Computational-sampling-moiré-based on-machine alignment for freeform optics.

The manufacturing and characterization of freeform optical surfaces are influenced by their high sensitivity to misalignments. In this work, the computational sampling moiré technique combined with phase extraction is developed for the precise alignment of freeform optics during fabrication and in metrology applications. This novel, to the best of our knowledge, technique achieves near-interferometry-level precision in a simple and compact configuration. This robust technology can be applied to industrial manufacturing platforms (such as diamond turning machines, lithography, and other micro-nano-machining techniques) as well as their metrology equipment. In a demonstration of computational data processing and precision alignment using this method, iterative manufacturing of freeform optical surfaces with a final-form accuracy of about 180 nm was accomplished.

High prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies among unvaccinated children of Chandigarh, Northwest India, in a household-based paediatric serosurvey post-second wave of pandemic (June to July 2021).

OBJECTIVE: Current national severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination policy covers children aged >12 years. Unvaccinated, uninfected children remain susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and play a role in community transmission, as paediatric infection is mostly mild or asymptomatic. To estimate the proportion of susceptible children in a community for public health measures, there is a need to assess the extent of natural infection. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional household serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in unvaccinated children aged between 6 and 18 years after the second COVID-19 wave. METHODS: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobin G (IgG) testing in serum was done using chemiluminescence immunoassay. We used a logistic regression model to investigate predicted factors of seropositivity. RESULTS: We observed a high prevalence (weighted average: 68.3%) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in 2700 enrolled children. Logistic regression for predictors of IgG seropositivity showed lower odds in households with completely vaccinated adults (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.71, P = 0.0011) compared with households with unvaccinated adults. Other factors for low seropositivity included frontline workers as family members (adjusted OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.91, P = 0.0091) and non-crowded households (adjusted OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.89, P = 0.0019). CONCLUSION: A high SARS-CoV-2 IgG prevalence in unvaccinated children was indicative of previous exposure to potentially infected contacts. This implies in-person academic activities for children can be continued during future community transmission. Comparatively lower seropositivity in children of completely vaccinated households or frontline workers suggests decreased transmission due to vaccination-induced immunity of family members. Vaccination will still be required in these children to maintain protective IgG levels, particularly in low seroprevalence groups.

Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms in sickle cell disease and its association with disease-related morbidities.

Sickle cell disease has varied clinical symptoms, and patients having high fetal hemoglobin (HbF) have milder symptoms. Various genetic factors are known to modulate the HbF levels. Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) is a transcription factor that regulates the beta-like globin gene expression. Any variation in KLF1 gene may alter the sickle cell disease phenotype. Xmn-I polymorphism is also known to regulate the gamma globin gene expression. Present studies were carried out to investigate the effect of KLF1 gene mutations and Xmn-I polymorphism on the sickle cell disease severity and to ascertain the genotype-phenotype correlation. One hundred and eighteen sickle cell disease patients having a median follow-up of 5 years (3-10 years) were recruited. Clinical details were recorded from their retrospective medical records. Xmn-I polymorphism were analyzed using PCR-RFLP method. Variations in KLF1 gene were identified using Sanger sequencing. Out of 118 patients, 24 had acute chest syndrome and 21 patients had more than 2 pain episodes per year. There were no significant differences in sickle cell disease-related morbidities in male and females barring leg ulcers. A total of 6 polymorphism were observed in KLF1 gene, out of which 3 are novel (c.-304G > C, c.*141A > G and c.*178A > G). No statistically significant association of any of SNPs identified in KLF1 gene or Xmn-I polymorphism was seen with HbF levels as well as the sickle cell disease-related morbidities. No association exists between fetal hemoglobin or sickle cell disease-related morbidities and Xmn-I polymorphism or with SNPs identified in KLF1 gene in the studied cohort.

Pleurotus sajor-caju-Mediated Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Active against Colon Cancer Cell Lines: A New Era of Herbonanoceutics.

