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The utilization of advanced imaging modalities play an important role in the detection and differentiation of benign and malignant hepatic lesions. Imaging characteristics of hepatic tumors can sometimes be atypical, often leading to diagnostic challenges. Recent technical improvements in contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have helped to better characterize hepatic lesions. For example, contrast agents used in US can now better delineate liver lesions, while the ability to reliably produce multiplanar and 3-D reconstructions through the use of MDCT provides an additional advantage in the context of therapeutic decision making for patients with hepatic lesions. In addition, modern MR that includes the use of biliary excreted contrast material, various post-processing techniques like multiplanar reformation (MPR), as well as volume rendering (VR) allow detailed evaluation of the biliary tract, hepatic vasculature, and better characterization of hepatic tumors. As the imaging technologies available continue to evolve and advance, understanding how to effectively utilize these modalities is key to clinical practice. We herein provide a review of the various hepatic oncologic imaging modalities with a focus on how advancements and novel techniques within the different fields may be utilized in the diagnosis, treatment and management of different benign and malignant hepatic lesions.

We aimed to evaluate the role of volumetric ADC (vADC) and volumetric venous enhancement (vVE) in predicting the grade of tumor differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study population included 136 HCC patients (188 lesions) who had baseline MR imaging and histopathological report. Measurements of vVE and vADC were performed on baseline MRI. Tumors were histologically classified into low-grade and high-grade groups. The parameters between the two groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests for continuous and categorical parameters, respectively. Area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) was calculated to investigate the accuracy of vADC and vVE. Logistic regression and multivariable Cox regression were used to unveil the potential parameters associated with high-grade HCC and patient’s survival, respectively. Lesions with higher vADC values and a higher absolute vADC skewness were more likely to be high grade on histopathology assessment (p = 0.001 and p = 0.0291, respectively). Also, vVE showed a trend to be higher in low-grade lesions (p = 0.079). Adjusted multivariable model including vADC, vVE, and vADC skewness could strongly predict HCC degree of differentiation (AUROC = 83%). Additionally, a higher Child-Pugh score (HR = 2.39 [p = 0.02] for score 2 and HR = 3.47 [p = 0.001] for score 3), vADC skewness (HR = 1.52, p = 0.02; per increments in skewness), and tumor volume (HR = 1.1, p = 0.001; per 100 cm3 increments) showed the highest association with patients’ survival. vADC and vVE have the potential to accurately predict HCC differentiation. Additionally, some imaging features in combination with patients’ clinical characteristics can predict patient survival. • Volumetric functional MRI metrics can be considered as non-invasive measures for determining tumor histopathology in HCC. • Estimating patient survival based on clinical and imaging parameters can be used for modifying management approach and preventing unnecessary adverse events.

Background The aim of present study was to examine early childhood caries' impact on oral health-related quality of life from children's self report and parental perception. Methods 200 healthy children in the age group of 3–5 years and their parents/guardians were enrolled in the study. 100 children diagnosed with early childhood caries (interventional group) and 100 children without caries (control group) along with their parents/guardians participated in face to face interview and responded to Michigan oral health related quality of life scale - child and parent version. Four weeks after full mouth rehabilitation children with ECC and their parents responded to a survey for a follow-up assessment. Data was analyzed and evaluated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 21.0 statistical software and Chi square test. Results In our study we have found that ECC subjects had poorer oral health-related quality of life compared to caries free subjects. Further one month follow up after complete treatment, the oral health-related QoL improved significantly in ECC children. Conclusions Early childhood caries has a definite negative impact on the OHRQoL of children. At one month follow up after complete oral rehabilitation, the quality of life improved significanty as assessed by children's self reports as well as parental perceptions of their child's OHRQoL.

This study was conducted to quantify the heterogeneity of liver stiffness (LS) on MR elastography (MRE) by comparing ROI-based and volumetric measurements. LS was measured by ROI-based and volumetric segmentation of the liver parenchyma. Mean LS (MLS) was calculated and used to assign stages of fibrosis. Volumetric measurements of stiffness maps were used to determine the percentage of liver volume above/below MLS and presence of LS heterogeneity. Heterogeneous stiffness was defined when the first and second most predominant stages were more than one category apart. MLS values by each method were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. We included 128 patients with suspected liver fibrosis (mean age 54.4 ± 14.8 years). MLS was 2.7 ± 1.0 kPa for ROI measurements and 2.6 ± 0.9 kPa for the volumetric method (p = 0.001). Of 59 patients with normal stage (F0), 31 patients (52.5%) had > 20% of liver volume with abnormal LS (F1–F4). Heterogeneous LS was reported in 18 patients (14%). MLS measurement may not represent the entire spectrum of hepatic fibrosis. Volumetric segmentation may potentially improve the detection of heterogeneous fibrosis and the accuracy of LS measurement. • Heterogeneity of hepatic fibrosis may occur in patients with chronic liver disease. • MR elastography is used to assess hepatic fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness. • Measuring liver stiffness by the ROI method and reporting a mean value may fail to detect heterogeneity of hepatic fibrosis. Volumetric assessment of liver stiffness by MR elastography may detect heterogeneity of parenchymal involvement.

