Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation ofAcute Cholecystitis in Emergency Setting.

Background Acute cholecystitis is one of the commonest surgical disease. The rapid diagnosis at its early stage is one of the crucial factor in patient care and management. Objective To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the diagnosis or exclusion of acute cholecystitis, coexisting choledocholithiasis, and acute pancreatitis in emergency setting. Method This study was conducted in the department of radiodiagnosis B and C teaching hospital, Birtamod, Nepal from July 2016 to November 2019. Patients, clinically diagnosed as acute cholecystitis or biliary condition with positive Murphy's sign with or without jaundice and deranged Liver Function Test, raised Leucocyte counts were evaluated by Magnetic Resonance imaging. The sensitivity, specificity, Positive Productive Value (PPV), Negative Productive Value (NPV) were calculated for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Data was entered and analysed by using SPSS version 20. Result There were 40 patients included in our study. Among them 27 (67.5%) were females and 13 (32.5%) male. The age of the patients ranged from 16 years to 79 years, mean age 49.4 years. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 40-60 years (57.5%). The overall sensitivity, specificity, Positive Productive Value and Negative Productive Value of Magnetic Resonance imaging diagnosis of acute cholecystitis were 100%, 66.6%, 94.4% and 100% respectively. Acute cholecystitis associated with gall stone disease were common and found in 72.5% cases, with sensitivity 96.5%, specificity 27.7%, Positive Productive Value 77.7% and Negative Productive Value 75.0%. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is an excellent tool for the evaluation of biliary pathology and can be used for the preoperative evaluation of acute cholecystitis at the emergency setting.

Release of extracellular vesicle miR-494-3p by ARPE-19 cells with impaired mitochondria.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial function in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells and extracellular vesicle (EV) formation/release are related through the lysosomal and exocytotic pathways that process and eliminate intracellular material, including mitochondrial fragments. We propose that RPE cells with impaired mitochondria will release EVs containing mitochondrial miRNAs that reflect the diminished capacity of mitochondria within these cells. METHODS: We screened ARPE-19 cells for miRNAs that localize to the mitochondria, exhibit biological activity, and are present in EVs released by both untreated cells and cells treated with rotenone to induce mitochondrial injury. EVs were characterized by vesicle size, size distribution, presence of EV biomarkers: CD81, CD63, and syntenin-1, miRNA cargo, and number concentration of EVs released per cell. RESULTS: We found that miR-494-3p was enriched in ARPE-19 mitochondria. Knockdown of miR-494-3p in ARPE-19 cells decreased ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased basal oxygen consumption rate and maximal respiratory capacity. Increased number of EVs released per cell and elevated levels of miR-494-3p in EVs released from ARPE-19 cells treated with rotenone were also measured. CONCLUSIONS: ARPE-19 mitochondrial function is regulated by miR-494-3p. Elevated levels of miR-494-3p in EVs released by ARPE-19 cells indicate diminished capacity of the mitochondria within these cells. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: EV miR-494-3p is a potential biomarker for RPE mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a central role in non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and may be a diagnostic biomarker for monitoring the spread of degeneration to neighboring RPE cells in the retina.

Toxoplasmosis Presenting as Nonhealing Cutaneous Ulcer.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic manifestation of toxoplasmosis is commonly seen in immune-compromised individuals. Skin manifestations are seen commonly in conjunction with systemic features. Isolated cutaneous toxoplasmosis is extraordinarily rare in immunocompetent patients. Case Description. A 64-year-old female presented to the Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD), with a nonhealing ulcer over dorsum of the left hand for one year. The patient did not have any systemic diseases. Serology tests were negative. An incisional biopsy of the lesion revealed dense inflammatory cell infiltrates comprising predominantly of plasma cells and lymphocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and focal abscess formation in the dermis. Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain showed organisms in the dermis with morphological resemblance to tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. CONCLUSION: Though rare, a possibility of primary cutaneous toxoplasmosis should always be considered and looked for, even in immunocompetent patients presenting with chronic nonhealing ulcers.

Yttrium Copper Titanate as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Fuel Cells, Synthesized via Ultrafast Automatic Flame Technique.

