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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is also called COVID-19 has affected millions of people globally and has led to unprecedented disruptions to health systems, as well as affected individuals social, economic and psychological lives very badly. The present study was an attempt to address the association between age and gender among positive COVID-19 cases and also to discuss the possible reasons for the variation among age categories and gender. This was a retrospective based study. Samples were collected in Viral Transport Media and sent to the testing laboratory for confirmation by nucleic acid–based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data regarding patients’ details were collected in the hospital facility. A total of 1,11,379 (Assam - 1,08,836 and Arunachal Pradesh-2543) samples were collected from patient’s and tested for COVID-19 (April to December 2020). During this period a total of 2,600 positive cases were detected at the laboratory from Assam (n= 2,480, 95.38%) and Arunachal Pradesh (n= 120, 4.62%) respectively. Males (n=2106, 81%) was affected more than females (n= 494, 19%). In both male & female the age group which was affected the most was between 20-29 yrs and 30-39 yrs. Month wise distribution of the positive COVID-19 cases showed maximum spike in the month of August (n=902). Early diagnosis by real time PCR has helped in the identification of the pathogen in individuals at an early stage, which has facilitated the containment of positive cases.

A benzo[6]annulene, 4-(tert-butyl)-N-(3-methoxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl) benzamide (1a), was identified as an inhibitor against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) with antiviral activity EC(90) = 1.45 μM and viral titer reduction (VTR) of 2.5 log at 10 μM with no observed cytotoxicity (CC(50) = 169 μM) in normal human dermal fibroblast cells. Chemistry efforts to improve potency, efficacy, and drug-like properties of 1a resulted in a novel lead compound 8q, which possessed excellent cellular antiviral activity (EC(90) = 270 nM and VTR of 4.5 log at 10 μM) and improved liver microsomal stability. CHIKV resistance to an analog of 1a, compound 1c, tracked to a mutation in the nsP3 macrodomain. Further mechanism of action studies showed compounds working through inhibition of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase in addition to CHIKV nsP3 macrodomain. Moderate efficacy was observed in an in vivo CHIKV challenge mouse model for compound 8q as viral replication was rescued from the pyrimidine salvage pathway.

Among the Acari, Eriophyoid mites are second largest group with regard to their economic importance as phytophagous pest throughout the world [1] Lindquist et al., 1996). These mites are drawing the attention of biologist all over the world for their morphological and biological specializations. Due to their obligatory phytophagous mode of nutrition they exhibit marked host specificity. During the general surveys for eriophyoid mites from present study area a new species, Paratetra subhimalyana sp. nov. of the class Acari of the family Eriophyidae was found as vagrants on tender shoot of Murrya koengii Spr. This new phytophagous mite species was described and illustrated from the specimens collected at English bazar, Malda (25° 0' 39.0276'' N and 88° 8' 27.9528'' E.), West Bengal, India. Relationships of new species with other eriophyoid species are also provided. After proper diagnosis of the species it is found that this is the second eriohyoid mite species described from Murraya koengii Spr. in India and added new to science as a seventh species under the genus Paratetra. This mite causes visible damage symptoms to the host plant and appeared as a potential pest of Curry leaves in India. For proper control of the mite pest, the taxonomic study of this mite and their relation to the host plant is very much essential. Taxonomic descriptions of the new species and its nature of damage is discussed in this article.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease that has primarily been known to cause respiratory symptoms; however, there has also been an association of COVID-19 with neurological symptoms, including acute ischemic stroke (AIS). There is a lack of data on the characteristics of AIS patients with COVID-19 from the stroke belt. We aim to describe the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and AIS and compare the characteristics of those who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission versus ward-only. Methods: Single center, retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted in a tertiary academic center from March 1-December 31, 2020. The institutional COVID database was utilized for data collection. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Primary outcome measure was mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition. Results: Both COVID-19 and AIS were found in 2.4% (n=75) of patients out of 3,031 patients with COVID-19, during the study period. These patients were male (45, 60%), African American (43, 57%), 65±12 years old, with hypertension (69, 92%) and Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (50, 67%). We noted a 20% (n=15) overall in-patient mortality rate among patients with both COVID-19 and AIS. Among these patients, 23% (n=17) required ICU admission. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were comparable among ICU versus ward-only patients except for higher LDH (476.12±189.70 vs 276.17±88.35 U/L, p==0.0003); and lower relative lymphocytic count (3.57±3.56 vs 8.93±7.83 10 3 cells/μL, p=0.0160) among those admitted into the ICU. Mortality (13, 68% vs 6, 32%, p Conclusion: We present the first description of characteristics and outcomes of patients with AIS and COVID-19 from Mississippi. Novel to this cohort is the comparison of those who were admitted into the ICU versus ward-only. Prospective studies analyzing larger datasets of COVID-19 and stroke in the stroke-belt are warranted to further study disparities of care and outcomes.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer which rarely causes symptoms, and goes undetected until reaching the advanced stage of drug-resistant metastases. The cationic porphyrin meso-tetra(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphine (TMPyP) is a well-known photosensitizer (PS) used in photodyamic therapy (PDT) for curing cancer due to its strong affinity for DNA and high yield of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light activation. The practicality to irradiate tumor cells alone in the physiological system being slim (due to the close proximity of healthy cells and tumors), we looked for a variation in the PDT using a mixture of TMPyP with 1,5-dihydroxynapthalene (DHN) and Fe(III) ions at a mole ratio of 1:20:17 (drug combo) respectively in aqueous solution. The drug combo needs no photoactivation in H(2)O(2) rich environment (mimicking the microenvironment of cancer/tumor), where it generates ȮH and juglone, the latter being a known potent anticancer agent. In vitro studies of the drug combo in drug resistant and sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines showed drastic growth inhibition and cell death compared to normal epithelial cells. The drug combo provides an effective and non-invasive alternative to conventional PDT, exploiting the cytosolic carcinogenic H(2)O(2) to produce an efficient anticancer treatment. The unique action of cancer-specific cytotoxicity arises from the redox chemistry involving activation of Fe(III) as the oxidizing agent to generate juglone, which utilizes the cytosolic ROS in cancer cells against itself.