To assess the value of quantitative spleen and liver volume changes in predicting the survival of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).This institutional review board-approved single-centre study included 89 PSC patients with baseline and follow-up liver imaging studies and laboratory data between 2000 and 2018. Change in spleen, total and lobar liver volumes, and lobar-to-total liver volume ratio was compared between patients with and without adverse outcome (liver transplantation, transplant waiting list, and death). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed to identify the volumetric threshold for prediction of outcome and show how these thresholds predict survival, respectively. A p-value of0.05 was considered statistically significant.The present cohort included 53 men (60%), with mean age of 42 years at baseline. The only volumetric parameters with significant differences in change between patients with and without adverse outcome were spleen volume (p0.001) and left-to-total liver volume ratio (L/T; p=0.025). The probability of transplant-free survival at 36 months was 59.1% versus 11.9% for patients with spleen volume change50 ml versus ≥50 ml, respectively (AUC=0.731); and 61.3% versus 13.8% for patients with L/T change0.04 versus ≥0.04, respectively (AUC=0.638). The patients with changes below the cut-off in both spleen volume and L/T, had a higher probability of transplant-free survival at 36 months (76.8%), compared to those with change at or below the cut-offs in one or both of these two parameters (36.7%, 15%, respectively; p=0.001).Spleen volume change and L/T change might be useful biomarkers for prediction of transplant-free survival in patients with PSC.

Employee turnover is severe problem in the Indian retail industry. Although a good number of studies have focused on turnover models and theories they have rarely assessed effect of off job mechanisms on organisational outcomes. The present study tested a model that proposed commuting stress has direct and indirect effect on job satisfaction and intention to quit through inter-role conflicts among low wage working women in the Indian retail industry and thus the reduced participation. The findings indicated that commuting stress is directly and indirectly related to turnover intention and job satisfaction whereas; inter-role conflicts partially mediated the proposed relationships.

Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated “hairy root cultures” of the renowned bio-sweetener producing plant—Stevia rebaudiana, were generated to explore their yet undetected biosynthetic potentials concerning the low calorie diterpene glycoside—stevioside. Four stable rhizoclones were studied under light and dark conditions showing better growth under dark. Two of these rhizoclones revealed substantially higher photosynthetic pigment accumulation under light. Evidently, capitalization on the available inter-clonal variability first time showed the stevioside synthesizing exclusivity in the SRA4 rhizoclone under light condition, while the rest failed. The dualities of the glycoside synthesizing power amongst the two photosynthetically active rhizoclones were resolved through quantitative RT-PCR analysis of UGT85C2 gene showing positive expression in the stevioside producing rhizoclone. These findings elucidated the decisive role of UGT85C2 in combination with photosynthetic proficiency of the studied hairy root cultures in regulating the biosynthetic pathway of S. rebaudiana.

AIM To evaluate the association between single time-point quantitative liver and spleen volumes in patients with PSC and transplant-free survival, independent of Mayo risk score. MATERIALS AND METHODS This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study included 165 PSC patients in a hospital. Total (T), and lobar (right [R], left [L], and caudate [C]) liver volumes and spleen volume (S) were measured. Adverse outcome was identified as being on liver transplantation list, transplantation or death (outcome 1), and transplantation or death (outcome 2). Cox-regression was performed to assess the predictive value of volumetric parameters to predict transplant-free survival with and without Mayo risk score. Stratified analysis by Mayo risk score categories was performed to assess the discriminative value of volumes in the model. Prediction models were developed dependent of Mayo score, based on patients demographics, lab values and volumetric measures for both defined outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves were depicted for different liver and spleen volumes. P value

Despite decades of studies employee attrition still remains one of the major issues in the Indian retail industry. The increase in attrition rate is attributed to factors that are pertinent to on the job as well as off the job sources. Talent retention is crucial for service organisations because employees are considered to be the functional element that is responsible for creating customer-specific outcomes. Therefore, careful considerations must be taken when supporting retention. This paper attempts to identify the best alternative for employees' retention by developing a decision hierarchy. Analytic hierarchy process was applied to test and identify the most appropriate management style for employees' retention. Experts' opinions were taken to compare the scores of decision elements. The result of data analysis revealed that management by objectives ranked first, followed by management by values and management by instruction in explaining retention. In addition, weights of criteria and sub-criteria further exhibited the contribution of other decision elements (autonomy, socialisation, manager's support) in employees' acquisition.

