Multi-wavelength multi-direction laser light scattering for cell characterization using machine learning-based methods.

Cell identification and analysis play a crucial role in many biology- and health-related applications. The internal and surface structures of a cell are complex and many of the features are sub-micron in scale. Well-resolved images of these features cannot be obtained using optical microscopy. Previous studies have reported that the single-cell angular laser-light scattering patterns (ALSP) can be used for label-free cell identification and analysis. The ALSP can be affected by cell properties and the wavelength of the probing laser. Two cell properties, cell surface roughness and the number of mitochondria, are investigated in this study. The effects of probing laser wavelengths (blue, green, and red) and the directions of scattered light collection (forward, side, and backward) are studied to determine the optimum conditions for distinguishing the two cell properties. Machine learning (ML) analysis has been applied to ALSP obtained from numerical simulations. The results of ML analysis show that the backward scattering is the best direction for characterizing the surface roughness, while the forward scattering is the best direction for differentiating the number of mitochondria. The laser light having red or green wavelength is found to perform better than that having the blue wavelength in differentiating the surface roughness and the number of mitochondria. This study provides important insights into the effects of probing laser wavelength on gaining information about cells from their ALSP.

In Vitro Studies Reveal that Pseudomonas, from Odontotermes obesus Colonies, can Function as a Defensive Mutualist as it Prevents the Weedy Fungus While Keeping the Crop Fungus Unaffected.

Insects that farm monocultures of fungi are canonical examples of nutritional symbiosis as well as independent evolution of agriculture in non-human animals. But just like in human agriculture, these fungal crops face constant threat of invasion by weeds which, if unchecked, take over the crop fungus. In fungus-growing termites, the crop fungus (Termitomyces) faces such challenges from the weedy fungus Pseudoxylaria. The mechanism by which Pseudoxylaria is suppressed is not known. However, evidence suggests that some bacterial secondary symbionts can serve as defensive mutualists by preventing the growth of Pseudoxylaria. However, such secondary symbionts must possess the dual, yet contrasting, capabilities of suppressing the weedy fungus while keeping the growth of the crop fungus unaffected. This study describes the isolation, identification, and culture-dependent estimation of the roles of several such putative defensive mutualists from the colonies of the wide-spread fungus-growing termite from India, Odontotermes obesus. From the 38 bacterial cultures tested, a strain of Pseudomonas showed significantly greater suppression of the weedy fungus than the crop fungus. Moreover, a 16S rRNA pan-microbiome survey, using the Nanopore platform, revealed Pseudomonas to be a part of the core microbiota of O. obesus. A meta-analysis of microbiota composition across different species of Odontotermes also confirms the widespread prevalence of Pseudomonas within this termite. These lines of evidence indicate that Pseudomonas could be playing the role of defensive mutualist within Odontotermes.

Coping with the 'Indian summer': unique nesting cycle and nest architecture of the paper wasp, Polistes wattii.

Polistes is one of the most widely distributed and extensively studied primitively eusocial wasps. Based on where they are found, there are two established nesting cycles in this genus. The temperate wasps follow an annual cycle with diapause in winter while the tropical wasps of South America can initiate nests any time of the year and do not hibernate. Additionally, some subtropical Polistes are known to form nest free aggregations during the cold, dry, unfavorable season. Although several species of Polistes wasps are found in India, our knowledge about their biology is pitifully small and is restricted to taxonomic reports. Here, we report the unique nesting cycle of Polistes wattii, a wasp abundantly found in north India and other Asian countries. P. wattii hibernates in winter as well as forms nest-free aggregations in the dry summer season and thus has a nesting cycle with two inactive periods, which no other Polistes is known to follow. The study site in North India experiences short, cold, snow-free winters, spring, a very dry early summer, and humid late summer with intermittent rain. We found that P. wattii here shows several unique adaptations to survive the long Indian summer where it shows two rounds of nest-founding in the same year, once as overwintered, solitary foundress in spring and once with multiple foundresses during summer. To meet the demands of expanding colony in late summer, P. wattii often adds multiple combs to their nest, which are architecturally different from the multiple comb nests reported from neotropical regions and strikingly different from all temperate Polistes who make only single comb nests. This study investigates the nesting biology and natural history of P. wattii to understand how they maximize survival and fitness.

Treating COVID-19: are we missing out the window of opportunity?

Severe COVID-19 is a biphasic illness, with an initial viral replication phase, followed by a cascade of inflammatory events. Progression to severe disease is predominantly a function of the inflammatory cascade, rather than viral replication per se. This understanding can be effectively translated to changing our approach in managing the disease. The natural course of disease offers us separate windows of specific time intervals to administer either antiviral or immunomodulatory therapy. Instituting the right attack at the right time would maximize the benefit of treatment. This concept must also be factored into studies that assess the efficacy of antivirals and immunomodulatory agents against COVID-19.

