Synthesis, properties and potential applications of photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles: A review.

Photoluminescent-carbon nanoparticles (PL-CNPs) are a new class of materials that received immense interest among researchers due to their distinct characteristics, including photoluminescence, high surface-to-volume ratio, low cost, ease of synthesis, high quantum yield, and biocompatibility. By exploiting these outstanding properties, many studies have been reported on its utility as sensors, photocatalysts, probes for bio-imaging, and optoelectronics applications. From clinical applications to point-of-care test devices, drug loading to tracking of drug delivery, and other research innovations demonstrated PL-CNPs as an emerging material that could substitute conventional approaches. However, some of the PL-CNPs have poor PL properties and selectivity due to the presence of impurities (e.g., molecular fluorophores) and unfavourable surface charges by the passivation molecules, which impede their applications in many fields. To address these issues, many researchers have been paying great attention to developing new PL-CNPs with different composite combinations to achieve high PL properties and selectivity. Herein, we thoroughly discussed the recent development of various synthetic strategies employed to prepare PL-CNPs, doping effects, photostability, biocompatibility, and applications in sensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery fields. Moreover, the review discussed the limitations, future direction, and perspectives of PL-CNPs in possible potential applications.

Yield, water, and carbon footprint of rainfed rice production under the lens of mid-century climate change: a case study in the eastern coastal agro-climatic zone, Odisha, India.

Water and carbon footprint assessment can be a good indicator of sustainable agricultural production. The present research quantifies the potential impact of near-future (2026-2050) climate change on water footprint (WF) and carbon footprint (CF) of farm-level kharif rice production of three locally grown varieties (Khandagiri, Lalat, and Swarna) in Odisha, India, under the two RCP scenarios of 4.5 and 8.5. The crop yield, water resources utilization, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated using the calibrated and validated DSSAT crop simulation model. The precipitation and temperature estimates from three regional climate models (RCM), namely HadGEM3-RA, RegCM4, and YSU-RSM were downscaled using the quantile mapping method. The results revealed a considerably high increase in the total WF of the Khandagiri, Lalat, and Swarna rice varieties elevating up to 101.9%, 80.7%, and 71.8% respectively during the mid-century for RCP 4.5 scenario, and 67.3%, 66.6%, and 67.2% respectively for RCP 8.5 scenario relative to the baseline WF. Moreover, compared to the green WF, the blue WF was projected to increase significantly (~ 250-450%) in the future time scales. This could be attributed to increasing minimum temperature (~ 1.7 °C) and maximum temperature (~ 1.5 °C) and reduced precipitation during the rice-growing periods. Rice yield was projected to continually decline in the future period (2050) with respect to the baseline (1980-2015) by 18.8% and 20% under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios respectively. The maximum CF of Swarna, Lalat, and Khandagiri rice were estimated to be 3.2, 2.8, and 1.3 t CO2eq/t respectively under RCP 4.5 and 2.7, 2.4, and 1.3 t CO2eq/t respectively under RCP 8.5 scenario. Fertilizer application (40%) followed by irrigation-energy use (30%) and farmyard manure incorporation (26%) were the three major contributors to the CF of rice production. Subsequently, management of N-fertilizer dose was identified as the major mitigation hotspot, simultaneously reducing carbon footprint and grey water footprint in the crop production process.

Defatted silkworm pupae meal as an alternative protein source for cattle.

Silkworm pupae meal (SWP) is a protein-rich by-product of the silk reeling industry, available in a significant quantity. However, there has been little and insignificant research into the use of SWP in ruminants to date. In this view, the present study was conducted in two phases to evaluate the effect of different inclusion levels of defatted silkworm pupae meal (DSWP) on rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis and nutrient utilisation in cattle fed on finger millet straw (FMS)-based diet. Four isonitrogenous concentrate mixtures (CM) were prepared with DSWP replacing soybean meal (SBM) protein at 0 (T0), 10 (T1), 20 (T2) and 30% (T3). In phase I, a rumen fermentation experiment was conducted in a 4 × 4 Latin square design using four crossbred steers to study the effect of different levels of DSWP on rumen fermentation. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in rumen fermentation parameters such as pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) among the experimental groups. In phase II, the digestibility trial was conducted in 20 crossbred cattle (311.2 ± 4.81 kg), which were divided into four experimental groups of five animals each in a completely randomised design to study the effect of different rations (T0, T1, T2, T3) on microbial protein synthesis and nutrient utilisation. The intake and digestibility of nutrients, excretion of urinary purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis were not significantly different among the experimental groups. In addition, feeding DSWP revealed no significant (P > 0.05) change in the blood biochemical parameters of animals. Furthermore, at the same price as SBM, DSWP provides two units more crude protein. Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that DSWP can be incorporated into the ration of cattle up to 30% by replacing SBM without affecting rumen fermentation pattern and nutrient utilisation.

