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Abstract Whether the Main Himalayan Thrust can host a single surface-rupturing event in the Himalaya with a rupture length of > 700 km remains controversial. Previous paleoseismological studies in the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya (DSH) suggested medieval surface-rupturing earthquakes, correlating them with the eleventh–thirteenth century events from Nepal and Bhutan and extending the coseismic rupture length > 700 km. Conversely, there is no rupture evidence of the 1714 Bhutan and 1934 Bihar–Nepal earthquakes in the DSH, resulting in a discrepancy in the rupture extent of the great earthquakes. Consequently, we conducted a paleoseismological investigation across a ~ 10 m-high fault scarp on the Himalayan Frontal Thrust at Chenga village, DSH, revealing a surface-faulting event during 1313–395 BCE. We suggest that the DSH is a 150 km-long independent segment bounded by a transverse ridge and fault and has a recurrence interval of ~ 949–1963 years, which is significantly larger than Nepal (~ 700–900 years) and Bhutan Himalaya (~ 339–761 years).

Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is altered in many conditions like normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), aqueduct stenosis, or Chiari malformation. It is very important to know the normal CSF flow parameters for properly diagnosing these conditions. No data on CSF flow parameters of the Indian population are available. Hence, this study was undertaken to generate normative CSF flow parameters in the Indian population.

Intramedullary osteosclerosis (IMOS) is an uncommon clinical entity that represents isolated sclerosis within a segment of the medullary cavity of a long bone. Obliteration of the medullary cavity, in the absence of associated features of common causes such as infection, neoplasm, or injury should arise suspicion of this rare differential diagnosis. Localized pain and swelling, but without any periosteal changes, adjacent soft-tissue edema or bony abnormality, may be suggestive of IMOS. Careful radiological assessment and the use of advanced imaging modalities are important to reach to the appropriate diagnosis. We, hereby, describe a case with pain in the left mid-leg region and showing evidence of a segment of sclerosis within the medullary cavity on both the radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging. Open biopsy was done following the creation of a cortical window and was followed by multiple drilling of the adjacent area of the bone. The pain was dramatically relieved postsurgery and the histopathology reports were suggestive of IMOS. There was neither a recurrence of the symptoms nor any complications reported in the follow-up of 15 months.

Maize production and productivity are affected by drought stress in tropical and subtropical ecologies, as the majority of the area under maize cultivation in these ecologies is rain-fed. The present investigation was conducted to study the physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) as a plant hormone on drought tolerance in maize. Two maize hybrids, Vivek hybrid 9 and Bio 9637, were grown under three different conditions: (i) irrigated, (ii) drought, and (iii) drought+EBR. A total of 2 weeks before the anthesis, irrigation was discontinued to produce a drought-like condition. In the drought+EBR treatment group, irrigation was also stopped, and in addition, EBR was applied as a foliar spray on the same day in the drought plots. It was observed that drought had a major influence on the photosynthesis rate, membrane stability index, leaf area index, relative water content, and leaf water potential; this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. Conversely, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased in both hybrids under drought conditions. Specifically, Vivek hybrid 9 showed 74% higher CAT activity under drought conditions as compared to the control. Additionally, EBR application further enhanced the activity of this enzyme by 23% compared to plants under drought conditions. Both hybrids experienced a significant reduction in plant girth due to drought stress. However, it was found that exogenously applying EBR reduced the detrimental effects of drought stress on the plant, and this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. In fact, Bio 9637 treated with EBR showed an 86% increase in proline content and a 70% increase in glycine betaine content compared to untreated plants under drought conditions. Taken together, our results suggested EBR enhanced tolerance to drought in maize hybrids. Hence, pre-anthesis foliar application of EBR might partly overcome the adverse effects of flowering stage drought in maize.

Abstract Background Mucormycosis is a highly infectious deadly disease if left untreated. This disease is usually seen more in people having immunocompromised conditions like diabetes mellitus, steroid use, and neutropenia. Its presence along with Aspergillus is quite uncommon in the pediatric age group. This report will add information regarding such coexisting fungal disease in the pediatric age group and its further management. Case report In this study, investigators are presenting a case of mucormycosis coexisting with aspergillosis in 3-month-old male child who presented with a palatal defect. He underwent both medical management with liposomal amphotericin B and surgical debridement for necrotic foci removal. Conclusion This case report deals with the management of coexisting mucormycosis with aspergillosis using a combination of surgical and medical management.

Iselin's disease is an uncommon cause of lateral foot pain in children and adolescents. Iselin's disease represents a stress-related injury to the base of the fifth metatarsal and associated apophysitis. The diagnosis requires careful clinical and radiological evaluation. The characteristic radiological features help in confirming the diagnosis and exclude the traumatic injury as a key differential diagnosis. This disorder, however, can be misdiagnosed in primary care or rural settings due to a lack of knowledge or limited experience of the health-care workers. Iselin's disease should be kept in the differential diagnosis in an adolescent with localized fifth metatarsal base pain and should be investigated for the appropriate treatment. We present a series of seven cases presenting with pain and characteristic radiological features of Iselin's disease. All were managed conservatively and recovered with good functional outcomes.

Abstract Background Sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) are named because of their site of origin which is in the vicinity of the sphenoid wing. They are further classified into globoid type and en plaque (aka spheno-orbital meningiomas). These tumours are known for their difficult management because of their invasion to various neurovascular structures and bones. Surgical removal of these tumours is challenging. Complete surgical excision of the tumour is not always guaranteed; hence, intentional incomplete removal sometimes is mandatory to reduce postoperative morbidity. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize and describe the unexplored role of total maxillectomy in the excision of the extensive skull base tumours involving the orbit and infratemporal fossa. Case presentation In this case report, we are presenting a case of a 50-year-old male diagnosed a case of atypical sphenoid wing meningioma with orbital and paranasal sinus extension who was previously operated on by extracranial approach and presented with the recurrence. Here, we are providing insight and surgical management of this case using total maxillectomy as an approach to access the intracranial approach. Conclusion Maxillectomy with orbital exenteration can be used as a successful surgical approach to manage skull base lesions and intracranial tumours without any evident post-op complications.

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the coagulation pathway in a distinct way than does extracranial trauma. The extent of coagulation abnormalities varies from bleeding diathesis to disseminated thrombosis. Design Prospective study. Methods The study included 50 patients of isolated TBI with cohorts of moderate (MHI) and severe head injury (SHI). Coagulopathy was graded according to the values of parameters in single laboratory. The incidence of coagulopathy according to the severity of TBI and correlation with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and fibrinogen was observed. The comparison was also made between expired and discharged patients within each group. It also compared coagulation derailments with clinical presentation (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]) and outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]). Results Road traffic accident was the primary (72%) mode of injury. Fifty-two percent had MHI and rest had SHI. Eighty-four percent of cases were managed conservatively. The mean GCS was 12.23 and 5.75 in MHI and SHI, respectively. Sixty-two percent of MHI and 96% of the patients with SHI had coagulation abnormalities. On statistical analysis, DIC score (p < 0.001) strongly correlated with the severity of head injury and GOS. PT and APTT were also significantly associated with the severity of TBI. In patients with moderate TBI, D-dimer and platelet counts showed association with clinical outcome. Fibrinogen levels did not show any statistical significance. The mean platelet counts remained normal in both the groups of TBI. The mean GOS was 1.54 and 4.62 in SHI and MHI, respectively. Conclusion Coagulopathy is common in isolated TBI. The basic laboratory parameters are reliable predictors of coagulation abnormalities in TBI. Coagulopathy is directly associated with the severity of TBI, GCS, and poor outcome.

