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Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in the brain is regarded as an early toxic effect in the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Currently, Aβ is considered a key marker for AD and a promising target for drug development for the future management of debilitating diseases such as AD. However, the pathomechanism of Aβ has not yet been precisely understood in terms of AD patients, specifically regarding the pathological forms of Aβ and how it associates with other biochemical markers to cause dementia. Identifying Aβ as a key hallmark, especially at the earliest stages of the disease, is essential for understanding the progression of AD and its applicability for the development of novel therapeutics aimed at managing cognitive impairment and AD. This review aims to explain the neurotoxicity of Aβ and its correlation with various other biological markers that contribute to the induction of AD and memory deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Its clinical manifestations include a progressive loss of memory and other cognitive domains, as well as brain atrophy. An elevated homocysteine level (>15 µmol/L), known as hyperhomocysteinemia, is also an attributing risk factor for AD, vascular pathologies, and brain atrophy. Neuroimaging studies including T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed white matter hyperintensities in the periventricular and deep white matter, enlarged ventricles, widened sulci, and decreased white matter mass, which are features of aging, as well as cerebrovascular changes. This case series investigated changes in biochemical marker levels including serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12, and the degree of atrophic variations in cortical-subcortical white matter in AD. The present study hypothesized that serum homocysteine levels might be used as a surrogate marker to screen for AD at an earlier stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In this work, the 4-dimethylaminopyridinium-2,4-dinitrophenolate (4DMAP + 2,4DNP) by slow evaporation solution growth method has been presented. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) (4000–400 cm−1) and FT-Raman (4000–50 cm−1) spectra were recorded for the grown crystal. Methods: The computational calculation has been carried out with density functional theory (DFT) in ground state with Gaussian program package. Optimized geometrical parameters (bond distances, bond angles, and dihedral angles) have been obtained and compared with X-ray crystallography data. The calculated fundamental vibrational frequencies from DFT/B3LYP with 6–311 + + G(d,p) level of theory were scaled so as to agree with the observed results, and the scaling factors were reported. Results: Experimental and computed ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra in acetone and methanol solvents were found comparable to each other. Furthermore, the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) energies, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), nonlinear optical (NLO), hirshfeld surface (HS), and global chemical descriptors of the molecule were also calculated. The thermal stability and the melting point of the title compound were analyzed by the thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) techniques. The mechanical behavior of the organic single crystal was measured by Vickers micro-hardness method. The third-order nonlinear optical properties such as nonlinear refractive index (n2), nonlinear absorption coefficient (β), optical nonlinear susceptibility Reχ(3), and optical nonlinear susceptibility Imχ(3) were calculated by using the open and closed aperture Z-scan technique. Conclusion: The theoretical and experimental NLO values clearly proposed that the nonlinearity of 4DMAP + 2,4DNP molecule could be helped as a potential candidate for optical limiting, frequency doubling, and optical switching applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is a versatile inorganic material due to its unique electronic, electrical, optical, and biological properties, hence widely studied for various engineering applications. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information about MoS2 for the researcher intended to start research on MoS2. The beginning of the review is focused on providing information on the methods, precursors, and conditions used for the synthesis of various MoS2 nanostructures such as nanospheres, nanotubes, nanoflakes, nanobelts, nanoflowers, nanofibers, nanoclusters, nanosheets, and nanowires. The structural features of MoS2, both in pure and with other composite forms, are discussed in detail using the XRD, Raman, PL and UV–visible spectra reported by various research groups. Further, the detailed morphological features of both pure and composite forms of MoS2 are also discussed by taking selected works of SEM and TEM images. Finally and very importantly, the review also summarises the multifunctional applications of the versatile MoS2 and its composites in lubricants, exploring its tribological properties, in lithium-ion batteries, revealing its electrical and electronic property, as a catalyst for water splitting hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reactions, endorsing its potential electrochemical property, various biomedical applications such as bio sensors, bioimaging, and very importantly in environmental applications. Graphical Abstract is Reproduced with permission from [1] [2], [3]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stethorini are specialized mite predators in the family Coccinellidae, which are small with black body and brown or yellow colored appendages. This study aimed to survey species of Stethorini associated with phytophagous mites of South India and their prey range. Results: Eight species of Stethorini, viz., Parastethorus sp. Stethorus (Allostethorus) forficatus, S. (A.) pauperculus, S. (A.) tetranychi, S. (A.) sp., S. keralicus, S. (S.) rani and S. (S.) sp., each associated with distinct species of mite were identified in this study and part of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences of seven of these species are provided. Barcode gap analysis and distance summary analysis in the BOLD system as well as phylogenetic analysis of these seven species were given. Conclusions: This study revealed the species of Stethorini in