Comparative genomics of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis unravels the gene sharing, virulence factors and SNP diversity among the standard, vaccine and field strains

Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis are the primary etiological agents of brucellosis in large and small ruminants, respectively. There are limited comparative genomic studies involving Brucella strains that explore the relatedness among both species. In this study, we involved strains (n=44) representing standard, vaccine and Indian field origin for pangenome, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and phylogenetic analysis. Both species shared a common gene pool representing 2884 genes out of a total 3244 genes. SNP-based phylogenetic analysis indicated higher SNP diversity among B. melitensis (3824) strains in comparison to B. abortus (540) strains, and a clear demarcation was identified between standard/vaccine and field strains. The analysis for virulence genes revealed that virB3, virB7, ricA, virB5, ipx5, wbkC, wbkB, and acpXL genes were highly conserved in most of the Brucella strains. Interestingly, virB10 gene was found to have high variability among the B. abortus strains. The cgMLST analysis revealed distinct sequence types for the standard/vaccine and field strains. B. abortus strains from north-eastern India fall within similar sequence type differing from other strains. In conclusion, the analysis revealed a highly shared core genome among two Brucella species. SNP analysis revealed B. melitensis strains exhibit high diversity as compared to B. abortus strains. Strains with absence or high polymorphism of virulence genes can be exploited for the development of novel vaccine candidates effective against both B. abortus and B. melitensis.

Novel pathological findings and immunohistochemical detection of FMDV antigens in the brain of calves naturally infected with foot-and-mouth disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an extremely contagious and economically devastating viral disease of cloven-hoofed domestic and wildlife animals. The disease is endemic in India and other developing countries of the world. The disease is mainly characterized by the presence of vesicular lesions and "tigroid heart" in calves. The current report describes the novel pathologic findings along with the distribution of FMDV antigens in brain of young calves naturally infected with FMDV. The carcasses of 37 calves suspected to have died from FMD were presented for postmortem investigation. Out of 37 dead calves, 10 calves showed the clinical signs of neurological abnormalities like opisthotonos, muscle twitching and tremor in hind limbs, stiffening of the neck followed by death. Microscopically, the meninges were congested, hemorrhagic, and infiltrated with mononuclear cells. The various sub anatomical sites of the brain showed the varying degrees of vascular changes, perivascular cuffing, focal to diffuse gliosis as well as degeneration and neuronal necrosis, indicating the nonsuppurative encephalitis. The immunolabeling of FMDV antigen was demonstrated in the neurons, inflammatory cells, and microglial cells besides its typical locations. The neurons of the brain also showed strong immunopositivity for caspase-3, caspase-9 and p53 and negative for Bcl-2 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) by both immunohistochemistry and western blotting indicating the role of caspase mediated intrinsic, and p53 dependent apoptotic pathway. Further, the TUNEL assay also confirmed the apoptosis in the neurons and glial cells of the brain of naturally infected calves. This study in calves establishes a basis for resemblance to other members of Picornaviruses, such as Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus of humans and seems to be the first report of its kind showing the neuropathological alterations along with the distribution of FMDV antigens associated with apoptosis in younger calves.

An investigation and comparison of machine learning approaches for intrusion detection in IoMT network

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is network of interconnected medical devices (smart watches, pace makers, prosthetics, glucometer, etc.), software applications, and health systems and services. IoMT has successfully addressed many old healthcare problems. But it comes with its drawbacks essentially with patient's information privacy and security related issues that comes from IoMT architecture. Using obsolete systems can bring security vulnerabilities and draw attacker's attention emphasizing the need for effective solution to secure and protect the data traffic in IoMT network. Recently, intrusion detection system (IDS) is regarded as an essential security solution for protecting IoMT network. In the past decades, machines learning (ML) algorithms have demonstrated breakthrough results in the field of intrusion detection. Notwithstanding, to our knowledge, there is no work that investigates the power of machines learning algorithms for intrusion detection in IoMT network. This paper aims to fill this gap of knowledge investigating the application of different ML algorithms for intrusion detection in IoMT network. The investigation analysis includes ML algorithms such as K-nearest neighbor, Naïve Bayes, support vector machine, artificial neural network and decision tree. The benchmark dataset, Bot-IoT which is publicly available with comprehensive set of attacks was used to train and test the effectiveness of all ML models considered for investigation. Also, we used comprehensive set of evaluation metrics to compare the power of ML algorithms with regard to their detection accuracy for intrusion in IoMT networks. The outcome of the analysis provides a promising path to identify the best the machine learning approach can be used for building effective IDS that can safeguard IoMT network against malicious activities.

