Transradial versus transfemoral access for treatment of HCC: a systematic review and meta analysis

AIM

Hepatic angiography procedures are essential in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with traditional transfemoral arterial (TFA) access being the traditional standard. Recently, transradial arterial (TRA) access has gained popularity, offering potential benefits. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare TRA and TFA access in hepatic angiography oncologic procedures for HCC. The study investigates fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, patient preferences, and complications associated with each access method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines, with 11 studies encompassing 2535 HCC procedures included. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Continuous outcomes were calculated as mean differences, and binary outcomes were measured as odds ratios. Patient preferences, procedural complications, and access site success rates were assessed.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, or contrast dose between TRA and TFA. Access failure rates were similar for both methods. However, the odds of adverse events, excluding access failure, were significantly higher for TFA, while the overall rate of complications was comparable. Patients strongly preferred TRA over TFA due to reduced hospital stay and post-procedure discomfort.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis supports the use of TRA for hepatic angiography oncologic procedures for HCC with patient preferences in favor of TRA. Additional randomized clinical trials are encouraged to further evaluate the feasibility and benefits of both access sites.

Innovations in dengue virus detection: An overview of conventional and electrochemical biosensor approaches

Globally, people are in great threat due to the highly spreading of viral infectious diseases. Every year like 100-300 million cases of infections are found, and among them, above 80% are not recognized and irrelevant. Dengue virus (DENV) is an arbovirus infection that currently infects people most frequently. DENV encompasses four viral serotypes, and they each express comparable sign. From a mild febrile sickness to a potentially fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue can induce a variety of symptoms. Presently, the globe is being challenged by the untimely identification of dengue infection. Therefore, this review summarizes advances in the detection of dengue from conventional methods (nucleic acid-based, polymerase chain reaction-based, and serological approaches) to novel biosensors. This work illustrates an extensive study of the current designs and fabrication approaches involved in the formation of electrochemical biosensors for untimely identifications of dengue. Additionally, in electrochemical sensing of DENV, we skimmed through significances of biorecognition molecules like lectins, nucleic acid, and antibodies. The introduction of emerging techniques such as the CRISPR/Cas' system and their integration with biosensing platforms has also been summarized. Furthermore, the review revealed the importance of electrochemical approach compared with traditional diagnostic methods.

Current paradigms in employing self-assembled structures: Drug delivery implications with improved therapeutic potential

Recent efforts have focused on developing improved drug delivery systems with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects. Micelles, self-assembled from amphiphilic block copolymers in aqueous solutions, have gained considerable attention for drug delivery. However, there is a need to further enhance their efficiency. These micelles offer benefits like biodegradability, biocompatibility, sustained drug release, and improved patient compliance. Yet, researchers must address stability issues and reduce toxicity. Nanoscale self-assembled structures have shown promise as efficient drug carriers, offering an alternative to conventional methods. Fine-tuning at the monomeric and molecular levels, along with structural modifications, is crucial for optimal drug release profiles. Various strategies, such as entrapping hydrophobic drugs and using polyethylene oxide diblock copolymer micelles to resist protein adsorption and cellular adhesion, protect the hydrophobic core from degradation. The polyethylene oxide corona also provides stealth properties, prolonging blood circulation for extended drug administration. Amphiphilic copolymers are attractive for drug delivery due to their adjustable properties, allowing control over micelle size and morphology. Emerging tools promise complex and multifunctional platforms. This article summarizes about the challenges as far as the use of micelles is concerned, including optimizing performance, rigorous pre-clinical and clinical research, and suggests further improvement for drug delivery efficacy.

Stakeholders' Response to IFRS adoption/ convergence on accounting quality and disclosures: A bibliometric review of Scopus database

This study characterises the results of behavioral accounting research on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption published in various journals. It: (a) provides an integrated overview of the extant literature available on the Scopus database, (b) locates their contributions, (c) identifies knowledge gaps and (d) derives a unique hypothesis for future investigation. This review presents an analysis of the studies on IFRS adoption/convergence considering the response of various stakeholders to IFRS adoption on issues including accounting quality and disclosure requirements. The present paper analyses 106 articles published between 2005 and 2021. Preparers (accountants) and users including academicians, researchers, policymakers, and regulatory and standard-setting bodies such as IASB may use this examination as a guideline to conduct further inspections into the standard-setting processes and the related issues.