Replacing platinum (Pt) metal-based electrocatalysts used in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells is an important research topic due to the high cost and scarcity of Pt, which have restricted the commercialization of these clean-energy technologies. The ABO3-type perovskite family of an ACu3Ti4O12 (A = Ca, Y, Bi, and La) polycrystalline material can serve as an alternative electrocatalyst for the ORR in terms of low-cost, activity, and stability. These perovskite materials may be considered the next generation electro-catalyst for the ORR because of their photocatalytic activity and physical and chemical properties capable of containing a wide range of A- and B-site metals. This paper reports the ORR activity of a new Y2/3Cu3Ti4O12 perovskite, synthesized via a rapid and facile automatic flame synthesis technique using rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements. Y2/3Cu3Ti4O12/C has superior ORR activity, stability, and durability compared to commercial Pt/C. The results presented in this article will provide the future perspectives to research based on ACu3Ti4O12 (A = Ca, Y, Bi, Sm, Cd, and La) perovskite as the next generation electro-catalyst for the ORR in various electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and electrolysis.

Prognostic value of peripheral leukocyte counts and plasma glucose in intracerebral haemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: The value of routine blood markers as prognostic indicators is increasingly established in acute ischaemic stroke. The relationship is less well defined in haemorrhagic stroke. In this study, we examined routine admission blood markers and applied a logistic regression model to predict outcome in haemorrhagic stroke. METHOD: A retrospective study was performed between September 2009-2011 in a general admission stroke unit in the UK. 1400 patients were admitted with stroke during this period, of which 117 were haemorrhagic. Admission systolic and diastolic blood pressure, venous blood samples and pre- and post-morbid (i.e. at discharge or death) modified Rankin scores were also recorded. Patients were controlled for age, sex, smoking status, hypertension status and co-morbidities (using Charleson Comorbidity Index scores). Logistic regression models were generated using SPSS. RESULTS: 113 patients were analysed (58 male/55 female). Lower admission blood glucose (p=0.009), lower total leukocyte count (p=0.001) and lower neutrophil count (p=0.021) were found to be significantly associated with survival vs. death. 90 patients with complete glucose, leukocyte count, sex (forced) and pre-morbid Rankin score (forced) data were entered into a logistic regression model. This predicted correct group membership (survived/deceased) in 72.2% of cases (83.9% survivors/52.9% deceased correctly predicted). In females with normal leukocyte count and glucose, survival was predicted with 68% accuracy. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a logistic regression model using low admission glucose and low total leukocyte count may be markers of better prognosis in acute haemorrhagic stroke with a differential effect between sexes.

Designing and construction of simulated constructed wetland for treatment of sewage containing metals.

A simulated horizontal flow constructed wetland (CW) has been designed with gravel medium and aquatic plants Typha latifolia and Polygonum hydropiper to assess its performance efficiency for sewage treatment. Monitoring of fully developed CW revealed a high removal of nutrients and metals from sewage after treatment at varying retention times. The percent (%) removal of biological oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, PO4-P and total nitrogen in CW planted with T. latifolia were 88.20, 61.9, 72.12, 74.23 and 66.78%; however, with P. hydropiper, reductions were 79.47, 53.47, 55.46, 60.40 and 52.87%, respectively, at 8 d retention time. In addition, T. latifolia and P. hydropiper accumulated substantial amount of metals in their tissues particularly in roots. T. latifolia root accumulated maximum amount of Zn (40.44 µg/g dw) followed by Cu (39.24 µg/g dw), Pb (37.78 µg/g dw) and Cr (19.95 µg/g dw) as compared to P. hydropiper, which was 17.85, 33.43, 36.19 and 9.67 µg/g dw, respectively. Further, plant-specific high translocation factor (>1) of metals were observed at different retention times. Results suggest that simulated CW may be applied as an ecofriendly and low-cost tool to treat sewage before discharge into a fresh water body.

Augmentation of arsenic enhances lipid yield and defense responses in alga Nannochloropsis sp.

The present study was conducted with microalga Nannochloropsis sp. to evaluate its tolerance responses and biofuel perspectives under different arsenic regime (0-1000µM As(III)). Results showed that optimal biomass (61.00±3.72mg/L/d) and lipid productivity (20.27mg/L/d) were obtained in culture treated with 100µM As(III) in comparison to other treatments. In addition, fatty acid profile of alga was in accordance with European biodiesel standards (EN 14214), which reflects good oxidative stability of oil. High antioxidants viz., ascorbic acid, GSH and cysteine tolerance responses as well as lipid yield at 100µM As(III), opens a new insight in the field of algal biology. Thus, microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. may be employ in remediation as well as biodiesel production.

Arsenic and other heavy metal accumulation in plants and algae growing naturally in contaminated area of West Bengal, India.

