Search

Introduction: Muscle fatigue is often experienced by athletes and in work settings. Excessive fatigue can lead to injury and musculoskeletal disorders. Surface electromyography (EMG) is typically used to detect and ultimately prevent fatigue during isometric movement. The application of EMG to fatigue detection in dynamic movement requires, however, a secondary confirmation of fatigue based on physiological measures. Our objective was to determine if muscle oxygenation derived via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was correlated with relevant EMG indicators of neuromuscular fatigue and whether observed correlations were related to the fatigue process. Methods: Bilateral electromyograms from three upper leg muscles and the tissue oxygenation index (TOI) of the vastus lateralis muscle were recorded in sixteen non-disabled individuals during cycle ergometry to volitional exhaustion. Six EMG activity features were extracted and the Pearson correlation coefficient between each feature and TOI was determined. Results: The EMG root mean square, spectral standard deviation, second spectral moment, and zero-crossing rate (ZC) were strongly correlated with TOI. The time course of ZC and the correlation of this feature with TOI suggest that there could be a relation between muscle oxygenation and fatigue. Conclusion: Future work should use the knowledge gained in this study to investigate whether NIRS can be used to verify the onset of fatigue as detected by EMG.

Image segmentation is a common use case of image processing. It enables a wide variety of activities, from self-driving cars to traffic systems that are capable of governing them. Most state of the art models like Mask R-CNN and other transformer-based models perform well but have very high inference times. Therefore in this paper, a novel model architecture is proposed that can run on consumer grade hardware while giving near real time image segmentation. This is done by creating masks on regions of interest proposed by a lightweight object detection algorithm that is the YOLOv4. Such an algorithm allows for image segmentation in near-real time for resource constrained environments as compared to other state of the art models that have high inference times are unsuitable for deployment in said environments.

The CBM experiment at the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) aims to explore the QCD phase diagram in the region of high net-baryon densities using nucleus-nucleus collisions ($\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.9 - 4.9 GeV). CBM will be utilizing peak interaction rates of up to 10 MHz and an advanced triggerless data acquisition scheme to provide it with an unique access to rare physics probes required to accomplish CBM's physics goals. This contribution will summarise CBM's progress in terms of its physics performance simulations and the status of the comprising detector sub-systems, including their involvement in FAIR Phase-0 activities., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, Quark Matter 2022, submitted to Acta Physica Polonica B

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that poses a great challenge to the public health system of affected countries. Safe and effective vaccines are needed to overcome this crisis. Here, we develop and assess the protective efficacy and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in rhesus macaques. Twenty macaques were divided into four groups of five animals each. One group was administered a placebo, while three groups were immunized with three different vaccine candidates of BBV152 at 0 and 14 days. All the macaques were challenged with SARS-CoV-2 fourteen days after the second dose. The protective response was observed with increasing SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and neutralizing antibody titers from 3rd-week post-immunization. Viral clearance was observed from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, nasal swab, throat swab and lung tissues at 7 days post-infection in the vaccinated groups. No evidence of pneumonia was observed by histopathological examination in vaccinated groups, unlike the placebo group which exhibited interstitial pneumonia and localization of viral antigen in the alveolar epithelium and macrophages by immunohistochemistry. This vaccine candidate BBV152 has completed Phase I/II (NCT04471519) clinical trials in India and is presently in phase III, data of this study substantiates the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the vaccine candidates., SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are needed to fight the pandemic. Here, authors show protective efficacy and immunogenicity of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BBV152 in rhesus macaques. This vaccine is currently in clinical development.