Herbal medicines are widely used worldwide and much appreciated because of their fewer side effects and the ability to fight diseases at the root cause. Active 'phyto' ingredients require a scientific approach and a mechanism to distribute components at the target site for better therapeutic results. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, has created new hope for cancer treatment but is still far from being proven in clinical settings. This article combines a unique approach to synthesis with the use of Pleurotus sajor-caju, followed by microwave irritation of silver and gold nanoparticles that ensures the capping of the active phyto ingredient and further enhances the effects of nanomedicine to fight colon cancer, thus opening a new era of what we call herbonanoceutics. The article also compares the characteristics and properties of silver (Au) and gold (Ag) nanoparticles synthesized by an in house developed novel microwave-assisted rapid green synthesis method. The as-prepared Ag NPs and Au NPs were compared using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Our comparative study revealed that both assemblies display face-centred cubic structures (FCCs) and are nanocrystalline in nature. The advantage of the approach was that the sizes of gold and silver were identical in range with a similar distribution pattern. This has helped us to study the activity against colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) without incoherence since size plays a key role in the application. More specifically, morphological changes, cell viability, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the fragmentation of DNA have been further reported to assess better the results obtained with the two metals. Our results suggest that the newly adopted synthesis method may ensure the dual benefits from phyto ingredients which further enhances the effectiveness of advanced nanomedicine.

Differential Iron Status and Trafficking in Blood and Placenta of Anemic and Non-anemic Primigravida Supplemented with Daily and Weekly Iron Folic Acid Tablets.

ABSTRACT: The molecular mechanism of iron transfer across placenta in response to maternal anemic status/ iron supplementation is not clear. We hypothesized that maternal iron/ anemia status during early trimesters can be utilized as a biomarker tool to get estimates of placental iron status. Early interventions can be envisaged to maintain optimum placental/ foetal iron levels for healthy pregnancy outcomes. One hundred twenty primigravida were recruited and divided into non-anemic and anemic group on the basis of hemoglobin levels. The groups were randomly allocated to receive daily and weekly iron folic acid (IFA) tablets till six weeks postpartum. Hematological and iron status markers in blood and placenta were studied along with the delivery notes. Weekly IFA supplementation in anemic primigravidas resulted in significantly reduced levels of hematological markers (p < 0.01); whereas non-anemic primigravidas showed lower ferritin and iron levels, and higher soluble transferrin receptor levels (p < 0.05). At baseline, C-reactive protein and cortisol hormone levels were also significantly lower in non-anemic primigravidas (p < 0.05). A significantly decreased placental ferritin expression (p < 0.05); and an increased placental transferrin expression was seen in anemic primigravidas supplemented with weekly IFA tablets. A significant positive correlation was observed between serum and placental ferritin expression in anemic pregnant women (r = 0.80; p < 0.007). Infant weight, gestational length and placental weight were comparable in both the supplementation groups. To conclude, mother's serum iron / anemia status switches the modulation in placental iron transporter expression for delivering the optimum iron to the foetus for healthy pregnancy outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry-India: CTRI/2014/10/005135.

Molecular mechanistic insight of hepatitis B virus mediated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer which occurs in liver and severity of this cancer makes it the sixth most prevalent cancer and second leading cause of death among all cancers. The load of hepatitis-B virus (HBV) in serum is one of the important risk factors for the HCC. Several other factors also contribute to the HBV associated malignant hepatoma (HCC) i.e. HBV mutation, integration and condition of the host. Transformation of the liver to HBV-associated HCC usually accompanies long-run symptoms i.e. inflammation and cirrhosis of the liver and infective agent load could be a vigorous prognosticator for each incidence and progression of this carcinoma. One of the prominent factors i.e. HBV X supermolecule (HBx) interferes with many signal pathways that are related to the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic cells. Besides, HBx C-terminal truncation is also responsible for HCC. Longtime HBV infection causes risk of HCC; thus most of the study related to HBV (85%) is limited to HBV endemic regions. In this review, we have outlined the molecular mechanisms that come from other than HBV endemic places which can be innovative approaches to treat HCC.

Heavy metal pollution due to coal washery effluent and its decontamination using a macrofungus, Pleurotus ostreatus.

Release of the effluent generated during washing of coal became a major problem for coal industries due to presence of many toxic metals and other pollutants. These effluents are the main source of pollution in rivers and other water bodies. Therefore in this study, we tried to analyse the toxicity of coal washery effluent (CWE) collected from one of the washery plant situated in Dhanbad, India. CWE was found to be very toxic containing large amount of suspended particles and many heavy metals above than their permissible limits. Mycoremediation of CWE was also performed to decontaminate heavy metals from the CWE using a macrofungi Pleurotus ostreatus. Efficiency of Pleurotus for remediation of heavy metals was found to be highest in the 50% diluted effluent (57.2% Mn, 82.6% Zn, 98.0% Ni, 99.9% Cu, 99.3% Co, 99.1% Cr, 89.2% Fe and 35.6% Pb) followed by 25% diluted effluent (33.0% Mn, 55.1% Zn, 97.8% Ni, 99.7% Cu, 97% Co, 84.4% Cr, 87.1% Fe and 73.4% Pb) and raw effluent (23.3% Mn, 73.1% Zn, 78.7% Ni, 87.5% Cu, 59.3% Co, 64.6% Cr, 34.6% Fe and 11.3% Pb) respectively. Increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, concentration of metallothionein proteins and changes in peaks of FTIR spectra were also observed in fungal mycelia grown on the CWE containing media due to accumulation of different metals. Overall this study suggests that Pleurotus can be used as promising option for removal of heavy metals from the effluent released from washery plants and dilution of effluent could increase the efficiency of remediation.

