Association of CD14 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphisms with inflammatory microRNAs expression levels in ankylosing spondylitis and polyarthralgia.

This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and polyarthralgia (PA) conditions among Indian subjects through genotyping two immune regulatory genes CD14 (-159C>T) and MIF (-173G>C) and find their association with the expression levels of three circulating inflammatory miRNAs. This investigation may provide early genetic cause of these two forms of arthritis and more optimal biological targets to predict early therapeutic outcomes. A total of 140 patients (AS: 70 and PA: 70) and 156 controls were recruited from Indian population. CD14 and MIF genotyping was performed using ARMS-PCR. Expression level of three inflammatory miRNAs (miRNA-146a, miRNA-155 and miRNA-181) was quantified using RT-qPCR. C/T genotype of CD14 gene was found to cause 2.06-fold risk of developing AS (CI 1.06-5.98, p = .04) as compared to others and G/C genotype in MIF also shown significant variation between AS and control subjects. In PA subjects, CD14 genotypes (C/T) was found to be associated with disease susceptibility and G/C genotype of MIF gene polymorphism showed 4.71-fold risk of developing PA (CI 2.58-8.62, p = .0001). The study also revealed significant upregulation of miRNA-155 expression in AS subjects (p = .0001) with more than 1.3-fold difference between AS and PA as compared to the control subjects. miRNA-155 had strong association with AS patients with CD14 genotypes (p < .05) than PA and control subjects. This study provides better understanding of the mechanisms and disease susceptibility for MIF and CD14 genetic variants and inflammatory miRNAs networks involved in AS and PA.

Direct red decolorization and ligninolytic enzymes production by improved strains of Pleurotus using basidiospore derived monokaryons.

In the present investigation the efficiency of three species of Pleurotus and their improved dikaryons (heterokaryons) was assessed for decolorization of direct red and production of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase enzymes. All the species of Pleurotus i.e. P. flabellatus, P. ostreatus, and P. citrinopileatus decolorized the dye Direct Red well. However, Pfo 6X9 and Poc 9X6 decolorized the dye more effectively than three species of Pleurotus. The improved dikaryons also showed higher ligninolytic activity than the parental species. Poc 9X6 showed higher LiP (76.27U), MnP (623.24U) and laccase activity (594.80U). In the present work different pH, age and concentration of inoculum and effect of surfactant i.e. sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Tween—80 were analyzed in order to determine the optimum ones to decolorize maximum concentration of dye. 5 ml of 10 days old culture on pH 5.5 and 0.1% Tween—80 supported maximum decolorization of direct red dye.

Production of ligninolytic enzymes by white rot fungi on lignocellulosic wastes using novel pretreatments.

Production of extracellular ligninolytic enzymes (laccase and polyphenol oxidase) secreted by three species of white rot fungi (Pleurotus florida, P. flabellatus and P. sajor—caju) under in vivo condition was studied on two lignocellulosic substrates i.e., paddy straw and wheat straw. These lignocellulosic substrates were treated with neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and ashoka (Saraca indica) leaves extract. Between the two lignocellulosic substrates, paddy straw pretreated with neem oil supported maximum activity of laccase and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The activities of both the enzymes were low on the 5th day of cultivation which increased on the 10th day and reached at peak on the 15th day. Thereafter, there was continuous decrease in the enzymatic activity. Among the three species, P. flabellatus (P3) showed maximum ligninolytic enzymatic activity followed by P. florida (P2)and P. sajor—caju (P1).

Production of cellulolytic enzymes by Pleurotus species on lignocellulosic wastes using novel pretreatments.