Vaccines remain the key protective measure to achieve herd immunity to control the disease burden and stop COVID-19 pandemic. We have developed and assessed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of two formulations (1mg and 2mg) of ZyCoV-D (a plasmid DNA based vaccine candidates) administered through Needle Free Injection System (NFIS) and syringe-needle (intradermal) in rhesus macaques with three dose vaccine regimens. The vaccine candidate 2mg dose administered using Needle Free Injection System (NFIS) elicited a significant immune response with development of SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike region specific IgG and neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers during the immunization phase and significant enhancement in the levels after the virus challenge. In 2 mg NFIS group the IgG and NAb titers were maintained and showed gradual rise during the immunization period (15 weeks) and till 2 weeks after the virus challenge. It also conferred better protection to macaques evident by the viral clearance from nasal swab, throat swab and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens in comparison with macaques from other immunized groups. In contrast, the animals from placebo group developed high levels of viremia and lung disease following the virus challenge. Besides this, the vaccine candidate also induced increase lymphocyte proliferation and cytokines response (IL-6, IL-5).The administration of the vaccine candidate with NFIS generated a better immunogenicity response in comparison to syringe-needle (intradermal route). The study demonstrated immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the vaccine candidate, ZyCoV-D in rhesus macaques.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that has severely affected mankind and posed a great challenge to the public health system of affected countries. The availability of a safe and effective vaccine is the need of the hour to overcome this crisis. Here, we have developed and assessed the protective efficacy and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (BBV152) in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulata). Twenty macaques were divided into four groups of five animals each. One group was administered a placebo while three groups were immunized with three different vaccine candidates at 0 and 14 days. All the macaques were challenged with SARS-CoV-2 fourteen days after the second dose. The protective response was observed with increasing SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and neutralizing antibody titers from 3rd-week post-immunization. Viral clearance was observed from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, nasal swab, throat swab, and lung tissues at 7 days post-infection in the vaccinated groups. No evidence of pneumonia was observed by histopathological examination in vaccinated groups, unlike the placebo group which showed features of interstitial pneumonia and localization of viral antigen in the alveolar epithelium and macrophages by immunohistochemistry. Data from this study substantiate the immunogenicity of the vaccine candidates and BBV152 is being evaluated in Phase I clinical trials in India (NCT04471519).

Aim: The objective was to do a comparative study and to evaluate the outcome in overall acceptance for correction of residual facial deformity with autogenous graft versus porous polyethylene implants. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 patients in the age group of ≥15 years irrespective of sex, caste, religion, and socioeconomic status presenting with signs and symptoms of residual facial deformities and who were declared fit for surgery were included in the study. The study patients were further divided into two groups, of eight each. Deformity correction using autogenous grafts was performed in Group A and using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) alloplastic implants was performed in Group B. During the follow-up period, patients' and doctor rating of overall acceptance between autogenous and alloplastic (HDPE) bone grafts was recorded on 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) on the 2nd day and 7th day and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: The unpaired t-test is used for evaluation. VAS score at all the follow-up periods above stated was significantly higher in alloplastic group than in the autogenous group for both in patients and doctor evaluation. Conclusion: From the present study, it can be concluded that porous HDPE implants are an effective alternative to autogenous grafts in accordance of overall acceptance for correction of residual facial deformity when proper case selection, exclusion of negative prognostic factors, and meticulous surgical procedure are followed.

Aspergillus species cause a wide spectrum of clinical infections. Although Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus remain the most commonly isolated species in aspergillosis, in the last decade, rare and cryptic Aspergillus species have emerged in diverse clinical settings. The present study analyzed the distribution and in vitro antifungal susceptibility profiles of rare Aspergillus species in clinical samples from patients with suspected aspergillosis in 8 medical centers in India. Further, a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry in-house database was developed to identify these clinically relevant Aspergillus species. β-Tubulin and calmodulin gene sequencing identified 45 rare Aspergillus isolates to the species level, except for a solitary isolate. They included 23 less common Aspergillus species belonging to 12 sections, mainly in Circumdati , Nidulantes , Flavi , Terrei , Versicolores , Aspergillus , and Nigri . Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identified only 8 (38%) of the 23 rare Aspergillus isolates to the species level. Following the creation of an in-house database with the remaining 14 species not available in the Bruker database, the MALDI-TOF MS identification rate increased to 95%. Overall, high MICs of ≥2 μg/ml were noted for amphotericin B in 29% of the rare Aspergillus species, followed by voriconazole in 20% and isavuconazole in 7%, whereas MICs of >0.5 μg/ml for posaconazole were observed in 15% of the isolates. Regarding the clinical diagnoses in 45 patients with positive rare Aspergillus species cultures, 19 (42%) were regarded to represent colonization. In the remaining 26 patients, rare Aspergillus species were the etiologic agent of invasive, chronic, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, keratitis, and mycetoma.

