Mapping of QTLs and meta-QTLs for Heterodera avenae Woll. resistance in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

BACKGROUND: In hexaploid wheat, quantitative trait loci (QTL) and meta-QTL (MQTL) analyses were conducted to identify genomic regions controlling resistance to cereal cyst nematode (CCN), Heterodera avenae. A mapping population comprising 149 RILs derived from the cross HUW 468 × C 306 was used for composite interval mapping (CIM) and inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM). RESULTS: Eight main effect QTLs on three chromosomes (1B, 2A and 3A) were identified using two repeat experiments. One of these QTLs was co-localized with a previously reported wheat gene Cre5 for resistance to CCN. Seven important digenic epistatic interactions (PVE = 5% or more) were also identified, each involving one main effect QTL and another novel E-QTL. Using QTLs earlier reported in literature, two meta-QTLs were also identified, which were also used for identification of 57 candidate genes (CGs). Out of these, 29 CGs have high expression in roots and encoded the following proteins having a role in resistance to plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs): (i) NB-ARC,P-loop containing NTP hydrolase, (ii) Protein Kinase, (iii) serine-threonine/tyrosine-PK, (iv) protein with leucine-rich repeat, (v) virus X resistance protein-like, (vi) zinc finger protein, (vii) RING/FYVE/PHD-type, (viii) glycosyl transferase, family 8 (GT8), (ix) rubisco protein with small subunit domain, (x) protein with SANT/Myb domain and (xi) a protein with a homeobox. CONCLUSION: Identification and selection of resistance loci with additive and epistatic effect along with two MQTL and associated CGs, identified in the present study may prove useful for understanding the molecular basis of resistance against H. avenae in wheat and for marker-assisted selection (MAS) for breeding CCN resistant wheat cultivars.

Genetic analysis of iron, zinc and grain yield in wheat-Aegilops derivatives using multi-locus GWAS.

BACKGROUND: Wheat is a major staple crop and helps to reduce worldwide micronutrient deficiency. Investigating the genetics that control the concentrations of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in wheat is crucial. Hence, we undertook a comprehensive study aimed at elucidating the genomic regions linked to the contents of Fe and Zn in the grain. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed the multi-locus genome-wide association (ML-GWAS) using a panel of 161 wheat-Aegilops substitution and addition lines to dissect the genomic regions controlling grain iron (GFeC), and grain zinc (GZnC) contents. The wheat panel was genotyped using 10,825 high-quality SNPs and phenotyped in three different environments (E1-E3) during 2017-2019. A total of 111 marker-trait associations (MTAs) (at p-value < 0.001) were detected that belong to all three sub-genomes of wheat. The highest number of MTAs were identified for GFeC (58), followed by GZnC (44) and yield (9). Further, six stable MTAs were identified for these three traits and also two pleiotropic MTAs were identified for GFeC and GZnC. A total of 1291 putative candidate genes (CGs) were also identified for all three traits. These CGs encode a diverse set of proteins, including heavy metal-associated (HMA), bZIP family protein, AP2/ERF, and protein previously associated with GFeC, GZnC, and grain yield. CONCLUSIONS: The significant MTAs and CGs pinpointed in this current study are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing both the nutritional quality and yield of wheat, utilizing marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques.

Intraoperative Navigated Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Guidance Improves Resection in Gliomas Compared with Standard Two-Dimensional Ultrasound-Results from a Comparative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative ultrasound is a promising tool for intraoperative tumor resection control. Navigated three-dimensional US (n3DUS) has many benefits over standard two-dimensional US (2DUS). METHODS: Two cohorts (2DUS and n3DUS) of patients with histologically confirmed adult diffuse gliomas undergoing US-guided resection control were compared. The primary outcomes assessed were extent of resection and morbidity. Multivariate analysis was performed to account for tumor characteristics (delineation and eloquence) and surgeon experience, which could confound the results. RESULTS: n3DUS was used more often (n = 252) than 2DUS (n = 86). Tumor delineation was similar in 2DUS and n3DUS cohorts, although the n3DUS cohort included more nonenhancing, histologically lower grade (2-3) gliomas and had more gliomas located in eloquent regions; also, n3DUS was more often used by senior surgeons. Gross total resection (GTR) rates were 47%, and major morbidity was 9.5%. On multivariate analysis, after controlling for all other variables between the 2 groups, patients with well-delineated tumors, patients with prior treatment, and patients who underwent n3DUS were more likely to have GTR (adjusted odds ratios 3.0, 1.8, and 2.2, respectively), whereas patients with tumors in eloquent locations were half as likely (adjusted odds ratio 0.5) to have GTR. Eloquent located tumors were likely to be associated with higher neurological morbidity, although major morbidity was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Good delineation, noneloquent location, and use of n3DUS was associated with a higher probability of GTR in glioma surgery. Surgeons' experience did not influence the extent of resection. Morbidity was predominantly associated with eloquent location, independent of all other factors.

