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Introduction: Volume Controlled Ventilation (VCV) is traditionally used during One Lung Ventilation (OLV); however, it is associated with complications such as volutrauma and barotrauma. On the other hand, Pressure Controlled Ventilation (PCV) allows the delivery of a required tidal volume at lower airway pressures, leading to enhanced oxygenation and ventilation. Aim: To compare VCV and PCV modes for OLV in patients undergoing surgery for empyema thoracis. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted among 50 patients requiring OLV. The participants were divided into two groups, namely Group-V and Group-P, with each group receiving VCV and PCV, respectively. The two groups were compared based on the partial pressure of oxygen (during the intraoperative and post-operative period), peak and plateau airway pressures, lung compliance, and complications. The groups were analysed using the Chi-square test, and the threshold of statistical significance was set at a p-value

The knowledge of different anatomic venous variants of central vessels is essential to improve the safety of procedures like central venous access and tunneled central catheter (TCC) placement. Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is an uncommon variant seen in 0.5 to 2% of common population, in 80 to 90% of which PLSVC commonly drains into the right atrium (RA) via the coronary sinus. We describe a rare case of PLSVC draining into RA through common channel with suprahepatic inferior vena cava, encountered while placing TCC into left internal jugular vein. This report highlights the radiological findings and the implications of this anatomic anomaly.

Introduction: Breast carcinoma has become a major public health problem among both urban and rural populations in India. The management of breast carcinoma depends on hormone receptor status and the pathological properties of the tissue, which serve as important prognostic markers. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinicopathological parameters and receptor status in breast cancer patients in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study involved 51 patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy for breast carcinoma at the Department of General Surgery, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. The study was conducted over a period of two years and seven months, from May 2018 to December 2020. Various parameters such as age, side and quadrant of breast involvement, TNM stage, histological grade, receptor status, molecular subtypes, and axillary lymph node status were evaluated. The data was tabulated using Microsoft Excel 2007. The distribution of various receptors in tumour specimens was compared with clinicopathological variables and expressed as percentages. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 52.54±13.24 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:98. In this study, the majority of females (62.74%) belonged to the age group of 40 to 60 years. Left breast carcinoma showed a slightly higher prevalence (52.94%) than right breast carcinoma (47.05%), and the upper outer quadrant was the most commonly involved (50.98%). Infiltrating ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified, was the most common histological type observed in all patients. The majority of patients (84.31%) had tumour sizes less than 5 cm. Grade-II tumours were the most frequent grade, observed in 34 cases (66.66%). Among the tumour stages, T2 stage accounted for the highest frequency (67%), followed by T3. The authors found that the highest frequency of tumours belonged to N0 stage (29.41%), followed by N1, N2, and N3, respectively. The corresponding rates of luminal A, luminal B, triple-negative, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER-2)/neu enriched subtypes were 5 (14.7%), 3 (8.82%), 11 (32.5%), and 3 (8.82%), respectively. The cases negative for Oestrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) were found to have high-grade disease on histological evaluation. Conclusion: The higher percentage of Grade-II and III tumours observed in this study highlights the need to increase health awareness in this area in order to decrease morbidity and mortality. The study recommends that Immunohistochemistry (IHC) classification serves as an important prognostic factor in breast cancer patients.

In India, spot blotch disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is one of the major constraints in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production. The present study was carried out during 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi to identify promising biocontrol agents, which can act as eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals against Bipolaris sorokiniana inciting spot blotch on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In this study, 18 isolates of Trichoderma asperellum, 15 isolates of Trichoderma harzianum and 5 bacterial species were tested against B. sorokiniana under in vitro and in planta conditions. In the dual culture assays, Trichoderma asperellum 8686 and Trichoderma asperellum 8687 showed significantly highest per cent disease inhibition of 71.73% and 71.37% respectively. Among bacterial strains, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed significantly good per cent disease inhibition of 64.09% and 57.09% respectively. B. subtilis and Pantoea spp. did not show any pathogen inhibition. In addition, the superior bioagents were also screened out. In the studies on in planta assays, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (per cent disease control-55.19%) was found most effective for seed treatment against B. sorokiniana. Post-inoculation with biocontrol agents revealed that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was at par with Trichoderma asperellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens against B. sorokiniana. Additionally, a combination of seed treatment, pre and post-inoculation treatment of biocontrol agents revealed that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Trichoderma asperellum 8686 were at par with Trichoderma harzianum (Pusa Th3) against B. sorokiniana. Overall, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was more effective and consistent to manage spot blotch disease.