Seasonal Diversity of mosquito species in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dakshina Kannada is one of the districts of Karnataka state of India with high incidences of mosquito-borne diseases, especially malaria and dengue. The larval stages of the mosquitoes are very important in determining the prevalence of adult mosquitoes and associated diseases. Hence, the occurrence of mosquito species was investigated by sampling different water bodies present in the Dakshina Kannada district from June 2014 to May 2017. METHODS: Random sampling was carried out from permanent and temporary, artificial and natural water bodies belonging to 11 types of microhabitats using dippers and suction pumps. RESULTS: A maximum of 37 mosquito species belonging to 12 genera were recorded with the dominant genera being Culex. Most species have been recorded from temporary bodies of water with the highest number of species in receptacles. Monsoon is the most productive season, both in terms of occurrence and abundance followed by post-monsoon and pre-monsoon. The abundance of mosquito larvae was significantly higher in temporary water bodies compared to the permanent. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Abundant rainfall in the study area which produces many natural and domestic temporary water bodies accounts for mosquito breeding throughout the year.

Treatment of low flow, indirect cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas with external manual carotid compression - the UK experience.

Introduction: External manual carotid compression (EMCC) is a treatment option for indirect cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS-DAVF). The exact mechanism of how this works is unclear but compression of the carotid and jugular produces thrombus in the cavernous sinus (CS). Although compression of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) has been described as a treatment option this technique is not always amenable. We studied the clinical features, imaging studies, complications and resolution of CS-DAVF in a series seven patients.Materials and methods: Between 2011 and 2017 we treated 7 patients (4 female, 3 male, age range: 60-86 years) with EMCC for an indirect, low-flow CS-DAVF (Barrow B-D). Patients compressed the cervical carotid artery on the side of the CS-DAVF using the contralateral hand for 5-10 seconds 5-10 times per day. Using gradually increasing pressure they compressed the carotid artery and jugular vein until the pulse was no longer palpable.Results: 6 patients had complete resolution of their CS-DAVF within a range of 5-24 months of symptom onset (median 8 months). 5 of our patients had complete resolution of their clinical symptoms at final follow-up. One patient had a failed endovascular procedure, and subsequently underwent surgery to cannulate the SOV for a transvenous endovascular approach to the fistula but in the meantime she had performed EMCC, which is thought to have resolved the fistula. One patient remains under follow-up and is performing EMCC.Conclusion: EMCC is a safe and low risk technique for low-flow indirect CS-DAVF and should be considered as a first line treatment for patients unable to have endovascular treatment. Although compression of the SOV has been described this can often be difficult to perform in the context of periorbital oedema. EMCC should always be performed using the contralateral hand, because this will ensure that the compressing hand falls away should cerebral ischaemia develop.

Observed rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Aim: To study the aneurysms where pre and post-rupture imaging was available to determine the impact of rupture on morphology and size of the aneurysm.Methods: A retrospective case series where all cases of ruptured aneurysms over a 5-year period were evaluated and cases identified where pre and post rupture imaging was available. These were then studied in detail.Results: The actual change in the volume of the aneurysm pre and post rupture was quite small and the underlying shape/morphology did not change at all.Conclusion: Post-rupture morphology of aneurysms can be used as representative of pre-rupture morphology. Further larger studies in collaboration with other neurosurgical centres to corroborate this view would be helpful.

Substrate removal kinetics and performance assessment of a vermifilter bioreactor under organic shock load conditions.

In the present study, the effect of short-term organic shock loads (675, 799, 1,084 and 1,410 mg COD/L) on the treatment performance of a pilot-scale vermifilter (VF), employing an epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida and treating synthetic domestic wastewater is investigated. The effect of organic shock loads on the performance and stability of vermifiltration reactor was evaluated to identify its feasibility in actual field conditions. Prior to the application of each organic shock load, normal loading conditions were maintained to achieve the pseudo steady state (PSS) conditions. The results showed satisfactory endurance against imposed organic shock loads with negligible reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removals and it was almost similar to PSS condition with removal efficiencies of ∼ 66, 71, 67 and 68%, respectively. The experimental COD data fit well to first-order kinetic model, with a regression value of 0.95. At the end of all shock loads, the nutritional analysis of vermicompost obtained from the top layer of VF, showed increased concentration of total nitrogen (∼31 g/Kg) and total phosphorus (29 g/Kg). Besides, an augmented earthworm biomass, ∼23.2% on weight basis and ∼22% on number basis, was observed at the end of the study.