In the present investigation three species of Pleurotus i.e. P. sajor—caju (P1), P. florida (P2) and P. flabellatus (P3) along with two lignocellulosic substrates namely paddy straw and wheat straw were selected for evaluation of production of extracellular cellulolytic enzymes. During the cultivation of three species of Pleurotus under in vivo condition, the two lignocellulosic substrates were treated with plants extracts (aqueous extracts of ashoka leaves (A) and neem oil (B)), hot water (H) and chemicals (C).Among all treatments, neem oil treated substrates supported better enzyme production followed by aqueous extract of ashoka leaves, hot water and chemical treatment. Between the two substrates paddy straw supported better enzyme production than wheat straw. P. flabellatus showed maximum activity of exoglucanase, endoglucanase and β—glucosidase followed by P. florida and P. sajor—caju.

Biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse by Pleurotus citrinopileatus.

The chemically as well as hot water treated agrowaste sugarcane bagasse was subjected to degradation by Pleurotus citrinopileatus. The fungus degraded lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and carbon content of both chemically as well as hot water treated waste and produced in turn the edible and nutritious fruiting body. Biodegradation of the waste in terms of loss of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose showed positive correlation with cellulases, xylanase, laccase and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of the fungus. During mycelial growth of the fungus, lignin degradation was faster and during fructification, lignin degradation was slower than cellulose and hemicellulose. The carbon content of the sugarcane bagasse decreased while, nitrogen content increased during degradation of the waste. Hot water treated substrate supported better production of enzymatic activity and degraded more efficiently than chemically sterilized substrate. The total yield and biological efficiency of the mushroom was maximum on the hot water treated substrates. Degradation of the hot water treated sugarcane bagasse was better and faster than chemically treated substrates.

Azo dye (direct blue 14) decolorization by immobilized extracellular enzymes of Pleurotus species.

Four species of Pleurotus i.e., P. florida, P. ostreatus, P. citrinopileatus and P. eryngii were evaluated for laccase and MnP production in submerged condition. Among these P. ostreatus showed highest production of laccase and MnP. Twelve days old culture of P. ostreatus produced 1096 U/ml and 693.5 U/ml of the laccase and MnP, respectively. Crude extracts of enzymes from P. ostreatus were immobilized in Ca— alginate matrix and tested for decolorization activity of the azo dye (Direct blue; CI 23850) in aerobic and microaerophilic condition for 24h. Treatment of dye with the immobilized enzymes decolorized up to 99% in eighteen hour.

Extracellular xylanase production by Pleurotus species on lignocellulosic wastes under in vivo condition using novel pretreatment.

The production of extracellular xylanase by three species of Pleurotus species i.e. P. florida, P. flabellatus and P. sajor caju was studied under in vivo condition during their cultivation on pretreated lignocellulosic wastes. Neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and ashoka (Saraca indica) leaves extract were used for pretreatment of paddy straw and wheat straw. Between these two wastes, paddy straw pretreated with neem oil, supported better xylanase production than wheat straw. Initially, xylanase production was low but it increased in subsequent days and reached at peak on 25th day of cultivation of Pleurotus species. Thereafter, there was decrease in the activity of the enzyme. On 25th day of incubation P. florida produced maximum xylanase on neem oil pretreated paddy straw i.e. 10.59 Uh—1ml—1. Among the three species, P. florida showed maximum enzyme activity followed by P. flabellatus and P. sajor caju.

Toy weapons and firecrackers: a source of hearing loss.

Although acoustic injury as a result of exposure to noisy toys and firecrackers has been reported previously, most of these studies have been conducted on adults. The purpose of this prospective study, conducted at the time of Deepawali, an Indian festival of fireworks, was two-fold: 1. to measure the acoustic output of representative samples of toy weapons and firecrackers and the intensity level at critical spectator points from the site of emission; and 2. to determine the auditory status of a cross section of the target population, involving 600 participants from various age groups, before and after exposure to firecracker noise at Deepawali. The average sound level at a distance of 3 m was 150 dB, thus exceeding the damage risk criterion for adults (i.e., 130 dB peak level). An average 30 dB persistent sensorineural hearing loss was found in 2.5% of the target population as a result of toy weapon/firecracker noise during Deepawali. The 9- to 15-year-old age group was most affected. A judicious approach in the manufacture and use of toy weapons and firecrackers, in addition to legal restraints, is advocated.

