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Background: Mosquitoes biolarvicides remain the most important method for mosquito control. The previous studies have shown Aspergillus sp.-expressed larvicidal properties against mosquito species. The present study evaluated larvicidal and histopathological effect of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus tamarii isolated from theCactus stem (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill). Method: The molecular identification of isolated A. tamarii was done by PCR amplification (5.8s rDNA) using a universal primer (ITS-1 and ITS-2). The secondary metabolites of A. tamarii was tested for larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Larvicidal bioassay of different concentrations (- 100, 300, 500, 800 and 1000 μg/mL) isolated extracts were done according to the modified protocol. Each test included a set of control groups (i.e. DMSO and distilled water). The lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were calculated by probit analysis. Experimental monitoring duration was 48 h. Results: The ethyl acetate extract from A. tamarii fungus resulted - excellent mosquitocidal effect against Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, with least LC50 and LC90 values. -After 48 h, the Ae. aegypti expressed better results (LC50 = 29.10, 18.69, 16.76, 36.78 μg/mL and the LC90 = 45.59, 27.66, 27.50, 54.00 μg/mL) followed by Cx. quinquefaciatus (LC50 = 3.23, 24.99, 11.24, 10.95 μg/mL and the LC90 = 8.37, 8.29, 21.36, 20.28 μg/mL). The biochemical level of A. tamarii mycelium extract on both larvae was measured and the results shown a dose dependent activity on the level of AchE, α- and β-carboxylesterase assay. Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) profile of A. tamarii extract reflected three compounds i.e. preg-4-en-3-one, 17. α-hydroxy-17. β-cyano- (7.39%), trans-3-undecene-1,5-diyne (45.77%) and pentane, 1,1,1,5-tetrachloro- (32.16%) which which might had attributed to larvae mortality. Conclusion: The findings of - present study shows that the use of endophytic A. tamarii fungal metabolites for control of dengue and filariasis vectors is promising and needs a semifield and small scale filed trials.

This critical review summarizes the utilization of algae as the resilient source for biofuel. The paper validates the different stages in generation of biofuels and provides a clarity on III generation biofuels. The microalgae is focused as an incredible source and a detailed discussion has been carried out from the cultivation, extraction and conversion to the final product. An elaborate view on conversion methodologies and troubles involved in the respective techniques are presented. The efficiency of the algal fuel performing in I/C engines derived from major techniques is considered. There exist new challenging barriers in the implementation of microalgae as prospective source in the energy market. In addition, types of pyrolysis for the production of main product from microalgae had been discussed in detail. Besides, some microalgae grow easily from fresh to waste water, make it more feasible source. Although the microalgae are a best alternative, cost of production and the yield of biofuel are still challenging. Further, cultivation of microalgae is very effective by applying two stage cultivation strategies. This comprehensive review provides the useful tool to identify, innovate and operate microalgae as the potential based biofuel.

Summary: Background: Zoonotic tuberculosis is defined as human infection with Mycobacterium bovis. Although globally, India has the largest number of human tuberculosis cases and the largest cattle population, in which bovine tuberculosis is endemic, the burden of zoonotic tuberculosis is unknown. The aim of this study was to obtain estimates of the human prevalence of animal-associated members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) at a large referral hospital in India. Methods: We did a molecular epidemiological surveillance study of 940 positive mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) cultures, collected from patients visiting the outpatient department at Christian Medical College (Vellore, India) with suspected tuberculosis between Oct 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019. A PCR-based approach was applied to subspeciate cultures. Isolates identified as MTBC other than M tuberculosis or as inconclusive on PCR were subject to whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and phylogenetically compared with publicly available MTBC sequences from south Asia. Sequences from WGS were deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information Sequence Read Archive, accession number SRP226525 (BioProject database number PRJNA575883). Findings: The 940 MGIT cultures were from 548 pulmonary and 392 extrapulmonary samples. A conclusive identification was obtained for all 940 isolates; wild-type M bovis was not identified. The isolates consisted of M tuberculosis (913 [97·1%] isolates), Mycobacterium orygis (seven [0·7%]), M bovis BCG (five [0·5%]), and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (15 [1·6%]). Subspecies were assigned for 25 isolates by WGS, which were analysed against 715 MTBC sequences from south Asia. Among the 715 genomes, no M bovis was identified. Four isolates of cattle origin were dispersed among human sequences within M tuberculosis lineage 1, and the seven M orygis isolates from human MGIT cultures were dispersed among sequences from cattle. Interpretation: M bovis prevalence in humans is an inadequate proxy of zoonotic tuberculosis. The recovery of M orygis from humans highlights the need to use a broadened definition, including MTBC subspecies such as M orygis, to investigate zoonotic tuberculosis. The identification of M tuberculosis in cattle also reinforces the need for One Health investigations in countries with endemic bovine tuberculosis. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