Mango is a commercial fruit crop of India that suffers huge postharvest losses every year. The application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) bears a vast potential for managing the same, which is yet to be exploited to its fullest extent. Hence, studies were conducted for BCAs application of Debaryomyces hansenii, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens strains on mango fruit under in-vitro, in-vivo conditions to know the efficacy of these BCAs on the postharvest pathogen, shelf life and quality retention of mango fruit. The ‘poisoned food technique’ was attempted for in-vitro studies. For the in-vivo studies, fruit of the commercial cultivar ‘Amrapali’ were un-inoculated and pre-inoculated with major postharvest pathogens (anthracnose: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and stem-end rot: Botryodiplodia theobromae) were treated with BCA, followed by ambient storage at (24 ± 4 °C, 75 ± 5 % RH). From the results, it has been observed that under in vitro studies, BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) and Bacillus subtilis (Strain: BJ0011) at the treatment level 108 CFU mL−1 while, the Pseudomonas fluorescens at 109 CFU mL−1 (Strain: BE0001) were significantly effective for pathogen inhibition. However, under the in vivo studies, the BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) at 108 CFU mL−1 treatment level was found to significantly reduce the pathogen's decay incidence while positively influencing the shelf life and biochemical (quality) attributes. This treatment increased the storage life of mango fruit by more than three days over control fruit. Therefore, BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) at 108 CFU mL−1 can be used to control the postharvest pathological loss of mango fruit without affecting its internal quality.

Spot blotch disease incited by Bipolaris sorokiniana severely affects the cultivation of barley. The resistance to B. sorokiniana is quantitative in nature and its interaction with the host is highly complex which necessitates in-depth molecular analysis. Thus, the study aimed to conduct the transcriptome analysis to decipher the mechanisms and pathways involved in interactions between barley and B. sorokiniana in both the resistant (EC0328964) and susceptible (EC0578292) genotypes using the RNA Seq approach. In the resistant genotype, 6,283 genes of Hordeum vulgare were differentially expressed out of which 5,567 genes were upregulated and 716 genes were downregulated. 1,158 genes of Hordeum vulgare were differentially expressed in the susceptible genotype, out of which 654 genes were upregulated and 504 genes were downregulated. Several defense-related genes like resistant gene analogs (RGAs), disease resistance protein RPM1, pathogenesis-related protein PRB1-2-like, pathogenesis-related protein 1, thaumatin-like protein PWIR2 and defensin Tm-AMP-D1.2 were highly expressed exclusively in resistant genotype only. The pathways involved in the metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were the most prominently represented pathways in both the resistant and susceptible genotypes. However, pathways involved in MAPK signaling, plant-pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction were highly enriched in resistant genotype. Further, a higher number of pathogenicity genes of B. sorokiniana was found in response to the susceptible genotype. The pathways encoding for metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, ABC transporters, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis were highly expressed in susceptible genotype in response to the pathogen. 14 and 11 genes of B. sorokiniana were identified as candidate effectors from susceptible and resistant host backgrounds, respectively. This investigation will offer valuable insights in unraveling the complex mechanisms involved in barley- B. sorokiniana interaction.

Bakanae disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi is emerging in India. In this work, fungicides and biocontrol agents were evaluated as seed, seedling treatment, and foliar spray(s) against bakanae disease in rice under field conditions. Carbendazim (50% WP) was found to be the most effective fungicide for seed and seedling root dip treatments. Soil drenching with 0.25% carbendazim (50% WP) 5 days before transplanting of seedlings was effective for large scale treatments. Foliar spray of 0.1% tebuconazole 50%+ trifloxystrobin 25% w/w (75 WG) significantly reduced the percentage of infected seeds (7.17%) compared with the control (32.50%). The minimum disease incidence (31%) was observed when seeds were treated with Talaromyces flavus. Individual treatments were integrated in the form of six management modules and evaluated under the field conditions of New Delhi (India) and Pusa Bihar (India) with the susceptible cultivars ‘Pusa Basmati 1121’ and ‘Pusa 1176’. Bakanae disease incidence was lower in the modules tested compared with the inoculated control or the individual treatment. The most favorable results at two locations achieved the lowest disease incidence of 7% and 2.41%.

Background: Cirrhosis is associated with numerous cardiac abnormalities, which include increased cardiac output, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, increased wall thickness of cardiac chambers, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Without further identified cardiac disorders, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a chronic cardiac dysfunction with an impaired contractile reaction to stress stimuli, impeded diastolic relaxation, and electrophysiological anomalies with a prolonged QT interval. In chronic hepatic disease, echocardiography is a non-invasive method for detecting CCM. Aims and Objectives: The focus was to examine the link between cardiac dysfunction and conduction disturbances in cirrhosis individuals and the extent of the disorder. Materials and Methods: A case–control investigation was conducted at a Medical College. The research involved a cohort of 50 patients and an equal number of 50 healthy controls. The Child-Pugh (CP) Score was utilized to evaluate the degree of liver cirrhosis severity. Bazett’s formula was utilized to compute the QTc interval. The 2D echocardiography revealed the presence of diastolic dysfunction, as evidenced by the E/A ratio. Results: Of 50 patients, 37 (74%) were male, 13 (26%) were female, and the mean age of the patients was 51.76±9.89 years. The E/A ratio in the control group had a mean value of 1.10±0.19, whereas in the cases, it had a mean value of 0.94±0.20. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the control and cases, with a P-value of less than 0.0001. QTc interval between control with a mean value of 382.9±47.34 ms and cases with a mean value of 431.6±62.84 ms was found statistically significant with P

