Characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis virus isolates from laying hens during 2019-2020 outbreaks in Tamil Nadu, India.

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an acute respiratory disease in chickens that is a serious threat to poultry-producing countries worldwide. In the present study, we isolated and characterized infectious laryngotracheitis (ILTV) virus isolates by sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified products (PCR-RFLP). A total of 26 ILTV outbreaks were investigated that occurred between 2019 and 2020 in flocks that had not been vaccinated against ILTV. ILTV was isolated by cultivating tracheal samples in embryonated chicken eggs, which showed multiple opaque pock lesions and thickening of the chorioallantoic membrane after 120 hours of infection. The ILTV isolates were identified and characterized by PCR and sequencing a portion of the ICP4 and TK genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ICP4 region showed that the sequences clustered with chicken-embryo-origin vaccine-like strains. Sequence analysis of the ICP4 region differentiated chicken-embryo-origin (CEO), tissue-culture-origin (TCO), and field ILTV strains, with significant differences in nucleotide and amino acid sequences. Furthermore, PCR-RFLP analysis of the TK gene showed that the patterns were identical to those obtained with low-virulence and vaccine strains. In conclusion, sequencing of a portion of the ICP4 region of ILTV allowed differentiation of ILTV field, CEO, and TCO vaccine strains. In this study, CEO-vaccine-like strains were found to be the cause of ILTV outbreaks between 2019 and 2020 in Tamil Nadu in southern India.

Safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation treatment in hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumours: a single-centre experience.

AIM: To report initial experience with irreversible electroporation (IRE) in a single tertiary oncology centre and to describe its role in the management of liver and pancreatic tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a retrospective review of the technical success rate, complications, and treatment efficacy of patients who had undergone IRE treatment for hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumours between February 2014 to January 2020. The patients were divided into two cohorts: first 30 patients (cohort A) and subsequent 70 patients (cohort B) after a change in protocol. RESULTS: One hundred IRE procedures (n=69 liver lesions; n=28 pancreatic lesions, n=3 nodal disease) were reviewed. The overall technical success rate was 99%. Early and immediate complications were 4% and 3%, respectively. In cohort A, the complete tumour ablation rate was 65% (13/20) for hepatic tumours, 20% (1/5) for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 50% (2/4) for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, and 0% (0/1) for nodal metastasis. For cohort B, the rate improved to 87.76% (43/49) for hepatic tumours, 28.57% (4/14) for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 80% (4/5) for pancreatic neuroendocrine, and 50% (1/2) for nodal metastasis. After the initial cohort A, cohort B showed a significant increase in the initial complete ablation rate in hepatic tumours (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: IRE is a complex technique with a steep learning curve. It is safe, effective, and is valuable in the treatment of liver tumours that are unsuitable or considered high risk for conventional thermal ablation. Its role in the management of pancreatic tumours is less clear and requires larger studies.

Germline-focussed analysis of tumour-only sequencing: recommendations from the ESMO Precision Medicine Working Group.

It is increasingly common in oncology practice to perform tumour sequencing using large cancer panels. For pathogenic sequence variants in cancer susceptibility genes identified on tumour-only sequencing, it is often unclear whether they are of somatic or constitutional (germline) origin. There is wide-spread disparity regarding both the extent to which systematic 'germline-focussed analysis' is carried out upon tumour sequencing data and for which variants follow-up analysis of a germline sample is carried out. Here we present analyses of paired sequencing data from 17 152 cancer samples, in which 1494 pathogenic sequence variants were identified across 65 cancer susceptibility genes. From these analyses, the European Society of Medical Oncology Precision Medicine Working Group Germline Subgroup has generated (i) recommendations regarding germline-focussed analyses of tumour-only sequencing data, (ii) indications for germline follow-up testing and (iii) guidance on patient information-giving and consent.

Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mangifera indica flower extract as bioreductant and their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.

