Prospective Phase II Study of Radiotherapy Dose Escalation in Grade 4 Glioma Using 68Ga-Pentixafor PET Scan.

AIMS: Local failure remains the major concern in grade 4 glioma or glioblastoma (GBM). Pilot studies have shown a radiotherapy (RT) dose-response relationship in GBM. Here we present our preliminary data of RT dose escalation using 68Ga-Pentixafor PET scan. High 68Ga-pentixafor uptake in glioma cells helps in sharp demarcation between tumour and normal brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This phase II prospective study was conducted from 2018 to 2020. Thirty, biopsy-proven cases of grade 4 glioma were included. All patients underwent post-operative MRI of the brain and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET scan. RT was planned in 2-phases. Phase-1 GTV (GTV1) comprised of T2/flair abnormality, PET-avid disease and post-op cavity. A margin of 2cm was given to GTV-1 to create phase-1 CTV (CTV1), which was further expanded to 0.5cm to generate phase-1 PTV (PTV1). A radiation dose of 46Gy/23fr was prescribed to PTV-1. Phase-2 GTV (GTV2) consisted of CT/MRI contrast-enhancing lesion, PET avid disease and post-op cavity. A margin of 0.5 cm was given to GTV2 to create phase-2 CTV (CTV2) which was expanded to 0.5 cm to create phase-2 PTV (PTV2). RT dose of 14 Gy/7 fr was prescribed to PTV2. PET avid disease was delineated as GTV PET and a margin of 3mm was given to generate PTV-PET which received escalated RT dose of 21 Gy/7fr by simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) in phase 2 (Total dose to PTV PET = 67 Gy/30 fr). All patients received concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide. The data was prospectively maintained in Microsoft Excel sheet. SPSS v 23 was used for statistical analysis. The primary endpoints were estimation of the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoint was to measure the incidence of radiation necrosis. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentage and quantitative variables were reported as median and range. RESULTS: Data from thirty patients were analysed. A median OS of 23 months was observed with estimated 1, 2 and 3 years OS of 90%, 40% and 17.8% respectively. A significant association of OS was seen with the extent of surgery (p = 0.04) and kernofsky performance status (p = 0.007). No patient developed significant radiation necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The index study did not show any survival benefit from dose escalation RT. However, all of the patients tolerated the treatment well and none of them developed radiation necrosis. Considering the small sample size as a limitation of the index study, the role of 68Ga-pentixafor PET scan for radiation dose escalation should be further explored. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: CTRI/2019/05/019146.

Towards building a trustworthy pipeline integrating Neuroscience Gateway and Open Science Chain.

When the scientific dataset evolves or is reused in workflows creating derived datasets, the integrity of the dataset with its metadata information, including provenance, needs to be securely preserved while providing assurances that they are not accidentally or maliciously altered during the process. Providing a secure method to efficiently share and verify the data as well as metadata is essential for the reuse of the scientific data. The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Open Science Chain (OSC) utilizes consortium blockchain to provide a cyberinfrastructure solution to maintain integrity of the provenance metadata for published datasets and provides a way to perform independent verification of the dataset while promoting reuse and reproducibility. The NSF- and National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Neuroscience Gateway (NSG) provides a freely available web portal that allows neuroscience researchers to execute computational data analysis pipeline on high performance computing resources. Combined, the OSC and NSG platforms form an efficient, integrated framework to automatically and securely preserve and verify the integrity of the artifacts used in research workflows while using the NSG platform. This paper presents the results of the first study that integrates OSC-NSG frameworks to track the provenance of neurophysiological signal data analysis to study brain network dynamics using the Neuro-Integrative Connectivity tool, which is deployed in the NSG platform. Database URL: https://www.opensciencechain.org.

Exploration of Photoluminescence, Colorimetric, and Decay Performance of Sm-activated CaWO4 Ceramic.

This paper represents structure, photoluminescence, and colorimetric investigations of Sm-activated CaWO4 ceramic made with the help of a solid-state reaction process. Structures of the ceramics are examined through X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. It indicates that these materials have a tetragonal structure and I41/a space group without having any other secondary phase. Energy band gaps are increased with the higher concentrations of Sm dopants. Photoluminescence analyses show that concentration quenching is found at x = 0.02 Sm incorporated CaWO4. The critical distance of energy transfer is obtained as about 20 Å. Q-value is observed approximately equal to 6 which denotes that dipole-dipole interactions occur in the materials that create the critical energy transfer distance in them. Chromaticity values are described in that the ceramics emit orange-red color as well as excellent colorimetric parameters. Quantum efficiency of x = 0.02 Sm composition in CaWO4 is measured under 405 nm EX wavelength. Photoluminescence decay behaviors are observed and average lifetime values are evaluated.