Outcome of bone marrow instillation at fracture site in intracapsular fracture of femoral neck treated by head preserving surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of present study is to evaluate the outcome of bone marrow instillation at the fracture site in fracture of intracapsular neck femur treated by head preserving surgery. METHODS: This study included 32 patients of age group 18-50 years with closed fracture of intracapsular neck femur. Patients were randomized into two groups as per the plan generated via www.randomization.com. The two groups were Group A (control), in which the fracture of intracapsular neck femur was treated by closed reduction and cannulated cancellous screw fixation, and Group B (intervention), in which additional percutaneous autologous bone marrow aspirate instillation at fracture site was done along with cannulated cancellous screw fixation. Postoperatively the union at fracture site and avascular necrosis of the femoral head were assessed on serial plain radiographs at final follow-up. Functional outcome was evaluated by Harris hip score. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 19.6 months. Twelve patients in each group had union and 4 patients had signs of nonunion. One patient from each group had avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The average Harris hip score at final follow-up in Group A was 80.50 and in Group B was 75.73, which was found to be not significant. CONCLUSION: There is no significant role of adding on bone marrow aspirate instillation at the fracture site in cases of fresh fracture of intracapsular neck femur treated by head preserving surgery in terms of accelerating the bone healing and reducing the incidence of femoral head necrosis.

Electrochemical removal of sulfate from petroleum produced water.

Petroleum produced water (PPW) is a waste-stream that entails huge cost on the petroleum industry. Along with other suspended and dissolved solids, it contains sulfate, which is a major hurdle for its alternative use intended toward enhanced oil recovery. This study proposes a two-step process for sulfate removal from PPW. A synthetic PPW was designed for the study using response surface methodology. During the first step, sulfate present in PPW was reduced to sulfide by anaerobic fermentation with 80% efficiency. In the second step, more than 70% of the accumulated sulfide was electrochemically oxidized. This integrated approach successfully removed sulfate from the synthetic wastewater indicating its applicability in the treatment of PPW and its subsequent applications in other oil field operations.

Malunion in displaced intracapsular fracture of femoral neck: A rare case.

Intracapsular fracture of femoral neck is treated by anatomical reduction (preferably closed) and cannulated cancellous lag screw fixation. Malunion of these fractures have been described in the coronal plane (coxa valga or coxa vara). We reported a case of young adult patient with displaced intracapsular fracture of femoral neck that had malunited in sagittal plane with callus formation with excellent functional outcome. The radiographs revealed intracapsular fracture of femoral neck right side (Garden type 4 and Pauwel type 3). The patient was operated and closed reduction and internal fixation with three cannulated cancellous screws was performed. The postoperative radiograph revealed a loss of reduction in the lateral view. Due to this technical error, the patient was counselled for revision fixation for which he refused. At 9 months we observed union of the fracture in the displaced position by callus formation. Harris hip score at 2 years was 96 that indicate excellent functional outcome and the radiographs did not reveal any evidence of avascular necrosis of femoral head. We advised revision surgery to our patient as he had increased chances of implant failure and nonunion. However he refused the revision surgery and was continued with the suboptimal reduction. However, the fracture united and that too with callus formation, which is not a described phenomenon in neck of femur fracture.

Bioremediation of vegetable and agrowastes by Pleurotus ostreatus: a novel strategy to produce edible mushroom with enhanced yield and nutrition.

Pleurotus ostreatus was grown on paddy straw as well as other vegetable and agricultural wastes i.e. pea pod shell, cauliflower leaves, radish leaves and brassica straw in various combinations with paddy straw. The mushroom did not grow on the vegetable wastes separately. The cumulative yield and biological efficiency of the edible oyster mushroom P. ostreatus grown on substrate containing paddy straw in various combinations with different vegetable wastes i.e. 20% and 30 % vegetable wastes mixed with 80% and 70% (w/w) of paddy straw was found to be better, when compared with yield and biological efficiency obtained on paddy straw (100%) alone. The protein content and six essential amino acid contents (Leu, Ile, Val, Thr, Met, Phe) showed a significant increase and total sugar and reducing sugar contents showed decrease in the mushroom fruit bodies grown at different combinations of vegetable wastes with paddy straw as compared to paddy straw alone. However, there was not any significant change in moisture content of mushroom cultivated on different groups of wastes. Hence, results of this investigation suggest that the vegetable wastes which are generally left to rot in situ in many cities and villages causing outbreak of diseases can be bioremediated by edible mushroom P. ostreatus. The added advantage is that we get edible mushroom fruit body with improved nutrition.

