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Introduction: Sthaulyahara Ghana Vati (SHGV) is a polyherbal formulation, which is indicated in Sthualya (obesity) in Vaidhyasara sangraha. There are few clinical works carried out on this medicine, but no any researchers had evaluated this formulation for its quality control (QC) parameters. Pharmacopeia standards for this formulation are also not available till date. Aim: To evaluate SHGV through pharmacognostical, physiochemical parameters and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting. Materials and Methods: Preauthenticated raw drugs of SHGV were procured, and SHGV was prepared at pharmacy, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar. Organoleptic parameters and microscopic analysis of SHGV were carried out at the Pharmacognosy Department, ITRA, Jamnagar. Physiochemical analysis and HPTLC of SHGV were carried out at the Pharmaceutical Laboratory, ITRA, Jamnagar. Result: Microscopic features of SHGV were cross-checked with Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India standards of individual ingredients, and it was found to have characteristics of all ingredients in it. In pharmaceutical parameters, pH value was 6.0, water-soluble extract was 16.2% w/w, methanol-soluble extract was 14.9% w/w, ash value was 11.8% w/w, and loss on drying was 3.9% w/w. HPTLC at 254 and 366 nm showed six and three spots, respectively. Conclusion: This study has generated preliminary data on pharmacognostical, pharmaceutical parameters, and HPTLC. This fingerprinting can be useful for future researchers to reproduce this formulation and to establish QC parameter of SHGV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping offers greater scope to introduce new crops. Cultivation of crops with diverse root architecture and different durations enhances the productivity of scarce resources like land and water. This study aimed to determine the effect of intercrop competition and irrigation regimes on yield, competition, land usage, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and fatty acids of chia. The field experiment was conducted in semi-arid India during 2020–2022 with full (I100) and deficit irrigation (I50) and six intercrops. Results demonstrated that chia + fenugreek intercropping in I50 improved the crops' competitiveness, land equivalent ratio (LER) (1.77), land use efficiency (142.5%), and the IWUE of chia (23.2%). Notably, a chia + radish/spinach system in I50 reduced the seed yield (42.6–45.0%) of chia over I100 monocropping. A chia + fenugreek system in I50 resulted in a higher seed yield (196.2 kg ha−1) than chia monocropping in I100. Further, chia + fenugreek intercropping resulted in higher omega-3 content (56.68%) under I100. Therefore, a chia + fenugreek system under I100 may be suggested over monocropping for better yield and oil quality. However, during water scarcity situations, growers can adopt a chia + fenugreek system under I50 which can give a similar chia equivalent yield and a higher LER and IWUE compared to chia monocropping under I100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) is a clinically effective, concise, and user-friendly tool for assessing the functional impact of dysphagia in clinical populations. The present study aims to trans-adapt the DHI in the Telugu language and assesses its psychometric properties. The present study was conducted in two phases. The first phase includes translating and adapting the DHI tool into Telugu (T-DHI). The second phase includes an analysis of the psychometric properties of the trans-adapted Telugu version of the DHI. The DHI was translated into the Telugu language using the forward–backward translation method. The psychometric analysis was done on 100 participants. All the participants underwent a detailed clinical swallow examination after filling the T-DHI. The overall internal consistency and Guttmann split-half reliability for the Telugu version of the DHI were good. The correlation between the T-DHI subscales and the self-perceived severity of dysphagia was found to be high. The comparison of the T-DHI scores of the control and experimental groups revealed a significant difference. The T-DHI is a reliable and valid tool to assess the quality of life of the Telugu-speaking dysphagia population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital revolution in India has played a significant role transforming traditional organizations through adoption of mobile commerce (m-commerce) and transforming the way they do business. For the successful implementation of m-commerce, a thorough understanding of the stakeholder perspectives is always important. Hence, to summarize the issues and perspectives of the women fish vendors (WFVs) and to study the effect of crucial parameters on the implementation success of m-commerce a system dynamics (SD) approach was used. SD methodology is used to develop a simulation