South India along with their prey range and associated plants. As all the species look similar with black body and yellow appendages, DNA barcodes generated can be used as an effective bio-identification tool for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the taste sensation contributes to evaluate the quality of nutrients, distinguishing between safe and hazardous foods, determining food preferences and food intake. Nowadays taste disorders among geriatric age group is a common health problem which may results in undernutrition and impaired the quality of life. Measurement of papillae number or density, therefore, can provide information about taste function of population. Objectives: to estimate taste scores for basic tastes (sweet, sour, salt, bitter and density of fungiform papilla by digital tongue image analysis among geriatric patients. To correlate the density of fungiform papillae with taste scores of basic tastes. Material and Method: 60 elderly individuals of either sex were included for the study, subjective assessment was done for taste perception and later a blue dye which was Food drug administration approved was used to identify the fungiform papillae. The images were taken using a 48-megapixel camera and analyzed on Adobe Photoshop for clarity of images. Results: mean and standard deviation of total score was 11.22±1.9 and mean standard deviation of fungiform papillae density was 13.3±2.01. The density of fungiform papillae was correlated with taste scores of basic tastes and strong positive correlation (r= 0.79) was seen, which was also statistically significant (p<0.001) Conclusion: identification of fungiform papillae and assessing density proved to be a noninvasive tool and this result can be adapted in a positive way by dieticians and medical practitioners for improving the food intake of the elderly and improving their health status for a better tomorrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential to assist researchers in writing research proposals, by generating hypotheses, identifying literature, and suggesting methods for data collection and analysis. However, the use of AI in research proposal writing raises important bioethical implications, including the unintentional propagation of bias and questions about the role of human expertise and judgment in the research process. This paper explores the ethical implications of using AI in research proposal writing and proposes guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI in this context. The paper will review the potential benefits and challenges associated with using AI in research proposal writing, discuss the role of human expertise and judgment, and propose guidelines for promoting transparency and accountability in developing and using AI systems. Ultimately, addressing the bioethical issues related to AI in research proposal writing will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders, as well as a commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the worst diseases in the world, hepatic carcinoma requires expensive medical care upfront. Around the world, Bryophyllum pinnatum is a plant that is used in folk medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Because of its abundance of active therapeutic compounds, the plant is employed for its major pharmacological effects. As a result, it aids in the treatment of liver cancer, and Bryophyllum pinnatum can be used in place of more expensive medications. In hepatocarcinogenesis disease, the Pi3k-Akt pathway, downstream signalling pathway, MAPK pathway, and PDGF pathway in the liver is engaged in the invasion and spread of malignant cells. Methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of the phytochemicals of Bryophyllum pinnatum were subjected to qualitative analysis, the results indicated that the yield of phytochemicals in the ethanolic extracts was higher than in the other two extracts. The bufadienolides, β-sitosterol and bryophyllin A, which possess chemotherapeutic potential, were chosen for our computational investigation to assess their ability to interact with key signalling molecules such as VEGFR2, IGFR, C-KIT, RET, Pi3K, C-Met, MEK-inhibitor, and PDGFR. UCSF Chimera X was utilised to optimise the recovered molecules and by using data from the protein databank. The interaction of bryophyllin A and β-sitosterol, of the plant with the selected signalling molecules was investigated using the molecular docking tool, CB-Dock. According to the docking analysis, Bryophillin A strongly interacted with Pi3K than the other proteins whereas β-sitosterol showed stronger interaction with C-met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, zinc sodium borate glasses containing samarium ions were fabricated using the traditional melt-quenching approach and explored using several spectroscopic and structural methods. The XRD data corroborated the host glass specimen's non-crystalline nature. Scanning electron microscopy and the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy method were utilized to study the morphological and homogenous attributes. The UV–Vis–NIR wavelengths of absorption showed a total of seventeen distinct Sm3+ ion peaks. The three transitions 4G 5/2 → 6H 9/2 , 6H 7/2 , and 6H 5/2 are evident in the PL data at wavelengths of 644, 597, and 561 nm, respectively, in the red, reddish-orange, and greenish-yellow zones. The luminescence intensity of the investigated glass specimens increases up to 0.4 mol% Sm3+ ion content thereafter reducing because of the non-radiative transfer of energy. The estimated JO intensity parameters exhibit a trend of Ω 2 >Ω 4 >Ω 6. The trend of the assessed radiative parameters also demonstrated that they are sensitive to changes in the glass network. The Futchbauer-Ladenburgh theory was used to compute the emission cross-section of various transitions utilizing the radiative parameters. The 1931 CIE chromaticity coordinates assessments corroborate the reddish-orange luminescence from the fabricated glasses. The outcomes have proven that obtained BNZSm x glasses doped with low concentrations of trivalent samarium ions are well suited for reddish-orange solid-state lighting systems. [Display omitted] • The efficacy of low-concentration Sm3+ ions on spectroscopic features of alkali zinc borate glasses has been studied. • Electronic structure and morphological features were ascertained for the studied glass