Correlation of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study.

The programmed cell death protein (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand (PD-L1) pathway and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen are the most important co-stimulatory molecules that play a key role in the negative regulation of T cells during carcinogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in oral leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal oral mucosa. Twenty-five cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral leukoplakia and normal oral mucosa tissue specimens were immunohistochemically stained to assess PD-1 and PD-L1 expression. The PD-L1 positivity of subepithelial TAFs (p < 0.001) increased with increasing grades of oral leukoplakia. Pearson's correlation indicated a high positive correlation between the PD-L1 labelling index of epithelial tumour cells and the PD-1 labelling index of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (p value: 0.005) in OSCC. A high positive correlation was noted between the H-score of PD-L1 positive tumour epithelial cells and the H-score of PD-1 positive tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in OSCC (p value: 0.001). PD-L1 positivity increased in dysplastic epithelial cells from premalignant lesions to malignancy. The sub-epithelial PD-L1 positive TAFs were higher in oral leukoplakia compared to OSCC inferring that PD-L1 positivity in TAFs decreased with malignant transformation. The PD-1 positivity in TILs was higher in oral leukoplakia than in OSCC.

Feature Selection and Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Enabled Deep Learning for Heart Disease Detection.

Heart disease causes major death across the entire globe. Hence, heart disease prediction is a vital part of medical data analysis. Recently, various data mining and machine learning practices have been utilized to detect heart disease. However, these techniques are inadequate for effectual heart disease prediction due to the deficient test data. In order to progress the efficacy of detection performance, this research introduces the hybrid feature selection method for selecting the best features. Moreover, the missed value from the input data is filled with the quantile normalization and missing data imputation method. In addition, the best features relevant to disease detection are selected through the proposed hybrid Congruence coefficient Kumar-Hassebrook similarity. In addition, heart disease is predicted using SqueezeNet, which is tuned by the dwarf mongoose optimization algorithm (DMOA) that adapts the feeding aspects of dwarf mongoose. Moreover, the experimental result reveals that the DMOA-SqueezeNet method attained a maximum accuracy of 0.925, sensitivity of 0.926, and specificity of 0.918.

Expression of transmembrane protein aquaporin-3 in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression in patient samples of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), thereby assessing the potential of AQP3 as a molecular marker for tumor progression. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro comparative study was done to determine the AQP3 expression on 20 surgical biopsy specimens each of OED and OSCC using immunohistochemistry. Twenty specimens of normal oral mucosa were kept as controls. The results were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis. RESULTS: The expression of AQP3 was analyzed and further semiquantified using H-scores. The mean H-score showed a statistically significant difference between OSCC, OED, and normal oral mucosa (P < .05). There was a significant increase in the expression of AQP3 in OSCC and OED compared to normal oral mucosa. The highest expression was observed in OSCC (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The observations of the study indicate that staining intensity of AQP3 increased from dysplastic noninvasive lesion to invasive OSCC, suggesting a possible role of AQP3 as a biomarker for tumor progression.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in milk from cows reared around industrial areas in India.

This study assessed the health risk associated with exposure to heavy metals through consumption of milk from cows reared around industrial areas in India. Heavy metals, namely Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd, were determined in water and forage from four locations as well as in milk produced by dairy cattle raised in these locations, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. A quantitative risk assessment using probabilistic approaches was performed to assess the exposure of adults and children to the heavy metals via milk consumption. In milk samples, the highest levels of Cd and Pb were 0.18 mg L-1 and 0.37 mg L-1, respectively, which were above the international permissible levels. Possible sources of Pb in the milk could be the industrial by-products and wastes or automobiles exhaust gas. Significant (P < 0.05) positive relationships were found between the concentration of Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd in milk and in the environmental samples (water or forage). Exposure assessment showed that milk consumers were mostly exposed to Zn, Cd, and Pb, with 63.7%, 51.2%, and 41.2% of children exposed to a dose greater than the references dose for these metals, respectively. Our results suggest that industrial activities lead to possible transfer of heavy metals to cows from their rearing environment (water, plant), which can be accumulated and cause potential health risks to milk consumers. The outcome of this study can be used by policy makers to manage the potential health risk.