From QTL to variety-harnessing the benefits of QTLs for drought, flood and salt tolerance in mega rice varieties of India through a multi-institutional network.

Rice is a staple cereal of India cultivated in about 43.5Mha area but with relatively low average productivity. Abiotic factors like drought, flood and salinity affect rice production adversely in more than 50% of this area. Breeding rice varieties with inbuilt tolerance to these stresses offers an economically viable and sustainable option to improve rice productivity. Availability of high quality reference genome sequence of rice, knowledge of exact position of genes/QTLs governing tolerance to abiotic stresses and availability of DNA markers linked to these traits has opened up opportunities for breeders to transfer the favorable alleles into widely grown rice varieties through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). A large multi-institutional project, "From QTL to variety: marker-assisted breeding of abiotic stress tolerant rice varieties with major QTLs for drought, submergence and salt tolerance" was initiated in 2010 with funding support from Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute, Philippines. The main focus of this project is to improve rice productivity in the fragile ecosystems of eastern, northeastern and southern part of the country, which bear the brunt of one or the other abiotic stresses frequently. Seven consistent QTLs for grain yield under drought, namely, qDTY1.1, qDTY2.1, qDTY2.2, qDTY3.1, qDTY3.2, qDTY9.1 and qDTY12.1 are being transferred into submergence tolerant versions of three high yielding mega rice varieties, Swarna-Sub1, Samba Mahsuri-Sub1 and IR 64-Sub1. To address the problem of complete submergence due to flash floods in the major river basins, the Sub1 gene is being transferred into ten highly popular locally adapted rice varieties namely, ADT 39, ADT 46, Bahadur, HUR 105, MTU 1075, Pooja, Pratikshya, Rajendra Mahsuri, Ranjit, and Sarjoo 52. Further, to address the problem of soil salinity, Saltol, a major QTL for salt tolerance is being transferred into seven popular locally adapted rice varieties, namely, ADT 45, CR 1009, Gayatri, MTU 1010, PR 114, Pusa 44 and Sarjoo 52. Genotypic background selection is being done after BC2F2 stage using an in-house designed 50K SNP chip on a set of twenty lines for each combination, identified with phenotypic similarity in the field to the recipient parent. Near-isogenic lines with more than 90% similarity to the recipient parent are now in advanced generation field trials. These climate smart varieties are expected to improve rice productivity in the adverse ecologies and contribute to the farmer's livelihood.

Inversion therapy in patients with pure single level lumbar discogenic disease: a pilot randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Backache and sciatica due to protuberant disc disease is a major cause of lost working days and health expenditure. Surgery is a well-established option in the management flowchart. There is no strong evidence proving that traction for sciatica is effective. We report a pilot prospective randomized controlled trial comparing inversion traction and physiotherapy with standard physiotherapy alone in patients awaiting lumbar disc surgery. This study sought to study the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial on the effect of inversion therapy in patients with single level lumbar discogenic disease, who had been listed for surgery. METHODS: This was a single centre prospective randomized controlled trial undertaken at the Regional Neurosciences Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. It was a prospective randomized controlled trial where patients awaiting surgery for pure lumbar discogenic disease within the ambit of the prestated inclusion/exclusion criteria were allocated to either physiotherapy or physiotherapy and intermittent traction with an inversion device. Post-treatment assessment made by blinded observers at 6 weeks for various outcome measures included the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) Score, Short Form 36 (SF 36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Pain Score (VAS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance and the need for surgery. Avoidance of surgery was considered a treatment success. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were enrolled and 24 were randomized [13 to inversion + physiotherapy and 11 to physiotherapy alone (control)]. Surgery was avoided in 10 patients (76.9%) in the inversion group, whereas it was averted in only two patients (22.2%) in the control group. Cancellation of the proposed operation was a clinical decision based on the same criteria by which the patient was listed for surgery initially. There were no significant differences in the RMDQ, SF 36, ODI, VAS or MRI results between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intermittent traction with an inversion device resulted in a significant reduction in the need for surgery. A larger multicentre prospective randomized controlled trial is justified in patients with sciatica due to single level lumbar disc protrusions. [ IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: • Resolution of impairment and diasability due to radiculopathy is the aim of any intervention.• Avoidance of surgery meant satisfactory resolution of impairment and disability due to radiculopathy. This happened more often in the inversion group to the extent of reaching statistical significance.• The 12-point improvement in disability by the Oswestry Disability Index in the inversion group suggests a role for this intervention in disability reduction.• Inversion may form part of the conservative rehabilitation of patients with single level unilateral lumbar disc protrusion alongside other forms of physiotherapy.• There is a potential secondary impact in the reduction of rehabilitation following surgery.]