Biodegradation of wheat straw by Pleurotus ostreatus.

Wheat straw pretreated with chemicals as well as hot water was subjected to degradation by edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. Lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses component of both chemically as well as hot water treated wheat straw was degraded by the fungus and in turn the edible and nutritious fruiting body of the mushroom was produced. Biodegradation of wheat straw 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 vegetative growth of the fungus, lignin degradation was faster and during fructification, lignin degradation was slower than cellulose and hemicellulose. The carbon content of the wheat straw decreased while, nitrogen content increased during degradation of the waste. Hot water treated wheat straw supported better production of enzymatic activity and degraded more efficiently than chemically sterilized substrate. The cumulative yield and biological efficiency (BE) of the mushroom was maximum on the hot water treated substrate. Degradation of the hot water treated wheat straw was better and faster than chemically treated substrate.

Importance of algae as a potential source of biofuel.

Algae have a great potential source of biofuels and also have unique importance to reduce gaseous emissions, greenhouse gases, climatic changes, global warming receding of glaciers, rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity. The microalgae, like Scenedesmus obliquus, Neochloris oleabundans, Nannochloropsis sp., Chlorella emersonii, and Dunaliella tertiolecta have high oil content. Among the known algae, Scenedesmus obliquus is one of the most potential sources for biodiesel as it has adequate fatty acid (linolenic acid) and other polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bio—ethanol is already in the market of United States of America and Europe as an additive in gasoline. Bio—hydrogen is the cleanest biofuel and extensive efforts are going on to bring it to market at economical price. This review highlights recent development and progress in the field of algae as a potential source of biofuel.

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.

Controversies in orthopaedic trauma--management of fractures of shaft of femur in children between 6 and 12 years of age.

The management of femoral shaft fractures in children is largely directed by the age and built of the child. There is wide consensus on the non operative treatment of children less than six years of age. Operative treatment is recommended for children more than 12 years of age, only the surgical options vary. The age group of 6-12 years remains a controversial area with multiple studies advocating different lines of treatment. We studied the literature on treatment of femoral shaft fractures in 6 to 12 year age group over the past 25 years through PubMed search and found 79 studies dealing with management of paediatric shaft femur fractures in this age group. Studies dealing with other age groups, animal studies and languages other than English were excluded. The treatment modalities included early or immediate hip spica, traction alone, external fixator, plating (open/minimally invasive), intramedullary nailing- rigid/flexible and intramedullary Kirschner wire. The short listed articles were studied for rate and time of union, complications such as non-union and malunion, leg length discrepancy, infection, implant impingement, refracture and cost analysis. Operative treatment is usually the preferred treatment option in this age group, as it decreases hospitalization time, decreases morbidity and allows early return of child to school. Flexible intramedullary nailing is recommended for length stable fractures. Submuscular bridge plating (minimally invasive) is reserved for comminuted fractures. External fixator is reserved for open fractures and initial stabilization of femoral shaft fractures in polytrauma pediatric patients. Intramedullary K wire is a viable option in resource contrained centres where specialized implants and instrumentation is not available.

Beta glucan as an immune stimulant in tumor microenvironment - Insight into lessons and promises from past decade.

Cancer is characterized by a perturbed immune landscape. Inside tumor microenvironment, immune system is reprogrammed to facilitate tumor growth and survival rather than eliminating it. This immune evasive mechanism needs to be reversed to normal for effective anticancer therapeutic strategy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a novel strategy for redeployment of immune cells against cancer. However, they suffer in their efficacy, response rate and side effects. This necessitated us to turn toward natural repertoires which can act as a substitute to conventional immunotherapeutics. Beta glucan, a polysaccharide derived from mushroom, serves the role of immunomodulator inside tumor microenvironment. It acts as pathogen associated molecular pattern and bind to various pattern recognition receptors expressed on surface of immune cells thereby facilitating their activation and crosstalk. This result in resurgence of suppressed immune surveillance in the tumor milieu. In this review, we highlight in brief the advances and limitation of cancer immunotherapy. Alongside, we have discussed the detailed mechanistic principle and recent advances underlying restoration of immune functionality by beta glucan.