Assessment of aeolian dust concentration, elemental composition, and their wet and dry deposition fluxes over the Northeast Arabian Sea

Atmospheric aerosol over the Arabian Sea is significantly impacted by the long-range transported mineral dust from the surrounding continents. This transported mineral dust is hypothesized and tested during several studies to see the impacts on the surface ocean biogeochemical processes and subsequently to the Carbon cycle. It is, thus important to quantify dust contributions and their fluxes to the Arabian Sea. Here we assess temporal variability of dust concentration, their elemental characteristics as well as quantify their dry and wet deposition fluxes over the North-eastern Arabian Sea. The dust concentrations were found to vary from 59 to 132 µg m^-3 which accounts for 50% to 90% of total mass during dusty days. However, its contribution during pre and post dust storms ranges between 6% and 60%. Relatively higher dust dry deposition flux of 28 ± 7 mg m^-2 day^-1 (range: 20-44) is estimated for dusty days compared to pre and post dusty days (range: 0.4-22 mg m^-2 day^-1). In contrast to dry deposition fluxes, significantly higher fluxes are estimated from wet deposition, averaging around 240 ± 220 mg m^-2 day^-1. These values are five times higher than those reported from cruise samples collected over the Arabian Sea. The contribution of dust to aerosol mass is further ascertained using elemental composition, wherein a significant correlation was observed between Fe and Al (r² = 0.77) for samples collected during the dusty period, highlighting their similar crustal sources. Our estimation of dust flux over this region has implications for the supply of nutrients associated with natural dust to the surface water of the Arabian Sea.Implications: The Arabian Sea, one of the productive oceanic regions among the global oceans, has been identified as a perennial source of atmospheric CO₂. This basin is heavily impacted by atmospheric dust deposition/inputs owing to its geographical location being surrounded by arid and semi-arid regions. It has been hypothesized that aeolian dust plays a significant role in modulating surface water biogeochemical processes including primary productivity, in the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, modelling studies have highlighted on the role of dust (containing Fe) in fueling and enhancing primary productivity in the Arabian Sea. However, quantification of dust deposition fluxes (wet and dry) on seasonal time scale is missing in the literature. This paper aims to partially fulfil this research gap by providing a long-term data of wet and dry deposition fluxes over the northeastern Arabian Sea. We have also discussed their seasonal variability and factors affecting this flux. Thus, this study will be valuable contribution to the aeolian research community and have significant implication toward the role of aeolian deposition to the surface water biogeochemical processes in the Arabian Sea.

"Human vs Machine" Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Pediatric Middle Ear Infection Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

We compared the diagnostic performance of human clinicians with that of a neural network algorithm developed using a library of tympanic membrane images derived from children taken to the operating room with the intent of performing myringotomy and possible tube placement for recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) or otitis media with effusion (OME).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic medical center from 2018 to 2021.

METHODS

A training set of 639 images of tympanic membranes representing normal, OME, and AOM was used to train a neural network as well as a proprietary commercial image classifier from Google. Model diagnostic prediction performance in differentiating normal vs nonpurulent vs purulent effusion was scored based on classification accuracy. A web-based survey was developed to test human clinicians' diagnostic accuracy on a novel image set, and this was compared head to head against our model.

RESULTS

Our model achieved a mean prediction accuracy of 80.8% (95% CI, 77.0%-84.6%). The Google model achieved a prediction accuracy of 85.4%. In a validation survey of 39 clinicians analyzing a sample of 22 endoscopic ear images, the average diagnostic accuracy was 65.0%. On the same data set, our model achieved an accuracy of 95.5%.

CONCLUSION

Our model outperformed certain groups of human clinicians in assessing images of tympanic membranes for effusions in children. Reduced diagnostic error rates using machine learning models may have implications in reducing rates of misdiagnosis, potentially leading to fewer missed diagnoses, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, and surgical procedures.