Implications of use of different intraoperative ultrasound modalities during glioma surgery - A comparative study of factors affecting outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of glioma surgery is to remove the maximum amount of tumor without worsening the patient's neurological condition. Intraoperative ultrasound (US) imaging technologies (2D and 3D) are available to assist surgeons, providing real-time updates. Considering additional time, personnel, and cost, we investigate if comparable outcomes can be achieved using basic (2D) and advanced (3D) technology. OBJECTIVE: We propose predictive models for (i) glioma tumor resectability (ii) surgical outcome, and (iii) a model to predict the outcome of surgery aided with a particular ultrasound and compare outcomes between 2D and 3D US. METHODOLOGY: We used real-world surgery data from a tertiary cancer centre. Three groups of cases were analyzed (2D US used, 3D US used, and no US used during resection). The data analysis uses hypothesis testing, bootstrap sampling, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The preoperatively anticipated extent of tumor removal correlated with the postoperative MRI measurement of tumor removal for US-supported surgery (p=0.01) but not for no US-supported surgeries (p = 0.13). A combination of delineation, eloquence, and the multifocal/multicentric nature of the tumor effectively predicted resectability. The eventual outcome of surgery (actual extent of resection achieved) can be predicted by prior treatment status, delineation, eloquence, and satellite nodules. Based on our prediction model (training set of 350 cases and test of 40 cases of US-guided surgeries), we identify some cases where 3D US seems to offer superior EORs. CONCLUSION: The resectability of glioma tumors is crucial in determining surgical objectives, and the type of ultrasound used as support impacts tumor removal. The findings in this study aid informed decision-making and optimize imaging technology usage, providing a decision flow for selecting ultrasound based on tumor characteristics.

Identification of genomic regions associated with cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll.) resistance in spring and winter wheat.

Cereal cyst nematode (CCN) is a major threat to cereal crop production globally including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In the present study, single-locus and multi-locus models of Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) were used to find marker trait associations (MTAs) against CCN (Heterodera avenae) in wheat. In total, 180 wheat accessions (100 spring and 80 winter types) were screened against H. avenae in two independent years (2018/2019 "Environment 1" and 2019/2020 "Environment 2") under controlled conditions. A set of 12,908 SNP markers were used to perform the GWAS. Altogether, 11 significant MTAs, with threshold value of -log10 (p-values) ≥ 3.0, were detected using 180 wheat accessions under combined environment (CE). A novel MTA (wsnp_Ex_c53387_56641291) was detected under all environments (E1, E2 and CE) and considered to be stable MTA. Among the identified 11 MTAs, eight were novel and three were co-localized with previously known genes/QTLs/MTAs. In total, 13 putative candidate genes showing differential expression in roots, and known to be involved in plant defense mechanisms were reported. These MTAs could help us to identify resistance alleles from new sources, which could be used to identify wheat varieties with enhanced CCN resistance.

GWAS scans of cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) resistance in Indian wheat germplasm.