The present study focused on the evaluation of antibacterial property of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using mango flower extract. The morphology of the synthesized AgNPs was observed under transmission electron microscopy and the particles have shown spherical shape in the range of 10-20 nm. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the AgNPs. The atomic percentage of the Ag element in the nanoparticles was about 7.58% which is greater than the other elements present in the sample. The AgNPs showed extensive lethal effect on both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus sp.) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella sp., Pantoea agglomerans, and Rahnella sp.) bacteria. The extensive lethal effect of AgNPs against clinically important pathogens demonstrated that the mango flower mediated AgNPs could be applied as potential antibacterial agent to control the bacterial population in the respective industries.

In-vitro bio-mineralization of arsenic and lead from aqueous solution and soil by wood rot fungus, Trichoderma sp.

In the present study, we investigated the role of calcite, i.e., microbiologically-induced precipitate by ureolytic Trichoderma sp. MG, in remediation of soils contaminated with arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). The fungus tolerates high concentrations of As (500 mg/L) and Pb (650 mg/L). The effects of three factors, i.e., urea concentration, CaCl2 concentration and pH, on urease production and bio-mineralization of As and Pb were investigated using Box-Behnken design. The maximum urease production (920 U/mL) and metal removal efficiency (68% and 59% for Pb and AS, respectively) were observed in the medium containing urea of 300 mM and CaCl2 of 75 mM at pH 9.0. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy result revealed the formation of metal carbonates by the isolate MG. Sequential extraction of metals revealed that the carbonate fractions of As and Pb were increased to 46.4% and 42.4% in bioremediated soil, whereas in control they were 35.5% and 32.5%, respectively. The X-ray powder diffraction result further confirmed the role of calcite precipitate in bioremediation of As- and Pb-contaminated soils. The results points out that the microbiologically-induced calcite precipitation is a feasible, eco-friendly technology for the bioremediation of As- and Pb-contaminated sites.

Antiproliferative and apoptosis-induction studies of 5-hydroxy 3',4',7-trimethoxyflavone in human breast cancer cells MCF-7: an in vitro and in silico approach.

The aim of this study was to find the efficacy of 5-hydroxy 3',4',7-trimethoxyflavone (HTMF), a flavonoid compound isolated from the medicinal plant Lippia nodiflora, in inhibiting the proliferation and inducing apoptosis in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The anti-proliferative effect of the compound HTMF was confirmed using MTT cytotoxicity assay. Increased apoptotic induction by HTMF was demonstrated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) and Hoechst 33258 staining studies. The phosphatidylserine translocation, an early feature of apoptosis and DNA damage were revealed through AnnexinV-Cy3 staining and comet assay. Moreover, the significant elevation of cellular ROS was observed in the treated cells, as measured by 2,7-diacetyl dichlorofluorescein (DCFH-DA). The mRNA expression studies also supported the effectiveness of HTMF by shifting the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio. The treatment of MCF-7 cells with HTMF encouraged apoptosis through the modulation of apoptotic markers, such as p53, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved PARP. In silico molecular docking and dynamics studies with MDM2-p53 protein revealed that HTMF was more potent compound that could inhibit the binding of MDM2 with p53 and, therefore, could trigger apoptosis in cancer cell. Overall, this study brings up scientific evidence for the efficacy of HTMF against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Complete nucleotide sequence analysis of the oncogene "Meq" from serotype 1 Marek's disease virus isolates from India.