Theileria orientalis Buffeli pathotype in cows in a theileriosis-endemic region of India.

Oriental theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis is a growing health concern of lactating cows in its endemic areas. Rapid and sensitive diagnostic tests are demand areas for appropriate and effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the answer for both detection and quantification of parasites. Present study deals with qPCR for detection of parasitemia level of T. orientalis in apparently healthy and clinically affected cows. Major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene present in T. orientalis was cloned in pUC57 vector and transformed into E. coli Top 10 cells. Single and mixed infections of hemoprotozoa other than T. orientalis, causing anemia were differentiated through blood smear examination and PCR tests. T. orientalis was detected in 108 (63.15%) ill and 48 (26.66%) healthy cows. Piroplasms detected per 1000 red blood cells (RBCs) was 0-1 in the healthy group as compared to 3-22 in those showing clinical signs. Parasitemia in ill cows ranged between 6.9 × 102 and 4.5 × 103 parasites / µl of blood which was significantly higher (p<0.05) than healthy group (2.6 × 102 - 5.7 × 102 parasites / µl of blood). Phylogenetic study of the isolates showed similarity with Buffeli type that unfolded its pathogenic form in apparently healthy and ill cows.

Distribution of natural radionuclides in NORM samples from North Abu Rusheid area, Egypt.

The North Abu Rusheid area in Egypt is a well-known high background natural radiation area (HBNRA) due to the existence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in mylonitic rocks. In this study, 27 rock samples were selected for dose estimation studies. 238U and 232Th were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and 40K was measured using sodium iodide (thallium) gamma-ray spectroscopy. The ranges of activity concentrations (Bq/kg) of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the samples varied from 270 ± 2 to 2120 ± 29, 350 ± 2 to 1840 ± 27 and 20 ± 2 to 1390 ± 35 with mean values of 980 ± 349, 770 ± 351, and 640 ± 402 Bq/kg, respectively. The radiological hazard parameters were estimated from activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K and compared to United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) values. The present study revealed that the hazard parameters were several times higher than the worldwide averages. The U/Th concentration ratio ranged from 0.7 to 3 and could be attributed to the presence of kasolite, uranothorite, zircon, and columbite in mylonitic rocks. From the radiological protection viewpoint, it is necessary to monitor natural radionuclides in these rocks prior to their use in residential and commercial construction materials.

Biomedical waste plastic: bacteria, disinfection and recycling technologies-a comprehensive review.

Plastic recycling reduces the wastage of potentially useful materials as well as the consumption of virgin materials, thereby lowering the energy consumption, air pollution by incineration, soil and water pollution by landfilling. Plastics used in the biomedical sector have played a significant role. Reducing the transmission of the virus while protecting the human life in particular the frontline workers. Enormous volumes of plastics in biomedical waste have been observed during the outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19. This has resulted from the extensive use of personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, face shields, bottles, sanitizers, gowns, and other medical plastics which has created challenges to the existing waste management system in the developing countries. The current review focuses on the biomedical waste and its classification, disinfection, and recycling technology of different types of plastics waste generated in the sector and their corresponding approaches toward end-of-life option and value addition. This review provides a broader overview of the process to reduce the volume of plastics from biomedical waste directly entering the landfill while providing a knowledge step toward the conversion of "waste" to "wealth." An average of 25% of the recyclable plastics are present in biomedical waste. All the processes discussed in this article accounts for cleaner techniques and a sustainable approach to the treatment of biomedical waste.

Generation of map on natural environmental background absorbed dose rate in India.