Significant yield losses in major cereal-growing regions around the world have been linked to cereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.). Identifying and deploying natural sources of resistance is of utmost importance due to increasing concerns associated with chemical methods over the years. We screened 141 diverse wheat genotypes collected from pan-Indian wheat cultivation states for nematode resistance over two years, alongside two resistant (Raj MR1, W7984 (M6)) and two susceptible (WH147, Opata M85) checks. We performed genome-wide association analysis using four single-locus models (GLM, MLM, CMLM, and ECMLM) and three multi-locus models (Blink, FarmCPU, and MLMM). Single locus models identified nine significant MTAs (-log10 (P) > 3.0) on chromosomes 2A, 3B, and 4B whereas, multi-locus models identified 11 significant MTAs on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 3B, 3D and 4B. Single and multi-locus models identified nine common significant MTAs. Candidate gene analysis identified 33 genes like F-box-like domain superfamily, Cytochrome P450 superfamily, Leucine-rich repeat, cysteine-containing subtype Zinc finger RING/FYVE/PHD-type, etc., having a putative role in disease resistance. Such genetic resources can help to reduce the impact of this disease on wheat production. Additionally, these results can be used to design new strategies for controlling the spread of H. avenae, such as the development of resistant varieties or the use of resistant cultivars. Finally, the obtained results can also be used to identify new sources of resistance to this pathogen and develop novel control methods.

Choice of intraoperative ultrasound adjuncts for brain tumor surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gliomas are among the most typical brain tumors tackled by neurosurgeons. During navigation for surgery of glioma brain tumors, preoperatively acquired static images may not be accurate due to shifts. Surgeons use intraoperative imaging technologies (2-Dimensional and navigated 3-Dimensional ultrasound) to assess and guide resections. This paper aims to precisely capture the importance of preoperative parameters to decide which type of ultrasound to be used for a particular surgery. METHODS: This paper proposes two bagging algorithms considering base classifier logistic regression and random forest. These algorithms are trained on different subsets of the original data set. The goodness of fit of Logistic regression-based bagging algorithms is established using hypothesis testing. Furthermore, the performance measures for random-forest-based bagging algorithms used are AUC under ROC and AUC under the precision-recall curve. We also present a composite model without compromising the explainability of the models. RESULTS: These models were trained on the data of 350 patients who have undergone brain surgery from 2015 to 2020. The hypothesis test shows that a single parameter is sufficient instead of all three dimensions related to the tumor ([Formula: see text]). We observed that the choice of intraoperative ultrasound depends on the surgeon making a choice, and years of experience of the surgeon could be a surrogate for this dependence. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that neurosurgeons may not need to focus on a large set of preoperative parameters in order to decide on ultrasound. Moreover, it personalizes the use of a particular ultrasound option in surgery. This approach could potentially lead to better resource management and help healthcare institutions improve their decisions to make the surgery more effective.

QTL mapping for resistance against cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The resistance to cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied using 114 doubled haploid lines from a novel ITMI mapping population. These lines were screened for nematode infestation in a controlled environment for two years. QTL-mapping analyses were performed across two years (Y1 and Y2) as well as combining two years (CY) data. On the 114 lines that were screened, a total of 2,736 data points (genotype, batch or years, and replication combinations) were acquired. For QTL analysis, 12,093 markers (11,678 SNPs and 415 SSRs markers) were used, after filtering the genotypic data, for the QTL mapping. Composite interval mapping, using Haley-Knott regression (hk) method in R/QTL, was used for QTL analysis. In total, 19 QTLs were detected out of which 13 were novel and six were found to be colocalized or nearby to previously reported Cre genes, QTLs or MTAs for H. avenae or H. filipjevi. Nine QTLs were detected across all three groups (Y1, Y2 and CY) including a significant QTL "QCcn.ha-2D" on chromosome 2D that explains 23% of the variance. This QTL colocalized with a previously identified Cre3 locus. Novel QTL, QCcn.ha-2A, detected in the present study could be the possible unreported homeoloci to QCcn.ha-2D, QCcn.ha-2B.1 and QCcn.ha-2B.2. Six significant digenic epistatic interactions were also observed. In addition, 26 candidate genes were also identified including genes known for their involvement in PPNs (plant parasitic nematodes) resistance in different plant species. In-silico expression of putative candidate genes showed differential expression in roots during specific developmental stages. Results obtained in the present study are useful for wheat breeding to generate resistant genetic resources against H. avenae.

Development of a Standardized Semantic Feature-Based Reporting Proforma for Intraoperative Ultrasound Findings in Brain Tumors and Application in High-Grade Gliomas - A Preliminary Study.