This paper presents the multi-response optimization of friction stir corner welding process for dissimilar thickness AA5086 aluminium alloy plates. The corner joint of AA5086 aluminium alloy plates of thicknesses of 6 mm and 4 mm was welded by Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process. The FSW experiments were conducted agreeing to the L9 orthogonal array. Three FSW process parameters: tool traverse speed (100, 150 and 190 mm/min), rotational speed (900, 1000 and 1100 rev/min), and plunge depth (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm) were related with weld tensile strength and hardness. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the percentage contribution of each input parameter on the weld quality. Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis is used to optimize and order the FSW process parameters. Conferring to the results of the analyses, the optimal welding condition was determined as 1000 rev/min for tool rotational speed, 150 mm/min for traverse speed and 0.1 mm for tool plunge depth. The percentage contribution of the traverse speed (54%) revealed a significant influence compared to tool rotational speed (21%) and plunge depth (13%). The microstructures of various zones were observed and analysed. Tensile tests were conducted and the fracture was observed at heat affected zones for all the joints. Current consumption, temperature distribution, and force generation during friction stir welding were acquired and analysed..

Summary: The present investigation studied the seasonal variation between physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton diversity, community structure and abundance; quantitative samples were collected on a monthly basis from April 2015 to March 2016 at Parangipettai coast, the Bay of Bengal (BOB). Statistical analyses were performed on physico-chemical parameters such as salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, temperature, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, and inorganic phosphate (IP). The significant (P

The Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population is a small isolated relict herd considered endangered according to the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA). This population has low recruitment and survival rates but the potential role of parasites on individual fitness is unknown. In this context, we explored the parasite status of this population with the aim of 1) assessing the occurrence and intensity of parasite infections and the spatial, temporal and individual variations, 2) quantifying parasite richness and investigating factors such as sex and host body condition that may be associated with this variable and 3) evaluating the effects of parasite infections on survival in the Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou population. We examined fecal samples from 32 animals captured in 2013–2014 for eggs, oocysts and larvae of parasites and detected 7 parasite species: dorsal-spined larvae protostrongylids, presumably Parelaphostrongylus andersoni based on PCR identification of a subset, Nematodirus odocoilei and other unidentified Strongyles, Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Moniezia sp. and Eimeria sp. For each caribou, mean parasite species richness was 1.8 ± 1.1 (SD). Sex, body condition, year and capture location did not explain parasite prevalence, intensity of infection or richness except for intensity of infection of Capillaria sp. that was positively influenced by body condition. Parasites did not influence survival although mortality was higher for males than for females. We suggest that the relatively low and common gastrointestinal and protostrongylid parasite infections will not be a short-term threat leading to extinction. Keywords: Capillaria, Eimeria, Moniezia, Nematodirinae, Parelaphostrongylus andersoni, Rangifer tarandus

As aging progresses, there is tooth destruction in the cervical portion of the tooth not possibly due to carious process. This may be attributed to either abrasion, erosion or abfraction or a combination. The etiology, extent, and clinical view of these lesions vary, and it is a challenge to the clinician to identify the cause and decide proper restorative materials and treatment plan for each type of lesion.