Luminescence studies of a Li2 Ca1-x SiO4 :xSm3+ phosphor for the generation of white light under NUV-excited phosphor converting LEDs

In this paper, we present new aspects of Sm³⁺ -doped pure Li₂ CaSiO₄ as a suitable candidate for white light emitting diode (WLED) applications. The samples were mainly prepared using a conventional modified solid-state synthesis technique. The structural studies were done using X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Instruments such as a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to obtain information about the morphology of the as-prepared samples. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis of phosphor samples for variable concentrations of doping ions with variable excitations were presented. When doped with Sm³⁺ in host Li₂ CaSiO₄ it emitted intense blue, green and red emissions and a more intense red emission peak (605 nm) under 408 nm excitation (near-UV-blue). Our study shows that the as-prepared phosphor may be useful for optical devices and mainly for WLEDs. The corresponding transitions of doping ions and concentration quenching effect were studied in detail. The 1931 Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (x, y) chromaticity coordinates showed the distribution of spectral regions calculated from PL emission spectra and this was found (0.63, 0.36) in the red region, so the phosphor may be useful for near-UV-blue excited WLED applications.

Economic analysis of a hybrid intelligent optimization-based renewable energy system using smart grids

Renewable energy has seen a substantial increase in deployment as an alternative to traditional power sources. However, two fundamental constraints exist that preclude widespread adoption: the availability of the generated power and the expense of the equipment. One of the most critical difficulties with this sort of hybrid system is to appropriately design the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) elements so that they fulfill all load requirements while requiring the least amount of investment and running expenditures. This research proposes a novel technique for evaluating the optimal smart grid linking Hybrid Renewable Energy (Solar photovoltaic and wind) with battery, to increase profitability, dependability, and feasibility. A multiobjective function is suggested and constructed to be optimized utilizing two optimization algorithms: Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) and Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm with Fuzzy-Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). The primary goal for the HRES is to operate optimally to reduce the cost of energy generat ion through hourly day-ahead. Here, the Fuzzy-ELM is utilized to predict the required load of the smart grid-connected system and hybrid EPSO-HHO, which are introduced to solve the problem of HRES economic analysis. Finally, the suggested EPSO-EHO method is implemented in the MATLAB software, and its performance comparison is made with other existing methods such as PSO, WOA, and HHO. The simulation result shows that the cost of the newly suggested EPSO-HHO technique-based Hybrid Renewable Energy System is less than PSO, WOA, and HHO by 4.89 %, 4.51 %, and 4.05 %, respectively.

Two-factor-based RSA key generation from fingerprint biometrics and password for secure communication

In an asymmetric-key cryptosystem, the secure storage of private keys is a challenging task. This paper proposes a novel approach for generating the same public and private key pair on a need basis. Hence, the need for secure storage of the private key is done away with. The proposed approach for generating the key pair is based on two factors: fingerprint biometrics and password. A stable binary string is generated from the distances among pairs of minutiae points in a fingerprint using a gray code-based method. Experiments show that gray code representation significantly reduces the number of inconsistencies between the generated bit strings from two instances of the same fingerprint as against the binary code representation. Hence, the Reed–Solomon error correction code successfully corrects errors due to variations in multiple instances of the same fingerprint to induce stability in the generated string. Hash of the stable string generated from the fingerprint and the string generated from hashed password are XORed to derive a stable seed value. The proposed approach uses this seed value to generate two large prime numbers. These prime numbers are used to generate the public and private key pair using the RSA key generation method. This seed value ensures the generation of the same key pair every time. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can ensure a stable generation of the key. It is not required to store either the fingerprint template or the password. Moreover, the generated private key is also not stored. It can be regenerated on a need basis.