model to understand the m-commerce adoption rate amongst WFVs considering multiple scenarios. The research findings reveal that, word of mouth (WOM) and user experience plays a major role towards the adoption of m-commerce. However, the WFVs were sceptical about the capabilities of m-commerce and weren't well equipped with infrastructure. This approach will enable the academicians and social entrepreneurs to formulate strategies to empower WFVs by using technology. Also, it opens a new area of simulation-based policy modelling in the fisheries retail sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted at Cauvery wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka, India from 2015 to 2019. This study intended to understand the periodic events in biological life cycles concerning changes in the timings of seasonal events. It includes leafing, flowering, and fruiting patterns among the selected tree species of Terminalia chebula Retz., which is an important non-timber forest product (NTFPs) species in the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary. A total of 32 adult individual trees, from two transects at different places were selected and were observed at thirty days intervals. It was observed that there was a species-specific phenological relationship between the deciduous period and the initiation of seasonal rainfall and warm periods. Leaf maturity peak was in August. Leaf fall activity was in January before the arrival of an intense dry period. The reproductive phenology like flowering, fruiting, and fruit obsession was significantly varied across the different seasons among the observed tree species. The majority of tree species (56%) revealed synchronous flowering with Leaf flush activity. The results indicate that Leafing (58%) and flowering phenology (75%) occur during the dry period before the onset of first rains and fruiting, fruit fall timing was in consequence to utilize the growing season. Thus, species specificity was recorded concerning flowering and fruiting and was found to be with the seasonal rainfall distribution and in turn soil moisture availability in the study area. The results of the study would help in better management of fruiting tree species in natural forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity is a primary cause of the development of unattractive dark brown discoloration of wheat-based end products. The present study aims to evaluate a set of 41 diverse wheat genotypes grown at three different locations in India for grain phenol color reaction, PPO activity and molecular marker-based characterization of alleles of PPO genes. Relationships among these parameters were analyzed along with the effects of grain PPO activity on dough and chapati color at different time intervals. The mean PPO activity ranged from 7.42 to 27.57 min−1 g−1 10−3 among the genotypes and it showed a significant negative correlation with color brightness (L*) of dough rested for 0 min (r = -0.406), 15 min (r = -0.406), 2 h (r = -0.502) and 4 h (r = -0.551) and whole wheat flour-derived chapati rested for 2 h (r = -0.267) and 4 h (r = -0.424). The overall quality color score was negatively correlated with PPO activity (r = -0.863) and showed a positive correlation with both dough and chapati visual color measured at different time intervals. PPO activity in the genotypes carrying different alleles was found to be Ppo-A1a>Ppo-A1b; Ppo-B2d>Ppo-B2a; and Ppo-D1b>Ppo-D1a. The allelic constitution Ppo-A1bPpo-B2aPpo-D1a and Ppo-A1bPpo-B2dPpo-D1 was found to produce the lowest PPO activity, and thus these alleles are recommended to be used in marker assisted breeding for low PPO activity genotypes to minimize the discoloration of wheat-based end-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nation and nationalism are one of the most discussed terms in modern academics and popular media. India has embraced the people, practices, cuisines, customs, faiths, rituals, religions from different parts of the world. And it is an ever growing accommodative spirit of India and its nationalism. Not 'only, rather' but 'also' is the Indian approach. It has withstood cultural colonialism in one thousand years. The cantors of India have changed with time but have not given up on culture. There fore a serious study of Indian view of nationalism as expressed by its ancient seers and modern thinkers is the need of the hour. The paper has three sections: i. Definition of Cultural Nationalism in Indian approach; ii. Some main concepts of Indian Cultural Nationalism and iii. Indian Cultural Nationalism in the contemporary time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Byttneria herbacea Roxb., an extrapharmacopoeial plant of Ayurveda, locally known as Samarakhai by tribal people of Odisha, belongs to the family Sterculiaceae. The roots of B. herbacea is traditionally claimed to be used in the management of wounds, fractures, swellings, gynecological