Hepatoprotective effects of natural drugs: Current trends, scope, relevance and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

The liver is a well-known player in the metabolism and removal of drugs. Drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver detoxify drugs and xenobiotics, ultimately leading to the acquisition of homeostasis. However, liver toxicity and cell damage are not only related to the nature and dosage of a particular drug but are also influenced by other factors such as aging, immune status, environmental contaminants, microbial metabolites, gender, obesity, and expression of individual genes Furthermore, factors such as drugs, alcohol, and environmental contaminants could induce oxidative stress, thereby impairing the regenerative potential of the liver and causing several diseases. Persons suffering from other ailments and those with comorbidities are found to be more prone to drug-induced toxicities. Moreover, drug composition and drug-drug interactions could further aggravate the risk of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. A plethora of mechanisms are responsible for initiating liver cell damage and further aggravating liver cell injury, followed by impairment of homeostasis, ultimately leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species, immune-suppression, and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the potential of phytochemicals and natural bioactive compounds to treat hepatotoxicity and other liver diseases.

STUDY DESIGN

A deductive qualitative content analysis approach was employed to assess the overall outcomes of the research and review articles pertaining to hepatoprotection induced by natural drugs, along with analysis of the interventions.

METHODS

An extensive literature search of bibliographic databases, including Web of Science, PUBMED, SCOPUS, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, etc., was carried out to understand the role of hepatoprotective effects of natural drugs.

RESULTS

Bioactive natural products, including curcumin, resveratrol, etc., have been seen as neutralizing agents against the side effects induced by the drugs. Moreover, these natural products are dietary and are readily available; thus, could be supplemented along with drugs to reduce toxicity to cells. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have shown promise of improving overall liver functioning, and these should be evaluated more extensively for their hepatoprotective potential. Therefore, selecting an appropriate natural product or a bioactive compound that is free of toxicity and offers a reliable solution for drug-induced liver toxicity is quintessential.

CONCLUSIONS

The current review highlights the role of natural bioactive products in neutralizing drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Efforts have been made to delineate the possible underlying mechanism associated with the neutralization process.

Pectinases as promising green biocatalysts having broad-spectrum applications: Recent trends, scope, and relevance

Pectinases are a collection of multiple enzymes that have a common substrate, that is, pectin. They can act on different parts of pectin due to the structural heterogeneity of pectin. Therefore, they have been placed in different groups, such as protopectinases, polygalacturonases, polymethylesterases, pectin lyases, and pectate lyases. They are naturally present both in multicellular organisms such as higher plants and in unicellular organisms such as microbes. In past decade, it has been witnessed that chemical and mechanical methods employed in industrial processes have led to environmental hazards and serious health disorders, thus increasing the search for eco-friendly approaches with minimal health risks. Hence, microbial enzymes have been extensively used as safer alternative for these environmentally unsafe methods. Among these microbial enzymes, pectinases hold great significance and is one of the principal enzymes that have been used commercially. It is predominantly used as a green biocatalyst for fruit, fiber, oil, textile, beverage, pulp, and paper industry. Thus, this review focuses on the structure of pectin, microbial sources of pectin, and principle industrial applications of pectinases.

Assessment of thermal and temporal stability of SARS-CoV-2 samples using real-time qRT-PCR

BACKGROUND

As per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs in viral transport medium (VTM) are to be stored at 4 °C for less than 5 days and for more than 5 days at -70 °C. Samples are not transported or stored as per prescribed conditions because of the limitations, resulting in an apprehensive diagnosis. The aim of the study was to test the stability of the SARS-CoV-2 sample stored in VTM at different temperatures.

METHODS

In this study, the stability of 21 positive and 9 negative samples for SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in commercial VTM at different temperatures (-80 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C, and 25 to 30 °C). Stability was checked for up to 50 days in the above storage conditions at different intervals. PathoDetect™ and Hi-PCR® kits were used for the detection of the four genes of SARS-CoV-2. The Cycle Threshold (Ct) value for determining the positivity of samples for PathoDetect™ was < 40 and for Hi-PCR® was < 38.