Antioxidant Activities and Hepatoprotective Potential of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Justicia quinqueangularis against Selected Hepatotoxins Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats

Background: The objective of this research was to see whether the ethanolic extract of Justicia quinqueangularis leaves had antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties against paracetamol (PCT), ethanol (ETN), and isoniazid and rifampicin (IR)-induced hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar rats. Methods: The leaves of Justicia quinqueangularis were dried in the shade at room temperature, pulverised, and extracted by soxhlet using ethanol. Quantitative phytochemical experiments were carried out as a first step. The ethanol extract's hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in Albino Wistar rats. PCT (3 g/kg), ETN (5 g/kg), and IR (100 mg/kg) reduced the levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, which are all biochemical indicators of liver injury. Both hepatotoxin-treated and untreated group of animals determined for their antioxidant levels. SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, antioxidant function of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation methods, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide scavenging activities were among the biochemical and histopathological tests performed. Results: The altered levels of biochemical markers were restored to near normal levels in a dose-dependent fashion after treatment with J. quinqueangularis ethanol leaf extract (100 mg / kg, 200 mg / kg, and 400 mg / kg body weight). Conclusion: The findings of the current research indicated that the ethanol leaf extract of J. quinqueangularis had potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties against standard drug.

Feeding Tube Placement Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that may predict the need for feeding tubes in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the perioperative setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Academic tertiary center.

METHODS

A retrospective series of patients undergoing TORS for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) was identified between October 2016 and November 2019 at a single tertiary academic center. Patient data were gathered, such as frailty information, tumor characteristics, and treatment, including need for adjuvant therapy. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with feeding tube placement following TORS.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 60.2 years (range, 37-88 years) and 81.9% were male. Overall 82.9% of patients had human papilloma virus-associated tumors, while 28.3% were current or former smokers with a smoking history ≥10 pack-years. Eleven patients (8.0%) had a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube placed at some point during their treatment. Five patients (3.6%) had feeding tubes placed perioperatively (<4 weeks after TORS), of which 3 were nasogastric tubes. Six patients (4.3%) had feeding tubes placed in the periadjuvant treatment setting for multifactorial reasons; 5 of which were gastrostomy tubes. Only 1 patient (0.7%) was gastrostomy dependent 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression did not demonstrate any significant predictive variables affecting perioperative feeding tube placement following TORS for OPSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeding tubes are seldom required after TORS for early-stage OPSCC. With appropriate multidisciplinary planning and care, patients may reliably avoid the need for feeding tube placement following TORS for OPSCC.

Impact of surgical margins on local control in patients undergoing single-modality transoral robotic surgery for HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The impact of close surgical margins on oncologic outcomes in HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC) is unclear.

METHODS

Retrospective case series including patients undergoing single modality transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV + OPSCC at three academic medical centers from 2010 to 2019. Outcomes were compared between patients with close surgical margins (<1 mm or requiring re-resection) and clear margins using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients were included (median follow-up 21 months, range 6-121). Final margins were close in 22 (22.2%) patients, clear in 75 (75.8%), and positive in two (2.0%). Eight patients (8.1%) recurred, including two local recurrences (2.0%). Four patients died during the study period (4.0%). Local control (p = 0.470), disease-free survival (p = 0.513), and overall survival (p = 0.064) did not differ between patients with close and clear margins.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with close surgical margins after TORS for HPV + OPSCC without concurrent indications for adjuvant therapy may be considered for observation alone.

Otolaryngologist Performance in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System in 2017

Importance

The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for Medicare is the largest pay-for-performance program in the history of health care. Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the MIPS in 2017, the participation and performance of otolaryngologists in this program remain unclear.

Objective

To characterize otolaryngologist participation and performance in the MIPS in 2017.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of otolaryngologist participation and performance in the MIPS from January 1 through December 31, 2017, using the publicly available CMS Physician Compare 2017 eligible clinician public reporting database.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The number and proportion of active otolaryngologists who participated in the MIPS in 2017 were determined. Overall 2017 MIPS payment adjustments received by participants were determined and stratified by reporting affiliation (individual, group, or alternative payment model [APM]). Payment adjustments were categorized based on overall MIPS performance scores in accordance with CMS methodology: penalty (<3 points), no payment adjustment (3 points), positive adjustment (between 3 and 70 points), or bonus for exceptional performance (≥70 points).