Background and Aims According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 75.7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), have been reported so far. Researchers are working relentlessly to find effective solutions to this catastrophe, using genomic sequence‐based investigation, immunological analysis, and more. The role of health disparity has also emerged as an intriguing factor that made a huge impact on the lives of people. Methods We analyzed various factors that triggered the health disparity in the United States of America along with the rate of COVID‐19 morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, we have also focused on the State of Mississippi, which is suffering from an extreme health disparity. Data have been obtained from publicly available data sources including, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Mississippi State Department of Health. Correlation analysis of the dataset has been performed using R software. Results Our analysis suggested that the COVID‐19 infection rate per 100 000 people is directly correlated with the increasing number of the African American population in the United States. We have found a strong correlation between the obesity and the COVID‐19 cases as well. All the counties in Mississippi demonstrate a strong correlation between a higher number of African American population to COVID‐19 cases and obesity. Our data also indicate that a higher number of African American populations are facing socioeconomic disadvantages, which enhance their chances of becoming vulnerable to pre‐existing ailments such as obesity, type‐2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion We proposed a possible explanation of increased COVID‐19 infectivity in the African American population in the United States. This work has highlighted the intriguing factors that increased the health disparity at the time of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

A novel strategy for wastewater recycling by removing Chromium [Cr(III)] from water, utilizing the treated water for agricultural purposes and the saturated adsorbent used as the catalyst for p-nitrophenol reduction was successfully incorporated for sustainable environmental application. Removal of Cr(III) by adsorption on Cymbopogon flexuosus waste material entrapped within sodium alginate beads was investigated. Sorption behavior of Cr(III) on to the biosorbent phase showed to follow pseudo first order kinetic model. The thermodynamic variables such as ∆G (−2.59 kJ mol−1), ∆H (4.57 kJ mol−1) & ∆S (0.024 J mol−1 K−1) was evaluated and the corresponding values ensure on favoring endothermic nature of adsorption. Isotherm studies strongly supports on Freundlich model (R2 = 0.99) rather than Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.93), Temkin (R2 = 0.89) and Dubinin-Radushkevich (R2 = 0.77) confirming on multilayer chemisorption behaviour with immobilized Cymbopogon flexuosus having the maximum loading capacity of 121.64 mg.g−1. The sorption of Cr(III) by immobilized Cymbopogon flexuosus was quantitative (99.9%) at the optimum condition: Cr(III) concentration:50 ppm, pH:4.5, agitation speed:150 rpm, temp.:298 K. The above sorption mechanism was well supported by the intraparticle diffusion model. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was also introduced to investigate for optimization of process parameters during removal of Cr(III) from aqueous solution. The adsorbent material saturated with Cr(III) ascertained first order kinetics with kapp value of 2.5 × 10−1 min−1 for catalytic reduction of toxic p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol. The phytotoxicity study of treated water on Zea mays plant has been analyzed and a considerable result obtained with regards to the usage of Cr(III) contaminated-water in plant growth. The change in the crystal structure, surface morphology and surface functional groups of the adsorbent before and after the process was analyzed and well ascertained by XRD, SEM and FTIR analysis. This investigation suggests the possible application of this low-cost material in fine chemical manufacturing.

Mouse models are important tools both for studying the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and for the preclinical evaluation of vaccines and therapies against a wide variety of human pathogens. The use of genetically defined inbred mouse strains, humanized mice, and gene knockout mice has allowed the research community to explore how pathogens cause disease, define the role of specific host genes in either controlling or promoting disease, and identify potential targets for the prevention or treatment of a wide range of infectious agents. This review discusses several of the most commonly used mouse model systems, as well as new resources such as the Collaborative Cross as models for studying infectious diseases.

