Intensive Cavity-Magnomechanical Cooling of a Levitated Macromagnet.

We describe microwave cavity-magnomechanical center-of-mass cooling of a levitated magnetic sphere. The standing magnetic component of the electromagnetic wave within a microwave cavity exerts a dynamical force on a magnonic crystalline sphere and dissipates the mechanical energy through scattering into the magnon mode. The coupling is established by the magnetic dipole interaction and enriched by the collective spin motion. We find that the final cooled phonon occupation achieved is an intensive property independent of the mass and size of the sphere, in contrast to standard optomechanical couplings. This is of particular importance for testing quantum mechanics with macroscopic objects.

Adcitmer® , a new CD56-targeting monomethyl auristatin E-conjugated antibody, is a potential therapeutic approach in Merkel cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer, whose tumour cells often express CD56. While immune checkpoint inhibitors constitute a major advance for treating patients with MCC with advanced disease, new therapeutic options are still urgently required. OBJECTIVES: To produce and evaluate the therapeutic performance of a new antibody-drug conjugate (Adcitmer® ) targeting CD56 in preclinical models of MCC. METHODS: CD56 expression was evaluated in a MCC cohort (immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray of 90 tumour samples) and MCC cell lines. Interaction of an unconjugated CD56-targeting antibody with CD56+ MCC cell lines was investigated by immunohistochemistry and imaging flow cytometry. Adcitmer® product was generated by the bioconjugation of CD56-targeting antibody to a cytotoxic drug (monomethyl auristatin E) using the McSAF Inside® bioconjugation process. The chemical properties and homogeneity of Adcitmer® were characterized by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Adcitmer® cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro and in an MCC xenograft mice model. RESULTS: Similar to previous reports, CD56 was expressed by 66% of MCC tumours in our cohort, confirming its relevance as a therapeutic target. Specific binding and internalization of the unconjugated CD56-targeting antibody was validated in MCC cell lines. The high homogeneity of the newly generated Adcitmer® was confirmed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The CD56-mediated cytotoxicity of Adcitmer® was demonstrated in vitro in MCC cell lines. Moreover, Adcitmer® significantly reduced tumour growth in a MCC mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that Adcitmer® should be further assessed as a therapeutic option in patients with MCC, as an alternative therapy or combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Arthrobotrys oligospora-mediated biological control of diseases of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) caused by Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia solani.

AIMS: To study the biocontrol potential of nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora in protecting tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) against Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia solani under greenhouse and field conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five isolates of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora isolated from different parts of India were tested against Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia solani in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants grown under greenhouse and field conditions. Arthrobotrys oligospora-treated plants showed enhanced growth in terms of shoot and root length and biomass, chlorophyll and total phenolic content and high phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity in comparison with M. incognita- and R. solani-inoculated plants. Biochemical profiling when correlated with disease severity and intensity in A. oligospora-treated and untreated plants indicate that A. oligospora VNS-1 offered significant disease reduction in terms of number of root galls, seedling mortality, lesion length, disease index, better plant growth and fruit yield as compared to M. incognita- and R. solani-challenged plants. CONCLUSION: The result established that A. oligospora VNS-1 has the potential to provide bioprotection agents against M. incognita and R. solani. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Arthrobotrys oligospora can be a better environment friendly option and can be incorporated in the integrated disease management module of crop protection. Application of A. oligospora not only helps in the control of nematodes but also increases plant growth and enhances nutritional value of tomato fruits. Thus, it proves to be an excellent biocontrol as well as plant growth promoting agent.

Microbial consortium-mediated reprogramming of defence network in pea to enhance tolerance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

AIMS: To evaluate the potentiality of three rhizosphere microorganisms in suppression of Sclerotinia rot in pea in consortia mode and their impact on host defence responses. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa PJHU15, Trichoderma harzianum TNHU27 and Bacillus subtilis BHHU100 from rhizospheric soils were selected based on compatibility, antagonistic and plant growth promotion activities. The microbes were used as consortia to assess their ability to trigger the phenylpropanoid and antioxidant activities and accumulation of proline, total phenol and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins in pea under the challenge of the soft-rot pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The triple-microbe consortium and single-microbe treatments showed 1·4-2·3 and 1·1-1·7-fold increment in defence parameters, respectively, when compared to untreated challenged control. Activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway and accumulation of total phenolics were highest at 48h, whereas accumulation of proline and PR proteins along with activities of the antioxidant enzymes was highest at 72h. CONCLUSIONS: The compatible microbial consortia triggered defence responses in an enhanced level in pea than the microbes alone and provided better protection against Sclerotinia rot. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Rhizosphere microbes in consortium can enhance protection in pea against the soft-rot pathogen through augmented elicitation of host defence responses.

Fertile plant regeneration from cryopreserved calli of Oryza rufipogon Griff. and assessment of variation in the progeny of regenerated plants.