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting semen production and quality characteristics of Gir cattle breed under semi-arid climate.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate genetic and non-genetic factors influencing semen production potential of Gir bulls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on semen quantity (n=6911) and quality (n=466) available from January 2011 to December 2018 at BAIF's frozen semen station, Jind, Haryana, India, were utilized for the study. Factors, namely, season of collection, age at collection, and bull (random effect) were studied for their effect on quantitative and qualitative semen traits. Least square means for the traits were obtained using a general linear model. The effect of age within bull for repeatable traits was analyzed using a longitudinal model with age as the control variable. Multivariate analysis using mixed repeatability model equation was utilized to estimate bull effect correlation (genetic + permanent environmental correlation), phenotypic correlations, and repeatability. RESULTS: The overall least square means of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperms, initial and post-thaw motility, hypo-osmotic swelling test, and acrosome integrity of frozen semen were 6.62±0.03 ml, 1.22±0.01 109/ml, 8.09±0.05 109/ejaculate, 75.78±0.001%, 55.92±0.0001%, 55.13±0.005%, and 71.08±0.001%, respectively. The season of the collection showed a significant effect on volume, concentration, total sperm, and initial motility. The performance of bulls was superior in summer season, followed by winter and monsoon. Increase in semen attributes during summer season was due to the effect of lower temperature on sensitive stages of spermatogenesis. Age at collection had a significant effect on all semen traits. Volume and total sperm count showed increasing trend while concentration showed a decreasing trend with an increase in age. Motility and quality traits did not show any particular pattern. Individual bulls showed differences in all the semen performance traits with age. The repeatability of the traits ranged from 0.04 (HOST) to 0.58 (acrosome integrity). Bull effect correlation ranged from -0.73 (initial motility and acrosome integrity) to 0.93 (HOST and acrosome integrity). CONCLUSION: Individual bulls showed variation in traits measured over age. The result of the study could be utilized in suggesting suitable management plans to achieve the desired profit by improving semen quality in Gir bulls.

Evaluation of diuretic efficacy and antiurolithiatic potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona squamosa Linn. in experimental animal models.

OBJECTIVE: The study is to investigate the diuretic and antiurolithiatic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona squamosa Linn. in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For both studies, Wistar albino rats and two doses of extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) were used. Diuretic activity was evaluated by Lipschitz model. Urine volume and urine pH were noted, the concentration of sodium and potassium was estimated by flame photometry, and diuretic index, natriuretic index, and Lipschitz values were calculated from the results. Furosemide was used as a positive control. Ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model was used for antiurolithiatic study. Urine volume, urine pH, body weight, and biochemical parameters such as calcium, urea, uric acid, and creatine both from serum and urine were estimated. Antioxidant parameters and histopathological analysis of the kidney were evaluated. Cystone was used as a positive control in this study. Results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: In both diuretic and antiurolithiatic studies, both doses of the extract showed efficacy, and the dose of 500 mg/kg has shown a significant effect compared to positive control and negative control. CONCLUSION: The dose of 500 mg/kg showed a promising diuretic and antiurolithiatic activity.

Influence of intensive rearing, continuous and rotational grazing systems of management on parasitic load of lambs.

AIM: A trial was conducted to assess the influence of parasitic load on the lambs reared under the intensive system, continuous grazing, and rotational grazing systems of management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirty numbers of the undetermined breed of ewe lambs around 4-5 months of age were randomly selected and allotted to three treatment groups: T1 (intensive system - control), T2 (rotational grazing), and T3 (continuous grazing). The T1 group lambs were raised under a stall-fed system of management, the T2 group lambs were grazed under rotational grazing strategy in four paddocks of plot-A, while the T3 group lambs were continuously grazed in plot-B. RESULTS: At the end of the study, there was a highly significant difference (p=0.01) in the fortnightly strongyle egg count per gram (EPG) of feces among the lambs pertaining to the three treatment groups; the lambs in T3 had a higher strongyle EPG compared to T2 lambs. With regard to the overall reduction in EPG from the initial count, lambs under rotational grazing showed the maximum decrease of 54.52% compared to lambs under T3 (continuous grazing). There was a strong positive correlation noticed between the mean temperature of the day at each fortnight and the subsequent EPG at each fortnight with R2=0.87. There was a strong positive correlation noticed between mean FAMACHA© scores and the EPG with R2=0.84, R2=0.83, and R2=0.83 for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. CONCLUSION: The grazing management with pasture rotation should be considered as a viable option for sustainable parasitic control in case of grazing-dependent livestock husbandry in India.