Background: Ductal lavage (DL) involves cannulating the nipple aspirate fluid (NAF)-producing ducts with a microcatheter and lavaging with saline to retrieve cells for cytological and molecular analysis. This method improves upon NAF and fine-needle aspiration and can provide important data on cellular yield and molecular markers in DL fluid. Aims and Objectives: This aimed to study the cytology of DL in women at risk of/clinicoradiological possibility of breast carcinoma and to correlate the cytology of DL with Gail risk score and with histopathology (wherever available). Materials and Methods: The present study, conducted at Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, between 2012 and 2014, examined 36 patients with nipple discharge. Nipple aspiration and DL were performed, and the results were analyzed and compared. The present study also looked at the correlation between DL results and the patient’s Gail score and correlated histopathology with DL cytology. Results: The present study enrolled 36 women and studied 50 ducts from 46 breasts. Nipple fluid was aspirated from 34 patients, with inadequate cellular material for diagnosis in 24 breasts, benign in 18, atypia in 2, and no malignancy found. The correlation of DL with Gail score was statistically significant, as was the correlation between epithelial cells in DL and NAF samples. The correlation between DL and histopathological findings was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: DL samples may miss atypical cells, and have higher epithelial cell count than NAF. Higher Gail score correlates with mild atypical cells in DL (P=0.003).

Virtual Machine (VM) migration has become quite prevalent in cloud computing. Numerous VM migration-oriented techniques are required for efficient VM allocation but continue to struggle due to incorrect energy usage in the cloud model. Bio-inspired R&D-WOA (Re-initialization and Decomposition-Whale Optimization Algorithm) is proposed by integrating WOA with NSGA-II algorithm to discover Pareto-optimal solutions. The proposed algorithm optimizes the allocation of the task to VM which diminishes the number of VM migrations, thereby lowering the migration cost and energy consumption. The efficiency of the Bio-inspired R&D-WOA is 67%, 7%, 1%, and 1.98% improved than the performance of existing WOA with regard to load, migration cost, energy utilized, and resource abundance respectively. At a similar level of load, it provided 24.80% efficiency in energy, 31.77% reduction in migration cost with maximal resource availability of 0.9917 compared to the ChicWhale algorithm.

Abstract Background In the protected cultivation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop, the severity of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, incidence is alarming nowadays. To combat this, growers usually prefer using synthetic chemical pesticides, which in turn results in harming non-target beneficial microbes present in the soil micro-flora and indirectly toxic to human health. Therefore, attempts were made to find out the nematicidal potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) against M. incognita, which could be used as an alternative solution to manage M. incognita incidence under protected cultivation. Results Nematicidal potential of three PGPR isolates and their consortium against M. incognita under laboratory, pots, and field experiments was studied. Juvenile mortality of 91.67% was recorded at 100% consortium, followed by 73.33–81.33% by individual isolates. Similarly, hatching inhibition of 84.26% was recorded at 100% PGPR consortium followed by 78.48–83.21% in individual isolates after 96 h. of incubation. In the pots’ study, soil drenched with PGPR isolates consortium, followed by Bacillus subtilis DTBS 5, Pantoea agglomerans, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSBA 11 recorded significant reductions in the nematode incidence. Whereas in the field study, PGPR isolates applied as soil drenching also significantly reduced nematode’s incidence in consortium, followed by B. subtilis DTBS 5 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSBA 11-treated soil in both field experiments. On an average, the plant growth promotion and fruit yield were enhanced than untreated control and PGPR isolates applied as soil drenching gave a significant result than bare root dip treatment. Conclusions PGPR isolates, B. amyloliquefaciens DSBA 11, B. subtilis DTBS 5, and P. agglomerans, were found to be effective against M. incognita. This finding can be incorporated into the nematode management strategy in tomato crop grown under protected cultivation. Further to enhance the biocontrol efficacy of these PGPR isolates, suitable formulations of either individual or consortium need to be done.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are popular in the aerospace and automotive sector owing to their light-weight aspects. Amongst various Mg alloys, AZ91 alloy behaviour under machining has been trending and needs to be completely explored. The selection of optimal machining parameters is an important decision making process to achieve highest quality along with reduced cost and time. In this regard, this article describes experimental investigations to evaluate the performance of face milling operations on the surface characteristics of AZ91 magnesium alloy. The experiments were carried out with uncoated and PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coated carbide inserts at three levels of cutting speed (500, 700 and 900 m/min), feed rate (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mm/teeth) and depth of cut (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm) under dry machining conditions. Major surface integrity indicators, such as roughness, hardness, residual stresses and microstructure are analysed. Chip morphology is also analysed and the correlation between chips and machined surface roughness is established. Face milling operation significantly improved surface roughness and microhardness of this alloy. Roughness improvement up to 85% (0.067 μm) and hardness improvement up to 33% (91.8 HV) is observed from the use of uncoated carbide inserts. Whereas, from PVD coated inserts, roughness improvement up to 81% (0.083 μm) and hardness improvement up to 60% (111.2 HV) is achieved. A similarity in behaviour between the two types of insert conditions are observed with increase in roughness from feed increase and decrease in hardness from cutting speed increase. Microstructural analysis showed PVD coated insert conditions producing surface with no defects, when compared to the crack observed in the surface from the use of uncoated carbide inserts. Marginally higher compressive residual stresses are detected at the surfaces from use of the uncoated inserts. Overall, due to no surface defect and the significant improvement in hardness and roughness from the PVD coated inserts, they are recommended for use in face milling operation for the cutting conditions investigated in this study.

