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Brown spot is a postharvest disease of grapes caused by Cladosporium species in the San Joaquin Valley of California. It spreads during cold storage and transport, resulting in severe economic losses to late table grape cultivars, which are grown mainly for export to countries such as China and Mexico. We examined the effect of temperature and sulfur dioxide (SO2) treatments on fungal growth and infection of Redglobe berries by three Cladosporium species: Cladosporium ramotenellum, C. cladosporioides and C. limoniforme. Redglobe is especially popular for export. Fungal colonies growing on potato dextrose agar in petri plates stored at -2°C grew slower than those stored at 2°C, and an 400 ppm-h SO2 treatment significantly reduced fungal growth of all three species and at all temperatures tested. Redglobe berries inoculated with the Cladosporium species, treated with SO2 concentrations of 100 ppm-h, 200 ppm-h and 400 ppm-h and incubated in high relative humidity chambers for 28 to 32 days at 2°C, showed little incidence of disease. The development of brown spot on berries was entirely prevented with the treatment of 200 ppm-h SO2 for all Cladosporium species tested.

Abstract Deficiency in human mature frataxin (hFXN-M) protein is responsible for the devastating neurodegenerative and cardiodegenerative disease of Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA). It results primarily through epigenetic silencing of the FXN gene by GAA triplet repeats on intron 1 of both alleles. GAA repeat lengths are most commonly between 600 and 1200 but can reach 1700. A subset of approximately 3% of FRDA patients have GAA repeats on one allele and a mutation on the other. FRDA patients die most commonly in their 30s from heart disease. Therefore, increasing expression of heart hFXN-M using gene therapy offers a way to prevent early mortality in FRDA. We used rhesus macaque monkeys to test the pharmacology of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)hu68.CB7.hFXN therapy. The advantage of using non-human primates for hFXN-M gene therapy studies is that hFXN-M and monkey FXN-M (mFXN-M) are 98.5% identical, which limits potential immunologic side-effects. However, this presented a formidable bioanalytical challenge in quantification of proteins with almost identical sequences. This could be overcome by the development of a species-specific quantitative mass spectrometry-based method, which has revealed for the first time, robust transgene-specific human protein expression in monkey heart tissue. The dose response is non-linear resulting in a ten-fold increase in monkey heart hFXN-M protein expression with only a three-fold increase in dose of the vector.

Abstract Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the involvement of multiple organs and autoantibody production. This study aimed to determine the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ and ‐DR alleles with SLE at a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Methods This case–control study was conducted in the Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The patients who fulfilled the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE were considered cases (n = 41). The controls (n = 32) were selected from the hospital staff of BSMMU, including doctors and nurses who did not suffer from any known rheumatic diseases, and there was no such disease in their first‐degree relatives. Polymerase chain reaction using a sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) in a low‐resolution typing method was carried out on blood samples collected for HLA‐DQ and ‐DR allele typing. Results The cases and controls had comparable mean ages (31 vs. 32 years), and most cases were female (95.1% vs. 34.4%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were mucocutaneous (85.4%), followed by musculoskeletal (70.7%) and constitutional symptoms (58.5%). The cases had a significantly higher frequency of HLA‐DR2 allele compared with healthy controls (70.7% vs. 43.8%; odds ratio: 3.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.2–8.2). In addition, HLA‐DQ6 allele was found to have a significant association with mucocutaneous manifestations of the cases (88.9%, P = 0.03). Conclusions Bangladeshi adults having HLA‐DR2 may be more susceptible to SLE. HLA‐DQ6 allele might be associated with mucocutaneous manifestations of SLE.

India with a contribution of about 90% to the global production ranks first in the world in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba [L.] Taub.) production. It is an important feed, fodder, food and industrial crop grown in arid and semiarid regions of West and North-West India specifically, Rajasthan, accounted for about 87.7% of the production and 91.5% of the acreage during 2020–21. India is also the major exporter of guar gum or derivatives in the international market and during 2022–23, earned valuable foreign exchange worth US $617.14 million by exporting 0.41 million tonnes (mt) of guar gum. During 2020–21 area, production and yield were reduced by 34.6%, 34.0% and 17.1%, respectively, over that of the 2010–11. The compound annual growth rate during the last five years of the decade was -12.4%, -17.5 and -5.7% for acreage, production and yield, respectively. Despite negative CAGR for area during the last twenty years, the production and yield of cluster bean increased with a CAGR of 4.5 and 5.1%. A total of 39 forage or grain type varieties of cluster bean were released and notified during 1976–2023. Varieties HG 2-20 (14.1–45.2%; 8/8) followed by RGC 1038/Guar Karan (1.4–16.7%; 8/8); HG 365 (0.3–10.0%, 8/8) and RGC 1033 (14.9–62.0%; 7/8) were the major contributors with highest frequency of occurrence in the top-most five varieties in the seed chain. Seed requirement for the next five years was assessed. Timely availability of adequate quantity of quality seed at affordable price requires holistic approach involving researchers and developmental personnel responsible for production of seed from both public and private sector.

