Decoding the structural integrity and multifunctional role of Era protein in the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv.

Era, a widely known GTP binding protein found in many organisms including prokaryotes and eukaryotes and plays a significant role in many fundamental cellular processes like cell growth, differentiation and signaling. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv, Era protein had been proved as a GTPase protein but its structural and functional insights are still lacking. Through comparative analysis, structural modeling, docking and using various bioinformatic tools, a detailed investigation of Era was carried out to deduce the structure, function and residues involved in the activity of the protein. Intriguingly, docking results revealed high binding affinity of Era not only with GTP but also with ATP. Myristoylation modifications and phosphorylations on Era were predicted to possibly aid in regulating Era activity and localization; and also the role of Era in translation regulation was foreseen by showing its association with 16s rRNA. Moreover, point mutation of Era residues revealed the effect of W288G and K19G in highly destabilizing the protein structure and activity. Additionally, Era protein was docked with 25 GTPase/ATPase inhibitors, where, Dynasore inhibitor showed the highest affinity for the protein's GTP binding sites and can be used for further drug trials to inhibit growth of mycobacteria.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

MtEra protein carries five GTP binding motifs (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5) and one KH domain for RNA binding.Multifunctional role of MtEra predicted in processes like catabolic, metabolic and ribosome biogenesis.Point mutation analysis showed the importance of tryptophan (W) and lysine (K) residues at position 288 and 19 in stability and activity of the protein, respectively.Dynasore inhibitor showed the highest binding energy of −9 kcal/mol for MtEra.

Distribution and conservation of simple sequence repeats in plant pathogenic species of Zymoseptoria and development of genomic resources for its orphaned species.

To better understand the structure and evolution of the genomes of four plant pathogenic species of Zymoseptoria, we analyzed the occurrence, relative abundance (RA), and density (RD) of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in their whole genome and transcriptome sequences. In this study, SSRs are defined as repeats of more than 12 bases in length. The genome and transcriptome sequences of Zymoseptoria ardabiliae show the highest RA (201.1 and 129.9) and RD (3229.4 and 1928.2) of SSRs, while those of Zymoseptoria pseudotritici show the lowest RA (167.2 and 118.5) and RD (2482.2 and 1687.0). The majority of SSRs in the genomic and transcriptome sequences of species were trinucleotide SSRs, while dinucleotide SSRs were the least common. The most common trinucleotide motifs in the transcriptomic sequences across all species were those that encoded the amino acid arginine. As per our motif conservation study, Zymoseptoria tritici (12.4%) possessed the most unique motifs, while Z. pseudotritici (3.9%) had the fewest. Overall, only 38.1% of the motifs were found to be conserved among the species. Gene enrichment studies reveal that three of the species, Z. ardabiliae, Zymoseptoria brevis, and Z. pseudotritici, have SSRs in their genes related to cellular metabolism, while the remaining Z. tritici harbors SSRs in genes related to DNA synthesis and gene expression. In an effort to improve the genetic resources for the orphan species of pathogenic Zymoseptoria, a total of 73,134 primers were created. The genomic resources developed in this study could help with analyses of genetic relatedness within the population and the development of species-specific markers.

From bench to bedside: potential of translational research in COVID-19 and beyond.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been around for more than 3 years now. However, due to constant viral evolution, novel variants are emerging, leaving old treatment protocols redundant. As treatment options dwindle, infection rates continue to rise and seasonal infection surges become progressively common across the world, rapid solutions are required. With genomic and proteomic methods generating enormous amounts of data to expand our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 biology, there is an urgent requirement for the development of novel therapeutic methods that can allow translational research to flourish. In this review, we highlight the current state of COVID-19 in the world and the effects of post-infection sequelae. We present the contribution of translational research in COVID-19, with various current and novel therapeutic approaches, including antivirals, monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, as well as alternate treatment methods such as immunomodulators, currently being studied and reiterate the importance of translational research in the development of various strategies to contain COVID-19.

Evaluation of HER2Neu Status in Periampullary Cancers in Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India: A Three-Year Retrospective Study.