RESULTS

The SARS-CoV-2 confirmatory genes (RdRp and E genes) and the internal housekeeping gene remained detectable even on the 50th day of the study. The Ct of the RdRp and E genes were found to increase with storage duration, but all positive samples remained positive till the end of the study, or the Ct value remained below the cut-off level. The negative samples gave consistent results until the end of the study. When the differences in Ct values were compared between the days in a set of experiments, they were not significantly different except in a few samples.

CONCLUSION

The SARS-CoV-2 genetic materials in commercial VTM were stable at room temperature to -80 °C for 50 days.

An insight into microbial sources, classification, and industrial applications of xylanases: A rapid review

Endo 1,4-β-d-xylanases (EC3.2.1.8) are one of the key lignocellulose hydrolyzing enzymes. Xylan, which is present in copious amounts on earth, forms the primary substrate of endo-xylanases, which can unchain the constituent monosaccharides linked via β-1,4-glycosidic bonds from the xylan backbone. Researchers have shown keen interest in the xylanases belonging to glycoside hydrolase families 10 and 11, whereas those placed in other glycoside hydrolase families are yet to be investigated. Various microbes such as bacteria and fungi harbor these enzymes for the metabolism of their lignocellulose fibers. These microbes can be used as miniature biofactories of xylanase enzymes for a plethora of environmentally benign applications in pulp and paper industry, biofuel production, and for improving the quality of food in bread baking and fruit juice industry. This review highlights the potential of microbes in production of xylanase for industrial biotechnology.

Reconnoitring the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of different fruits after tannin acyl hydrolase mediated biotransformation

Condensed and hydrolyzable tannins are secondary metabolites present in almost every plant part. Tannase enzyme acts on hydrolyzable tannins to produce gallic acid and tannase-mediated end-products with immense therapeutic potential. Seven different fruits with significant presence of hydrolyzable tannin content were selected to check for phenol, tannin, and hydrolyzable tannin contents. Prunus domestica had the maximum phenol content, that is, 85.4 ± 0.207, followed by Syzygium cumini, Fragaria ananassa, Rubus fruticosus, and Psidium guajava. Plum showed the maximum number of hydrolyzable tannins. Fruit extracts were subjected to tannase hydrolysis and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were determined. There was a significant increase in the antioxidant abilities of the fruits with Punica granatum extract, displaying the highest decline of 132 units of IC50 followed by F. ananassa hydrolyzable extract, showing a decrease from 224.75 to 119.98 μg/mL. The extracts also depicted a significant increase in antibacterial activity after hydrolysis against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus with Rubus idaeus aqueous extract observed to be most effective against E. coli. The increase in antioxidant and antibacterial activity can be attributed to the production of tannase-mediated products formed after the biotransformation of hydrolyzable tannins present in the aqueous extracts.

Potential benefits and therapeutic applications of "Panchgavya" therapy (Cowpathy) for human and animal health: Current scientific knowledge

Cow's milk, urine, dung, ghee, and curd (together known as "Panchgavya") have incomparable medicinal value in Ayurveda and ancient Indian clinical methods. Panchgavya is also known as Cowpathy in Ayurveda. In India, the cow is revered as a goddess known as "Gaumata" because of its nurturing qualities similar to those of a mother. Almost no adverse effects are associated with using Panchgavya, which is why it is recommended in Ayurveda for treating disorders affecting numerous body systems. Its possible antimicrobial effects have piqued the curiosity of medical researchers and practitioners. Cow milk is widely regarded as a nutritious diet and has been shown to effectively treat various medical conditions, including high body temperature, pain, cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, and weakness. Milk can prevent the growth of microorganisms, has erotic qualities when combined with the leaves of medicinal herbs, and the fat in milk has anticancer characteristics. Toned and skim milk, lassi, yoghurt, cottage cheese, and khoa all come from milk and have important medicinal characteristics. Curd (dahi) is recommended as a blood purifier for conditions such as hemorrhoids, piles, and gastrointestinal issues. Ghee made from cows has been shown to boost immunity. It is important to highlight the use of cow dung as an antifungal and for treating malaria and tuberculosis. It has the potential to aid in the development of a populace free from disease, the creation of sustainable energy systems, the fulfilment of all nutritional needs, the elimination of poverty, the promotion of organic farming culture, and the like. Cow urine is a powerful remedy for numerous medical conditions, including but not limited to epileptic convulsions, diabetes, hepatitis, inflammation, fever, and anaemia. The current review article explores how the Panchgavya ingredients can be employed to safeguard human and animal health.