Various materials have been examined over the last several decades to fabricate proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), with the objective of achieving high selectivity (i.e., the ratio of proton conduction to fuel permeability). Ideally, a PEM for DMFC must demonstrate higher proton conductivity, as well as lower methanol permeability, in comparison to the commercial Nafion membranes. With these objectives, this research paper reports the fabrication of a composite PEM comprising glutaraldehyde-crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol-co-styrenesulfonic acid) and sulfonated polypropylene-based non-woven fabric (S-NWF) by deep coating technique. The resulting PEMs were thoroughly characterized to find physicochemical and electrochemical properties. Key findings obtained with these composite PEMs are (a) exhibition of dimensional stability in hot water (at 80 °C), (b) improved proton conductivity (i.e., 0.12 S·cm–1 at 80 °C), and reduced methanol permeability (i.e., 3.91·10–8 cm2·s–1) upon increasing the number of coating layers on the S-NWF, (c) achievement of a membrane selectivity value of 2.61·106 S·s·cm–3, and (d) the fact that 6 layers of coating resulted in producing the highest peak power density of 62.32 W·m–2 and a current density of 540 A·m–2.

Abstract Background Systemic sclerosis is characterized by the involvement of organs and the presence of specific antibodies. The objectives of this study were to identify the autoantibodies and to determine their association with the selected clinical features of the disease among Bangladeshi systemic sclerosis patients. Methods This cross‐sectional study was performed at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Autoantibodies against nine systemic sclerosis‐specific antigens were tested using an enzyme‐linked immunoassay immunoblot kit. Several clinical features of patients with positive and negative autoantibody were examined by χ2 or Fisher's exact tests. Results A total of 71 patients with systemic sclerosis (66; 93.0% female) were included. Their mean age at disease onset was 33.2 years. Fifty‐seven (80.3%) patients had diffuse cutaneous subtype. Out of nine autoantibodies, four were positive, anti‐topoisomerase‐I (57.7%), anti‐U1 ribonucleic protein (21.1%), anti‐RNA polymerase III (18.3%), and anticentromere antibodies (4.2%). Eleven (15.5%) patients were negative for any antibodies and 11 patients were positive for at least two autoantibodies. Anti‐U3‐RNP, anti‐PM‐Scl, anti‐Ku, and anti‐Th/To auto antibodies were absent in all patients. Anti‐RNA polymerase III was associated with raised pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and anti‐U1‐RNP with decreased forced vital capacity (FVC). Conclusions Anti‐topoisomerase‐I was the commonest autoantibody in patients with systemic sclerosis in Bangladesh. Anti‐RNA polymerase III antibody had significant association with raised PASP and anti‐U1‐RNP with decreased FVC.

Generally, hypertension control programs are cost-effective, including in low- and middle-income countries, but country governments and civil society are not likely to support hypertension control programs unless value is demonstrated in terms of public health benefits, budget impact, and value-for-investment for the individual country context. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) established a standard, simplified Global HEARTS approach to hypertension control, including preferred antihypertensive medicines and blood pressure measurement devices. The objective of this study is to report on health economic studies of HEARTS hypertension control package cost (especially medication costs), cost-effectiveness, and budget impact and describe mathematical models designed to translate hypertension control program data into the optimal approach to hypertension care service delivery and financing, especially in lowand middle-income countries. Early results suggest that HEARTS hypertension control interventions are either cost-saving or cost-effective, that the HEARTS package is affordable at between US$ 18-44 per person treated per year, and that antihypertensive medicines could be priced low enough to reach a global standard of an average

Minor cereals such as barley and small millets contributed 1.13–1.73 and 1.95–2.78% to the total cereals production and acreage, respectively, during 2010–11 to 2020–21. The present study analyses the trends in area, production and yield (2010–11 to 2020–21); breeding varieties and seed production chain of minor cereals during 2010–11 to 2021–22. Barley acreage ranged between 7.0 lakh ha (2010–11, 2012–13) to 5.9 lakh ha (2019–20), registering a decline of 18.6%. Production showed an increase from 3.8% (2011–12) to 17.3% (2013–14) during this period except for 2015–16, when production declined by 7.9% over 2010–11. The changes in acreage, production and seed yield of finger millet during 2020–21 over 2010–11 were -11.0%, +3.6% and +1.1%, respectively. Other small millets (kodo millet, barnyard millet, foxtail millet, proso millet and little millet) showed declining pattern since 2010–11 in acreage from 8.0 lakh ha to 4.4 lakh ha during 2020–21, a reduction of about 45.0% and consequently decline in production by 21.5%. Nevertheless, seed yield/ha increased by 41.2% and reached 781 kg (2020–21) from 553 kg (2010–11). Of the 135 high yielding and climate resilient varieties developed during 2011–23, 107 were released and notified during 2016–22 and only 39 were inducted in to the seed production chain until 2021–22. Breeder and foundation seed production was always higher than the indent/demand during the period under analysis. Seed requirement of barley and small millets has also been worked out considering seed multiplication ratio, seed replacement rate (SRR) and highest acreage and suggested action plan to enhance production of these crops through seed/variety replacement.

Abstract It is increasingly recognised that the microbes residing in the gastrointestinal tract can influence brain physiology and behaviour, via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Here, we made a first explorative evaluation at the association between the gut microbiota and behaviour in suckling piglets. 16S microbiota profiling information was obtained from two independent replicate experiments at 2 and 4 weeks of age. Piglets underwent a backtest to assess their personality or coping style at 2 weeks of age, and were subjected to a combined open field and novel object test at 3.5 weeks of age, recording anxiety-related and exploratory behaviour. The number of squeals vocalised during the open field test was associated with microbial groups such as Coprococcus 3 and CAG-873, whereas in the novel object test, explorative behaviour was significantly associated with microbial genera like Atopobium and Prevotella. Overall, this study explores the microbiota-behavioural relation by employing multivariate analysis and exemplifies the importance of individualised analyses when evaluating such relationships.