Abstract Intensive tillage operations, indiscriminate use of irrigation water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides and crop biomass burning have made the conventional rice–wheat (RW) system highly energy-intensive and inefficient. In the recent past, portfolios of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAP) have been promoted as a potential alternative to improve the energy efficiency in conventional RW system. Therefore, to evaluate the energy input–output relation, energy flow and economic efficiency in various combinations of crop management options, a 3-year (2014–2017) on-farm study was conducted at Karnal, India. Various portfolio of management practices; Sc1-Business as usual (BAU) or Conventional tillage (CT) without residue, Sc2-CT with residue, Sc3-Reduce tillage (RT) with residue + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), Sc4-RT/Zero tillage (ZT) with residue + RDF, Sc5-ZT with residue + RDF + GreenSeeker + Tensiometer, Sc6-Sc5 + Nutrient expert were investigated. Present study results revealed that net energy, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were 11–18, 31–51 and 29–53% higher under CSAP (mean of Sc4, Sc5 and Sc6) in RW system than Sc1, respectively. However, renewable and non-renewable energy inputs were 14 and 33% higher in Sc1 compared to CSAP (4028 and 49,547 MJ ha−1), respectively, it showed that BAU practices mostly dependents on non-renewable energy sources whereas CSAP dependents on renewable energy sources. Similarly, the adoption of CSAP improved the biomass yield, net farm income and economic efficiency by 6–9, 18–23 and 42–58%, respectively compared to Sc1. Overall, the adoption of CSAP could be a viable alternative for improving energy use efficiency, farm profitability and eco-efficiency in the RW system.

Abstract Chromium (Cr) accumulation in crops reduces yield. Here, we grew two chickpea cultivars, Pusa 2085 (Cr-tolerant) and Pusa Green 112 (Cr-sensitive), in hydroponic and pot conditions under different Cr treatments: 0 and 120 µM Cr and 120 µM Cr + 100 mM glycine betaine (GB). For plants grown in the hydroponic media, we evaluated root morphological attributes and plasma membrane integrity via Evans blue uptake. We also estimated H+-ATPase activity in the roots and leaves of both cultivars. Plants in pots under conditions similar to those of the hydroponic setup were used to measure growth traits, oxidative stress, chlorophyll contents, enzymatic activities, proline levels, and nutrient elements at the seedling stage. Traits such as Cr uptake in different plant parts after 42 days and grain yield after 140 days of growth were also evaluated. In both cultivars, plant growth traits, chlorophyll contents, enzymatic activities, nutrient contents, and grain yield were significantly reduced under Cr stress, whereas oxidative stress and proline levels were increased compared to the control levels. Further, Cr uptake was remarkably decreased in the roots and leaves of Cr-tolerant than in Cr-sensitive cultivars. Application of GB led to improved root growth and morpho-physiological attributes and reduced oxidative stress along with reduced loss in plasma membrane integrity and subsequently increase in H+-ATPase activity. An increment in these parameters shows that the exogenous application of GB improves the Cr stress tolerance in chickpea plants.

Abstract Maize is a heavy consumer of fertilizer nitrogen (N) which not only results in the high cost of cultivation but may also lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a need to develop N-use efficient genotypes, a prerequisite for which is a greater understanding of N-deficiency stress adaptation. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed using leaf and root tissues from contrasting inbred lines, viz., DMI 56 (tolerant to N stress) and DMI 81 (susceptible to N stress) to delineate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under low-N stress. The contrasting lines were grown hydroponically in modified Hoagland solution having either sufficient- or deficient-N, followed by high-throughput RNA-sequencing. A total of 8 sequencing libraries were prepared and 88–97% of the sequenced raw reads were mapped to the reference B73 maize genome. Genes with a p value ≤ 0.05 and fold change of ≥ 2.0 or ≤ − 2 were considered as DEGs in various combinations performed between susceptible and tolerant genotypes. DEGs were further classified into different functional categories and pathways according to their putative functions. Gene Ontology based annotation of these DEGs identified three different functional categories: biological processes, molecular function, and cellular component. The KEGG and Mapman based analysis revealed that most of the DEGs fall into various metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, signal transduction, amino acid metabolism, N-assimilation and metabolism, and starch metabolism. Some of the key genes involved in N uptake (high-affinity nitrate transporter 2.2 and 2.5), N assimilation and metabolism (glutamine synthetase, asparagine synthetase), redox homeostasis (SOD, POX), and transcription factors (MYB36, AP2-EREBP) were found to be highly expressed in the tolerant genotype compared to susceptible one. The candidate genes identified in the present study might be playing a pivotal role in low-N stress adaptation in maize and hence could be useful in augmenting further research on N metabolism and development of N-deficiency tolerant maize cultivars.

Plants have a complex system of stress response that deals with different types of stresses. Maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most important crops grown throughout the world, across a range of agro-ecological environments, employs complex mechanisms of gene regulation in response to drought stress. HKI 335 is a tropical maize inbred line showing remarkable adaptation to drought stress. Abiotic stresses, like drought, trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the incomplete reduction or excitation of molecular oxygen, eventually leading to cell damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) is a metalloenzyme that acts as the first line of defense against ROS. We cloned the Sod2 gene from HKI 335 inbred line and analyzed its protein through detailed in silico characterization. Our comparative modeling revealed that at the level of tertiary structure, the HKI 335 SOD2 protein is highly similar to Potentilla atrosanguinea SOD2, which had been previously identified as highly thermostable SOD that can tolerate autoclaving as well as sub-zero temperatures. We performed phylogenetic analysis, estimated physicochemical properties, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and domain composition of this SOD2. The phylogenetic analysis showed that orthologous sequences of SOD from different species were clustered into two clusters. Secondary structure prediction indicates that SOD2 is a soluble protein and no transmembrane domains have been found. Most of the beta sheets have RSA value greater than 2. The Ramachandran plot from PDBsum revealed that most of the residues fall in the highly favored region. It was estimated that the value of the instability index was less than 40, the value of the aliphatic index was extremely high and the GRAVY value lies between −2 and +2. We could identify only one phosphorylation site, located at position 20 with a score of 0.692. Overall, the unique stress-tolerant properties of the HKI 335 SOD2, may be one of the reasons contributing to the high drought tolerance trait exhibited by HKI 335 maize inbred line. Further research may reveal more insights into the drought adaptation mechanism in maize and the eventual deployment of the trait in maize hybrids.

