Outer Coat Research Articles

A Review on Recent Achievements and Challenges in Electrochemical Machining of Tungsten Carbide

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a modern, unconventional manufacturing technique that uses the electrochemical dissolution of metal to produce pieces with a predetermined shape, dimensions, and surface polish. Tungsten carbide (WC) is used in many fields and applications due to its high wear resistance and hardness. WC is used in cutting tools, mining and drilling equipment, wear parts, industrial machinery, aerospace and defence components, and medical equipment. It gives a workpiece a particular shape and number of boreholes, removes a damaged outer coat, and eliminates surface roughness. Though the ECM of WC is fraught with difficulties and obstacles, altering the electrolytes and refining the technological equipment and process of the ECM of WC can help improve machining accuracy and stability. In the current study, we examined the ECM of WC and compiled a reliable database from reliable sources using the keywords "electrochemical machining" and "tungsten carbide". Research papers constitute the majority of these publications. It was discussed how WC behaves anodically as it applies to ECM, which experiments were conducted with various electrolytes, and how they performed. Several ECM modes have been considered, and each mode has been evaluated in detail for challenges and gaps.

Combination adjuvants and antigens provide heterosubtypic protection against lethal influenza infection.

Abstract Influenza A virus (IAV) is a negative strand RNA virus that undergoes antigenic drift and shift, leading to serologically distinct strains that can cause tens of thousands of deaths annually in the US. The wide variety of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins necessitates yearly reformulation of the vaccine to protect against novel seasonal and pandemic strains. Current IAV vaccines do not contain adjuvants, however, immune modulators such as pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists may enhance antigen presentation to T cells and provide broader protection against IAV strains that differ in HA and NA outer coat proteins. We set out to investigate whether TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide) and TLR3 (poly IC) agonists in combination with HA (H3N2) and nucleoprotein (NP) or NP and matrix (M1) proteins could provide protection against lethal challenge with mismatched IAV strain H1N1. Mice given H3 and NP with LPS + pIC in a prime/boost strategy demonstrated 80% survival after heterosubtypic H1N1 challenge while H3 + NP in PBS showed 20% survival. Similar results were seen using LPS + pIC in combination with NP and M1 protein with 90% survival. High endpoint titers of anti-NP antibodies (that also bound H1N1 virus) correlated with heterosubtypic protection suggesting a role for non-neutralizing antibodies in promoting survival. In addition, LPS and pIC enhanced dendritic cell (DC) function in vitro and increased migratory monocyte DC in the lymph node in vivo, coupled with early upregulation of T cell marker CD69. This strategy may provide increased efficacy over current IAV vaccines by inducing non-neutralizing antibodies and enhanced T cell responses to internal proteins. Supported by Trudeau Institute and Clarkson University.

Seed structure and germination pattern of sugar palm [Arenga pinnata L.

Sugar palm is a type of palm plant, which can grow at various altitudes with different soil types. Sugar palm plants have high prospects because all parts of the plant can be used as traditional medicine, building materials, ingredients for making brown sugar, vinegar, starch, or flour, and as ingredients for various foods. In the cultivation of sugar palm plants, there are several problems found, one of which is the seeds that have a period of dormancy. The reason is the hard and impermeable seed coat that prevents water imbibition. This study aims to determine the structure and germination pattern of sugar palm seeds. This research was conducted at the Seed Technology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Campus 3 Dharmasraya Universitas Andalas from April until September 2022. The observations obtained were the structure of the sugar palm seed consists of parts namely tip cap, testa, perisperm, endosperm, embryonic chamber, and embryo. The outer coat of the sugar palm seed is black and slippery. Each sugar palm seed has a small circle that spreads outside the seed coat where the small circle is the embryo. The duration of the sugar palm seeds’ germination from the beginning of germination until the leaves are fully open takes up to 120 days after planting.

Characterization and Energy Densification of Mayhaw Jelly Production Wastes Using Hydrothermal Carbonization.