The shape memory alloy (SMA) based actuators are replacing huge and bulky actuators because of its ability to provide high work per unit mass and serves as active prismatic joint to develop precise robotic manipulators. It also helps in developing a light weight manipulators with a simple actuation process. Here, the study presents the relationship between the contraction of Nitinol SMA prings and the input variables such as current and time to effectively interpret the behavioural complexity. In addition, the response of two Shape memory alloy springs in series combination has been discussed. The finite element analysis (FEA) of the SMA wire and spring has also been carried out to predict the fatigue life of SMA wire and spring. The result showed that the contraction rate of SMA spring increases with increase in current and vice-versa. Moreover, the range of current is classified based on its significance. The relationship of current, displacement and time parameters, during the actuation of SMA spring, is a second order polynomial regression model. The applied current and time have positive impact on the contractiong rate of SMA. Several polynomial regression models were developed in order to predict the precise amount of spring actuation. This study also predicts the range of current suitable for its actuation based on its application as actuator. The FEA result shows that the SMA springs can have high endurance stress limit which makes it unique as compared to other commercially available actuators. This study enables to predict the rate of contraction and the deflection trend of SMA based actuators for precise positioning applications.

Abstract Objectives To determine the association of Human leukocyte antigen B (HLA‑B) alleles with ankylosing spondylitis and the allelic association of HLA‐B27 with endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs30187 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods We studied 48 consecutively enrolled well‐defined AS patients and 48 healthy controls recruited from the outpatient clinic of the rheumatology department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. To genotype HLA‐B alleles from peripheral blood DNA, we designed sequence‐specific primers for polymerase chain reaction. Sanger's sequencing method was used to detect the ERAP1 rs30187 SNP. The HLA‐B allele distributions were compared between cases and controls. To infer an allelic association between HLA‐B27 and ERAP1, allele distributions from both loci were compared using cross‐tabulations. Chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test was used to quantify the association, and their strength of association was tested by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The frequency of HLA‐B27 was found to be higher in AS patients (60.4%) than in healthy controls (8.3%). HLA‐B27 allele had an OR of 16.8 (95% CI = 5.2–54.4) for the development of AS. Overall, 4% of AS patients had both HLA‐B27 and HLA‐B40. No significant association was found between ERAP1 rs30187 SNP and HLA‐B27 in patients with AS (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 0.5–5.6). Conclusions HLA‐B27 was significantly associated with AS in patients in Bangladesh. However, no association between ERAP1 rs30187 SNP and HLA‐B27 was observed.

Abstract Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) causes significant morbidity. Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is the most frequent organism, and the majority are endogenous. Decolonisation reduces PJIs but there is a paucity of evidence comparing treatments. Aims; compare 3 nasal decolonisation treatments at (1) achieving MSSA decolonisation, (2) preventing PJI. Methods Our hospital prospectively collected data on our MSSA decolonisation programme since 2013, including; all MSSA carriers, treatment received, MSSA status at time of surgery and all PJIs. Prior to 2017 MSSA carriers received nasal mupirocin or neomycin, from August 2017 until August 2019 nasal octenidine was used. Results During the study period 15,958 primary hip and knee replacements were performed. 3200 (20.1%) were MSSA positive at preoperative screening and received decolonisation treatment, 698 mupirocin, 1210 neomycin and 1221 octenidine. Mupirocin (89.1%) and neomycin (90.9%) were more effective at decolonisation than octenidine (50.0%, P

Introduction Smokeless tobacco (ST) remains poorly regulated in Bangladesh. This study describes the prevalence and trends of ST use in Bangladesh, presents ST-related disease burden, identifies relevant policy gaps, and highlights key implications for future policy and practice for effective ST control in Bangladesh. Methods We analyzed secondary data from the two rounds (2009 and 2017) of The Global Adult Tobacco Survey, estimated ST-related disease burden, and conducted a review to assess differences in combustible tobacco and ST policies. In addition, we gathered views in a workshop with key stakeholders in the country on gaps in existing tobacco control policies for ST control in Bangladesh and identified policy priorities using an online survey. Results Smokeless tobacco use, constituting more than half of all tobacco use in Bangladesh, declined from 27.2% (25.9 million) in 2009 to 20.6% (22 million) in 2017. However, in 2017, at least 16947 lives and 403460 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were lost across Bangladesh due to ST use compared to 12511 deaths and 324020 DALYs lost in 2010. Policy priorities identified for ST control have included: introducing specific taxes and increasing the present ad valorem tax level, increasing the health development surcharge, designing and implementing a tax tracking and tracing system, standardizing ST packaging, integrating ST cessation within existing health systems, comprehensive media campaigns, and licensing of ST manufactures. Conclusions Our analysis shows that compared to combustible tobacco, there remain gaps in implementing and compliance with ST control policies in Bangladesh. Thus, contrary to the decline in ST use and the usual time lag between tobacco exposure and the development of cancers, the ST-related disease burden is still on the rise in Bangladesh. Strengthening ST control at this stage can accelerate this decline and reduce ST related morbidity and mortality.

