An unusual case of Zika infection with myocarditis and acute kidney injury: First case in Uttar Pradesh.

Myocarditis along with acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been described in Zika virus infection. In our case, there was a healthy individual who presented with short febrile illness and above-mentioned organ dysfunction which was later attributed to Zika infection. This was the first case of Zika virus to be detected in Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India. Contact tracing led to further cases being diagnosed with the same infection. In this case report, the authors describe the presentation, diagnosis and management of this index case.

Disruption of the non-canonical Wnt gene PRICKLE2 leads to autism-like behaviors with evidence for hippocampal synaptic dysfunction.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been suggested to arise from abnormalities in the canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. However, a direct connection between a human variant in a Wnt pathway gene and ASD-relevant brain pathology has not been established. Prickle2 (Pk2) is a post-synaptic non-canonical Wnt signaling protein shown to interact with post-synaptic density 95 (PSD-95). Here, we show that mice with disruption in Prickle2 display behavioral abnormalities including altered social interaction, learning abnormalities and behavioral inflexibility. Prickle2 disruption in mouse hippocampal neurons led to reductions in dendrite branching, synapse number and PSD size. Consistent with these findings, Prickle2 null neurons show decreased frequency and size of spontaneous miniature synaptic currents. These behavioral and physiological abnormalities in Prickle2 disrupted mice are consistent with ASD-like phenotypes present in other mouse models of ASDs. In 384 individuals with autism, we identified two with distinct, heterozygous, rare, non-synonymous PRICKLE2 variants (p.E8Q and p.V153I) that were shared by their affected siblings and inherited paternally. Unlike wild-type PRICKLE2, the PRICKLE2 variants found in ASD patients exhibit deficits in morphological and electrophysiological assays. These data suggest that these PRICKLE2 variants cause a critical loss of PRICKLE2 function. The data presented here provide new insight into the biological roles of Prickle2, its behavioral importance, and suggest disruptions in non-canonical Wnt genes such as PRICKLE2 may contribute to synaptic abnormalities underlying ASDs.

Sewage treatment in integrated system of UASB reactor and duckweed pond and reuse for aquaculture.

The performance of a laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and a duckweed pond containing Lemna gibba was investigated for suitability for treating effluent for use in aquaculture. While treating low-strength sewage having a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of typically less than 200 mg/L, with an increase in hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 10.04 to 33.49 h, COD removal efficiency of the UASB reactor decreased owing to a decrease in organic loading rate (OLR) causing poor mixing in the reactor. However, even at the lower OLR (0.475 kg COD/(m3 x d)), the UASB reactor gave a removal efficiency of 68% for COD and 74% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The maximum COD, BOD, ammonia-nitrogen and phosphate removal efficiencies of the duckweed pond were 40.77%, 38.01%, 61.87% and 88.57%, respectively. Decreasing the OLR by increasing the HRT resulted in an increase in efficiency of the duckweed pond for removal of ammonia-nitrogen and phosphate. The OLR of 0.005 kg COD/(m2 x d) and HRT of 108 h in the duckweed pond satisfied aquaculture quality requirements. A specific growth rate of 0.23% was observed for tilapia fish fed with duckweed harvested from the duckweed pond. The economic analysis proved that it was beneficial to use the integrated system of a UASB reactor and a duckweed pond for treatment of sewage.

Partial ozonation pre-treatment for sludge solubilization and simultaneous degradation of bisphenol A: quantification studies.

Ozonation pre-treatment was investigated for the enhancement of sludge solids and organic matter solubilization and simultaneous degradation of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor compound from wastewater sludge (WWS). The ultrafast method (15 s per sample) used for the analysis of BPA in WWS is based on Laser Diode Thermal Desorption/Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry. The statistical methods used for optimization studies comprised the response surface method with fractional factorial designs and central composite designs. The ozonation pre-treatment process was carried out with four independent variables, namely WWS solids concentration (15-35 g l(-1)), pH (5-7), ozone dose (5-25 mg g(-1) SS) and ozonation time (10-30 min). It was observed that among all the variables studied, ozone dose had more significantly (probability (p) < 0.001) affected the efficiency of the ozonation pre-treatment by increasing sludge solids (suspended solids (SS) and volatile solids) solubilization and organic matter (soluble chemical oxygen demand and soluble organic carbon) increment and BPA degradation from WWS. During the optimization process, it was found that higher BPA degradation (100%) could be obtained with 24 g l(-1) SS, 6.23 pH with an ozone dose of 26.14 mg g(-1) SS for 16.47 min ozonation time. The higher ozone dose used in this study was observed to be cost effective on the basis of solids and organic matter solubilization and degradation of BPA.