There is a large variation in EEG signals from human to human. Therefore, it is a tough task to create a subject-independent emotion recognition system using EEG. EEG is reliable than facial expression or speech signal to recognize emotions, since this cannot be self-produced. The proposed study aims to develop a subject-independent emotion recognition system with a benchmark database DEAP. In this work, deep neural network with simple architecture is used to classify low–high valence and similarly low–high arousal. EEG signals are nonstationary signals. In this, the stochastic properties as well as spectrum changes over time. For these types of signals, the wavelet transform would be suitable as features, hence, wavelet transform is used to obtain different frequency bands of EEG signals.

To examine the value of baseline 3D-ADC and to predict short-term response to treatment in patients with hepatic colorectal metastases (CLMs). Liver MR images of 546 patients with CLMs (2008–2015) were reviewed retrospectively and 68 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Patients had received systemic chemotherapy (n = 17), hepatic trans-arterial chemoembolization or TACE (n = 34), and 90Y radioembolization (n = 17). Baseline (pre-treatment) 3D-ADC (volumetric) of metastatic lesions was calculated employing prototype software. RECIST 1.1 was used to assess short-term response to treatment. Prediction of response to treatment by baseline 3D-ADC and 2D-ADC (ROI-based) was also compared in all patients. Partial response to treatment (minimum 30% decrease in tumor largest transverse diameter) was seen in 35.3% of patients; 41.2% with systemic chemotherapy, 32.4% with TACE, and 35.3% with 90Y radioembolization (p = 0.82). Median baseline 3D-ADC was significantly lower in responding than in nonresponding lesions. Area under the curve (AUC) of 3D-ADC was 0.90 in 90Y radioembolization patients, 0.88 in TACE patients, and 0.77 in systemic chemotherapy patients (p

To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of semi-quantitative visual assessment of hepatic tumor burden (HTB) on MRI and to investigate its prognostic value in predicting overall survival (OS) in neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELMs) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Three independent readers blinded to the quantitative HTB measurement reviewed baseline MRI in 111 NELM patients treated with TACE. Readers visually assessed and semi-quantitatively categorized HTB using the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) guidelines. Quantitative HTB measured by manual segmentation was used as the reference standard. Agreements between quantitative and semi-quantitative measurement of HTB, as well as intra- and inter-reader reproducibility, were evaluated using weighted kappa coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Survival analysis included the Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression. Harrell C-index was calculated to evaluate the prognostic value of semi-quantitative HTB for predicting OS. According to quantitative HTB, 41, 29, 25, and 16 patients were categorized into ≤ 10%, 11–25%, 26–50%, and > 50% groups, respectively. Agreements between quantitative and semi-quantitative measurement of HTB by each reader (weighted kappa, 0.82–0.96), intra-reader agreement (weighted kappa, 0.95), and inter-reader agreements (weighted kappa, 0.84–0.91; ICC, 0.98) were at least substantial to almost perfect. Semi-quantitative HTB was an independent prognostic factor in NELMs treated with TACE (multivariate Cox regression, p

Purpose To evaluate whether baseline MRI can help predict survival in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Materials and Methods This retrospective study was compliant with HIPAA and approved by the institutional review board. The requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. The study included 111 patients (mean age, 62 years ± 12; range, 29-86 years), with 44 men (mean age, 61 years ± 12; range, 29-81 years) and 67 women (mean age, 63 years ± 12; range, 34-86 years). Patients underwent TACE after baseline MRI, which included contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping between 2003 and 2016. The single largest tumor was assessed independently by a radiologist for anatomic and functional (viable tumor volume, percentage viable tumor volume [100 × viable tumor volume/whole tumor volume], viable tumor burden [100 × viable tumor volume/whole liver volume], and ADC) parameters. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Results Overall survival (OS) was higher with a baseline ADC of 1415 × 10-6 mm2/sec or less compared with greater than 1415 × 10-6 mm2/sec (P = .005; 25th percentile of OS, 17 months vs 7 months, respectively), percentage viable tumor volume greater than 90% compared with 90% or less (P = .001; 25th percentile of OS, 20 months vs 7 months, respectively), and viable tumor burden greater than 6.6% compared with 6.6% or less (P = .09; 25th percentile of OS, 17 months vs 7 months, respectively). Baseline ADC greater than 1415 × 10-6 mm2/sec (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.176 [95% confidence interval: 1.217, 3.891]; P = .009) and percentage viable tumor volume greater than 90% (HR: 0.319 [95% confidence interval: 0.148, 0.685]; P = .003) were associated with OS independent of clinical confounders (age and sex). At multiparametric MRI risk stratification (with low ADC and high percentage viable tumor volume considered favorable for survival), differences in OS were noted (P = .002; 25th percentile of OS for low vs intermediate vs high risk, 22 months vs 10 months vs 7 months, respectively). Conclusion Baseline multiparametric MRI assessment including volumetric ADC, percentage viable tumor volume, and viable tumor burden can help predict mortality risk among patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