Background Periampullary carcinoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies, and despite advances in treatment, its mortality rate remains high. A better understanding of the disease and factors influencing its course and potential therapeutic targets is imperative for improving its overall outcome. Through comprehensive cytogenetic analysis, it has been established that the development of periampullary carcinogenesis involves specific chromosomal aberrations, dysregulation of oncogenes, and suppression of genes in a multistep progressive manner. Our study aimed to evaluate the expression of human epidermal growth factor (HER2Neu) in periampullary cancers using immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Material and methods This was a retrospective study in which all consecutive cases of periampullary carcinoma diagnosed over a period of three years were evaluated. HER2neu expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH). Histopathological evaluation was performed according to the College of American Pathologists (CAP) protocol. Results Twenty patients were diagnosed during the study period. On histomorphologic analysis, most cases (n=17) were diagnosed as well-differentiated adenocarcinomas, the most common subsite being the ampulla of Vater and pathological staging as pT2N0Mx. On IHC, no overexpression of HER2Neu was reported in any case, but FISH analysis revealed one point of amplification with HER/centromere enumerator probe (CEP) ratio>2. Conclusion HER2Neu evaluation in periampullary carcinoma has limited value; thus, it could have a restricted therapeutic role.

BRCA1 promoter methylation & its immunohistochemical correlation in sporadic breast cancer.

Background & objectives: Studies have shown that apart from hereditary breast carcinomas, breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) mutations conferring to its loss are seen in sporadic breast carcinomas (SBC) as well. The aim of the present study was to assess BRCA1 methylation in females presenting at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, with SBC by both immunohistochemistry (IHC) and methylation PCR with respect to hormonal profile and various morphological prognostic parameters. The primary objective was to look for the association between BRCA1 protein expression and DNA promoter methylation. Methods: 81 mastectomy specimens from SBC of invasive breast carcinoma (no special type) were included in this study. After a detailed morphological assessment, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue from a representative tumour area was selected for BRCA1 IHC by heat-mediated antigen retrieval under high pH and DNA extraction and further bisulphate treatment. BRCA1 was studied for methylation by methylated and unmethylated PCR-specific primers. Results: BRCA1 promoter methylation was present in 42/81 (51.9%) participants, with significant BRCA1 protein loss (72.7%; P=0.002). A significant association between BRCA1 loss and hormonal profile was found (P=0.001); maximum in triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) (72%; 18/25). Most of the TNBC also harboured methylation (68%). Although not significant grade II and III tumours, lymph vascular invasion, ductal carcinoma in situ, and nodal metastasis (≥3) were seen in a higher percentage in methylated tumours. Mortality in SBC was significantly associated with BRCA1 loss (30.3%; P=0.024). Interpretation & conclusions: Study results highlight the concept of "BRCAness" in SBC as well. Hence, we can confer that identification of BRCA1 loss in SBC can make it a perfect candidate for poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors or cisplatin-based therapy like hereditary ones.

Negative Impacts of Arsenic on Plants and Mitigation Strategies.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid prevalent mainly in soil and water. The presence of As above permissible levels becomes toxic and detrimental to living organisms, therefore, making it a significant global concern. Humans can absorb As through drinking polluted water and consuming As-contaminated food material grown in soil having As problems. Since human beings are mobile organisms, they can use clean uncontaminated water and food found through various channels or switch from an As-contaminated area to a clean area; but plants are sessile and obtain As along with essential minerals and water through roots that make them more susceptible to arsenic poisoning and consequent stress. Arsenic and phosphorus have many similarities in terms of their physical and chemical characteristics, and they commonly compete to cause physiological anomalies in biological systems that contribute to further stress. Initial indicators of arsenic's propensity to induce toxicity in plants are a decrease in yield and a loss in plant biomass. This is accompanied by considerable physiological alterations; including instant oxidative surge; followed by essential biomolecule oxidation. These variables ultimately result in cell permeability and an electrolyte imbalance. In addition, arsenic disturbs the nucleic acids, the transcription process, and the essential enzymes engaged with the plant system's primary metabolic pathways. To lessen As absorption by plants, a variety of mitigation strategies have been proposed which include agronomic practices, plant breeding, genetic manipulation, computer-aided modeling, biochemical techniques, and the altering of human approaches regarding consumption and pollution, and in these ways, increased awareness may be generated. These mitigation strategies will further help in ensuring good health, food security, and environmental sustainability. This article summarises the nature of the impact of arsenic on plants, the physio-biochemical mechanisms evolved to cope with As stress, and the mitigation measures that can be employed to eliminate the negative effects of As.

Clinicopathologic Correlation of CD44 + /CD24 - Expression in Breast Cancer: a Report from Tertiary Care Medical University in India.