Mechanistic and physiological approaches of fecal microbiota transplantation in the management of NAFLD.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifaceted disease allied with various metabolic disorders, obesity and dysbiosis. Gut microbiota plays an influential role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and other metabolic disorders. However, recent scientific upsurge emphasizes on the utility of beneficial gut microbiota and bacteriotherapy in the management of NAFLD. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the contemporary therapeutic approach with state-of-the-art methods for the treatment of NAFLD. Other potential therapies include probiotics and prebiotics supplements which are based on alteration of gut microbes to treat NAFLD. In this review, our major focus is on the pathological association of gut microbiota with progression of NAFLD, historical aspects and recent advances in FMT with possible intervention to combat NAFLD and its associated metabolic dysfunctions.

Role of vitamins and minerals as immunity boosters in COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. On March 11, 2020, it was declared a global pandemic. As the world grapples with COVID-19 and the paucity of clinically meaningful therapies, attention has been shifted to modalities that may aid in immune system strengthening. Taking into consideration that the COVID-19 infection strongly affects the immune system via multiple inflammatory responses, pharmaceutical companies are working to develop targeted drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19. A balanced nutritional diet may play an essential role in maintaining general wellbeing by controlling chronic infectious diseases. A balanced diet including vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K, and some micronutrients such as zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphorus may be beneficial in various infectious diseases. This study aimed to discuss and present recent data regarding the role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of COVID-19. A deficiency of these vitamins and minerals in the plasma concentration may lead to a reduction in the good performance of the immune system, which is one of the constituents that lead to a poor immune state. This is a narrative review concerning the features of the COVID-19 and data related to the usage of vitamins and minerals as preventive measures to decrease the morbidity and mortality rate in patients with COVID-19.

Pathobiological and molecular connections involved in the high fructose and high fat diet induced diabetes associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Poor dietary habits such as an over consumption of high fructose and high fat diet are considered as the major culprit for the induction of diabetes associated liver injury. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects various vital organs of the body especially the kidney, brain, heart, and liver. The high fructose and high fat (HFHF) diet worsen the metabolic conditions by producing various pathogenic burdens such as oxidative stress, inflammation, etc. on liver. The hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic conditions induced by HFHF diet leads to the generation of various proinflammatory mediators like TNFα, interleukin and cytokines. AIM AND METHODS: The systematic bibliographical literature survey was done with the help of PubMed, Google scholar and MedLine to identify all pathological and molecular concerened with HFHF induced diabetic liver injury. The consumption of HFHF diet leads to an increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress thereby decreases the liver protective antioxidants required for cell viability. HFHF diet disturbs lipid and lipoprotein clearance by elevating the level of apolipoprotein CIII and impairing the hydrolysis of triglyceride. As a result, there is an increase in free fatty acid concentration, triglycerides and diacylglycerol in the liver which further triggers the situation of insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: The focus of present review is based upon the various pathological, genetic and molecular mechanism involved in the development of high-fat high fructose diet induced diabetic liver injury. However, the current review also documented few shreds of evidence related to various microRNAs (miR-31, miR-33a, miR-34a, miR-144, miR-146b, miR-150) concerned to HFHF diet which play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes associated liver injury Dietary life style modification may prove beneficial in the management of various metabolic disorders.

Epidemiological Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Enteric Fever in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India - a Seven Year Ambispective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Enteric-fever is a major public-health problem in developing countries emerging as multidrug-resistant, Nalidixic-acid resistant and extremely drug-resistant Salmonella (Pakistan, 2016), has intensified the use of WHO watch/reserve group antimicrobials such as azithromycin and meropenem. METHODS: This ambispective-study was conducted on 782 non-repeat blood-culture isolates of S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A and S. Paratyphi B obtained from 29,184 blood cultures received at a 1000-bedded tertiary-care hospital of North-India from 2011-2017. Identification and antibiograms were obtained by Vitek-2 compact and Kirby-Bauer's disc diffusion with resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole being labeled as multidrug-resistant. Decreased ciprofloxacin-susceptibility and ciprofloxacin-resistance were defined as MIC 0.125-0.5 and >1 µg/ml. RESULTS: S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A in a ratio of 3.9:1 were seen between July-September predominantly distributed between 6-45 year age group. Resistance to co-trimoxazole, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone and azithromycin was 6.1%, 13.8%, 16.1 and 5.78% respectively. Multidrug-resistant S. typhi and S. paratyphi A were 2.73% and 1.91% respectively. CONCLUSION: Enteric-fever is a major public-health problem in India. Emergence of multidrug-resistant, Nalidixic-acid resistant and extremely-drug resistant Salmonella mandates ongoing surveillance for targeted empirical therapy and containment of spread. Repeated epidemics call for water, sanitation, hygiene and vaccination strategies to sustain herd-immunity.