To correlate total and lobar liver and spleen volume with disease severity in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) as determined by Mayo risk score.This HIPAA-compliant single center retrospective study included 147 PSC patients with available imaging studies (MRCP/CT) and laboratory data between January 2003 and January 2018. Total and lobar (right, left and caudate) liver volume and spleen volume were measured. ANOVA test was performed to assess the differences in volumes between low, intermediate and high-risk groups (Mayo risk score0,0 and2,2, respectively). Correlations between volumes and Mayo risk score were calculated. ROC analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of the variable with the strongest correlation to PSC severity to predict Mayo risk score. P value0.05 was considered statistically significant.The mean age of this cohort was 45 ± 17 years; 58% were men. Absolute volumes of left lobe, caudate and spleen and volume ratios of left lobe and caudate to total liver volume of the high-risk group were significantly higher compared to those of low and intermediate risk groups (p 0.05). Left lobe to total liver volume ratio had the highest correlation to Mayo risk score (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.61, p 0.05) and on ROC analysis it had 84.4% accuracy in detecting high-risk PSC.In this single institution large cohort study, the left lobe to total liver volume ratio was the best quantifiable volumetric biomarker to correlate with severity of PSC as identified by Mayo risk score.

AIM: To analyse the change in size on follow-up of hepatic adenomas (HAs) and adenomatosis, and to investigate the relationship of imaging features with size change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 44 patients (142 lesions) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis and follow-up of HA. The imaging features and percentage change in maximum tumour dimension were observed over a follow-up duration of up to 139 months. RESULTS: With an average follow-up of 43 months, 37% lesions decreased in size, 58% were stable, 4% increased; one lesion regressed completely. Adenomas were stratified into size groups (0.05). Percent size change was different for lesions followed for ≤12 months (−7.2%) compared with lesions followed for 13e60 months (−20.5%), and those followed for ≥60 months (−23.5%; p0.05). CONCLUSION: Most adenomas were either stable or regressed on follow-up. Size change was independent of baseline size. After an initial size decrease within 5 years, no further size reduction was noted on extended follow-up. The percent size change in the HA-H and HA-I subtype was similar.

Imaging plays a pivotal role in management of benign and malignant liver tumors. A wide range of modalities including both conventional and modern, state-of-the-art imaging techniques provide invaluable information for better management of patients with suspected hepatic tumors. Besides the technique itself, knowledge of characteristics of a particular lesion and appropriate employment of this information to prescribe optimal management are critical. In this chapter, we discuss imaging characteristics of more frequently encountered benign and malignant hepatic tumors.

Handwriting is one of the behavioral biometric techniques for person identification. Our paper proposes a novel grapheme-based handwriting recognition system. First, the images of handwritings are segmented into graphemes and then graphemes are represented as projection profile. Then, dictionary is learnt from the images of handwriting using k-means clustering. Now using dictionary, writer feature vectors are generated and stored with writer label. Finally, query document features are matched with writer feature vectors using k-nearest neighbor. The outcome is the writer label with the highest similarity score.

Biotransformation of artemisinin (1) with the selected hairy root clones of three medicinally important plants, i.e., Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus muticus and Ocimum basilicum, yielded two biotransformed products, which were identified as 3-α-hydroxy-1-deoxyartemisinin (2) and 4-hydroxy-9,10-dimethyloctahydrofuro-(3,2-i)-isochromen-11(4H)-one (3). Their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis (NMR/MS) and X-ray crystallography. The relative transformation efficiencies of the tested hairy root clones differed concerning individual bioconversion reactions. Consequently, the HR clones of H. muticus and A. belladonna accomplished the highest conversion of (1) to (2) and (3) respectively, while that of O. basilicum imparted an intermediate response. In-silico and in-vitro bioactivity analysis of the derivatives revealed promising anti-plasmodial activity profile in tandem with notable TNF level lowering potential of compound (2), indicating thereby its prospective therapeutic merit in ameliorating the severity of malarial infection.

Differentiating between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is usually achievable by MRI. However, in some cases with atypical imaging findings accurate diagnosis may be difficult.To assess the diagnostic value of volumetric contrast-enhanced (CE) and volumetric diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating between HCC, FNH, and HCA.Retrospective.In all, 143 patients (206 lesions): 42 HCA (81 lesions), 51 FNH (65 lesions), and 50 HCC (60 lesions).1.5T MRI, TPatients underwent CE-MRI and DWI (b = 0, 750 mmIndependent t-test was used to compare parameters between two groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between three groups, and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis to define under-curve area and optimal cutoff.Mean values (±standard deviation) for HCC, FNH, and HCA, respectively, were: 1) arterial enhancement (%), 40.5 ± 13.2, 88.6 ± 32.6, 69.6 ± 25.1; 2) venous enhancement (%) 72.4 ± 22.1, 95.2 ± 30.9, 80.7 ± 30.6; and 3) ADC (10Volumetric CE-MRI and volumetric DWI can help to differentiate between HCC, FNH, and HCA.1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1080-1090.