Effect of Oxygen Vacancy on Structural, Optical and Magnetic Behavior of Tin Oxide Nanoparticles

Nanocrystalline SnO2powder has been successfully synthesized by using tin(II) chloride dihydrate (SnCl[Formula: see text]H2O), distilled water and liquid ammonia by the simple chemical co-precipitation method at room temperature using different SnCl[Formula: see text]H2O molar concentration of 0.3[Formula: see text]M, 0.4[Formula: see text]M and 0.5[Formula: see text]M. The structural properties of the prepared SnO2and transition metal doped SnO2nanoparticles has been studied using X-ray diffraction method and scanning electron microscope. The composition of the powders has been analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The XRD pattern of the SnO2nanoparticles indicates the formation of single-phase rutile tetragonal structure. The grain size is found to be in the range of 3–7[Formula: see text]nm and is found to increase with increasing SnCl2molar concentration. The absorption spectra revealed that the bandgap decreased from 3.74[Formula: see text]eV to 3.59[Formula: see text]eV with increasing SnCl2molar concentration. The photoluminescence spectra of SnO2nanoparticles showed a visible broad luminescence band in the region of 385–430[Formula: see text]nm. The magnetic studies have been carried out using the hysteresis loop obtained from a vibrating sample magnetometer. The SnO2samples using 0.3 and 0.4 SnCl2molar concentration exhibited ferromagnetic behavior whereas the SnO2sample prepared using 0.5[Formula: see text]M SnCl[Formula: see text]H2O exhibited paramagnetic nature.

Surgical resection of solitary distant metastasis from locoregionally controlled advanced hypopharyngeal malignancy: A ray of hope

Head and neck malignancies have always been challenging for the clinician, both with regards to locoregional control and distant metastasis. Aggressive approaches translate to an acceptable locoregional control, but distant failures pose a dilemma. Newer, sophisticated, imaging modalities have helped in early diagnosis of solitary metastasis, and in turn have opened up an array of interventional procedures, which to some extent improve the disease-free survival and quality of life, as was seen in the present case of locoregionally controlled advanced hypopharyngeal malignancy who presented with solitary distant metastasis. Still, diligent care needs to be taken not to aggravate the scenario with these interventions.

Photocatalytic degradation of synthetic food dye, sunset yellow FCF (FD&C yellow no. 6) by Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. possessing antioxidant and cytotoxic activity

The purpose of our work is to identify the bioactive compounds of bark and leaves extract from Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. and to explore its effectiveness against synthetic food dye. The presence of primary and secondary metabolites was confirmed by carrying out phytochemicals analysis. With the prior knowledge accessible on the indispensable secondary metabolites holding antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity, the quantitative screening of total phenolic and flavonoid content in methanolic and aqueous extract of bark and leaves from Ailanthus excelsa were done. Comparatively, a higher value of flavonoid (161±0.3μg/mg) and phenolic acid content (152.4±0.14μg/mg) was found in bark extract. By FTIR analysis, the characteristic peak was obtained at 1581.63 and 1598.99cm^-1 confirmed the presence of functional groups associated to flavonoids and other phenolic groups respectively. In bark extract, 81% of DPPH inhibition was observed when compared to ascorbic acid (standard) 92% of free radical scavenging activity. Bark extract from Ailanthus excelsa exhibited 71% cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line (cervical cancer). In examining the toxicity level of crude extracts with red blood cells (RBC), the bark extract was showed a very less (2.8%) haemolytic activity. They also showed maximum zone of inhibition in antibacterial activity i.e. 13±0.5mm against Escherichia coli culture. At a concentration of 10mg/mL of crude extract from A. excelsa, 55% degradation of sunset yellow dye was observed. It concludes that, the compounds present in the A. excelsa, especially the bark extract showed better photocatalytic, haemolytic, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity when compared to leaves extract.

Adjuvant hypofractionated radiation in carcinoma breast - Photon versus Electron: Comparison of treatment outcome

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer tissue is sensitive to hypofractionation. This is an analysis of patients treated with hypofractionated protocols since 2009, at our tertiary cancer center.