A boundary layer flow of an electrically conducting viscous fluid past a converging channel in the presence of thermophoresis, heat source, chemical reaction, viscous dissipation and simultaneous heat and mass transfer characteristics is studied in the paper. An external magnetic field of uniform strength is applied transversely to the channel. The similarity solution has been used to transform the partial differential equations that represent the problem into a boundary value problem of coupled ordinary differential equations, which in turn are solved numerically using MATLAB’s built in solver bvp4c. Numerical computations are carried out to solve the problem and graphical illustrations are made to get the physical insight of the same. The convergent channel flow problem of an incompressible electrically conducting viscous fluid in the presence of a magnetic field has a wide range of applicability in different areas of engineering, specially in industrial metal casting and control of molten metal flow.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an epigenetic disorder of imprinting on the chromosome 11p15 region that presents with clinical features, such as macroglossia, abdominal wall defects, neonatal hypoglycemia, hemihypertrophy, and embryonal tumors. Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare fibroepithelial tumors that account for 0.3% to 1% of breast tumors and present in women aged 35 to 55 years. Here we describe a rare case of metastatic malignant phyllodes tumor in a 27-year-old woman with BWS and uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 11p15.5. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in literature to describe metastatic malignant phyllodes tumor in a woman with BWS.

Abstract Early-life gut microbial colonisation is known to influence host physiology and development, shaping its phenotype. The developing gastro-intestinal tract of neonatal piglets provides a “window of opportunity” for programming their intestinal microbiota composition and corresponding intestinal development. Here, we investigated the impact of early feeding on jejunum and colon microbiota composition, and intestinal maturation in suckling piglets. From two days of age, early-fed (EF; n = 6 litters) piglets had access to solid feed containing a mixture of fibres till weaning (day29) in addition to sow’s milk, whereas the control (CON; n = 6 litters) piglets exclusively fed on sow’s milk. Early feeding elicited a significant impact on the colon microbiota, whereas no such effect was seen in the jejunal and ileal microbiota. Quantified eating behavioural scores could significantly explain the variation in microbiota composition of EF piglets and support their classification into good, moderate, and bad eaters. Members of the Lachnospiraceae family, and the genera Eubacterium, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus were quantitatively associated with eating scores. EF piglets were found to have a decreased pH in caecum and colon, which coincided with increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. Moreover, they also had increased weights and lengths of several intestinal tract segments, as well as a decreased villus-crypt ratio in jejunal mucosa and an increased abundance of proliferative cells in colon mucosa. The approaches in this study indicate that early feeding of a mixed-fibre (pre-weaning) diet changes the microbiota composition, pH, and fermentation products in the distal gut of piglets, while it also alters both macroscopic and microscopic intestinal measurements. These results exemplify the potential of early feeding to modulate intestinal development in young piglets.

Abstract Background The increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh underscores the importance of strengthening primary health care systems. In this study, we examined the barriers and facilitators to engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) for NCDs prevention and control in Bangladesh. Methods We used multipronged approaches, including a. Situation analyses using a literature review, key personnel and stakeholders’ consultative meetings, and exploratory studies. A grounded theory approach was used for qualitative data collection from health facilities across three districts in Bangladesh. We conducted in-depth interviews with CHWs (Health Inspector; Community Health Care Provider; Health Assistant and Health Supervisor) (n = 4); key informant interviews with central level health policymakers/ managers (n = 15) and focus group discussions with CHWs (4 FGDs; total n = 29). Participants in a stakeholder consultative meeting included members from the government (n = 4), non-government organisations (n = 2), private sector (n = 1) and universities (n = 2). Coding of the qualitative data and identification of themes from the transcripts were carried out and thematic approach was used for data analyses. Results The CHWs in Bangladesh deliver a wide range of public health programs. They also provide several NCDs specific services, including screening, provisional diagnosis, and health education and counselling for common NCDs, dispensing basic medications, and referral to relevant health facilities. These services are being delivered from the sub-district health facility, community clinics and urban health clinics. The participants identified key challenges and barriers, which include lack of NCD specific guidelines, inadequate training, excessive workload, inadequate systems-level support, and lack of logistics supplies and drugs. Yet, the facilitating factors to engaging CHWs included government commitment and program priority, development of NCD related policies and strategies, establishment of NCD corners, community support systems, social recognition of health care staff and their motivation. Conclusion Engaging CHWs has been a key driver to NCDs services delivery in Bangladesh. However, there is a need for building capacity of CHWs, maximizing CHWs engagement to NCD services delivery, facilitating systems-level support and strengthening partnerships with non-state sectors would be effective in prevention and control efforts of NCDs in Bangladesh.