Background Acute pancreatitis is a reversible inflammation of the pancreatic parenchyma. Enlargement of the pancreas is often envisaged in such conditions. This study evaluates P/V ratio, as a marker to decide pancreatic enlargement in disease condition. Purpose The aim of this study was to develop imaging-based diagnostic criterion for acute pancreatitis in children based on P/V ratio. Material and Methods This study included 37 children with acute pancreatitis and 283 children asymptomatic for pancreatic disorders, from a single hospital center. The age of children ranged between 2 and 18 years. P/V ratio, which is the ratio of greatest anteroposterior dimension of the head, body, and tail of the pancreas relative to the transverse lumbar vertebral body, was obtained for each child through ultrasonographic examination. Age-adjusted receiver operating characteristics (AROC) analysis was performed on P/V ratio at presentation for each pancreatic region, and the sensitivity at 90% specificity, the threshold errors, and the corresponding cutoffs were obtained. The enlargement assessment was also done after clinical recovery by referring to the cutoffs of respective regions. Results AROC analysis for males and females resulted into a maximum sensitivity of 83.33 and 81.67%, respectively, at 90% specificity for head. The error thresholds for both the groups were same, i.e., 0.098, indicating that 90% of the observations had errors less than the threshold. The corresponding P/V ratio cutoff for males and females was 0.43 and 0.42, respectively. Conclusion Radiologists and clinicians can refer a cutoff value of 0.4 for each region, along with hypoechogenicity, to decide about enlargement of the pancreas in acute pancreatitis condition.

Abstract Background Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee is the key pest of brinjal that causes a significant yield loss. Farmers spray wide range of insecticides right from vegetative stage till last harvesting stage to protect the crop from the notorious BSFB, which leads to pesticide residue and insecticide resistance problems. To overcome this, now focus has shifted to bio pesticides but their commercial application is limited due to their susceptibility to abiotic factors. To overcome these bottlenecks, a hidden ecological role played by entomopathogenic bacteria as endophytes was sought. The control of pests by establishment of potential entomopathogenic bacteria as an endophyte is an alternative method of pest management that may contribute to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. Results Present study describes the colonization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged potential native Bacillus thuringiensis strain VKK-BB2 (BtVKK-BB2) in brinjal plants. Seeds and seedlings of brinjal were inoculated with gfp-tagged BtVKK-BB2 cells through seed treatment, soil drenching and foliar spray. After inoculation gfp-tagged bacterium could be re-isolated from all parts of the plant. Presence of bacteria within the leaves was confirmed by amplification of gfp and cry gene in the re-isolated Bt colonies from brinjal leaves and shoot. Leaves taken from the BtVKK-BB2 colonized plants were able to cause mortality when fed to neonates of Leucinodes orbonalis. Conclusions Establishment of native Bt strain as endophytes in plants, accompanied by the production of Cry proteins opens new horizons for the development of a novel pest-resistant crops which could be an alternative to Bt transgenic crops. However, inoculation of Bt through seed and foliar spray has to be further explored against larval herbivores especially internal borers to enhance its biocontrol potential through endophytic mediation which may open a novel set of strategies to control the insect pests in a sustainable way. Graphical Abstract

Agricultural productivity is the asset on which the world’s economy thoroughly relies. This is one of the major causes that disease identification in fruits and plants occupies a salient role in farming space, as having disease disorders in them is obvious. There is a need to carry genuine supervision to avoid crucial consequences in vegetation; otherwise, corresponding vegetation standards, quantity, and productiveness gets affected. At present, a recognition system is required in the food handling industries to uplift the effectiveness of productivity to cope with demand in the community. The study has been carried out to perform a systematic literature review of research papers that deployed machine learning (ML) techniques in agriculture, applicable to the banana plant and fruit production. Thus; it could help upcoming researchers in their endeavors to identify the level and kind of research done so far. The authors investigated the problems related to banana crops such as disease classification, chilling injuries detection, ripeness, moisture content, etc. Moreover, the authors have also reviewed the deployed frameworks based on ML, sources of data collection, and the comprehensive results achieved for each study. Furthermore, ML architectures/techniques were evaluated using a range of performance measures. It has been observed that some studies used the PlantVillage dataset, a few have used Godliver and Scotnelson dataset, and the rest were based on either real-field image acquisition or on limited private datasets. Hence, more datasets are needed to be acquired to enhance the disease identification process and to handle the other kind of problems (e.g. chilling injuries detection, ripeness, etc.) present in the crops. Furthermore, the authors have also carried out a comparison of popular ML techniques like support vector machines, convolutional neural networks, regression, etc. to make differences in their performance. In this study, several research gaps are addressed, allowing for increased transparency in identifying different diseases even before symptoms arise and also for monitoring the above-mentioned problems related to crops.