A protocol was developed for preservation of calli of Oryza rufipogon Griff. in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). Optimal conditions for cryoprotection, pre-freezing and post-thaw recovery of calli were identified. Cryoprotectant treatment at low temperature, pre-freezing in isopropanol bath for 1 h at -70°C, rapid thawing and proper removal of cryoprotectant were critical for post-thaw survival. Genetic fidelity of the R1 plants obtained from cryopreserved, cryoprotectant-treated and untreated calli was assessed by phenotypic and molecular characterization. Comparison of phenotypic characters with seed-derived control plants showed no significant variation in the agronomic characters, but seed physical characters showed significant reduction in all the in vitro generated plants. Molecular data generated using 26 rice simple sequence repeat markers showed 4.78-7.25% change from control. Results suggested that both callus induction and cryopreservation induced heritable variations in O. rufipogon. In addition, a combination of phenotypic and molecular characterization using an appropriate marker provided better insight into genetic fidelity of recovered plants.

Primary tuberculosis of tongue.

Primary tuberculosis of tongue is very rare with unusual presentation creating a diagnostic dilemma. We report a case of primary tuberculosis of tongue in a 49-year-old female patient. Tuberculosis was not suspected clinically and there was no other focus elsewhere in the body. Fine needle aspiration cytology was attempted but was inconclusive. The diagnosis was made after histopathological examination.

The Importance of Flexion MRI in Hirayama Disease with Special Reference to Laminodural Space Measurements.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hirayama disease is a benign focal amyotrophy of the distal upper limbs involving C7, C8, and T1 segmental myotomes with sparing of the brachioradialis and proximal muscles of the upper limb innervated by C5-6 myotomes. The objective of the present study was to study the utility of MR imaging in young patients presenting with weakness and wasting of the distal upper extremity and to evaluate the importance of the laminodural space during flexion cervical MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted from January 2014 to July 2017 in a tertiary care center from Northeast India. Forty-five patients with clinically definite Hirayama disease underwent electrophysiologic evaluation followed by MR imaging of the cervical spine. RESULTS: The mean age at recruitment was 22.8 ± 5.5 years. Forty patients (88.9%) had unilateral and 5 (11.1%) had bilateral upper extremity involvement. Cervical cord T2-weighted hyperintensities were demonstrated in 16 patients (35.6%), of which 15 (33.3%) had anterior horn cell hyperintensities. Flexion MR imaging showed loss of the posterior dural attachment, forward shifting of the posterior dural sac with postcontrast enhancement, and prominent posterior epidural venous plexus in all patients. The laminodural space at maximum forward shifting of the posterior dural sac ranged from 3 to 9.8 mm, with a mean distance of 5.99 mm (95% confidence interval, 5.42-6.57 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Flexion cervical MR imaging is a very useful investigation in diagnosing Hirayama disease. The increase in the laminodural space and the presence of cervical cord flattening during flexion are essential for diagnosis.

Earthworm Grazed-Trichoderma harzianum Biofortified Spent Mushroom Substrates Modulate Accumulation of Natural Antioxidants and Bio-Fortification of Mineral Nutrients in Tomato.

The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the impact of earthworm grazed and Trichoderma harzianum biofortified spent mushroom substrate (SMS) on natural antioxidant and nutritional properties of tomato. Results of the investigation reveal that earthworm grazing and T. harzianum bio-fortification led to significant improvement in the physico-chemical properties of fresh SMS and its application increased the accumulation of natural antioxidants and mineral content in tomato as compared to either T. harzianum biofortified SMS or fresh SMS. In particular, the earthworm grazed, T. harzianum biofortified SMS (EGTHB-SMS) was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation with significant increase in total polyphenol and flavonoid content in tomato. Further, it increased Fe2+/Fe3+ chelating activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity compared to other treatments. The results thus suggest an augmented elicitation of natural antioxidant properties in tomato treated with EGTHB-SMS, resulting in a higher radical scavenging activity, that is highly desirable for human health. In addition, the use of SMS to enhance the nutritional value of tomato fruits becomes an environment friendly approach in sustainable crop production.

Differential methods of inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria induce synthesis of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and phenolic compounds differentially in chickpea.

Foliar spray and micro-injection of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial species, viz. Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. aeruginosa on chickpea induced synthesis of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) when tested against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Induction of PAL was also associated with increased synthesis of phenolic compounds such as tannic, gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic and cinnamic acids. Treatment with P. fluorescens was found to be more effective in inducing phenolic compounds as compared to P. aeruginosa. However, persistence of PAL activity was observed more with P. aeruginosa. Although both the inoculation methods were effective, foliar application was found to be superior to micro-injection in terms of rapid PAL activity leading to the synthesis of phenolic compounds.

