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The scarcity of high-quality forage has a significant influence on the productivity and profitability of livestock. Addressing this concern, an investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of distinct Italian ryegrass genotypes, namely, Punjab ryegrass-1, Kashmir collection, and Makhan grass, in conjunction with varying seeding ratios of Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover. The seeding ratios considered were 100:0 (Italian ryegrass to Egyptian clover), 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75. All possible combinations of Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover with seeding ratios were set up in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Co-cultivating Italian ryegrass and Egyptian clover at a 75:25 seeding ratio yields the best yield benefit, as determined by the land equivalent ratio. It is noteworthy that in this configuration, real yield loss is higher for Egyptian clover and for Italian ryegrass when the seeding ratio is 25:75. The higher competitiveness of Italian ryegrass in comparison to Egyptian clover is highlighted by the competitive ratio. Notably, the nutritive parameter, crude protein yield, was significantly higher in the Makhan grass-based 50:50 and 75:25 seeding ratio. Results of the study ascertained the compatibility of grass-legume co-cultivation with significantly higher quantity and quality forage harvested under mixed cropping systems whereas Makhan grass as the superior and dominant genotype in comparison to Kashmir collection. The outcomes of this study revealed that the 100:0 seeding ratio, coupled with the Makhan grass genotype, exhibited superior performance in terms of cumulative forage harvest, dry matter accumulation, net returns, and benefit-cost ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alloimmunisation to red blood cell antigens, resulting from genetic disparities between donors and recipients, is one of the risks associated with blood transfusions. Antibody screening cells are used to detect unexpected antibodies. The risk of alloimmunisation is higher in patients who have undergone multiple blood transfusions. Aim: To estimate the frequency of various Red Blood Cell (RBC) alloantibodies and to determine the types of antibodies present in repeatedly transfused patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with a history of multiple blood transfusions from October 1, 2019, to April 30, 2021, at the blood centre of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SGRDIMSR), Amritsar, Punjab, India. Antibody detection and identification were performed, and the results were recorded. The data was statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 to draw relevant conclusions. The observations were tabulated in the form of numbers and percentages. Categorical data was analysed using the Chi-square test. The level of significance was determined as p≤0.05. Results: The study included 200 patients who were on multiple transfusions. The most common blood group among the patients was B positive (39%), followed by O positive (26%). The majority of patients (73.50%) had solid malignancies, followed by 28 (14%) thalassemia patients and 25 (12.50%) patients with chronic kidney disease. Solid malignancies included patients with breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and liver cancer. Alloantibodies were found in 15 patients (7.50%), of which 11 had solid malignancies and 4 had thalassemia. The most frequent antibody detected was the anti-K antibody (40%). Alloantibody formation was observed in both males and females. However, no statistical significance was found between gender and alloimmunisation (p=0.940). Conclusion: The effect of alloimmunisation can be avoided by routine RBC antibody screening before blood transfusion, especially in patients with a history of multiple blood transfusions. These measures decrease the incidence of red blood cell alloimmunisation and delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions in multi-transfused patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we propose a machine learning (ML)-based technique that can learn interatomic potential parameters for various particle–particle interactions employing quantum mechanics (QM) calculations. This ML model can be used as an alternative for QM calculations for predicting non-bonded interactions in a computationally efficient manner. Using these parameters as input to molecular dynamics simulations, we can predict a diverse range of properties, enabling researchers to design new and novel materials suitable for various applications in the absence of experimental data. We employ our ML-based technique to learn the Buckingham potential, a non-bonded interatomic potential. Subsequently, we utilize these predicted values to compute the densities of four distinct molecules, achieving