Inactivated vaccines administered with the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide (Alum) are currently the most widely used COVID-19 vaccines in the world and have been critical to responding to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Although these vaccines are efficacious against homologous virus infection in healthy young adults, the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants has resulted in significant vaccine breakthrough. Pre-clinical studies with inactivated SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV vaccines have reported enhanced immunopathology upon breakthrough infection, characterized by pulmonary eosinophilia and upregulation of type 2 cytokines. These previous reports therefore raise the concern that inactivated COVID-19 vaccines may cause enhanced immunopathology upon vaccine breakthrough. To investigate this possibility, we vaccinated female BALB/c mice with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (iCoV2) prior to coronavirus challenge. Although iCoV2 protected mice from severe clinical disease and pulmonary pathology upon homologous challenge with pathogenic SARS-CoV-2, we observed increased pulmonary pathology and pulmonary eosinophilia upon challenge in mice vaccinated with iCoV2 and Alum (iCoV2 + Alum) compared to mice vaccinated with iCoV2 alone. Furthermore, to model vaccine breakthrough upon heterologous coronavirus infection, we challenged iCoV2-vaccinated mice with a zoonotic SARS-like coronavirus (SHC014). Upon SHC014 challenge, iCoV2 + Alum vaccination failed to control virus replication and caused enhanced pulmonary pathology, pulmonary eosinophilia and upregulation of pulmonary type 2 cytokines. Ongoing studies are investigating the mechanism of iCoV2-related immunopathology, including the role of specific iCoV2 antigens. Supported by grants from NIH (K01 OD026529, U19 AI100625, U19 AI109680, and MSTP T32 GM008719), Infectious Disease Drug Discovery Program (ID3), Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI), NCTraCS and Emerging Challenges in Biomedical Research COVID Pilot Award, SOM Junior Investigator Development Award, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

Mutagenic ribonucleosides can act as broad-based antiviral agents. They are metabolized to the active ribonucleoside triphosphate form and concentrate in genomes of RNA viruses during viral replication. β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC, initial metabolite of molnupiravir) is >100-fold more active than ribavirin or favipiravir against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with antiviral activity correlated to the level of mutagenesis in virion RNA. However, NHC also displays host mutational activity in an animal cell culture assay, consistent with RNA and DNA precursors sharing a common intermediate of a ribonucleoside diphosphate. These results indicate highly active mutagenic ribonucleosides may hold risk for the host.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus associated with debilitating arthralgia in humans. RNA secondary structure in the viral genome plays an important role in the lifecycle of alphaviruses; however, the specific role of RNA structure in regulating CHIKV replication is poorly understood. Our previous studies found little conservation in RNA secondary structure between alphaviruses, and this structural divergence creates unique functional structures in specific alphavirus genomes. Therefore, to understand the impact of RNA structure on CHIKV biology, we used SHAPE-MaP to inform the modeling of RNA secondary structure throughout the genome of a CHIKV isolate from the 2013 Caribbean outbreak. We then analyzed regions of the genome with high levels of structural specificity to identify potentially functional RNA secondary structures and identified 23 regions within the CHIKV genome with higher than average structural stability, including four previously identified, functionally important CHIKV RNA structures. We also analyzed the RNA flexibility and secondary structures of multiple 3′UTR variants of CHIKV that are known to affect virus replication in mosquito cells. This analysis found several novel RNA structures within these 3′UTR variants. A duplication in the 3′UTR that enhances viral replication in mosquito cells led to an overall increase in the amount of unstructured RNA in the 3′UTR. This analysis demonstrates that the CHIKV genome contains a number of unique, specific RNA secondary structures and provides a strategy for testing these secondary structures for functional importance in CHIKV replication and pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus that causes febrile illness and debilitating arthralgia in humans. CHIKV causes explosive outbreaks but there are no approved therapies to treat or prevent CHIKV infection. The CHIKV genome contains functional RNA secondary structures that are essential for proper virus replication. Since RNA secondary structures have only been defined for a small portion of the CHIKV genome, we used a chemical probing method to define the RNA secondary structures of CHIKV genomic RNA. We identified 23 highly specific structured regions of the genome, and confirmed the functional importance of one structure using mutagenesis. Furthermore, we defined the RNA secondary structure of three CHIKV 3′UTR variants that differ in their ability to replicate in mosquito cells. Our study highlights the complexity of the CHIKV genome and describes new systems for designing compensatory mutations to test the functional relevance of viral RNA secondary structures.

Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is a viral pathogen of horse populations worldwide spread by the respiratory route and is known for causing outbreaks of neurologic syndromes and abortion storms. Previously, we demonstrated that an EHV-1 strain of the neuropathogenic genotype, T953, downregulates the beta interferon (IFN-β) response in vitro in equine endothelial cells (EECs) at 12 h postinfection (hpi). In the present study, we explored the molecular correlates of this inhibition as clues toward an understanding of the mechanism. Data from our study revealed that EHV-1 infection of EECs significantly reduced both Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and TLR4 mRNA expression at 6 hpi and 12 hpi. While EHV-1 was able to significantly reduce IRF9 mRNA at both 6 hpi and 12 hpi, the virus significantly reduced IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) mRNA only at 12 hpi. EHV-1 did not alter the cellular level of Janus-activated kinase 1 (JAK1) at any time point. However, EHV-1 reduced the cellular level of expression of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) at 12 hpi. Downstream of JAK1-TYK2 signaling, EHV-1 blocked the phosphorylation and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) when coincubated with exogenous IFN, at 12 hpi, although not at 3 or 6 hpi. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the virus prevented the nuclear translocation of STAT2 molecules, confirming the virus-mediated inhibition of STAT2 activation. The pattern of suppression of phosphorylation of STAT2 by EHV-1 implicated viral late gene expression. These data help illuminate how EHV-1 strategically inhibits the host innate immune defense by limiting steps required for type I IFN sensitization and induction. IMPORTANCE To date, no commercial vaccine label has a claim to be fully protective against the diseases caused by equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), especially the neurologic form. The interferon (IFN) system, of which type I IFN is of great importance, still remains a viable immunotherapeutic option against EHV-1 infection. The type I IFN system has been exploited successfully to treat other viral infections, such as chronic hepatitis B and C in humans. The current state of research on how EHV-1 interferes with the protective effect of type I IFN has indicated transient induction of type I IFN production followed by a rapid shutdown in vitro in equine endothelial cells (EECs). The significance of our study is the identification of certain steps in the type I IFN signaling pathway targeted for inhibition by EHV-1. Understanding this pathogen-host relationship is essential for the long-term goal of developing effective immunotherapy against EHV-1.

The present study deals with facile synthesis of magnetite/coir pith supported sodium alginate beads from naturally available waste materials which was further employed for removal of malachite green dye from synthetic aqueous solution underaparametric optimized condition of the adsorption process. Several operating parameters such as stirring speed (50–250 rpm), adsorbent weight (0.5–7 g/L), pH (2–9), temperature (35–55 °C), and initial malachite green dye concentration (50–250 mg/L) were used to study the adsorption in a batch operation. The central composite design approach of response surface methodology in design-expert software revealed maximum removal efficiency of malachite green at pH of 7; initial malachite green dye concentration of 150 mg/L; adsorbent weight of 3g and temperature of 35 °C which showed adsorption efficiency (>98%). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) suggested the equation to be significant for the process with a greater impact of adsorbent weight and malachite green concentration rather than the other three contributing parameters. Extensive kinetic, isotherm, thermodynamic, and eco-toxicological studies were performed to understand the behavior and sustainability of the developed materials. Final observation assured the reusability of the processed beads and hence showed gigantic potential for implementation on industrial-scale evaluation for the treatment of wastewater.

Alphaviruses are arthropod-transmitted RNA viruses that can cause arthralgia, myalgia, and encephalitis in humans. Since the role of cellular kinases in alphavirus replication is unknown, we profiled kinetic changes in host kinase abundance and phosphorylation following chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection of fibroblasts., Alphaviruses are arthropod-transmitted RNA viruses that can cause arthralgia, myalgia, and encephalitis in humans. Since the role of cellular kinases in alphavirus replication is unknown, we profiled kinetic changes in host kinase abundance and phosphorylation following chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection of fibroblasts. Based upon the results of this study, we treated CHIKV-infected cells with kinase inhibitors targeting the Src family kinase (SFK)–phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT–mTORC signaling pathways. Treatment of cells with SFK inhibitors blocked the replication of CHIKV as well as multiple other alphaviruses, including Mayaro virus, O’nyong-nyong virus, Ross River virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Dissecting the effect of SFK inhibition on alphavirus replication, we found that viral structural protein levels were significantly reduced, but synthesis of viral genomic and subgenomic RNAs was unaffected. By measuring the association of viral RNA with polyribosomes, we found that the SFK inhibitor dasatinib blocks alphavirus subgenomic RNA translation. Our results demonstrate a role for SFK signaling in alphavirus subgenomic RNA translation and replication. Targeting host factors involved in alphavirus replication represents an innovative, perhaps paradigm-shifting, strategy for exploring the replication of CHIKV and other alphaviruses while promoting antiviral therapeutic development.