Ginnalin A and hamamelitannin: the unique gallotannins with promising anti-carcinogenic potential

Tannins are secondary metabolites that belong to the family of polyphenolic compounds and have gained a huge interest among researchers due to their versatile therapeutic potential. After lignin, these are the second most abundant polyphenols found in almost every plant part like stem, bark, fruit, seed, leaves, etc. Depending upon their structural composition, these polyphenols can be divided into two distinct groups, namely condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins. Hydrolysable tannins can be further divided into two types: gallotannins and ellagitannins. Gallotannins are formed by the esterification of D-glucose hydroxyl groups with gallic acid. The gallolyl moieties are bound by a depside bond. The current review focuses mainly on the anti-carcinogenic potential of recently discovered gallotannins, ginnalin A, and hamamelitannin (HAM). Both of these gallotannins possess two galloyl moieties linked to a core monosaccharide having anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic abilities. Ginnalin A is found in plants of the genus Acer whereas HAM is present in witch hazel plants. The biosynthetic pathway of ginnalin A along with the mechanism of the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of ginnalin A and HAM has been discussed. This review will certainly help researchers to work further on the chemo-therapeutic abilities of these two unique gallotannins.

Butyric acid: fermentation production using organic waste as low-cost feedstocks

Butyric acid is an important chemical which has many applications in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Butyraldehyde, which is derived from propylene, is now converted into butyrate by petrochemical processes known as oxo synthesis. Because of its poor productivity and low butyrate concentration in the fermentation broth, biotechnological production of butyric acid is not economically viable. Typically, a sizable amount of the overall production expenses goes toward the cost of the fermentation substrate. If the fermentation process can use minimal biomass as the feedstock, a cost-competitive production of butyric acid from the fermentation technique would be generated with a strong market prospect. Organic wastes are recommended as a source of butyric acid fermentation feedstock because they are inexpensive, can be generated in huge numbers, and are biodegradable. With a focus on the low-cost feedstock, the many uses of butyric acid are discussed, with its present production status. As a result, this paper explores several butyric acid fermentation-related problems and offers ideas for potential solutions.

Emergence of Mycobacterium orygis-Associated Tuberculosis in Wild Ruminants, India

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium orygis was detected in 2 spotted deer from a wildlife sanctuary in western India and an Indian bison from a national park in central India. Nationwide surveillance is urgently required to clarify the epidemiology of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

Unraveling the invisible demon: a study of the oxidative stress markers, antioxidant activities and inflammatory markers in patients admitted with complete heart block

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Despite the recent advancements in the management of Complete Heart Block (CHB), the aetiology of CHB is still idiopathic in most of the cases. Our study explores this hitherto untouched aspect of complete heart block.

Purpose

We aimed to assess the aetiological profile of Complete Heart Block patients in our study.

Methods

The study population consisted of 60 patients with complete heart block aged between 30 to 80 years, attending as an inpatient in ER. Oxidative stress was measured by serum MDA, serum GSH, serum Catalase activity and serum SOD activity. Antioxidant activity was obtained by measuring the levels of serum total antioxidant capacity. Inflammatory stress was measured by IL-5 and TNF-alpha levels. These values were compared to 30 healthy controls with no prior history of smoking and diabetes mellitus.

Results

The mean age of the patient was 62.48 ± 7.98 years and the gender distribution was 37 males and 23 females out of 60 patients. The mean value of serum MDA (ng/mL) in cases is 1451.26 ± 206.32, and in controls, the mean value is 1197.98 ± 234.71 (p=&lt;0.001). The mean value of serum GSH (mcg/mL) in cases is 46.982 ± 18.613, and in controls, the mean value is 54.155 ± 10.762 (p=0.027). The mean value of serum Catalase Activity (U/min/mg protein) in cases is 10.763 ± 4.038 and in controls, the mean value is 19.878 ± 7.787 (p=0.003). The mean value of serum SOD Activity (U/g) in cases is 24.950 ± 5.4565, and in controls, the mean value is 46.214 ± 14.6309 (p=0.891). The mean value of serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (U/mL) in cases is 5.546 ± 0.620 and in controls, the mean value is 8.346 ± 2.781 (p=0.025). The mean value of serum IL-5 (pg/mL) in cases is 481.442 ± 28.8995, and in controls, the mean value is 67.347 ± 20.445 (p&lt;0.001). The mean value of serum TNF-ALFA (pg/mL) in cases is 196.741 ± 73.771, and in controls, the mean value is 144.530 ± 42.599 (p= 0.081).

