relatively less stable. However, in subsequent in vitro studies, both lovastatin and simvastatin successfully inhibited B. subtilis biofilm formation at MIC values of < 10 µg/ml. Besides, these potential inhibitors also caused the disintegration of pre-formed biofilms. Results presented here provide 'proof of concept' for the hypothesis that targeting the extracellular matrix's vital component(s) could be one of the most efficient approaches for inhibiting microbial biofilms and disintegrating the pre-formed biofilms. We propose that a similar approach targeting ECM-associated proteins with FDA-approved drugs could be implemented to develop novel anti-biofilm therapeutic strategies against biofilm-forming chronic microbial pathogens.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Tailored calix[4]arene-gold nanoconjugate as a ultra-sensitive immunosensing nanolabel.

The construction of highly sensitive and specific immunosensing nanolabels have attracted tremendous attention in the development of reliable point-of-care disease diagnostics. However, there are still challenges with traditional immunoassays, such as complicated and time-consuming procedure, the use of enzyme label, non-specificity, and require readers for detection. Therefore, we have designed and developed site-directed antibody-immobilized calix[4]arene-gold nanoconjugate based colorimetric immunosensing nanolabel to offer high sensitivity. The prepared nanolabel enabled oriented binding of the antibodies by providing full accessibility of Fab domain for antigen binding. The improved sensitivity of the developed nanolabel was evaluated using vertical flow immunoassay (VFIA) for detecting C-reactive protein (CRP) with a lower detection limit up to 1 ng/ml. Our developed nanolabel was found to be highly specific, easy, quick, and appropriate for onsite detection. The nanolabel is validated with spiked blood samples which exhibited ~90% recovery having a relative error of ~2%. Furthermore, the nanolabel was also used for screening of human blood real samples which showed relative error of ~0.6%. The developed nanolabel can be utilized as a potential nanolabel for the quantitative detection of various biomolecules in clinical samples.

MSRSGC: A prospective study of heterogenous group atypia of undetermined significance.

Context: : Many standard books, literatures, and internet described the characteristic lineament of each salivary gland lesion. Nevertheless, there are dozens of disarray, confusion, and unmanageable morphological features regarding proper reporting. To fight with these issues, Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) was introduced in 2018, but still the third category, Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), poses difficulties for the pathologists and clinicians for a definite interpretation. Aim: : The aim is to analyze the risk of neoplasia (RON) and risk of malignancy (ROM) of Milan's category III (AUS) by subdividing into six groups based on cytolomorphology. Settings and Design: :The duration of study was from March 2018 to may 2021 with the focus on ROM and RON of all Milan's categories with especial attention on AUS. Methods and Material: : Result of total 329 Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of salivary glands was categorized according to MSRSGC. On the basis of cytomorphology, further subtyping of AUS and its cytohistopathology correlation was done. The ROM and RON of each subtype was analyzed. Statistical Analysis: All data were calculated by existing formulas. Results: Out of 329 aspirates, 24 (07.29%) cases belong to AUS with availability of histology in 13 (54.17%) cases. RON and ROM was 84.62% and 53.85%, respectively. Cases of lymphocytes with nuclear atypia (L-NA) was the most prevalent (29.17%). The RON were 60.00%, 68.57,% 84.62%, 94.87%, 87.50%, 100%, 100% and the ROM were 20.00%, 11.42%, 53.85%, 05.13%, 43.75%, 83.33% and 100% in each Milan's categories I, II, III, IVa, IVb, V, and VI, respectively. ROM was the highest in cystic fluid with nuclear atypia (C-NA) (100.0%), followed by basaloid cells (75%), L-NA (66.675), and SC (50%), but ROM was zero in NA and oncocytic cells. Conclusions: Subgrouping of AUS helps to dissipate the muddiness and provide more exact and reproducible diagnostic and prognostic tool.

USG Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology along with Immunocytochemistry to Diagnose Primary Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumors: A Three-Year Study from a Tertiary Care Center.

Aims and Objectives: To study the diagnostic utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and immunocytochemistry in diagnosing primary malignant mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMT). Materials and Methods: A 3-year retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care hospital, which included all the gynecological patients who underwent USG-guided FNAC of their abdominopelvic masses. Observations and Results: Out of the 324 total cases, 05 (1.5%) were reported as primary malignant mixed Mullerian tumors. Out of these 05 cases, 03 were ovarian, 01 was uterine, and 01 involved both uterus and one-sided adnexa. The FNA smears from the masses revealed cytomorphological features of a biphasic neoplasm with elongated pleomorphic spindle cells and dispersed, focal attempted acinar pattern, thus indicating the possibility of MMMT. Immunocytochemistry was further carried out which showed both vimentin and cytokeratin positivity. The diagnosis was confirmed on subsequent biopsy and immunohistochemistry (without any histopathological-cytological discrepancy). Conclusion: Though the literature is replete in establishing a histo-pathological diagnosis of MMMT, the diagnosis on USG-guided FNAC has been rarely described. Emphasis should be made on the careful examination of small sarcomatous elements in smears. Utilization of cell block and immunocytochemistry with histopathological correlation should be done to avoid misdiagnosis.

Microfluidic tools for veterinary and zoonotic disease diagnostics.

