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Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the number one cause of adult deaths by a curable infectious disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli (MTB) is the most common causative organism isolated from mycobacterial lymphadenitis. Accurate and speedy diagnosis is required, especially in paucibacillary extrapulmonary TB. In this study, we compared the efficacy of CBNAAT with line probe assay and liquid culture in the evaluation of tubercular lymph node abscesses. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based observational cross-sectional study conducted at Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, TS, in patients who presented with lymph node abscesses over a period of 18 months after obtaining clearance from the ethics committee and obtaining informed consent. Each sample was evaluated and analyzed in association with the clinical findings, AFB staining, CBNAAT, LPA, and AFB culture, and the results were compared. Results: Fifty patients with TB lymph node abscess diagnosed through FNAC were included in the present study. AFB smear was positive in 29 samples, CBNAAT was positive in 43 samples, LPA was positive in 44 samples, and liquid culture was positive in 39 samples. CBNAAT could detect TB in 16 smear-negative cases, 10 liquid culture-negative cases, and one LPA-negative case. In our study, CBNAAT was more effective in diagnosing TB lymph node abscess than AFB smear. No significant results were obtained when comparing CBNAAT with LPA and liquid culture. Conclusion: This study demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF test in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis, with a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 83.33%, negative predictive value of 95.56%, and positive predictive value of 58.82%. Thus, it can be a rule in testing for lymph node TB. These efforts will contribute to the attainment of the TB elimination goal.

The huge volume of data produced by IoT procedures needs the processing power and space for storage provided by cloud, edge, and fog computing systems. Each of these ways of computing has benefits as well as drawbacks. Cloud computing improves the storage of information and computational capability while increasing connection delay. Edge computing and fog computing offer similar advantages with decreased latency, but they have restricted storage, capacity, and coverage. Initially, optimization has been employed to overcome the issue of traffic dumping. Conversely, conventional optimization cannot keep up with the tight latency requirements of decision-making in complex systems ranging from milliseconds to sub-seconds. As a result, ML algorithms, particularly reinforcement learning, are gaining popularity since they can swiftly handle offloading issues in dynamic situations involving certain unidentified data. We conduct an analysis of the literature to examine the different techniques utilized to tackle this latency-aware intelligent task offloading issue schemes for cloud, edge, and fog computing. The lessons acquired consequently, from these surveys are then presented in this report. Lastly, we identify some additional avenues for study and problems that must be overcome in order to attain the lowest latency in the task offloading system.

Introduction: Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease mediated by T-lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Langerhans cells are a unique population of dendritic cells found in the epidermis, where they can be identified by Cluster of Differentiation 1a (CD1a) positivity. They play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Aim: To evaluate the utility of immunoexpression of CD1a in the early diagnosis of psoriasis and to study the histopathology of skin biopsies from clinically diagnosed cases of psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to August 2019 at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad, Telangana, India. Skin biopsies were taken from 50 patients with psoriasis from the Outpatient Department (OPD). Histopathological features in early psoriasis were studied, and CD1a immunoexpression in lesional, perilesional, and distant skin was analysed. The data were analysed using Student’s t-test with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Half of the cases were found in two age groups: 51-60 years (15 patients, 30%) and 11-20 years (10 patients, 20%). The majority of the cases were males (36 patients, 72%). Most of the biopsies were taken from the lower limb (24 patients, 48%), followed by the back (13 patients, 26%). In this study, the average number of CD1a positive Langerhans cells was highest (54.92±5.26) in perilesional skin compared to lesional skin (30±3.96), which was statistically significant (p-value=0.04). Conclusion: Based on the observations in this study, a strong positive reaction of CD1a in perilesional skin can be used to diagnose psoriasis in the early clinical stages, before full-blown clinical psoriatic plaques have appeared. Early diagnosis may prompt physicians to initiate treatment early.