Solena amplexicaulis, commonly called as the creeping cucumber, belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Traditional it is used as astringent, appetizer, carminative, cardiotonic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, invigorating, purgative and stimulant. Plant also having antioxidant antidiabetic and antibacterial action. The leaves showed potent anti-inflammatory activity.The present study was carried out to establish physico-chemical parameters along with preliminary phytochemical screening of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanolic and aqueous extracts of Solena amplexicaulis leaf . Preliminary phytochemical screening of various extracts revealed the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, phenolic & tannins compounds. The physico-chemical parameters such as total, water soluble, acid insoluble and sulphated ash (2.2, 1.9, 1.17 and 1.3%w/w respectively) and loss on drying (10.0 %w/w), extractive values foaming and swelling index were studied. These studies will be helpful in developing standards for quality, purity and sample identification of this plant. Keyword: Standardization, Solena amplexicaulis, physicochemical and phytochemical.

In modern era, with tremendous competition, long working hours and more demanding workstyle, nearly every profession is associated with some or the other health hazards. These may develop and progress rapidly or in a gradual way but ultimately add up unwanted morbidities and in long run affects the production and work output. Unfortunately, doctors and other health professionals who look after the health of society, are not the exceptions to this rule and depending upon their specialty, they have to face some or the other health issues. This article highlights some important though underestimated health issues among radiologists and some remedies. It aims to sensitize radiologists about such health issues so that they can take timely remedial measures before it is really late.

The small airways, once regarded as the silent zone in the air conducting system of the lungs are now known to be one of the initial sites of involvement in diseases like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Identification of the involvement of distal airways in these diseases is often difficult to assess, clinically as well as by conventional pulmonary function tests and therefore, usually remains undiscovered in early stages. Early recognition of their involvement in asthma and COPD and timely management may reduce long term morbidity in these conditions. This article aims to highlight the relatively lesser recognized facts about small airways involvement in asthma and COPD and role of imaging and newer modalities for detection.

Item does not contain fulltext Filamentous basidiomycetes (BM) are common environmental fungi that have recently emerged as important human pathogens, inciting a wide array of clinical manifestations that include allergic and invasive diseases. We reviewed 218 reported global cases of BM fungi. The most common etiologic agent was Schizophyllum commune in 52.3% (114/218) of the cases followed by Hormographiella aspergillata (n = 13; 5.9%), Ceriporia lacerata (n = 11; 5%), and, rarely, Volvariella volvacea, Inonotus tropicalis, Irpex lacteus, Phellinus undulates, Perenniporia species, Bjerkandera adusta, Sporotrichum pruinosum, Phanerochaete steroids, and Cyclomyces tabacinus. These fungi are present in the environment as gilled mushrooms, shelf fungi, and bracket fungi. However, in clinical settings, they usually present as nonsporulating white moulds that are difficult to identify. Moreover, the GenBank database of these fungi is limited. Regarding the country-wise distribution of cases, Japan topped the list with about 43% (n = 94) of globally reported cases, followed by India (57; 26%), the United States (4%), Austria (3.2%), Iran (3.2%), France (2.8%), and the remaining one-third from 16 other countries. The respiratory tract was the most commonly afflicted site (n = 71), with the majority of the cases (42; 59.1%) being allergic in etiology and comprising 34 cases of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis. Also, B. adusta has been implicated in a recently described clinical entity, that is, fungus associated chronic cough, reported exclusively from Japan. BM fungi-incited diseases are currently underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and expertise, warranting comprehensive epidemiological and susceptibility studies to determine their prevalence and to predict a more appropriate therapy.

Contains fulltext : 137490.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Candida auris is a recently described rare agent of fungemia. It is notable for its antifungal resistance. A total of 15 C. auris isolates, originating from seven cases of fungemia, three cases of diabetic gangrenous foot, and one case of bronchopneumonia from a tertiary care hospital in south India, were investigated. All of the 15 isolates were identified by sequencing and 14 of these along with 12 C. auris isolates previously reported from two hospitals in Delhi, north India, two each from Japan and Korea were genotyped by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was done by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method. Candida auris isolates were misidentified as Candida haemulonii by VITEK. All were resistant to fluconazole [geometric mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 64 mug/ml] and 11 isolates were resistant to voriconazole (MIC >/=1 mug/ml). Forty-seven percent of the C. auris isolates were resistant to flucytosine (MIC >/=64 mug/ml) and 40% had high MIC (>/=1 mug/ml) of caspofungin. Breakthrough fungemia developed in 28.6% of patients and therapeutic failure in 4 (66.7%) patients. Interestingly, the 26 Indian C. auris isolates from north and south India were clonal and phenotypically and genotypically distinct from Korean and Japanese isolates. The present study demonstrates that C. auris is a potential emerging pathogen that can cause a wide spectrum of human mycotic infections. The prevalence of a C. auris endemic clonal strain resistant to azoles and other antifungals in Indian hospitals with high rates of therapeutic failure in cases of fungemia is worrisome.