Purpose A semantic feature-based reporting proforma for intraoperative ultrasound findings in brain tumors was devised to standardize reporting. It was applied as a pilot study on a cohort of histologically confirmed high-grade supratentorial gliomas (Grade 3 and 4) for internal validation. Materials and Methods This intraoperative semantic ultrasound proforma was used to evaluate 3D ultrasound volumes using Radiant DICOM software by 3 surgeons. The ultrasound semantic features were correlated with histological features like tumor grade, IDH status, and MIB index. Results 68 patients were analyzed using the semantic proforma. Irregular crenated was the most common margin (63.2%) and lesions were heterogeneously hyperechoic (95.6%). Necrosis was commonly seen and noted as single (67.6%) or multiple (13.2%) in over 80% cases. A separate perilesional zone, which was predominantly hyperechoic in 41.8% and both hypo and hyperechoic in 12.7%, could be identified in 54.5% of cases. Grade 4 tumors were more likely to have an irregular crenated margin (71.2%) with a single large area of necrosis, while Grade 3 tumors were likely to have smooth (31.3%) or non-characterizable margins (31.2%) with no or multiple areas of necrosis. IDH-negative tumors were more likely to have a single large focus of necrosis. Among the GBMs (52 cases), MIB labelling index of>15% was associated with poorly delineated, uncharacterizable margins, when compared with MIB labelling index<15% (23.5 vs. 0%), (p=0.046). Conclusion A detailed semantic proforma was developed for brain tumors and was internally validated. A few ultrasound sematic features were identified correlating with histological features in high-grade gliomas. It will require further external validation for refinement and acceptability.

Indication of Neurodegenerative Cascade Initiation by Amyloid-like Aggregate-Forming EBV Proteins and Peptide in Alzheimer's Disease.

The neurotropic potential of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was demonstrated quite recently; however, the mechanistic details are yet to be explored. Therefore, the effects of EBV infection in the neural milieu remain underexplored. Previous reports have suggested the potential role of virus-derived peptides in seeding the amyloid-ß aggregation cascade, which lies at the center of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. However, no such study has been undertaken to explore the role of EBV peptides in AD. In our research, ∼100 EBV proteins were analyzed for their aggregation proclivity in silico using bioinformatic tools, followed by the prediction of 20S proteasomal cleavage sites using online algorithms NetChop ver. 3.1 and Pcleavage, thereby mimicking the cellular proteasomal cleavage activity generating short antigenic peptides of viral origin. Our study reports a high aggregate-forming tendency of a 12-amino-acid-long (146SYKHVFLSAFVY157) peptide derived from EBV glycoprotein M (EBV-gM). The in vitro analysis of aggregate formation done using Congo red and Thioflavin-S assays demonstrated dose- and time-dependent kinetics. Thereafter, Raman spectroscopy was used to validate the formation of secondary structures (α helix, ß sheets) in the aggregates. Additionally, cytotoxicity assay revealed that even a low concentration of these aggregates has a lethal effect on neuroblastoma cells. The findings of this study provide insights into the mechanistic role of EBV in AD and open up new avenues to explore in the future.

Genome-wide association study in hexaploid wheat identifies novel genomic regions associated with resistance to root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei).

Root lesion nematode (RLN; Pratylenchus thornei) causes extensive yield losses in wheat worldwide and thus pose serious threat to global food security. Reliance on fumigants (such as methyl bromide) and nematicides for crop protection has been discouraged due to environmental concerns. Hence, alternative environment friendly control measures like finding and deployment of resistance genes against Pratylenchus thornei are of significant importance. In the present study, genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using single-locus and multi-locus methods. In total, 143 wheat genotypes collected from pan-Indian wheat cultivation states were used for nematode screening. Genotypic data consisted of  > 7K SNPs with known genetic positions on the high-density consensus map was used for association analysis. Principal component analysis indicated the existence of sub-populations with no major structuring of populations due to the origin. Altogether, 25 significant marker trait associations were detected with - log10 (p value) > 4.0. Three large linkage disequilibrium blocks and the corresponding haplotypes were found to be associated with significant SNPs. In total, 37 candidate genes with nine genes having a putative role in disease resistance (F-box-like domain superfamily, Leucine-rich repeat, cysteine-containing subtype, Cytochrome P450 superfamily, Zinc finger C2H2-type, RING/FYVE/PHD-type, etc.) were identified. Genomic selection was conducted to investigate how well one could predict the phenotype of the nematode count without performing the screening experiments. Prediction value of r = 0.40 to 0.44 was observed when 56 to 70% of the population was used as a training set. This is the first report where GWAS has been conducted to find resistance against root lesion nematode (P. thornei) in Indian wheat germplasm.