Background: Contamination of freshwater sources can be caused by both anthropogenic and natural processes. According to Central Pollution Control Board, Maharashtra along with 2 other states, contribute 80% of hazardous waste generated in India, including heavy metal pollution. Hence, it is important to quantify heavy metal concentrations in drinking water sources in such areas. Materials and methods: Water samples were analyzed for toxic elements (F, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Cr) using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Agilent 7500. Health risks due to ingestion and dermal contact was assessed. A total of 557 people were randomly selected, with consumers from all 4 types of water sources that is surface water, hand pump, wells, and municipal water. Spot urine samples were collected from 47 people after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Urine was collected for estimating mercury and arsenic levels in the study participants. Results: Arsenic contributes the most health risk from ingestion from water. Among surface water users, 14 people (32%) reported frequent loose stool ( P -value

A two-year field experiment was conducted in two consecutive rabi seasons under arid climatic conditions to examine the effect of different fertility levels and herbicides on weed dynamics and the performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Results revealed that a significantly minimum weed dry weight was recorded with 75% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer) (90-30 kg N-P2O5/ha). Application of 100% RDF (120-40 kg N-P2O5/ha) recorded significantly higher weed dry weight at 35 DAS (Days After Sowing) (16.50 g/m2) and harvest (28.15 g/m2), growth and yield attributes i.e. plant height (89.14 cm), crop dry matter accumulation (300.8 g/meter row length), crop growth rate (17.08 g/m2/day), leaf area index at 50 DAS (3.06, net assimilation rate 50-75 DAS, length of the spike (13.36 cm), number of grains/spike (41.52), grain yield (4083 kg/ha), straw yield (5019 kg/ha) and biological yield (9103 kg/ha) over 75% RDF. This treatment remains at par with 125% RDF (150-50 kg N-P2O5/ha) except for the leaf area index at 75 DAS. Among the herbicidal treatments, application of the ready-to-use herbicides clodinafop-propargyl 15% + metsulfuron methyl 1% @ 64 g/ha provided a superior value of weed indices i.e. higher weed control efficiency (91.30), crop resistance-index, and herbicide efficiency-index, and lower weed-index (1.91) over other herbicides. This treatment also exhibited significantly higher plant height (92.33 cm), crop dry matter accumulation (325.5g/meter row length), crop growth rate (16.49 g/m2/day), leaf area index (3.15), net assimilation rate, length of the spike (14.28 cm), number of spike/meter row length (153.0), number of grains/spike (44.52), grain yield (4374 kg/ha), straw yield (5381 kg/ha) and biological yield (9755 kg/ha) over weedy check plot, which was followed by sulfosulfuron 75% + metsulfuron methyl 5% @ 32 g/ha, both of which remained statistically at par with each other except for the number of grains/spike. The application of 100% RDF and clodinafop-propargyl 15% + metsulfuron methyl 1% @ 64 g/ha recorded higher net returns and maximum B: C ratio.

In vitro callus induction and shoot emergence protocols for Maytenus emarginata (Willd) Ding Hou. have been established using young leaves and stem explants of in vivo growing, one and half year-old plants. Plants were growing in the month of August 2016 at department of Botany, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut. However, explants were collected in the month of August, 2019. MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium and WPM (Woody Plant Medium), supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as 0.5-2.0 mg/l Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 0.5-1.0 mg/l Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP), 2, 4-D (1.0-2.0 mg/l) and 1.0-1.5 mg/l Gibberellic acid (GA3) and temperature regimes were used for callus induction and shoot emergence. The presence of GA3 was found necessary for callus induction and shoot emergence from both explants (leaf and stem). The best response of callus formation from leaf explants was obtained at 24°C on WPM supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA+1.0mg/l BAP+1.5mg/l GA3 and MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l NAA+ 0.5 mg/l BAP+ 1.0mg/l GA3. Stem explants exhibited best degree of callus induction only on MS medium supplemented with 0.5mg/l NAA+ 1.0 mg/l BAP+1.5 mg/l GA3. Light and temperature play very crucial role in shoot emergence because exposure of callus or nodal section of stem, to 12 hours dark period followed by 12 hours PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) at 27±2 °C induced shoot emergence on MS medium supplemented with 0.5mg/l NAA+1.0mg/l BAP+1.5 mg/l GA3 after 42 days. This is the first optimization report on tissue culture and medicinal use of callus of Maytenus emarginata.

The surgical site infection is a therapeutic challenge and requires additional interventions, prolonged treatment, and increased health-care expenditure. Superficial infections are easier to treat with debridement, regular dressing, and an appropriate antibiotic regimen. Retained and buried sutures are an occasional source of infection and are reported in the literature. Braided nonabsorbable sutures like Ethibond may be the uncommon reason for adjacent area infection that may present later as nonhealing draining sinuses. We report one such encounter in which an adult patient with chronic nonhealing sinuses over the proximal tibia region underwent debridement to unearth embedded sutures used in previous surgery, the removal of which led to gradual recovery and healing of wounds.

Although N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are a promising class of ligands for forming robust self-assembled monolayers on metals, many questions remain about their behavior on surfaces. Here, the authors address these fundamental questions—such as the factors controlling NHC orientation, mobility, and ability to self-assemble—through an in-depth examination of NHC overlayers on Au(111).

Abstract Background Both tonsillar tuberculosis and lichen scrofulosorum are sporadic presentations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Lichen scrofulosorum commonly presents in children and young adults as lichenoid eruptions over the skin. Granulomatous inflammation of the tonsils, however, presents as non-specific sore throat and foreign body sensation in the throat. The concomitant presentation of the abovementioned tubercular manifestations has not been reported in the literature. Case presentation Herein, we report a case of an 11-year-old male patient who presented with a history of recurrent sore throat and ulcerative lesion over the tonsil. Systemic examination revealed multiple perifollicular eruptions over the trunk and back. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological findings of epithelioid cell granulomas with Langerhans giant cells following biopsy from the tonsil and skin lesions. Antitubercular therapy was initiated soon after. The patient responded to treatment as early as 6 weeks and was completely asymptomatic at 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion A diagnosis of granulomatous tonsillitis should alert the physician to the possibility of underlying systemic tuberculosis. In our case, coexistence of lichen scrofulosorum helped us to substantiate the diagnosis based on the biopsy report. Response to antitubercular agents is excellent and should be started at the earliest.