Background and Objectives: Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) is a complex, episodic and heterogeneous condition leading to impairment of Quality of life (Qol). The current study was undertaken with the aim to assess the Quality of Life of patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder, compare it with general population and to examine the correlation of socio-demographic and clinical variables with the Quality of Life. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional case-control study. Hundred consecutive patients diagnosed to have BPAD as per ICD-10 currently euthymic who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and gave informed consent were included for the study. Fifty healthy controls were selected from the general population after clinical interview. Subjects were administered YMRS and HAM-D followed by assessment of QoL using WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life –Brief version). The data was analysed using SPSS package version 15.0. Results: Comparison of the four domain scores of WHOQOL-BREF showed that BPAD patients Qol was significantly impaired than the healthy controls (Physical health, p

Cerebral hydatid disease is very rare, representing only 2% of all cerebral space occupying lesions even in the countries where the disease is endemic. Echinococcal cysts are usually found in the liver and lungs, but can affect any part of the body. Differential diagnosis of hydatid disease should be considered for every cystic mass in any anatomical location, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. Hydatid disease has a worldwide distribution and causes health problems in endemic countries. Here, we are presenting a case of cerebral hydatid cyst in a 7-year-old female child. The main aim of this case is to highlight the rarity of this location and that hydatid cysts must be considered as differential diagnosis in patients with cystic lesions of brain, especially in endemic areas.

Tuberculosis of parotid lymph nodes is a rare condition. Although uncommon, it must be included in differential diagnosis of a discrete parotid gland swelling or mass. Early recognition of the disease entity and awareness of its potential existence can spare the patient unnecessary surgical intervention. A 13-year-old female patient presented with a painless swelling in left preauricular region. Ultrasonographic examination showed presence of calcified lymph nodes with central necrosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed epitheloid cells, foci of calcification and areas of caseation necrosis suggestive of tuberculosis- Standard antituberculous regimen was planned for 6 months with rifampicin, ethambutol, isoniazid and pyrazinamide. Patient discontinued the antituberculous regimen after free of clinical symptoms at the end of the 5th month. Recurrence of the tuberculosis was seen 2 weeks after the discontinuation of the treatment. Completed retreatment for 8 months and follow-up shown patient free of tuberculosis.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an infection of skin caused by Poxvirus and usually affects any part of the body as pearly pink umbilicated lesion. Immunocompromised patients are more easily prone for this viral infection. Here, we present four cases of MC affecting various locations in the body.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the number one cause of adult deaths by a curable infectious disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli (MTB) is the most common causative organism isolated from mycobacterial lymphadenitis. Accurate and speedy diagnosis is required, especially in paucibacillary extrapulmonary TB. In this study, we compared the efficacy of CBNAAT with line probe assay and liquid culture in the evaluation of tubercular lymph node abscesses. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital‑based observational cross‑sectional study conducted at Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, TS, in patients who presented with lymph node abscesses over a period of 18 months after obtaining clearance from the ethics committee and obtaining informed consent. Each sample was evaluated and analyzed in association with the clinical findings, AFB staining, CBNAAT, LPA, and AFB culture, and the results were compared. Results: Fifty patients with TB lymph node abscess diagnosed through FNAC were included in the present study. AFB smear was positive in 29 samples, CBNAAT was positive in 43 samples, LPA was positive in 44 samples, and liquid culture was positive in 39 samples. CBNAAT could detect TB in 16 smear‑negative cases, 10 liquid culture‑negative cases, and one LPA‑negative case. In our study, CBNAAT was more effective in diagnosing TB lymph node abscess than AFB smear. No significant results were obtained when comparing CBNAAT with LPA and liquid culture. Conclusion: This study demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF test in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis, with a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 83.33%, negative predictive value of 95.56%, and positive predictive value of 58.82%. Thus, it can be a rule in testing for lymph node TB. These efforts will contribute to the attainment of the TB elimination goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natural products emerged as potential lead molecules in the drug discovery paradigm. During COVID-19 pandemic, researchers explored several natural agents with antiviral activity. The objective of the present study is to predict inhibitors of important COVID-19 targets from a set of potential candidates belonging to natural origin using molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Materials and Methods: Important target, main protease (Mpro) (PDB ID: 6M03) was selected for this purpose. Twenty natural agents were selected for molecular docking (Auto Dock vina 4.2). Molecular dynamic studies were performed using GROMACS. Results and Discussion: Among the selected natural products, tetrandrine, an isoquinoline alkaloid (-8.9 kcal/mol), and etoposide, a podophyllotoxin (-8.4kcal/mol) showed excellent binding affinity compared to remdesivir (-7.1kcal/mol) with Mpro. Further, the stability of the complex formed between Mpro and tetrandrine was confirmed in molecular dynamic studies at 100ns. Conclusion: The present in silico investigation could lead to the development of tetrandrine as a potent COVID-19 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. COVID-19 is an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which may be associated with a wide range of bacterial and fungal co-infections. Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection occurring in post COVID-19 patients. Objectives. To study the role of histopathology in mucormycosis and the predisposing factors associated in development of mucormycosis in post COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods. A prospective observational study was conducted in our hospital in the pathology department over a period of 3 months on 200 patients with mucormycosis who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Results. Out of the 200 patients with mucormycosis studied in post COVID-19 patients, age ranged from 21–80 years, of which 132 were men and 68 were women. Sites involved by mucormycosis were sinuses, orbit, cranium, and cutaneous. Ethmoid sinus was most involved, followed by maxillary sinus. Diabetes was present in 162 patients and hypertension in 92 patients. On histopathological examination, fungal load was severe in 49 patients, angioinvasion was present in 48 patients, perineural invasion was present in 32 patients, and necrosis was present in 121 patients. The number of patients discharged after surgery was 169, whereas 31 died. Conclusion. Histopathological features of mucormycosis like angioinvasion, perineural invasion, severe fungal load, and large areas of necrosis were directly proportional to the mortality rate. Thus, histopathologists can help in assessing prognosis at the time of tissue diagnosis, so that clinicians can optimize treatment accordingly. Diabetes and history of corticosteroid intake for treatment of COVID-19 were the two commonest predisposing factors for development of mucormycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-substituted-1-phenyl-5,6-dimethyl-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo [4,3-d]pyrimidine has been synthesized by 1-phenyl-5-amino-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carbox-amide derivatives as novel series were reacted with ester ethylacetate and aromtised as the pyrimidine ring the carbonyl functional group of the molecules were further halogenated by chlorination with phosphorous oxy chloride and yielded 1-phenyl-4-chloro-5,6-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine: which further aminated with alkyl and aromatic amines are substituted chlorines. Compounds prepared were diluted to a concentration 50µL and other dilutions were prepared in 96well plates in triplicate and final volume made up to 100µL using DMSO solvent. 50-100µL of tris-base solution with pH10.5 were added to all wells and shaked in an equipment for shaking called orbital shaker and incubated for a duration of 10 min to stabilise the dye bounded to a protein. Absorbance has been measured at 510nm at a micro plate to obtain observations. Cell % growth = Absorbance sample/Absorbance negative control X 100 % Growth inhibition = 100 - % Cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine are found most active molecules are synthesized by propanedinitrile, diethoxymethoxyethane and acetic anhydride and boiled at 180 degrees & yielded good products Ethoxy methylidene propanedinitrile which was then boiled and reacted with phenyl hydrazine and yielded 5-amino-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile and good percentile which then reacted with concentrated sulphuric acid and yielded 5-amino-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide and cyclysed with ester methyl chloro acetate and polymerised the pyrimidine ring the keto functional group on the molecules further chlorinated with phosphorous oxy chloride and yielded with good results 6-(chloromethyl)-1-phenyl-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[3,4 -d]pyrimidin-4-one which further reacted with amines are substituted chlorines with amines groups. The antioxidant activity of the molecules was determined by free radical scavenging assay by in vitro method called DPPH assay. All the compounds (A1-A10) were found active in SOD assay procedure. In vivo anti oxidant activity evaluation of antioxidant activity using azathioprine induced oxidative stress in rats, superoxide dismutase: Superoxide dismutase is class of enzyme that catalyze the dismutation of superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. It is an important antioxidant defence in nearly all cells exposed to oxygen. Superoxide dismutase activity was estimated in tissue homogenate with help of pure bovine superoxide dismutase standard and compounds A1was highly effective with anti oxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterocyclic chemistry is an excellent origin of medicinal chemistry, where a wide range of molecules with a potent biological activity was identified. Most of these molecules have complex structures with heteroatoms that pose a high affinity or inhibition towards the human protein, most likely for the biological activity towards many diseases. Pyrazole is an outstanding pharmacophore with a wide range of pharmacological representations. In the current study, a library of pyrazole molecules were developed and structurally confirmed by various spectral techniques, including chromatographic analysis. These molecules are also digitally screened for estimation of the biological potency by virtual screening. Molecular