Results

In 2017, CMS required 6512 of 9526 (68.4%) of active otolaryngologists to participate in the MIPS. Among these otolaryngologists, 5840 (89.7%) participated; 672 (10.3%) abstained and thus incurred penalties (-4% payment adjustment). The 6512 participating otolaryngologists reported MIPS data as individuals (1990 [30.6%]), as groups (3033 [46.6%]), and through CMS-designated APMs (964 [14.8%]). The majority (4470 of 5840 [76.5%]) received bonuses (maximum payment adjustment, +1.9%) for exceptional performance, while a minority received only a positive payment adjustment (1006 of 5840 [17.2%]) or did not receive an adjustment (364 of 5840 [6.2%]). Whereas nearly all otolaryngologists reporting data via APMs (936 of 964 [97.1%]) earned bonuses for exceptional performance, fewer than 70% of otolaryngologists reporting data as individuals (1124 of 1990 [56.5%]) or groups (2050 of 3033 [67.6%]) earned such bonuses. Of note, nearly all otolaryngologists incurring penalties (658 of 672 [97.9%]) were affiliated with groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

Most otolaryngologists participating in the 2017 MIPS received performance bonuses, although variation exists within the field. As CMS continues to reform the MIPS and raise performance thresholds, otolaryngologists should consider adopting measures to succeed in the era of value-based care.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Artabotrys zeylanicus Stem against Various Hepatotoxins Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Wister Rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic stem extract of Artabotrys zeylanicus against paracetamol (PCT), Ethanol (ETN) and Isoniazid and Rifampicin (IR) induced hepatotoxicity in Albino wister rats. Methodology: The material was dried in shade, they were powdered and extracted with ethanol. Preliminary Phytochemical tests were done. The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract was assessed in Albino wister rats. PCT (3 g/kg), ETN (5 gm/kg) and IR (100 mg/kg) has enhanced the levels of various biochemical markers of hepatic damage like Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Trasaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), Alkaline phosphatise (ALP), bilirubin. Antioxidant levels were tested in all the Hepatotoxins treated and untreated groups. Results: The various biochemical and Histopathological investigations done were Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Trasaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), Alkaline phosphatise (ALP), Bilirubin, antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT), Hyderogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid perioxidation, hyderoxil radical and nitric oxide. Treatment of ethanolic extract of stem of A. zeylanicus (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight) has brought back the altered levels of biochemical markers to the near normal levels in the dose dependent manner. Ethanolic extract of A. zeylanicus were observed to inhibit oxidant stress with the maximum value of 71% and 62% at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. The crude ethanolic extract of A. zeylanicus had a calculated IC50 value of 62.2 and 63.25 μg/mL, which is nearly similar to the calculated IC50 value of the known antioxidant, ascorbic acid, ie 65.3 μg/mL. While the rats treated with AZ extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) which were shown as reduction/absence of inflammatory cells, vascular congestion, cellular degeneration, necrosis and vacuoles. In contrast, the lower doses (100 mg/kg) of ethanolic extract of AZ stem shown low protection than at higher dose 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that A. zeylanicus ethanol stem extract possessed a potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Tool Wear and Temperatures Analysis While Machining Ti-6Al-4V in MQCL-MIST Environment

Sustainable machining of titanium alloys have deficiency of studies on the built-up edges over the cutting tools and temperature correlation in minimum quantity cooling lubrication (MQCL) environment. Researchers focused on experimentation in dry, wet, and MQL (minimum quantity lubrication) conditions to analyze surface finish, cutting forces, and metal removal rates. This work focuses on the study of cutting parameters effects on temperatures and tool wear analysis by consideration of individual response and their optimality basing on signal-to-noise ratios. Efficacy of process parameters on wear of tool and temperatures requires a comprehensive understanding. An elaborated tool wear analysis is carried based on the microscopic flank wear investigations. Machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is carried in the environment of MQCL in form of mist using semi-synthetic fluid. Correlation study of tool wear with regard to temperatures is analyzed and regression models generated on tool wear and cutting temperatures individually showed 83% of goodness-of-fit and correlation regression is 85%.