specimens. • Judd-Ofelt attributes were investigated for 0.4 mol% doped ZnNaB glass. • The results revealed that the 0.4 mol% of Sm3+ doped ZnNaB glasses are beneficial for solid state lighting devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: synovial osteochondromatosis is a rare, benign condition characterised by synovial metaplasia and the formation of cartilaginous and osseocartilaginous bodies in the capsule. It is a monoarticular condition affecting men and women equally from 3rd to 5th decade of life commonly affecting knee joint. We describe a case report of synovial chondromatosis of right hip joint in a 14-year-old female patient who complained of pain while walking due to twisting of leg. On radiographic examination multiple loose bodies were seen around right hip joint along head, neck, and trochanter of femur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portal vein provides about three-fourths of liver's blood supply. Portal vein is formed behind the neck of pancreas, at the level of the second lumbar vertebra and formed from the convergence of superior mesenteric and splenic veins. The purpose of this study is to review the normal distribution and variation, morphometry of portal vein and its branches for their implication in liver surgery and preoperative portal vein embolization. It is also helpful for radiologists while performing radiological procedures. A total of fresh 40 livers with intact splenic and superior mesenteric vein were collected from the mortuary of Forensic Department, JSS Medical College and Mysuru Medical College. The silicone gel was injected into the portal vein and different segments were identified and portal vein variants were noted. The morphometry of portal vein was measured by using digital sliding calipers. The different types of portal vein segmental variants were observed. The present study showed predominant type I in 90% cases, type II 7.5% cases, and type III 2.5% cases. Mean and standard deviation (SD) of length of right portal vein among males and females were 2.096±0.602 cm and 1.706±0.297 cm, respectively. Mean and SD of length of left portal vein among males and females were 3.450±0.661 cm and 3.075±0.632 cm, respectively. The difference in the Mean among the males and females with respect to length of right portal vein and left portal vein was found to be statistically significant (P=0.010). Prior knowledge of variations regarding the formation, termination and tributaries of portal vein are very helpful and important for surgeons to perform liver surgeries like liver transplantation, segmentectomy and for Interventional Radiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive proliferative growth in the breast that serves as a non-obligate precursor to invasive ductal carcinoma. The widespread adoption of screening mammography has led to a steep increase in the detection of DCIS, which now comprises approximately 20% of new breast cancer diagnoses in the United States. Interestingly, the intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) that has been observed in invasive breast cancers may have been established early in tumorigenesis, given the vast and varied ITH that has been detected in DCIS. This review will discuss the intratumoral heterogeneity of DCIS, focusing on the phenotypic and genomic heterogeneity of tumor cells, as well as the compositional heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, we will assess the spatial heterogeneity that is now being appreciated in these lesions, and summarize new approaches to evaluate heterogeneity of tumor and stromal cells in the context of their spatial organization. Importantly, we will discuss how a growing understanding of ITH has led to a more holistic appreciation of the complex biology of DCIS, specifically its evolution and natural history. Finally, we will consider ways in which our knowledge of DCIS ITH might be translated in the future to guide clinical care for DCIS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The greater wing of sphenoid presents various foramina, of which the foramen ovale is one important foramen through which advanced surgical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures related to the middle cranial fossa are performed. Materials and Methods A total of 40 dried adult skulls of unknown gender and age, obtained from the Department of Anatomy of the JSS medical College, Mysuru, Kamakata, India. The length and the width of the foramen ovale were measured using digital sliding calipers (tiny deal 150 mm SS digital caliper with LCD display, Kristeel- Shimwa industries, Bombay, India). Results Themean length of the foramen ovale was 0.745 ± 0.31 cm on the right side (RS), and 0.68 ± 0.15 cmon the left side (LS). The mean width was 0.6 ± 0.17 cm on the RS, and 0.56 ± 0.14 cm on the LS. Conclusion The knowledge of variations in the length and breadth of the foramen ovale is of immense importance in neurosurgery during various invasive surgical procedures, such as percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy, and in the biopsy of cavernous sinus tumors and of Meckel cave lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription initiation is highly regulated in bacterial cells, allowing adaptive gene regulation in response to environment cues. One class of promoter specificity factor called sigma54 enables such adaptive gene expression through its ability to lock the RNA polymerase down into a state unable to melt out promoter DNA for transcription initiation. Promoter DNA opening then occurs through the action of specialized transcription control proteins called bacterial enhancer-binding proteins (bEBPs) that remodel the sigma54 factor within the closed promoter complexes. The remodelling of sigma54 occurs through an ATP-binding and hydrolysis reaction carried out by the bEBPs. The regulation of bEBP self-assembly into typically homomeric hexamers allows regulated gene expression since the self-assembly is required for bEBP ATPase activity and its direct engagement with the sigma54 factor during the remodelling reaction. Crystallographic studies have now established that in the closed promoter complex, the sigma54 factor occupies the bacterial RNA polymerase in ways that will physically impede promoter DNA opening and the loading of melted out promoter DNA into the DNA-binding clefts of the RNA polymerase. Large-scale structural re-organizations of