A systematic mapping of natural absorbed dose rate was carried out to assess the existing exposure situation in India. The mammoth nationwide survey covered the entire terrestrial region of the country comprising of 45127 sampling grids (grid size 36 km2) with more than 100,000 data points. The data was processed using Geographic Information System. This study is based on established national and international approaches to provide linkage with conventional geochemical mapping of soil. Majority (93%) of the absorbed dose rate data was collected using handheld radiation survey meters and remaining were measured using environmental Thermo Luminescent Dosimeters. The mean absorbed dose rate of the entire country including several mineralized regions, was found to be 96 ± 21 nGy/h. The median, Geometric Mean and Geometric Standard Deviation values of absorbed dose rate were 94, 94 and 1.2 nGy/h, respectively. Among the High Background Radiation Areas of the country, absorbed dose rate varied from 700 to 9562 nGy/h in Karunagappally area of Kollam district, Kerala. The absorbed dose rate in the present nationwide study is comparable with the global database.

Magnetic hydrogel particles improve nanopore sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.

Presented here is a magnetic hydrogel particle enabled workflow for capturing and concentrating SARS-CoV-2 from diagnostic remnant swab samples that significantly improves sequencing results using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing platform. Our approach utilizes a novel affinity-based magnetic hydrogel particle, circumventing low input sample volumes and allowing for both rapid manual and automated high throughput workflows that are compatible with Nanopore sequencing. This approach enhances standard RNA extraction protocols, providing up to 40 × improvements in viral mapped reads, and improves sequencing coverage by 20-80% from lower titer diagnostic remnant samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this approach works for contrived influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus samples, suggesting that it can be used to identify and improve sequencing results of multiple viruses in VTM samples. These methods can be performed manually or on a KingFisher automation platform.

In Vitro Assessment of Lactobacillus crispatus UBLCp01, Lactobacillus gasseri UBLG36, and Lactobacillus johnsonii UBLJ01 as a Potential Vaginal Probiotic Candidate.

In this study, Lactobacillus crispatus UBLCp01, Lactobacillus gasseri UBLG36, and Lactobacillus johnsonii UBLJ01 isolated from the vagina of healthy reproductive age Indian women were screened for beneficial probiotic properties. These strains showed the ability to survive acidic and simulated vaginal fluid conditions and could adhere to mucin. Lact. gasseri UBLG36, and Lact. johnsonii UBLJ01 produced D- and L-lactic acid, whereas Lact. crispatus UBLCp01 produced hydrogen peroxide and D- and L-lactic acid. All strains inhibited the growth of pathogens (Escherichia coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, Proteus mirabilis, and Candida albicans) and were capable of co-aggregating with them with varying degrees. Strains secreted exopolysaccharides and formed biofilms under in vitro conditions. Safety assessment showed that these strains had a usual antibiotic susceptibility profile, did not produce hemolysins, gelatinases, and mucin degrading enzymes. Based on strain characteristics and beneficial properties, we believe that these strains are promising candidates for human trials to confirm their ability to prevent/treat vaginal dysbiosis and maintain a healthy vaginal eco-system.

Theileria orientalis Buffeli pathotype in cows in a theileriosis-endemic region of India

@#Oriental theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis is a growing health concern of lactating cows in its endemic areas. Rapid and sensitive diagnostic tests are demand areas for appropriate and effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the answer for both detection and quantification of parasites. Present study deals with qPCR for detection of parasitemia level of T. orientalis in apparently healthy and clinically affected cows. Major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene present in T. orientalis was cloned in pUC57 vector and transformed into E. coli Top 10 cells. Single and mixed infections of hemoprotozoa other than T. orientalis, causing anemia were differentiated through blood smear examination and PCR tests. T. orientalis was detected in 108 (63.15%) ill and 48 (26.66%) healthy cows. Piroplasms detected per 1000 red blood cells (RBCs) was 0-1 in the healthy group as compared to 3-22 in those showing clinical signs. Parasitemia in ill cows ranged between 6.9 × 102 and 4.5 × 103 parasites / µl of blood which was significantly higher (p<0.05) than healthy group (2.6 × 102 - 5.7 × 102 parasites / µl of blood). Phylogenetic study of the isolates showed similarity with Buffeli type that unfolded its pathogenic form in apparently healthy and ill cows.

Association mapping for protein, total soluble sugars, starch, amylose and chlorophyll content in rice.