Family Formation Goals Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Urban India.

Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) individuals' (nonheterosexual or noncisgender) desires and intentions to form families have been under-researched. Further, research on family formation among SGM individuals is even more scant in India. Family formation, a significant milestone for many individuals, has important implications for overall health. Using data from interviews (n=25) and focus group discussions (8 participants) with SGM individuals in Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata, we explore desires and intentions related to parenting. Pressure to have children was ubiquitous, though participants' parenting-related desires varied. Participants considering parenting noted many priorities including their financial stability, relationships with partners, and the legality and legitimacy of their partnerships. Adoption and assisted biological reproduction (e.g., IVF) were the preferred methods of family formation. Experiences and expectations of stigma for themselves and their children shaped participants' limited control over parenting-related decisions. However, they exerted agency as they navigated achieving their ideals for family formation.

Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene for Nanosensor Applications.

Water dispersible graphene layer are the excellent nano materials used for wide range of electronic applications. High quality graphene was synthesized by an eco-friendly, easy and cost effective electrochemical exfoliation method. In this work, graphite rod was used both as an anode and cathode for the production of graphene. Potassium sulphate (K2SO4) was used as an intercalating agent. Electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) was coated on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and evaluated towards the electrochemical oxidation of vanillin and L-phenylalanine. The fabricated electrode was able to detect vanillin and L-Phenylalanine as low as 0.2 µM with signal to noise ratio of 3. A significant increase in the current was observed for the graphene coated electrode for both vanillin and L-phenylalanine when compared to bare Glassy electrode. The finding clearly demonstrated the higher detection capability, selectivity and reproducibility of EEG.

Visible Active N-Doped TiO2/WS2 Heterojunction Nano Rods: Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity.

N-doped titania nano sheets and N-doped titania/tungsten dioxide nano rods were synthesized by two step hydrothermal method. The composition, structural, functional, morphological and optical properties of the as synthesized N-TiO2/WS2 hybrids were characterized by XRD, UV-DRS, PL, FE-SEM with EDAX, TEM, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Surface area and thermal stability of the catalysts were analyzed by BET and TG/DTA techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the heterojunction catalyst was evaluated towards the decomposition of a harmful dye namely congo red in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The results show superior photocatalytic activity for N-TiO2/WS2 nanocomposite. This unusual photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect between WS2 and N-TiO2.

Enhanced Visible Light Activity of Pr-TiO2 Nanocatalyst in the Degradation of Dyes: Effect of Pr Doping and TiO2 Morphology.

A facile hydrothermal method was adopted for the synthesis of bare TiO2 and titania nanotubes (TNT). In an effort to increase the efficacy of the existing photocatalyst, different weight percentage (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0%) of praseodymium were deftly doped on to the synthesized titania scaffolds. The physicochemical characteristics of the architectured photocatalyst were thoroughly elucidated by various sophisticated techniques. The doping of Pr2O3 (Pr) on to titania nanotubes (TNT) resulted into a significant bathochromic/hyperchromic shift in the optical absorption edge (towards the visible region) as perceived from the DRS-UV spectra. The XRD and TEM analysis showed average crystallite size of the synthesised photocatalyst to be as small as 4-7 nm with well-formed nanotube framework. Photoluminescence spectra of Pr doped TNT catalyst clearly exhibited greater suppression of photogenerated electron-hole pair as compared to the undoped counterparts. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts was evaluated towards the degradation of organic pollutants namely Rhodamine B (90%) and Crystal violet (93%) in the presence of solar light and its activity and durability was compared to that of commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25). The observed enhanced photocatalytic activity of TNT and Pr-TNT can be unambiguously attributed to the inhibition of recombination of the electron-hole pairs due to doping of Pr into TNT. Among catalysts synthesized, 0.4 wt.% of Pr on to TNT yielded the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Reactive Dyes Over Titanates.