Bio-protective microbial agents from rhizosphere eco-systems trigger plant defense responses provide protection against sheath blight disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Sheath blight of rice (Oryza sativa L.) caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a major disease and attempts are being made to develop microbe based technologies for biocontrol of this pathogen. However, the mechanisms of biocontrol are not fully understood and still require indepth study in the backdrop of emerging concepts in biological systems. The present investigation was aimed at deciphering the mechanisms of biocontrol of sheath blight of rice employing Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum as model agents for biocontrol. Initially 25, 5 and 5 strains of P. fluorescens, T. viride and T. harzianum, respectively, were screened for their biocontrol potential. Out of which, six strains with higher value of percent inhibition of fungal mycelium in dual plate assay were selected. The role of P. fluorescens, T. viride and T. harzianum were investigated in induction and bioaccumulation of natural antioxidants, defence-related biomolecules and other changes in plant which lead not only to growth promotion but also protection from pathogenic stress conditions in rice. The two most promising strains, P. fluorescens PF-08 and T. harzianum UBSTH-501 selected on the basis of in planta evaluation, when applied individually or in combination, significantly enhanced the accumulation of defence-related biomolecules, enzymes and exhibited biocontrol potential against R. solani. A modified/newly developed delivery system was applied for the first time in the experiments involving inoculation of plants with both bioagents, viz. P. fluorescens PF-08 and T. harzianum UBSTH-501. Results suggested that application of P. fluorescens PF-08 and T. harzianum UBSTH-501 alone or in combination, not only helps in control of the disease but also increases plant growth along with reduction in application of toxic chemical pesticides.

Platinum complexes with anticancer potential and their evaluation by a colorimetric lambda prophage induction assay.

A simple biochemical phage induction assay (BIA) showed significant activity with 90% of the antitumor platinum compounds tested and lack of activity for all Pd(II) compounds and Pt(II) cationic complexes, compounds that are expected to be inactive. Structure-activity relationships for a large number of chemicals can be studied simultaneously by this simple, rapid, inexpensive and quantitative biochemical assay. Fifty-three platinum complexes were tested, including a number of ethylenediamines synthesized for this work. The magnitude of inducing activity varied over a 25-fold range; differences among analogs reflected structural differences in a chemically consistent manner. Seven platinum complexes showed greater activity than that of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin, cis-DDP), while other compounds appeared to be substantially less toxic. The assay was predictive for most compounds with very high or very low activity in vivo against L1210. For compounds with intermediate levels of activity, no correlation between inducing and antitumor activity was observed.

Sequential titration of iron(II) and vanadium(IV) mixtures with cerium(IV) sulphate, with ferroins as indicators.

The titration of vanadium(IV) with cerium(IV) sulphate, with nitroferroin as indicator, is proposed. Unlike ferroin, the indicator does not need a catalyst in this system. By suitable choice of experimental conditions iron(II) can be titrated first to a ferroin end-point and then vanadium(IV) to a nitroferroin end-point.

A new and rapid titration of antimony(III) with potassium dichromate, with iron(II) as inductor.

The optimum conditions for the titration of antimony(III) with dichromate, and diphenyl-aminesulphonic acid as indicator, have been established. No iodine catalyst is used; the analytical reaction is based on an induced reaction with iron(II) as inductor. The titration can be done as easily as an iron(II) titration and the end-point is equally sharp. Titrations are possible with 0.01N solutions.

Titration of vanadium(IV) with cerium(IV) sulphate, with ferroin as indicator, in aqueous acetone as facile reaction medium An analytical and mechanistic study.

A new procedure for the titration of vanadium(IV) with cerium(IV) sulphate, with ferroin as indicator, in aqueous acetone medium is reported. A differential determination of iron(II) and vanadium(IV) is also possible. A probable mechanism for the fast ferriin-vanadium(IV) reaction in acetone medium is given.

Sequential titration of iron(II), antimony(III) and arsenic(III) in binary or ternary mixture.

A simple titrimetric procedure for the determination of iron(II), antimony(III) and arsenic-(III) in a mixture, with cerium(IV) sulphate as titrant, is proposed. The end-points can all be detected with ferroin or potentiometrically. Phosphoric acid medium is used for titration of the iron(II), then acetic acid medium for the titration of antimony(III), and finally the arsenic(III) is titrated in presence of iodine as catalyst. The procedure utilizes a single portion of test solution; it can be adopted for the analysis of binary mixtures.

Epidemiology and man-days loss in burn injuries amongst workers in an oil industry.