an accuracy exceeding 93%. This serves as a strong demonstration of the efficacy of our proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of indigenous bee attractants on bee visitation and seed production in sesame crops. The study was conducted in Amritsar, Punjab, and involved spraying different attractants on the crops and recording bee visitation. The results showed that honey solution attracted the highest number of bees and resulted in higher quantitative parameters such as the number of capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, test weight, and seed yield. This research provides valuable insights for organic crop production and suggests that the use of bee attractants can enhance crop yield. [Extracted from the article]

This article presents the findings of a field experiment conducted in Himachal Pradesh to study the effectiveness of different herbicides in controlling grassy weeds and improving yields in dual-purpose linseed crops. The results showed that specific herbicides were successful in controlling grassy weeds and resulted in significantly higher yields of linseed. The study also highlighted the economic benefits of using herbicides for weed control. Overall, the findings suggest that selecting appropriate herbicides can help control grassy weeds and improve yields in linseed crops. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Xpert Ultra (Cepheid, USA) is recently introduced with an extra category of trace-positive results and higher sensitivity for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert Ultra for extrapulmonary samples using culture and composite reference standard (CRS) as the gold standard. Materials and Methods: In a 1-year (March 2021–22) prospective observational study, samples of suspected extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) patients were subjected to Ziehl–Neelsen staining, culture, and Xpert Ultra (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) tests. Relevant clinical and treatment information was noted. The diagnostic accuracy of Xpert Ultra compared with culture and CRS was calculated. Results: Out of 1720 suspected patients of EPTB, 223 (13%), predominantly males 135 (60%), with a mean age of 41.46 ± 19.81 years, were diagnosed as TB positive following CRS criteria. The maximum cases were of pleural TB (35.4%), followed by central nervous system TB (17.9%), gastrointestinal TB (17.5%), and lymph node TB (12.1%). Of all samples, 150 (8.7%) were microbiologically confirmed, including 141 detected by Xpert ultra, 67 culture positive, and only 16 smear positive. Among the Xpert Ultra-positive samples, 35 showed trace results, including six false-positive results. Considering culture and CRS as the gold standard, the sensitivity (86.57%, 59.64%) and specificity (94.98%, 99.47%) of Xpert Ultra were calculated, respectively. Rifampicin resistance was detected in 1 (0.70%) sample. Conclusion: Diagnosis of EPTB is a challenge and Xpert Ultra may detect TB at a very early stage. However, it is essential to rule out false-positive results. Additional studies are needed on Xpert Ultra to interpret trace results better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The introduction of Xpert MTB/RIF® has revolutionised the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) by reducing time to the identification and detection of drug resistance. Methods: We prospectively studied clinical profile of admitted patients who underwent Xpert MTB/RIF® for the diagnosis of TB in the Department of Medicine and Allied Specialties at our tertiary care teaching hospital in Ludhiana. Results: During the period from January to December 2018, 140 patients (mean age 55.7 ± 16 years; male: female = 1.5:1) were included. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbid disease (n = 37; 26.4%). The most common presenting complaints were fever, breathlessness and cough with expectoration. Overall, 61 admitted patients were discharged with a diagnosis of TB; 26/61 (42.6%) tested Xpert MTB/RIF® positive (bacteriologically confirmed); the remaining 35 (57.4%) were clinically diagnosed along with the ancillary supportive investigations. The remaining 79 patients had a non-TB diagnosis. In extrapulmonary TB, Xpert MTB/RIF® had low detection and positivity rate as compared to other ancillary investigations for TB. Conclusions: Xpert MTB/RIF® was useful in the diagnosis in 42.6% of cases. When Xpert MTB/RIF® was negative, TB was diagnosed empirically on the basis of clinical, radiological and ancillary laboratory investigations. Xpert MTB/RIF® positivity with the clinical background suggesting that TB makes the diagnosis rapidly and with a high degree of confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, allograft recipients are at a higher risk of infection due to immunosuppressive therapies. This study aimed to analyze the utility of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) lung in the etiological diagnosis of pulmonary infections in renal allograft recipients with respiratory failure. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study done in post-renal transplant patients presenting with pulmonary infections and respiratory failure in the past 7 years, in whom image-guided lung FNAC was done for diagnosis. Results: A total of 35 renal allograft recipients presenting with respiratory failure and having focal or diffuse pulmonary opacities (lesions) on radiological imaging were subjected to lung FNAC. The mean age of the patients was 41.1 ± 11.8 years (range 19-72), with the majority being males (n = 28, 80%); six (17.1%) of them were on invasive ventilation. The diagnostic yield of FNAC in our cohort was 77.1% (27 out of 35). Microorganisms were isolated in 21 cases (60%), with Nocardia being the most common (nine cases, 25.7%), Mycobacterial tuberculosis identified in six patients (17.1%), Aspergillus in three (8.6%), and one (2.9%) each had atypical Mycobacterium, zygomycetes, and Cryptococcus. FNAC suggested viral cytopathic effect in five patients, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) quantitative polymerase chain reaction test was found positive in four of these. One case was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma lung. Conclusion: Lung FNAC is a useful for establishing the etiological diagnosis of pulmonary lesions in renal transplant patients with respiratory failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea is kharif pulse grown mostly under rainfed conditions. It acts as a major protein source with 25 per cent content. Cowpea besides fixing atmospheric nitrogen continues to produce under harsh conditions such as low moisture and nutrient supply, which makes it a suitable candidate for dryland conditions. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2019 at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur to study the effect of organic nutrient sources on yield levels, nodulation, nutrient content and uptake of cowpea. Organic nutrient sources include farmyard manure, vermicompost, vermiwash, Bijamrita, Jiwamrita and Ghanajiwamrita can be prepared using on-farm inputs at a reasonable cost. These nutrient sources supply nutrients at a steady rate and in fewer amounts than inorganic fertilizers. The prime role of such organic sources is to sustain the soil ecosystems for longer functioning. The results of the experiment revealed that T5 [Farm yard manure (10 t/ha) + Ghanajiwamrita at sowing (250 kg/ha)] was most effective and resulted in significantly higher yield level (grain yield -10.71 q/ha, straw yield - 53.14 q/ha and biological yield - 63.84 q/ha), nodulation (number of nodules - 31.7 per plant and weight of nodules - 0.47 g/plant), nutrient content (N-3.54%, P - 0.41% and K - 1.36%) and uptake (N -141.08 kg/ha, P -19.86 kg/ha and K - 112.34 kg/ha) in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antibodies against aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetases, most common being anti-Jo1 antibody. It is an under-recognized entity with a significant delay in diagnosis, both due to lack of awareness of this condition and presentation as "incomplete" form more often than the complete form, characterized by the presence of triad of interstitial lung disease (ILD), myositis, and arthritis. We aimed to study the clinical spectrum and outcomes of anti-Jo1 antibody-positive ASSD at a single tertiary care referral hospital in North India. Methods: Anti-Jo1 positive ASSD patients diagnosed according to the Connors et al. criteria were included in this observational study conducted over 3 years by the departments of Rheumatology and Pulmonary Medicine at a single tertiary care hospital in North India. Results: The clinical spectrum and treatment outcomes of 17 patients diagnosed with anti-Jo1 positive ASSD were studied. Only 2 of the 17 patients presented with the "complete" form at the onset. While 12 patients improved with treatment with steroids and immunosuppressives (mycophenolate, azathioprine, or methotrexate), five patients died, four due to sepsis and one due to progressive lung disease. Conclusion: ASSD is an under-recognized disease, often presenting as an incomplete form rather than the classic triad of arthritis, ILD, and myositis. Infections are the major cause of death contributing to high mortality in Indian patients with ASSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The shaft of the tibia is the most common long bone fracture. The treatment goal for shaft tibial fracture is to achieve union with correction of both axial and rotational alignment and, maintain initial fracture length. Higher malunion rates are seen in fractures of the proximal and distal 1/3rd of the shaft of the tibia. However, Intramedullary (IM) nailing is the preferred choice of operative management of diaphyseal fractures