Alphaviruses are arthropod-transmitted members of the Togaviridae family that can cause severe disease in humans, including debilitating arthralgia and severe neurological complications. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral therapies directed against the alphaviruses, and care is limited to treating disease symptoms. A phenotypic cell-based high-throughput screen was performed to identify small molecules that inhibit the replication of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV). The compound, 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-N-(3-fluoro-4-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine (1), was identified as a highly active, potent inhibitor of VEEV with an effective concentration for 90% inhibition of virus (EC90) of 0.89 μM and 7.49 log reduction in virus titers at 10 μM concentration. These data suggest that further investigation of compound 1 as an antiviral therapeutic against VEEV, and perhaps other alphaviruses, is warranted. Experiments suggested that the antiviral activity of compound 1 is directed at an early step in the VEEV replication cycle by blocking viral RNA and protein synthesis.

Studies in our laboratory have shown that horses can be divided into two distinct groups based on whether they possess a subpopulation of CD3 + T lymphocytes susceptible to in vitro infection by equine arteritis virus (EAV) or not. It has been also demonstrated that stallions with the CD3 + T lymphocyte susceptibility phenotype to in vitro EAV infection are at higher risk of becoming persistently infected carriers compared to those that lack this phenotype. Furthermore, experimental EAV infection of horses with either the in vitro CD3 + T lymphocyte susceptibility or resistance phenotype showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokine mRNA expression. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) demonstrated that these phenotypes are associated with the CXCL16 gene located in equine chromosome 11 (ECA11). We demonstrated that the membrane bound form of the protein encoded by EqCXCL16 gene function as a primary receptor molecule for EAV. Moreover, the secretory form of the CXCL16 protein is the ligand for the chemokine receptor CXCR6 that is predicted to be expressed on CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, NKT cells, and NK cells. Thus, equine CXCL16 and CXCR6 may be two major cellular proteins associated with the EAV carrier state in stallions. Finally, analysis of multiple tissues from EAV carrier stallions unequivocally confirmed the ampullae of the vas deferens as the primary site of EAV persistence with dual immunohistochemistry studies showing that EAV is localized in fibrocytes and mononuclear cells (T and B lymphocytes) but not in the glandular epithelium.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infects equine endothelial cells (EECs) lining the small blood vessels in the central nervous system. However, the effect of type I IFN on EHV-1 replication in the EECs is not well studied. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of type-I IFN on the replication of the neuropathogenic T953 strain of EHV-1 in vitro in EECs. The initial data showed that the EHV-1 was partly resistant to the biological effect of exogenously supplied recombinant equine IFN-α. Subsequent investigation into the mechanism of resistance showed that EHV-1 infection of EECs interfered with the STAT-1 phosphorylation through which type-I IFN exerts its antiviral effect. Immunofluorescence staining showed interference with the translocation of STAT-1 molecules from cytoplasm to nucleus confirming the virus mediated suppression of STAT-1 activation. Downstream of the JAK-STAT signaling, EHV-1 infection inhibited expression of cellular antiviral proteins including IFN-stimulated gene 56 (ISG56) and viperin. Taken together these findings suggest that the neuropathogenic T953 strain of EHV-1 evades the host innate immune response by inhibiting IFN and this may provide some insight into the pathogenesis of EHV-1 infection.

Two new genera and two new species of eriophyoid mites viz., Propeaciota genusetosis n. gen. and n. sp. infesting Acer sp. (Aceraceae) and Spinaephyes alnus n. gen. and n. sp. infesting Alnus nepalensis D. Don (Betulaceae) are described in the tribe Tegonotini (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) from North Bengal, India. Aciota secundum Flechtmann et al.1995 is re-assigned (n. comb.) to Propeaciota. Relationships of the new genera with other eriophyoid genera are discussed.

Ammoniacal leaching and sulfuric acid leaching were explored separately to recover copper from smelter slag. The overall 75% copper recovery was achieved from the smelter slag under optimum condition using ammoniacal leaching. The low copper recovery in this process is directly related to the complex slag mineralogy and dissolution kinetics. To overcome such problems, sulfuric acid leaching was applied separately. This method provided an overall 89% copper recovery under atmospheric condition. The use of sulfuric acid as the leaching agent was found to be more advantageous than ammonia due to the complex interlocking nature of copper bearing particles and different reaction kinetics of the slag.

The present work deals with the accretion of two interacting fluids: dark matter and a hypothetical fluid as the holographic dark energy components onto wormhole in a non-flat FRW universe. First of all, following Cruz et al. (Phys. Lett. B 669, 271 2008), we obtained an exact solution of the Einstein’s field equations. Solution describes effectively the actual acceleration and indicates a big rip type future singularity of the universe. After that we have studied the evolution of the mass of wormhole embedded in this FRW universe in order to reproduce a stable universe protected against future-time singularity. We found that the accretion of these dark components leads to a gradual increase of wormhole mass. It is also observed that contrary to the case as shown by Cruz et al. (Phys. Lett. B 669, 271 2008), the big rip singularity of the universe with a divergent Hubble parameter of this dark energy model may be avoided by a big trip. We have established a correspondence between the holographic dark energy with the polytropic gas dark energy model and obtained the potential as well as dynamics of the scalar field which describes the polytropic cosmology.