Purpose: Validation of a new software version of a Monte Carlo treatment planning system through comparing plans generated by two software versions in volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for lung cancer. Materials and Methods: Three patients who were treated with 60 Gy/30 fractions in Elekta Synergy™ linear accelerator by VMAT technique with 2% statistical uncertainty (SU) were chosen for the study. Multiple VMAT plans were generated using two different software versions of Monaco treatment planning system TPS (V5.10.02 and V5.11). By keeping all other parameters constant, originally accepted plans were recalculated for the SUs of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. For plan evaluation, the metrics compared were conformity Index (CI), homogeneity Index (HI), dose coverage to planning target volume (PTV), organ at risk (OAR) doses to spinal cord, pericardium, bilateral lungs-PTV, esophagus, liver, normal tissue integral dose (NTID), volumes receiving dose >5 and >10 Gy, calculation time (tCT), and gamma pass rates. Results: In both versions, CI and HI improved as the SU increased from 0.5% to 5%. No significant dose difference was observed in Dmean to PTV, bilateral lungs-PTV, pericardium, esophagus, liver, normal tissue volume receiving >5, and >10 Gy and NTID. It was observed that while the tCT and gamma pass rates decreased, the maximum dose to PTV increased as the SU increased. No other significant dose differences were observed between the two MC versions compared. Conclusion: For lung VMAT plans, in both versions, SU could be accepted up to 3% per plan with reduced tCT without compromising plan quality and deliverability by accepting variations in point dose and an inhomogeneous dose within the target. The plan quality of Monaco™V5.10.02 was similar to Monaco™TPS-V5.11 except for tCT.

India is known to be endemic to NDM carbapenemases. However, NDM-7 among Klebsiella pneumoniae has not been described from India. Apart from carbapenemases, ompK35 and ompK36 also contribute to carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae. This study describes molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in an isolate from bacteraemia investigated through whole genome sequencing. blaNDM-7 was found on IncA/C2 plasmid which also carried sul-1, aadA2, rmtC, blaCMY-6 and ARR-2. ompK35 had mutations and changes from 39th amino acid. ompK36 was truncated to 248 amino acids. The isolate belonged to ST147. The patient was a known case systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and blood culture grew carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae. Meropenem, colistin and tiecoplanin were administered and the patient was discharged on improvement. Emergence of new resistance variants and porin mutations among clones such as ST147 which has been prevalent has potential for rapid spread and thus challenges infection control. Keywords: K. pneumoniae, NDM-7, ST147, ompK35, ompK36

This paper investigates the nexus between CO2 emissions (CO2E), GDP, energy use (ENU), and population growth (PG) in India from 1980–2018 by comparing the “vector error correction” model (VECM) and “auto regressive distributed lag” (ARDL). We applied the unit root test, Johansen multi-variate cointegration, and performed a Variance decomposition analysis using the Cholesky approach. The VECM and ARDL-bound testing approaches to cointegration suggest a long-term equilibrium nexus between GDP, energy use, population growth and CO2E. The empirical outcomes show the existence of a long-term equilibrium nexus between the variables. The Granger causality results show that short-term bi-directional causality exists between GDP and ENU, while a uni-directional causality between CO2E and GDP, CO2E and ENU, CO2E and PG, and PG and ENU. Evidence from variance decomposition indicates that 58.4% of the future fluctuations in CO2E are due to changes in ENU, 2.8% of the future fluctuations are due to changes in GDP, and 0.43% of the future fluctuations are due to changes in PG. Finally, the ARDL test results indicate that a 1% increase in PG will lead to a 1.4% increase in CO2E. Our paper addresses some important policy implications.

Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) infection can cause acute host reactions that lead to high-fatality sepsis, making it important to develop new therapeutic options. Previously, we developed a short 9-meric peptide, Pro9-3D, with significant antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. In this study, we attempted to produce safer peptide antibiotics against CRAB by reversing the parent sequence to generate R-Pro9-3 and R-Pro9-3D. Among the tested peptides, R-Pro9-3D had the most rapid and effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly clinical CRAB isolates. Analyses of antimicrobial mechanisms based on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-neutralization, LPS binding, and membrane depolarization, as well as SEM ultrastructural investigations, revealed that R-Pro9-3D binds strongly to LPS and impairs the membrane integrity of CRAB by effectively permeabilizing its outer membrane. R-Pro9-3D was also less cytotoxic and had better proteolytic stability than Pro9-3D and killed biofilm forming CRAB. As an LPS-neutralizing peptide, R-Pro9-3D effectively reduced LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in RAW 264.7 cells. The antiseptic abilities of R-Pro9-3D were also investigated using a mouse model of CRAB-induced sepsis, which revealed that R-Pro9-3D reduced multiple organ damage and attenuated systemic infection by acting as an antibacterial and immunosuppressive agent. Thus, R-Pro9-3D displays potential as a novel antiseptic peptide for treating Gram-negative CRAB infections.