of the lower limb. Aim: To evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of IM nail supplemented with poller screws for proximal and distal 1/3rd shaft tibial fractures. Materials and Methods: A prospective, interventional study was conducted in the Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India from May 2020 to November 2021. A total of 30 fracture patients in the age group of 18 to 60 years were included in the study. All the subjects were treated with IM nail supplemented with poller screws for proximal and distal 1/3rd shaft tibial fractures. Twenty cases were closed fractures and 10 were open (grade I or II according to Gustilo Anderson's classification of compound tibia fracture). Patients were followed-up at 3 weeks, then 6 weekly till union. Patients were evaluated by Karlström-Olerud's functional evaluation criteria. The data was statistically analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0. Results: The mean time of fracture union was 17.33±2.59 weeks with a maximum (n=19) patients in =15 weeks, followed by 15-20 weeks (n=10) and only one patient had delayed union (>20 weeks). According to Karlström-Olerud's functional evaluation scale 18 (60%) patients had excellent outcome followed by good outcome in 8 (26.7%) patients, while 2 (6.7%) patients had satisfactory and 2 (6.7%) patients moderate outcomes. The total mean varus/valgus deformity preoperatively was 10.17±4.15° while postoperatively it was 1.63±2.3°. The total mean antecurvatum/recurvatum deformity preoperatively was 6.47±5.97° while postoperatively it was 0.20±0.61°. Postoperative complications were observed such as shortening of the leg (n=2), movement loss in the ankle (n=4), movement loss in the knees (n=3), muscle wasting (n=6) and subtalar movement loss (n=6). One patient had a superficial skin infection (oozing of purulent discharge from distal locking skin suture site), which was treated with prolonged antibiotics. Conclusion: Poller screws were found to be effective in achieving fracture alignment and hence, serve as a effective fracture reduction tool. Also helps to maintain the fracture aligned until it healed, preventing the loss of the initial reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Akashdeep. Singh, Siddharth. Parkash, Sunil. Gupta, R. Soni Context: Varicella pneumonia is a rare but a serious complication of chickenpox in adults. There is paucity of data on varicella [...]

Background: Unilateral pleural effusion is a challenge for a physician as the differential diagnosis is varied; sparse epidemiological data are available from India on this subject. Methods: We prospectively studied consecutive adult patients (aged >18 years) presenting with unilateral pleural effusion who underwent thoracocentesis with or without radiological guidance for diagnostic workup. Results: Over a period of 1 year, 116 patients admitted with unilateral pleural effusion were included, majority (63.8%) were in the age group of 20-60 years. Most common presenting symptoms were shortness of breath (56%), fever (53.4%), cough (52.5%), chest pain (35.3%), anorexia (34.5%) and weight loss (18.9%). Ninety-nine patients (85.3%) had exudative and 17 patients (14.6%) had transudative pleural effusion. Amongst exudative, tuberculosis (TB) pleural effusion was the most common cause (45.7%) followed by para-pneumonic (12.9%), malignant (10.3%), among others. TB (44.8%) and malignancy (10.3%) were common aetiologies among the lymphocyte-predominant effusions, whereas para-pneumonic effusion (11.2%) and empyema (4.3%) were common aetiologies amongst the neutrophil-predominant effusions. Pleural fluid lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio >0.75 increased the sensitivity and specificity to diagnose TB pleural effusion. Conclusions: Patients with TB pleural effusion were comparatively younger as compared to patients with malignant and para-pneumonic pleural effusion. Most pleural effusions resolved with treatment of underlying cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims & Objectives: Millions of people have low back pain, which causes more disability than any other health condition. The present study was planned for comparing the functional outcomes between pregabalin versus gabapentin in Cases of Low Back Ache with radiculopathy. Materials & methods: A total of 100 subjects with presence of low back ache with radiculopathy were enrolled. Clinical and MRI examination of all the patients was done. All the 100 patients were divided into two study groups with 50 patients in each group as follows: Gabapentin group and Pregabalin group. Capsule pregabalin 75 mg one time a dayorally and tablet gabapentin 300 mg one timea day was given in the respective groups. Both drugs were given at night time. Pain intensity was assessed at the start of study i.e. at baseline (0 week), at 1 month and three months using VAS. Complications were recorded on each