docking is a helpful tool to predict probable biological activity towards human biological systems. The ADMET prediction tool is used to estimate protein adsorption/activity. Distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity were predicted between ligand and human cell lines called cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). A human variant 1G1I is obtained from protein bank ref sources is developed here. These molecules are also estimated for their anticancer and Antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescence is a distinct phase of complex developmental and psychological needs. UNICEF states that suicide is the second leading cause of death in this age group of young girls. A myriad of social, economic and health factors undermine the ability of the adolescents to lead full and productive lives. There is a need to study these factors as they are bound to health-related outcomes. Objective: To assess the psycho-social health of adolescent girls (15-19 years) living in a rural area using WHO HEEADSSS questionnaire and to compare their psychosocial risk profiles and demographic profiles to identify important risk factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2017 on a convenient sample of 180 adolescent girls of 15-19 years residing in the rural field practice area of NRI Medical College, Guntur. The WHO's HEEADSSS (Home and Environment, Education and Employment, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide & Depression and Safety) questionnaire was used to assess the psychosocial risk profile of the subjects. The findings were subjected to multiple regression and chi-square test at 5% level of significance. Results and Discussion: Only 6.11% of the girls had scores within the normal range. 10% were at severe risk and 1.11% were in the very severe risk category. The following factors accounted for 75% of the psychosocial risk: Age, Marital Status, Occupation, Positive History of Smoking or Alcohol intake in Family, Having Sleep Problems, Thoughts of inflicting self-hurt and Thoughts of inflicting physical hurt on others. Conclusion: HEEADSSS questionnaire is a useful tool to assess the psycho-social health of adolescent girls. Most girls didn't have adequate knowledge regarding family panning methods or STDs. Qualitative methods would give further insight into these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral hydatid disease is very rare, representing only 2% of all cerebral space occupying lesions even in the countries where the disease is endemic. Echinococcal cysts are usually found in the liver and lungs, but can affect any part of the body. Differential diagnosis of hydatid disease should be considered for every cystic mass in any anatomical location, especially in areas where the disease is endemic. Hydatid disease has a worldwide distribution and causes health problems in endemic countries. Here, we are presenting a case of cerebral hydatid cyst in a 7-year-old female child. The main aim of this case is to highlight the rarity of this location and that hydatid cysts must be considered as differential diagnosis in patients with cystic lesions of brain, especially in endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biohydrogen (H 2 ) is an efficient form of renewable energy generated from various biological organisms. Specifically, primitive plants such as algae which are photosynthetic organisms can produce several commercial products, including biofuels due to their simple form, short life span, efficient photosynthetic capacity, and ability to grow in non-potable water sources. But these algae are often neglected and considered waste. Several studies have revealed the importance and role of algal species in generating biofuels, especially biohydrogen. Considerable research has been conducted in order to understand hydrogen production from algal sources. This review emphasizes the photolysis of water-based hydrogen production in algae apart from the metabolites fermentation process. The influence of physico-chemical factors, including oxygen scavengers, nanoparticles, and hydrogenases, was highlighted in this review to enhance H 2 production from algal species. Also, several algal species used for hydrogen production are summarized in detail. Overall, this review intends to summarize the developments in hydrogen production from algal species keeping in view of excellent prospects. This knowledge certainly would provide a good opportunity for the industrial production of hydrogen using algal species, which is one of the most concerned areas in the energy sector.

A versatile shape-controlled carbon nanomaterial that can efficiently catalyze the selective C-N coupling reactions under metal-free and open-air conditions was developed by applying N-doping and KOH activation strategies in candle soot (ANCS). The TEM and elemental mapping results showed the formation of sphere-shaped carbon particles as well as the uniform distribution of nitrogen species in the carbon framework. KOH activation enhanced the specific surface area of carbon, whereas N-doping enriched the electron-deficient nature by introducing functional N-based pyrrolic/graphitic structures in the carbon framework. The synergistic effect of N-doping and KOH activation significantly improved the catalytic efficiency of the carbon catalyst (ANCS), giving a 96% conversion of o -phenylenediamine (OPD) with a good selectivity to 2-phenylbenzimidazole (97%). In contrast, the pristine carbon exhibited very low activity (48% conversion of the OPD and 36% selectivity to 2-phenylbenzimidazole). Besides, the ANCS nanomaterial provided a facile catalytic approach for the homo- and cross-C-N condensation of various aromatic amines and diamines to produce diverse functional imines and benzimidazoles at mild conditions. This work provided promising insights into developing advanced, metal-free carbon-based catalysts for selective C-N coupling reactions to produce valuable drug motifs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