disorders, diarrhea, cuts, ulcers, and others. Although the plant is used traditionally, for its pharmacognostical characteristics, no proper scientific evaluation has been reported. AIMS: To establish and standardize the root of the plant for its microscopical and physicochemical characteristics along with different qualitative tests and to assess heavy metals, aflatoxins, and insecticide and pesticide residue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After proper authentication, the roots were exposed to macroscopy, microscopy and physicochemical, qualitative and high-performance thin-layer chromatography study as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Heavy metal analysis, aflatoxin analysis, and insecticide and pesticide residue analysis of the root were carried out following the standard methods. RESULTS: Microscopic study, through transverse section of root shows outer multilayered elongated compactly arranged cork cells, multiseriate medullary rays embedded with brown content, starch grains and prismatic crystals, centrally located vascular bundle consist of xylem and phloem. Physicochemical parameters showed that water-soluble extractive value (11.995%) was more than that of methanol-soluble extractive (5.936%). Chromatography study exhibited 8 peaks at 254 nm and 4 peaks at 366 nm. Heavy metals and aflatoxins B2, G1, and G2 were found in the prescribed limit, whereas aflatoxin B1 was above the limit of quantification. Insecticide and pesticide residues were not detected in the sample. CONCLUSION: Typical microscopical characteristics are multiseriate medullary rays, tannin contents, and prismatic crystals. Heavy metals and aflatoxins B2, G1, and G2 were found below the limit of quantification. The findings of the study may be helpful to identify, standardize, and for quality assessment of root of B. herbacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bhui dumri one of the folklore plants of Odisha, is identified as Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.(Syn. Ficus cunia Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.) of family Moraceae. The leaves of the plant are used, by the traditional healers, in the treatment of jaundice, stomach disorders, wound healing, scabies, leprosy, indigestion, liver ailment and skin diseases. Pharmacognostical characters of the leaves, for its identification have not been reported yet. Present research article explore its macroscopic, microscopic including powder microscopy, physiochemical, preliminary phytochemical and molecular identification. Materials and Methods: Identified and authenticated plant parts were collected from Gandhamardana hills Paikamal - Odisha. Pharmacognostical study, physicochemical and phytoconstituent study was performed following standard procedures, recommended by Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India. Further, molecular identification is performed using chloroplast based ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) gene PCR amplification and its sequencing. The sequence derived was compared in NCBI, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) for confirmation of highly similar sequences. Results: F. semicordata, usually evergreen, is small or moderate-sized tree, of irregular habit. Leaves are alternate, simple, base obliquely semi-sagittate, one side with a large 3-4 lobe, the other cuneate or with a small 1 -2 lobe. Surface study reveals stomatal index to be 26.89. Leaf powder brownish in colour; slightly aromatic odour; astringent and fibrous. Loss on drying was found to be 12.26% at 1 10°C. Typical microscopical characteristic are presence of unicellular simple and warty trichomes in the outer epidermal cells of the petiole. HPTLC results shows 3 peaks and 2 peaks at 254 and 366 nm. The sequences derived from F. semicordata is 100% similar with the accession number JQ773762.1 Discussion and Conclusion: Primary lobes in leaf 9-14, base obliquely semi-sagittate are the key field identification character of the plant. In addition, molecular analysis confirms its identification as F. semicordata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schizophrenia is a life-shortening disease. Although the rate of mortality of persons with schizophrenia in India is established to be more compared to that in the general population, there is a little exploration of the causes for the same. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the causes of death in two rural cohorts of schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: In-person interviews of primary caregivers of 53 deceased persons with schizophrenia were conducted using the World Health Organization's verbal autopsy 2014 instrument. Physician-based method was used to determine the causes of death. Results: Average age of 53 deceased schizophrenia patients was 50.45 ± 13.65 years with almost equal gender ratio. Just more than two-thirds of patients were married, just more than one-third are educated up to primary school and also had no formal education each. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were the most common causes of death (30, 56.6%) in this sample, followed by communicable disease (7, 13.2%), and then unnatural deaths (suicide – 8, 15%, and road traffic accidents – 3, 5.6%). Conclusions: It is the first study in India to explore the causes of death in schizophrenia. NCDs being the most common cause of death in schizophrenia suggests to the need of integration of schizophrenia care into general health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nocardiosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by an aerobic actinomycete, producing either local or disseminated disease. It is a systemic infection that usually begins in the lungs and has high predilection for brain, skin and subcutaneous tissues. It commonly affects solid organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive drugs. The incidence of nocardiosis in solid organ transplant recipients is about 0.6%. In India, nocardiosis was reported in 1.4% of renal transplant recipients. We report a case of pulmonary nocardiosis in a postrenal transplant recipient. Patient presented with features suggestive of pneumonia not responding to antibiotics. Initial sputum gram stain and AFB was negative. Chest radiograph showed right parahilar non-homogenous opacity, and CT chest revealed right parahilar, and subcarinal adenopathy. Bronchoscopy was done which showed purulent secretion from right 6th bronchial segment and AFB stain of broncho alveolar lavage fluid, showed weak acid fast filamentous bacteria, suggestive of nocardiosis. Patient was treated with antibiotics imipenem and co-trimoxazole. Patient responded well to treatment and pneumonia was resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Udupi jasmine cultivation plays an important role towards economic and social growth for the jasmine growing community-based enterprise of coastal Karnataka, India. It helps in promoting rural livelihoods, food security and poverty reduction. Due to the significant socio-economic impact of jasmine cultivation, the promotion and marketing of jasmine is inevitable for the sustenance of this community-based enterprise This study aims in developing an e-commerce framework for strategic marketing and promotion of Udupi jasmine. Study found that the benefits of e-business was nowhere applied in the existing system. As Udupi jasmine is a unique crop with a geographical indication tag (GI), regular agricultural framework cannot not be directly used. The research intents to persuade utilization of customized e-commerce framework for jasmine considering the existing crude system. This will reinforce the socio-economic growth of this communitybased enterprise as there will be a well-organized circulation of agricultural products on a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kshara is derived from the word "Ksharana" that means as something that mobilizes and removes the deformed flesh, skin, tissue, etc., due to its corrosive nature (Ksharanata). Pratisarniya Kshara has been further classified into three types on the basis of its potency – Mridu (mild), Madhyama (moderate) and Tikshna (strong). This study aims at comparison between (Mridu and Tikshna) Apamarga Kshara on the basis of pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical evaluation. Materials and Methods: Apamarga Panchanga (whole plant of Achyranthes aspera Linn.) was collected, and authentication was done by the expert. Mridu Apamarga Kshara (MAK) andTikshna Apamarga Kshara (TAK) were prepared as proposed by Sushruta Samhita. Pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analyses were carried out according to standard protocol. Observation and Results: Both the Kshara showed their own peculiar crystal system and analytical findings showed higher pH value (10.65) and calcium content (6.1%) in TAK as compared to MAK. Discussion: Quantitative micrometric microscopy showed more amount of crystals in TAK (13/mm2) than MAK (6/mm2), which may be due to Kapardika and Chitrakamoola (roots of Plumbago zeylenica Linn.). pH of MAK and TAK was 10.2 and 10.65, respectively. This result showed that TAK is more alkaline, which may be also due to Kapardika and Chitrakamoola. Conclusion: Sodium and potassium ion concentration was higher in MAK (Na+ = 26%, K+ = 45%) as compared to TAK (Na+ = 12.6%, K+ = 32.5%). Calcium ion estimation was lower (2.31%) in MAK and higher (6.1%) in TAK. These findings can be further used for the standardization purpose of Tikshna Kshara which may enrich the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telosma pallida (L.) Kurz., is one of the traditional medicinal plants from Asclepiadaceae family. It is abundantly available in Gujarat, India during monsoon. It is a slender and deciduous climber