1. A study was undertaken to characterise the oncogene Meq at the molecular level for three serotype 1 Marek's disease virus (MDV) field isolates from vaccinated poultry flocks which had encountered a Marek's disease outbreak in the southern part of India. The isolates were named Ind/TN/11/01, Ind/KA/12/02 and Ind/TN/12/03. The oncogene Meq was amplified by PCR and sequenced. 2. The isolates were shown to have a homology for the Meq gene of 99.1-99.8% with various isolates from China and 98.5-99.2% with isolates from Europe and the USA. Alignment analysis of the nucleotide sequences showed that nucleotide mutations at 5 different positions in the Meq gene displayed perfect regularity in MDVs circulating in the southern part of India, which could be considered as features of field MDVs recently prevalent in this area. 3. In addition, the mutation in the Meq gene at positions 251, 260 and 437 was unique and coincides with very virulent strains from China GX0101, GXY2 and a Hungarian strain ATE. The mutation at positions 283 and 300 was unique and coincides with the very virulent strain ATE of Hungary. There were also single nucleotide mutations at positions 155 (A-T), 369 (A-C), 462 (C-A) and 548 (C-T) observed in the isolate Ind/TN/12/03. 4. Phylogenetic analysis of Meq sequences revealed that field MDVs in this area evolved independently but have similarities with very virulent strains from China, and that Meq has more similarities with the very virulent Hungarian strain.

Outcomes for adults with type 1 diabetes referred with severe hypoglycaemia and/or referred for islet transplantation to a specialist hypoglycaemia service.

Islet transplantation alone (ITA) is indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with disabling severe hypoglycaemia (SH) despite optimised medical therapy. We examined outcomes for patients referred to an islet transplant unit with recurrent SH. Retrospective case note audit of 45 patients with ≥1 SH per year who were referred to our ITA unit between 2009-2012; 36 patients attended follow-up appointments. The cohort was 52.8% male, mean (± SD) age 43.9 (± 11.4) years, and duration of diabetes 26.5 (± 12.9) years. Baseline HbA1c was 8.3% (± 1.7) (67.2 mmol/mol), median (IQR) frequency of SH was 6.0 (2.0-24.0) per/patient/year and 83.3% had impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH). 80.6% of patients were referred from other secondary diabetes services, 22.2% had completed structured education, and 30.6% were using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Seventeen patients were optimised with conventional therapy; SH reduced from 2.0 (1.5-9.0) to 0.0 (0.0-0.5) episodes/patient/year; p<0.001, and there was concurrent improvement in HbA1c (8.1-7.7%; 65.0 vs. 60.7 mmol/mol; p=0.072). Ten patients were listed for transplantation as they were not optimised despite structured education, CSII, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The remaining 9 had a reduction in SH [7.0 (4.8-40.5) to 4.0 (2.5-6.3) episodes/patient/year; p=0.058] and either left the service (n=5) or are still being optimised (n=4). In conclusion, 47.2% of patients presenting with problematic hypoglycaemia resolved with optimal medical therapy, with a further 25% achieving clinically relevant improvement, however 27.8% required transplantation despite access to all therapies. Provision of expertise in hypoglycaemia management is essential to focus limited transplant resources on those who need it most.

Modification of human islet preparation: an effective approach to improve graft outcome after islet transplantation?

Revascularisation of transplanted islets is an essential prerequisite for graft survival and function. However, current islet isolation procedures deprive the islets of endothelial tubulets. This may have a detrimental effect on the revascularisation process of islets following transplantation. We hypothesise that modification of the isolation procedure that preserves islet endothelial vessels may improve the islet revascularisation process following transplantation. Here, we present a modified islet isolation method by which a substantial amount of endothelial cells still attached to the islets could be preserved. The islets with preserved endothelial cells isolated by this method were revascularised within 3 days, not observed in islets isolated by standard methods. Further, we observed that grafts of islets isolated by standard methods had more patches of dead tissue than islet grafts obtained by the modified method, indicating that attached endothelial cells may play an important role in the islet revascularisation process and potentially help to improve the transplantation outcome.

Pathotyping of recent Indian field isolates of Marek's disease virus serotype 1.