Purpose: There is a critical shortage of the commercial SARS-CoV2 detection kits and a major problem for testing capacity in Bangladesh since December, 2019 to combat the Covid19 pandemic. So this study was aimed to assess SARS-CoV2 detection with a commercial RNA detection kit by the qualitative real time PCR from respiratory specimens (nasal or throat swab) of Covid19 suspected cases. Methods & Materials: This cross sectional study was done by convenience sampling from Munshiganj district and four different hospitals in Dhaka city from 28 November 2020 to 4 December 2020. Nasal or throat swab samples were collected from Covid19 suspected cases and sent to NIPSOM RT-PCR lab, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (a public health laboratory), NIPSOM, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A commercial kit [Adaltis MOLGen SARS-CoV-2 (3Genes) RealTime PCR, Italy] containing the primer and probe set in fluorimeter channel was used to detect three genes of SARS-CoV-2: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), envelope (E) and nucleocapsid (N) with endogenous internal control (IC). Threshold cycle (Ct) value was selected at ≤40 for each positive gene and detection of at least two different genes (RdRp and E gene or N gene) was interpreted as SARS-CoV2 positive. Results: A total of 1061 samples of Covid19 suspected cases within 4 to 98 years of age were included in this study and male female ratio was 1.33:1. Among 1061 samples, 299 (28.18%) were tested positive for SARS-CoV2 with mean age of 43.33 years and male was found predominantly. Of them, 94.98% were positive for RdRp, E and N genes whereas all (100%) were found positive for only RdRp and E gene. Here, the Ct value of IC ranged within

The incidence of abdominal cysts in infants is 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000 live births. Among the ovarian cysts in infants, serous cystadenoma is extremely rare with only few reported cases in the literature. Here, we report a case of a giant neonatal ovarian serous cystadenoma treated with laparoscopic cystectomy and confirmed by histopathological examination. A 27-year-old delivered a female baby with uneventful caesarean section at full term. The antenatal ultrasonography (USG) in third trimester had showed an abdominal cyst in the left side of the abdomen. Postnatal USG was suggestive of omental cyst. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the neonate showed a large cyst occupying the entire abdomen. On laparoscopic evaluation, a cystic mass filled with 500 mL of clear yellow fluid was seen in the left pelvic fossa. Left ovary could not be visualized separately. The right ovary, fallopian tubes, and uterus were normal. The entire cyst was removed and sent for histopathological examination. On gross examination, a unilocular cyst measuring 10×8×6.5 cm with a wall thickness of 0.2 cm was noted. On microscopic examination, the histomorphological features were consistent with serous cystadenoma of the ovary. There is a paucity of literature regarding pathological diagnosis of such cases and hence we report one such case.

Abstract Background Increases in global mean temperature, changes in rainfall patterns, and extreme climatic events are expected results of climate change. The individual effects of elevated temperature and precipitation on insect pests due to the impact of climate change have been widely modeled individually but their combined effects are poorly understood. Results Ten years of monthly abundance of an important economic rice insect pest, the rice yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was modeled in relation to temperature and rainfall using cross-correlation functions, general linear models, ARIMA models and simple linear regressions. The results suggested that increasing temperature and rainfall separately had a positive effect on growth rate of YSB. However, the combined effect of high temperature and rainfall was negative Temperature affected abundance of YSB negatively at high rainfall, but positively at intermediate to low rainfall level. The growth rate of YSB was found to be high at relatively low temperature and abundant rainfall. Conclusion The combined effects of temperature and rainfall showed a quadratic response of YSB abundance, which indicated that outbreak risk of YSB may be reduced if climate change results in increasing temperature and rainfall. It should be noted that we could address only a few of the important factors which could influence our model prediction.

Adrenal masses in children may occur as a result of neoplasm, hemorrhage, infection, or cysts. Ultrasound is the initial imaging modality of choice in suspected adrenal pathology in children. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and functional imaging are usually required for confirmation and further characterization of adrenal lesions. This review article highlights the imaging features of common adrenal masses that may involve the adrenal gland in pediatric population.

Oilseeds in India accounted for 15.7% of the total arable land during 2017-18. The present paper discusses oilseeds and vegetable oil scenario in India; seed chain, current status of quality seed and strategies for seed production & development to enhance oilseeds output through bridging the vast untapped potential of the available technologies to reduce heavy dependence on oil imports. Of the nine annual oilseeds, groundnut, soybean, rapeseed-mustard and sesame during the last seven years (2012-13 to 2018-19) contributed 89.2-94.4% to acreage and 90.4%-95.0% to production of oilseeds. The area, production and yield of oilseeds attained an overall increase of 131.1%, 510.9% and 164.2%, respectively, from 1950-51 to 2018-19. Of the several programmes initiated to harness the vast exploitable yield reservoir of oilseeds, National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology launched during XII plan and Mega seed project during 2005-06, had great impact on enhanced availability of quality seed of newly released varieties and thus production of oilseeds. Considering annual growth of demand for edible oil, population growth and the per capita consumption of about 102.3 m t of oilseeds would be required by 2030. To meet this formidable challenge, the assets such as vibrant crop specific improvement programmes, 187 newly released high yielding varieties, improved crop management technologies, robust and effective seed chain and climate favouring seed production of diverse oilseeds are available in the country.