used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases such as cough, cold, skin diseases etc., Aims: To study the leaves of Telosma pallida (L.) Kurz. for detailed Pharmacognostic characters and Analytical Profile. Materials and Methods: In this work pharmacognostic, preliminary phytochemical screening, fluorescence analysis, and HPTLC profile of leaves were determined following standard procedures. Results: The leaves are simple, entire, opposite, cordate in shape, the upper surface is dark green and lower surface is light green in colour. The Transverse section of a leaf through petiole shows the presence of uniseriate multicellular warty trichomes and laticifer cells at the adjacent side of the phloem. Surface study shows paracytic and anomocytic type of stomata. Preliminary physicochemical analysis shows water soluble extractive value as 28.44 ± 2.89% w/w and alcohol soluble extractive value as 14.60 ± 0.79% w/w. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of extracts shows the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and flavonoids. Conclusion: The information obtained from this research work may be useful to establish the botanical as well as analytical standards for the leaves of T. pallida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed at finding the use of e-resources by the research scholars and faculty including guest faculty in the University of Mysore. 110 questionnaires distributed randomly and 82 filled-in questionnaires were received back with a moderate response rate 90%. The results show that e-resources are most important for scientific communication and research work. The library should also conduct brain storming workshop to help adapt to the new technology that often gets outdated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nelsonia canescens (Acanthaceae), commonly used in name of 'Rasna (Bodo Rasna)' in Orissa, its root is being recommended in cases of pain and inflammation. Ethnic people use this plant very commonly. Review of the literature did not reveal much work on this plant, but ethnomedically root is said to be good anti inflammatory properties. Hence, it was thought worth to study the root of this plant. Method: The present investigation deals with macroscopic, microscopic study of the Nelsonia canescens root including its powder characteristics following standard procedures. Results: Chief microscopical characters include parenchymatous cortical zone, inner wall of the cell get detached and embedded in different form in cell cavities, medullary rays arising from the primary bundles, uni to tri seriate and getting wider towards periphery. Conclusion: Such a study would serve as a useful gauge in standardization of the root material and ensuring quality of the formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayurveda is literally known as science of life. Several number of medicines are explained in Ayurveda to cure the diseases. Sharangadhara in Madhyama Khanda, 9th chapter, 174th Shloka explained the preparation of Kshara Taila, which is indicated in Karna rogas like Puya Srava, Karna Nada, Karna Shoola, Badhirya, Krimi Karna and other diseases of ear and mouth also. On the other hand Apamarga Kshara is well known drug for treating the Arsha. An innovative thought to treat Arsha with a simple procedure like Basti made to combine the Apamarga Kshara in the preparation of Kshara Taila. Before clinical study the pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analysis of the drug was done. The presence of starch grains, trichome, lignified parenchyma, prismatic crystals, stone cells and oleo resin increases the absorption of mucosa. Refractive index of Apamarga Kshara Taila was found 147.45 at 40°C, specific gravity 0.9236 at 25°C, iodine value 67.59, saponification value 105.04 and the pH value of Apamarga Kshara Taila found 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of root and stem of Cissus rependa Vahl.(Vitaceae), a folklore medicinal plant of Gandhamardana hill ranges of Orissa, was carried out on albino rats and mice at the dose of 180 mg/kg and 260 mg/ kg respectively. The effect on inflammation was studied on carrageenan and formalin induced paw oedema models and compared with phenylbutazone and diclofenac sodium standards respectively. Analgesic activity was evaluated in formalin induced paw licking and tail flick method where indomethacin and pentazocine were used as standard drugs respectively. The C. rependa root (CRR) significantly inhibited carrageenan induced paw oedema, formalin induced paw licking and prolonged tail flick response, however it was failed to suppress the formalin induced paw oedema, whereas C. rependa stem (CRS) significantly inhibited carrageenan induced paw oedema and formalin induced paw oedema at 24h, however it failed to inhibit formalin induced pain response. Further, CRS prolonged tail flick response significantly only at 180minutes. The results suggest