MTiO3 (M = Sr, Ca, Ba and Pb) catalysts were synthesized by polymeric precursor method and characterized by using various instrumental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TiO2 were also synthesized by sol-gel method and used for the optimization of reaction parameters such as catalyst weight, dye concentration and pH in the photocatalytic degradation of reactive dyes such as reactive blue 198 (RB 198), reactive black 5 (RB 5) and reactive yellow 145 (RY 145) under UV irradiation. MTiO3 (M = Sr, Ca, Ba and Pb) catalysts were evaluated towards the photocatalytic decolourization of RB 198, RB 5 and RY 145 under optimized reaction conditions. Among the different metal titanates, strontium titanate showed the highest decolourization (≈90%) of all the three reactive dyes under UV irradiation at 120 minutes and also found to be active under visible irradiation as it decolourises the dyes in about 450 minutes. The degradation rate of strontium titanate was monitored by TOC analyzer. Kinetic studies of the photocatalytic degradation of reactive dyes confirmed that the reaction followed the pseudo first order kinetics.

Nano Structured Ni and Ru Impregnated TiO2 Photocatalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Degradation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides.

Titania by sol gel and Ni-Ru titania catalysts by wet impregnation methods were prepared and characterized by XRD, UV-DRS, BET and TEM techniques. Catalytic activities of the photocatalysts were evaluated towards the degradation of three widely used neonicotinoids type insecticides namely acetamiprid, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam under UV, Visible and solar irradiations. The reaction parameters such as initial concentration of the insecticide, weight of the catalyst and pH of the system were found to influence the reaction rate. The results indicated that the metal impregnated catalysts were found to be more active than pure TiO2.Ni/TiO2 or Ru/TiO2 catalysts degraded all the insecticides completely even under visible irradiation. The observed visible activity of the catalysts was attributed to their lower band gap values. HPLC and TOC analyses revealed that mineralisation of the insecticides occurred through dearomatization by multiple hydroxylation and oxidation. The degradation pathway and the kinetics were also discussed in detail.

Novel strategy for expression of authentic and bioactive human basic fibroblast growth factor in Bacillus subtilis.

Inteins, also known as "protein introns," have been found to be present in many microbial species and widely employed for the expression and purification of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. However, interestingly, until now there has not been much information on the identification and application of inteins to protein expression in Bacillus subtilis. In this article, for the first time, despite the likelihood of absence of inteins in B. subtilis, this bacterium was shown to be able to facilitate auto-catalytic cleavages of fusions formed between inteins and recombinant proteins. Employing a construct expressing the intein, Ssp DnaB, (DnaB), which was fused at its N-terminus with the cellulose-binding domain (CellBD) of an endoglucanase encoded by the cenA gene of Cellulomonas fimi, the construct was demonstrated to be capable of mediating intracellular expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), followed by auto-processing of the CellBD-DnaB-bFGF fusion to result in bFGF possessing the 146-residue authentic structure. The mentioned fusion was shown to result in a high yield of 84 mg l-1 of biologically active bFGF. Future work in improving the growth of B. subtilis may enable the use of this bacterium, working in cooperation with inteins, to result in a new platform for efficient expression of valuable proteins.

Fluorescent Biomolecules Capped ZnSe Quantum Dots and Their Photocatalytic Activities.

The preparation of semiconductor Quantum Dots (QDs) with controllable size, shape and doping remains a biggest challenge, especially the size below 10 nm. To date, only scarce attempts have been made on the synthesis of ZnSe QDs using biomolecule-assisted hydrothermal approach. Hence the current research work examines the influence of some amino acids namely L-cysteine, methionine and tyrosine as stabilizing agents in the synthesis of ZnSe nanocrystals. The ZnSe QDs exhibited strong absorption and photoluminescence properties in the region from 200-600 nm. Spectroscopic and structural properties of the as-synthesized biomolecule-capped ZnSe QDs were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectrophotometer, FT-IR, fluorescence spectrophotometer, X-ray diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscope and EDX analysis. The stabilizing agents have played a crucial role in preparing ZnSe QDs and in determining the photoluminescence properties. The luminescence intensity was enhanced significantly when amino-acid-capped ZnSe QDs were illuminated by UV light compared to visible light. The as-synthesised ZnSe QDs were capable of effectively degrading an organic azo dye Azophlexin, under direct sunlight irradiation and exhibited good stability during photocatalytic experiments which can be attributed to the small size of amino acid capped ZnSe. The degradation mechanism is discussed. The absorbance and FT-IR measurements confirmed the biocompatibility and water-solubility of the pure ZnSe and capped ZnSe QDs.