Background and Aims: The objective of this study was to analyze and review the clinical and histopathological aspects of oro-facial tuberculosis. Methods: Sixteen cases of oral mucosal biopsies diagnosed as granulomatous pathology consistent with tuberculosis were retrieved from the data base and clinical information and histopathological findings were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of the total 16 cases, 12 were males while 4 were females. The age ranged from 15-70 years (mean of 39.6 years). Buccal mucosa, as an involved site, was seen in 31% of cases, while tonsil and soft palate constituted 3 cases each. Duration of symptoms ranged from 01-12 months (mean of 5.3 months). Oral examination revealed ulceroproliferative lesions in majority of the cases. Of sixteen cases, six cases (37.5%) each primarily as well as secondarily involved oral cavity while in 25% (4/16) of cases the status could not be evaluated. On histopathology, caseating granulomas were seen in 7 of 16 cases (43.75%) and non-caseating granulomas were seen in rest 56.25% of cases. Ziehl Neelsen stain for acid fast bacilli was positive in 31.25% (5/16) of cases. Conclusion: Though unusual, tuberculosis should always be included in the differentials of oral lesions in a country endemic to tuberculosis like India. Histopathological evaluation of the biopsy remains the indispensible tool to diagnose oro-facial tuberculosis.

Abstract Historical archives refer to often recurring earthquakes along the Eastern Himalaya for which geological evidence is lacking, raising the question of whether these events ruptured the surface or remained blind, and how do they contribute to the seismic budget of the region, which is home to millions of inhabitants. We report a first mega trench excavation at Himebasti village, Arunachal Pradesh, India, and analyze it with modern geological techniques. The study includes twenty-one radiocarbon dates to limit the timing of displacement after 1445 CE, suggesting that the area was devastated in the 1697 CE event, known as Sadiya Earthquake, with a dip-slip displacement of 15.3 ± 4.6 m. Intensity prediction equations and scaling laws for earthquake rupture size allow us to constraints a magnitude of Mw 7.7–8.1 and a minimum rupture length of ~ 100 km for the 1697 CE earthquake.

The natural antibiotic teixobactin kills bacteria by direct binding to their cognate cell wall precursors (Lipid II and III). Here authors use solid-state NMR to reveal the native binding mode of teixobactins and show that teixobactins only weakly bind to Lipid II in anionic cellular membranes.

Background and Aim: Chiari I malformation(CIM) is defined as descent of cerebellar tonsils 5mm or more below the foramen magnum, with or without associated syrinx. Degree of tonsillar descent has a poor correlation with the progression of disease and symptomatology. Abnormal CSF dynamics at foramen magnum is the main pathophysiological factor responsible for the progression of tonsillar descent, syrinx formation and hence symptomatology. The aim of this study is to correlate CSF dynamic changes with the clinicoradiological profile of CIM patients. Methods and Materials/Patients: A prospective longitudinal study was done in 25 patients of CIM out of which 24 patients underwent standard midline suboccipital craniectomy with augmented duraplasty and 1 patient had ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for hydrocephalus. CSF flow study was done in sagittal as well as in axial sections at the level of foramen magnum using cine flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical and radiological assessment in reference to CSF flow parameters was done before and after decompression surgery. Results: After suboccipital decompression 23 out of 24 patients had relief in their symptoms and 1 patient had progressive syringomyelia. Postoperative MRI scan at 3months showed round shaped tonsils in all 24 patients. Ten out of 11 patients with syrinx had reduction in diameter of syrinx cavity. Peak CSF flow velocities reduced significantly (p value < 0.05) in the postoperative period and correlated well with the clinicoradiological improvement. Conclusion: Abnormal CSF flow dynamics is responsible for the progression of disease and symptomatology in CIM patients. Cine flow MRI is a useful tool in the management of CIM patients both for proper selection of surgical candidates and in post-operative follow-up.

The prevailing global climate change and population explosion have threatened global food security by mounting the demand of more quantity and better quality food. Crop breeding attempts to meet this increasing demand but having a major limitation of long breeding cycle required for developing any suitable cultivar. Therefore, shortening the crop duration in every generation of a breeding cycle has been a long dream of breeders. In the past, many efforts have been made to fasten crop generation time by implementing several techniques like shuttle breeding, embryo rescue, and doubled haploid. In this direction, recently, speed breeding (SB) has emerged as a novel technology to shorten the crop breeding cycle and fasten the crop improvement through rapid generation advancement. Growing crops in the customized growth chambers of SB helps to speed up research on crops with adult plant phenotyping, crossing, mutant studies, and transformation. Till now many crop-specific protocols have been developed in wheat, rice, barley, canola, etc. for SB in growth chambers or glasshouses with controlled environmental conditions. But, still, SB protocol for maize (Zea mays L.), one of the three major staple foods worldwide has not been developed yet. Considering the multiple uses and economic importance of maize, there is a need to accelerate its production to meet future demands. Deploying the SB technique in maize could be beneficial in achieving the same. Thus, despite being challenging, we need to explore the possibilities of using SB in the maize breeding programme. The present review throws light on the current status of SB and future perspectives to make SB successful in maize. The adoption of SB along with other breeding methodologies can be an effective and efficient tool to develop suitable maize hybrids in a short time frame for meeting global demands.

Chromium (Cr) presently used in various major industries and its residues possess a potent environmental threat. Contamination of soil and water resources due to Cr ions and its toxicity has adversely affected plant growth and crop productivity. Here, deleterious effects of different levels of Cr (VI) treatments i.e., 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 μM on two mungbean cultivars, Pusa Vishal (PV) and Pusa Ratna (PR), in hydroponic and pot conditions were evaluated. Germination, seedling growth, biomass production, antioxidant enzyme, electrolytic leakage, oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde), and proline content were determined to evaluate the performance of both cultivars under hydroponic conditions for 15 days. The hydroponic results were further compared with the growth and seed yield attributes of both the genotypes in pot experiments performed over 2 years. Seedling growth, biomass production, total chlorophyll (Chl), Chl-a, Chl-b, nitrogen content, plant height, seed protein, and seed yield decreased significantly under the 120 μM Cr stress level. Activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase increased in the leaves following Cr exposure at 60–90 μM but declined at 120 μM. Cr-induced reductions in growth and seed yield attributes were more in the sensitive than in the tolerant cultivar. Cr accumulation in the roots, stems, leaves, and seeds increased with an increase in Cr concentrations in the pot conditions. Furthermore, for both cultivars, there were significant negative correlations in morpho-physiological characteristics under high Cr concentrations. Overall results suggest that (PR) is more sensitive to Cr stress (PV) at the seedling stage and in pot conditions. Furthermore, (PV) can be utilized to study the mechanisms of Cr tolerance and in breeding programs to develop Cr-resistant varieties.