As establishing fraud detection mechanism in the healthcare industry is an evolving challenge, this research work proposes a comprehensive approach for predicting the most probable fraudulent claims by the help of traditional and advanced statistical data analysis tools as well as algorithms. Keeping in mind the business value of the fraudulent claims, the research work seeks to develop a systemic methodology of modeling the information in such a way that the defined business goals in healthcare fraud management are achieved. Given the nature of insurance industry, the currently available mechanisms lack a standardized approach for encountering the events of fraudulent activities. So the research area focuses on the use of a distinguished methodology of “Rules-based scoring system” and creating a well-defined statistical model to assess the correlating factors which describe the probability and propensity of fraudulent claims in the industry. The research work leads to develop various data models using algorithms such as logistic regression, neural network, and decision tree in order to understand the cohesion between probable factors and also build up the most accurate model which can address or predict the claims based on the prevailing conditions and transactional activities.

Andrographolide (AD) is the time-honoured pharmacologically active constituent of the traditionally renowned medicinal plant-Andrographis paniculata. Advancements in the target-oriented drug discovery process have further unravelled the immense therapeutic credibility of another unique molecule-neoandrographolide (NAD). The escalated market demand of these anti-cancer diterpenes is increasingly facing unrelenting hurdles of demand and supply disparity, attributable to their limited yield. Callus and adventitious root cultures were generated to explore their biosynthetic potentials which first time revealed NAD production along with AD. Optimization of the types and concentrations of auxins along with media form and cultivation time led to the successful tuning towards establishing adventitious roots as a superior production alternative for both AD/NAD. Supplementation of IBA to the NAA + Kn-containing MS medium boosted the overall growth and AD/NAD synthesis in the adventitious roots. Compared to control leaves, the adventitious root exhibited about 2.61- and 8.8-fold higher contents of AD and NAD, respectively. The qRT-PCR involving nine key pathway genes was studied, which revealed upregulation of GGPS1 and HMGR1/2 genes and downregulation of DXS1/2 and HDR1/2 genes in the adventitious root as compared to that in the control leaves. Such observations highlight that in vitro cultures can serve as efficient production alternatives for AD/NAD as the cytosolic genes (HMGR1/2 of MVA pathway) are competent enough to take over from the plastidial genes (DXS1/2 and HDR1/2 of MEP pathway), provided the accredited first branch-point regulatory gene (GGPS) expression and the culture requirements are optimally fulfilled.

Hepatic resection is performed for various benign and malignant liver tumors. Over the last several decades, there have been improvements in the surgical technique and postoperative care of patients undergoing liver surgery. Despite this, liver failure following an extended hepatic resection remains a critical potential postoperative complication. Patients with underlying parenchymal liver diseases are at particular risk of liver failure due to impaired liver regeneration with an associated mortality risk as high as 60 to 90%. In addition, live donor liver transplantation requires a thorough presurgical assessment of the donor liver to minimize the risk of postoperative complications. Recently, cross-sectional imaging assessment of diffuse liver diseases has gained momentum due to its ability to provide both anatomical and functional assessments of normal and abnormal tissues. Various imaging techniques are being employed to assess diffuse liver diseases including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US). MRI has the ability to detect abnormal intracellular and molecular processes and tissue architecture. CT has a high spatial resolution, while US provides real-time imaging, is inexpensive, and readily available. We herein review current state-of-the-art techniques to assess the underlying non-tumorous liver. Specifically, we summarize current approaches to evaluating diffuse liver diseases including fatty liver alcoholic or non-alcoholic (NAFLD, AFLD), hepatic fibrosis (HF), and iron deposition (ID) with a focus on advanced imaging techniques for non-invasive assessment along with their implications for patient management. In addition, the role of and techniques to assess hepatic volume in hepatic surgery are discussed.

The effect of 6 years of cultivation and use of table-sugar (TS) on the biomass/terpene alkaloid productivities and rol gene expression were studied in a hairy root (HR) clone of Rauvolfia serpentina. The media cost could be reduced >94 % by replacing sucrose (SUC) with TS—an unexplored avenue for HR cultivation. The overall productivities increased over long-term cultivation with sugar proving superior to SUC for biomass (24.4 ± 2.11 g/l DW after 40 days to 17.31 % higher) and reserpine (0.094 ± 0.008 % DW after 60 days to 193.8 % more) production. The latter however revealed comparatively better yields concerning ajmaline (0.507 ± 0.048 % DW after 60 days to 61.98 % higher) and yohimbine (0.628 ± 0.062 % DW after 60 days to 38.32 % higher), respectively. PCR amplification of rol genes confirmed long-term expression stability.