sigma54 require contact of the bEBP with an amino-terminal glutamine and leucine-rich sequence of sigma54, and lead to domain movements within the core RNA polymerase necessary for making open promoter complexes and synthesizing the nascent RNA transcript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cytological study of pleural fluid is a simple, cost effective non invasive technique to detect specific pathologies in the pleural cavity. Though it has relatively low specificity and sensitivity owing to its very nature, it can be of immense help in detecting malignancies and nonneoplastic aetiologies such as infection. Aim: To evaluate pleural fluids with clinical correlation. Materials and methods: The present work was a descriptive cross sectional analytical retrospective type of study undertaken at the department of Pathology of a tertiary care rural hospital over a period of one year from January 2015 to December 2015. Pleural fluids were processed according to standard protocol and studied. They were analysed for cell count, cell features and presence of organisms (if any). Malignancies were also noted. Results: Out of a total of 338 fluid samples received in the one year, a total of 130 cases (38.46%) of pleural fluids were received. Majority of cases were females 72 (55.38%). Mean age of presentation was 51.60 years. A total of 13 cases (10.0%) were malignancies. 89 cases (68.46%) were pleural exudates and 41 (31.53%) were transudates. Conclusion: Pleural fluid comprised of one of the major specimen to be received for evaluation. Owing to its dynamic nature, the pleural cavity has a potential to be a haven to various pathologies. In our study, exudative effusions were commonly encountered, in which, tuberculosis was the prime cause. Malignancies also played an important role giving rise to effusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to use green synthesized TiO2 as a photocatalyst in suspended and immobilized form under UV light to efficiently degrade a combination of reactive dyes, namely titan yellow, methyl orange, rhodamine B, and methylene blue. TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Tamarindus indica leaf extract and were utilized to parametrically study photo-degradation at room temperature. The green synthesized NPs were characterized by Powder XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques to understand the crystalline phase/purity, morphology, and functional groups respectively. The TiO2 in suspension under UV light showed >90% degradation towards a 10 ppm composite dye at a loading of 1.5 gL−1, pH 7, and an irradiation time of 120 min. Subsequently, TiO2 was further immobilized in-situ, on inert supports of perlite granules and glass and studied for catalytic activity in batch and continuous modes. The TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on perlite granules and glass showed 59 and 48% degradation in batch operation under the same conditions as in suspended form. In continuous mode, the highest degradation activity was recorded at 2 Lh−1 after 4 passes. Further, kinetic studies reveal that the degradation reaction is best described by Langmuir Hinshelwood kinetics for both suspended and immobilized TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyst is a closed sac, having distinct envelop; they may be filled with air, fluid, semi-solid material etc. Often cyst is a self-limiting and uneventful condition; they may get resolve with some time duration. If they fail to self-limit by themselves, depending on its size and location it needs timely surgical intervention. A cerebral cyst is a lesion with fluid filled sac in the brain. It may be benign, or malignant. This may be filled with blood, pus, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), etc. Intracranial arachnoid cysts are congenital lesions of an arachnoid membrane which accounts for 1% of cases of intracranial space occupying lesions. Clinically, a brain cyst may remain silent, often it is an accidental finding on radiological investigations which are correlated in the patients with a history of vague neurological complaints. Often, headaches are a chronic complaint presented with underlying causative factors ranging from psychological stress to severe neurological deficits. The primary brain cyst that exists congenitally by birth will have no definite causality; a secondary brain cyst may exist with diversified aetiological factors including trauma. Elucidation of chronic symptoms dominated with migraine-like headache is very much essential; despite showing a good relief with a palliative treatment it will warrant clinicians to rule out cerebral cystic lesions. Such accidental findings during the dissections set as a natural cadaveric illustration, which build curiosity, and motivation among preclinical student learning from the point of integration of basic subjects. One such case of the cerebral cyst was found during the dissection in the Department of Anatomy, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. The present case is of a 70-year-old male cadaver diagnosed with the arachnoid cerebral cyst along with other varieties of cystic brain swellings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription by RNA polymerase (RNAP) in bacteria requires specific promoter recognition by σ factors. The major variant σ factor (σ54) initially forms a transcriptionally silent complex requiring specialized adenosine triphosphate-dependent activators for initiation. Our crystal structure of the 450-kilodalton RNAP-σ54 holoenzyme at 3.8 angstroms reveals molecular details of s54 and its interactions with RNAP. The structure explains how σ54 targets different regions in RNAP to exert its inhibitory function. Although σ54 and the major σ factor, σ70, have similar functional domains and contact similar regions of RNAP, unanticipated differences are observed in their domain arrangement and interactions with RNAP, explaining their distinct properties. Furthermore, we observe evolutionarily conserved regulatory hotspots in RNAPs that can be targeted by a diverse range of mechanisms to fine tune transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While most breast cancers are thought to arise from the luminal layer of the breast tissue, it remains unclear which specific cells in the luminal layer are the cells of origin of breast cancer. We have previously reported that WAP-positive luminal epithelial