Abstract Background In 2018, 875 000 under-five children died in India with children from poor families and rural communities disproportionately affected. Community health centres are positioned to improve access to quality child health services but capacity is often low and the systems for improvements are weak. Methods Secondary analysis of child health program data from the Uttar Pradesh Technical Support Unit was used to delineate how program activities were temporally related to public facility readiness to provide child health services including inpatient admissions. Fifteen community health centres were mapped regarding capacity to provide child health services in July 2015. Mapped domains included human resources and training, infrastructure, equipment, drugs/supplies and child health services. Results were disseminated to district health managers. Six months following dissemination, Clinical Support Officers began regular supportive supervision and gaps were discussed monthly with health managers. Senior pediatric residents mentored medical officers over a three-month period. Improvements were assessed using a composite score of facility readiness for child health services in July 2016. Usage of outpatient and inpatient services by under-five children was also assessed. Results The median essential composition score increased from 0.59 to 0.78 between July 2015 and July 2016 (maximum score of 1) and the median desirable composite increased from 0.44 to 0.58. The components contributing most to the change were equipment, drugs and supplies and service provision. Scores for trained human resources and infrastructure did not change between assessments. The number of facilities providing some admission services for sick children increased from 1 in July 2015 to 9 in October 2016. Conclusions Facility readiness for the provision of child health services in Uttar Pradesh was improved with relatively low inputs and targeted assessment. However, these improvements were only translated into admissions for sick children when clinical mentoring was included in the support provided to facilities.

The presence of tree-in-bud (T-I-B) pulmonary opacities on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in tuberculosis endemic areas is frequently regarded as a sine qua non for endobronchial tuberculosis (TB). That is not always the case, however. They can also be found in immunocompromised non-neutropenic patients with airway invasive aspergillosis (IA). Understanding the differences between the two conditions is thus critical for making an accurate diagnosis. This research aims to pinpoint those distinguishing characteristics. The study defines the distribution and morphology of T-I-B opacities and other ancillary pulmonary findings in the two conditions by performing a retrospective analysis of HRCT features in 53 immunocompromised patients with lower respiratory tract symptoms, 38 of whom were positive for TB on BAL fluid analysis and 15 confirmed IA by Galactomannan method. While the global distribution of T-I-B opacities affecting all lobes favoured TB (p=0.002), the basal distribution overwhelmingly favoured IA (p

Bacterial wilt disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), incited by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith), is a serious agricultural problem in India. In this investigation, chemical mutagenic agents (NTG and HNO2 treatment) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation have been used to enhance the antagonistic property of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSBA-11 against R. solanacearum UTT-25 towards an effective management of tomato wilt disease. The investigation established the fact that maximum inhibition to R. solanacearum UTT-25 was exerted by the derivative strain MHNO2-20 treated with nitrous acid (HNO2) and then by the derivative strain MNTG-21 treated with NTG. The exertion was significantly higher than that of the parent B. amyloliquefaciens DSBA-11. These two potential derivatives viz. MNTG-21, MHNO2-20 along with MUV-19, and a wild derivative strain of B. amyloliquefaciens i.e.,DSBA-11 were selected for GC/MS analysis. Through this analysis 18 major compounds were detected. Among the compounds thus detected, the compound 3-isobutyl hexahydropyrrolo (1,2), pyrazine-1,4-dione (4.67%) was at maximum proportion in the variant MHNO2-20 at higher retention time (RT) of 43.19 s. Bio-efficacy assessment observed a record of minimum intensity (9.28%) in wilt disease and the highest bio-control (88.75%) in derivative strain MHNO2-20-treated plants after 30 days of inoculation. The derivative strain MHNO2-20, developed by treating B. amyloliquefaciens with nitrous acid (HNO2), was therefore found to have a higher bio-efficacy to control bacterial wilt disease of tomato under glasshouse conditions than a wild-type strain.

Out of 340 genotypes/varieties screened against black rot disease in rapeseed-Indian mustard under field conditions, 15 genotypes found resistant, viz. RTM 1624, RTM 1626, TM EPAU, DRMRAB-7-116, NPJ-177, LES-55, DRMRIJ 16-1, RH 1514, BASANTI, NDRS 1-2, TMR 14-1, TMR- 14-4, TMR 14-5, TMR 14-3, T 27, can be utilized as a donor for the development of black rot disease resistant varieties in crucifer crops. All genotypes of Eruca sativa were found resistant against black rot disease. Under in vitro conditions, streptocycline @200 ppm had maximum inhibition zone 3.8 cm diameter with 73.48% inhibition over control. In vivo, minimum disease severity 13.29% and 14.29%, lowest AUDPC 185.8% and 201.4% and highest yield 16.45 q/ha and 16.62 q/ha was recorded in the treatment T1, Streptocycline @200 ppm on rapeseed-mustard var. NDR 8501 (Narendra Rai) in 2017–18 and 2018–19 respectively.