Animal disease diagnostics has linked as the cause and cure of any disease. It also plays a vital role in disease management and prevention. A small outbreak of disease can pose a threat to the entire animal community as we realized in corona pandemic. Thus, to ensure the overall welfare of animals and disease spread monitoring, the development of detection tools for veterinary diagnosis becomes essential. Currently, the animal disease diagnosis is relied on laboratory-based testing. There is a parallel necessity for rapid, reliable and low-cost diagnostic tests to be done by intervention of growing area such as microfluidic platform. Therefore, in this chapter, we have discussed about various microfluidic platform and their application for early diagnosis of veterinary disease. Followed by, we also lightened on future perspective of role of microfluidic in animal disease diagnostics.

An introduction to microfluidics and their applications.

In the past decade, microfluidics and lab-on-chip are rapidly growing area. It has been used for number of biology to biotechnology and medicine applications. It has the potential to reduce cost of reagent and time of experiment. It has been used integrated with automation for extraction and detection of protein, nucleic acids, enzymes, metabolites and delivery of drug to target location. It has been used for drug discovery, high throughput screening of potent drug and used for delivery. Paper based microfluidics was used for point-of-care diagnosis for accurate treatment of diseases. In this chapter, we highlight advances of microfluidics devices for number of biological and translational science applications.

Challenges and opportunities in micro/nanofluidic and lab-on-a-chip.

Fluidic systems are prevalent in many areas of science due to its advantage in miniaturization, development of unique tools for diseases diagnosis and biomolecule separation. In the chapter, we will describe some of the key features of microfluidic/nanofluidic (MF/NF) and lab-on-a-chip system in diverse field over the past years. In addition, we will highlight the major challenges for the microfluidic/nanofluidic and lab-on-a-chip system. All-purpose and universal micro/nanofluidic platforms that can perform multiplexed assays on real biological samples are in high demand. However, the adoption of novel microfluidic devices has been carried out at a slow pace due to translation gap in development of new devices to realization into commercialization. By addressing the challenges of system integration, low-cost technology availability, rapid regulatory approval, and clinical acceptance, a pipeline of promising microdevice technologies can be developed.

Micro/nanofluidic devices for DNA/RNA detection and separation.

The development and research have ramped up at a greater speed than ever in the field of diseases diagnosis. Still there is struggle in developing early detection techniques which uses complex biomolecules like RNA, DNA and proteins in order to detect diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Until now separation techniques used before detection rely on traditional techniques like electrophoresis etc. which often require centralized services. Although efforts are made in developing devices that is capable enough on carrying out separation and detection based on microfluidic (MF) and nanofluidic (NF) or lab on chip. Hence, in this chapter, we have discussed about the advancement, limitations and future steps that needs to be taken to flourish the field of NF and MF for the detection and separation of nucleic acid.

Primary ALK-Positive Large B Cell Lymphoma of Pancreas.

INTRODUCTION: Primary pancreatic B-cell lymphoma is rare with most common type being Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive large B-cell lymphoma (ALK+ LBCL) represents less than 1% of all DLBCL. Extra-nodal presentation is rare with presentation as a primary pancreatic mass being exceptional. CASE REPORT: A 42 years female presented with lump in central upper abdomen for one month with evidence of icterus. Lab Investigations showed deranged Total Bilirubin/Direct Bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, Amylase, Lipase, CEA, CA 19-9 and CA-125 levels. CECT scan showed large solid mass in pancreas with necrotic areas within. Biopsy revealed a lymphoma with strong expression of ALK (granular cytoplasmic), CD138, MUM1, kappa, moderate expression of CD45 and focal expression of CD20, CD79a and PAX5 and lack of expression of CD5, CD3, CD45RO, BCL6, CD10 and EMA. FNAC and Flow Cytometry was also performed. A final diagnosis of ALK positive LBCL was made with pancreas as primary. CONCLUSION: Present case is the first case of ALK positive LBCL reported in pancreas. Expression of mature B-cell markers such as CD20, CD79a and light chain restriction may be seen unlike previous claims.

Functional characterization of a high-affinity iron transporter (PiFTR) from the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica and its role in plant growth and development.

Iron (Fe) is a micronutrient required for plant growth and development; however, most Fe forms in soil are not readily available to plants, resulting in low Fe contents in plants and, thereby, causing Fe deficiency in humans. Biofortification through plant-fungal co-cultivation might be a sustainable approach to increase crop Fe contents. Therefore, we aimed to examine the role of a Piriformospora indica Fe transporter on rice Fe uptake under low Fe conditions. A high-affinity Fe transporter (PiFTR) from P. indica was identified and functionally characterized. PiFTR fulfilled all criteria expected of a functional Fe transporter under Fe-limited conditions. Additionally, PiFTR expression was induced when P. indica was grown under low Fe conditions, and PiFTR complemented a yeast mutant lacking Fe transport. A knockdown (KD) P. indica strain was created via RNA interference to understand the physiological role of PiFTR. We observed that the KD-PiFTR-P. indica strain transported a significantly lower amount of Fe to colonized rice (Oryza sativa) than the wild type (WT) P. indica. WT P. indica-colonized rice plants were healthier and performed significantly better than KD-PiFTR-P. indica-colonized rice plants. Our study offers potential avenues for an agronomically sound amelioration of plant growth in low Fe environments.