Mayhaw jelly, made from mayhaw berries from the southern United States, is a popular food product that on processing produces a berry pomace waste. Little information is available in the literature about this waste or how to valorize it. This study investigated this food production waste and its possibilities for conversion to a biofuel. Dried mayhaw berry wastes were characterized with fiber analysis using the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory methods. After drying and grinding, hydrothermal carbonization was applied to the mayhaw berry wastes, the mayhaw waste without seeds, and mayhaw waste seeds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed on mayhaw berry wastes, mayhaw waste without seeds, and mayhaw waste seeds. Calorimetry revealed the fuel value of each component of the waste and of the dried mayhaw berry wastes without any component separated. Friability testing on pellets of the biomass investigated their durability. Fiber analysis indicated a high proportion of lignin compared to cellulose in the dried mayhaw waste. Hydrothermal carbonization did not enhance the fuel value of the seeds due to their tough outer coat that inhibited hydrothermal carbonization's high ionic-product water penetration. Other mayhaw berry waste samples had enhanced fuel value after treatment at 180 or 250 °C for 5 min, with a higher fuel value attained for 250 °C treatment. After hydrothermal carbonization, the wastes were easily pelletized into durable pellets. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization indicated raw seeds had high lignin content, as did the hydrothermal carbonization-treated mayhaw berry wastes. Hydrothermal carbonization is a process not previously applied to mayhaw berry wastes. This study fills in the gaps of this waste biomass' potential to become a biofuel.

Formulation of Pectin-Based Double Layer-Coated Tablets Containing Dexamethasone and Probiotics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition in the colon that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Dexamethasone is a steroid anti-inflammatory drug that can be used in IBD therapy. This study aims to obtain an optimum formulation of a dexamethasone drug delivery system for IBD treatment and to investigate its release profile based on an in vitro dissolution test. Dexamethasone was formulated as a double-coated tablet in combination with a probiotic L. acidophilus and B. longum mixture (1:1). The core tablets were produced using the wet granulation method, after which they were coated with pectin 4% b/v on the inner coat and a mixture of Eudragit L100 and S100 (1:4) on the outer coat. Three different core tablet formulas were prepared by varying the concentration of probiotics at 0%, 16% and 40% (F1, F2, and F3, respectively). The cumulative drug release of F1, F2 and F3 in HCl 0.1 N pH 1.2 for 2 hours were 42.92 ± 1.55%, 39.41 ± 4.10%, and 39.39 ± 1.63%, respectively, while in the phosphate buffer pH 6.8 they were 102.83 ± 1.56%, 105.08 ± 1.70%, and 98.81 ± 3.37% respectively, after 12 hours. From the results, we conclude that all formulas could be promising candidates for developing colon-targeted drug delivery.

Comparison of human and animal hair - A microscopical analysis.

For nearly a century, hairs of animals and humans were employed in forensic research. It is found to be stable in certain environments, and thus, they are frequently retrieved at scenes of crime, and it is important to verify whether they are either human or animal. The present research was done at comparing the morphological differences among human hair and animal hair using a stereomicroscope. Samples of hair forming the outer coat of some autochthonous domestic and human remnants were evaluated in this study. Long strands of guard hair shaft were investigated by stereomicroscope accordingly. Microphotographs were taken in an iPad camera. The microscopic characteristics of cat hair samples showed the presence of small spikes on the surface, whereas the human hair sample showed a smooth appearance with no irregularities. The microscopic analyses of the human hair sample and cat hair sample under stereomicroscope suggest hair samples can be used as forensic evidence in crime scene investigation. The comparison of both the hair samples was done, and the differences were significantly evident.

ExsY, CotY, and CotE Effects on Bacillus anthracis Outer Spore Layer Architecture.

Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus thuringiensis are the major pathogens of the spore-forming genus Bacillus and possess an outer spore layer, the exosporium, not found in many of the nonpathogenic species. The exosporium consists of a basal layer with the ExsY, CotY, and BxpB proteins being the major structural components and an exterior nap layer containing the BclA glycoprotein. During the assembly process, the nascent exosporium basal layer is attached to the spore coat by a protein linker that includes the CotO and CotE proteins. Using transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and fluorescent fusion protein approaches, we examined the impact of single, double, and triple mutants of the major exosporium proteins on exosporium protein content and distribution. Plasmid-based expression of exsY and cotE resulted in increased production of exosporium lacking spores, and the former also resulted in outer spore coat disruptions. The exosporium bottlecap produced by exsY null spores was found to be more stable than previously reported, and its spore association was partially dependent on CotE. Deletion mutants of five putative spore genes (bas1131, bas1142, bas1143, bas2277, and bas3594) were created and shown not to have obvious effects on spore morphology or BclA and BxpB content. The BclC collagen-like glycoprotein was found to be present in the spore and possibly localized to the interspace region. IMPORTANCE B. anthracis is an important zoonotic animal pathogen causing sporadic outbreaks of anthrax worldwide. Spores are the infectious form of the bacterium and can persist in soil for prolonged periods of time. The outermost B. anthracis spore layer is the exosporium, a protein shell that is the site of interactions with both the soil and with the innate immune system of infected hosts. Although much is known regarding the sporulation process among members of the genus Bacillus, significant gaps in our understanding of the exosporium assembly process exist. This study provides evidence for the properties of key exosporium basal layer structural proteins. The results of this work will guide future studies on exosporium protein-protein interactions during the assembly process.