CD44 + /CD24 - phenotype has been associated with stem cell-like characteristics with enhanced invasive properties, radiation resistance, and with distinct genetic profiles suggesting a correlation to adverse prognosis in western literature. The aim of this study was to study CD44 + /CD24 - phenotype as an adverse prognostic marker in Indian breast cancer patients. N = 61 breast cancer patients included in a tertiary care facility in India were evaluated for receptor studies (estrogen receptor ER, progesterone receptor PR, Herceptin antibody Her2 neu receptor, CD44 & CD24 stem cell markers). CD44 + /CD24 - phenotype was statistically related to adverse factors like estrogen and progesterone receptors non-expression, her 2 neu expression, and triple-negative breast cancer. Of the 39 patients with ER-ve status, 33 (84.6%) were found to have CD44 + /CD24 - phenotype and 82.5% of all the CD 44 + /CD24 - patients were ER negative (p = 0.001). Thirty-four (75.5%) of the PR-ve patients showed the CD44 + /CD24 - phenotype, and of all the CD 44 + /CD24 - patients, 85% of were PR negative (p = 0.006). Thirty-six (75%) of Her-2-Neu + ve were CD44 + /CD24 - . Approximately 90% of the Her 2 Neu patients expressed CD44 + /CD24 - and 76.9% of all the triple-negative patients were found to be CD44 + /CD24 - expression (p = 0.001). CD44 + /CD24 - had a significant association with adverse prognostic factors like stage of disease, hormonal receptor status, and molecular subtypes in Indian breast cancer patients like the Western data.

Immunohistochemical appraisal of epithelial mesenchymal transition type III in gall bladder cancer.

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the heart of invasion. EMT associated with cancer progression and metastasis is known as type III EMT. Beta-catenin, E-cadherin, and MMP9 markers of EMT are routinely employed for diagnostic purposes. Aims: We employed these markers to study EMT by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gall bladder cancer (GBC) with respect to depth of tumor invasion, clinical outcome, and disease-free survival. Settings and Design: This was a prospective case-control study. Material and Methods: Seventy gall bladders were included (50 GBC and 20 CC). After detailed histology, immunoexpression was studied in terms of percentage and strength of expression. Statistics Analysis Used: Expression was compared between CC and GBC by Student t test and analysis of variance. Kaplan-Meier was used for survival analysis, and the extent of agreement ("Kappa") was calculated. Results and Conclusions: The age of incidence of GBC was 49.40 (+11.6) years with female predominance (F:M = 4:1). In 88% (44/50) of GBC, the fundus was involved. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was most frequent [54%; 27/50]. Significant downregulation of E-cadherin (P = 0.022) and beta-catenin (P < 0.001) and upregulation in MMP9 (P < 0.001) were seen in GBC with respect to CC with significant association among them. MMP9 expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage but with chemotherapeutic response. Our results display that epithelial-mesenchymal transition type III plays a role in GBC invasion. MMP9 overexpression and loss of membranous beta-catenin may be considered a marker for poor clinical outcomes and advanced disease.

Prognostic utility of microRNA-145 and CD 133 in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A pilot study from Northern India.

Introduction: Multiple factors alter the microRNAs (miRNAs) at cellular level and promote oncogenesis in oral mucosa. The present study was performed with an aim to find any expression of miRNA-145 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlate it with CD-133 immuno-expression, clinicopathological, and demographical variables in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with respect to controls. Materials and methods: In a prospective observational study 50 samples from patients of OSCC and 20 from unremarkable oral mucosa were studied. After initial detailed histology, miRNA-145 profiling was performed using qRT-PCR, followed by CD-133 immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: The mean age of patients with oral cancer was 47.5 ± 10.25 years. Mean miR-145 levels in OSCC were 0.4312 ± 0.32026 and mean in healthy controls was 0.99 ±0 .21771. There was significant downregulation of miRNA-145 in cases with respect to controls. Significant reduced levels of miRNA-145 with respect to higher clinical tumor size, pathological pT tumor, nodal status, and resultant clinical tumor stage was observed. As far as presence and absence of stem cells was concerned it was seen that tumors displaying presence of stem cells highlighted by CD-133 had lower levels of miRNA-145 as compared to tumors with absent CD-133 staining. Conclusions: miRNA-145 is significantly altered in OSCC in our patient population and its reduced values carry a poor prognosis. Its interaction with CSCs may not be significant but mean miRNA-145 levels are lower in tumors with CSCs. There should be further studies on the larger sample size for these two biomarkers, to know its value.

Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Immunohistochemical Expression and Promoter Methylation Status in Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma and Its Precursor Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is the most common invasive malignancy of the female genital tract. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the incidence of EEC and mortality related to it have not decreased. Therefore, research is needed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of EEC and its precursors to reduce the mortality and societal burden associated with them. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor gene most commonly altered in endometrial carcinoma and its precursor lesions. Promoter methylation is a common mechanism for the inactivation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. METHODS: This was a prospective nested case-control study involving women aged 35 to 70 years old whose endometrial biopsy and resected samples were obtained for histological diagnosis. Before enrolling a person in the study, signed informed consent was obtained from each individual. The ethics committee for the institute gave its approval to the study protocol. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to measure PTEN expression was measured, and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was used to determine PTEN promoter methylation status (Bisulfite conversion). RESULTS: A total of 95 samples were assessed histopathologically, along withPTEN expression and PTEN promoter methylation status. PTEN immunoreactivity was observed in 79% (15/19) of normal proliferative endometrium, and loss of PTEN expression was observed in 73% (27/37) of endometrial hyperplasia with or without atypia and 90% (35/39) of EEC. Methylation analysis showed that the PTEN promoter was completely unmethylated in all normal proliferative endometria and endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. In contrast, the promoter region was methylated in 50% of endometrial hyperplasia with atypia cases and 38.5% of EEC cases. CONCLUSION: The loss ofPTEN expression was significantly associated with EEC and precancerous lesions of the endometrium compared to normal proliferative endometria. Methylation analysis also revealed that the frequency of methylation is significant in EEC and endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. Integration of PTEN protein expression along with promoter methylation status elucidates the underlying carcinogenic mechanism. This may help with personalized therapy for EECs and triaging cases of potential precancerous lesions.

Detection of Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen-1 (EBNA-1), Early Antigen 1F, 2R (EA-1F, EA- 2R) along with Epstein-Barr virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) in Breast Cancer of Northern India: An Interim Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, breast cancer (BC)  is a prominent cause of death, with a disproportionately high incidence in developed countries. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been reported in up to 90% of the world's population.  Although the exact link of EBV infection and breast carcinoma is not yet determined. The present study was carried out to assess the pathological correlation of EBV infection and BC in women from Northern India. METHODOLOGY: In this prospective observational study, 130 patients with histologically proven breast carcinoma were included. After detailed histology, the paraffin block with infiltrative tumor was selected for molecular analysis and further immunohistochemistry (IHC)- EBV PCR and Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) IHC. RESULTS: Most of the patients were diagnosed with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS), followed by Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma + Ductal Carcinoma in situ (IDC + DCIS). The total of 25 tissues of breast carcinoma had positive EBV PCR results (19.23%). The co-relation between the molecular and immunohistochemical results was significant in 11/25 cases that showed immunoexpression for LMP1 by IHC. Sensitivity of 44% and specificity of 100% were observed for LMP1 IHC, having a PPV value of 100% and an NPV of 88%. No significant correlation was observed between age, tumor subtype, grade, stage with respect to EBV infection; however, there was a significant association with nodal metastasis with extra nodal extension in tumors that had EBV infection. CONCLUSION: The present study establishes an association between LMP1 and patients with EBV positive breast cancer. The authors suggest that additional multicentric studies be conducted to strengthen the reliability and generalizability of the observations of the current study.

Histological Spectrum of Post Covid Debridement Tissues: Salient Histomorphological Features With Respect to Identification Fungal Elements.