METHODS

Details of breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant hypofractionated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) from January 2009 to December 2014 were retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

One thousand seven hundred and eighty patients received adjuvant EBRT during this period. Three hundred and eight were offered hypofractionated schedule. One hundred and eighty-eight had modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and 120 had breast conservation surgery (BCS). Dose was 40 Gy in 15 fractions to chest wall/breast, and tumor bed boost of 10 Gy in 5 fractions, where indicated, using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). Electrons were used in 159 and photons in 149. Single en face electron field was used for chest wall in MRM patients, and tangential photon beams for the whole breast. Patients on follow-up were assessed for locoregional recurrence, chest wall, breast or ipsilateral upper limb edema, brachial neuralgia, local skeletal events, pulmonary and cardiac symptoms, and cosmetic results. Two developed chest wall recurrence, one each in electron and photon arms. No skeletal, cardiac, or pulmonary adverse events were recorded. About 13.6% had arm edema, which was staged according to the International Society of Lymphology lymphedema staging, as Stage I-7.8%, Stage II-3.9%, and Stage III-1.9%. Twenty-six treated with electrons had arm edema. Increased incidence of arm edema in MRM patients could be attributed to combined surgical and radiation morbidity. Five-year overall survival was 81.9%.

CONCLUSION

Hypofractionation is an accepted cost-effective standard of care in adjuvant breast radiation. Single en face electron field is well tolerated, and 3DCRT planning ensures homogeneous chest wall coverage, respecting dose constraints to organs at risk.

Radiation dose to dysphagia aspiration-related structures and its effect on swallowing: Comparison of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy plans

CONTEXT

Radiotherapy techniques have improved over years but have also raised concerns over subsequent acute and late effects. One such complication, dysphagia, has led to much interest and optimization in treatment delivery.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare radiation dose to dysphagia aspiration related structures (DARS) in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), and assess its relation to post-treatment swallowing status, in patients of carcinoma of the anterior two thirds of tongue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Treatment plans of patients treated with IMRT and 3DCRT, from November 2011 to December 2012, were retrieved. Swallowing structures were contoured. Dose volume histograms were generated. Constraint doses were considered based on the statistical derivations. Swallowing status was evaluated based on University of Washington Head- and Neck-related Quality-of-Life questions addressing swallowing.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

IBM SPSS Statistics 20 Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used. Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, and receiver operating curves were used.

RESULTS

Definitive statistical and subjective correlations were found to exist between doses of swallowing structures, especially the constrictor muscles, the base of the tongue and larynx. Probable mean dose constraints derived statistically clinically corroborates with the swallowing status of patients. IMRT had statistically significant advantage over 3DCRT, in terms of V30 (P - 0.051), V50 (P - 0.002), V60 (P - 0.002), and D80 (P - 0.023) for swallowing structures taken together.

CONCLUSION

Our study is probably one of the few studies predicting possible mean dose constraints for superior constrictor, the base of the tongue and larynx. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these and to improve the swallowing quality.

Phyllanthus emblica seed extract mediated synthesis of PdNPs against antibacterial, heamolytic and cytotoxic studies

Ecofriendly synthesis of Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) were achieved using Phyllanthus emblica (P. emblica) seeds as reducing agent. Further the ecofriendly synthesized PdNPs were subjected for various analytical techniques like UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, Zeta potential, SEM and TEM. The results indicated that green synthesized PdNPs were spherical in shape with average particle size of 28±2nm with moderate stability. Further the synthesized PdNPs and extract were subjected for its antibacterial studies against various disease causing pathogens by agar well diffusion method. Seed extract resulted in 8.9±1.46mm against B. subtilis and PdNPs showed 9.6±1.10mm against S. aureus and synthesized PdNPs and extract were tested for hemolytic which resulted in 20% and 10% respectively. Toxicity studies were done against Artemia salina (A. salina). The LC₅₀ value of green synthesized P. emblica capped PdNPs and the P. emblica seed extract were found to be less toxic for A. salina with a value of 1.00μg/mL and 1.25μg/mL. In addition samples were checked for in vitro cytotoxicity assays on HeLa cell lines.

Esthesioneuroblastoma with intracranial extension: A non-surgical approach

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare tumor arising from the olfactory mucosa of upper respiratory tract. The primary modality of treatment has been surgery with craniofacial resection followed by post-operative radiotherapy. There are only a few reported cases of non-surgical approaches. We report a case of esthesioneuroblastoma with intracranial extension treated with Vincristine, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide, Etoposide protocol followed by radiation with 5 years of follow-up. This is the first reported case using this chemotherapy schedule.