In this work, water soluble carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by using 5- sulpho anthranilic acid (SAA) and 1,5-diphenylycarbazide (DPC) as precursors via microwave-assisted method and named as "SD-CDs". We studied the effect of SAA and DPC molar ratio (1:3, 2:2 and 3:1) for the preparation of blue fluorescent CDs, showing the best emission properties at molar 3:1 ratio of SAA and DPC. The as-prepared SD-CDs emit bright blue color under UV light at 365 nm, and exhibit emission peak at 392 nm when excited at 319 nm. The as-synthesized SD-CDs act as a fluorescent sensor for detection of levocetirizine and niflumic acid through the fluorescence "turn-on-off" mechanism. The developed probe exhibited good linearity in the concentrations (levocetirizine - 1.0-100 µM and niflumic acid - 0.5-100 µM) with detection limits of 3.92 nM and 0.19 µM for levocetirizine and niflumic acid, respectively. Importantly, the developed analytical method was successfully used for the detection of levocetirizine in tablets and niflumic acid in biofluids of human (serum, plasma and urine), showing good recoveries from 97 to 99 %. Thus, this SD-CDs-based fluorescence method has the potential for levocetirizine and niflumic acid assays in biological and pharmaceutical samples., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Most of the adult mental health disorder occurs either during childhood or adolescent stage. Assessment of positive mental health among adolescents will help in predicting the future physical and mental health outcome. Hence, this study was done to determine the prevalence and factors associated with positive mental health among adolescents in rural Puducherry., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents (10-19 years) during April and May 2018. Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), a validated questionnaire was used for the assessment of positive mental health. Prevalence of positive mental health was expressed as proportion with 95% confidence interval., Results: Of the total 245 adolescents interviewed, almost half of them belonged to the age group of mid-adolescence (14-16 years). Majority (66.5%) were boys and more than one third were studying in secondary class.Prevalence of positive mental health was 51.8% (95% CI: 45.6-58.1). Mother's education between primary and secondary (aPR-0.77 95% CI: 0.60-0.98), upper middle (aPR-1.74 95% CI: 1.03-2.94) and middle socioeconomic status (aPR-1.80 95% CI: 1.11-2.87) were significantly associated with positive mental health., Conclusion: Current study found that more than half of the rural adolescents had positive mental health. Maternal education and upper socioeconomic status were found to be significant predictors of positive mental health. Our findings on the burden and risk factors as well as protective factors of mental health can contribute to the mental health strategy in public health action., (© 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

We report five crystalline polymorphs and an amorphous phase of epalrestat together with configurational isomerism and color behavior: form I (deep red), form II (deep orange), form III (bright yellow), form IV (yellow), and form V (orange) are in the E,Z configuration of the drug, and a Z,Z isomer (bright yellow). Two pathways are identified for polymorph conversion: direct transformation of the E,Z isomer and another pathway via the Z,Z isomer to the E,Z polymorphs. From a pharmaceutical perspective, the stability of polymorphs was established under grinding, solvent slurry and thermal conditions: form I (thermodynamic) > form II > form V > form III > form IV (least stable).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the sagittal condylar angles set in the Hanau articulator by use of a method of obtaining an intraoral protrusive record to those angles found using a panoramic radiographic image., Materials and Methods: Ten patients, free of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and with intact dentition were selected. The dental stone casts of the subjects were mounted on a Hanau articulator with a springbow and poly(vinyl siloxane) interocclusal records. For all patients, the protrusive records were obtained when the mandible moved forward by approximately 6 mm. All procedures for recording, mounting, and setting were done in the same session. The condylar guidance angles obtained were tabulated. A panoramic radiographic image of each patient was made with the Frankfurt horizontal plane parallel to the floor of the mouth. Tracings of the radiographic images were made. The horizontal reference line was marked by joining the orbitale and porion. The most superior and most inferior points of the curvatures were identified. These two lines were connected by a straight line representing the mean curvature line. Angles made by the intersection of the mean curvature line and the horizontal reference line were measured. The results were subjected to statistical analysis with a significance level of p < 0.05., Results: The radiographic values were on average 4° greater than the values obtained by protrusive interocclusal record method. The mean condylar guidance angle between the right and left side by both the methods was not statistically significant. The comparison of mean condylar guidance angles between the right side of the protrusive record method and the right side of the panoramic radiographic method and the left side of the protrusive record method and the left side of the panoramic radiographic method (p= 0.071 and p= 0.057, respectively) were not statistically significant., Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the protrusive condylar guidance angles obtained by panoramic radiograph may be used in programming semi-adjustable articulators., (© 2012 by the American College of Prosthodontists.)