cells are at increased susceptibility to tumor initiation by ErbB2 compared to the bulk population, while the mammary cells with canonical Wnt signaling activity fail to evolve into tumors upon ErbB2 activation. Here, we used retrovirus to introduce ErbB2 into the Krt6a-positive mammary progenitor subset of the luminal epithelium and, for comparison, into the mammary luminal epithelium indiscriminately. Tumors developed from both groups of cells with a similar latency. These data indicate that the Krt6a-positive subset of mammary epithelial cells can be induced to form cancer by ErbB2 but it is not more susceptible to tumorigenesis initiated by ErbB2 than the bulk population of the luminal epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order for growth cones to turn, microtubules from the central domain must preferentially invade the peripheral domain in the direction of the turn. Recent studies suggest that kinesin-5 (also called Eg5 or kif11) suppresses the invasion of microtubules into the peripheral domain on the side of the growth cone opposite the direction of turning. In theory, kinesin-5 could elicit these effects by acting on the microtubules within the peripheral domain itself, by acting on microtubules in the central domain, or in the transition zone between these two domains. In rat neurons expressing kinesin-5, we documented the presence of kinesin-5 in both domains of the growth cone and especially enriched in the transition zone. We then focally inactivated kinesin-5 in various regions of the growth cone, using micro-chromophore-assisted laser inactivation. We found that a greater invasion of microtubules into the peripheral domain occurred when kinesin-5 was inactivated specifically in the transition zone. However, there was no effect on microtubule invasion into the peripheral domain when kinesin-5 was inactivated in the peripheral domain itself or in the central domain. In other experiments, frog growth cones were observed to turn toward a gradient of a drug that inhibits kinesin-5, confirming that asymmetric inactivation of kinesin-5 can cause the growth cone to turn. Finally, expression of a phospho-mutant of kinesin-5 resulted in greater microtubule invasion throughout the peripheral domain and an inhibition of growth cone turning, implicating phosphorylation as a means by which kinesin-5 is regulated in the growth cone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinesin-12 (also called Kif15) is a mitotic motor protein that continues to be expressed in developing neurons. Depletion of kinesin-12 causes axons to grow faster, more than doubles the frequency of microtubule transport in both directions in the axon, prevents growth cones from turning properly, and enhances the invasion of microtubules into filopodia. These results are remarkably similar to those obtained in previous studies in which neurons were depleted of kinesin-5 (also called Eg5 or Kif11), another mitotic motor protein that continues to be expressed in developing neurons. However, there are also notable differences in the phenotypes obtained with depleting each of these motors. Depleting kinesin-12 decreases axonal branching and growth cone size, whereas inhibiting kinesin-5 increases these parameters. In addition, depleting kinesin-12 diminishes the appearance of growth-cone-like waves along the length of the axon, an effect not observed with depletion of kinesin-5. Finally, depletion of kinesin-12 abolishes the "waggling" behavior of microtubules that occurs as they assemble along actin bundles within filopodia, whereas inhibition of kinesin-5 does not. Interestingly, and perhaps relevant to these differences in phenotype, in biochemical studies, kinesin-12 coimmunoprecipitates with actin but kinesin-5 does not. Collectively, these findings support a scenario whereby kinesin-12 shares functions with kinesin-5 related to microtubule-microtubule interactions, but kinesin-12 has other functions not shared by kinesin-5 that are related to the ability of kinesin-12 to interact with actin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Inhibition of kinesin-5, a mitotic motor protein also expressed in neurons , causes axons to grow faster as a result of alterations in the forces on microtubules (MTs) in the axonal shaft . Here, we investigate whether kinesin-5 plays a role in growth-cone guidance. Growth-cone turning requires that MTs in the central (C-) domain enter the peripheral (P-) domain in the direction of the turn. We found that inhibition of kinesin-5 in cultured neurons prevents MTs from polarizing within growth cones and causes them to grow past cues that would normally cause them to turn. We found that kinesin-5 is enriched in the transition (T-) zone of the growth cone and that kinesin-5 is preferentially phosphorylated on the side opposite the invasion of MTs. Moreover, when a growth cone encounters a turning cue, phospho-kinesin-5 polarizes even before the growth cone turns. Additional studies indicate that kinesin-5 works in part by antagonizing cytoplasmic dynein and that these motor-driven forces function together with the dynamic properties of the MTs to determine whether MTs can enter the P-domain. We propose that kinesin-5 permits MTs to selectively invade one side of the growth cone by opposing their entry into the other side. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. The Achilles tendon is one of the most frequently ruptured tendons in the human body. Surgical management commonly includes end to end repairs in acute tears, and chronic ruptures require autologous tendon transfer with Flexor hallucis longus or Flexor digitorum longus. Methods. A longitudinal observational study was done on 22 confirmed cases of chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Two incision technique of FHL tendon transfer with no exposure/debridement of the Tendoachilles was incorporated and functional outcome with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score, modified RUPP and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture (ATRS) scores both pre- and post-operatively were evaluated. Wound healing time and complications, heel-floor distance, calf circumference, hallux function and morbidity, graft characteristics and anatomic variation of master Knot of Henry were evaluated. Patients were followed up and assessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-operatively. Results. The mean length of the FHL graft obtained from 2 incision technique was 8.09 cm. There was significant improvement in the Heel Rise Height Index from 7 to 63% (p < 0.0001), mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score from 43.9 to 89.6 (p < 0.001), mean ATRS Score from 19.6 to 79 (p < 0.0001) and mean Hallux MTP-IP scores to 96.3 (p < 0.0001) at 6th month follow up was found. 