QD:Puf Nanohybrids Are Compatible with Studies in Cells.

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QD), as well as other nanoparticles, are useful in cell studies as fluorescent labels. They may also be used as more active components in various cellular assays, serving as sensors or effectors. However, not all QDs are biocompatible. One of the main problems is their outer coat, which needs to be stable and to sustain hydrophilicity. Here we show that purpose-designed CdSe QDs, covered with a Puf protein, can be efficiently accumulated by HeLa cells. The uptake was measurable after a few hours of incubation with nanoparticles and most of the fluorescence was localised in the internal membrane system of the cell, including the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. The fluorescence properties of QDs were mostly preserved, although the maximum emission wavelength was slightly shifted, and the fluorescence lifetime was shortened, indicating partial sensitivity of the QDs to the cell microenvironment. QD accumulation resulted in a decrease in cell viability, which was attributed to disturbance of endoplasmic reticulum performance.

Current Advancements in Pectin: Extraction, Properties and Multifunctional Applications.

Pectin is a heterogeneous hydrocolloid present in the primary cell wall and middle lamella in all dicotyledonous plants, more commonly in the outer fruit coat or peel as compared to the inner matrix. Presently, citrus fruits and apple fruits are the main sources for commercial extraction of pectin, but ongoing research on pectin extraction from alternate fruit sources and fruit wastes from processing industries will be of great help in waste product reduction and enhancing the production of pectin. Pectin shows multifunctional applications including in the food industry, the health and pharmaceutical sector, and in packaging regimes. Pectin is commonly utilized in the food industry as an additive in foods such as jams, jellies, low calorie foods, stabilizing acidified milk products, thickener and emulsifier. Pectin is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of medicines that reduce blood cholesterol level and cure gastrointestinal disorders, as well as in cancer treatment. Pectin also finds use in numerous other industries, such as in the preparation of edible films and coatings, paper substitutes and foams. Due to these varied uses of pectin in different applications, there is a great necessity to explore other non-conventional sources or modify existing sources to obtain pectin with desired quality attributes to some extent by rational modifications of pectin with chemical and enzymatic treatments.

Ultrastructure of COPII vesicle formation in yeast characterized by correlative light and electron microscopy.

Traffic of proteins out of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is driven by the COPII coat, a layered protein scaffold that mediates the capture of cargo proteins and the remodeling of the ER membrane into spherical vesicular carriers. Although the components of this machinery have been genetically defined, and the mechanisms of coat assembly extensively explored in vitro, understanding the physical mechanisms of membrane remodeling in cells remains a challenge. Here we use correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) to visualize the nanoscale ultrastructure of membrane remodeling at ER exit sites (ERES) in yeast cells. Using various COPII mutants, we have determined the broad contribution that each layer of the coat makes to membrane remodeling. Our data suggest that inner coat components define the radius of curvature, whereas outer coat components facilitate membrane fission. The organization of the coat in conjunction with membrane biophysical properties determines the ultrastructure of vesicles and thus the efficiency of protein transport.

RELEASE MODULATED DELIVERY OF DIGESTIVE ENZYME SUPPLEMENT

A combination of proteolytic enzyme pepsin with amylolytic α- amylase serves as an ideal digestive enzyme supplement for the treatment of functional dyspepsia and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. In the present research work, an attempt was made to develop a release modulated formulation which ensures the enteric delivery of acid liable α- amylase and stomach-specific delivery of pepsin using inlay tablet technology. Eight formulations of inner core layer containing α- amylase (fungal diastase) i.e., F1 to F8, were developed using varying ratios of microcrystalline cellulose and mannitol. The best suit formulation of inner core tablet was chosen and subjected to enteric coating using coating solutions C1 to C6 and evaluated for intactness of enteric coat. The formulations containing pepsin for immediate release outer coat i.e., P1 to P4, were formulated using mannitol, dicalcium phosphate, lactose and calcium carbonate, respectively, and evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters. The inlay tablet was formulated by coating best fit outer coat formulation on enteric coated inner core tablet using compression coating technique. The results of in vitro evaluation studies for formulated inlay tablet revealed that the prepared formulation releases pepsin in stomach, immediately followed by the release of α- amylase in alkaline environment of intestine.