An endophytic fungus was isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma amada (Zingiberaceae), which was identified as Fusarium oxysporum on the basis of its morphological and molecular characters. Chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis of the fungal metabolite (chloroform extract) led to the identification of one pure compound having molecular formula C5H12O2, i.e., 2,3-pentanediol (1). Activity analysis of compound 1 demonstrated improved antiaging (antioxidant, thermotolerance) properties against Caenorhabditis elegans, in comparison to a similar, commercially available molecule i.e., 1,5-pentanediol (2). The effective (lower) concentration of 1 significantly showed (28.6 %) higher survival percentage of the worms under thermal stress (37 oC) compared to its higher concentration (25.3 %), while similar trends were followed in oxidative stress where (22.2 %) higher survival percentage was recorded in comparison to untreated control. The compound 1, however, lacked potential antimicrobial activity, indicating the plausible ramification of the position of OH group in such bioactive molecules. In silico evaluation of these molecules against common as well as unique targets corroborated better antiaging potential of 1 in comparison to that of 2. The results for the first time indicated that the utilization of the endophytic fungi of C. amada could, thus, be a possible source for obtaining non-plant-based bioactive compounds having broader therapeutic applications pertaining to age-related progressions.

Unfortunately the article was published with a spell error in the co-author names “Ankur Pandy and Pallavi Pandy”. The correct co-author names should be Ankur Pandey and Pallavi Pandey”.

This study is one of the initial attempts to investigate turnover intentions among front-end employees in the Indian retail industry. It aims to investigate the impact of organisational factors, including job satisfaction, organisational commitment, work stress, work environment and realistic job information on intention to quit. A questionnaire-based survey approach is used. A total of 297 responses were collected from frontend workers employed in the Indian retail sector. To identify the strength of the relationships data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results indicated that intention to quit among front-end employees is influenced by work-related stress, organisational commitment, realistic job information, work environment and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction and realistic job information were also found to have significant positive impact on organisational commitment. Limitations, managerial implications and scope of the future work are discussed.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is one of the fatal gastrointestinal cancers with increasing incidence and mortality. Although surgery offers the only potential for cure in iCCA patients, the prognosis is not optimal with low overall survival rate and high disease recurrence. Hence, adjuvant therapy is generally recommended in the management of high-risk patients. Identifying factors associated with disease recurrence and survival of the iCCA patients after resection will improve understanding of disease prognosis and help in selecting patients who will benefit from surgical resection or stratifying them for clinical trials. Despite development of new methods for early detection of tumor recurrence, effective prognostic models and nomograms, and recent advances in management, significant challenges remain in improving the prognosis of iCCA patients.

The study manifests the immunoadjuvant potential of saponin rich fraction from Asparagus racemosus in terms of cellular and humoral immune response that can be exploited against microbial infections. Asparagus racemosus (AR) has been attributed as an adaptogen and rasayana in traditional medication systems for enhancing the host defence mechanism. Spectrophotometric and HPTLC analysis ensured the presence of saponins. The saponin rich fractions were tested for immunoadjuvant property in ovalbumin immunised mice for the humoral response, quantified in terms of prolonged antibody production upto a duration of 56days. Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF) were estimated for the cellular immune response in LPS stimulated primary murine macrophages. The safety evaluation in terms of cytotoxicity and allergic response has also been evaluated through in-vitro (MTT) and in-vivo (IgE) respectively. ARS significantly inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines, in LPS stimulated murine macrophages with no intrinsic cytotoxicity. The significant increase in IgG production infers the utility of ARS for prolonged humoral response. Further, the antigen specific response of IL-12 at early stage and IgE titres also suggests the generation of cellular immune response and low allergic reaction respectively, as compared to conventional adjuvants. IL-6 and TNF fluctuations in LPS stimulated and non-stimulated macrophages along with IgG and IL-12 also confirmed the Th1/Th2 modulating effect of ARS. The study indicates potential effect of ARS as an adjuvant for the stimulation of cellular immune response in addition to generating a sustained adaptive response without any adverse effects paving way for further validation with pathogenic organisms.

Information systems have undoubtedly been a powerful service tool in businesses. A fairly large number of studies have focused on information system success, but little effort has been made on its contribution towards other functional areas of management. In this paper we integrate information systems with human resource management and propose a model that explains role of human resource information system and its functions (telecommuting and gamification) in achieving certain human resource outcomes. Variables identified in this paper are well articulated in literature however, the associations are immensely fragmented. We have linked those variables in information systems arena and wish to deliver a probable nomological network.