Since independence, India achieved a distinction from ship-to-mouth status to self dependent, food surplus and net exporter of food grains in 69 years and recorded an all time high (285.2 million tonnes) production during 2018-19 from meagre 50.8 mt during 1950-51. In spite of spectacular success in food production over the years, it is a great challenge to sustain high production as well as enhance it further to meet the future requirement, as the population continues to grow steadily with an annual growth rate of 1.10% and expected to be 1.42 billion and 1.48 billion by 2025 and 2030, respectively, from 1.32 billion during 2017; coupled with enhanced consumption of food grains due to rising income, necessitating an increase of 4.5% and 15.7% by 2020 and 2030, respectively, over the present food production. It is a great challenge in view of climate change, diminishing and degrading land and water resources, increasing biotic and abiotic stresses and loss of bio-diversity. The present paper discusses the trend of production and productivity of food crops from 1950-51 to 2018-19; assess the contribution of seed to food production, seed chain, quality seed production and scope of quality seed for enhancing farmers’ income and future strategies for seed research, production and development to sustain food production. Requisite assets such as a strong crop specific cultivar development programmes, 850 high yielding food crop varieties comprising 657 of cereals and 193 of pulses released during the last six years, robust and vibrant seed systems, quality regulatory mechanism, globally competitive seed sector and the largest arable land with 46 soil types across 15 agro-climatic zones favouring seed production of diverse crops are available for sustaining high food production and meet the future demand for seed and food. Ensuring availability of quality seed in adequate quantity though imperative, yet, itself is not enough to trigger the production if it is not coupled with achieving sufficient varietal diversity in seed chain preferably phasing out gradually the old and obsolete varieties and inducting recently developed high yielding and disease resistant varieties. The overall progress and outcome are largely dependent on Government policies and support, which require consistent and adequate financial resources for sustaining a vibrant seed production, farm power machinery, processing units, storage, seed testing, delivery systems and trained human resources besides remunerative prices to the farmers.

Shrimp is one of the major export products in South Asian countries and also an eminent source of nutrition for humans. Hence, any negative effect of this industry may affect not only the country’s economy but also human health. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess heavy metal contamination and associated human health risks in cultured shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and aquaculture sludge collected from three shrimp farms of the Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. The results showed that among the eight metals studied, Pb (17.75 ± 1.5 mg/kg) and Cu (9.43 ± 2.8 mg/kg) levels in all shrimp samples were higher than the recommended limit, whereas the concentrations of Cd (0.09 ± 0.03 mg/kg), Mn (4.83 ± 2.2 mg/kg), As (0.04 ± 0.02 mg/kg), Hg (0.02 ± 0.006 mg/kg), Zn (18.89 ± 2.9 mg/kg) and Cr (0.69 ± 0.6 mg/kg) were within the permissible level. The concentrations of Mn (1043.37 ± 59.8 mg/kg), Cr (30.38 ± 2.1 mg/kg), Zn (74.72 ± 1.13 mg/kg) and Cu (31.14 ± 1.4 mg/kg) in the sludge of all farms were higher than the recommended limit, whereas the concentrations of Pb (20.23 ± 1.9 mg/kg), Cd (0.09 ± 0.2 mg/kg), As (0.44 ± 0.34 mg/kg) and Hg (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg) in all sludge samples were lower than the threshold limits. However, the estimated daily intake (EDI), targeted hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) assessed for potential human health risk implications suggested that Pb and Cr may pose non-carcinogenic health effects, although carcinogenic risks (CR) values were acceptable for consumers. However, the pollution load index (PLI) of the studied area was below 1, which indicates low deterioration of the area. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) analyses revealed that study area is unpolluted and sludge is enriched with metals in the following order: Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd > Hg > Pb > As.

A prerequisite for reliable microbiota analysis is having an effective and consistent sampling method. Fecal sampling, commonly used to study the intestinal microbiome, might not be suitable in all situations, especially considering the potential difficulties in obtaining fresh feces from young animals. Indeed, this study shows that the success rate of collecting fecal samples from young piglets (

Many countries grapple with the intractable problem of formalizing tenure security. The concept of ‘fit-for-purpose land administration’ (FFPLA) offers a way forward by advocating a shift towards a more flexible, pragmatic and inclusive approach for land rights recording. Inherently, the process and outcome of implementing FFPLA will have significant socio-political ramifications but these have not received much attention in the literature; additionally, few papers have considered this in the context of decentralization, an endorsed strategy for implementing FFPLA. This paper contributes to this gap by critically analyzing three land formalization initiatives in India which have employed flexible recording approaches and where decentralization is used to scale implementation. The cases show how quickly decentralization can kickstart implementation at scale via collaborations with local governing bodies and partnerships with non-state actors. An institutionalist approach highlights ensuing political contests between new and traditional land actors that inhibit political authority, and the challenges of coordinating a network of public and private actors without clear formal collaborative governance structures to ensure democratic outcomes. In doing so, we contribute to governance knowledge around FFPLA implementation so that it is ‘fit-for-people’ and better able to support policies and processes to secure land rights at scale.

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are alike humans in size, behavior, physiology, biochemistry, and immunology. Given close similarities to humans, the NHP model offers exceptional opportunities to understand the biological mechanisms and translational applications with direct relevance to human conditions. Here, we evaluate the opportunities and limitations of NHPs as animal models for translational regenerative medicine. NHP models of human disease propose exceptional opportunities to advance stem cell-based therapy by addressing pertinent translational concerns related to this research. Nonetheless, the value of these primates must be carefully assessed, taking into account the expense of specialized equipment and requirement of highly specialized staff. Well-designed initial fundamental studies in small animal models are essential before translating research into NHP models and eventually into human trials. In addition, we suggest that applying a directed and collaborative approach, as seen in the evolution of stroke NHP models, will greatly benefit the translation of stem cell therapy in other NHP disease models.