Gastric Duplication in a Preterm Neonate

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) duplication is defined as a spherical structure with a muscular coat and is lined by a mucous membrane. It is a rare congenital anomaly. Clinical Description: A preterm baby born, delivered at 31 weeks, was diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome and managed as per hospital protocol. While being weaned off from nasal continuous positive airway pressure, feeding was started. He developed vomiting and epigastric distension within 6 h. Management: The baby was investigated for the cause, and an early-onset sepsis was excluded. X-ray abdomen showed distended stomach and gas shadows in the bowel loops. Ultrasound did not reveal any gastric outlet obstruction, but significant gaseous distension of the stomach prompted us to make a dye study of the upper GI tract, which revealed cystic outpouching of the stomach that communicated with the gastric lumen. Similar findings were seen on computed tomographic scanning. Exploratory laparotomy performed revealed a large cyst communicating with the stomach at the lesser curvature. This was dissected out entirely from the margin of the stomach. Histopathology revealed highly congested cyst wall with an inner lining of gastric epithelium and gastric glands and an outer smooth muscle coat, confirming a gastric duplication cyst. Conclusion: Gastric duplication should be considered as a differential in newborns with feed intolerance, epigastric distension, and significant distension of the stomach. Although serial radiological investigations provide supportive evidence for this condition, the diagnostic confirmation is obtained by gross inspection and histopathology. In view of high risk of malignant transformation, surgical resection of the entire cyst remains the most definitive management.

Collagen VII maintains proteostasis in dermal fibroblasts by scaffolding TANGO1 cargo

Lack of type VII collagen (C7) disrupts cellular proteostasis yet the mechanism remains undescribed. By studying the relationship between C7 and the extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated proteins thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), type XII collagen (C12) and tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) in primary human dermal fibroblasts from multiple donors with or without the genetic disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) (n=31), we demonstrate that secretion of each of these proteins is increased in the presence of C7. In dermal fibroblasts isolated from patients with RDEB, where C7 is absent or defective, association with the COPII outer coat protein SEC31 and ultimately secretion of each of these ECM-associated proteins is reduced and intracellular levels are increased. In RDEB fibroblasts, overall collagen secretion (as determined by the levels of hydroxyproline in the media) is unchanged while traffic from the ER to Golgi of TSP1, C12 and TGM2 occurs in a type I collagen (C1) dependent manner. In normal fibroblasts association of TSP1, C12 and TGM2 with the ER exit site transmembrane protein Transport ANd Golgi Organization-1 (TANGO1) as determined by proximity ligation assays, requires C7. In the absence of wild-type C7, or when ECM-associated proteins are overexpressed, C1 proximity and intracellular levels increase resulting in elevated cellular stress responses and elevated TGFβ signaling. Collectively, these data demonstrate a role for C7 in loading COPII vesicle cargo and provides a mechanism for disrupted proteostasis, elevated cellular stress and increased TGFβ signaling in patients with RDEB. Furthermore, our data point to a threshold of cargo loading that can be exceeded with increased protein levels leading to pathological outcomes in otherwise normal cells.

Prevalensi Hasil Uji Saring Hbsag Pada Darah Donor Di Unit Tranfusi Darah (UTD) PMI Sampang Madura