Ectopic thyroid is the presence of gland at any location except for its normal position in the anterior neck in front of the trachea. It may result from an early arrest of migration or migration along an abnormal path. Ectopic thyroid in the submandibular region is relatively unusual and may or may not be accompanied with the orthotopically located thyroid gland. Pathological changes reported in the literature in the ectopic gland include goitrous change, hyperplasia, malignancy, and, rarely, inflammation. Patients usually present as a palpable, mobile, and painless mass below the lateral jaw. The important differentials include salivary gland tumor, lymphoma, inflammatory lymphadenopathy, lipoma, and cysts. Ultrasonography, radionuclide scan, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are the diagnostic modalities for documenting the presence of ectopia. Evaluation of functional status with thyroid profile and histopathological examination after fine-needle aspiration cytology directs further management. Surgical removal is the preferred treatment for ectopic thyroid. Thyroidectomy predisposes the patient to iatrogenic hypothyroidism if eutopic thyroid is absent or hypofunctioning. Such patients require lifelong thyroid replacement. However, asymptomatic cases may be managed conservatively. Ectopic thyroid in the submandibular region has important clinical implications and hence, even though rare, should be considered as one of the differentials in the patient presenting with swelling below the lateral jaw.

Spot blotch disease of wheat, caused by the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem., produces several toxins which interact with the plants and thereby increase the blightening of the wheat leaves, and Bipolaroxin is one of them. There is an urgent need to decipher the molecular interaction between wheat and the toxin Bipolaroxin for in-depth understanding of host–pathogen interactions. In the present study, we have developed the three-dimensional structure of G-protein alpha subunit from Triticum aestivum. Molecular docking studies were performed using the active site of the modeled G-protein alpha and cryo-EM structure of beta subunit from T. aestivum and ‘Bipolaroxin’. The study of protein–ligand interactions revealed that six H-bonds are mainly formed by Glu29, Ser30, Lys32, and Ala177 of G-alpha with Bipolaroxin. In the beta subunit, the residues of the core beta strand domain participate in the ligand interaction where Lys256, Phe306, and Leu352 formed seven H-bonds with the ligand Bipolaroxin. All-atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were conducted for G-alpha and -beta subunit and Bipolaroxin complexes to explore the stability, conformational flexibility, and dynamic behavior of the complex system. In planta studies clearly indicated that application of Bipolaroxin significantly impacted the physio-biochemical pathways in wheat and led to the blightening of leaves in susceptible cultivars as compared to resistant ones. Further, it interacted with the Gα and Gβ subunits of G-protein, phenylpropanoid, and MAPK pathways, which is clearly supported by the qPCR results. This study gives deeper insights into understanding the molecular dialogues between Bipolaroxin and the Gα and Gβ subunits of the wheat heterotrimeric G-protein during host–pathogen interaction.

Micronutrient and protein malnutrition is recognized among the major global health issues. Genetic biofortification is a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to tackle malnutrition. Genomic regions governing grain iron concentration (GFeC), grain zinc concentration (GZnC), grain protein content (GPC), and thousand kernel weight (TKW) were investigated in a set of 163 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between cultivated wheat variety WH542 and a synthetic derivative (Triticum dicoccon PI94624/Aegilops tauschii [409]//BCN). The RIL population was genotyped using 100 simple-sequence repeat (SSR) and 736 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and phenotyped in six environments. The constructed genetic map had a total genetic length of 7,057 cM. A total of 21 novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified in 13 chromosomes representing all three genomes of wheat. The trait-wise highest number of QTL was identified for GPC (10 QTL), followed by GZnC (six QTL), GFeC (three QTL), and TKW (two QTL). Four novel stable QTL (QGFe.iari-7D.1, QGFe.iari-7D.2, QGPC.iari-7D.2, and QTkw.iari-7D) were identified in two or more environments. Two novel pleiotropic genomic regions falling between Xgwm350–AX-94958668 and Xwmc550–Xgwm350 in chromosome 7D harboring co-localized QTL governing two or more traits were also identified. The identified novel QTL, particularly stable and co-localized QTL, will be validated to estimate their effects on different genetic backgrounds for subsequent use in marker-assisted selection (MAS). Best QTL combinations were identified by the estimation of additive effects of the stable QTL for GFeC, GZnC, and GPC. A total of 11 RILs (eight for GZnC and three for GPC) having favorable QTL combinations identified in this study can be used as potential donors to develop bread wheat varieties with enhanced micronutrients and protein.

SARS-CoV-2 infection across the world has led to immense turbulence in the treatment modality, thus demanding a swift drug discovery process. Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptor of human to initiate host invasion. Plethora of studies demonstrate the inhibition of Spike-ACE2 interactions to impair infection. The ancient Indian traditional medicine has been of great interest of Virologists worldwide to decipher potential antivirals. Hence, in this study, phytochemicals (1,952 compounds) from eight potential medicinal plants used in Indian traditional medicine were meticulously collated, based on their usage in respiratory disorders, along with immunomodulatory and anti-viral potential from contemporary literature. Further, these compounds were virtually screened against Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of Spike protein. The potential compounds from each plant were prioritized based on the binding affinity, key hotspot interactions at ACE2 binding region and glycosylation sites. Finally, the potential hits in complex with spike protein were subjected to Molecular Dynamics simulation (450 ns), to infer the stability of complex formation. Among the compounds screened, Tellimagrandin-II (binding energy of −8.2 kcal/mol and binding free energy of −32.08 kcal/mol) from Syzygium aromaticum L. and O-Demethyl-demethoxy-curcumin (binding energy of −8.0 kcal/mol and binding free energy of −12.48 kcal/mol) from Curcuma longa L. were found to be highly potential due to their higher binding affinity and significant binding free energy (MM-PBSA), along with favorable ADMET properties and stable intermolecular interactions with hotspots (including the ASN343 glycosylation site). The proposed hits are highly promising, as these are resultant of stringent in silico checkpoints, traditionally used, and are documented through contemporary literature. Hence, could serve as promising leads for subsequent experimental validations.

Purpose. The present study was carried out to study the role of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and MR spectroscopy in grading gliomas to help the surgeon plan the approach and extent of surgery as well as judge the need for any adjuvant radio/chemotherapy. Methods. 65 patients with glioma were prospectively studied with MRI. Basic MR sequences (T1W, T2W, T2W/FLAIR) were followed by diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging with b value of 1000 (minimum ADC values used for analysis). Then the patients were administered Gadobenate Dimeglumine/ Meglumine Gadoterate in a dose of 0.1mmol/kg at a rate of 4ml/sec after which 20ml of saline was flushed at a rate of 4ml/sec and T2*W/FFE dynamic images were acquired; dynamics showing maximum fall in the intensity were used for creating rCBV and rCBF maps and calculating rCBV. Single voxel spectroscopy (SVC) was done using the PRESS sequence with intermediate TE of 144ms. NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, Cho/NAA, Cho+Cr/NAA and NAA/Crn ratios (NAA from the tumour, Crn from the normal side) were calculated. Results. Grade I gliomas showed minimum ADC>0.84x10-3mm2/s and maximum rCBV3.0ml/100gm. rCBV values were better than ADC values in differentiating grade I from II and grade II from III. The ADC values were better than rCBV values in differentiating grade III from grade IV. Conclusions. Both minimum ADC and maximum rCBV within the tumour were significant but these parameters within peritumoral oedema were not significant in grading gliomas. Though lipid and lactate (especially lipid) peaks were found more frequently in higher-grade tumours, various spectroscopy parameters were not significant in grading gliomas. Preoperative grading of gliomas with the help of advanced MR parameters like ADC and rCBV can help the surgeon plan the approach and extent of surgery as well as judge the need for any adjuvant radio/chemotherapy. Advancing radio-genomic and radiomic technologies can supplement the current radiologic methods of diagnosis and prognosis.