Oncologic safety of submental island flap reconstruction in clinically node-negative oral cancer patients: a prospective comparative study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oncologic safety of submental island flap (SIF) reconstruction in clinically node-negative oral cancer patients. Forty-four clinically node-negative oral cancer patients with tumour size T1-T3 were divided into two groups. The Submental group consisted of 21 patients, who underwent submental island flap reconstruction whereas the control group consisted of 23 patients who underwent reconstruction with other locoregional or free flaps. The locoregional recurrence rate (LRR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in these two groups were assessed and compared. The follow-up period in the two groups ranged from six to 28 months, with a median follow-up period of 15 months and 21 months, respectively. Results showed that the LRR in the control and the submental group was 21.7% and 19%, respectively (p = 0.825). Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the difference in recurrence-free survival in the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.749). Multivariate and bivariate analyses did not establish any relationship between the predictive parameters and locoregional recurrence. Thus, the Submental island flap is a reliable and versatile locoregional flap for the reconstruction of post-resection defects in oral cancer. It has no predictive influence on locoregional recurrence in clinically node-negative oral cancer patients.

Nanoparticles--production and role in biotransformation.

Renewed interest has arisen in the manufacture of nanoparticles due to their unusually enhanced physico-chemical properties and biological activities compared to the bulk parent materials. The industrial scale production and wide variety of application of nanoparticles has resulted in broad range applications in biotechnology, more recently in the increase in efficiency of biotransformation processes. Biotransformation processes utilized to form different bio-products and nanoparticles demonstrate various roles in the bio-products formation. In order to address the issue, it is necessary to understand the different methods available for synthesis of nanoparticles and their effects on biotransformation process, an efficient process for utilization of nanoparticles. In this review, an overview of physical, chemical and biological methods for synthesis of nanoparticles and their role in biotransformation process on formation of different bio-products, such as bioethanol, biohydrogen, biodiesel, enzymes and bioplastics is outlined. In fact, the nanoparticles are going to prove revolutionary in the field of biotransformation by improving the efficiency and yield and often widening the application range.

Parenteral immunization of fish, Labeo rohita with Poly D, L-lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) encapsulated antigen microparticles promotes innate and adaptive immune responses.

Immunogenicity of different antigen preparations of outer membrane proteins (OMP) of Aeromonas hydrophila such as Poly d, l-lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles, oil emulsion, neat OMP and bacterial whole cells were compared through intra-peritoneal injection in fish, Labeo rohita. Among these preparations, PLGA encapsulated antigen stimulated both innate and adaptive immune parameters and the immunogenicity exhibited by PLGA microparticles was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at both 21 and 42 days post-immunization suggesting that the above delivery system would be a novel antigen carrier for parenteral immunization in fish, Labeo rohita.

Selective recovery of vanadium as AMV from calcium vanadate sludge by direct AS leaching process: An industrial approach.

Generation of calcium vanadate waste sludge their management and treatment.is one of the major problem of metal processing industry. In this paper, we have proposed a simple process for the selective recovery of vanadium as ammonium metavanadate (AMV) from the calcium vanadate sludge using ammonium sulphate (AS) as a leaching agent. Under the optimum leaching condition (pH-7.5, temperature-80 °C, time-1 h, AS reagent-0.5 M) it is possible to leach out 82% of V values from the calcium vanadate sludge. The overall recovery of V is 81% with 98.5% AMV product purity. The AMV product quality from AS leach process has been compared with conventional H2SO4 leach process. The proposed process has major advantages such as, better economic benefits, less chemical consumption, minimum effluent recycling and less waste generation.

Massive chondroid hamartoma of the lung clinically masquerading as bronchogenic carcinoma.

Chondroid hamartomas of the lung are uncommon lesions which are generally small sized and asymptomatic. Herein we describe a case of a large-sized pulmonary chondroid hamartoma which clinically mimicked bronchogenic carcinoma. A large hilar growth was detected in the left lung on radiological studies. Left upper lobectomy was done. The growth was well defined with a lobulated bluish cut surface. Histopathology disclosed lobules of mature cartilage rimmed by long slit-like epithelial channels admixed with mature adipose tissue.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide activates and modulates TRPV1 channel in human DRG neurons.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is associated with advanced tumor growth and metastasis, especially in breast, prostate and myeloma cancers that metastasize to bones, resulting in debilitating chronic pain conditions. Our recent studies revealed that the receptor for PTHrP, PTH1R, is expressed in mouse DRG sensory neurons, and its activation leads to flow-activation and modulation of TRPV1 channel function, resulting in peripheral heat and mechanical hypersensitivity. In order to verify the translatability of our findings in rodents to humans, we explored whether this signalling axis operates in primary human DRG sensory neurons. Analysis of gene expression data from recently reported RNA deep sequencing experiments performed on mouse and human DRGs reveals that PTH1R is expressed in DRG and tibial nerve. Furthermore, exposure of cultured human DRG neurons to PTHrP leads to slow-sustained activation of TRPV1 and modulation of capsaicin-induced channel activation. Both activation and modulation of TRPV1 by PTHrP were dependent on PKC activity. Our findings suggest that functional PTHrP/PTH1R-TRPV1 signalling exists in human DRG neurons, which could contribute to local nociceptor excitation in the vicinity of metastatic bone tumor microenvironment.