An in vitro refolding method to produce oligomers of anti-CHIKV, E2-IgM Fc fusion subunit vaccine candidates expressed in E. coli.

Recombinant envelope protein-1 (E1) and E2 of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has been shown to elicit neutralizing antibodies and a balanced Th1/Th2 response in mice however with limited protection. Recently reported CHIK virus-like particles showed augmented immunity and protection in adult mice in comparison to E1 and E2, however exacerbated the disease in aged subjects. In order to improve the overall efficacy of protein based vaccines, novel strategies need to be adopted. The discovery of IgM Fc receptor (FcµR) and its role in humoral immune response led us to hypothesise that fusion of an antigen with Fc of IgM may enhance its immunogenicity by polymerizing it and FcµR mediated activation of B and other immune cells. We report in the current study, expression of E2 subunit of CHIKV in fusion with various IgM Fc domains/peptides in E. coli, their in-vitro refolding, characterization and immune response in C57BL/6 mice. Candidates fused with CH3-CH4 Fc fragment produced stable oligomers, whereas the one fused with peptides remained monomeric. The latter elicited a strong humoral and a balanced Th1/Th2 response in mice, whereas the polymeric candidate despite eliciting a strong humoral response, stimulated a biased Th1 response and exhibited higher virus neutralization in Vero cells.

Nitrogen/sulfur-co-doped carbon quantum dots: a biocompatible material for the selective detection of picric acid in aqueous solution and living cells.

Here, a fast and eco-friendly one-pot hydrothermal technique is utilized for the synthesis of nitrogen/sulfur-co-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (NS-CQDs) from a simple precursor of citric acid (CA) and thiosemicarbazide (TSC). The obtained NS-CQDs exhibited strong blue emission under UV light, with fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of ~37.8%. The Commission internationale de l'eclairage (CIE) coordinates originated at (0.15, 0.07), which confirmed the blue fluorescence of the synthesized NS-CQDs. Interestingly, the prepared NS-CQDs were successfully used as a selective nanoprobe for the monitoring of environmentally hazardous explosive picric acid (PA) in different nitro- and non-nitro-aromatic derivatives of PA. The mechanism of the NS-CQDs was also explored, and was posited to occur via the fluorescence resonance electron transfer (FRET) process and non-fluorescent complex formation. Importantly, this system possesses excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity in HeLa cervical cancer cells; hence, it can potentially be used for PA detection in analytical, environmental, and pathological applications. Furthermore, the practical applicability of the proposed sensing system to pond water demonstrated the feasibility of our system along with good recovery. Graphical abstract.

Identification of genomic region(s) responsible for high iron and zinc content in rice.

Micronutrient especially iron and zinc-enriched rice hold immense promise for sustainable and cost-effective solutions to overcome malnutrition. In this context, BC2F5 population derived from cross between RP-Bio226 and Sampada was used to localize genomic region(s)/QTL(s) for grain Fe (iron) and Zn (zinc) content together with yield and yield-related traits. Genotyping of mapping population with 108 SSR markers resulted in a genetic map of 2317.5 cM with an average marker distance of 21.5 cM. Mean grain mineral content in the mapping population across the two seasons ranged from 10.5-17.5 ppm for Fe and 11.3-22.1 ppm for Zn. Based on the multi-season phenotypic data together with genotypic data, a total of two major QTLs for Fe (PVE upto 17.1%) and three for Zn (PVE upto 34.2%) were identified. Comparative analysis across the two seasons has revealed four consistent QTLs for Fe (qFe1.1, qFe1.2, qFe6.1 and qFe6.2) and two QTL for Zn content (qZn1.1 and qZn6.2). Additionally, based on the previous and current studies three meta-QTLs for grain Fe and two for grain Zn have been identified. In-silico analysis of the identified QTL regions revealed the presence of potential candidate gene(s) such as, OsPOT, OsZIP4, OsFDR3, OsIAA5 etc., that were previously reported to influence grain Fe and Zn content. The identified QTLs could be utilized in developing high yielding, Fe and Zn denser varieties by marker assisted selection (MAS).

Combined Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring and Subcortical Dynamic Mapping in Motor Eloquent Tumors Allows Safer and Extended Resections.