13 (59%) had "Excellent" modified RUPP scores. 20 (90.9%) had Type I variation while 2 (9.1%) had Type II variation in MKH. Mean length of the graft obtained was 8.09cm. Mean wound healing time was about 13 days and only one had wound complication. Conclusions. FHL tendon transfer has advantages of requiring minimal dissection, being stronger than FDL and PB and it is an in-phase transfer with the same axis of contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The internal carotid artery supplies the anterior part of the brain, the eye and its appendages and sends branches to the forehead and nose.Carotid canal is a curved channel in the petrous temporal bone through which internal carotid artery enters the skull. Aim: In the present study 20 skulls of unknown sex were considered. The morphometric study of carotid canal was studied by direct bone method and by silicone cast method. The present study aimed to show the differences of measurements by two methods and the silicon cast method is of its kind to measure the length of the carotid canal. Materials and Methods: Carotid canal were measured at three different levels by both methods. Length of carotid canal to bend, diameter at the bend, length from the bend to foramen lacerum. The data was analysed for all the measurements of two methods and comparison of mean and SD at three different levels was done.Significant difference between two methods at three different levels was observed. Independent sample t-test was applied for total length of carotid canal. Results: By observation there is a mean significant difference between two methods in the measurements of carotid canal from lower opening till the angulation on left side of the skull. The study showed that there is a bilateral significant difference in measurements of diameter between two methods. There was no significant difference observed in total length of the canal in both left and right sides. Conclusion: Morphometrical details of the canal are of great significance to neurosurgeons and otologists. Silicon cast method was cost effective and much easier method to study the length and measurements of carotid canal as it exactly depicts the curvature of carotid canal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The divergence of the maxilla from the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone forms the pterygomaxillary fissure, which lies in the medial part of the infratemporal fossa. It transmits the posterior superior alveolar nerve and the terminal segment of the internal maxillary artery and connects the infratemporal fossa with the pterygopalatine fossa. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the height, width and distance of the pterygomaxillary fissure from the zygomatic bone, articular tubercle, and zygomatico-temporal suture. Forty dry human skulls were examined by the Department of Anatomy. Using a digital caliper, the right and left sides of the skulls of both sexes were measured for height, width, and distance from the upper end of the pterygomaxillary fissure to the articular tubercle of the zygomatic arch (AB), zygomaticotemporal suture (AC), and zygomatic body (AD). The average height of the pterygomaxillary fissure was 22.68 mm in males & 22.34 mm in females, the width was 7.33 mm in males & 7.22 mm in females, distance from the articular tubercle (AB) was 33.37 mm in males & 31.79 mm in female, zygomatic temporal suture (AC) was 36.91 mm in male & 34.89 mm in female, zygomatic bone (AD) was 29.88 mm in male &28.44 mm in female. There is no statistically significant difference between the right and left sides of the skulls of both genders. Because fissures smaller than 2 mm may prevent neurostimulator implants from being inserted into the pterygopalatine fossa, this study attempted to determine the location of the pterygomaxillary fissure using the three anatomical markers. Therefore, caution should be exercised when performing maxillofacial procedures on female patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spilanthes acmella, which is commonly known as the toothache plant, has been used as ayurvedic medicine in dentistry for a long time. It is found to have anti-microbial, analgesic, and local anesthetic action. This medicinal plant has been studied for its local anesthetic applications in humans and animals. In this review paper, we have discussed the merits, limitations, safety, and potential future applications of using S. acmella as a local anesthetic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the Gastrocnemius-soleus complex (triceps surae), traverses both the ankle and the knee joint and consolidates as achilles tendon, which is the largest, strongest tendon and one of the most common tendons to get ruptured and it is innervated by tibial nerve. Patients having Tendoachilles rupture have chronic ankle pain and are unable to walk pain free. They lose the ability to stand on their toes on the affected side, although standing on both toes may be possible with unilateral cases. Patients will not be able to run as they do not get enough strong push-off by dorsiflexion of the ankle. The management of the ruptured tendon is a challenging job. The management of chronic Tendoachilles ruptures is usually different from that of end-to-end suturing done for acute ruptures, as tendons and ends in chronic tears are retracted, undergo degenerative calcification and are atrophy with short and fibrous distal stumps. Here in this article we have reviewed the tendoachillis rupture and its surgical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hyperperformer for the production of verbenol was produced from the fusion of two improved strains of Aspergillus niger. A 2-deoxy glucose de-repressed mutant [high sporulation (50%), viability (80%) showing a conversion of 15.6% of initial α-pinene to verbenol in 6 h under the conditions used] was fused with another strain enriched with α-pinene (26.4% of α pinene converted to verbenol) to obtain a final verbenol conversion yield of 48.6% of initial α pinene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke in pregnancy is rare but is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Pregnancy, as a prothrombotic state, acts as a precursor for stroke. Preeclampsia, eclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, hypertension, diabetes, and many other factors predispose to the development of stroke. Endothelial cell injury leading to arteriosclerosis, causing a stroke, has been associated with raised homocysteine levels. Hereby, the authors present a case of a 26-year-old Gravida 3 Pregnancy 1 Live 1 Abortion 1 (G3P1L1A1) at 35 weeks gestation with a cephalic presentation who complained of a headache for two days, sudden onset of weakness in the right upper limb and lower limb with an inability to walk without support and inability to speak since 12 hours, associated with one episode of vomiting. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain showed acute infarcts in the left fronto-parietal lobes and capsule region with haemorrhagic transformation in the left frontal lobe. Serum vitamin B12 measured by Electroluminescence Assay (ECLA) was found to be low at 113pg/mL (normal range -191-771pg/mL). Serum homocysteine levels measured by enzymatic method were elevated at 46 umol/L (normal range 3-18 umol/L). A diagnosis at 34 weeks of pregnancy with acute cerebrovascular accident with right hemiparesis with Broca's aphasia due to hyperhomocysteinaemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency was made. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are known to decrease morbidity in women with cerebrovascular accidents. MRI brain with venogram is known to be the gold standard procedure in diagnosing stroke. Thrombolytic therapy has proven beneficial in the treatment of the disease and in preventing its progression. Prenatal and natal supplementation with folic acid/vitamin B12 in the first trimester of pregnancy prevents Vitamin B12 deficiency and raised homocysteine levels in the maternal serum, thereby decreasing the incidence of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF, also called Shulman syndrome) is a rare connective tissue disorder with poorly understood pathogenesis and unknown etiology. EF is characterized initially by limb or trunk erythema and edema and later by collagenous thickening of the subcutaneous fascia. Here, we present the case of a 16-year-old boy who presented with typical clinical features of EF with a history of typical trigger factor – preceding strenuous physical activity and had a rarer atypical association of hypercalcemia and raised angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinases are key regulators controlling a wide range of cellular events. The yeast Tel1 and Mec1-Ddc2 complex (ATM and ATR-ATRIP in humans) play pivotal roles in DNA replication, DNA damage signaling, and repair. Here, we present the first structural insight for dimers of Mec1-Ddc2 and Tel1 using single-particle electron microscopy. Both kinases reveal a head to head dimer with one major dimeric interface through the N-terminalHEAT (named after Huntingtin, elongation factor 3, protein phosphatase 2A, and yeast kinase TOR1) repeat. Their dimeric interface is significantly distinct from the interface of mTOR complex 1 dimer, which oligomerizes through two spatially separate interfaces. We also observe different structural organizations of kinase domains of Mec1 and Tel1. The kinase domains in the Mec1-Ddc2 dimer are located in close proximity to each other. However, in the Tel1 dimer they are fully separated, providing potential access of substrates to this kinase, even in its dimeric form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EBUS-TBNA successfully diagnosed sarcoidosis in 36/38 (95%) patients and TB in 60/64 (94%) patients. Other studies from TB-endemic countries describing the use of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis report sensitivity for culture-positive diagnosis to be from 38% to 46% and for a composite microbiological and clinicopathological diagnosis to be from 69% to 86%.[[4]],[[7]],[[8]],[[9]] Sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA in diagnosing TB in the current study was consistent with that of a larger multicenter cohort of patients. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for the diagnosis of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy in patients with extrathoracic malignancy: A multicenter study. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The study was carried out to immobilise the acidic lipase derived from Pseudomonas gessardii onto mesoporous activated carbon (MAC400) for the application of hydrolysis of olive oil. MAC400 was prepared from rice husk by the two stages process. P. gessardii was isolated from the beef tallow acclimatised soil. The acidic lipase (ALIP) was produced from a slaughterhouse waste, namely beef tallow as a substrate and immobilised onto MAC400. The maximum immobilisation capacity of the MAC400 was 3570U/g at optimum immobilisation conditions; time (180min), pH (5.0) and temperature (30°C). The immobilised lipase had better thermal stability and reusability than the free lipase. The immobilisation of ALIP onto MAC400 (MAC400–ALIP) followed pseudo-first-order rate kinetics with rate constant 0.012/min. The Michaelis–Menten constant of MAC400–ALIP was lower than that of the ALIP, which confirmed the higher affinity between enzyme and substrate. The immobilization of acidic lipase onto MAC400 was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis. Reusability study of MAC400–ALIP on olive oil hydrolysis showed 82% of hydrolysis up to 13 runs and 50% of hydrolysis up to 35 cycles of reuse. This work concludes that the acidic lipase immobilised mesoporous activated carbon matrix can be considered as a potential biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of olive oil. Thus, the enzyme immobilised matrix has potential industrial applications.” [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• We implemented a complex epilepsy clinic based on an implementation science framework. • Throughout the pandemic, robust clinic efficiency was maintained. • 51.3% of patients were deemed eligible for epilepsy surgery evaluation. • Excellent adherence was noted in most epilepsy quality measures. To describe the rapid conceptualization and implementation of an interdisciplinary epilepsy clinic for