The screening blood test is a stage that is carried out by each PMI to ensure the safety before blood transfusion. It is usually done on antibodies (Ab) such as anti-HCV, anti-HIV, TPHA or antigen (Ag) such as HBsAg. HBsAg is the outer coat protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and a sign that the individual has been infected with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B virus can cause acute problems and even cirrhosis of the liver. One of the screening blood test methods which is used to detect hepatitis B is ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) method. This research was conducted at UTD PMI Sampang by using the data collection in February 2020, and aimed to find out the overview of HBsAg examination results on the screening blood test using ELISA method based on age and sex. Based on the screening blood test, 9 people (3%) were reactive HBsAg and 345 people (97%) were non-reactive. In the age category, the highest number of reactive HBsAg donors was in the age group of 18-24 years old, that was 4 donors (1.1%), while the highest number of non-reactive HBsAg donors was in the age group of 25-44 years old, that was 184 people ( 51.9%). In the gender category, donors with the most reactive HBsAg results were male, that was 8 people (2.3%) and donors with the highest non-reactive HBsAg results was male, that was 283 people (79.9%). In order to minimize hepatitis B, it is expected that society should avoid activities which can cause hepatitis B infection. Keywords : HBsAg, Blood Transfusion, Screening Blood Test

Effects of polyallylamine-coated nanoparticles on the optical and photochemical properties of rose bengal.

Inasmuch as optical and photochemical properties of a photosensitizer can be modified upon association with the nanoparticle (NP), we wondered whether the effectiveness of phototherapeutic rose bengal (RB) was affected upon tethering to the sodium lanthanide fluoride NP with an outer polyallylamine (PAH) coat. RB molecules were electrostatically bound to the NaYF 4 :Gd 3+ :Nd 3+ NPs with inner silica and outer PAH coats. The products were analyzed for their size, shape and zeta potential using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering instrument. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrometry and fluorescence spectrometry were used to examine the spectral properties. Photodynamic effect in terms of singlet oxygen generation was quantitatively determined using the indicator 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF). Photocytotoxicity mediated by NP-bound RB was tested using A549 cells (Student's t test was used for statistical evaluation). NP-bound RB had the major absorbance peak at 561 nm, in comparison with 549 nm for free RB, accompanied with a significant decrease in absorptivity. The molar extinction coefficient becomes 36 000 M -1 cm -1 , only ~35% of that for free RB. Fluorescence spectral analyses showed a paradoxical decrease in the emission with higher NP concentrations even at very low dilutions. Most importantly, the association of RB with these NPs drastically increased its singlet oxygen production upon irradiation. The interaction of RB with PAH coat could partly account for this enhancement, given our finding that PAH in solution also caused a drastic rise in DPBF reactivity by free RB. These NPs exhibited strong photocytotoxic effects, and their promise in photodynamic therapy was addressed. Our findings provide evidence that the PAH coat plays a key role in enhanced biological activities of RB delivered via NPs, including the increase in singlet oxygen production and photocytotoxic effects.

Neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces control atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic plaques develop in the inner intimal layer of arteries and can cause heart attacks and strokes1. As plaques lack innervation, the effects of neuronal control on atherosclerosis remain unclear. However, the immune system responds to plaques by forming leukocyte infiltrates in the outer connective tissue coat of arteries(the adventitia)2-6. Here, because the peripheral nervous system uses the adventitia as its principal conduit to reach distant targets7-9, we postulated that the peripheral nervous system may directly interact with diseased arteries. Unexpectedly, widespread neuroimmunecardiovascular interfaces (NICIs) arose in mouse and human atherosclerosis-diseased adventitia segments showed expanded axon networks, including growth cones at axon endings near immune cells and media smooth muscle cells. Mouse NICIs established a structural artery-brain circuit (ABC): abdominal adventitia nociceptive afferents10-14 entered the central nervous system through spinal cord T6-T13 dorsal root ganglia and were traced to higher brain regions, including the parabrachial and central amygdala neurons; and sympathetic efferent neurons projected from medullary and hypothalamic neurons to the adventitia through spinal intermediolateral neurons and both coeliac and sympathetic chain ganglia. Moreover, ABC peripheral nervous system components were activated: splenic sympathetic and coeliac vagus nerve activities increased inparallel to disease progression, whereas coeliac ganglionectomy led to the disintegration of adventitial NICIs, reduced disease progression and enhanced plaque stability. Thus, the peripheral nervous system uses NICIs to assemble a structural ABC, and therapeutic intervention in the ABC attenuates atherosclerosis.