visit. All the results were recorded and analysed by SPSS software. Results: Mean VAS at baseline, one month and three months among patients of group Pregabalin was 8.91, 6.96 and 3.16 respectively. Mean VAS at baseline, one month and three months among patients of group Gabapentin was 8.12, 6.43 and 3.58 respectively. While making intra-group comparison, significant results were obtained. However; while comparing the mean VAS between the two study groups, non-significant results were obtained at different time intervals. Sedation as a side effect was significantly more common in Pregabalin group. Conclusion: Gabapentin was better in comparison to pregabalin in having fewer side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 experimental farm of Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, CSK HPKV, Palampur (H.P.), India. The experiment comprised of ten treatments (maize-wheat, maize-wheat + gobhi sarson, dhainchacabbage-frenchbean, sunhemp-vegetable pea-frenchbean, maize + soybean chickpea + linseed, rice-wheat + gram, hybrid sorghum + hybrid bajra-oats + sarson (hybrid), hybrid sorghum + hybrid bajra-ryegrass + berseem, babycorn-broccoli-frenchbean and okraturnip-tomato) which was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Methods: The present investigation was conducted during October 2018-October 2019 (Kharif and Rabi seasons) at an elevation of 1100 m amsl at a latitude of 32°04'N and longitude of 76°35'E at Bhadiarkar Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, CSK HPKV, Palampur, Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The soil of the experimental area falls in the order of Alfisols with Paleudalf as the great group as per the Udic Moisture Regime. During kharif and rabi season the crop varieties were applied with the recommended dose of N, P2O5 and K2O (kg ha-1). The source of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash. Result: In terms of food for human consumption, highest yield was obtained under the okra-turnip-tomato cropping sequence followed by dhaincha-cabbage-frenchbean and sunhemp-vegetable pea-frenchbean. While in terms of fodder yield, highest was obtained under hybrid sorghum + hybrid bajra-oats + sarson (hybrid) cropping sequence followed by hybrid sorghum + hybrid bajra-ryegrass + berseem. Highest maize grain equivalent yield was obtained with okra-turnip-tomato crop sequence. All other treatments remained superior in comparison to the maize-wheat crop sequence. Maize + soybean-chickpea + linseed emerged to be the best treatment with the highest benefit cost ratio. The treatment comprising okra-turnip-tomato sequence also proved to be the second-best treatment followed by hybrid sorghum + hybrid bajra-oats + sarson (hybrid). Sunhemp-vegetable pea-frenchbean recorded the highest uptake of the available nutrients from soil which was followed by babycorn-broccoli-frenchbean. There was net loss of available nutrients although the loss was less in the sequences with multiple crops during the year. The treatments had no significant effect on the pH and organic carbon content of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA, Morquio A syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the N‐acetylgalactosamine‐6‐sulfatase (GALNS) gene. We collected, analyzed, and uniformly summarized all published GALNS gene variants, thus updating the previous mutation review (published in 2014). In addition, new variants were communicated by seven reference laboratories in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and the United States. All data were analyzed to determine common alleles, geographic distribution, level of homozygosity, and genotype‐phenotype correlation. Moreover, variants were classified according to their pathogenicity as suggested by ACMG. Including those previously published, we assembled 446 unique variants, among which 68 were novel, from 1190 subjects (including newborn screening positive subjects). Variants' distribution was missense (65.0%), followed by nonsense (8.1%), splicing (7.2%), small frameshift deletions(del)/insertions(ins) (7.0%), intronic (4.0%), and large del/ins and complex rearrangements (3.8%). Half (50.4%) of the subjects were homozygous, 37.1% were compound heterozygous, and 10.7% had only one variant detected. The novel variants underwent in silico analysis to evaluate their pathogenicity. All variants were submitted to ClinVar (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clinvar/) to make them publicly available. Mutation updates are essential for the correct molecular diagnoses, genetic counseling, prenatal and preimplantation diagnosis, and disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India recently encountered fierce second wave of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and scarcity of novel medications added to the management challenges. Various studies have highlighted the effectiveness of