In situ hybridization for high risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To report a single institution's experience using human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA in-situ hybridization (mRNA ISH) for HPV detection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). To review the literature on HPV detection methods.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review, literature review.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 122 OPSCC biopsy specimens. mRNA ISH was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue with a pool of 18 high risk HPV probes using an automated stainer; p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also performed. We conducted a literature review on HPV detection methods including p16 IHC, mRNA ISH, DNA ISH, and PCR.

RESULTS

In our cohort, mRNA ISH had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100% with reference to p16 (100% concordance). 2-year OS was 87.5% vs. 94.5% for p16/HPV-negative vs. positive patients. 2-year DFS was 60.0% vs. 84.2%. On literature review, mRNA ISH demonstrated consistently high sensitivity and specificity ranging from 88-98% and 90-100% respectively. In comparison, the specificity of p16 was 85-95%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report supports the use of mRNA ISH for HPV detection in OPSCC and validates its feasibility using automated tissue staining methods on FFPE tissue. Our findings and literature review support that mRNA ISH may have superior specificity and be easier to interpret than p16. Further study on the prognostic value and cost-effectiveness of mRNA ISH is warranted and may establish this HPV detection method as the "gold standard."

Opioid Usage and Prescribing Predictors Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

Pain management following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) varies widely. We aim to quantify opioid usage following TORS for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and identify prescribing predictors.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 138 patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were reviewed from 2016 to 2019. Opioid usage (standardized to morphine milligram equivalents [MME]) was gathered for 12 months post-surgery via prescribing record cross-check with the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool.

RESULTS

Of 138 OPSCC TORS patients, 92.8% were human papillomavirus (HPV) positive. Adjuvant therapy included radiation (XRT;67.4%) and chemoradiation (cXRT;6.5%). Total MME usage from start of treatment averaged 1395.7 MMEs with 76.4% receiving three prescriptions or less. Categorical analysis showed age <65, male sex, overweight BMI, lower frailty, former smokers, HPV+, higher T stage, and BOT subsite to be associated with increased MMEs. Adjuvant therapy significantly increased MMEs (TORS+XRT:1646.2; TORS+cXRT:2385.0; TORS alone:554.7 [P < .001]) and 12-month opioid prescription totals (TORS+XRT:3.2; TORS+cXRT:5.5; TORS alone:1.6 [P < .001]). Adjuvant therapy increased time to taper (total MME in TORS alone versus TORS+XRT/cXRT: 0 to 3 months:428.2 versus 845.5, 4 to 6 months:46.8 versus 541.8, 7 to 9 months:12.4 versus 178.6, 10 to 12 months:11.0 versus 4.4,[P < .001]). Positive predictors of opioid prescribing at the 4- to 6-month and 4- to 12-month intervals included adjuvant therapy (odds ratio [OR]:5.56 and 4.51) and mFI-5 score ≥3 (OR:36.67 and 31.94). Following TORS at 6-, 9-, and 12-month, 15.7%, 6.6%, and 4.1% were still using opioids.

CONCLUSIONS

In OPSCC treated with TORS, opioid use tapers faster for surgery alone versus with adjuvant therapy. Opioid prescribing risks include adjuvant therapy and higher frailty index.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1888-E1894, 2021.