Morphological and Structural Details of Tomato Seed Coat Formation: A Different Functional Role of the Inner and Outer Epidermises in Unitegmic Ovule

In order to understand how and what structures of the tomato ovule with a single integument form the seed coat of a mature seed, a detailed study of the main development stages of the tomato ovule integument was carried out using the methods of light and electron microscopy. The integument itself it was shown to transform in the course of development into the coat (skin) of a mature seed, but the outer and inner epidermises of the integument and some layers of the integument parenchyma are mainly involved in this process. The outer epidermis cells are highly modified in later stages; their walls are thickened and lignified, creating a unique relatively hard outer coat. The fate of the inner epidermis of integument is completely different. It is separated from the other parenchyma cells of integument and is transformed into an independent new secretory tissue, an endothelium, which fences off the forming embryo and endosperm from the death zone. Due to the secretory activity of the endothelium, the dying inner parenchyma cells of the integument are lysed. Soon after the cuticle covers the endosperm, the lysis of dead integument cells stops and their flattened remnants form dense layers, which then enter the final composition of the coat of mature tomato seed. The endothelium itself returns to the location of the integument inner epidermis.

Insights into the Structure and Protein Composition of Moorella thermoacetica Spores Formed at Different Temperatures.

The bacterium Moorella thermoacetica produces the most heat-resistant spores of any spoilage-causing microorganism known in the food industry. Previous work by our group revealed that the resistance of these spores to wet heat and biocides was lower when spores were produced at a lower temperature than the optimal temperature. Here, we used electron microcopy to characterize the ultrastructure of the coat of the spores formed at different sporulation temperatures; we found that spores produced at 55 °C mainly exhibited a lamellar inner coat tightly associated with a diffuse outer coat, while spores produced at 45 °C showed an inner and an outer coat separated by a less electron-dense zone. Moreover, misarranged coat structures were more frequently observed when spores were produced at the lower temperature. We then analyzed the proteome of the spores obtained at either 45 °C or 55 °C with respect to proteins putatively involved in the spore coat, exosporium, or in spore resistance. Some putative spore coat proteins, such as CotSA, were only identified in spores produced at 55 °C; other putative exosporium and coat proteins were significantly less abundant in spores produced at 45 °C. Altogether, our results suggest that sporulation temperature affects the structure and protein composition of M. thermoacetica spores.

Nodular Posterior Scleritis: A Clinical Case Report

<i>Background</i>: Scleritis is a rare inflammation of the outer coat of the eye, which is often characterized by pain and redness and may be associated with visual loss and blindness. Posterior scleritis may lead to the formation of a choroidal mass which is often confused with choroidal tumors. A delayed and an inaccurate diagnosis may lead to devastating outcomes, that including unnecessary enucleation. Therefore, a prudent clinical judgement is necessary. <i>Objective</i>: To report clinical characteristics of an outstanding posterior scleritis which required a multidisciplinary collaboration for its management. <i>Method</i>: A young man presented with redness and diminished vision in his right eye for 5 days. A detailed ophthalmological examination was completed, which suggested a final diagnosis of posterior nodular scleritis that was presumed to occur secondary to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated granulomatosis with polyangiitis. A multimodal imaging workup suggested posterior nodular scleritis and laboratory investigation confirmed positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCAs). All other infectious and immunological tests came negative. The patient was subsequently treated with systemic steroids and immunomodulatory therapy, with an excellent visual recovery. Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/200 at presentation to 20/25 at eight months after the therapy, and there was no evidence of disease recurrence. <i>Conclusion</i>: Nodular posterior scleritis is an important but benign disease that may mimic an intraocular tumor. Multimodal imaging studies and detailed laboratory investigations are essential for its correct diagnosis and appropriate management.

Macro-propagation and Conservation of Cycad Species at Botanical Garden, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India

Cycads are the most threatened plants of all living organisms and they are on the brink of extinction in the wild. Cycads need urgent conservation and this can only be accomplished by in situ as well as ex situ conservation techniques. As a consequence of human activity, most of the Indian cycads are threatened with extinction. To oppose the current issues the authors collected three cycad germ plasms from different localities of Andhra Pradesh and carried out a similar kind of germination process. The present study’s intention was to propagate more number of seedlings through seed germination in less time to augment the species population in their natural population. Seed germination response was best by using fleshly outer coat removed cycad seeds (without sarcotesta) while directly collected from trees. The most preferable growing medium is red soil, sand and cocopeat (1:1:1). The seedlings were raised through this method and developed coralloid roots faster which suggests their survivability. The present study provideed a low-cost standard methodology followed for speedy and effective germination and obtained positive results. These methods would help in restoring species in their natural habitats as well as avoiding species extinction in wild.