The Protostrongylidae is a diverse family of nematodes capable of causing significant respiratory and neuromuscular disease in their ungulate and lagomorph hosts. Establishing the species diversity and abundance of the protostrongylid fauna has been hindered because the first stage larvae, commonly referred as dorsal spined larvae (DSL), that are shed in the feces are morphologically very similar among several genera. We aimed to determine the protostrongylid diversity and distribution in caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus and R. t. pearyi) in the central and high Canadian Arctic. We first developed, tested and validated a morphological diagnostic guide for the DSL of two important protostrongylids, Parelaphostrongylus andersoni and Varestrongylus eleguneniensis, and then applied this guide to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection of these parasites in fecal samples from 242 caribou. We found that DSL of V. eleguneniensis and P. andersoni can be differentiated morphologically based on the structural differences at the caudal extremity. The presentation and morphology of the dorsal spine, and caudoventral bulging at the start of the tail extension were identified as the key identifying features. The two species were found in caribou on the arctic mainland and southern Victoria Island in single and co-infections, but the prevalence and intensity of infection was low. No protostrongylids were detected in caribou from the high arctic islands. Through this study, we provide a simple, efficient, and robust method to distinguish the DSL of the two protostrongylids, and present the current status of infection in different herds of caribou of the central Canadian Arctic. We report new geographic and host records for P. andersoni infection in Dolphin and Union caribou herd. Keywords: Parelaphostrongylus andersoni, Varestrongylus eleguneniensis, Diagnostic parasitology, Morphological diagnosis, Dorsal spined larvae, Canadian Arctic, Dolphin and Union caribou

Research on forecasting the seasonality and growth trend of natural gas (NG) production and consumption will help organize an analysis base for NG inspection and development, social issues, and allow industrials elements to operate effectively and reduce economic issues. In this situation, we handle a comparison structure on the application of different models in monthly NG production and consumption forecasting using the cross-correlation function and then analyze the association between exogenous variables. Moreover, the SARIMA-X model is tested for US monthly NG production and consumption prediction via the proposed method for the first time in the literature review in this study. The performance of that model has been compared with SARIMA (p, d, q) * (P, D, Q)s. The results from RMSE and MAPE indicate that the superiority of the best model. By applying this method, the US monthly NG production and consumption is forecast until 2025. The success of the proposed method allows the use of seasonality patterns. If this seasonal approach continues, the United States’ NG production (16%) and consumption (24%) are expected to increase by 2025. The results of this study provide effective information for decision-makers on NG production and consumption to be credible and to determine energy planning and future sustainable energy policies.