BACKGROUND: Protein, starch, amylose and total soluble sugars are basic metabolites of seed that influence the eating, cooking and nutritional qualities of rice. Chlorophyll is responsible for the absorption and utilization of the light energy influencing photosynthetic efficiency in rice plant. Mapping of these traits are very important for detection of more number of robust markers for improvement of these traits through molecular breeding approaches. RESULTS: A representative panel population was developed by including 120 germplasm lines from the initial shortlisted 274 lines for mapping of the six biochemical traits using 136 microsatellite markers through association mapping. A wide genetic variation was detected for the traits, total protein, starch, amylose, total soluble sugars, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b content in the population. Specific allele frequency, gene diversity, informative markers and other diversity parameters obtained from the population indicated the effectiveness of utilization of the population and markers for mapping of these traits. The fixation indices values estimated from the population indicated the existence of linkage disequilibrium for the six traits. The population genetic structure at K = 3 showed correspondence with majority of the members in each group for the six traits. The reported QTL, qProt1, qPC6.2, and qPC8.2 for protein content; qTSS8.1 for total soluble sugar; qAC1.2 for amylose content; qCH2 and qSLCHH for chlorophyll a (Chl. a) while qChl5D for chlorophyll b (Chl. b) were validated in this population. The QTL controlling total protein content qPC1.2; qTSS7.1, qTSS8.2 and qTSS12.1 for total soluble sugars; qSC2.1, qSC2.2, qSC6.1 and qSC11.1 for starch content; qAC11.1, qAC11.2 and qAC11.3 for amylose content; qChla8.1 for Chl. a content and qChlb7.1 and qChlb8.1 for Chl. b identified by both Generalized Linear Model and Mixed Linear Model were detected as novel QTL. The chromosomal regions on chromosome 8 at 234 cM for grain protein content and total soluble sugars and at 363 cM for Chl. a and Chl. b along with the position at 48 cM on chromosome 11 for starch and amylose content are genetic hot spots for these traits. CONCLUSION: The validated, co-localized and the novel QTL detected in this study will be useful for improvement of protein, starch, amylose, total soluble sugars and chlorophyll content in rice.

The impact of fluence dependent proton ion irradiation on the structural and optical properties of Bi5In30Se65 thin films for nonlinear optical devices.

This paper reports the effects of ion irradiation on the structural, linear, and nonlinear optical properties of thermally evaporated Bi5In30Se65 thin films. The prepared films were irradiated with 30 keV proton ions with different fluences, such as 5 × 1015 ions per cm2, 1 × 1016 ions per cm2, and 5 × 1016 ions per cm2. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the non-crystalline nature of the film after ion irradiation with different doses. However, after the irradiation dose, the surface morphology changed, as shown by atomic force microscopy (AFM) images and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. The compositions of the films were obtained using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Optical analysis via UV-Visible spectroscopy showed a reduction in the transmittance and an increase in the absorption in the higher wavelength region with irradiation. The optical bandgap and Tauc parameter decreased with an increase in the irradiation fluence, which is due to an increase in the irradiation-induced defects and disorder inside the system. The increases in the third order nonlinear susceptibility and the nonlinear refractive index with ion fluence are useful for nonlinear optical applications. The linear refractive index calculated from the transmittance data increased, satisfying Moss's rule. The optical parameters, such as lattice dielectric constant, optical density, skin depth, optical conductivity, real and imaginary dielectric constants, optical conductivity, loss factor, VELF, and SELF, were calculated using several empirical relationships and showed increasing behavior with the ion irradiation dose. The changes obtained in both the linear and nonlinear parameters will be useful for nonlinear optical device applications.

Schwannoma in an accessory branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus: a rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Variation in the posterior cord of the brachial plexus is complicated and creates a risky relationship with the neighbouring structures. This is of importance to the surgeons and anaesthetists who must deal with the region in surgeries and procedures. Moreover, any benign tumour like schwannoma is rare in the plexus comprising 5% of total head and neck schwannomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a case of schwannoma of the brachial plexus in a cadaver during routine anatomy dissection for the medical students. The origin and order of branching of the posterior cord were recorded and photographs were taken. The tumour was present in an accessory branch of the posterior cord and removal was made in-toto. An immunohistochemistry study was done for confirmation of diagnosis. RESULTS: The classical branching of the posterior cord was present. Additionally, a branch existed that was supplying the triceps muscle and emerged directly from the posterior cord. Tumour having the dimension of 2 × 1.8 × 0.5 cm was present. CONCLUSIONS: Schwannomas are indolent but may cause compression of the nerve and resulting neurological symptoms. They might mimic nodules of supraclavicular fossa in breast carcinoma. Variations of the brachial plexus can also make the surgeons confused during surgery due to which anatomical knowledge of the possible variations is important. Pre- and post-operative complications can be easily predicted from it. Follow-up of the tumour is essential to track its progress and differentiation.