Background: Secondary bacterial and fungal infections in COVID patients have been documented during current pandemic. The present study provides detailed account of histomorphology of debridement tissue received for suspected fungal infections. The primary objective was to determine the morphological characteristics that must be recognized for the identification of fungal hyphae. Methods: The detailed histological examination of debridement tissue was performed. Demographic and clinical findings with treatment provided was recorded. Presence or absence of necrosis and lecocytoclasis was noted. Results: A total of 110 cases of debrided tissues were included in the study. Eosinophilic granular necrosis with lecocytoclasis was observed in 103cases; fungal elements were identified in 89.3% (92/103) of these. Eleven cases where necrosis was observed, strong suspicion of fungus was reported, 6 of them displayed fungus on KOH preparation, 3 on repeat biopsy. However, in 2 of these cases, neither KOH nor repeat biopsies identified the fungus. Mucor with aspergillus was observed in 7 cases and actinomyces in 3. In all these 10 cases dense fungal colonies were evident. In 7 cases careful observation revealed fruiting bodies of aspergillus. Cotton ball appearance of actinomyces was evident. Mucor infection in current disease was so rampant that aseptate ribbon like branching mucor hyphae were evident on H&E sections. Diabetes was significantly associated with fungal infection (97.2%; 70/72; P < .005). 90% [19/21] of the patients who were on room air and diagnosed with fungal infection were diabetic. Conclusions: Eosinophilic granular necrosis with the presence of neutrophilic debris in a case of suspected fungal disease suggests the presence of fungal elements. This warrants processing of the entire tissue deposited for examination, careful observation, application of fungal stains, and repeat biopsy if clinical suspicion is strong. Moreover, uncontrolled diabetes is more frequently associated with secondary fungal infection in COVID patients as compared to oxygen therapy.

Expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters.

Background: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) is a key aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) isozyme, related to the cancer stem cells which are responsible for initiating tumor growth, progression, and recurrence. High expression of ALDH1A1 has been reported in several tumor types in humans and its expression is associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of the ALDH1A1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its correlation with various clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: ALDH1A1 expression was analyzed by using immunohistochemistry on paraffin blocks of 112 cases of primary oral SCC and their corresponding 68 lymph nodes with metastatic deposits. ALDH1A1 expression was also correlated with various clinicopathological parameters. Statistical analysis was done with statistical analysis software, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0. Results: High ALDH1A1 expression was observed in 31.2% of cases of primary oral SCC as compared to 73.5% in lymph node metastasis. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.04) was observed in high TNM stages (68.6%) of the tumor as compared to low TNM stages (31.4%). However, histopathological grades of tumor showed nonsignificant correlation with ALDH1A1 expression (P = 0.093). 40.2% of patients were expired at the end of the study, and the rate of mortality was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in patients with high ALDH1A1 expression as compared to low expression (60.0% vs. 31.2%). Conclusion: High ALDH1A1 expression was associated with higher TNM tumor stage and high nodal stage. It was also associated with high mortality rate which validates it as a marker of invasiveness and poor prognosis in oral SCC.

Can dual staining with p16 and Ki67 be biomarkers of epithelial dysplasia in oral lesions?

Background: Oral carcinogenesis is a multistage process with epithelial dysplasia as a premalignant condition. There is a significant inter-observer variation in diagnosing and grading the oral epithelial dysplasia. As human papillomavirus (HPV) is believed to have à strong relationship with oral carcinogenesis, using P16 as a biomarker may help in identifying the cells which may be undergoing the malignant transformation. However, due to the low specificity of P16, dual staining test P16INK4/Ki67 might be a better promising marker for identifying the transformed cells. This study was designed to evaluate the dual expression of P16 and Ki67 as a promising biomarker for dysplasia and their correlation with clinicopathological factors. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis for p16 and ki67 was performed on 30 premalignant oral lesions and 36 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by dual staining using the CINtec PLUS kit. Results: CINtec positivity was observed only in leukoplakia with dysplasia (46.7%) and squamous cell carcinoma (25%). None of the cases of leukoplakia without dysplasia or oral submucosal fibrosis stained positive for CINtec plus staining. In leukoplakia with dysplasia, there was no significant association with any of the clinicopathological parameters studied. In OSCC cases, alcohol intake showed statistically significant association with CINtec positivity. Conclusion: P16INK4/Ki67 assessment by dual staining is a promising biomarker for identifying dysplasia in cases with diagnostic dilemmas.

Anaplastic Intraventricular Meningioma with Rhabdoid Features: An Unusual Tumor with Usual Clinical Presentation.

Meningiomas are tumors arising from leptomeninges. Malignant counterpart of them is known as anaplastic meningioma which are WHO grade III tumors. Intraventricular location of these tumors is rare and is clinic-radiologically challenging. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are confirmatory. We present case of a 27-year-old girl, who presented with usual symptoms of intraventricular mass in emergency. After shunt surgery, clinical diagnosis of ependymoma was formed with differential of high-grade glioma. Squash tissue was difficult to crush displaying tight clusters of spindle cells with necrosis in background. Definitive histology revealed high grade spindle cell neoplasm disposed in sheets with brisk and atypical mitosis. Only focal whorling pattern was seen. Large cells with eccentric cytoplasm, reminiscent of rhabdoid cells were also seen. Immunohistochemistry was positive for vimentin and EMA, negative for GFAP. Final diagnosis of Anaplastic meningioma was dispatched. The histological pattern of the present case, young age of presentation and presence of Rhabdoid cells make it unusual. Though rare but intraventricular meningiomas must also be kept in clinical radiological differentials apart from the usual ependymoma at this location.