In this paper, we have considered the closed FRW universe filled with two interacting fluids; dark matter and holographic dark energy components. Under certain conditions, this dark energy model is characterised by a big rip type future singularity and therefore a finite life time of the universe (Cruz et al., 2008). As the universe passes through a significant time when the matter and the dark energy densities are roughly comparable between the matter and the dark energy dominated era. So, we calculated the fraction of total life time of the universe when the universe passes through the coincidental stage for this future singularity by considering 1 r o r = ρ M ρ DE r o , where r 0 is any fixed ratio. It has been found that the time for the future singularity t s is very large when the value of the constant c is much closed to zero and the fraction is smaller for smaller values of r 0 . Comparison of the results with the observational data and its importance has also been discussed.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA), a persistent infectious disease of horses and all other equids, is caused by a macrophage tropic lentivirus, the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), which is a positive-sense, single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus. The disease, also known as “swamp fever,” is distributed worldwide. The clinical signs of EIA vary greatly and can be represented in three forms, namely, acute, chronic, and clinically inapparent infection. Pathological changes include generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, evidence of anemia and icterus, etc. Contaminated blood by human interventions plays a major role in the transmission of EIA, in addition to the vector-mediated transmission by tabanids and stable flies. The most reliable serological test used to date is the Coggins test, which is an agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test and is considered the gold standard. ELISAs and Western blot are also described. There is no treatment or effective prophylactic measures for EIA, and control of the disease depends entirely on the proper identification followed by quarantine or euthanasia of the EIAV-positive animals. The article describes the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, and pathological lesions of the disease. The diagnosis of the disease as well as treatment, development of vaccines, and control and containment measures are discussed.

The present work deals with the accretion of two minimally interacting fluids: dark matter and a hypothetical isotropic fluid as the holographic dark energy components onto black hole and wormhole in a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-V universe. To obtain an exact solution of the Einstein’s field equations, we use the assumption of linearly varying deceleration parameter. Solution describes effectively the actual acceleration and indicates a big rip type future singularity of the universe. We have studied the evolution of the mass of black hole and the wormhole embedded in this anisotropic universe in order to reproduce a stable universe protected against future-time singularity. It is observed that the accretion of these dark components leads to a gradual decrease and increase of black hole and wormhole mass respectively. Finally, we have found that contrary to our previous case (Sarkar in Astrophys. Space. Sci. 341:651, 2014a), the big rip singularity of the universe with a divergent Hubble parameter of this dark energy model may be avoided by a big trip.

In this paper, we have considered the spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-V space time filled with two interacting fluids; dark matter and a hypothetical isotropic fluid as the holographic dark energy components. To obtain an exact solution of the Einstein’s field equations, we used the assumption of time dependent deceleration parameter. We have investigated geometric and kinematic properties of the model. It is observed that the anisotropy parameter of the universe approaches to zero and the universe achieve flatness for large cosmic time. We have shown that this expanding solution is stable against the perturbation with respect to anisotropic spatial directions. We have also studied the evolution of the mass of a black hole embedded in a universe which interacts with a combination of dark matter and dark energy, considering that in the vicinity of the black hole the metric is of Schwarzschild type. We found that the black hole mass increases with the evolution of the universe, and on later epochs the increase in mass stops as dark energy accretion takes over. The results are found to be consistent with recent cosmological observations.

The present work deals with a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Kantowski-Sachs space time filled with two minimally interacting fluids; dark matter and a hypothetical anisotropic fluid as the holographic dark energy components. To obtain an exact solution of the Einstein’s field equations, we used the assumption of linearly varying deceleration parameter. We have investigated geometric and kinematic properties of the model and the role of the anisotropic holographic dark energy in the evolution of the Kantowski-Sachs universe. Under the suitable condition, it is observed that the anisotropy parameter of the universe and the skewness parameter of the holographic dark energy approaches to zero for large cosmic time and the universe can achieve flatness for some particular moments throughout its entire lifetime. Results show that the coincidence parameter $( \Re= \frac{\rho_{\varLambda}}{\rho_{M}} )$ increases with increasing time and a big rip type future singularity will occur for this model. We have also applied the statefinder diagnostics method to study the behavior of different stages of the universe and to differentiate the proposed dark energy model from the ΛCDM model. Since in this model, the universe has a finite life time and passes through a significant time when the dark energy and the matter energy densities are roughly comparable, so considering $\frac{1}{ \Re_{0}}