Conclusions

During a complete heart block, SOD (p=0.891), CAT (p=0.003), GSH (p=0.027) and total antioxidant (TAOC) (p=0.025) were significantly decreased in cases, compared to healthy controls, thus suggesting that the elevated levels of oxidative free radicals causes endothelial dysfunctioning. The increase in ROS was observed by a highly significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=&lt;0.001) showing high ROS-mediated tissue damage. Besides damage by oxidative stress, our study suggests that there are certain inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-5 that actively participate in causing heart block. There was a significant increase in the concentration of IL-5 (p&lt;0.001) in the cases as compared to the controls.

The surprises in optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients presenting with in-stent restenosis: the road less travelled

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Morphological features of neointimal tissue play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of In-Stent Restenosis (ISR) after percutaneous coronary intervention, hence understanding these features and patterns is crucial.

Purpose

The present study was designed to qualitatively and quantitatively assess neointimal characteristics of lesions using OCT in patients presenting with ISR.

Methods

This was a single-center, prospective, observational study performed between 1st August 2020 and 30th December 2021 at a tertiary-care center in India. Patients diagnosed with stable angina and acute coronary syndrome with post-procedural angiographically documented restenosis (&gt;50%) were included. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of neointimal hyperplasia patterns was performed using OCT.

Results

A total of 34 patients with ISR were studied. Neointimal hyperplasia was classified as (i) homogenous group (n=18) and (ii) non-homogenous group (n=16). As many as 14 (77.8%) diabetics belonged to the homogenous group. Predominant plaque characteristics such as neoatherosclerosis, cholesterol crystals, and calcium were documented in 14 (77.8%), 12 (66.7%), and 11 (61.1%) patients in the homogenous group and in 10 (62.5%), 10 (62.5%), and 9 (56.2%) patients in the non-homogenous group, respectively. Unexpanded stent struts were identified in 11 (61.1%) and 11 (68.8%) patients in the homogenous and non-homogenous groups, respectively. Mean strut thickness was 93.73 ± 31.03 µm and 83.54 ± 18.0 µm, ISR was 72.50 ± 15.93% and 65.37 ± 21.69%, the neointimal thickness was 588.06 ± 167.82 mm and 666.25 ± 218.05 mm, and neointimal hyperplasia was 54.54 ± 11.23% and 59.26 ± 8.86% in the homogenous and non-homogenous groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Neoatherosclerosis and stent underexpansion was predominantly observed in our study, which was in contrast to most of the existing literature [1,2,3], and only diabetes was found to be significantly associated with homogenous neointimal hyperplasia, irrespective of the generation of the stent.

The Colloquy between Microbiota and the Immune System in Colon Cancer: Repercussions on the Cancer Therapy

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and has engrossed researchers' attention toward its detection and prevention at early stages. Primarily associated with genetic and environmental risk factors, the disease has also shown its emergence due to dysbiosis in microbiota. The microbiota not only plays a role in modulating the metabolisms of metastatic tissue but also has a keen role in cancer therapy. The immune cells are responsible for secreting various chemokines and cytokines, and activating pattern recognition receptors by different microbes can lead to the trail by which these cells regulate cancer. Furthermore, mixed immune reactions involving NK cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and lymphocytes have shown their connection with the microbial counterpart of the disease. The microbes like Bacteroides fragilis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Enterococcus faecalis and their metabolites have engendered inflammatory reactions in the tumor microenvironment. Hence the interplay between immune cells and various microbes is utilized to study the changing metastasis stage. Targeting either immune cells or microbiota could not serve as a key to tackling this deadly disorder. However, harnessing their complementation towards the disease can be a powerful weapon for developing therapy and diagnostic/prognostic markers. In this review, we have discussed various immune reactions and microbiome interplay in CRC, intending to evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and their parallel relationship.