Evaluation of bactericidal and virucidal activity of novel disinfectant Aaride AGT-1 compared to other commercially available disinfectants against hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)

Hand hygiene is the topmost crucial procedure to prevent hospital-acquired infections. Choosing an effective hand disinfectant is necessary in enforcing good hand hygiene practice especially in hospital settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of Aaride AGT-1 as a hand disinfectant for the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms' transmission among both patients and personnel in the health care system compared to other commercially available disinfectants. In the present study, a new hand disinfectant Aaride AGT-1 was tested against several bacterial and viral pathogens to evaluate its antimicrobial activity profile. The results revealed that Aaride AGT-1 displayed the highest antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria including MRSA when compared to other commercially available hand sanitizers. Aaride AGT-1 showed the lowest percentage needed to inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens. In addition, results obtained from time killing assay revealed that Aaride AGT-1 demonstrated the best killing kinetics, by eradicating the bacterial cells rapidly within 0.5 min with 6 log reduction (>99.99% killing). Also, Aaride AGT1 was able to reduce 100% plaque formed by three viruses namely HSV-1, HSV-2 and EV-71. In conclusion, Aaride AGT-1 is capable of killing wide-spectrum of pathogens including bacteria and viruses compared to other common disinfectants used in hospital settings. Aaride AGT-1's ability to kill both bacteria and viruses contributes as valuable addition to the hand disinfection portfolio.

Geochemical characterization of modern aeolian dust over the Northeastern Arabian Sea: Implication for dust transport in the Arabian Sea

The Arabian Sea, one of the most biologically productive oceanic regions, receive significant amount of nutrients through aeolian dust deposition which have potential to modulate surface water biogeochemical processes. Identification of dust sources is important to assess role of dust deposition to surface water biogeochemistry. Here we report geochemical characteristics (major elements and trace metals composition, clay mineralogy and radiogenic isotopes of Sr and Nd) of aeolian dust, derived from dust storms in Middle East and South West Asia, to decipher its sources and possible transport pathways over the Arabian Sea. Twelve bulk aerosol samples were collected, during dusty period, at a coastal station (Goa; 15.4^o N, 73.8^o E) located in the Northeastern Arabian Sea, spanning over three years in different seasons. A preliminary estimation of sources for dust storms was done using satellite imagery and air mass back trajectory analyses. Major element and trace metal compositions of storm derived dust samples indicate insignificant contribution from anthropogenic sources. Illite and chlorite are major clay minerals found in all dust samples, however, high palygorskite content were observed for dust sourced from the Arabian Peninsula. A more uniform Sr-Nd signature is found for those derived from Arabia, however, highly variable Sr-Nd isotope signatures were observed for those derived from the South West Asia (Iran and Makran coast). The reported comprehensive data set on geochemical characteristics of mineral dust, is the first attempt that provides important information to understand present and past dust emission and deposition over the Arabian Sea.

Epitope variances demonstrated by Blastocystis sp. ST3 symptomatic and asymptomatic isolates

Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protozoan parasite of humans and many animals. Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 (ST3) proves to be the highest frequency case in most populations around the world and it is further distinguished into symptomatic and asymptomatic isolates based on the clinical symptoms exhibited by infected individuals. Phenotypic and genotypic studies implicate the distinctiveness of this parasite which may describe its pathogenesis. However, the antigenic distinctiveness which describes the antibody mediated cell lysis of this parasite has not been explored. This study was aimed to identify the cross-reactivity and cytotoxicity effect between three isolates of symptomatic and asymptomatic Blastocystis sp. ST3 respectively. Antigen specificity and diversity of this parasite was performed by coculturing sera (10-fold dilution) obtained from mice immunised with Blastocystis sp. symptomatic and asymptomatic antigens and the respective Blastocystis sp. ST3 live cells through complement dependant cell cytotoxicity (CDC) assay. The results obtained has shown that, the sera (at 10-fold diluted concentration) from symptomatic and asymptomatic solubilised antigen immunised mice were able to specifically lyse the respective live parasites with an average percentage of 82% and 86% respectively. There were almost 50% crossreactivity observed between the three isolates of Blastocystis sp. ST3 from symptomatic and asymptomatic group proving high antigen diversity or rather low antigen specificity within the same group. However, there was only 17% cross-reactivity observed between the mice sera and parasitic cells of different groups (symptomatic vs asymptomatic isolates) suggesting high specificity between these two groups. We, for the first time have proven that through CDC analysis there were epitopes dissimilarities between Blastocystis sp. ST3 symptomatic and asymptomatic isolates which may allow the parasite to set up diverse immune modulations such as imbalanced Th1/Th2 responses in an infected host.