The present study was conducted to quantify the arsenic (As) and other heavy metal concentrations in the plants and algae growing naturally in As contaminated blocks of North-24-Pargana and Nandia district, West Bengal, India to assess their bioaccumulation potential. The plant species included five macrophytes and five algae were collected from the nine selected sites for estimation of As and other heavy metals accumulated therein by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Results revealed that maximum As concentration (117mgkg(-1)) was recorded in the agricultural soil at the Barasat followed by Beliaghat (111mgkg(-1)) sites of North-24-Pargana. Similarly, concentration of selenium (Si, 249mgkg(-1)), lead (Pb, 79.4mgkg(-1)), chromium (Cr, 138mgkg(-1)) was also found maximum in the soil at Barasat and cadmium (Cd, 163mgkg(-1)) nickel (Ni, 36.5mgkg(-1)) at Vijaynagar site. Among the macrophytes, Eichhornia crassipes found more dominating species in As contaminated area and accumulate As (597mgkg(-1)) in the shoot at kanchrapara site. The Lemna minor found to accumulate maximum As (735mgkg(-1)) in the leaves at Sonadanga and Pistia stratiotes accumulated minimum As (24.5mgkg(-1)) in the fronds from Ranaghat site. In case of diatoms, maximum As (760mgkg(-1)) was accumulated at Kanchrapara site followed by Hydrodictiyon reticulatum (403mgkg(-1)) at the Ranaghat site. High concentration of As and other heavy metal in soil indicates long term effects of irrigation with contaminated ground water, however, high concentration of heavy metals in naturally growing plants and algae revealed their mobilization through leaching and possible food chain contamination. Therefore, efficient heavy metal accumulator macrophytes Eichhornia crassipes, Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza may be exploited in removing metals from contaminated water by developing a plant based treatment system. However, As accumulator algal species may be used as a bioresource for understanding algae mediated As detoxification and bioindication studies.

Studies on sustainability of simulated constructed wetland system for treatment of urban waste: Design and operation.

New system configurations and wide range of treatability make constructed wetland (CW) as an eco-sustainable on-site approach of waste management. Keeping this view into consideration, a novel configured three-stage simulated CW was designed to study its performance efficiency and relative importance of plants and substrate in purification processes. Two species of submerged plant i.e., Potamogeton crispus and Hydrilla verticillata were selected for this study. After 6 months of establishment, operation and maintenance of simulated wetland, enhanced reduction in physicochemical parameters was observed, which was maximum in the planted CW. The percentage removal (%) of the pollutants in three-stage mesocosms was; conductivity (60.42%), TDS (67.27%), TSS (86.10%), BOD (87.81%), NO3-N (81.28%) and PO4-P (83.54%) at 72 h of retention time. Submerged macrophyte used in simulated wetlands showed a significant time dependent accumulation of toxic metals (p ≤ 0.05). P. crispus accumulated the highest Mn (86.36 µg g(-1) dw) in its tissue followed by Cr (54.16 µg g(-1) dw), Pb (31.56 µg g(-1) dw), Zn (28.06 µg g(-1) dw) and Cu (25.76 µg g(-1) dw), respectively. In the case of H. verticillata, it was Zn (45.29), Mn (42.64), Pb (22.62), Cu (18.09) and Cr (16.31 µg g(-1) dw). Thus, results suggest that the application of simulated CW tackles the water pollution problem more efficiently and could be exploited in small community level as alternative and cost effective tools of phytoremediation.

Amelioration of arsenic toxicity in rice: Comparative effect of inoculation of Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis sp. on growth, biochemical changes and arsenic uptake.

The present study was conducted to assess the responses of rice (Oryza sativa L. var. Triguna) by inoculating alga; Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochlropsis sp. supplemented with As(III) (50µM) under hydroponics condition. Results showed that reduced growth variables and protein content in rice plant caused by As toxicity were restored in the algae inoculated plants after 7d of treatment. The rice plant inoculated with Nannochloropsis sp. exhibited a better response in terms of increased root, shoot length and biomass than C. vulgaris under As(III) treatment. A significant reduction in cellular toxicity (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, APX and GR) activities were observed in algae inoculated rice plant under As(III) treatment in comparison to uninoculated rice. In addition, rice treated with As(III), accumulated 35.05mgkg(-1)dw arsenic in the root and 29.96mgkg(-1)dw in the shoot. However, lower accumulation was observed in As(III) treated rice inoculated with C. vulgaris (24.09mg kg(-1)dw) and Nannochloropsis sp. (20.66mgkg(-1)dw) in the roots, while in shoot, it was 20.10mgkg(-1)dw and 11.67mgkg(-1)dw, respectively. Results demonstrated that application of these algal inoculum ameliorates toxicity and improved tolerance in rice through reduced As uptake and modulating antioxidant enzymes. Thus, application of algae could provide a low-cost and eco-friendly mitigation approach to reduce accumulation of arsenic in edible part of rice as well as higher yield in the As contaminated agricultural field.