A new clonal strain of Candida auris is an emerging etiologic agent of fungemia in Delhi, India. In 12 patients in 2 hospitals, it was resistant to fluconazole and genotypically distinct from isolates from South Korea and Japan, as revealed by M13 and amplified fragment length polymorphism typing.

Considering the growing need to identify alternative bio-nutritional sources, wild edible leaves consumed in forest zone of Uttarakhand, India were evaluated for their nutritive value in order to prioritize edible wild plant suitable for domestication. The result showed significance of wild plant species as important source of nutrient for rural poor people. The nutritional value of leaves of wild plant Urtica ardence were evaluated in terms of protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber content, vitamin content, reducing sugars and minerals. Urtica ardence had a significant level of above nutrients and therefore was identified as promising specie for promotion as backyard planting especially farming systems suffering from crop loss, food shortage and chronic malnutrition.

Schizophyllum commune ( n = 30) showed lowest geometric mean MICs of isavuconazole (0.19 μg/ml), itraconazole (0.2 μg/ml), voriconazole (0.24 μg/ml), and amphotericin B (0.29 μg/ml) and high geometric mean MICs of fluconazole (19.39 μg/ml) and flucytosine (17.28 μg/ml). Five cases (of 8) of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis that were treated with itraconazole had no recrudescence after 6 to 24 months of follow-up. One case each of invasive pulmonary mycosis and fungal ball were treated successfully with voriconazole and itraconazole.

Nonsporulating molds (NSMs), especially basidiomycetes, have predominantly been reported as human pathogens responsible for allergic and invasive disease. Their conventional identification is problematic, as many isolates remain sterile in culture. Thus, inconclusive culture reports might adversely affect treatment decisions. The clinical significance of NSMs in pulmonary mycoses is poorly understood. We sequenced the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 domain of the larger subunit (LSU) of 52 NSMs isolated from respiratory specimens. The basidiomycetes were the predominant NSMs, of which Schizophyllum commune was the most common agent in allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM), followed by Ceriporia lacerata in invasive fungal disease. Porostereum spadiceum , Phanaerochaete stereoides , Neosartorya fischeri , and Marasmiellus palmivorus were the other molds observed. Application of ITS and LSU region sequencing identified 92% of the isolates. The antifungal susceptibility data revealed that all basidiomycetes tested were susceptible to amphotericin B and resistant to caspofungin, fluconazole, and flucytosine. Except for 3 isolates of S. commune and a solitary isolate of M. palmivorus , all basidiomycetes had low MICs for itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. Basidiomycetes were isolated from patients with ABPM, invasive pulmonary mycosis/pneumonia, or fungal balls. In addition, the majority of the basidiomycetes were isolated from patients with chronic respiratory disorders who were sensitized to one of the basidiomycetous fungi and demonstrated precipitating antibodies against the incriminating fungi, indicating an indolent tissue reaction. Thus, isolation of basidiomycetes from the lower respiratory tract could be significant, and it is important to monitor these patients in order to prevent subsequent lung damage.

Aspergillus is a large genus of saprophytic fungi which are present everywhere in the environment. However, in persons with underlying weakened immune response this innocent bystander can cause fatal illness if timely diagnosis and management is not done. Chest infection is the most common infection caused by Aspergillus in human beings. Radiological investigations particularly Computed Tomography (CT) provides the easiest, rapid and decision making information where tissue diagnosis and culture may be difficult and time-consuming. This article explores the crucial role of CT and offers a bird's eye view of all the radiological patterns encountered in pulmonary aspergillosis viewed in the context of the immune derangement associated with it.

Several high energy physics and neutrino physics experiments worldwide require large-size RPCs to cover wide acceptances. The muon tracking systems in the Iron calorimeter (ICAL) experiment in the India based Neutrino Observatory (INO), India and the near detector in Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at Fermilab are two such examples. A single gap bakelite RPC of dimension 240 cm × 120 cm, with gas gap of 0.2 cm, has been built and tested at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, using indigenous materials procured from the local market. No additional lubricant, like oil has been used on the electrode surfaces for smoothening. The chamber is in operation for > 365 days. We have tested the chamber for its long term operation. The leakage current, bulk resistivity, efficiency, noise rate and time resolution of the chamber have been found to be quite stable during the testing peroid. It has shown an efficiency > 95% with an average time resolution of ~ 0.83 ns at the point of measurement at ~ 8700 V throughout the testing period. Details of the long term performance of the chamber have been discussed.