India is one of the leading citrus−producing countries, next to China and Brazil. Despite the sizeable production, especially of lemons and limes, India contributes meagerly to the world’s citrus market. Of the various factors responsible for the restricted quantum of citrus export, citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri pv. citri) is one of the leading serious causes and directly impacts the appearance of the fruits. Considering the extent of damage, the present study aimed to understand the impact of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) on the physio−biochemical responses in contrasting Citrus spp. Two genotypes, each of three citrus species, namely Citrus aurantifolia (Pusa Udit and ALC−35), C. limon (Kagzi Kalan and Konkan Seedless), and C. paradisi (Redblush and Marsh Seedless), were artificially inoculated with Xcc (108 to 109 cfu/ mL) by the pinprick method. The physio−biochemical changes in the host were evaluated after 48 h post inoculation (hpi). The chlorophyll content (total, a, and b) degradation and reduction in leaf gas exchange parameters, such as photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), and intrinsic water−use efficiency (iWUE), were measured to a greater extent in susceptible than resistant genotypes. The microscopic observations also evidenced higher stomatal density with larger stomatal areas in susceptible genotypes, favoring the easier penetration of Xcc in host tissues than resistant species or genotypes. The higher activities of various antioxidant enzymes, viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR), the contents of soluble protein, and phenolics were measured in resistant genotypes in contrast to susceptible genotypes. The activities of phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were also higher in resistant genotypes, whilst the levels of ROS (superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) production were enhanced in susceptible genotypes. Based on the host–pathogen interaction, the order of resistance in a descending manner was found as Kagzi Kalan, Marsh Seedless, Redblush, Konkan Seedless, Pusa Udit, and ALC−35. Further, the results will enhance the understanding of the pathogen mechanism during pathogenesis in resistant and susceptible Citrus species.

Aim: This study aims to study the effect of addition of clonidine and dexamethasone to ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided TAP block in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. We primarily compared the quality and duration of postoperative analgesia. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind study was done after taking approval from Institutional Ethical Committee and written informed consent from all the patients. Sixty patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into two groups: Group-RC (n = 30) and Group-RD (n = 30). Patients in both the groups were given bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block at the end of surgery. Patients in Group-RC received 20 ml ropivacaine 0.2% with 75 μg clonidine on each side and patients in Group-RD received 20 ml ropivacaine 0.2% with 4 mg dexamethasone on each side. Results: Visual analogue scale score for pain was significantly less in Group-RC as compared to Group-RD at all-time intervals (P

Background: Scorpion envenomation is a common public health problem worldwide and children are at greater risk of developing severe cardiac, respiratory and neurological complications. Scorpion envenomation is a preventable life-threatening medical accident. This study aims at identifying the demographic parameters, clinical features, complications, outcome and response to prazosin in scorpion envenomation of children admitted at tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: It was a retrospective cross sectionalstudy conducted on 52 pediatrics cases admitted in department of Paediatrics, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Science (UPUMS), Saifai from Jan 2016 to Dec 2019 with history of scorpion sting. The clinical details, investigations, treatment and prognosis of all children were evaluated based on the scorpion envenomation. Parameters were expressed as percentage. Results: Majority of children were in the age group of 1 to 6 years 34 (65.38%) with 32 (61.53%) male and belonging to rural area 44 (84.62 %) with sting at lower limb 27 (51.92%) and gap b/w sting and hospitalization was < 6 hours 28 (53.85%). Most common clinical presentation was pain 46 (88.46%) and pulmonary edema 10 (19.23%) was common complications. Majority of children had received prazosin 49 (94.23%) within 6 hours 26 (51.02 %) with 3-6 doses 24 (48.98 %). 51 (98.0%) were successfully discharged and one patient was expired. Conclusion: Scorpion envenomation in children is a significant environmental health hazard especially in rural areas. Scorpion envenomation is an acute lifethreatening emergency, and recovery from scorpion sting is hastened by administration of prazosin therapy with excellent prognosis without use of scorpion antivenom

Abstract Background Better quality of care around the time of childbirth can significantly improve maternal and newborn survival. In countries like India, where the private sector contributes to a considerable proportion of institutional deliveries, it is important to assess the quality of maternity care offered by private sector healthcare facilities. This study seeks to fill that information gap by analysing baseline assessments conducted for the Manyata program, which aims to improve the quality of maternity care at private facilities. Methods An observation checklist based on 16 clinical standards endorsed by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) was used to assess 201 private sector healthcare facilities in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Data on facility characteristics came from profiles completed when facilities enrolled in Manyata. Differences in the mean number of standards met were analysed by facility characteristics and the availability of essential supplies. Results Around half (47.1%) of all nursing staff engaged in maternity care services at these private healthcare facilities were under qualified. The mean number of clinical standards met by facilities was 3.2 (SD 2.4). Facilities with a monthly delivery load between 20 and 50 met a significantly higher number of standards, as did facilities that had more than 70% of essential supplies available. Both these factors were also significant in a multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusions The overall quality of maternity care in private healthcare facilities is poor in all three states, especially for clinical standards related to management of complications.

Protease inhibitors are a source of nephrolithiasis in HIV + patients, and these stones are described as not detected by CT. While urinary stones are commonly associated with certain protease inhibitors, stones composed of ritonavir are rare. We present the case of a 58-year-old female on ritonavir-boosted atazanavir who presented to our clinic complaining of gross hematuria and flank pain secondary to a ureteral stone. Surgical removal revealed the stone to be composed of 100% ritonavir with no usual urinary stone components. This is the first report of an HIV medicine stone being detectable by CT scan described as 100% ritonavir.