In this work, we have considered the spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-II universe filled with two interacting fluids; dark matter and holographic dark energy components. Assuming the proportionality relation between one of the components of shear scalar and expansion scalar which yields time dependent deceleration parameter, an exact solution to Einstein’s field equations in Bianchi type-II line element is obtained. We have investigated geometric and kinematics properties of the model and the behaviour of the holographic dark energy. It is observed that the mean anisotropic parameter is uniform through the whole evolution of the universe and the coincidence parameter increases with increasing time. The solutions are also found to be in good agreement with the results of recent observations. We have applied the statefinder diagnostics method to study the behaviour of different stages of the universe and to differentiate the proposed dark energy model from the ΛCDM model. We have also established a correspondence between the holographic dark energy model and the tachyon scalar field dark energy model. We have reconstructed the potential and the dynamics of the tachyon scalar field, which describes accelerated expansion of the universe.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction in patients with CKD (Hemodialysis naive patients) & assess the severity of dysfunction in respect to stages of CKD. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study conducted at the Medicine Department, B.S. Medical College, West Bengal during the period of one year from 1st May 2012 to 30th April 2013. 50 patients of both sexes and ages above 18 years and below 65 years presenting with chronic kidney disease who did not underwent dialysis, were included in the study. A proforma was designed to collect data containing basic information, history & physical examination and the relevant hematological, biochemical and radiological investigations like Electrocardiography and Echocardiography (2D & M mode). Based on the eGFR value (by Cockroft-Gault equation), Patients were divided in two categories - mild/moderate Chronic Kidney Disease [those with eGFR >30ml/min/1.73m 2 = CKD stages 1-3] (N = 27) and severe Chronic Kidney Disease [those with eGFR

Objective: To determine the frequency of hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis following organophosphate poisoning. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study conducted at the Medicine Department, B.S. Medical College, West Bengal during the period of six months from 16th June 2012 to 15th June 20013. All patients of both sexes and ages above 12 years admitted with a positive history of organophosphate poisoning (OP) were included in the study. A special Proforma was designed to enter all the collected data containing the basic information about the patient, history of recent event and the past history, physical examination and the relevant investigations like complete blood count, serum amylase and lipase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),ultrasound abdomen CT abdomen(where needed). Result: Among 96 patients, hyperamylasemia was found in 30 (31.25%) patients. Acute pancreatitis was seen in 6 (6.25%) patients. Conclusion: Hyperamylasemia is more frequently seen in organophosphate poisoning while six patients proved to have acute pancreatitis as a complication.

Objective: Breast carcinoma is the most common cause of death in females globally, which should be detected early and treated promptly. This study aims at establishing Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) as an individual parameter in diagnosing & grading carcinoma breast and to correlate cytological grading with the histopathological grading done post-operatively. Materials & methods: We present here, a series of 44 cases, clinically suspected of carcinoma breast, presenting with hard, painful breast lump with or without axillary lymphadenopathy, sent for cytological examination to our department. Aspiration was done, following using 20G needle and smears were stained with Haematoxyline & Eosin, Papanicolau, and May-Grunwald-Giemsa. Results: The stained smear showed highly pleomorphic ductal cells in large number forming dyscohesive sheets & also lying singly. Cells had nuclei with hyperchromasia, irregular nuclear margin, open chromatin & conspicuous nucleoli. The diagnosis of carcinoma breast was offered and cytological grading was done according to Robinson's nuclear grading system in all cases. Urgent biopsy was also however, recommended. The mastectomy specimens of these patients, when grossed & stained with Haematoxyline & Eosin proved the cytological diagnosis conclusive and cytological grading of the tumors concordant in 80% of the cases. Higher cytological grades showed increased nodal metastasis. Conclution: So, early diagnosis & precise grading with the help of FNAC itself can prove to be a very good informative tool & prognostic indicator, leading to commencement of early treatment & can prevent many untimely deaths in future.

Introduction: Diffuse endothelial dysfunction in sepsis leads to an increase in systemic capillary permeability, the renal component manifesting as micro albuminuria. The degree of microalbuminuria correlates with the severity of acute insult, the quantification of which may serve to predict sepsis and mortality in critically ill patients. Objectives: 1. To evaluate the degree of microalbuminuria and correlate with severity of sepsis. 2. To evaluate levels of TNFαand severity of sepsis. 3. To correlate degree of microalbuminuria with levels of TNF α in patients with sepsis and its outcome. Methodology: The present study is prospective non interventional study. Patients admitted to medicine ward and ICU staying more than 24 hrs at S.C.B medical college, Cuttack are included in the study, during period of Sept'2011 - Sept'2012. 1. Urine samples were collected within 6 hrs of admission and again at 24 hrs. 2. Urinary microalbumin assay by microalbumin kit (pyrogallol red immunobiometric method) 3.Urinary creatinine estimation by creatinine kit (mod jaffe's kinetic method) 4. Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR) 30-300 mg/gm is microalbuminuria. 5. TNF α is estimated in patients with sepsis by ELISA (bioplex). Results: Patients (n=75) were classified into sepsis,severe sepsis,septic shock and MODS according to American College of chest physician society of critical care consensus. ACR in sepsis group was significantly higher than control group (P=0.0001). Among sepsis cases ACR has a positive correlation with APACHE ІІ score and also distinguishes between survivors and nonsurvivors (p=0.001). ACR could easily distinguish patients of MODS from sepsis (p=0.03) and septic shock from sepsis(p=0.007). Values of TNFα can distinguish survivors from nonsurvivors (p=0.04) and TNFα also distinguishes patients of sepsis from septic shock (p=0.002). Conclusion: Microalbuminuria has a good diagnostic and prognostic significance in sepsis as compared to APACHE ІІ score and TNFα.