Aim: The objective of the study was to assess the performance of CT Perfusion in comparison to CECT for preoperative detection of metastases to lymph nodes in squamous cell cancers of oral cavity. Methods: Twenty-five patients with squamous cell cancers of oral cavity underwent CECT and CTP. Two radiologists evaluated CECT and CTP parameters independently. Surgery and post-operative histopathology was performed in all patients. Results: Level wise analysis of the largest node was done. 102 lymph nodes on CECT and 82 lymph nodes on CTP were correlated with post-operative histopathological findings. CECT had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 75 %, 98.6 % and 91.2 %(p-value

Studying plant response and adaptation under low nitrogen stress condition is pre-requisite to enhance nitrogen use efficiency in crops. The present study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of maize (Zea mays L.) to nitrogen stress during early vegetative stage. Maize seedlings were grown hydroponically under controlled environmental conditions in phytotron. One set of plants were nutritionally stressed by eliminating nitrogen source in hydroponic culture while the other set was provided with nitrogen (2 mM KNO3). Under nitrogen-starvation condition, plant growth and physiological parameters changed dramatically. Significant reduction in chlorophyll content, total soluble proteins and nitrate reductase activity was observed. Further, nitrogen-starvation resulted into differential expression of genes related to nitrogen-assimilation and metabolism. The present study might be useful to improve our understanding towards plants adaptive response under nitrogen-starvation conditions.

The ever-increasing industrial activities over the decades have generated high toxic metal such as chromium (Cr) that hampers the crop productivity. This study evaluated the effect of Cr on two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties, Pusa 2085 and Pusa Green 112, in hydroponic and pot-grown conditions. First, growth parameters (seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass production) and physio-biochemical parameters (oxidative stress and the content of antioxidants and proline) were measured to evaluate the performance of both varieties grown hydroponically for 21 days at concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 μM Cr in the form of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). In both varieties, significantly deleterious effects on germination and seedling growth parameters were observed at 90 and 120 μM, while growth was stimulated at 30 μM Cr. Significant increases in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content and electrolyte leakage demonstrated enhanced oxidative injury to seedlings caused by higher concentrations of Cr. Further, increasing concentrations of Cr positively correlated with increased proline content, superoxide dismutase activity, and peroxide content in leaves. There was also an increase in peroxisomal ascorbate peroxidase and catalase in the leaves of both varieties at lower Cr concentrations, whereas a steep decline was recorded at higher Cr concentrations. In the pot experiments conducted over two consecutive years, growth, yield, yield attributes, grain protein, and Cr uptake and accumulation were measured at different Cr concentrations. Pusa Green 112 showed a significant reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll content, grain protein, pod number, and grain yield per plant when compared with Pusa 2085. Overall, our results indicate that Pusa 2085 has a higher Cr tolerance than Pusa Green 112. Therefore, Pusa 2085 could be used to further elucidate the mechanisms of Cr tolerance in plants and in breeding programmes to produce Cr-resistant varieties.

Introduction: This study was conducted to grade meningiomas based on relative Cerebral Blood Volume (rCBV) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) to help surgeons plan the approach and extent of operation as well as decide on the need of any adjuvant radio/chemo therapy. The current and evolving genomic, proteomic, and spectroscopic technologies are also discussed which can supplement the current radiologic methods and procedures in grading meningiomas. Methods: A total of 35 patients with meningioma prospectively underwent basic MR sequences (T1W, T2W, T2W/FLAIR) in axial, sagittal and coronal planes followed by Diffusion Weighted (DW) imaging having b value of 1000 (minimum ADC values used for analysis). Then, gadobenate dimeglumine/meglumine gadoterate was administered (0.1 mmol/kg at a rate of 4 mL/s) followed by saline flush (20 mL at a rate of 4 mL/s). Next, T2*W/FFE dynamic images were acquired; dynamics showing maximum fall in intensity was used for creating rCBV and relative Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF) maps and calculating rCBV. Results: Both maximum rCBV and minimum ADC within the tumor were not significant for differentiating benign from malignant meningiomas. A cut-off maximum rCBV of 2.5 mL/100 g in peritumoral edema was 75% sensitive, 84.6% specific, and 83.3% accurate in differentiating benign from malignant meningiomas. Conclusion: Benign and malignant meningiomas can be differentiated based on maximum rCBV in peritumoral edema but ADC values within the tumor are insignificant in differentiating benign and malignant tumors. rCBV values within tumor, however, may be helpful in subtyping meningiomas, especially transitional and meningothelial meningiomas.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. Primary tuberculosis of the nose in the pediatric age group is rare. The diagnosis of this common entity in the present case was challenging. Case Report: We report the case of a 3-year old girl who presented with a painless swelling over the dorsum of the nose for 7 months. Imaging revealed a mass lesion eroding nasal bones, septum and frontal bone with intracranial extension. Endoscopic examination showed a friable mass in the superior aspect of the nasal septum, extending intracranially. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of nasal tuberculosis, and the patient improved on category I anti-tubercular therapy. Conclusion: Midline nasal swelling in children needs to be differentiated from congenital nasal swelling. A high index of suspicion is required for correct diagnosis of a patient with nasal tuberculosis. Anti-tubercular therapy is the mainstay of treatment.

Branchial arch anomalies are one of the most common congenital anomalies and are usually unilateral in nature. The bilateral occurrence of more than one anomaly is not only rare, but its presence along with hearing loss results in branchiootic syndrome, which has important clinical and genetic implications. Branchiootic syndrome is a part of the spectrum of branchiootorenal syndrome, which is a rare autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance characterized by the malformations of the external, middle, and inner ear, hearing loss, branchial fistulae, and renal abnormalities. We shall be discussing two such rare cases in this article.