A study was undertaken to assess the virulence of Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 1 field isolates obtained from poultry flocks of southern part of India. Five representative MDV serotype 1 strains were isolated from eighty-six blood samples collected from fifteen farms. Three out of five isolates which were free from avian leukosis virus (ALV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) were adapted in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) culture and designated as Ind/TN/11/01, Ind/KA/12/02 and Ind/TN/12/03. Pathotyping assay was conducted in two trials. In the first trial, non-vaccinated chickens were challenged (trial I), while in second trial, two types of vaccinated chickens along with non-vaccinated controls were challenged (trial II). Birds inoculated with field isolate Ind/TN/12/03 had very low body (75.34 ± 3.04 g 15 days post infection (dpi)) and bursa Fabricii weight (1.64 ± 0.06 at 15 dpi) when compared to those inoculated with the other two isolates (Ind/TN/11/01 and Ind/KA/12/02) and uninoculated controls (body weight 111.33 ± 1.30 g and bursa Fabricii weight 4.33 ± 0.11 15 dpi). Incidence of early mortality syndrome (53%) and lymphoma (86%) induced by Ind/TN/12/03 was comparable with very virulent strains published elsewhere. In protection test, the percentage of Marek's disease (MD) incidence induced by Ind/TN/12/03 was 57.5% and 25% in monovalent and bivalent vaccine inoculated birds respectively compared to uninoculated control (100%). Based on the above findings in pathotyping experimental trials with a supportive evidence of histopathological observations, isolate Ind/TN/12/03 was considered as very virulent MDV and other two isolates were considered as virulent MDVs.

Discovery of novel inhibitors for Nek6 protein through homology model assisted structure based virtual screening and molecular docking approaches.

Nek6 is a member of the NIMA (never in mitosis, gene A)-related serine/threonine kinase family that plays an important role in the initiation of mitotic cell cycle progression. This work is an attempt to emphasize the structural and functional relationship of Nek6 protein based on homology modeling and binding pocket analysis. The three-dimensional structure of Nek6 was constructed by molecular modeling studies and the best model was further assessed by PROCHECK, ProSA, and ERRAT plot in order to analyze the quality and consistency of generated model. The overall quality of computed model showed 87.4% amino acid residues under the favored region. A 3 ns molecular dynamics simulation confirmed that the structure was reliable and stable. Two lead compounds (Binding database ID: 15666, 18602) were retrieved through structure-based virtual screening and induced fit docking approaches as novel Nek6 inhibitors. Hence, we concluded that the potential compounds may act as new leads for Nek6 inhibitors designing.

Crystal structure of (E)-N'-(4-chloro-benzyl-idene)-4-methyl-benzene-sulfono-hydrazide: a hexa-gonal polymorph.

The title compound, C14H13ClN2O2S, crystallized in the enanti-omorphic defining hexa-gonal space group P61 [Flack parameter = -0.02 (7)]. The partially hydrated form of the same compound, crystallizing in the triclinic space group P-1, has been reported previously [Kia et al. (2009b). Acta Cryst. E65, o1119], as has the crystal structure of the bromo derivative, also crystallizing in the space group P-1 [Kia et al. (2009a). Acta Cryst. E65, o821]. The title mol-ecule is non-planar with the planes of the benzene rings being inclined to one another by 76.62 (13)°, and has an E conformation about the C=N bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds forming 61 helical chains running along [001]. The chains are linked via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, C-H⋯π inter-actions and short Cl⋯O [3.015 (3) Å] inter-actions, forming a three-dimensional structure.

Theoretical, structural, and electronic analyses of pyridin-based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells applications.