Enhanced vacuum sensing performance of multiwalled carbon nanotubes: role of defects and carboxyl functionalization

The presence of surface active carboxylic sites and the nature of the (ordered and defective) stacking of graphite layers in the nanotubes determined the vacuum sensing characteristics.

Histiocytosis of the temporal bone

Histiocytosis is a rare disease of unknown aetiology which commonly affects the head and neck region. In the ear it can closely mimic acute and chronic ear disease leading to a confusion in diagnosis. It can be easily misdiagnosed unless a high index of clinical suspicion is maintained. We present a case of Letterer Siwe disease of the temporal bone which presented with bilateral mastoid abscesses.

Effect of ocimum flavonoids as a radioprotector on the erythrocyte antioxidants in oral cancer

Flavonoids extracted from the leaves of Indian holy basil, Ocimum sanctum showed promising results as radioprotector in rodents. Hence it was thought pertinent to analyze the antioxidants of erythrocytes in oral cancer patients who were concurrently treated with radiation and ocimum flavonoids. Oral cancer patients consisted of 2 groups. Group A (n=17) received radiation alone while Group B(n=17) received radiation and ocimum flavonoids(OF). Samples of heparinised blood were collected prior to treatment, 15 and 30 days respectively after treatment. Blood from normal healthy volunteers were taken as controls (n=25). Erythrocytes were analyzed for the antioxidants viz. glutathione, glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase by the standard methods. Results of analysis indicated that erythrocytes from cancer patients (Group A and B) had significantly high glutathione levels before as well as after treatment compared to controls. It was observed that Group B which received OF showed a significant reduction in glutathione levels in comparison with Group A. All the other parameters showed no statistical significant changes. Results of the study suggest that erythrocytes from cancer patients responded to oxidative stress by elevating glutathione levels, while a decrease in glutathione levels observed in Group B, could be due to the free radical scavenging effect of OF, sparing the glutathione. However OF did not seem to exert its effect on other antioxidants of erythrocytes.

Primary pancreatic lymphoma: Report of three cases with review of literature

Background:

Primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) is an extremely rare neoplasm, which may be confused with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. So far only about 150 cases of PPL have been reported.

Materials and Methods:

We present our experience of 3 cases of PPL over a 4-year period.

Results:

All the patients presented with vague abdominal pain of duration ranging from 1½ months to 3 months. Two patients had diagnosis confirmed histologically by CT-guided core biopsy or Fine needle aspiration procedure. We were able to avoid unnecessary laparotomy in 2 patients using preoperative guided Fine needle aspiration Cytology, although the third patient did undergo a Whipple′s procedure as the diagnosis of PPL was not considered during the initial workup.

Conclusions:

There is no significant difference noted with regard to patient′s age or duration of symptoms between patients with either pancreatic adenocarcinoma or PPL. The differential diagnosis of PPL includes pancreatic adenocarcinoma and secondary involvement of pancreas from extra-nodal lymphoma. Combination of two things is suggestive of Pancreatic lymphoma: (1) Bulky localized tumor in pancreatic head (2) Absence of significant dilatation of main pancreatic duct strengthens a diagnosis of pancreatic lymphoma over adenocarcinoma. Majority of patients can be managed with chemotherapy with much better prognosis compared to patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Larger series of patients are needed to evaluate whether chemotherapy, eventually followed by involved-field radiation therapy, is the treatment of choice for PPL.

Radioprotective effects of ocimum flavonoids on leukocyte oxidants and antioxidants in oral cancer

Oxidants (NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase) and antioxidants (GSH,GSH peroxidase, SOD and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, that provides NADPH for antioxidants) were assayed in the neutrophils from oral cancer patients, in three stages viz, baseline samples,15 days after radiation and 30 days following radiation. These samples were obtained from 2 groups of patients. Group A that received radiation alone and Group B that received radiation and ocimum flavonoids,a radioprotector. The results showed a significant fall in the SOD levels in the second follow up of group B.Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase showed significant increase only in the first follow up of patients who received Ocimum flavonoids. Except for these findings all other parameters remained statistically nonsignificant.

Safety and radiosensitizing efficacy of sanazole (AK 2123) in oropharyngeal cancers: Randomized controlled double blind clinical trial

Oropharynx is an important site of cancer in India. Global comparison indicates higher incidences in India. Radiotherapy remains an important treatment modality. Efforts to improve loco-regional treatment and prolong survival are areas of focus. Radiosensitizers in hypoxic tumors have shown promise.