Efficacy of middle-ear packing in success of type 1 tympanoplasty: a prospective randomised study.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective randomised study was undertaken to compare the results of type 1 tympanoplasty with and without middle-ear packing with gelfoam. METHOD: Eighty patients undergoing type 1 tympanoplasty were randomised into two groups according to packing in the middle ear: with gelfoam and without gelfoam. The data in terms of graft uptake rate, hearing gain and subjective improvement were analysed at one and three months. RESULTS: The graft uptake rate between both groups did not show a statistically significant difference. There was conductive hearing loss in the gelfoam group in the early post-operative period. Subjectively, patients were more comfortable with respect to heaviness and hearing gain than in the non-gelfoam group. CONCLUSION: Gelfoam use in middle-ear packing is not an essential step and causes more discomfort in patients during the early post-operative period. It should be a surgeon's choice to use it when and where it is necessary.

Protocol for sampling and analysis of food and agricultural produces consequent to a nuclear accident in India.

Nuclear accidents, despite having an extremely low probability of occurrence, could cause uncontrolled release of radioactive elements (fission and activation products) into the environment, and may ultimately lead to contamination of food products. Such a scenario requires extraordinary measures for control of food, which might be contaminated to a level not suitable for human consumption. Agricultural products (which include grain crops, vegetable, fruits, dairy, meat, eggs and poultry) pass through a series of local, district and state level markets to finally reach consumers. An effective intervention at different stages of distribution by targeted sampling and analysis of suspected (contaminated) foodstuffs will substantially reduce the chances of contaminated food to reach the public. At the same time, it will also ensure food security of the people without imposing unreasonable restrictions in market flow. This can also help in getting the farmers adequately compensated. This paper presents a protocol for sampling and analysis suitable for India, considering the diversity with respect to climate, soil type, land use, crop pattern, population density, etc. The paper also provides an estimate of infrastructure requirement to carry out environmental monitoring following the emergency with respect to human resources and instruments. The paper proposes to use the national web portal for collection of data pertaining to crop pattern, land use and market flow. A web-based decision support system (Web-DSS) on a GIS platform, for sampling, analysis and display of data online would enhance the transparency of decision being taken and enable the administrators to effectively monitor the work flow, details of sample collection, analysis and effective use of human and other resources.

Sorption-desorption coefficients of uranium in contaminated soils collected around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.

Various radionuclides including fission products and heavy nuclides were released into the environment during the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) accident. The dissolution followed by migration of deposited radionuclides of Cs, Sr and U on soils could take place to the local environment. Therefore, it is necessary to determine sorption-desorption coefficients of U in soil-water system around the FDNPS from a migration viewpoint. The determination of sorption coefficient Kd(S) as well as desorption coefficient Kd(D) for U has been carried out in the present study using a laboratory batch method. Stable U was used for sorption from simulated ground water onto contaminated soil samples collected from Okuma Town, Fukushima. Different soil parameters were measured to understand their effects on sorption and desorption processes. The obtained Kd(S) and Kd(D) values of U were compared with values of Kd(S) and Kd(D) of Cs and Sr and Kd(S)-U in known Fukushima accident contaminated soils reported in the literature for better understanding. It was observed that Kd(S)-U varied from 160 to 5100 L/kg, whereas Kd(D)-U ranged from 200 to 11000 L/kg. Kd(D) was higher than Kd(S) for U in these soils implying irreversibility of the sorption process. Pearson's correlation of Kd(S) values suggested that U sorption is affected by various soil parameters. However, desorption is decided by the nature of U species formed in sorption process and soil parameters like pH, presence of carbonates, Ca ions, clay minerals etc. to some extent. The comparison between Kd(S) and Kd(D) values for Cs, Sr and U revealed that unsorbed Sr could migrate farther than unsorbed Cs or U under the present experimental conditions. Both sorption and desorption studies are of great importance to understand migration of metal ions from contaminated sites to local uncontaminated areas.

