Showing papers by "T.S. Chandra published in 2022"

Imaging Spectrum in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

Abstract: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a life-threatening respiratory fungal infection that is almost exclusively seen in patients with preexisting structural lung disease with no or mild immunosuppression. The clinical presentation and imaging findings are varied and often pose a diagnostic challenge; and the disease is often present for a long time before being correctly diagnosed. High-resolution chest computed tomography is the imaging modality of choice because it helps identify various forms of CPA, which can range from a simple aspergilloma and chronic cavitary form, to the subacute invasive and end-stage fibrotic form. The knowledge of the imaging features of this disease cannot be overemphasized because it can assist the clinician in reaching at an early diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy, thereby improving patient management and treatment outcome. Moreover, imaging also plays a pivotal role during follow-up in patients of CPA to assess the treatment response. In the current review, we present an illustrative review of radiologic patterns seen in various forms of CPA.

Microbial Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite-Nanocellulose Nanocomposites from Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast Pellicle of Fermented Kombucha Tea

Abstract: The strong need for the utilization of industrial by-products and biowaste increases as we transition towards a circular economy. On these grounds, the present research aims to explore the applicability of the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), a by-product of a functional beverage industry, for applications in biomedicine. Herein, hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated SCOBY nanocellulose (SN) nanocomposite (SNHA) was synthesized via a novel biomimetic approach using Serratia marcescens strain by adopting two different in situ approaches. Characterization studies established the presence of functional groups corresponding to pure nanocellulose and HA. Microscopic analysis revealed SN fibers of the dimensions 30–50 nm surrounded by 10–15 nm rod-shaped HA crystals. The SNHA membranes were carbonated and harbored traces of metal ions. A deposition of nano-HA crystals as high as 30–50% was achieved. Overall, the synthesized SNHA membranes reflected increased stability, low crystalline nature and an ion-substituted structure resembling the natural bone; they are thereby suited for bone tissue engineering.