Selective recovery of molybdenum from spent HDS catalyst using oxidative soda ash leach/carbon adsorption method.

The petroleum refining industry makes extensive use of hydroprocessing catalysts. These catalysts contain environmentally critical and economically valuable metals such as Mo, V, Ni and Co. In the present study, a simple hydrometallurgical processing of spent hydrodesulphurization (HDS) catalyst for the recovery of molybdenum using sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide mixture was investigated. Recovery of molybdenum was largely dependent on the concentrations of Na2CO3 and H2O2 in the reaction medium, which in turn controls the pH of leach liquor and the presence of Al and Ni as impurities. Under the optimum leaching conditions (40 g L(-1) Na2CO3, 6 vol.% H2O2, room temperature, 1h) about 85% recovery of Mo was achieved. The leach liquor was processed by the carbon adsorption method, which selectively adsorbs Mo at pH around 0.75. Desorption of Mo was selective at 15 vol.% NH4OH. With a single stage contact, it was found possible to achieve >99%, adsorption and desorption efficiency. Using this method, recovery of molybdenum as MoO3 product of 99.4% purity was achieved.

The effect of citrate, oxalate, acetate, silicate and phosphate on stability of synthetic arsenic-loaded ferrihydrite and Al-ferrihydrite.

The effect of the organic species oxalate, citrate and acetate and the inorganic species silicate and phosphate on release of As(V) from synthetic arsenic-loaded ferrihydrite and Al-ferrihydrite in the pH range 4-8 was investigated. For ferrihydrite, the organic species increased %As(V) extraction in the order: acetatePO4(3-). Competitive adsorption of the investigated organic and inorganic species on ferrihydrite and Al-ferrihydrite could explain the enhanced release of As(V) into solution. However, disproportionate adsorption of other species relative to amount of As(V) release occurs, suggesting that mechanisms other than competitive adsorption are also operative. The results could best be explained in terms of combination of competitive adsorption and processes involving pH-dependent dissolution of ferrihydrite/Al-ferrihydrite, formation of various complex ionic species involving Al(III), Fe(III), As(V), SiO3(2-), PO4(3-), OH-, H+ and organic species: acetate, oxalate and citrate.

Biofilm as a virulence marker in Candida species in Nosocomial blood stream infection and its correlation with antifungal resistance.

Nosocomial blood stream infections (BSI) due to fungi especially Candida is increasing steadily. A two year prospective study was conducted in the S.C.B. Medical College with an aim to evaluate the species distribution, antifungal susceptibility and biofilm formation of Candida spp. isolated from nosocomial BSIs. 34 Candida spp. were isolated from 359 blood cultures. Antifungal susceptibility was performed by microbroth dilution technique and both visual and spectrophotometric method were used for biofilm detection. C. tropicalis was the common spp. isolated followed by C. parapsilosis and others. Most (92%) of the isolates were susceptible to Amphoterecin-B and highest resistance was observed against Flucytosine (37%) and Fluconazole(35%). Biofilm production and antifungal resistance was observed more in nonalbicans Candida spp.

Use of oxide minerals to abate fluoride from water.

The removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions has been investigated using various oxide ores such as refractory grade bauxite, feed bauxite, manganese ore, and hydrated oxides of manganese ores (WAD). The refractory grade bauxite showed promising results. The studies were carried out as functions of contact time, pH, concentration of adsorbents, concentration of adsorbate, and temperature. The adsorption was rapid during the initial 5 min but equilibrium was attained within 120 min. The adsorption followed first-order kinetics. The present system followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Various thermodynamic parameters such as free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and equilibrium constants were calculated. The isosteric heat calculations showed that the adsorption process followed a heterogeneous model.

Measurement and prediction of neutron spectra in the Kalpakkam mini reactor (KAMINI).

Kalpakkam mini (KAMINI) reactor is the newest research reactor built in India. Operated at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, it has the unique distinction of being the only operating pool-type reactor in the world at present fuelled by 233U and aluminium alloy. Neutron spectra have been measured by the multi-foil irradiation method at the beam tube ends of this reactor. The spectra unfolding have been done, by using SAND-II computer code. Thus the total and thermal flux at the beam tube ends have been measured. The theoretical spectrum generated by the computer codes SMAXY and COMESH and WIMS cross-section data library was compared with the measured spectrum for one of the beam tubes and found to match well. A new 620-group cross-section data library generated at our centre was tested with SAND-II for the same set of measurements. Use of the new library results in slightly higher measured total fluxes and smoother spectra shapes.

Use of neutron reflection method to assay nuclear materials in solutions.

Neutron reflection methods are used in the chemical analysis of bulk samples, especially for the determination of contents in hydrogenous solutions. In these techniques albedo is measured by measuring either the activation of a foil, or count rate from a neutron detector. In the present paper Monte Carlo simulations are performed using this method for the possibility of detecting inadvertent criticality in the reprocessing plants and also estimation of 10B in heavy water, which is used as a moderator in PHWRs.