Correlations between some hazardous inorganic pollutants in the Gomti River and their accumulation in selected macrophytes under aquatic ecosystem.

Water quality of the Gomti River and phytoremediation potential of native macrophytes dwelling therein at six different sites were evaluated. River water showed high biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, ammonium and phosphate (12.84, 77.94, 36.88, 6.04 and 2.25 mg L(-1), respectively). Gomti water was found to be contaminated with different metals like Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb (5.54, 1.05, 3.74, 2.57 and 0.73 mg L(-1), respectively). Macrophytes growing in the river accumulated considerable amounts of Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb in different parts. Among the studied plants, Eichhornia crassipes showed maximum remediation potential for Fe, Cd and Pb; Jussiaea repens for Cr; and Pistia stratiotes for Cd. However, in Typha latifolia, Cu accumulation was maximum. Except for Fe, translocation factor of E. crassipes, P. stratiotes, Hydrilla verticellata and T. latifolia was >1 for the studied metals, showing their potential to accumulate multiple metals in different plant parts.

Kocuria flava induced growth and chromium accumulation in Cicer arietinum L.

In the present investigation a chromate tolerant rhizobacterium Kocuria flava was isolated and inoculated to the Cicer arietinum L to evaluate its effects on growth and chromium accumulation upon exposure of different concentration of chromium (1-10 microg ml(-1)) as Cr (VI) for 24 d. K. flava inoculated plant of C. arietinum demonstrated luxuriant growth as compared to non inoculated plant at respective concentration of Cr (VI). K. flava found to ameliorate chromium induced phytotoxicity in terms of chlorophylls, carotenoid and protein contents and thus helps the plant in acquiring higher biomass with high chromium concentration. After 24 d, maximum concentration of chromium recorded in root of C. arietinum (4892.39 microg g(-1) dw) inoculated with K. flava as compared to non inoculated plant (1762.22 microg g(-1) dw) upon exposure of 5 microg ml(-1) Cr (VI). Therefore, application of C. arietinum in association with K. flava could be more efficient in decontamination of chromium polluted site. Moreover, K. flava may be used as a bioresource for developing microbes assisted phytoremediation system due to its compatibility.

Constructed wetland as an ecotechnological tool for pollution treatment for conservation of Ganga river.

With aim to develop an efficient and ecofriendly approach for on-site treatment of sewage, a sub-surface flow constructed wetland (CW) has been developed by raising potential aquatic macrophytes; Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis, Colocasia esculenta, Polygonum hydropiper, Alternanthera sessilis and Pistia stratoites in gravel as medium. Sewage treatment potential of CW was evaluated by varying retention time at three different stages of plant growth and stabilization. After 6 months, monitoring of fully established CW indicated reduction of 90%, 65%, 78%, 84%, 76% and 86% of BOD, TSS, TDS, NO3-N, PO4-P and NH4-N, respectively in comparison to inlet after 36 h of retention time. Sewage treatment through CW also resulted in reduction of heavy metal contents. Thus, CW proved an effective method for treatment of wastewater and may be developed along river Ganga stretch as an alternative technology. Treated water may be drained into river to check further deterioration of Ganga water quality.

Chromium phytotoxicity in radish (Raphanus sativus): effects on metabolism and nutrient uptake.

In the present investigation, chromium (VI) induced toxicity on metabolic activity and translocations of nutrients in radish were evaluated under controlled glass house conditions. Chromium was found to induce toxicity and significantly affect plant growth and metabolic activity. Excess of chromium (0.4 mM) caused a decrease in the concentration of iron in leaves (from 134.3 to 71.9 µg g(-1) dw) and significant translocation of sulphur, phosphorus and zinc. Translocation of manganese, copper and boron were less affected from root to stem. After 15 days of Cr exposure, maximum accumulation of Cr was found in roots (327.6 µg g(-1) dw) followed by stems (186.8 µg g(-1) dw) and leaves (116.7 µg g(-1) dw) at 0.4 mM Cr concentration. Therefore, Cr may affect negatively not only production, but also the nutritive quality of the radish; likewise, higher Cr content may cause health hazards for humans.