tocilizumab and high-dose steroids in severe COVIDs, but none has compared their efficacy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective multi-centric analysis compares intravenous tocilizumab (8 mg/kg/day, maximum dose-800 mg), and intravenous Methylprednisolone Pulse (MPS-1 g/day for 3 days) in severe COVID-19. Both the groups had additionally received the standard of care COVID treatment as per protocol. Outcomes were assessed at 30 days. Results: A total of 336 patients, with 249 receiving MPS and 87 receiving tocilizumab were compared. Majority of these were males (72.9%) with a mean age of 57.4 ± 13.6 years. Diabetes was the most common comorbidity. Patients in both groups had comparable age distribution, comorbidities, presenting mean-arterial pressures, d-Dimer levels, serum ferritin, serum leukocyte-dehydrogenase, and procalcitonin. However, the tocilizumab group had more number of males, higher incidence of coronary artery disease, more tachypnea and leukocytosis, more number of patients with severe acute respiratory disease syndrome (PaO2/FiO2 ratio <100), and higher C-reactive protein levels at presentation. Both groups had comparable adverse events' profile. Tocilizumab group had lesser requirement of invasive ventilation than MPS group (17% vs. 29%, P = 0.038), however mortality at the end of 30 days follow-up was similar (36% vs. 34% respectively; P = 0.678). Conclusions: Tocilizumab decreased the need for invasive ventilation in severe COVID-19; however, it did not translate to improved survival. A planned prospective randomized study is recommended in this respect to compare their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is one of the most common childhood-onset neurological conditions with a genetic etiology. Genetic diagnosis provides potential for etiologically-based management and treatment. Existing research has focused on early-onset (<24 months) epilepsies; data regarding later-onset epilepsies is limited. The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of a clinically available epilepsy panel in a selected pediatric epilepsy cohort with epilepsy onset between 24–60 months of life and evaluate whether this approach decreases the age of diagnosis of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2). Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based epilepsy panels, including genes associated with epileptic encephalopathies and inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) that present with epilepsy, were used. Copy-number variant (CNV) detection from NGS data was included. Variant interpretation was performed per American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results are reported from 211 consecutive patients with the following inclusion criteria: 24–60 months of age at the time of enrollment, first unprovoked seizure at/after 24 months, and at least one additional finding such as EEG/MRI abnormalities, speech delay, or motor symptoms. Median age was 42 months at testing and 30 months at first seizure onset; the mean delay from first seizure to comprehensive genetic testing was 10.3 months. A genetic diagnosis was established in 43 patients (20.4%). CNVs were reported in 25.6% diagnosed patients; 27.3% of CNVs identified were intragenic. Within the diagnosed cohort, 11 (25.6%) patients were diagnosed with an IEM. The predominant molecular diagnosis was CLN2 (14% of diagnosed patients). For these patients, diagnosis was achieved 12–24 months earlier than reported by natural history of the disease. This study supports comprehensive genetic testing for patients whose first seizure occurs ≥ 24 months of age. It also supports early application of testing in this age group, as the identified diagnoses can have significant impact on patient management and outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decades, flame out is a major phenomenon that paves way for high fuel consumption in scramjet combustion. For enhancing mixing and flame holding characteristics, different types of cavities are introduced in a scramjet combustion chamber which can hold air for a bit and acts like an atomizer. For increasing the combustion efficiency and burnout ratios, recirculation is maintained by using cavity and ramp angle techniques. In this paper, numerical analysis has been carried out for two dimensional non-reacting flows in the combustor of scramjet engine with tandem dual cavity that creates high turbulent kinetic energy for ensuring combustion stability. This work is an enlightened approach for predicting the flow phenomenon that induces re-circulations after implementing various tandem dual cavities with varying length to diameter ratio and ramp angle. These in turn overcome the low mixing rates due to compressibility effects at high convective Mach number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite recent evolution in the operating techniques and surgical implants, debate continues around the choice of implant for the management of intertrochanteric fractures of femur bone. There is a paucity of clinical data on the results with Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA). Aim: To evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of reduction and fixation of these fractures with PFNA. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted from december 2015 to november 2018. A total of 62 patients of more than 50 years of age with intertrochanteric fracture were managed with internal fixation using PFNA. All the pateints were evaluated with respect to the mean operative time, blood loss. Fluoroscopy exposure, time to union and development of any complication. The statistical analysis involved calculation of the mean and Standard Deviations (SD) of above parameters which was done using the Microsoft excel chart sheet. Functional evaluation was done using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results: A total of 62 patients with age ranging from 54 to 94 years (mean 78.2, SD 09.11) were evaluated. The mean duration of follow-up was 14.3 months. The average operative time, the mean blood loss and the average fluoroscopy time were 61.4 (range 45-90 minutes, SD 11.6) minutes, 103.9 (range 60-200 mL, SD 36.4) mL and 74.0 (range 41 to 98, SD 13.5) seconds respectively. About 100% union rate with the average time to union being 16.1 (SD 3.3) weeks and ranging from 12 weeks to 24 weeks was reported. Varus collapse and limb shortening >1 cm were observed in 3 patients. The average HHS at the end of study showed a mean value of 82.8 (SD 8.6) and ranged from 65 to 94 with 46 (74.2%) patients having excellent to good outcome. Conclusion: Owing to easy insertion, reduced operative time and blood loss, stable fixation, less complications and good functional and radiological outcome, PFNA can prove to be an implant of choice for the management of intertrochantric fractures of the femur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decades, flame out is a major phenomenon that paves way for high fuel consumption in scramjet combustion. For enhancing mixing and flame holding characteristics, different types of cavities are introduced in a scramjet combustion chamber which can hold air for a bit and acts like an atomizer. For increasing the combustion efficiency and burnout ratios, recirculation is maintained by using cavity and ramp angle techniques. In this paper, numerical analysis has been carried out for two dimensional non-reacting flows in the combustor of scramjet engine with tandem dual cavity that creates high turbulent kinetic energy for ensuring combustion stability. This work is an enlightened approach for predicting the flow phenomenon that induces re-circulations after implementing various tandem dual cavities with varying length to diameter ratio and ramp angle. These in turn overcome the low mixing rates due to compressibility effects at high convective Mach number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is one of the most important pulse crops but it's productivity in India is quite low. There are various reasons for low productivity. Weed control is the basic requirement and the major component of crop management. Weeds on an average reduce the crop yield by 40-87 per cent. Deciding time to control weeds requires detailed knowledge of the weed populations in the field. Different management practices like altering spacing, competitive cultivars, etc. can help in enhancing the productivity. With the world entering the precision-farming era, more emphasis is being put on the use of post-emergence herbicides. Application of two or more herbicide at the same time or as a double knockdown and integrating with hand-weeding provides desirable control of different weed species besides reducing the hazard of chemical weed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl iodide is an industrial chemical used in methylation for pharmaceutical intermediates. Its toxicity is a rare industrial hazard. Its toxicity is reported with both acute sudden exposure and gradual exposure. The authors report a case of methyl iodide toxicity occurring in a 47 year-old male with sudden exposure to this chemical. He presented with neuropsychiatric symptoms primarily slurring of speech, ataxia followed by delusion and hallucinations which resolved within 2 weeks with parenteral thiamine and an antipsychotic. Symptoms reappeared after a re-exposure, this time with more prominent psychiatric symptoms which were late to resolve (4 weeks) with similar treatment. Neuroimaging revealed hyperintensities in posterior regions of the brain which resolved after 4 weeks. The patient had prominent neurocognitive deficits which were persistent. The case highlights the rare chemical toxicity with neuropsychiatric manifestations with persistent neurocognitive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]