Metabolism of aceclofenac to diclofenac in the domestic water buffalo Bubalus bubalis confirms it as a threat to Critically Endangered Gyps vultures in South Asia

Vulture declines in South Asia were caused by accidental poisoning by the veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Although veterinary use of diclofenac has been banned, other vulture-toxic NSAIDs are legally available, including aceclofenac, which has been shown to metabolise into diclofenac in domestic cattle. We gave nine domestic water buffalo the recommended dose of aceclofenac (2 mg kg^-1 body weight), collected blood at intervals up to 48 h, and carried out a pharmacokinetic analysis of aceclofenac and its metabolite diclofenac in plasma. Aceclofenac was rapidly converted to diclofenac, and was barely detectable in plasma at any sampling time. Diclofenac was present within 20 min, and peaked 4-8 h after dosing. Aceclofenac is a prodrug of diclofenac, and behaves similarly in domestic water buffalo as it did in domestic cattle, posing the same risk to vultures. We recommend an immediate ban on the veterinary use of aceclofenac across vulture-range countries.

Differentiation between various types and subtypes of intracranial meningiomas with advanced MRI

Background

Meningiomas are the most prevalent of all intracranial tumours. Although they are mostly benign, about 20% of meningiomas are atypical or malignant. Knowledge of their histologic grade can be clinically useful while planning surgery.

Objectives

To differentiate between various grades and subtypes of meningiomas with advanced MR parameters.

Method

We assessed the advanced MR imaging characteristics of 27 histopathologically confirmed meningiomas on a 3T MRI, of which 23 were grade I meningiomas (2 fibroblastic, 9 meningothelial, 9 transitional, 3 unspecified) and 4 were grade II/III meningiomas (2 atypical, 1 papillary, 1 anaplastic). Analysis of the ADC, FA, λ1, λ2, λ3 and mean diffusivity was performed using standard post-processing software.

Results

The mean size of atypical meningiomas (5.9 cm ± 0.7 cm) was significantly higher (p = 0.038, 95% confidence interval [CI]) than that of typical meningiomas (4.6 cm ± 1.6 cm) with a cut-off value of 6.05 cm (75% sensitivity and 87% specificity). The mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) (ASL) of atypical meningiomas (286.70 ± 8.06) was significantly higher (p = 0.0000141, 95% CI) than that of typical meningiomas (161.09 ± 87.04) with a cut-off value of 276.75 (66.7% sensitivity and 75% specificity). Among the typical meningiomas, transitional subtypes had the lowest ADC. High FA and planar coefficient (CP) values and low λ3 and spherical coefficient (CS) values were seen in fibroblastic meningiomas. Fibroblastic meningiomas also showed the lowest vascularity among typical meningiomas.

Conclusion

Tumour size and ASL perfusion are two parameters that could differentiate between typical and atypical meningiomas while ADC, FA, λ3, CP, CS, rCBF and rCBV may be helpful in distinguishing different subtypes of typical meningiomas.

Prediction models based on miRNA-disease relationship: Diagnostic relevance to multiple diseases including COVID-19

Background:

Small, non-coding microRNAs, usually of 20–25 nucleotides, are known to regulate the post-transcriptional gene expression, which has a significant role in human biological processes, including immune-biogenesis, homeostasis and infection control as differential expression of such miRNAs is responsible for fine-tuning the organismic development.

Methods:

A search of bibliographic databases was carried out with a focused question on microRNA-Disease Prediction. A deductive qualitative content analysis approach was further employed to assess the research's overall outcomes, review articles on prediction tools in miRNA-Diseases, and analyse the interventions.

Results:

Diagnosis and therapeutics of diseases and miRNA prediction methods hold importance in identifying the regulatory mechanisms. Collections of efficient miRNA prediction methods to identify miRNA-mRNA-disease regulatory relationships have been presented through this review, consolidating the potential of miRNAs as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of multiple diseases, including COVID-19.

Conclusions:

The role of miRNA in the aetiology and pathogenesis of wide-range of pathologies, including viral, bacterial to chronic diseases such as cancer, is quite feasible through the modern tools in bioinformatics which has been elaborated focusing upon miRNA-disease prediction methods and their application potential establishing miRNAs as a robust and reliable biomarker in clinico-medical studies.