Measurement of uranium isotope ratios in Fukushima-accident contaminated soil samples using multi collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

In the present study, 137Cs and 238U activity concentrations, 234U/238U activity ratio, and 235U/238U isotope ratio were measured in fifteen soil samples collected from the exclusion zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). The 137Cs activity concentrations of Fukushima-accident contaminated soil samples ranged from 29.9 to 4780 kBq kg-1 with a mean of 2007 kBq kg-1. On the other hand, the 238U activity concentrations of these soil samples ranged from 5.2 to 22.4 Bq kg-1 with a mean of 13.2 Bq kg-1. The activity ratios of 234U/238U ranged from 0.973 to 1.023. The 235U/238U isotope ratios of these exclusion zone soil samples varied from 0.007246 to 0.007260, and they were similar to the natural terrestrial ratio confirming the natural origin. Using isotope dilution technique, the 235U/137Cs activity ratio was theoretically estimated for highly 137Cs contaminated soil samples from Fukushima exclusion zone ranged from 5.01 × 10-8 - 6.16 × 10-7 with a mean value of 2.51 × 10-7.

Geochemical characterization of monazite sands based on rare earth elements, thorium and uranium from a natural high background radiation area in Tamil Nadu, India.

The Kanyakumari coastal area in the southernmost part of Tamil Nadu, India is a well-known natural high background radiation area due to the abundance of monazite in beach placer deposits. In the present study, the concentrations of major oxides, rare earth elements (REEs), Th and U were measured to understand geochemical characteristics of these monazite sands. Based on the ambient dose rate, 23 locations covering an area of about 60 km along the coast were selected for sample collection. The concentrations of U and Th ranged from 1.1 to 737.8 µg g-1 and 25.2-12250.6 µg g-1, respectively. The Th/U ratio ranged from 2.2 to 61.6, which clearly indicated that Th was the dominant contributing radionuclide to the enhanced natural radioactivity in this coastal region. The chondrite-normalized REEs pattern of the placer deposits showed enrichment in light REEs and depletion in heavy REEs with a negative Eu anomaly that indicated the monazite sands were derived from granite, charnockite, and granitoid rocks from the Nagercoil and the Trivandrum Blocks of the Southern Granulite Terrain.

The 2021 Magnonics Roadmap.

Magnonics is a budding research field in nanomagnetism and nanoscience that addresses the use of spin waves (magnons) to transmit, store, and process information. The rapid advancements of this field during last one decade in terms of upsurge in research papers, review articles, citations, proposals of devices as well as introduction of new sub-topics prompted us to present the first roadmap on magnonics. This is a collection of 22 sections written by leading experts in this field who review and discuss the current status besides presenting their vision of future perspectives. Today, the principal challenges in applied magnonics are the excitation of sub-100 nm wavelength magnons, their manipulation on the nanoscale and the creation of sub-micrometre devices using low-Gilbert damping magnetic materials and its interconnections to standard electronics. To this end, magnonics offers lower energy consumption, easier integrability and compatibility with CMOS structure, reprogrammability, shorter wavelength, smaller device features, anisotropic properties, negative group velocity, non-reciprocity and efficient tunability by various external stimuli to name a few. Hence, despite being a young research field, magnonics has come a long way since its early inception. This roadmap asserts a milestone for future emerging research directions in magnonics, and hopefully, it will inspire a series of exciting new articles on the same topic in the coming years.

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes: A tertiary care centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is an extremely rare and highly aggressive tumor. It includes three distinct entities i.e, embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR), ependymoblastoma (EBL) and medulloepithelioma (MEPL). Here, we present our institutional experience of seven ETMR cases treated over a period of five years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients' records from 2015 to 2019 were reviewed manually and electronically to retrieve the data. Clinicopathological and outcome details of ETMR cases were entered in a predesigned proforma. RESULTS: A total of seven cases of ETMR were registered from 2015 to 2019 with a median age at presentation of four years (range 3-7 years). All patients underwent surgery. However, only three patients completed the planned adjuvant treatment, comprising of focal radiotherapy (RT) alone, craniospinal irradiation (CSI) alone and CSI followed by six cycles of chemotherapy in one patient each respectively. Two patients commenced CSI but deteriorated during RT and thereafter needed best supportive care. Two patients could not be started on any adjuvant treatment. Unfortunately, six patients succumbed to their disease within one year of their diagnosis. Only one patient who received both CSI and adjuvant chemotherapy is alive at 15 months of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: ETMR is a rare and aggressive entity. Majority of the patients die within one year of the diagnosis despite multimodality treatment.