Transoral endoscopic total thyroidectomy vestibular approach: A case series and literature review.

Conventional open thyroidectomy is often associated with post-operative complications including nerve damage, voice disturbances, paraesthesias, adhesions and prominent scarring. Several endoscopic surgical techniques have been reported as alternatives to conventional thyroidectomy. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is a promising approach which leaves no scar, produces few complications and affords faster discharge from care. Several studies have explored its utility in total thyroidectomy in patients with benign or malignant thyroid disease. Herein, we present a case series on the successful application of transoral endoscopic total thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) in benign and malignant diseases of the thyroid. We performed TOETVA in 11 patients presenting with benign or malignant thyroid nodules in our hospital, between 1st January 2015 and 30th June 2016. The surgery was completed successfully in all patients with a pre-operative diagnosis of multinodular goitre. The surgery was performed under general anaesthesia and the mean operative time was 130 min. The mean blood loss was 2-3 cc. No incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, damage to mental nerve, parathyroid damage or peri-incisional adhesion occurred in the study participants. No visible scarring occurred in the patients following surgery. The patients had an uneventful recovery after the surgery and were discharged after 4 days. TOETVA is safe and effective in the surgical management of multinodular goitre and offers a scar-free alternative to conventional surgery.

Prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral malignant lesions: A population-based study in a municipal town of southern Kerala.

Oral cancer burden poses a major challenge in India. Oral cancer in the majority of instances arises from preexisting oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Early detection of OPMD and elimination of primary risk factors such as smokeless and smoking tobacco help in reduction of oral cancer. A study was conducted to find the prevalence and associated risk factors of OPMDs and oral malignant lesions (OMLs) in Punalur township of South Kerala. A total of 2368 patients were screened, out of which 156 were identified with OPMD and 5 with OML. A male predominance was noted for both OPMD and OML. Strong association with smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco habits was seen with patients having OPMD and OML.

The National Trust: A viable model of care for adults with intellectual disabilities in India.

The longevity of people with intellectual disabilities is increasing in developing nations. However, developing nations lack a proper system of care for aging persons with intellectual disabilities. Until now the care has been provided by parents and relatives in the home environment in developing countries, but this scenario is also changing; therefore, there is a strong need to explore a plan of care for this population which is also feasible and replicable. The National Trust is an autonomous body of the Government of India which has developed a comprehensive plan of care for adults with intellectual disabilities. In this article, the National Trust is discussed using a socioecological model. The replicability and suitability of this model for other developing countries are discussed.

Coenurus cerebralis and its pathology in an organized farm of Tamil Nadu.

Coenurosis is a disease of the central nervous system in sheep. A survey was carried out to assess the occurrence of Coenurus cerebralis in Madras red sheep. A prevalence rate of 12.30 % observed when 122 slaughtered Madras red sheep were examined in an organized farm during 2002 to 2007 at Livestock Research Station, Kattupakkam, Tamil Nadu, India. The skulls of the animals were opened to know the prevalence of Coenurus cyst in the brain. Out of 12.30 %, only 3.28 % sheep showed clinical signs while the remaining were apparently healthy (9.02 %). C. cerebralis cysts were observed in cerebrum, cerebellum and on spinal cord, averaging 66.67, 26.67 and 6.66 %, respectively. Among different age groups of sheep, highest infection rate was observed in rams (20.69 %) followed by ewes (10.00 %), young males (9.09 %) and young females (8.33 %). Males (17.50 %, 7/40) were more infected compared to the female sheep (9.76 %, 8/82). Grossly, ventral cerebrum was congested and depression in sulci was noticed. Posterior portion of the skull showed severe congestion and haemorrhage. Severe congestion was also noticed on the gyri of right cerebral hemisphere.