Osteogenic sarcoma of the frontal sinus.

Occurrence of osteogenic sarcoma in the craniofacial bones is limited. The case presented here is only the second reported case of osteogenic sarcoma of the frontal sinus, occurring in an 80-year-old woman who presented with proptosis and developed neurologic symptoms. The radiographic appearance was of a diffuse opacity with thickening of the calvaria. Tumor tissue was adherent to the dura, and there was a fairly good initial response with the methotrexate sodium-cisplatin combination chemotherapy used, but the outcome was fatal.

Superior orbital fissure syndrome in trigemino-facial zoster.

A case of trigemino-facial zoster presenting as Superior Orbital Fissure Syndrome is reported. Geniculate ganglion involvement was limited to the vestibular branch of the cochleo-vestibular nerve, without any hearing impairment or facial palsy. This case clearly illustrates that herpes zoster cranialis is a polyneuropathy of multifocal asynchronous viral activity and can present in numerous forms.

Neuroleptanalgesia in otorhinolaryngology.

NEUROLEPTANALGESIA is described for its use in the management of otolaryngologic cases undergoing elective surgery. 100 cases have been reviewed extensively. The advantages and possible problems are outlined. It seems to be a highly satisfactory alternative to conventional general anesthetic techniques for most ear, nose and throat procedures and operations, where quiescence rather than anesthesia is required. The absence of direct myocardial depression and a marked decrease in operative and post-operative morbidity constitute the principal advantages.

Abnormal migration of ascaris into the middle ear.

Ascaris in the middle ear is very rare with very few cases having been reported. We report here two such cases with different presentations.

Dermoid (hairy polyp) of the nasopharynx.

Dermoids or hairy polyps, the most primitive forms of teratoma are rare lesions affecting the nasopharynx. They arise during early embryogenesis, being derived from only two germinal layers, ectoderm and mesoderm and are invariably benign. They usually present at or soon after birth with signs of upper aerodigestive tract obstruction. A case of hairy polyp of nasopharynx in a neonate is reported for its rarity. The etiology of teratomas, their classification in head and neck region, clinical features, and management in neonates are discussed.

Preparation of natural three-dimensional goat kidney scaffold for the development of bioartificial organ.

The high prevalence of end-stage kidney diseases demands new treatment strategies. Decellularization approach may provide a viable option grow organs using a regenerative medicine approach. Goat kidney was decellularized by perfusion decellularization using detergents to produce an cellular construct for kidney scaffold. After pre-treatment with anticoagulant, the decellularized scaffold was analyzed for its intact three-dimensional natural architecture and vasculature. Perfusion of decellularized kidney preserved the structure and composition of renal extra-cellular matrix and vascular structures within the scaffold. No evidence of residual cellular components was found. This approach provides a model for understanding of whole organ regeneration.

Bioremediation of direct blue 14 and extracellular ligninolytic enzyme production by white rot fungi: Pleurotus spp.

In the present investigation, four species of white rot fungi (Pleurotus), that is, P. flabellatus, P. florida, P. ostreatus and P. sajor-caju were used for decolorization of direct blue 14 (DB14). Among all four species of Pleurotus, P. flabellatus showed the fastest decolorization in petri plates on different concentration, that is, 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L, and 600 mg/L. All these four species were also evaluated for extracellular ligninolytic enzymes (laccase and manganese peroxidase) production and it was observed that the twelve days old culture of P. flabellatus showed the maximum enzymatic activity, that is, 915.7 U/mL and 769.2 U/mL of laccase and manganese peroxidase, respectively. Other three Pleurotus species took more time for dye decolorization and exhibited less enzymatic activities. The rate of decolorization of DB14 dye solution (20 mg/L) by crude enzymes isolated from P. flabellatus was very fast, and it was observed that up to 90.39% dye solution was decolorized in 6 hrs of incubation.