Conventional rice–wheat (RW) rotation in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of South Asia is tillage, water, energy, and capital intensive. Coupled with these, crop residue burning contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and environmental pollution. So, to evaluate the GHG mitigation potential of various climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs), an on-farm research trial was conducted during 2014–2017 in Karnal, India. Six management scenarios (portfolios of practices), namely, Sc1—business as usual (BAU)/conventional tillage (CT) without residue, Sc2—CT with residue, Sc3—reduced tillage (RT) with residue + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), Sc4—RT/zero tillage (ZT) with residue + RDF, Sc5—ZT with residue + RDF + GreenSeeker + Tensiometer, and Sc6—Sc5 + nutrient-expert tool, were included. The global warming potential (GWP) of the RW system under CSAPs (Sc4, Sc5, and Sc6) and the improved BAU (Sc2 and Sc3) were 33–40% and 4–26% lower than BAU (7653 kg CO2 eq./ha/year), respectively. This reflects that CSAPs have the potential to mitigate GWP by ~387 metric tons (Mt) CO2 eq./year from the 13.5 Mha RW system of South Asia. Lower GWP under CSAPs resulted in 36–44% lower emission intensity (383 kg CO2 eq./Mg/year) compared to BAU (642 kg CO2 eq./Mg/year). Meanwhile, the N-factor productivity and eco-efficiency of the RW system under CSAPs were 32–57% and 70–105% higher than BAU, respectively, which reflects that CSAPs are more economically and environmentally sustainable than BAU. The wheat yield obtained under various CSAPs was 0.62 Mg/ha and 0.84 Mg/ha higher than BAU during normal and bad years (extreme weather events), respectively. Thus, it is evident that CSAPs can cope better with climatic extremes than BAU. Therefore, a portfolio of CSAPs should be promoted in RW belts for more adaptation and climate change mitigation.

Abstract The pattern of strain accumulation and its release during earthquakes along the eastern Himalayan syntaxis is unclear due to its structural complexity and lack of primary surface signatures associated with large-to-great earthquakes. This led to a consensus that these earthquakes occurred on blind faults. Toward understanding this issue, palaeoseismic trenching was conducted across a ~3.1 m high fault scarp preserved along the mountain front at Pasighat (95.33°E, 28.07°N). Multi-proxy radiometric dating employed to the stratigraphic units and detrital charcoals obtained from the trench exposures provide chronological constraint on the discovered palaeoearthquake surface rupture clearly suggesting that the 15th August, 1950 Tibet-Assam earthquake (Mw ~ 8.6) did break the eastern Himalayan front producing a co-seismic slip of 5.5 ± 0.7 meters. This study corroborates the first instance in using post-bomb radiogenic isotopes to help identify an earthquake rupture.

Introduction: Kimura’s disease (KD) is an allergic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology endemic in Orientals. Kimura’s disease was first mentioned by Kimm and Szeto in China in 1937. Kimura’s disease is commonly encountered in Asia and is mostly reported in Japan, China, Singapore and Honkong. However, only a few cases have been reported in the Indian subcontinent. Case Report: A case of Kimura’s disease in a young male managed by surgery is reported in addition to a literature review. Conclusion: Diagnosis is made on the basis of histopathological analysis, clinical presentation, and laboratory investigations. Long term follow-up is required as Kimura’s disease is prone for recurrence.

Epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare low-grade salivary gland malignancy of presumed intercalated duct origin comprising

Osteomas are benign, slow-growing tumors found commonly in craniomaxillofacial region. Clinically, they may remain asymptomatic because of their small size or may become symptomatic because of enlargement, erosion, or compression of structures in the vicinity. Treatment is needed in frontal sinus osteomas causing symptoms or having immediate potential to cause complications. The treatment approach can be closed or open depending on the size, location, and frontal recess area occupied by the tumor. We present two cases of frontal sinus osteoma with varied presentations at the two ends of clinical spectrum and discuss the management protocols.

Aim: The present study was conducted to know the ultrastructural detail of the blood cells of Uttara fowl (native fowl of Uttarakhand). Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted on 10 apparently healthy adult birds of either sex reared at the Instructional Poultry Farm, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The blood was collected from wing vein using ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid as anticoagulant. The blood was further processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies separately. Results: Ultrastructurally, the heterophils were irregularly round in shape. The cytoplasm was laden with pleomorphic membrane-bound granules, viz., large elliptical-, medium oval-, large round-, and medium round-shaped granules. The eosinophils under TEM were irregularly circular in outline showing pseudopodia and finger-like cytoplasmic processes. The cytoplasmic granules were pleomorphic with elliptical-, round-, and rod-shaped granules. The basophils were irregularly circular in outline containing small hook-like cytoplasmic processes. The cytoplasm contained electron dense and electron lucent round-shaped granules. Conclusion: Granulocytes contained pleomorphic cytoplasmic granules. However, the shape and electron density of granules varied among the different granulocytes and helped in the characterization of different granulocytes.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production systems are the major contributor to national food security, which became unsustainable with passing of time due to inappropriate management and use of natural resources, inputs and technologies and is further aggravate with climate change induced risks. And if the business as usual in production approaches may not be able to cope up with the projected climate changes effects. Therefore, a multi-location farmer’s participatory strategic research was conducted to evaluate the effects of layering of key technologies, practices and services in varied combinations and compared with business as usual (farmer’s practice) for sustainability of rice and wheat productivity. In our present study, six scenarios: Farmer's practice (FP); Improved FP (IFP) with low intensity of adaptive measures; IFP with high intensity of adaptive measures (IFP-AM); Climatesmart agriculture (CSA) with low intensity of adaptive measures (CSA-L); CSA with medium intensity of adaptive measures (CSA-M); CSA with high intensity of adaptive measures (CSA-H) were compared. The results revealed that CSAPs (CSA-L, CSA-M, and CSA-H) recorded higher plant height, panicles per sq m and biomass accumulation but lesser grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight compared to FP (transplanted rice; TPR). Rice yield was not much influenced under different management scenarios. The unfilled grains per panicle under IFP-AM, CSA-L, CSA-M, and CSA-H were 17, 18, 15 and 14% higher compared to FP. Growth and yield parameters of wheat were recorded higher under CSAPs during all the years. Three years mean, CSA-H, CSA-M and CSA-L recorded 16,14 and 11% higher grain yield compared to that of FP (5.06 q/ha), respectively. Improved farmer’s practices (mean of IFP and IFP-AM) recorded 4% higher yield over FP in all the years. Intensive tillage-based scenarios (FP) showed water stagnation for long period (6 days) due to untimely rainfall (on 2 March 2015 with the amount 98.8 mm) which ultimately turned into lower grain yield but such factors did not influence grain yield under CSAPs. Therefore, our study results suggest that CSA practices should be promoted in dominated RW production region for increasing productivity and climate change mitigation.

Retropharyngeal abscesses in children are acute-infectious and non tubercular in nature. We present a rare case of tubercular retropharyngeal abscess presenting in early infancy. Patient was born to a mother who was diagnosed within four weeks of delivery with tubercular meningitis. Within six weeks of being born, the child developed fever and tubercular lymphadenopathy, possibly a manifestation of latent tubercular hematogenous infection transmitted to the child from mother in utero.