children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) during the COVID 19 pandemic. Focusing on care design and care coordination for children with DRE, multiple stakeholder groups decided to implement a clinic after the systematic rating of constructs present in a theoretical meta-analytic framework. Based on the projected success, the new interdisciplinary clinic (composed of an epileptologist, a neurosurgeon, and a neuropsychologist and coordinated by a full-time nurse) was established. Clinic operations were further refined through discussions with patients, families, and care providers. We collected data retrospectively (August 2020 to June 2021) to determine referral patterns, clinic scheduling metrics, patient characteristics, clinical recommendations, and epilepsy quality metrics. Of the 32 Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs assessed, 24 were positively rated to predict a high probability of successful implementation of the clinic. For approximately 100 patient visits, appearance and usage rates were >75%, yielding a clinic utilization rate of approximately 60%. Among 76 unique patients (average age of 12 years, 60% focal epilepsy), 39 patients (51.3%) were deemed eligible for epilepsy surgery evaluation. The majority of the patients (53.9%) were advised for additional diagnostic testing, and 31.6% of patients were scheduled for vagus nerve stimulation. More patients (33%) had changes in their existing anti-seizure medication (ASM) regimen rather than an addition of a new ASM (7.9%). Standardized epilepsy quality measures showed >80% to 90% adherence in 3 (reproductive counseling, depression and anxiety screening, documentation of seizure frequency) out of 4 metrics. This is the first study to show that an interdisciplinary clinic can be a valuable attribute of care models in high-need children with DRE by enabling comprehensive one-stop service for diagnostic evaluation, surgical consideration, and brief assessment of psychiatric comorbidities without compromising consensus-based best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the uniqueness of human being physical and genetical characteristics helps in identification of individual. There are various methods and techniques, but the anthropometry is internationally recognized best systematic measuring method to determine age, sex, stature and race. The stature or height is estimated using dimension of various body parts using regression equation. Here in the present study the length of Ulna bone is selected for estimation of stature as it is easily and quickly measureable even in any compromised conditions. Objectives: the objective of this study to derive regression equation for estimation of stature from the length of ulna in female tribal group of Udaipur region, Rajasthan. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 255 female of age group 20-40 years, who belongs to tribes of schedule caste community. Spreading caliper and stadiometer was used for the measurement of ulna length and for stature respectively. Results: the mean age of studied females was 31.32 years with standard deviation of 6.58 years. The mean height of tribal females was 152.52 cms, the mean length of right ulna was 24.14 cms. and left ulna was 24.35 cms. The study showed that length of left ulna was slightly higher compared to length of right Ulna. The positive correlation between mean length of right ulna and left ulna with mean height of female population was observed with correlation coefficient of 0.50, and 0.53 respectively. Conclusion: the relation between length of right and left ulna with stature of female belongs to schedule tribe community found positive. The difference between actual height and estimated height was very small. Hence this study has forensic and anthropometric implications in estimation of stature of an individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of cubic ferrites for chromium removal is ongoing. Ferrites offer a promising avenue for chromium removal because of their unique properties, high surface area, magnetic recoverability, and potential for surface modifications to enhance adsorption capacities. Herein, the work highlights the synthesis of carbonaceous nickel ferrite (NiFe 2 O 4 /C) through an inert ambient pyrolysis process, where metal acetylacetonates are used as the sources of metal ions and carbon. The synthesized NiFe 2 O 4 /C was successfully characterized for its structure and morphology using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The study confirmed that, the size of nanostructure was of ∼29 nm, with a surface area of 56.925 m2/g, pore volume of 0.085 cc/g with type IV hysteresis loop. The regular spherical shape was observed through FESEM, and a carbon coating was evident and confirmed from TEM. Synthesized NiFe 2 O 4 /C was efficiently used for the Cr (VI) removal, it was found that at an equilibrium time of 60 min, nearly 85% of the chromium was removed using 0.01 g of adsorbent at native pH and efficiency was further improved by lowering the pH. The investigation further examined the isotherm and kinetics models. The material was regenerated for 5 cycles with a removal percentage of 57%. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the fundamental studies on the influence of anions, NO 3 − and SO 4 2−, on the formation of nanostructured α-Fe 2 O 3 and α-FeOOH has been reported. Interestingly, the nitrate (NO 3 −) endows the formation of α-Fe 2 O 3 while sulphate (SO 4 2−) endows the formation of α-FeOOH. Thus, the prepared α-Fe 2 O 3 and α-FeOOH were systematically characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The SEM image reveals α-Fe 2 O 3 and α-FeOOH were composed of microspheres and nanorods respectively. Further, the prepared α-Fe 2 O 3 microspheres and α-FeOOH nanorods were used as potential electrocatalyst to catalyse oxygen evolution reaction (OER) where α-FeOOH nanorods were recognized as best OER catalyst with low overpotential of 333 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and stability over 20 h. Image 1 • α-Fe 2 O 3 and α-FeOOH were successfully prepared using inorganic ions. • Nitrate and Sulphate endows the formation of α--Fe 2 O 3 and α-FeOOH respectively. • α-FeOOH showed higher electrochemically active surface area and reduced charge transfer resistance. • α-FeOOH showed excellent OER activity under alkaline condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]