This paper investigates the Markov-Switching GARCH and Single-Regime (SR) GARCH models for the extreme-risk prediction of the global energy markets. Using daily data from Jan. 2020 to July. 2022, we find the MS-GARCH-types models are appropriate for both developed and emerging energy markets because they efficiently measure the extreme risk of energy commodities in various cases. Meanwhile, the regime-switching model's capture-dynamic structures in the financial markets and this model is only better than single-regime models in terms of long position risk predicting, rather than short position risk forecasting. That is, on the downside risk predicting, it just outperforms the single regime. Through competitive models, this study examines the risk forecast of energy commodities in different conditions. The findings have strong implications for investors and policymakers in selecting the appropriate model to predict the extreme risk of energy commodities when facing asset allocation, portfolio selection, and risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diethylphenylacetamide (Bulk-DEPA), an organic insect repellent was subjected to Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymerization followed by Phase Inversion Temperature (PIT) emulsification method to yield the polymeric nanodroplets of DEPA (Nano-DEPA). The mean hydrodynamic diameter was found to be 149 ± 1.06 nm. The efficacy of Bulk-DEPA and Nano-DEPA was comparatively investigated on the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito population. The larvicidal bioassay was performed on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and the median lethal indices (LC50) of was found to be 0.055, 0.208, 1.397 mg/L and 0.023, 0.144, 0.260 mg/L for Bulk-DEPA and Nano-DEPA respectively. The histopathological studies were found to be corroborative with the larvicidal bioassay. The median knockdown indices (KD50) on 2–3 day old sucrose fed adult mosquitoes determined by WHO cone bioassay and was found to be 55.168 and 33.277 mg/L for Bulk-DEPA and Nano-DEPA. The obtained results indicate the improved efficacy possessed by the Nano-DEPA as comparative to Bulk-DEPA even at lower concentrations. Further, the Nano-DEPA was impregnated onto the alginate cross-linked (ACL) and Plain (PL) cotton fabrics, and the Washing resistance index (WRI) was determined. The obtained results indicate the higher WRI possessed by the ACL cotton fabric than the PL cotton fabric. This was owing to the effective physical entrapment of Nano-DEPA onto the alginate matrices, which was further substantiated by high-resolution scanning electron microscopic (HR-SEM) studies. Overall, the present study has emphasized the benefit of formulating Bulk-DEPA into Nano-DEPA to exert higher efficacy on the mosquito population. In addition, study has provided the methodology for the effective impregnation of Nano-DEPA onto the cotton fabrics for the reliable application in long lasting insect repellent clothing.

The data presented illustrated the in vitro anti-proliferative effect of the PSG toxin from the cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis. The cytostatic potentials of the PSG toxin were determined by the lymphocyte migration inhibition assay. The PSG toxin (50 μg/ml) exhibited commendable inhibition of the migration of lymphocytes across the agarose gel matrix under the presence of lipopolysaccharide mitogen, with a mean migration index of 0.625. The cytotoxicity of the PSG toxin against selected cancer cell lines was determined using the MTT assay. The PSG toxin exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cells followed by KB (oral), HeLa (cervical) and A549 (lung) cancer cell lines. The PSG toxin also exhibited proportional release of LDH leakage by mitochondrial damage with an IC50 of 13.85 μM against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The in vitro anticancer activity of the PSG toxin against the selected cell lines was evaluated by Karthik et al. (2017) [1]. Keywords: PSG toxin, Anticancer, Anti-proliferative, Breast cancer, MTT assay, LDH leakage assay

Corrosion or environment-induced degradation often occurs in structural steel as an electrochemical process which leads to gradual loss in mass over a period when subjected to prolonged exposure to an aggressive environment. Immediate effects of this environment-induced degradation, also referred to in industry circles as corrosion, includes a progressive reduction of the cross section, which in turn has a detrimental influence on stiffness and load carrying capacity of the components in a structure, such as a bridge, a stiffened panel or a building. Due to its high strength, low alloy A572 Grade 50 steel is a potentially viable candidate for a wide range of applications in the construction industry. However, like in other high strength alloy steels, A572 is vulnerable to the effects of degradation-induced by the environment owing to its chemical composition. This paper discusses the details of tests conducted to determine the fatigue properties of A572 steel after inducing uniform environment-induced degradation or corrosion. Flat (rectangular dog-bone shaped) specimens, conforming to specifications detailed in ASTM E8 standard, were used in this study. A technique that was developed by the ASTM and General Motors Corporation (GM) [called GMW14872] for a controlled corrosion process based on use of the spray technique was used to induce accelerated corrosion on selected test specimens in an environment chamber. Stress-controlled high cycle fatigue tests were conducted on the corroded test specimens and compared with the as-new, uncorroded counterpart.

Oral cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world, accounting for numerous deaths annually. The 5-year survival rate remains approximately 50% for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the past several decades. Early detection plays a vital role in the survival rate of the patients. There is no accurate, cost-effective, and reliable method for the screening of patients with OSCC. Hence, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Early detection would, therefore, help to identify patients and modify treatment with close monitoring. Lab on a Chip or micro-total-analysis systems are one of the microfluidics technologies that are defined as adaptation, miniaturization, integration, and automation of analytical laboratory procedures into a single device or “chip.” This technology assures the replacement of complicated techniques with miniaturized, integrated, programmed, and economical diagnostic devices. Hence, this system provides a means for rapid, automated, molecular analysis of cancer cells.