AIM

To study the safety and radiosensitizing efficacy of sanazole in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (stage T2-4, N0-3, M0) as phase-II double blind controlled trial in patients treated with conventional radiotherapy.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Single institutional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Group 1 (control; n = 23) received normal saline infusion, group 2 (test; n = 23) received sanazole biweekly 1.25 g intravenous infusion 15 minutes before radiotherapy. Surrogate end points of efficacy were tumor and nodal size; safety parameters were mucositis, salivary and skin reactions, dysphagia, vomiting, dysgeusia and neurological deficit. Investigators blinded to the trial evaluated patients, weekly during treatment for six weeks and thereafter monthly for three months.

STATISTICAL METHODS

Non-parametric, Friedman's, Chi square, Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

In the test, 15 (65%) patients had complete response, five (22%) partial/no response, two (9%) died, one (4%) lost to follow up. In the control, five (22%) patients had complete response, 16 (70%) partial/no response, one (4%) died, one (4%) lost to follow up. Short-term loco-regional response was better in the test (DF = 3, 95% Confidence Interval 0.418, 0.452, P = 0.0048). In the test group significant vomiting and one case of grade 3 neurological deficit was observed.

CONCLUSION

The study validates the usefulness of sanazole for initial loco-regional control in oropharyngeal cancers.

T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma--a case report

T-Cell-Rich B-Cell lymphoma (TCRBCL) is a recently described variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma characterized by a predominance of reactive T-cells and a minority of neoplastic large cells which may resemble the Reed-Sternberg cell or its variants. TCRBCL is a notorious mimicker of both lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease (LPHD) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Immunohistochemistry is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis. We report a case of TCRBCL which was mistaken for HD both on fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathology due to the presence of RS like cells. Immunohistochemistry resolved the diagnostic dilemma.

Cutaneous manifestations of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Thirty-two confirmed cases of non -Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were examined for cutaneous manifestations for a period of 2 years from November 1998 in KMC Hospital Attavar, Mangalore. Cutaneous manifestations in the study group were compared to a control group of 32 patients. Specific infiltrates were present in all (5/5) CTCL patients and one out of twenty-seven patients with low grade NHL. Morphologically they presented as papules, plaques, nodules and erythroderma. Infective conditions seen in the study group were superficial fungal (7/32) and viral infections (2/ 32). Non-infective conditions were acquired ichthyosis (10/32), generalised pruritus (5/32), insect bite reaction (1/32) and drug eruption (1/32). When compared to control patients only acquired ichthyosis and generalised pruritus were found to be statistically significant. The study group also showed changes due to chemotherapy like diffuse alopecia (24/29), bluish pigmentation of proximal part of nail (4/29), localised pigmentation of palms and soles (1 /29), diffuse pigmentation at injection site (1 /29), pigmentation at scar site (1 /29) and stomatitis (4/29).

Occurrence and severity of alopecia in patients on combination chemotherapy

The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and severity of alopecia resulting from combination chemotherapy on cancer patients. The study was conducted during the period 1994-1996 on 58 confirmed cases of malignancies attending the Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, South India. The treatment regimens followed were standard protocols recommended for those malignancies and which are widely adopted. Specific drug combinations, their dosage and routes and schedules of administration were studied. The influence of 20 different treatment regimens, most of them in combination chemotherapy, were studied. The patients studied were not receiving any other medication which could have caused alopecia as observed in the present study. The pathophysiology of the hair, as influenced by the treatment regimens, were studied by examination of samples of the affected hairs under a Leica compound microscope. Alopecia was the most dominant side effect influencing 35 of the 58 patients undergoing the treatment (60%). The severity of alopecia was assessed by grouping them in four distinct grades. Specific drugs and their combinations causing varying degrees of severity were identified. The initiation of hair loss in different treatment regimens were analysed. It is seen that alopecia is an early manifestation of cutaneous side effects of cancer chemotherapy. In a majority of patients, the manifestation initiated after the first or the second cycle of administration of the rapeutic regimen, indicating a time interval of 1 to 8 weeks after the start of chemotherapy. Single agent drugs, when used alone or in combination with immunomodulator drugs seem to cause much less side effects, including alopecia, when compared to multiple drug regimens. Microscopic examination of the affected hair showed trichorrhexis, fragmentation, decrease in diameter and depigmentation of the hair shaft.