To understand regeneration dynamics and population structure of tree species in west Himalayan conifer forests, we investigated phytosociological data from an old growth Abies pindrow dominant forest (2200–3000 m amsl) of Sainj valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 20 quadrats (size 400 m2) were established following random stratified method to gather tree data. Four sapling quadrats (size 25 m2) and eight seedling quadrats (size 1 m2) were nested within each tree quadrat to inspect the regeneration status of tree species. This study resulted in documentation of 18 tree species (belonging to 15 genera and 12 families) from the sampled area (400 m2 × 20 quadrats). Abies pindrow with importance value index (IVI) 39.06% and Aesculus indica (IVI 19.90%) revealed as dominant tree species while other associated species showed low IVI (< 9%) comparatively. Out of the total, only for 4 tree species showed ‘good’ regeneration status, 5 species ‘fair’ and 5 species ‘poor’ regeneration status while 4 species recorded at mature stage (without seedlings) only hence showed ‘nil’ regeneration status. In general, mature tree individuals contribute 3.20%, saplings 2.19% and seedlings 94.61% in the total density (ind. ha−1) which indicates poor seedling survival rate in the studied forest. Consequently, it can be predicted from the results that the existing tree community may change into another community in upcoming future in terms of population structure, dominance and richness. The regeneration failure for greatest forest forming species is a matter of concern for the studied and other west Himalayan forests. Therefore, further study on seedling survival and development of proper management strategies are needed for maintenance and sustainability of the Himalayan forests.

Bacillus spp. has the potential to control bacterial and fungal diseases of crops. In vitro study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSBA-11 showed best to inhibit the growth of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum as compared to Bacillus cereus JHTBS-7, B. pumilus MTCC-7092, B. subtilis DTBS-5 and B. licheniformis DTBL-6.Three primers sets from nucleotide sequences of polyketide antibiotic synthase genes viz., macrolactin, difficidin and bacillaene of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 were designed and standardized protocol for simultaneous detection of polyketide antibiotics-producing strains of Bacillus spp. by multiplex—PCR with products size of 792 bp, 705 bp and 616 bp respectively. All the strains of B. amyloliquefaciens contained three polyketide antibiotic synthase genes, and B. subtilis possessed difficidin and macrolactin, whereas B. cereus JHTBS-7, B. pumilus MTCC-7092 and B. licheniformis DTBL-6 did not contain any polyketide antibiotic genes. By using this technique, polyketide-producing strains of Bacillus spp. were screened within a short period with high accuracy. These polyketide synthase genes were cloned by using a T&A vector to study the role of these genes in producing antibiotics that suppressed the growth of R. pseudosolanacearum under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Bio-efficacy of cloned products of these genes macrolactin, bacillaene, and difficidin along with parent strain B. amyloliquefaciens DSBA-11 inhibited the growth of R. pseudosolanacearum and formed 1.9 cm2, 1.9 cm2, 1.7 cm2 and 3.3 cm2 inhibition area under in vitro conditions respectively. Minimum bacterial wilt disease intensity (29.3%) with the highest biocontrol efficacy (57.72%) was found in tomato cv. Pusa Ruby (susceptible to wilt disease) was treated with B. amyloliquefaciens DSBA-11 followed by cloned products of difficidin and macrolactin under glasshouse conditions. Hence, the developed multiplex protocol might be helpful for screening polyketide antibiotics producing potential strains of Bacillus spp. from soil which can apply for managing the wilt disease of tomatoes. The polyketide antibiotics produced by bacteria might have a significant role suppression of R. pseudosolanacearum due to the disintegration of cells.

Summary: E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) play a critical role in molecular and cellular mechanisms. However, a large number of E3-substrate interactions (ESIs) remain unrevealed. Here, we integrated the increasing omics data with biological knowledge to characterize and identify ESIs. Multidimensional features were computed to obtain the association patterns of ESIs, and an ensemble prediction model was constructed to identify ESIs. Comparison with non-ESI cases revealed the specific association patterns of ESIs, which provided meaningful insights into ESI interpretation. Reliability of the prediction model was confirmed from various perspectives. Notably, our evaluations on leucine-rich repeat family of F box (FBXL) family were consistent with a proteomic study, and several substrates for SKP2 and an orphan E3 FBXL6 were experimentally verified. Moreover, a cancer hallmark ESI landscape was studied. Taken together, our study catches a glimpse at the omics-driven ESI association patterns and provides a valuable resource (http://www.esinet.dicp.ac.cn/home.php) to assist ubiquitination research. : Molecular Network; Bioinformatics; Systems Biology; Proteomics Subject Areas: Molecular Network, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Proteomics