A visual experiment was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial potential of cell-free culture supernatant of Weissella confusa (DD_A7) against the foodborne pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli 0157: H7 by disc diffusion method. The result revealed that DD_A7 exerted effective antibacterial potential to control the growth of E. coli upon treatment with 100 µg/mL of the culture supernatant. This study demonstrated that DD_A7 is a potent probiotic candidate to reduce the risk factor associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Video Clip of Methodology: Duration: 4 min 36 sec Full Screen Alternate

Fungal metabolites are considered to be most efficient tools to overcome the issues related to insecticide resistance and environmental pollution. The present study focus on the evaluation of the mosquito larvicidal efficacy of metabolites of seven indigenous fungal isolates (Penicillium sp. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. parasiticus, Rhizopus sp. Mucor sp. and Aspergillus sp.) on the larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus under the laboratory condition. The preliminary screening of the isolate, Penicillium sp. showed better larvicidal effect when compared to other fungi. The fungus was grown on Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) in the laboratory (at 25°C) and maintained in the relative humidity (at 76 ± 4% for 15 days). Larvicidal potency of mycelial ethyl acetate extract (MEAE) of Penicillium sp. was performed against 1st to 4th instars larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus using four different concentrations (100, 200, 300, and 500 μg/ml) that showed better larval mortality values (μg/ml) of LC50 = 6.554, 5.487, 6.874, 6.892, and the LC90 = 11.486, 10.366, 12.879, 13.865 for Ae. aegypti and LC50 = 7.000, 13.943, 18.129, 25.212 and the LC90 = 12.541, 23.761, 30.923, 41.696 for Cx. quinquefasciatus. Exposure of metabolite to larvae resulted in behavior changes i.e., excitation, up and down with aggressive movement, anal papillae biting behavior. Further, the larvae treated with Penicillium sp. metabolite exhibited significant reduction in the levels of acetylcholinesterase. The 4th instar mosquito larvae treated with the 500 μg/ml mycelia extract showed severe histological damages. During the antibacterial analysis of Penicillium sp.- mycelium the maximum growth inhibition zone was recorded in Shigella dysenteriae (31.2 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (31.1 mm) followed by others. In addition, to check the toxicity of Penicillium sp. MEAE against embryos of Zebrafish, a model system, using different concentrations of metabolites (1.0, 0.5, 0.125 mg/ml, 30, 3.0, and 0.5 μg/ml) and life-stage parameters were observed at 124 hpf. Furthermore, the Fourier Transformed Infrared and GCMS spectrum analysis of mycelium reflected several chemical compounds. The outcome of the study clearly shows that Penicillium sp. metabolites could serve as an ideal eco-friendly, single-step and inexpensive source for the control of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae.

Introduction: Role of intensity modulated radiotherapy in definitive management of Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma (LACC) is not yet well defined with limited available literature. Aim: We had earlier reported early clinical outcome and acute toxicities in patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix treated with Whole Pelvic Conventional Radiotherapy (WPCRT) versus Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (WP-IMRT). This study aims to evaluate the long term clinical outcome and late toxicities. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 patients of stage IIB-IIIB {International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO 2009)} squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix was randomised between WP-CRT or WP-IMRT to receive 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions with weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 followed by high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy (7 Gy in 3 fractions each one week apart). Survival was calculated from the date of initiation of treatment. Late toxicity was graded as per the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) system. Results: A total of 22 patients each were assigned to the two treatment arms. Out of 44 patients, 13 and 12 patients belonged to stage IIB; 9 and 10 patients had stage IIIB disease respectively in WP-CRT and WP-IMRT arms. Median follow-up time was 46.7 months (22.8-59.8 months) for the WP-IMRT and 51.23 months (21.7-59.8 months) for the WP-CRT arm. Fiveyear loco-regional failure free survival and distant metastasis free survival rates were 85.7% versus 90.9% (p=0.58) and 76.4% versus 69.4% (p=0.79) in WP-IMRT versus WP-CRT respectively. Five-year disease free survival and overall survival rate in the WP-IMRT arm versus the WP-CRT were 72.7% versus 66.2% (p=0.80) and 72.4% versus 74.4% (p=0.61). For combined Grade-1-3, patients in the WP-IMRT arm experienced significantly fewer chronic gastrointestinal toxicity (18.2% versus 50%, p=0.027). Grade-2 late bladder toxicity was seen more in WP-CRT arm versus WP-IMRT arm (13.6% versus 0%, p=0.116). Conclusion: WP-IMRT continues to show comparable long term survival outcome and is associated with significantly less chronic gastrointestinal toxicity compared to WP-CRT. We suggest the use of WP-IMRT for LACC till further results from ongoing multicentric trial are available.

Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis and Varestrongylus eleguneniensis are the two most common protostrongylid nematodes infecting muskoxen in the North American Arctic and Subarctic. First stage larvae (L1) of these lungworms have considerable morphological similarity that makes their differential diagnosis very difficult. Using light microscopy, we studied in detail the L1 of these two species and identified the key differences in morphological and morphometric attributes. Thirty L1 of each species from naturally infected muskox were heat-killed and then assessed for morphological and morphometric features that could be used for species-level differentiation. Key differentiating features include: length and morphology of the tail extension, curvature of the body, ventral post-anal transverse cuticular striations, and total body length. A laboratory guide for differentiation of L1 based on these species-specific characters was prepared and used by an experienced observer to identify an additional 35 L1 extracted from a different set of fecal samples from free-ranging muskoxen with mixed infections. The identities of these L1 were confirmed by sequence analysis of the ITS-2 region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Accuracy of morphological identification was 100 percent, reflecting the reliability of the proposed guide for differentiation. Using the guide, three minimally trained lab assistants each fixed and accurately identified 10 of 10 randomly selected L1. Ability to morphologically differentiate these facilitates the monitoring of overlapping range expansion of both parasites in the Canadian Arctic. Studies enabling species-level parasite identification are also critical for defining biodiversity, detecting mixed infections, and understanding host–parasite interactions. Morphological identification is a simple, reliable and cost-effective alternative to labor and equipment intensive molecular methods and can easily be performed in low resource settings.

Owing to the challenges faced by conventional therapeutics, novel peptide antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria need to be urgently developed. We had previously designed Pro9-3 and Pro9-3D from the defensin of beetle Protaetia brevitarsis; they showed high antimicrobial activity with cytotoxicity. Here, we aimed to develop peptide antibiotics with bacterial cell selectivity and potent antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. We designed 10-meric peptides with increased cationicity by adding Arg to the N-terminus of Pro9-3 (Pro10-1) and its D-enantiomeric alteration (Pro10-1D). Among all tested peptides, the newly designed Pro10-1D showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and MDR strains with resistance against protease digestion. Pro10-1D can act as a novel potent peptide antibiotic owing to its outstanding inhibitory activities against bacterial film formation with high bacterial cell selectivity. Dye leakage and scanning electron microscopy revealed that Pro10-1D targets the bacterial membrane. Pro10-1D inhibited inflammation via Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, Pro10-1D ameliorated multiple-organ damage and attenuated systemic infection-associated inflammation in an E. coli K1-induced sepsis mouse model. Overall, our results suggest that Pro10-1D can potentially serve as a novel peptide antibiotic for the treatment of gram-negative sepsis.