Chromate tolerance and accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris L.: role of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical changes in detoxification of metals.

A concentration-dependent increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase) and carotenoid, MDA level have been observed in the green alga Chlorella vulgaris following chromium exposure at different concentrations (0.01-100 µg ml(-1)). Simultaneously, decrease in growth rate, chlorophyll and protein contents was observed. In case of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase a bell shaped dose response was evident, however, lipid peroxidation followed a linear relationship along with catalase activity, which could be used as biomarker of Cr toxicity and played important role in providing tolerance and subsequently, high accumulation potential of chromium in C. vulgaris. In present investigation, the green alga C. vulgaris respond better under chromium stress in terms of tolerance, growth and metal accumulating potential at higher concentration of Cr (VI) which could be employed in decontamination of chromium for environmental cleanup.

Biomonitoring of metals in Ganga water at different ghats of Haridwar: implications of constructed wetland for sewage detoxification.

An assessment of Ganga river water quality at different ghats of Haridwar, showed high TDS (782.15 mg L(-1)) and BOD (21.76 mg L(-1)) levels at the mixing points of sewage discharge channels and the water was found to be contaminated with appreciable amounts of toxic metals; Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr and Mn (0.178, 0.566, 0.199, 0.177 and 0.160 mg L(-1)). The Ganga water supported exuberant growth of algae and aquatic macrophytes in littoral zone of river, which accumulated appreciable amount of metals in their tissues. Results showed possibility of using metal accumulation potential of plants and algae for monitoring low level of metal contamination vis-a-vis their use in renovating sewage by treating into especially designed constructed wetland.

Methyl 2-[(2-methyl-phen-oxy)meth-yl]benzoate.

In the title methyl-benzoate compound, C(16)H(16)O(3), the mol-ecule is essentially planar (r.m.s. of all fitted non-H atoms = 0.0370 Å); the dihedral angle between the phenyl rings is 2.30 (7)°. Apart from a C-H⋯π inter-action, no marked inter-molecular contacts are obvious.

Metal contamination of soil and translocation in vegetables growing under industrial wastewater irrigated agricultural field of Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate metals concentration in ten vegetable crops growing in mixed industrial effluent irrigated agricultural field near Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Differential accumulation and translocation of various metals in selected vegetables plant species was observed. A higher concentration of metals were found in order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Cd>Cu>Pb>Cr>As in soil irrigated with industrial effluent than soil irrigated with tube well water; however, the concentration of As, Cr and Pb found below detection limit in tube well water irrigated soil. Metal accumulation in root and top of vegetables varied significantly both in relations to metal concentration in the soil and the plant genotype. Among ten vegetable species studied five vegetable species, i.e. Spinach, Radish, Tomato, Chili and Cabbage growing in mixed industrial effluent irrigated agricultural field showed high accumulation and translocation of toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) in their edible parts, thus, their cultivation are unsafe with respect to possible transfer in food chain and health hazards. However, it is suggested that vegetable crops restricting toxic metal in non-edible port may be recommended for cultivation in such metal contaminated agricultural field.

Growth responses and metal accumulation capabilities of woody plants during the phytoremediation of tannery sludge.

Five woody plants species (i.e. Terminalia arjuna, Prosopis juliflora, Populus alba, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Dendrocalamus strictus) were selected for phytoremediation and grow on tannery sludge dumps of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Unnao (Uttar Pradesh), India. Concentration of toxic metals were observed high in the raw tannery sludge i.e. Fe-1667>Cr-628>Zn-592>Pb-427>Cu-354>Mn-210>Cd-125>Ni-76 mg kg(-1) dw, respectively. Besides, physico-chemical properties of the raw sludge represented the toxic nature to human health and may pose numerous risks to local environment. The growth performances of woody plants were assessed in terms of various growth parameters such as height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and canopy area of plants. All the plant species have the capabilities to accumulate substantial amount of toxic metals in their tissues during the remediation. The ratio of accumulated metals in the plants were found in the order Fe>Cr>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cu>Cd>Ni and significant changes in physico-chemical parameters of tannery sludge were observed after treatment. All the woody plants indicated high bioconcentration factor for different metals in the order Fe>Cr>Mn>Ni>Cd>Pb>Zn>Cu. After one year of phytoremediation, the level of toxic metals were removed from tannery sludge up to Cr (70.22)%, Ni (59.21)%, Cd (58.4)%, Fe (49.75)%, Mn (30.95)%, Zn (22.80)%, Cu (20.46)% and Pb (14.05)%, respectively.