Background Tobacco use in Bangladesh especially in rural area has been high, but report on its trend is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine tobacco use trend in a rural area of Bangladesh concomitant to a simple but persistent intervention. Methods The study was done in Ekhlaspur village located in Chandpur district that has about 1000 households. Four cross-sectional surveys between 2006 and 2013 were done among adults (aged 25 to 64 years) to assess the trend of tobacco use in this village. One adult per household was selected targeting 400 to 1000 randomly selected households. Concomitantly an intervention package has been ongoing that included yard meetings, facility based counselling tagged with clinical services, observance of no tobacco days, special lectures in schools, and engagement of community organizations and opinion leaders. Prevalence of tobacco use and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained. Linier trend analysis was done using Excel to examine the trend of tobacco use. Results Participants' mean age varied between 41 and 44 years in all four surveys. About half of them completed a five years of primary education. Six in 10 people at the beginning were found to use tobacco in any form in the village. A consistent decline in tobacco use has been observed from 62% (95% CI 57% to 68%) to in 2006 to 32% (24% to 41%) in 2013. The prevalence of smoking (from 35% to 14%) and smokeless tobacco (from 40% to 20%) showed a similar declining trend. Sex-specific results also showed similar trends (Figure 1). Conclusions Community interventions in a sustainable manner can control tobacco use in rural communities of Bangladesh. Similar interventions can be replicated all over the country using lower tier of health system, public or private.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease increasingly affecting our aging population. Remarkable advances have been made in developing novel therapies to control symptoms, halt or cure the disease, ranging from physiotherapy and small molecules to cell and gene therapy. This progress was enabled by the existence of reliable animal models. The nonhuman primate model of Parkinson's disease emulates the cardinal symptoms of the disease, including tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability, freezing and cognitive impairment. However, this model is established through the specific loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, while our current knowledge reflects the reality of Parkinson's disease as a multisystem disease. Parkinson's disease involves both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbance, olfaction, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, depression and cognitive deficits. Some of the non-motor symptoms emerge earlier at the prodromal phase and worsen with disease progression, yet in basic and translational studies, they are rarely considered as endpoints. In this study, we set to characterize an ensemble of less described motor and non-motor dysfunctions in the marmoset MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) model. We provide evidence that this animal model expresses postural head tremor and a progressive worsening of fine motor skills, movement coordination and cognitive abilities over a 6-month period. We report for the first time a non-invasive approach showing detailed analysis of daytime and nighttime sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance remarkably similar to Parkinson's disease patients. This study describes the incidence of tremors, motor and non-motor dysfunctions in a preclinical model and highlights the need for their consideration in translating effective new therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease.

Vegetable oils rich in oleic acid are more desirable than oils rich in polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids. The biological switch of oleic acid to linoleic acid is facilitated by fatty acid desaturase 2 enzyme that is further classified into FAD2-1, FAD2-2, FAD2-3, and FAD2-4. The genes coding these enzymes have high sequence similarity, but differ mostly in their expression patterns. The seed-type FAD2 genes had evolved independently after segregation by duplication from constitutively expressed FAD2 genes. Temperature, light and wounding effectively regulate FAD2 expression in plants. FAD2 genes are expressed differently in different tissues of the plant, and the over-expression of FAD2 modifies physiological and vegetative characteristics. The activity of FAD2 leads to an increase in the content of dienoic fatty acids, and hence increases the resistance toward cold and salt stress. The thorough study of the FAD2 gene is important for understanding the expression, regulation and mechanism that will help in improving the quality of oil and stress resistance in plants.

Herein we report the first example of a facile biomineralization process to produce ultra-small-sized highly fluorescent aqueous dispersions of platinum noble metal quantum clusters (Pt-NMQCs) using a multi-stimulus responsive, biomimetic intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), Rec1-resilin. We demonstrate that Rec1-resilin acts concurrently as the host, reducing agent, and stabilizer of the blue-green fluorescent Pt-NMQCs once they are being formed. The photophysical properties, quantum yield, and fluorescence lifetime measurements of the synthesized Pt-NMQCs were examined using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The oxidation state of the Pt-NMQCs was quantitatively analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Both a small angle X-ray scattering technique and a modeling approach have been attempted to present a detailed understanding of the structure and conformational dynamics of Rec1-resilin as an IDP during the formation of the Pt-NMQCs. It has been demonstrated that the green fluorescent Pt-NMQCs exhibit a high quantum yield of ~7.0% and a lifetime of ~9.5 ns in aqueous media. The change in photoluminescence properties due to the inter-dot interactions between proximal dots and aggregation of the Pt-NMQCs by evaporation was also measured spectroscopically and discussed.

Of the several factors vital for enhancing production and productivity of the crops, seed is a critical input for long- term sustained growth of agriculture. A robust seed system is the first and foremost step towards food security of the country and acts as driver of growth in agriculture. From a predominantly public sector in the 1960’s, the Indian seed sector has evolved gradually into a multi-faceted industry with involvement of large number of private firms and increasing emphasis on research and development activities. The present paper reviews the evolution of seed sector in India, quality assurance regulations, international seed testing and certification, development of varieties and their induction in the seed chain, present status of breeder, foundation and quality/certified seed production. The paper also discusses the varietal scenario in the seed chain during 2014-15, demand and availability of seed and contributions of public and private seed sector. On quality seed front, production of 3.52 MT (2014-15), more than requirement was made possible due to synergistic efforts of public and private sectors in Indian seed domain. Analysis of Indian seed production scenario revealed that seed production has shown compound growth rate of 16-17 %, which is an encouraging positive sign and Indian seed industry is vibrant and strong enough to make its presence felt in global seed domain and India is poised for up-scaling its current position, 6th with US $ 2 billion, in international seed market valued at US $ 45 billion. Indian seed sector managed this growth due to proactive policy support and seed markets such as Bt cotton, hybrids of vegetables, rice and maize especially, single cross hybrids. An attempt has also been made in the present study to analyze the impact of quality seed on Indian agriculture, potential for seed export, way forward and strategies for meeting the emerging challenges in the seed sector for enhancing seed replacement rate, varietal replacement rate and making quality seed available to the farmers at affordable prices for up-scaling and sustaining high yield in field crops.