Ethnic Identity Development and Acculturation Preferences Among Minority and Majority Youth: Norms and Contact.

This article tests a longitudinal model of the antecedents and consequences of changes in identification with indigenous (Mapuche) among indigenous and nonindigenous youth in Chilean school contexts over a 6-month period (633 nonindigenous and 270 Mapuche students, Mages  = 12.47 and 12.80 years, respectively). Results revealed that in-group norms supporting contact and quality of intergroup contact at Time 1 predicted student's changes in Mapuche identification at Time 2, which in turn predicted changes in support for adoption of Chilean culture and maintenance of Mapuche culture at Time 2; some of the relationships between these variables were found to be moderated by age and ethnicity. Conceptual and policy implications are addressed in the Discussion.

Physical characterization of hematopoietic stem cells using multidirectional label-free light scatterings.

An experimental setup capable of measuring simultaneous 2D scattered light angular distribution from two directions to study cell morphology without the use of bio-labels was developed. Experiments with hematopoietic stem cells (CD34+ cells) show good agreement with detailed numerical simulations of light scattering. Numerical simulations and computer models of cells are used to identify physical features of cells with the largest scattering cross sections. This allows for determination of size, geometry of the nucleus and distribution of mitochondria in hematopoietic stem cells by means of our label-free method.

Exploring Uncommon Neurologic Complication in Young Diabetics with Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome: A Case Series and Literature Review.

ABSTRACT: Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is well known to be associated with the rapid correction of hyponatremia. However, there is limited literature on its link to persistent or corrected hyperglycemic states in diabetic patients. We report two young patients with ODS and hyperglycemia. Neuroimaging and blood tests indicated central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis with a hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). These unusual cases provide insight into the neurologic complications of hyperglycemia.

Insecticidal activity of isoborneol derivatives against Musca domestica adults and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae.

Musca domestica L., a common housefly, and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito are quite well-known pests that can transfer a wide range of diseases to humans as well as animals. In this study, various isoborneol derivatives including esters, ethers, and thioethers were synthesized from isoborneol under mild conditions. These derivatives were evaluated for inhibition of house-fly M. domestica adults and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Two of the synthesized isoborneol ester derivatives (2 and 3) showed good activity against both insect species. Additional two derivatives (6 and 9) were active against M. domestica L., and the derivatives (1-3, 8) were active against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae.

Investigation into how Odontotermes obesus maintains a predominantly Termitomyces monoculture in their fungus combs suggests a potential partnership with both fungi and bacteria.

Fungus-growing termites, like Odontotermes obesus, cultivate Termitomyces as their sole food source on fungus combs which are continuously maintained with foraged plant materials. This necessary augmentation also increases the threat of introducing non-specific fungi capable of displacing Termitomyces. The magnitude of this threat and how termites prevent the invasion of such fungi remain largely unknown. This study identifies these non-specific fungi by establishing the pan-mycobiota of O. obesus from the fungus comb and termite castes. Furthermore, to maximize the identification of such fungi, the mycobiota of the decaying stages of the unattended fungus comb were also assessed. The simultaneous assessment of the microbiota and the mycobiota of these stages identified possible interactions between the fungal and bacterial members of this community. Based on these findings, we propose possible interactions among the crop fungus Termitomyces, the weedy fungus Pseudoxylaria and some bacterial symbiotes. These possibilities were then tested with in vitro interaction assays which suggest that Termitomyces, Pseudoxylaria and certain potential bacterial symbiotes possess anti-fungal capabilities. We propose a multifactorial interaction model of these microbes, under the care of the termites, to explain how their interactions can maintain a predominantly Termitomyces monoculture.

Clinicoradiological Features and Long-term Cognitive and Functional Outcome in Patients with Deep Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Background: Deep cerebral venous thrombosis (DCVT) can have long-term functional and cognitive sequelae. Although literature exists on cognitive impairment after arterial stroke, cognitive sequelae after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are much less studied. Methods: Clinical records of 29 patients diagnosed with DCVT were reviewed. The Modified Telephonic Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) was adapted and validated in the regional language (Kannada) and applied to 18 patients with DCVT, at a mean follow-up duration of 5.32 years. Screening for depression was done via telephonic Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)-Kannada version, and functional status was screened by applying the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: DCVT had a mortality rate of 10.34% due to acute complications. mRS scores of 0-1 were achieved at follow-up in all patients who survived. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed a cutoff of ≤44.5 (maximum score of 49) for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment via TICS-M (Kannada version) in DCVT patients. Evidence of cognitive dysfunction was seen in eight patients (42.10%), and three patients (16.66%) had evidence of depression. Conclusions: Survivors of acute DCVT can potentially have long-term cognitive sequelae. Screening for cognitive dysfunction, depression, and functional status can be effectively done using telephonically applied scales that are adapted to the local language. Neuropsychological evaluation and early cognitive rehabilitation can be initiated for patients in whom deficits are identified on cognitive screening.