Curcuma amada Roxb. (family Zingiberaceae ), is gaining global attention as potential source of new drug molecule(s) as it is credited with compounds having remarkable pharmacological properties. Recognizing the risk of loss of genetic variability of C. amada in response to imprudent exploitation of the natural resources coupled with unsystematic cultivation practices, preservation of its genetic resources has attracted the current research attention. The present study exploited the multifarious properties of Luffa sponge (i.e. sound physical strength, stability in texture/shape over wide pH range and repeated autoclaving, cost effective availability, etc.) as a novel matrix for synthetic seed conservation. In this study, we have evaluated the consequences of the presence of two fungicides, namely – bavistin and rosebengal, in the gel matrix as well as in the Luffa sponge for conservation of contamination free germplasm of C. amada . A maximum of 50% and 75% regrowth could be recorded amongst rosebengal and bavistin containing synthetic seeds respectively after 4 weeks of plating on plant growth regulator-free MS medium. Further growth of the encapsulated microshoots was significantly impeded by the presence of rosebengal within the synthetic seeds. On the contrary, the bavistin containing synthetic seeds demonstrated five times better regeneration ability to contamination-free shoots. A total of 78% survival was achieved upon transfer of these healthy plantlets to glass-house. RAPD fingerprinting revealed 84.62% genetic similarity between randomly selected synthetic seed derived plantlets. This report strengthened the vital conservation approach of C . amada using inexpensive Luffa sponge as storage matrix and bavistin for eradication of contaminations.

The present study reports the Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root induction in of an ethno-medicinally significant herb-Boerhaavia diffusa L., for elucidating the underlying competence regarding its biosynthetic (i.e. boeravinone B and eupalitin) and bioactivity (antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) potentials. Host plant-specific receptiveness towards A. rhizogenes strains and disparity in compatibility threshold of leaf and nodal explants were evident. Only leaf explants responded, attaining hairy root induction with the ATCC 15834 followed by A4 and SA79 strains in reducing order of transformation efficiency. The growth behaviours differed amongst independent rhizoclones, and two clones of A4 (RBH) and ATCC 15834 (RBT8) origin demonstrated higher growth potentials. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of rol genes confirmed their transformed nature. Optimization of the appropriate solvent and reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography parameters relating to the targeted metabolite production in the selected RBH and RBT8 clones revealed higher accumulation of eupalitin with the RBH clone having the best result of 1.44 times greater yield over the control root. Compared to the selected rhizoclones, the control roots however showed higher boeravinone B content. Devising a modified "stirred-tank" reactor through equipping with marine impellers and ring spargers facilitated high-density RBH root biomass yield with 6.1-fold and 1.15-fold yield increment of the boeravinone B and eupalitin respectively compared to shake-flask cultures. Considering the control roots, the RBH clone revealed analogous antioxidant/antibacterial activities with improved anti-inflammatory potential. The hairy root mediated higher production of boeravinone B and eupalitin could be achieved for the first time in bioreactor.

Collaboration has always been the basic nature as well as requirement to survive on this earth. In the present scenario collaborative learning has changed its settings due to the presence of technology like computers, mobile devices online systems etc. computer supported collaborative learning is the use of computer device as a medium to establish collaboration as the central strategy in teaching-learning process. It is a great initiative to provide a rich experience in collaborative settings to enhance the learning process. To inculcate computer supported collaborative learning in our regular teaching learning practice it is necessary to modify the traditional setup and to train teachers to adopt such changes. This paper explores the theoretical concepts, basic collaborative techniques in computer supported collaborative learning environment and challenges in implementation of CSCL in teaching learning process.

Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is gaining unmatched attention owing to its unique anti-cancer activity with selective melanoma growth inhibition without damaging normal cells. It is also well-known for its multifaceted pharmacokinetics, entailing antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-HIV and antioxidant merits. Considering the escalating demand with diminishing bioresource of this molecule, the present study was undertaken that revealed the untapped potentials of Ocimum calli, contrasting to that in the in vitro derived leaves, as effective production alternative of BA in three out of four tested species (i.e. Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Ocimum sanctum excluding Ocimum grattisimum). Callus inductions were obtained in all the four species with different 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)/α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) concentrations with kinetin. Notably, 2,4-D favoured maximum callus growth in all whereas NAA proved beneficial for the highest metabolite yield in the calli of each BA-producing species. The O. basilicum calli demonstrated the maximum growth (growth index (GI) 678.7 ± 24.47) and BA yield (2.59 ± 0.55 % dry weight [DW]), whereas those in O. kilimandscharicum (GI 533.33 ± 15.87; BA 1.87 ± 0.6 % DW) and O. sanctum (GI 448 ± 16.07; BA 0.39 ± 0.12 % DW) followed a descending order. The O. gratissimum calli revealed minimum growth (GI 159 ± 13.25) with no BA accumulation. Elicitation with methyl jasmonate at 200-μM concentration after 48-h exposure doubled the BA yield (5.10 ± 0.18 % DW) in NAA-grown O. basilicum calli compared to that in the untreated counterpart (2.61 ± 0.19 % DW), which further enthused its future application.

Fluorosis has increased in recent times due to fluoridation of drinking water and addition of fluoride to various edible items, which leads to unaesthetic appearance of teeth visible at close quarters. The enamel microabrasion technique is a conservative method that improves the appearance of the teeth by restoring bright and superficial smoothness, without causing significant structural loss. The aim of this article is to describe an easy technique for managing mild to moderate dental fluorosis using Opalustre (Ultradent Products) microabrasion slurry. This conservative approach may be considered an interesting alternative to more invasive prosthetic techniques like composite resin restorations, ceramic veneers or crown fabrications.

Agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular second premolars is the most frequent form of hypodontia. Its prevalence varies across population from 0.8% to 4.5%. Genetic aberrations and environmental factors may cause agenesis of one or more teeth. The management of child having such a problem is very important since diastema in teeth especially in upper anteriors not only affects child's physical appearance but also its psychological development as the child wants to look like other children. In this article is presented a case of non-syndromic agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors (MLIA) and mandibular central incisors in a 10-year-old boy (patient) in permanent dentition with its management along with the radiographic investigations and photographic presentations of the other members of his family affected with this condition.

The era of technology has changed the way to impart education now days. Most of the developed as well as rapidly developing nations have now moved towards the innovative use of technology to make education less expensive and easily and equally accessible to all its citizens. But there are several obstacles come across the way providing the resources of knowledge to the common people with the help of technology. One of the important factors is the cost and the availability of modern hardware devices and software applications that comes as a hindrance in connecting people with technology. Internet is a wonderful innovation of this technological age which has proved its efficiency to connect people worldwide, for exchanging their opinions through social networking, blogging and various such activities. It is also rapidly used in providing access to education for various deprived sections of the society for free so that one of the very important millennium development goals of universalization of education can be made easily achievable. Internet has also innovate the concept of cloud computing which is rapidly attracting most of the people worldwide engaged in activities of spreading the resources of knowledge breaching the barrios of cost and availability of technical resources. Cloud computing is actually the result of getting more people on internet these days. People mostly access the internet through mobile devices, I-pads etc. Very often people would like to keep store their files like the word files, the power point files, pictures, videos etc. As you are aware of the storage capacity of these devices is much less to store a large amount of data on it. Cloud computing provides the option of storing the data on the cloud service provider's device with or without saving it on the clients own device as per their choice. At any time that saved data can be retrieved from the service provider's device to the user's device at any location and on any device just by having an internet connection. This is not the only feature of cloud computing. Cloud computing is the combination of the internet with outsourcing of the information technology. The education systems of many countries are not aware about the potential use of cloud computing in attaining its aims of providing various resources of knowledge to the whole world at a low cost, high quality in minimum time. A little number of them is utilizing it to its optimum level. To make the education world aware about the potential use of cloud computing we have to understand the concept first.WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING?The word cloud computing is the combination of two words; Cloud & Computing. To understand the concept we have to elaborate both the terms. In IT industry the word 'cloud' is used to denote a network and the user is mostly unknown to its internal setup as the internet service provider's network . But in network pictures and topology pictures the service provider's network is denoted by the shape of cloud. Next term is computing and it means to calculate. Performing calculations and processing data using computers is called computing. This data processing can be performed either on personal desktop or laptop or in office. In office also this computing can be performed on a single computer or on a centralized computer (server) or on both in distributed form according to the setup.To provide services in a network there may be a single server or a group of servers. According to the network size different systems may be allotted for storage and database. On these servers according to the need of consumers various services and applications may be available like mail.It means on these servers the client devices like computers and laptops are engaged in computing for using an application or services and network servers and other devices do computing to provide these mail and other such services. So the concept of cloud computing performed on cloud. …

Despite decades of studies employee turnover still remains one of the major issues in the retail industry. As higher attrition continues to lead to loss of talented employees, retail organisations are trying to figure out strategies to cope with the problem and contain the higher administrative cost that they have to incur. Focusing on developing retention strategies is thus the need of the hour in an industry that is facing high employee turnover. But the basic issue is to identify the reasons so that effective retention strategies can be formulated. The present paper is an attempt to identify the factors that may contribute to retention of retail employees. Analytic Hierarchy Process has been applied to test the retention elements. The hierarchical model consists of three criteria (work environment, managers, and employees), seven sub-criteria (autonomy, socialisation, fairness, support, behaviour, attitude, and capability) and three alternatives (management by objective, engagement and management by instruction). Findings of the study reveal that management by objectives rank first, followed by engagement and management by instruction in explaining retention. In addition, weights of criteria and sub-criteria exhibit the importance of other decision elements (autonomy, socialisation, and managers support) in achieving retention.

Nevus (mole or birthmark) is a benign tumour of skin and mucosa characterised by the presence of melanin-producing, neuroectodermally derived cells, which can be light to dark brown, reddish brown, blue or flesh coloured. It varies in shape from oval to round. Oral melanotic nevi are uncommon oral lesions causing focal pigmentation. They were found only in 0.1% of population in a large survey. Nevi can be acquired over time or congenital. Acquired nevi are considered benign neoplasms whereas congenital nevi are hamartomas. They are located usually on the palate but less commonly on buccal mucosa, gingiva and lips. This article presents a case report of an intramucosal nevus of buccal mucosa in a 5-year-old boy with its surgical removal.