that the root of C rependa has significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential as reflected by the parameters investigated, while stem has weak anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Thus it can be concluded that roots of C rependa have significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity and can be preferred in the treatment of pain and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cissus repanda Vahl. (Syn. C.rosea, Vitis repanda and V. rosea). Family Vitaceae, commonly known as 'Panivel' in Hindi, is a folklore medicinal herb, reputed for the healing properties of its roots and stem. The trible people and Traditional practitioners of Orissa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka Dist. are found to be prescribing the root powder of this plant in case of bone fractures, cuts, boils and wounds. As yet the roots of plant has not found to be reported and hence the Roots of this plant was investigated thoroughly as per the pharmacopoeial parameters. Physicochemical parameters shows high value of acid insoluble ash indicating high polarity, preliminary phytochemical investigations shows the presence of alkaloid, tannin, mucilage and calcium salts. The microscopic characters of root shows Mucilage, rosette and acicular crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains, tannin Stealar region shows fibres, scalariform vessels and pitted parenchyma and multiseriate medullary rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Piriformis, is a key muscle in the gluteal region. Under its lower border sciatic nerve and inferior gluteal nerves exit. During routine educational dissection of the lower limb, bilateral gluteal regions in fifteen cadavers (30 gluteal regions) focusing on the variations of inferior gluteal nerve and sciatic nerve with respect to piriformis muscle were observed in the department of anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. In one of the left sided specimens, inferior gluteal nerve had an abnormal course, piercing superior belly of piriformis muscle instead of emerging through the lower border of it along with variation of the sciatic nerve. The common peroneal component of the sciatic nerve was coming out between the two anomalous tendinous slips of the piriformis muscle, whereas the tibial component, emerged along lower border of the piriformis muscle bilaterally in the same cadaver. In the remaining cadavers, there were no variations of the inferior gluteal nerve with respect to the piriformis muscle. But in another cadaver, there was a similar variation of the sciatic nerve bilaterally. Inferior gluteal and sciatic nerves, when compressed by muscle belly or tendinous slips of the piriformis muscle, may cause lurching gait and sciatica respectively. Knowledge of the different variations of these peripheral nerves with respect to the piriformis muscle is important to clinicians and surgeons for the accurate diagnosis and intervention.

Object: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common congenital malformations worldwide. Their etiology and exact mechanisms of development are incompletely understood. Many enzymes involved in folate metabolism and the genes encoding these enzymes have been studied as candidates in their etiology. A mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene--a C-->T transition at nucleotide 677--is one among them. The mutation results in substitution of alanine by valine at a functionally important site in the enzyme. It has been shown to be a risk factor for development of NTDs in certain populations. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of MTHFR 677 C-->T mutation as a risk factor for NTD in the South Indian population and to determine the relative importance of the genotypes in the affected child and its mother., Methods: Blood samples were collected from the test and the control groups. The test group consisted of children with NTDs and their mothers, while the control group consisted of apparently healthy controls. MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the 3 groups was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism studies. Comparison of polymorphism in the 3 groups was using the chi-square test., Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of MTHFR 677 C-->T mutation among the 3 groups (p = 0.002). The risk conferred by the TT genotype in the child was statistically significant (OR 12.625, 95% CI 1.430-111.465). In the mothers, however, although there was an increased prevalence of the mutation compared with the control individuals, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.152)., Conclusions: The MTHFR 677TT genotype is considered to be a definite risk factor for development of NTDs. It is the TT genotype status of the developing embryo, rather than the TT genotype status of its mother, that is the critical genetic determinant of MTHFR-related NTD risk.