Point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection using functionalized aerosol jet-printed organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs).

The continuous spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted the need for simple and reliable diagnostic technologies for point-of-care (POC) virus detection applications. Here, we report a COVID-19 diagnostic platform based on aerosol jet-printed antibody-functionalized organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for rapidly identifying severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens. Selective sensing of SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein is achieved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with a detectable range of 1 fg mL-1 to 1 µg mL-1. We used the sensors to detect the antigens in unprocessed patient nasopharyngeal swab samples in universal transport medium (UTM) and achieved an overall accuracy of 70%. In addition, these patient sample tests clearly demonstrate that our OECT threshold voltage shift is correlated with the sample SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Hence, we have demonstrated an accurate POC biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigens, which holds great promise towards developing on-site and at-home rapid SARS-CoV-2 infection screening and COVID-19 prognosis.

The h-Index: Understanding its predictors, significance, and criticism.

The h-index is an author-level scientometric index used to gauge the significance of a researcher's work. The index is determined by taking the number of publications and the number of times these publications have been cited by others. Although it is widely used in academia, many authors find its calculation confusing. There are websites such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and Vidwan that provide the h-index of an author. As this metrics is frequently used by recruiting agency and grant approving authority to see the output of researchers, the authors need to know in-depth about it. In this article, we describe both the manual calculation method of the h-index and the details of websites that provide an automated calculation. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the h-index and the factors that determine the h-index of an author. Overall, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for novice authors seeking to understand the h-index and its significance in academia.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Associated Subdural Hematoma: A Case Series on Clinical Presentation and Management.

Diagnosis and treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) associated with subdural hematoma (SDH) is challenging with an increased risk of rebleeding on using anticoagulation. There are no guidelines at present due to its rare presentation. In this report we describe three patients who presented with non-traumatic SDH and CVT over the last 3 years. Clinical assessment, investigations including neuroimaging, and management were reviewed both at time of admission and follow-up. These patients presented with varied CVT syndromes -isolated raised intracranial pressure (ICP), focal and diffuse encephalopathy. Neuroimaging helped in diagnosing CVT and SDH. Cases 1 and 3 had SDH alone, while case 2 had SDH along with intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Management of these patients was tailored individually as per mechanism of CVT. Case 1 was clinically stable, however, she had rebleeding after starting anticoagulation, requiring its discontinuation. Cases 2 and 3 underwent immediate neurosurgical intervention in view of deteriorated sensorium. Although CVT manifesting as SDH is rare, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to accurately diagnose and manage these challenging cases. The decision regarding use of anticoagulation and apt time for neurosurgical intervention needs to be individualized depending on patients condition and response to treatment.

Naphthalene diimide-based n-type small molecule organic mixed conductors for accumulation mode organic electrochemical transistors.

Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs), which transport both ionic and electronic charges, development are important for progressing bioelectronic and energy storage devices. The p-type OMIECs are extensively investigated and used in various applications, whereas the n-type ones lag far behind due to their moisture and air instability. Here, we report the synthesis of the novel n-type naphthalene diimide (NDI)-based small-molecule OMIECs for organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). The electro-active NDI molecule with the linear ethylene glycol side chains is a promising candidate for n-type channel material to obtain accumulation mode OECTs. This NDI-based small-molecule OMIEC, gNDI-Br2, demonstrates ion permeability due to the attachment of the glycol side chains with optimized ionic-electronic conductions. OECT devices with gNDI-Br2 channel material displays excellent performance in water and ambient stability. OECTs fabricated with two different concentrations, 50 mg mL-1 and 100 mg mL-1 of gNDI-Br2 demonstrate a transconductance value of 344 ± 19.7 µS and 814 ± 124.2 µS with the mobility capacitance product (µC*) of 0.13 ± 0.03 F cm-1 V-1 s-1 and 0.23 ± 0.04 F cm-1 V-1 s-1, respectively. These results demonstrate the n-type OMIEC behaviour of the NDI-based small-molecule and its applicability as an OECT channel material.

Germanium photopatterning via poly(cyclogermapentene)s.

A series of air-stable poly(cyclogermapentene)s were prepared via the dehydrocoupling of 1,1-dihydrocyclogermapentene monomers. Exposure of the resulting polygermanes to UV light led to elimination of organobutadiene from the polymer side chains and deposition of germanium metal. Overall, this study introduces a mild way to obtain patterns of semiconducting Ge for optoelectronic applications.