Cyanobacteria as a Promising Alternative for Sustainable Environment: Synthesis of Biofuel and Biodegradable Plastics.

With the aim to alleviate the increasing plastic burden and carbon footprint on Earth, the role of certain microbes that are capable of capturing and sequestering excess carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by various anthropogenic means was studied. Cyanobacteria, which are photosynthetic prokaryotes, are promising alternative for carbon sequestration as well as biofuel and bioplastic production because of their minimal growth requirements, higher efficiency of photosynthesis and growth rates, presence of considerable amounts of lipids in thylakoid membranes, and cosmopolitan nature. These microbes could prove beneficial to future generations in achieving sustainable environmental goals. Their role in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a source of intracellular energy and carbon sink is being utilized for bioplastic production. PHAs have emerged as well-suited alternatives for conventional plastics and are a parallel competitor to petrochemical-based plastics. Although a lot of studies have been conducted where plants and crops are used as sources of energy and bioplastics, cyanobacteria have been reported to have a more efficient photosynthetic process strongly responsible for increased production with limited land input along with an acceptable cost. The biodiesel production from cyanobacteria is an unconventional choice for a sustainable future as it curtails toxic sulfur release and checks the addition of aromatic hydrocarbons having efficient oxygen content, with promising combustion potential, thus making them a better choice. Here, we aim at reporting the application of cyanobacteria for biofuel production and their competent biotechnological potential, along with achievements and constraints in its pathway toward commercial benefits. This review article also highlights the role of various cyanobacterial species that are a source of green and clean energy along with their high potential in the production of biodegradable plastics.

Guided Needle Aspirations of Intra-Abdominal Masses: Analogy between Liquid-Based and Conventional Smear Preparation Methods.

OBJECTIVE: Image-guided fine needle aspiration cytology with conventional smear (CS) preparation offers onsite cellular adequacy evaluation; however, it still provides false negatives due to faulty smear preparations. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) can be advantageous in these scenarios. Hence, with an aim to investigate utility of LBC in these samples, we carried out the above study with objectives to find diagnostic accuracy of LBC and agreement of LBC with CS methods in guided aspiration samples from intra-abdominal masses. METHODS: A prospective observational study, of 113 patients with clinical or radiological diagnosis of intra-abdominal masses, was carried out. SurePath BD™ was used for LBC smear preparation, and the standard protocol was used for CS preparation. RESULTS: LBC alone was diagnostic in 80.8% of the cases, and CS alone was diagnostic in 71.2% cases (agreement was 83.7%, p = 0.03). Cellular morphology was better preserved in LBC; however, interpretation was easier in CS. CONCLUSION: CS may be complimented with LBC sample collection method to enhance the sensitivity of intra-abdominal FNA.

Co-Relation of Hormonal Profile and BRCA1 in Sporadic Breast Carcinoma: A Single Institutional Experience of 303 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive Breast carcinoma-No special type (NST) is the most common breast malignancy accounting for 95% of breast cancers. Study of predictive and prognostic immunohistochemical markers estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2neu) expression are crucial for treatment planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study we studied the hormonal profile in 303 sporadic breast cancers and BRCA1 protein expression in these patients along with its clinico-pathological correlation. RESULTS: In our patient population, Triple negative Breast carcinoma (TNBC) (104/303; 34.3%) was the most common luminal subtype followed by Luminal A 74/303; 24.4%), Her2 enriched (65/303; 21.5%), and Luminal B (60/303; 19.8%) respectively. This contrasts with many western studies which commonly report Luminal A being the largest subgroup. BRCA1 protein loss was more prominently seen in TNBC (64/104;61.5%) highlighting the possibility that high grade tumors are more susceptible to some epigenetic modifications leading to higher likelihood of loss of BRCA1 protein. CONCLUSION: Hence, we conclude that like hereditary cases of breast carcinoma with BRCA1 mutation; BRCA1 loss is also more likely in sporadic TNBC cases.