Genomic regions responsible for accumulation of grain iron concentration (Fe), grain zinc concentration (Zn), grain protein content (PC) and thousand kernel weight (TKW) were investigated in 286 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between an old Indian wheat variety WH542 and a synthetic derivative (Triticum dicoccon PI94624/Aegilops squarrosa [409]//BCN). RILs were grown in six environments and evaluated for Fe, Zn, PC, and TKW. The population showed the continuous distribution for all the four traits, that for pooled Fe and PC was near normal, whereas, for pooled Zn, RILs exhibited positively skewed distribution. A genetic map spanning 2155.3cM was constructed using microsatellite markers covering the 21 chromosomes and used for QTL analysis. 16 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified in this study. Four QTLs (QGFe.iari-2A, QGFe.iari-5A, QGFe.iari-7A and QGFe.iari-7B) for Fe, five QTLs (QGZn.iari-2A, QGZn.iari-4A, QGZn.iari-5A, QGZn.iari-7A and QGZn.iari-7B) for Zn, two QTLs (QGpc.iari-2A and QGpc.iari-3A) for PC, and five QTLs (QTkw.iari-1A, QTkw.iari-2A, QTkw.iari-2B, QTkw.iari-5B and QTkw.iari-7A) for TKW were identified. The QTLs together explained 20.0%, 32.0%, 24.1% and 32.3% phenotypic variation, respectively, for Fe, Zn, PC and TKW. QGpc.iari-2A was consistently expressed in all the six environments, whereas, QGFe.iari-7B and QGZn.iari-2A were identified in two environments each apart from pooled mean. QTkw.iari-2A and QTkw.iari-7A, respectively, were identified in four and three environments apart from pooled mean. A common region in the interval of Xgwm359-Xwmc407 on chromosome 2A was associated with Fe, Zn, and PC. One more QTL for TKW was identified on chromosome 2A but in a different chromosomal region (Xgwm382-Xgwm359). Two more regions on 5A (Xgwm126-Xgwm595) and 7A (Xbarc49-Xwmc525) were found to be associated with both Fe and Zn. A QTL for TKW was identified (Xwmc525-Xbarc222) in a different chromosomal region on the same chromosome (7A). This reflects at least a partly common genetic basis for the four traits. It is concluded that fine mapping of the regions of the three chromosomes of A genome involved in determining the accumulation of Fe, Zn, PC, and TKW in this mapping population may be rewarding.

Background and Aims: Literature suggests that glottic view is better when using McGrath® Video laryngoscope and Truview® in comparison with McIntosh blade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of McGrath Video laryngoscope in comparison with Truview laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in patients with simulated cervical spine injury using manual in-line stabilisation. Methods: This prospective randomised study was undertaken in operation theatre of a tertiary referral centre after approval from the Institutional Review Board. A total of 100 consenting patients presenting for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to undergo intubation using McGrath® Video laryngoscope (n = 50) or Truview® (n = 50) laryngoscope. In all patients, we applied manual-in-line stabilisation of the cervical spine throughout the airway management. Statistical testing was conducted with the statistical package for the social science system version SPSS 17.0. Demographic data, airway assessment and haemodynamics were compared using the Chi-square test. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The time to successful intubation was less with McGrath video laryngoscope when compared to Truview (30.02 s vs. 38.72 s). However, there was no significant difference between laryngoscopic views obtained in both groups. The number of second intubation attempts required and incidence of complications were negligible with both devices. Success rate of intubation with both devices was 100%. Intubation with McGrath Video laryngoscope caused lesser alterations in haemodynamics. Conclusions: Both laryngoscopes are reliable in case of simulated cervical spine injury using manual-in-line stabilisation with 100% success rate and good glottic view.

Retrobulbar neuritis is classically defined as a disease where "neither the patient nor the doctor sees anything." The present case was diagnosed as retrobulbar neuritis associated with extreme retrobulbar pain, an unusual constellation of features which led us to suspect an unusual etiology. Detailed investigations revealed invasive fungal sinusitis masquerading as retrobulbar neuritis. This case highlights the need to keep a high index of suspicion and caution while labeling a case as pure retrobulbar neuritis without performing neuroimaging to rule out life-threatening conditions.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most versatile crops probably due to its wider adaptability and photosynthetic efficiency but drought and higher temperature tolerance are prerequisite for cultivation under rain-dependent conditions. Fifteen maize hybrids were evaluated for yield and yield attributes during two consecutive years, i.e. 2011 and 2012, and heat tolerance and stem reserves (starch + sugars) during 2012. Leaf photosynthetic rate (PN) was measured during 2012 and 2013. Analysis of variance of grain yield and its attributes during two years showed significant variations in genotype (G), year of cultivation (Y) and their interaction (G × Y). Tasseling and silking intervals were least in PHM-1 and Parakash during both the years. Leaf relative injury index (RI) varied between 40% in both Parakash and PHM-1, and 74% in HQPM-1. Thus, hybrids were classified based on RI values such as tolerant (RI between 40 and 49%), moderately tolerant (RI between 50 and 59%) and susceptible (RI≥60). In general, PN enhanced from vegetative to anthesis and thereafter declined during grain filling stages. This was attributed to reproductive sink-driven demand. Stem reserves (non-structural carbohydrates) were higher in Parakash, HQPM 7 and JH-3459. In addition, grain protein and starch contents during milking stage were higher in DHM-117, Parakash and DHM-3. Average values of biomass and grain yields recorded during two consecutive years ranged between 1 874 and 4 769 g/m2, and 809 and 1 669 g/m2, respectively. Also, associations between various attributes of grain yield, photosynthesis, leaf temperature, RI and stem reserves were established, and potential hybrids were identified. Especially, hybrids Parakash and PHM-1 were found efficient in most of the parameters studied, such as, heat tolerance, lesser tassling and silking interval, relatively lower stem diameter at final harvest, higher stem reserves, PN, 1 000-seed mass, HI, grain and biomass yields.

Brown spot of paddy caused by Bipolaris oryzae is a threat to paddy cultivation across the globe. An extensive survey was conducted during kharif seasons of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and 116 isolates of B. oryzae were isolated from the diseased specimens collected from different geographical locations of India representing major rice growing regions. The isolates were charactaerized for morphological traits like colony characters, colony diameter, and sporulation. On the basis of colony morphology and growth pattern on PDA, these isolates were grouped into 8 different categories. Based on colony diameter, all these isolates were grouped into 3 different categories of slow, moderate and fast growing isolates. Maximum sporulation was observed in isolates from Bihar and Jharkhand while the least sporulation was seen in isolates from Gujarat. The molecular characterization carried out on 20 representative isolates using random apmlified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) revealed variability in the isolates. These differences were also observed when cluster analysis was carried out. Out of 20 RAPD and 20 ISSR primers, 5 RAPD and ISSR primers each gave very nice reproducible banding patterns. Polymorphism ranged between 54.0-100% in RAPD markers while it was from 49.2-100% with ISSR markers. This is the first study in our country wherein isolates representing all major rice growing areas of the country has been taken into consideration for variability study and it was observed both by morphological and molecular methods.