Sustainable treatment of dye wastewater by recycling microalgal and diatom biogenic materials: Biorefinery perspectives

Discharge of untreated or partially treated toxic dyes containing wastewater from textile industries into water streams is hazardous for environment. The use of heavy metal(s) rich dyes, which are chemically active in azo and sulfur content(s) has been tremendously increasing in last two decades. Conventional physical and chemical treatment processes help to eliminate the dyes from textile wastewater but generates the secondary pollutants which create an additional environmental problem. Microalgae especially the diatoms are promising candidate for dye remediation from textile wastewater. Nanoporous diatoms frustules doped with nanocomposites increase the wastewater remediation efficiency due to their adsorption properties. On the other hand, microalgae with photosynthetic microbial fuel cell have shown significant results in being efficient, cost effective and suitable for large scale phycoremediation. This integrated system has also capability to enhance lipid and carotenoids biosynthesis in microalgae while simultaneously generating the bioelectricity. The present review highlights the textile industry wastewater treatment by live and dead diatoms as well as microalgae such as Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Desmodesmus sp. etc. This review engrosses applicability of diatoms and microalgae as an alternative way of conventional dye removal techniques with techno-economic aspects.

SITE-SPECIFIC DRY AND WET DEPOSITION VELOCITIES USING 7BE AND MASS INTERCEPTION FACTOR FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF PLANT LEAVES AT NARORA SITE, INDIA

Comprehensive studies were carried out during the period 2016-19 on the estimation of site-specific wet and dry deposition velocities and the mass interception factor for Narora site based on the concentrations of 7Be in air, air deposits, rain water and vegetation samples. Mean wet and dry deposition velocities for Narora site were found to be 1.64E-2 and 1.58E-3 m s-1, respectively. Mass interception factors for vegetation found to be 0.34-2.51 m2 kg-1 dry weight with a mean of 0.97 m2 kg-1 dry weight. The obtained parameters shall be used for estimation of impact due to radionuclide related to Narora Atomic Power station.

Tuberculosis in free-ranging and captive wild animals: Pathological and molecular diagnosis with histomorphological differentiation of granulomatous lesions

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious zoonotic threat, impacting the human-livestock-wildlife interface globally. Here, we evaluated the status and histomorphological differentiation of TB lesions in 89 morbid cases of wild animals (bovids, cervids, carnivores, non-human primates, and pachyderms) in India. Histomorphological and molecular studies were done using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas cultural isolation was performed on selected samples. A total of 32 (35.95%) cases were confirmed as TB, comprising of 12 carnivores, 09 bovids, 06 cervids, 04 non-human primates, and a pachyderm. The TB lesions in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes varied from the large-sized caseous nodules filled with dry cheesy material in bovids and cervids to variable-sized cavitations containing liquefied caseum in carnivores' lungs. The lungs, livers, and spleens of non-human primates exhibited small to medium-sized nodules. Histologically, lesions were divided into four categories (Types I, II, III, and IV) based on the extent of necrosis, the presence of mineralization, giant cells, and fibrous encapsulation. Extensive caseous necrosis with calcification, abundant giant cells, and thick fibroblastic encapsulation were consistent findings in the lungs, livers, and lymph nodes of bovids and cervids, whereas airway impaction with cellular exudate containing a teeming number of acid-fast bacilli and, at times, alveolar rupture leading to cavity formation was present in the lungs of carnivores. Absence of calcification and fibrous encapsulation was recorded in lungs of non-human primates. Immunohistochemical labelling with anti-early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) antibodies showed mild, moderate, and intense positive reactions in type II and III, type I, and type IV granulomatous lesions, respectively. Molecular detection by PCR revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (12 carnivores, 02 non-human primates and 01 pachyderm), M. bovis (02 cervids and 01 bovid) and M. orygis (02 cervids and 01 bovid). Cultural isolation confirmed M. tuberculosis in 03 carnivores and M. orygis in 02 cervids and 01 bovid. Our findings imply that TB is quite prevalent in the wildlife of India and there are considerable differences in the histomorphological lesions induced by distinct Mycobacterium species in different wild animals. The circulation of TB organisms in wild animals warrants a strict surveillance programme to identify the carrier status of these animals so that effective TB control strategies can be formulated to prevent spillover and spillback incidences at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.