Telephone logs of neurosurgery specialty trainees: a time study.

PURPOSE: With a constant debate on working hours and improved patient outcomes, time studies are crucial to obtain and analyse timelines and work components. This includes time spent on communication. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and patterns of telephone call episodes in the work schedule of neurosurgery trainees. METHODS: Logs of handheld telephone sets assigned to neurosurgery specialty trainees in a British regional neurosurgical centre were obtained from the hospital switchboard for a 6-month period. This formed the primary data. Ringtime was added to the talktime for outgoing calls. Monday to Friday, 8 am-5 pm was considered as regular hours and the rest as other hours. The outcome measures used were number and duration of telephone episodes (individual and collective) and the timing of these episodes. RESULTS: During the study period of 6 months, there were 12071 incoming calls and 10712 outgoing calls (total calls-22783). The maximum number of incoming calls/ day/ trainee was in the range of 39-78 while the range for outgoing calls was 36-102. On an average, the on-call trainee made and received 33 and 36 calls respectively in a 24-hour period (mean call duration was 1.7 minutes) which meant that a telephone call intruded into the schedule almost once every 21 minutes. Typically, the on-call trainee spent 138 minutes on the telephone (69 calls) in 24 hours, while on an off-call day it was significantly less at 25 minutes (18 calls). Of the calls, 67% happened out of regular hours. CONCLUSIONS: Time spent on the telephone is a significant work component and would have a bearing on timelines.

Image-guided drainage of cystic vestibular schwannomata.

The management of vestibular schwannomata is controversial. Surveillance remains an acceptable option for elderly patients or those with small lesions. Stereoradiosurgery is also an option, while surgery is often preferred in younger patients with larger lesions. In elderly patients with lesions causing brainstem compression, craniotomy is a major undertaking. We report two cases of cystic cerebellopontine angle tumours in patients with co-morbidity, who were managed successfully with image-guided insertion of a cystoperitoneal shunt.

Intraventricular haemorrhage without subarachnoid haemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm.

The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in the UK is about 10 per 100 000 of the population per year and it is a potentially fatal condition. Prompt recognition and referral to a neurosurgical unit is crucial for a better outcome. A typical history of sudden severe headache, CT scan and sometimes a lumbar puncture would help clinch the diagnosis. Though intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) are not uncommon after an aneurysmal rupture, ICH and/or IVH without SAH are rare (<2%). In such cases, a high index of suspicion is needed to deliver the correct management. This report describes a case of posterior communicating artery aneurysm presenting with pure IVH on CT. The aneurysm was diagnosed by performing a CT angiogram and the patient underwent a successful coil embolisation.

Intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: results from the STICH trial.

INTRODUCTION: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), either independent of or as an extension of intracranial bleed, is thought to carry a grave prognosis. Although the effect of IVH on outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage has been extensively reviewed in the literature, reports of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in similar situations have been infrequent. The association of hydrocephalus in such situations and its influence on outcome is also uncertain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: As a sub-analysis of data obtained through the international Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (STICH), the impact of IVH, with or without the presence of hydrocephalus, on outcome in patients with spontaneous ICH was analyzed. CT scans of randomized patients were examined for IVH and/or hydrocephalus. Other characteristics of hematoma were evaluated to see if they influenced outcome, as defined by the STICH protocol. RESULTS: Favorable outcomes were more frequent when IVH was absent (31.4% vs. 15.1%; p < 0.00001). The presence of hydrocephalus lowered the likelihood of favorable outcome still further to 11.5% (p = 0.031). In patients with IVH, early surgical intervention had a more favorable outcome (17.8%) compared to initial conservative management (12.4%) (p = 0.141). CONCLUSION: The presence of IVH and hydrocephalus are independent predictors of poor outcome in spontaneous ICH. Early surgery is of some benefit in those with IVH.

The significance of crossovers after randomization in the STICH trial.

INTRODUCTION: Of all forms of stroke, spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) causes the highest morbidity and mortality. The Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Haemorrhage (STICH) found no difference in outcomes between patients randomized to surgical or conservative treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 530 patients randomized to initial conservative treatment, 140 crossed over to surgery. This study examines the variables associated with crossover. RESULTS: Dominant features of the crossover group were: male, (p = 0.04), right-sided clot (p = 0.03), lobar clot (p = 0.003), clot volume (median 64 mL for crossovers vs. 38 mL for others, p < 0.00001), midline shift (median 6 mm for crossovers vs. 3 mm for others, p < 0.00001), superficial clot (median 1.3 mm for crossovers vs. 11.5 mm for others, p < 0.00001), and randomization within 12 hours of ictus (p < 0.0005). Thalamic location (p = 0.002) was under-represented. Intraventricular haemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and focal deficits were not associated with crossover. Craniotomy was the method of evacuation in 85% of crossover patients. CONCLUSIONS: Crossover to surgery was more likely when ICH had these features: Right side, lobar location, superficial, large volume, big shift, and early randomization. Crossovers formed a worse prognostic group compared to non-crossovers. Surgery did not affect trial results, which were analyzed by intention-to-treat.