CONTEXT: The new series of donor-π-acceptor dyes have been designed using pyridine derivatives as a donor group and thienothiophene as a π-spacer group, which were linked via 10 acceptor groups. The highest occupied molecular orbital energies range from - 6.177 to - 5.786 eV, whereas the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies range from - 2.181 to - 3.664 eV. A6 dye has smaller energy gap, lower hardness, higher electrophilicity index, and good photovoltaic performance than other sensitizers. The lowest dihedral angle is observed in A1, A2, A6, A7, and A8 which are appropriate for intramolecular charge transfer between the molecules. The A8 has higher light harvesting efficiency, which increases the photovoltaic efficiency of the designed dye. The A6, A7, and A8 dyes spend less time in the excited state, which means they emit photons more efficiently than other dyes. The interaction between donor to π-spacer (red line) parts of the dyes has the bonding interaction (positive), and π-spacer to acceptor (blue line) parts of the dyes have the bonding and antibonding (negative) behaviours. The dyes A5 and A9 have 305.79 and 357.71 times higher ß0 values than urea (0.781 × 10-30 esu) molecules. The spectral properties of the A6 dye strongly affect the structural modification. METHODS: The density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) approach B3LYP/6-311G (d,p) basic set were used to optimize the designed dyes. All the calculations are performed using Gauss view 6.0 and Gaussian 09 software. The density of state spectrum is plotted using Gauss sum 2.6.

Structural link between γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist binding site and inner ß-sheet governs channel activation and allosteric drug modulation.

Rapid opening and closing of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) regulate information flow throughout the brain. For pLGICs, it is postulated that neurotransmitter-induced movements in the extracellular inner ß-sheet trigger channel activation. Homology modeling reveals that the ß4-ß5 linker physically connects the neurotransmitter binding site to the inner ß-sheet. Inserting 1, 2, 4, and 8 glycines in this region of the GABA(A) receptor ß-subunit progressively decreases GABA activation and converts the competitive antagonist SR-95531 into a partial agonist, demonstrating that this linker is a key element whose length and flexibility are optimized for efficient signal propagation. Insertions in the α- and γ-subunits have little effect on GABA or SR-95531 actions, suggesting that asymmetric motions in the extracellular domain power pLGIC gating. The effects of insertions on allosteric modulator actions, pentobarbital, and benzodiazepines, have different subunit dependences, indicating that modulator-induced signaling is distinct from agonist gating.

Effectiveness of aggression management training (AMT) on self-esteem, impulsivity, and aggressive behavior among adolescents residing in delinquent homes-A feasibility study from east India.

PURPOSE: This feasibility study examined the aggression management training (AMT) interventions on self-esteem, impulsivity, and aggressive behavior among adolescents residing in delinquent or observation homes. METHODS: A quantitative research approach with the quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group (comparison) pretest and Posttest design was adopted. A total of 32 male adolescents (16 each in experimental and comparison groups) residing in two different observation homes in the state of Bihar, India were selected by convenience sampling technique. The study evaluated the following outcome measures: self-esteem, impulsivity, and aggressive behavior for both groups at baseline and 1 month. AMT was administered to the experimental group bi-weekly for 4 weeks covering four components in 8 sessions. RESULTS: We analysed the data with independent and paired t-tests for between and within the group differences, and Pearson correlation for a relationship. AMT intervention improved self-esteem and reduced aggressive behavior and impulsivity among adolescents residing in delinquent homes. A correlation was found between aggression and impulsivity, and between self-esteem and impulsivity. PSYCHIATRIC NURSING IMPLICATIONS: The study had provided initial evidence for practice that can help psychiatric nurses significantly implement these types of interventions among significant, vulnerable, and ignored groups of adolescents detained in observation homes to prevent the occurrence of repeat offenses.

Self-esteem among heinous and non-heinous male delinquent adolescents- A descriptive comparative study from East India.

Background: Adolescence is the most complex stage of development that causes the greatest difficulties in their life because of frequent physical and emotional issues including deviated character and behavioral disorders. Aim: This descriptive comparative study was intended to compare self-esteem between heinous and non-heinous male delinquent adolescents residing in observation homes. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research approach with a non-experimental descriptive comparative design was adopted. One hundred and seventy-nine male delinquent adolescents (Heinous = 74, Non-Heinous = 105) residing in two observation homes were selected by convenience sampling technique based on the type of crime committed. The standardized Rosenberg's self-esteem scale was used to collect the data. Results: We analyzed the data with Chi-square for homogeneity of sample characteristics, an independent t test for comparison of self-esteem between groups, an independent t test, one-way ANOVA for the association, and stepwise regression for predictors. There was a statistically significant difference in self-esteem between groups, a significant association of self-esteem with age and duration of stay in the heinous group and with the father's education in the non-heinous group, and the father's education, mother's occupation, substance use, and order of birth had predicted the self-esteem in non-heinous group. Conclusion: The study concluded that self-esteem significantly varied between heinous and non-heinous group delinquents. This study is the first of its kind and provided initial evidence by filling the gap in the literature to understand the difference in the level of self-esteem among delinquent adolescents according to the type of crime committed.