Respiratory tract infections are globally responsible for one-third of infectious disease–associated mortality, accounting for 4.3 million annual deaths. Among these, fungal infections of the respiratory tract are largely unrecognized, and the true burden is elusive [1]. Despite treatment, most invasive fungal infections are associated with high mortality rates of >50% [2]. In general, fungal infections of the respiratory tract are considered synonymous with invasive pulmonary infections caused by Aspergillus spp. and in some centers by Mucorales. However, over the last decade, a number of uncommon filamentous fungi, such as Scedosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium, melanized moulds, and basidiomycetes, have emerged as etiological agents of well-characterized respiratory disorders. It is therefore that the term “respiratory mycosis” has now broadened to include not just invasive disease but also lesser-recognized entities such as fungal ball, severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS), fungus-associated chronic cough (FACC), allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM), and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) [3–6]. Notably, both FACC and SAFS have recently been recognized as distinct clinical entities [7,8]. The former manifests as chronic intractable cough in response to pharyngeal colonization by filamentous basidiomycetes, which has been associated with allergic sensitization [7]. The latter, on the other hand, is a reference to poorly controlled asthma, despite optimal management, with evidence of fungal sensitization (short of being labelled ABPM) [6]. Aspergillus spp. are considered to be the major culprit of SAFS, although a range of other fungi, such as Alternaria and Cladosporium spp., are also involved [8]. Both conditions respond favourably to oral antifungal agents, thereby proving a definite role of fungi [9,10]. Moreover, new pathophysiological associations hitherto unknown, such as fungal sensitization and ABPM in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are unfolding [11,12]. Further, emergence of resistance in filamentous fungi to azole antifungal drugs used as mainstay of therapy is another challenging scenario witnessed in the last two decades. This emerging problem is primarily attributed to the widespread usage of azole fungicides in the environment for agricultural and material preservation practices [13]. Here, we aim to provide an overview of the ever-expanding spectrum of human respiratory mycoses and the fungi involved, excluding Aspergillus and Mucorales.

Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) is a type of gaseous detector having excellent time and position resolutions. VECC is involved in the R&D of indigenously developed bakelite RPCs. The largest size of bakelite RPC developed in India is \(100\,{\text {cm}} \times 100\,{\text {cm}}\). We present here the test results of a bakelite sample along with the cosmic ray test results of a bakelite RPC (\(30\,{\text {cm}} \times 30\,{\text {cm}} \times 0.2\,{\text {cm}}\)) fabricated at VECC. The steps taken towards the development of a large size (\(240\,{\text {cm}} \times 120\,{\text {cm}} \times 0.2\,{\text {cm}}\)) bakelite RPC have also been discussed.

A large (240 cm $\times$ 120 cm $\times$ 0.2 cm) oil-free High Pressure Laminate (HPL), commonly referred as "bakelite", Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) has been developed at VECC-Kolkata using locally available P-302 OLTC grade HPL. The chamber has been operated in streamer mode using Argon, Freon(R134a) and Iso-butane in a ratio of 34:57:9 by volume. The electrodes and glue samples have been characterised by measuring their electrical parameters like bulk resistivity and surface resistivity. The performance of the chamber has been studied by measuring the efficiency, its uniformity and stability in detection of cosmic muons. Timing measurement has been performed at a central location of the chamber. The chamber showed an efficiency $>$95$\%$ and time resolution ($\sigma$), at the point of measurement, $\sim$0.83 ns at 9000V. Details of the material characterisation, fabrication procedure and performance studies have been discussed., Comment: Accepted for publication in JINST

Purpose Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) poses serious challenges. A careful selection of appropriate gene targets is essential for designing a multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay. Materials and methods We compared several gene targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including IS6110, devR, and genes encoding MPB-64 (mpb64), 38kDa (pstS1), 65kDa (hsp65), 30kDa (fbpB), ESAT-6 (esat6), and CFP-10 (cfp10) proteins, using PCR assays on 105 EPTB specimens. From these data, we chose the two best gene targets to design an M-PCR. Results Among all gene targets tested, mpb64 showed the highest sensitivity (84% in confirmed cases and 77.5% in clinically suspected cases), followed by IS6110, hsp65, 38kDa, 30kDa, esat6, cfp10, and devR. We used mpb64+IS6110 for designing an M-PCR assay. Our M-PCR assay demonstrated a high sensitivity of 96% in confirmed EPTB cases and 88.75% in clinically suspected EPTB cases with a high specificity of 100%, taking clinical diagnosis as the gold standard. Conclusion These M-PCR results along with the clinical findings may facilitate an early diagnosis of EPTB patients and clinical management of disease.