Synergistic induction of tissue factor by coagulation factor Xa and TNF: evidence for involvement of negative regulatory signaling cascades.

Enzymes of the blood coagulation pathway enhance the inflammatory response leading to endothelial dysfunction, accounting, in part, for the vascular complications occurring in sepsis and cardiovascular disease. The responses of endothelial cell activation include induction of the expression of tissue factor (TF), a membrane glycoprotein that promotes thrombosis, and of E-selectin, a cell adhesion molecule that promotes inflammation. In this report, we demonstrate synergistic interactions between the coagulation factor Xa (fXa) and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-1beta, and CD40L, leading to enhanced expression of TF and E-selectin in endothelial cells. A detailed analysis of the molecular pathways that could account for this activity of fXa showed that fXa inhibited the cytokine-induced expression of dual specificity phosphatases, MAP kinase phosphatase-L, -4, -5, and -7, blocking a negative regulatory effect on c-Jun N-terminal kinase. The synergistic interaction between fXa and TNF was also involved in the inhibition of A20 and IkappaBalpha expression in the IkappaB kinase-NF-kappaB pathway. The data indicate that inhibition of negative regulatory signaling accounts for the amplification of cytokine-induced endothelial cell activation by fXa.

Calvarial malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the central nervous system (CNS) is uncommon. We report cases of two young patients of MFH arising from the cranial meninges and involving the adjacent skull and scalp. There was infiltration of the brain in one case. Both the lesions were excised and primary scalp repair was performed.

Expression of hepatitis B surface antigen in tobacco cell suspension cultures.

Hepatitis B virus ' s ' gene coding for surface antigen was cloned into plant transformation vectors pHER100 and pHBs100 with and without endoplasmic reticulum retention signal, respectively. Transformed tobacco cell lines were analyzed for the integration of the transgene by PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Expression levels as determined by ELISA showed maximum expression levels of 2 microg HBsAg gm(-1) fresh weight and 10 ng mL(-1) of spent medium in pHER100 transformed cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of 24 kDa band specific to HBsAg in the transformed cells. HBsAg was expressed both as intracellular and secreted forms in pHER100 transformed cells. The buoyant density in CsCl of HBsAg derived from pHBs100 transformed tobacco cells was determined and found to be 1.095 g mL(-1). HBsAg obtained from transformed tobacco cells is similar to the human serum derived one in buoyant density properties. This is the first report on the secretion of HBsAg particles by plant cells into the cell culture medium.

Soluble CD40 ligand induces beta3 integrin tyrosine phosphorylation and triggers platelet activation by outside-in signaling.

We earlier reported that the soluble form of the CD40 ligand (sCD40L), is involved in thrombosis by stabilizing platelet thrombi. In this article, we have determined the mechanism by which this protein affects platelet biology. Addition of sCD40L to washed platelets was found to activate the receptor function of alphaIIbbeta3 as measured by the induction of fibrinogen binding and the formation of platelet microparticles. Mutation in the KGD sequence (D117E) of sCD40L, the alphaIIbbeta3-binding domain in the N terminus of the protein resulted in a loss of the platelet-stimulatory activity of this protein. Integrilin, a alphaIIbbeta3 antagonist, but not an antibody to CD40 that blocked the ligand-binding activity, inhibited these platelet-stimulatory events. CD40-/- platelets bound fibrinogen and formed microparticles similar to WT platelets, again indicating that CD40 is not involved in sCD40L-induced platelet activation. Exposure of platelets to sCD40L, but not D117E-sCD40L-coated surfaces, induced platelet thrombi formation under arterial shear rate. sCD40L-induced platelet stimulation resulted in the phosphorylation of tyrosine-759 in the cytoplasmic domain of beta3. Platelets from the diYF mouse strain, expressing beta3 in which both cytoplasmic tyrosines are mutated to phenylalanine, were defective in sCD40L-induced platelet stimulation. These data indicate that sCD40L is a primary platelet agonist and that platelet stimulation is induced by the binding of the KGD domain of sCD40L to alphaIIbbeta3, triggering outside-in signaling by tyrosine phosphorylation of beta3.