Plants have a large panel of nucleotide-binding/leucine rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors which monitor host interference by diverse pathogen molecules (effectors) and trigger disease resistance pathways. NLR receptor systems are necessarily under tight control to mitigate the trade-off between induced defenses and growth. Hence, mis-regulated NLRs often cause autoimmunity associated with stunting and, in severe cases, necrosis. Nucleocytoplasmic ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1) is indispensable for effector-triggered and autoimmune responses governed by a family of Toll-Interleukin1-Receptor-related NLR receptors (TNLs). EDS1 operates coincidently or immediately downstream of TNL activation to transcriptionally reprogram cells for defense. We show here that low levels of nuclear-enforced EDS1 are sufficient for pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana, without causing negative effects. Plants expressing higher nuclear EDS1 amounts have the genetic, phenotypic and transcriptional hallmarks of TNL autoimmunity. In a screen for genetic suppressors of nuclear EDS1 autoimmunity, we map multiple, independent mutations to one gene, DM2h, lying within the polymorphic DANGEROUS MIX2 cluster of TNL RPP1-like genes from A. thaliana accession Landsberg erecta (Ler). The DM2 locus is a known hotspot for deleterious epistatic interactions leading to immune-related incompatibilities between A. thaliana natural accessions. We find that DM2hLer underlies two further genetic incompatibilities involving the RPP1-likeLer locus and EDS1. We conclude that the DM2hLer TNL protein and nuclear EDS1 cooperate, directly or indirectly, to drive cells into an immune response at the expense of growth. A further conclusion is that regulating the available EDS1 nuclear pool is fundamental for maintaining homeostatic control of TNL immune pathways.

Generation of organic wastes has been increased in an unprecedented rate in India with rapid population expansion, leading to disposal problems. These organic wastes can be converted into valuable wealth by applying vermicomposting technology. Vermicompost which provides macro and micro nutrients to the plants, also reduces pollution by providing a valuable substitute for chemical fertilizers. Present paper deals with vermicomposting of organic wastes from seven different sources and evaluation of nutrient in those vermicomposts following chemical analyses. These seven sources include coconut coir, water hyacinth, mixed materials, cabbage, banana pseudostem, cow dung, and rice husk. Three composting species of earthworms e.g. Eisenia. fetida, Eudrilus. eugeniae, and Perionyx excavatus were chosen for the experiment. Chemical analysis of vermicomposts under study clearly showed that the vermicompost from water hyacinth contained maximum amount of organic C, total N, and total K though the phosphorous content was maximum in vermicompost from mixed materials. Lowest nutrient content was observed in vermicompost of coconut coir. Vermicomposts from mixed materials, cabbage, banana pseudostem were at per in their chemical properties. It can be concluded that among the seven sources, vermicompost from water hyacinth is best for its nutrient value.

This report describes the clinical course and management of two children with multiple anastomotic complications following primary repair of oesophageal atresia (EA) with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). These included anastomotic leak and stricture, oesophageal perforation during antegrade dilatation, and finally a recurrent fistula between the oesophagus and the tracheo-bronchial tree. Ultimately, after multiple operative interventions, a successful outcome was achieved in both patients with preservation of the native oesophagus. The anastomotic complications following primary repair of EA with TEF are discussed, with special reference to difficulties in the management of recurrent TEF.

Humans and nonhuman primates (NHP) are similar in behavior and in physiology, specifically the structure, function, and complexity of the immune system. Thus, NHP models are desirable for pathophysiology and pharmacology/toxicology studies. Furthermore, NHP-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may enable transformative developmental, translational, or evolutionary studies in a field of inquiry currently hampered by the limited availability of research specimens. NHP-iPSCs may address specific questions that can be studied back and forth between in vitro cellular assays and in vivo experimentations, an investigational process that in most cases cannot be performed on humans because of safety and ethical issues. The use of NHP model systems and cell specific in vitro models is evolving with iPSC-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems and organoids, which may offer reliable in vitro models and reduce the number of animals used in experimental research. IPSCs have the potential to give rise to defined cell types of any organ of the body. However, standards for deriving defined and validated NHP iPSCs are missing. Standards for deriving high-quality iPSC cell lines promote rigorous and replicable scientific research and likewise, validated cell lines reduce variability and discrepancies in results between laboratories. We have derived and validated NHP iPSC lines by confirming their pluripotency and propensity to differentiate into all three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) according to standards and measurable limits for a set of marker genes. The iPSC lines were characterized for their potential to generate neural stem cells and to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. These iPSC lines are available to the scientific community. NHP-iPSCs fulfill a unique niche in comparative genomics to understand gene regulatory principles underlying emergence of human traits, in infectious disease pathogenesis, in vaccine development, and in immunological barriers in regenerative medicine.