Penicillium species are ubiquitously present in the environment and are usually considered as laboratory contaminants or non-pathogenic. Among Penicillium species Penicillium marneffei is the only dimorphic member, which is an established agent of invasive mycoses in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients [1, 2]. However, invasive fungal infections due to Penicillium species other than P marneffei such as Penicillium chrysogenum [3, 4], Penicillium citrinum [5], Penicillium decumbens [3, 6], Penicillium piceum [7, 8], Penicillium commune [9], and Penicillium purpurogenum [3] have also been rarely reported. The reduced susceptibility of these species to voriconazole, which is often the first-line therapy for invasive mold infections, is particularly worrisome [10, 11]. In this study, we report 3 rare cases of opportunistic fungal infection caused by voriconazole-resistant Penicillium oxalicum in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while on voriconazole therapy for 3–6 weeks.

Antioxidant activity of different extracts (water, alcohol and hydroalcohol) of Calendula officinalis leaves was studied for its free radical scavenging property on in vitro models as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH ). The extract showed good dose-dependent free radical scavenging property. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis leaves exhibited 82.58% inhibition by scavenging free radicals. In-vitro anti-oxidant studies of Calendula officinalis demonstrated the suppression of both inflammation and arthritis. The results indicate that the antioxidant property of the extract may be due to the high content of phenolic compounds. These results clearly indicate that Calendula officinalis is effective against free radical mediated disease. Keywords: Antioxidant, Calendula officinalis, Free radicals, Phenolic compound, Reductive ability.

Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) is a hypersensitivity-mediated disease of worldwide distribution. We reviewed 143 reported global cases of ABPM due to fungi other than aspergilli. The commonest etiologic agent was Candida albicans, reported in 60% of the cases, followed by Bipolaris species (13%), Schizophyllum commune (11%), Curvularia species (8%), Pseudallescheria boydii species complex (3%) and rarely, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium vasinfectum, Penicillium species, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Stemphylium languinosum, Rhizopus oryzae, C. glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Trichosporon beigelii. India accounted for about 47% of the globally reported cases of ABPM, attributed predominantly to C. albicans, followed by Japan (16%) where S. commune predominates, and the remaining one-third from the USA, Australia and Europe. Notably, bronchial asthma was present in only 32% of ABPM cases whereas its association with development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is known to be much more frequent. The cases reviewed herein revealed a median IgE value threefold higher than that of ABPA, suggesting that the etiologic agents of ABPM incite a stronger immunological response than that by aspergilli in ABPA. ABPM is currently underdiagnosed, warranting comprehensive basic and clinical studies in order to elucidate its epidemiology and to devise a more effective therapy.

We acknowledge and appreciate the observations of [Ogawa et al.][1] in response to our paper ([1][2]) regarding the applicability of the antifungal susceptibility profile of the basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune in allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses (ABPM). The importance of filamentous

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of the different extract of bark of Juglans regia , family Juglandaceae is a deciduous tree. Its fruits are consumed as food, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Walnut leaf has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin inflammations and ulcers and for its antidiarrheic, antihelmintic, antiseptic and astringent properties. The present study aimed at the evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of the aqueous, chloroform and alcoholic extracts of the bark by in vitro methods. In vitro method was estimated by human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) method. Results showed significant anti-inflammatory property of the different extracts tested. The aqueous extract at a concentration of 200 mg/ml. showed potent activity on comparing with the standard drug diclofenac sodium. Key words: Juglans regia , HRBC, Inflammation and dicloenac.