The paper deals with a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-I universe filled with two minimally interacting fluids; matter and holographic dark energy components. The nature of the holographic dark energy for Bianchi type-I space time is discussed. An exact solution to Einstein’s field equations in Bianchi type-I line element is obtained using the assumption of linearly varying deceleration parameter. Under the suitable condition, it is observed that the anisotropy parameter of the universe approaches to zero for large cosmic time and the coincidence parameter increases with increasing time. We established a correspondence between the holographic dark energy models with the generalised Chaplygin gas dark energy model. We also reconstructed the potential and dynamics of the scalar field which describes the Chaplygin cosmology. Solution of the field equations shows that a big rip type future singularity will occur for this model. It has been observed that the solutions are compatible with the results of recent observations.

In this paper, we have studied a homogeneous and anisotropic universe filled with matter and holographic dark energy components. Assuming deceleration parameter to be a constant, an exact solution to Einstein’s field equations in axially symmetric Bianchi type-I line element is obtained. A correspondence between the holographic dark energy models with the quintessence dark energy models is also established. Quintessence potential and the dynamics of the quintessence scalar field are reconstructed, which describe accelerated expansion of the universe.

Background: Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical complications during pregnancy and are associated with high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.One way to reduce the impact of arterial hypertension on maternal mortality is to establish the correct diagnosis of preeclampsia, and to proceed with an early intervention when it is diagnosed. The clinical signs are considered to be a late manifestation of a disease. The utility of two biochemical markers like hyperuricemia and hypocalcemia for the diagnostic purposes and for the prognosis remains largely to be explored. Objectives: (1) To determine the role of calcium & uric acid in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. (2) To determine the serum level of calcium and uric acid & its correlation with the severity with preeclampsia. Study Design: Hospital based cross sectional case control study. Methods: The study was conducted in the Ante Natal Ward in Obstetrics &Gynaecology Department, BankuraSammilani Medical College, Bankura, WB, which serves a rural population where majority of the patients belong to the tribal groups. Mild pre eclamptic patient defined as blood pressure of at least 140/90 mm of Hg. at least on two occasions at least 6 hrs apart accompanied by proteinuria of at least 300 mg per 24 hrs or at least 1+ on dipstick testing. 64 Severe preeclamptic patient defined as having one or more criteria of the following-  BP ≥160/110 mm of Hg at least on two occasions at least 6 hrs apart  Proteinuria of ≥5gm/24hrs or at least 3+ on dipstick testing  Oliguria

Background: Many studies have estimated the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and also its association with type II Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But its prevalence and association with acute cardiovascular events like Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) remained largely unexplored. Objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with AMI; (2) To find out the association of the individual component of the metabolic syndrome with AMI. (3) To study the association of obesity markers like waist circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) with AMI. Study Design: Hospital based cross-sectional case control study. Methods: The study was conducted in a Medical College of Kolkata, West Bengal. Applying National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria and evaluated subjects for the 5 component conditions of the metabolic syndrome: insulin resistance, abdominal obesity based on waist circumference, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and hypertension, as well as the full syndrome, defined by the presence of at least 3 of the 5 conditions. Statistical Analysis: Student's t test and Chi-square test. Results: Among the 76 AMI patients, 47.36% male AMI cases and 46.87% of female AMI cases had MS and both are statistically significant when compared with controls. Among the 5 component conditions of MS, 4 components like insulin resistance, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterol were more prevalent in cases in both the sex groups compared with controls and the results were statistically significant. Only one exception obesity measured by high WC (p>0.05) which was not independently related to MS. Among the component conditions insulin resistance had the highest OR in men and low HDL had the highest OR in women. Among other obesity markers the association of BMI with MI was not statistically significant whereas central obesity measured by WHR of >0.09 were significantly related to MI in both male and female group. Conclusion: The study indicates that prevalence of MS and its individual component conditions are significantly related to AMI. Considering the marker of obesity waist circumference and BMI were not significantly related to AMI whereas WHR is significantly related to AMI. Maybe this is the time when we should look upon to derive the cut off points for obesity with consideration specifically related to Asian Indians.