BACKGROUND: Subcortical motor mapping is crucial to ensure preservation of motor tracts during resections of tumors. Continuous dynamic mapping using a modified monopolar suction probe is a novel and effective way of achieving this goal. We describe our experience using this technique. METHODS: Forty patients were operated on between June 2017 and February 2018. Transcranial electric stimulation (TES) and direct cortical strip (DCS) motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were monitored. Subcortical stimulation (SCS) mapping was attempted in all cases by adapting the technique using a monopolar suction stimulator. Neurologic outcomes and extent of resection were analyzed. RESULTS: Motor fibers were between 0 and 7.6 mm away from the tumor boundaries in 26 patients. TES MEP were monitored in all patients. DCS MEPs were attempted in 31 and successfully monitored in 26 patients. SCS using the monopolar suction probe worked in all patients except one. SCS elicited no responses at 15-mA motor thresholds in 16 patients. The motor threshold ranged from 3 to 10 mA in the remainder. Overall, MEP changes were noted in 5 patients. Ten patients experienced neurologic worsening (6 transient, 3 prolonged, and 1 delayed). There was no permanent deficit at 3 months. DCS MEPs predicted neurologic worsening better than did TES MEPs. Radical resections were achieved in 68%. Neuromonitoring inputs resulted in premature termination of resection in 14 patients (35%). Radical resections (near-total resections) were still achieved in 8 of the 14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous dynamic subcortical mapping is a reliable method to map the motor tracts. This process is crucial to correctly identify truly eloquent tumors and tailor the surgical procedure as per planned goals, maximizing the resections with acceptable morbidity.

Photo-mediated optimized synthesis of silver nanoparticles for the selective detection of Iron(III), antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

The AgNPs synthesized by green method have shown great potential in several applications such as biosensing, biomedical, catalysis, electronic etc. The present study deals with the selective colorimetric detection of Fe3+ using photoinduced green synthesized AgNPs. For the synthesis purpose, an aqueous extract of Croton bonplandianum (AEC) was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesis was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy where an SPR band at λmax 436nm after 40s and 428nm after 30min corresponded to the existence of AgNPs. The optimum conditions for biosynthesis of AgNPs were 30min sunlight exposure time, 5.0% (v/v) AEC inoculum dose and 4mM AgNO3 concentration. The stability of synthesized AgNPs was monitored up to 9months. The size and shape of AgNPs with average size 19.4nm were determined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM). The crystallinity was determined by High-Resolution X-ray Diffractometer (HR-XRD) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) pattern. The chemical and elemental compositions were determined by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) respectively. The Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images represented the lateral and 3D topological characteristics of AgNPs. The XPS analysis confirmed the presence of two individual peaks which attributed to the Ag 3d3/2 and Ag 3d5/2 binding energies corresponding to the presence of metallic silver. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed potent antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains as well as antioxidant activity. On the basis of results and facts, a probable mechanism was also proposed to explore the possible route of AgNPs synthesis, colorimetric detection of Fe3+, antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

A common medical error: lung cancer misdiagnosed as sputum negative tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize that delay in diagnosis of lung cancer can be caused by the wrong diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in TB endemic countries. This is of major concern as early-diagnosis of lung cancer can increase the chance of tumor resectability and timely chemo-radiotherapy may provide better quality of life. METHODS: Proven lung cancer patients, who had received anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) since onset of current symptoms, were studied retrospectively during the period of Nov-07 to Nov-08. DATA-SOURCE: Patient interview and medical records. RESULTS: Total of 14 out of 70 patients received wrong diagnosis of TB and had received ATT (male-12, female-2; mean age 58.07-/+6.81; Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) -12, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) -2), 12 were smokers with median smoking pack-years of 44(15 to 112). Pre-referral sputum acid fast bacilli (AFB) was done in only 3 out of these 14 patients and sputum AFB was negative in these 3 patients. ATT was started on the basis of chest X-ray finding and clinical symptoms. Mean duration of ATT taken was 4.46-/+3.15 months. CONCLUSION: Due to high TB prevalence and radiological similarities, a large number of lung cancer patients initially get wrongly treated for TB. Also, clinicians associate lung cancer with high case-fatality and start ATT without detailed investigation. Altogether, this leads to delay in diagnosis and progression of disease.