The filamentous basidiomycete Ceriporia lacerata , an agent of white rot on wood, has never been reported in human disease and its clinical significance is not yet known. We describe 4 patients with respiratory diseases where C. lacerata was implicated in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from saprobic colonization to fungal pneumonia. The isolates did not show the morphological characteristics that facilitate recognition of filamentous basidiomycetes, such as the presence of clamp connections, spicules along hyphae, or fruiting bodies. The identity of the mold was confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 4 (ITS-1 and ITS-4) and D1/D2 regions of the rRNA gene. All of the isolates exhibited the lowest MICs of posaconazole and isavuconazole (MIC range, 0.06 to 0.125 μg/ml), followed by itraconazole (MIC range, 0.06 to 0.5 μg/ml), voriconazole (MIC range, 0.125 to 0.5 μg/ml), and amphotericin B (MIC range, 0.25 to 1 μg/ml). The infections reported here occurred in patients with preexisting lung damage induced by tuberculosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic, sometimes fatal infections by the ascomycete Aspergillus fumigatus and the basidiomycete S chizophyllum commune are well established in the presence of an anatomical pulmonary defect or in the background of immunodeficiency. It is postulated that C. lacerata , a novel opportunist basidiomycete, may be involved in similar pathological processes.

We consider the problem of identifying unknown physical processes and estimating inaccessible parameters in the global ionosphere and thermosphere model (GITM). In previous work, we took advantage of developments in the retrospective cost method to estimate unknown thermal conductivity and rate coefficients in a one dimensional column in the atmosphere. In the present work, we extend the application of this method to the identification of unknown inaccessible parameters in 3D GITM, as well as the identification of the unknown subsystem that governs the radiative nitrous oxide cooling process in 1D GITM.

Perenniporia species are basidiomycetes, resupinate shelf fungi responsible for white rot decay of wood. Here, we report for the first time an intracavitary pulmonary fungal ball due to a species of Perenniporia that has not been recognized so far as a human pathogen. The fungus was identified by sequencing of the partial ribosomal operon of a culture from a clinical specimen.

Introduction: The loss of body mass leading to cachexia is known to exist in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of body composition in asthmatics has not been widely explored. Materials and Methods: Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), percentage of ideal BW (PIBW), fat mass (FM), fat free mass index (FFMI), and midthigh cross-sectional were evaluated in COPD (n = 40) and asthma (n = 40) and compared with 20 healthy controls. Socioeconomic status served as a marker of dietary adequacy. Results: Weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.01), FMI (P < 0.05), and FFMI (P < 0.001) differed significantly among socioeconomic classes. Significant intergroup differences of weight and FFMI in the upper (P < 0.05) and BMI and PIBW in the upper-middle class (P < 0.05) were seen. BW in COPD was lower than bronchial asthma (BA) (P < 0.001) and controls (P < 0.001). BMI in COPD was lower than BA (P < 0.000) as were PIBW (P < 0.000) and FM (P < 0.001), whereas neither study group differed from controls. FFMI in COPD was lower than BA (P < 0.004) and controls (P < 0.01). No parameter differed between BA and control groups. Comparing by severity of airflow obstruction, all parameters were reduced in COPD, but statistical significance (P < 0.05) was noted for BMI and FFMI in mild/moderate cases and weight, BMI, PIBW, and FM in severe/very severe cases. No significant differences were noted when assessed with respect to severity of either disease. Correlations were noted between FFMI and post bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the 1 st second (FEV) 1 (r = 0.342) and weight and post bronchodilator FEV 1 (r = 0.322) in COPD. Conclusion: COPD produces malnutrition with regards to both fat and fat free components, irrespective of the severity of the disease, whereas asthma bears no such association.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is known to complicate asthma and cystic fibrosis, but an association of ABPA with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has also been found lately. The mechanism through which ABPA operates is still an enigma. With the discovery of ABPA in COPD, interest in the theory that asthma and COPD could share a common etiology has been rekindled. Herein, we present the case of a 60-year-old male, diagnosed case of COPD, who reported exacerbations during the monsoons, which mandated frequent courses of systemic steroids. He was diagnosed to have co-existing ABPA based on positive skin tests to Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. tamarii and raised serum total IgE and specific IgE against Aspergillus spp. His CT scan showed centrilobular and panacinar emphysema along with central bronchiectasis. The spirometry showed a significant response to bronchodilators. The patient fulfilled all the minimal essential requirements for the diagnosis of ABPA, except asthma. The patient responded well to systemic steroids. This report makes an important observation that species of Aspergillus other than A. fumigatus could be instrumental in causing ABPA in patients with COPD, unlike that seen in asthma. The possible etiologic mechanisms underlying the development of ABPA in COPD and also the evolution of ABPA from its serological to bronchiectasis variant are discussed in this report.