The larvicidal potential of crude leaf extracts of Rhizophora mucronata, the red mangrove, using diverse solvent extracts of the plant against the early fourth instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors was analyzed. The acetone extract of R. mucronata showed the greatest efficacy: for Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 0.13 mg/mL; LC90 = 2.84 mg/mL), An. stephensi (LC50 = 0.34 mg/mL; LC90 = 6.03 mg/mL), and Ae. aegypti (LC50 = 0.11 mg/mL; LC90 = 1.35 mg/mL). The acetone extract was further fractionated into four fractions and tested for its larvicidal activity. Fraction 3 showed stronger larvicidal activity against all the three mosquito larvae. Chemical characterization of the acetone extract displayed the existence of several identifiable compounds like phytol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, 1-hexyl-2-nitrocyclohexane, eicosanoic acid etc. Enzyme assay displayed that R. mucronata active F3-fractions exert divergent effects on all three mosquitos’ biochemical defensive mechanisms. The plant fractions displayed significant repellent activity against all the three mosquito vectors up to the maximum repellent time of 210 min. Thus, the bioactive molecules in the acetone extract of R. murconata leaves showed significant larvicidal and enzyme inhibitory activity and displayed novel eco-friendly tool for mosquito control.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death globally. Understanding and characterizing the biochemical context of the cardiovascular system in health and disease is a necessary preliminary step for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring cardiovascular function. Bioactive lipids are a class of dietary-dependent, chemically heterogeneous lipids with potent biological signaling functions. They have been intensively studied for their roles in immunity, inflammation, and reproduction, among others. Recent advances in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques have revealed a staggering number of novel bioactive lipids, most of them unknown or very poorly characterized in a biological context. Some of these new bioactive lipids play important roles in cardiovascular biology, including development, inflammation, regeneration, stem cell differentiation, and regulation of cell proliferation. Identifying the lipid signaling pathways underlying these effects and uncovering their novel biological functions could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at CVD and cardiovascular regeneration.

β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory activity. Apolipoprotein-E (ApoE) is strongly associated with atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of β-OHB in the brain and the aorta of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed ApoE-deficient mice. We found in Apo-E deficient mice that β-OHB attenuated lipid deposition in the choroid plexus (ChP) and decreased amyloid plaque in the substantia nigra pars compacta. We also found decreased CD68-positive macroglia infiltration of the ChP in β-OHB-treated ApoE-deficient mice. β-OHB treatment ameliorated IgG extravasation into the hippocampal region of the brain. In vitro study using ChP mice cell line revealed that β-OHB attenuated oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced ApoE-specific differentially expressed inflammatory ChP genes. Treatment with β-OHB reduced aortic plaque formation without affecting blood lipid profiles and decreased serum production of resistin, a well-established risk factor for both AD and atherosclerosis. Thus, the current study suggests and describes the therapeutic potential of β-OHB for the treatment of AD and atherosclerosis.

Design We recruited babies with moderate or severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (aged

In this investigation, an attempt has been made to fabricate dissimilar thickness corner joint using non-heat treatable (AA5086) and heat treatable (AA6061) dissimilar aluminium alloys by friction stir welding process with plate thicknesses of 6mm and 4mm. Three parameters and three levels were considered to conduct the experiments such as welding and rotational speeds of 100, 150 and 190 mm/min and 900, 1000 and 1100 rpm and plunge depth of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mm. The mechanical properties were evaluated using hardness and tensile tests. Taguchi grey relational analysis was carried out to determine the optimum process parameters. The higher value of tensile strength was obtained 192 MPa at rotational and welding speeds of 1000 rpm and 150 mm/min which was 76.80% of parent material and maximum hardness was 157 HV at thermomechanically affected zone for the rotational speed of 1100 rpm and hardness at stir zone was maximum because of refined grain formation. The microstructures of various regions were observed and analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopes. The tensile samples fractured at the heat affected zone. The spindle motor current consumption, work material temperature distribution, and force generation during friction stir welding were estimated and analyzed.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a plant that belongs to Liliaceae family. The name Aloe derives from the Arabic word "Alloeh" meaning shining bitter substance while "vera" in Latin means true. It contains various minerals and vitamins. It has got various properties such as immunomodulatory, antiviral and antiinflammatory in nature. A. vera can play a significant role in dentistry in treatment of lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, alveolar osteitis, periodontitis, etc.

Radiography can play an important part in forensic odontology, mainly to establish identification. This may take the precise form of comparison between antemortem and postmortem radiographs. Radiographs may also be taken to determine the age of a minor victim and even help in the assessment of the sex and ethnic group. Comparable radiographs are an essential factor to confirm identification in a mass disaster.