Completion lymph node dissection for merkel cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is widely used for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), however in SLNB positive MCC the role of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) with or without adjuvant radiation therapy is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to determine the impact of CLND and adjuvant radiation therapy on survival in SLNB positive MCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 447 patients with MCC with a positive SLNB in the National Cancer Data Base from 2012 to 2015. We compared patients who underwent CLND versus observation with or without adjuvant radiation.

RESULTS

Compared with CLND and adjuvant radiation (reference) treatment with observation (HR 3.54, CI 1.36-9.18) or CLND alone (HR 2.54, CI 1.03-6.27) were associated with worse overall survival after adjusting for clinicopathologic differences. In contrast treatment with adjuvant radiation alone without CLND was not associated with worse overall survival (HR 1.70, CI 0.74-3.92) compared with CLND and adjuvant radiation (reference).

CONCLUSIONS

In SLNB positive MCC, CLND alone is associated with worse survival compared with treatment with adjuvant radiation or both CLND and adjuvant radiation.

Effect of processing delay on bifurcation delay in a network of slow-fast oscillators

Bifurcation delay or slow passage effect occurs in dynamical systems with slow-fast time-varying parameters. In this work, we report the impact of processing delay on bifurcation delay in a network of locally coupled slow-fast systems with self-feedback delay. We report that the network exhibits coexisting coherent (synchronized) and incoherent (desynchronized) states among the oscillators as a function of various parameters like self-feedback delay, processing delay, and amplitude of the external current. In particular, we show the decrease of the synchronized region (control of synchronization) for (i) a fixed value of processing delay with varying self-feedback delay and (ii) fixed self-feedback delay with increasing processing delay. In contrast, we observe the increase of the synchronized region (control of desynchronization) for fixed processing delay and self-feedback delay while varying the amplitude of the external current. Finally, we have also analyzed the effect of processing delay on bifurcation delay with the presence of noise and we report that the inhomogeneity in the additional noise does not affect the asymmetry in a bifurcation delay.

Genotoxic effects of tobacco use in residents of hilly areas and foot hills of Western Ghats, Southern India

Smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption is a significant risk factor that provokes genetic alterations. The present investigation was to evaluate the biomarkers of genotoxicity including micronucleus (MN), chromosome aberrations (CA) and DNA strand breaks among tobacco consumers and control individuals residing in hilly areas of Western Ghats, Tamilnadu, South India. This study included 268 tobacco consumers with equal number of controls. The tobacco consumers were divided into Group I (<10 years of tobacco consumption with an age range from 15 to 35 years) and group II (>10 years consumption above 35 years of age). Chromosome aberration (CA) and comet assay were performed using blood and micronucleus assay from exfoliated buccal epithelial cells obtained from tobacco consumers and controls. Elevated levels of CA were found in group II (Chromatid type: 2.39 ± 1.13 and chromosome type: 1.44 ± 1.24) exposed subjects, high micronucleus and DNA damage (TL:4.48 ± 1.24 and TM:3.40 ± 1.58) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) observed in both smoking and smokeless tobacco consumers when comparison with group I and controls. This study also observed a lack of awareness among the tobacco consumers about the harmful health effects of tobacco. Tobacco consumption contributes to the significant alteration in genetic materials. In addition, a high rate of spontaneous abortion was also seen in the studied population.