Purification of domestic laundry wastewater in an integrated treatment system consists of coagulation and ultrafiltration membrane process.

An integrated unit to purify and reuse domestic laundry wastewater consisting of coagulation, sand filtration, carbon adsorption, and ultrafiltration process is developed. Chitosan and Ameztreat 102 polyamine were used as coagulants and their treatability was measured by color, turbidity and concentration of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonates (LAS) at various operation conditions. As a result of the trial studies, the maximum removal efficiency was attained as (i) for Chitosan- 98.2% color, 99.3% turbidity, 100% LAS removal efficiency; (ii) for Polyamine-88% color, 99% turbidity, 100% LAS. The transport mechanism of the pollutant towards the coagulant was described using kinetic models. The thickener area calculated is 0.2436 m2 for the flow rate of 100 L/h by Kynch theory. The results were recommended that the laundry wastewater be efficiently treated in the proposed treatment train and could be reused effectively.

Aggressive behavior and its associated factors among persons with mental illness: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive behavior of psychiatric inpatients causes severe complications during treatment; nursing staff needs to understand the factors associated with aggression in inpatient units to prevent aggression. AIM: This study aimed to examine the level of aggression and its associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive observational design was conducted among aggressive patients. An aggressive behavior event was observed during the aggression episode. Data were collected from 55 patients with aggressive behavior using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale-Revised (SOAS-R) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Patient-, staff-, and ward-related factors were assessed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: About 69% of patients had a severe level of aggressive behavior. There was a significant association between gender, the severity of symptoms, staff-to-patient ratio, ward milieu, and the number of caregivers with levels of aggression. CONCLUSION: The majority of the persons with mental illness exhibited severe aggression in a psychiatric setting. Being male, the presence of psychotic symptoms, ward milieu, staff-to-patient ratio, and availability of caregivers were significantly associated with aggression. This study adds to the existing literature by focusing on managing ward-related factors (avoiding noise and overcrowding) to prevent aggressive behavior among mentally ill patients.

Evaluation of treatment delays in hepatopancreatico-biliary surgery during the first COVID-19 wave.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused oncological services worldwide to face unprecedented challenges resulting in treatment disruption for surgical patients. Hepatopancreatico-biliary (HPB) cancers are characterised by rapid disease progression. This study aims to assess delays in receiving surgery for this patient cohort during the first COVID-19 wave. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery between April and July 2020 (COVID-19 period) were compared with a control group from the preceding year. Delay in receiving surgery was defined as more than 50 days between referral and surgery date. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate predictors of delay and short-term outcomes. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 periods, 94 and 115 patients underwent surgery, respectively. No patients contracted COVID-19 postoperatively. Some 118 patients waited more than 50 days for surgery versus 91 who received surgery within 50 days from referral. Independent predictors for surgical delay were undergoing surgery in the COVID-19 era (odds ratio (OR) 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-4.1; p=0.015), referral pathway (OR 35.1, 95% CI 4.2-296; p=0.001) and presenting pathology (OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.2-56.1; p=0.03). Short-term outcomes were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patient referral pathway and presenting pathology may contribute to delays in undergoing HPB cancer surgery during COVID-19 outbreaks. It is hoped that a better understanding of these factors will aid in designing shifts in healthcare policy during future pandemic outbreaks.