This retrospective study, conducted at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (Assam Oil Division) Hospital, Digboi, in a period of 5 yr amongst workers of IOC Ltd. (AOD) describes work-associated injuries. Out of 2320 cases of different types of injuries involving workers over this period, 820 (35.3%) occurred at the workplace. 1430 (61.6%) at home or other places and 70 (3.1%) occurred on way to the workplace. Burn injuries were found in 132 cases (5.8% of the total injuries), but constituted 12.6% of the accidents at the workplace. The majority of the other injuries were soft tissue injuries, including sprains 1288 (55.5%) and hand injuries 688 (29.5%). Major burns (above 20% BSB) were found only in 5 cases. The most common sites of involvement in minor burns were the hands (45 cases), the legs (35 cases) and face (20 cases) with the remaining involving the chest and abdomen. Scald injury was observed in 66/132 (50%) cases, contact burns in 13/132 (10%) cases, flame burns in 33/132 (25%) cases, chemical burns in 11/132 (8.3%), and electrical burns in 9/132 (7%) cases. Mortality was 1.5%. Working days lost (man-days loss) in burn injuries was found to be higher in comparison to other injuries of similar severity. Causation of industrial burns is discussed and importance of prevention of burns in industries has been emphasised.

Epidemiology, morbidity, mortality and treatment of burn injuries--a study in a peripheral industrial hospital.

This is a retrospective study of 348 patients with burn injuries admitted to a peripheral industrial hospital over a period of 10 years. The patients were from all walks of life. The study compared the incidence of burns occurring in various industries and those in other situations, assessed the morbidity and mortality profile of burn injuries treated in a hospital devoid of a modern burn care unit and presents ways of improving the treatment of burn injuries. Out of the 348 patients 42.5 per cent had major burns and 57.5 per cent had minor burns. Children mostly received minor burns, females between the ages of 20 and 40 years commonly received major burns. Flame burns due to kerosene stoves, open flames and fireworks were the commonest causative agent (60.3 per cent). Scalds comprised 28.7 per cent of the injuries, the remainder being due to chemicals, electricity and lighting. Eighty-five per cent of the burns occurred in households; 12 per cent were industrial burns and rest were due to road traffic accidents and lightning. Out of 42 industrial burns, only two cases were of major severity. Most of the industrial burns were scalds. The overall mortality was 18.3 per cent. The average hospital stay was 17.5 days. The treatment given to the patients is briefly discussed and the importance of the introduction of modern methods of burn management in our hospital is also emphasized.

Variability in Indian isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii.

Variability among 26 isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii collected from various hosts/soil samples and localities in India is reported. The isolates varied in colony morphology, mycelial growth rate, sclerotium formation, teleomorph production and sclerotial size and color. Out of 26 isolates, only 4 produced the teleomorph stage on Cyperus rotundus rhizome meal agar medium. Mycelial incompatibility among the isolates was also seen, and out of 325 combinations, only 29 combinations (8.9%) showed compatible reactions. Based on mycelial compatibility, 13 vegetative incompatibility groups (VCG) were identified among the isolates. HPLC analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of culture filtrates of the isolates revealed 10-22 peaks. Six peaks were identified as gallic, oxalic, ferulic, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), chlorogenic, and cinnamic acids. Oxalic, IAA, and cinnamic acids were present in the culture filtrates of all the isolates in varying amounts. The other three phenolic acids were not detected in some of the isolates. A comparative HPLC analysis of sclerotial exudate, sclerotia, mycelia, and culture filtrates of two S. rolfsii isolates (leaf spot- and collar rot-causing) producing different symptoms on their respective hosts revealed variation in the content of phenolic acids, IAA, and oxalic acid.

Medetomidine a novel immobilizing agent for the elephant (Elephas maximus).

Medetomidine was injected by the intramuscular route at the rates of 3 and 5 microg/kg body weight into two groups of Indian elephants (Elephas maximus). Sedation was induced at 6.20 (0.81) and 5.90 (0.60) min respectively after injection. The duration of anaesthesia was 66.20 (10.4) and 134.20 (24.12) min, respectively and recovery occurred at 125.80 (25.23) and 205.89 (29.3) min. The notable signs of sedation exhibited by the elephants were protrusion of penis, complete relaxation of trunk, flaccidity of tail and drooping of the ears with a head down position. During sedation, physiological parameters recorded were bradycardia, decreased respiration and hypothermia.

Effect of calcium and calmodulin modulators on the development of Erysiphe pisi on pea leaves.

The effect of calcium and calmodulin modulators, viz., ethylene glycol bis (beta-amino ethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), a calcium chelator; verapamil, a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker; ruthenium red, an organelle Ca2+ channel blocker; and chlorpromazine, a calmodulin antagonist; on the development of Erysiphe pisi was studied by floating the inoculated leaves on the respective solutions of chemicals. All the modulators affected the development of E. pisi by inhibiting the colony diameter, number of secondary branches, number of hyphal cells per colony and number of haustoria. The calmodulin antagonist was more effective in reducing E. pisi development. The results suggest the possible involvement of calcium and calmodulin in the development of E. pisi on pea leaves.