Nectarine has a limited storage life of 3-4 days. During storage, it is infested by several pathogens which cause huge postharvest losses. In addition, fruits lose their quality adversely. Therefore, there is urgent need to reduce losses caused by postharvest pathogens and improve marketability of nectarine fruits by using appropriate eco-friendly approaches. Hence, we attempted the use of different coatings (carboxy methylcellulose, (CMC) and chitosan, (CH) alone and in combination with mixed plant extract (MPE) on 'Snow Queen' nectarine fruits stored at supermarket conditions (18±2ºC 85-90% RH) for 16 days. Our results revealed that the fruit decay increased with the increase in storage period and fruits coated with layer-by-layer coatings of CMC-CH-MPE exhibited the lowest fruit decay (6.80 ± 0.20%) which was the highest in the non-coated (control) fruits (16.10 ± 0.60 %). The respiration rate showed increasing trend up to certain storage period but then it declined in all the treatments. Similarly, total phenolics and total antioxidant activity was the highest in the CMC-CH-MPE coated fruits and the lowest in non-coated fruits whereas the PME activity was the lowest in CMC-CH-MPE coated fruits and the highest in control fruits. In all, it can be concluded that layer-by-layer coating of CMC-CH-MPE was the best treatmentfor reducing fruit decay and maintaining desirable level of biochemical attributes in Snow Queen nectarine fruits up to 16 days of storage at supermarket conditions.

Sugarcane improvement programmes in India have concentrated on development of improved varieties suited to the different locations. Along with the early maturing sugarcane varieties, mid-late maturing varieties facilitate a proper varietal planning for efficient and extended functioning of sugar mills. ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow has developed a mid-late maturing variety CoLk 12209 (Ikshu-7) for commercial cultivation in sugarcane growing states in the north central and north east zone. CoLk 12209 was tested in 6 locations in this zone along with three other test entries and was compared with the standard varieties viz., BO 91 and CoP 9301. The variety gave the best performance among all the genotypes tested, with an improvement of 15.5% and 16.28 % in CCS yield and cane yield respectively, over the standard variety BO 91. This variety exhibited ‘Resistant’ to ‘Moderately Resistant’ reactions against the major diseases and is ‘Least Susceptible’ to the major insect pests. Ikshu-7 was identified for notification by the Varietal Release Committee of AICRP (Sugarcane) held at Bangalore during October 2018 and was notified for release in the zone, vide Gazette notification No. S.O.1498 (E) dated the 1st April 2019.

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is an important oilseed crop in India. Among various diseases infecting mustard crop, Alternaria leaf spot also known as Alternaria blight is incited by fungus Alternaria brassicae, which majorly affects the crop production leading to a yield loss of up to 70 %. The disease is controlled by application of different fungicides prior to winter rains but it is costly and also cause pollution in the environment. This investigation was designed to explore the potential of rhizosphere bacteria to use as bio control agents for suppression of the disease. Total of sixteen bacterial isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere of mustard, tomato and brinjal and they were screened for their antagonistic activity against A. brassicae in vitro and in vivo conditions. Out of sixteen isolates, two bacterial isolates (B3 and B12) showed maximum inhibition (35 % and 38.6 % respectively) against the pathogen and also displayed high degree of secondary metabolite formation. These two bacterial isolates molecularly characterized as Pseudomonas fluorescens were further tested in green house and field conditions through seed bacterization treatment for disease suppression. Mustard seeds were treated with the bacterial solution overnight and were sown in pots and fields the next day. It was found that the disease incidence percentage of B3 and B12 was 32 % and 35 % respectively compared to control with 62.8 %. The results of the above study were highly significant in evaluation of PGPR against A. brassicae.

Microbial volatiles benefit the agricultural ecological system by promoting plant growth and systemic resistance against diseases without harming the environment. To explore the plant growth-promoting efficiency of VOCs produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens PDS1 and Bacillus subtilis KA9 in terms of chili plant growth and its biocontrol efficiency against Ralstonia solanacearum, experiments were conducted both in vitro and in vivo. A closure assembly was designed using a half-inverted plastic bottle to demonstrate plant–microbial interactions via volatile compounds. The most common volatile organic compounds were identified and reported; they promoted plant development and induced systemic resistance (ISR) against wilt pathogen R. solanacearum. The PDS1 and KA9 VOCs significantly increased defensive enzyme activity and overexpressed the antioxidant genes PAL, POD, SOD, WRKYa, PAL1, DEF-1, CAT-2, WRKY40, HSFC1, LOX2, and NPR1 related to plant defense. The overall gene expression was greater in root tissue as compared to leaf tissue in chili plant. Our findings shed light on the relationship among rhizobacteria, pathogen, and host plants, resulting in plant growth promotion, disease suppression, systemic resistance-inducing potential, and antioxidant response with related gene expression in the leaf and root tissue of chili.

Objectives: This study aims at determining the normal pancreatic dimensions in pediatric age groups considering demographic parameters and thus developing percentile reference curves for normal pancreatic dimensions in Indian children. Setting and Design: It is a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was planned at a children hospital during July 2016–December 2017, in which the pancreatic dimensions of 1078 normal children in the age range of 1 month to 19 years were obtained through abdominal ultrasonography (USG). The demographic details like age and gender were obtained for each child. Statistical Analysis Used: Percentile reference curves were obtained with reference to age for each gender type independently. Generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape were used to obtain percentile plots for each pancreatic part. Results: The mean age of children was 6.65 ± 4.43 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.63:1. The head, body, and tail dimensions increased with the age. For head, up to 25th percentile, the curves were similar for both genders, while subsequent curves were higher in males as compared to females. Similar was the observation for body of pancreas. For tail, up to 75th percentile, the curves were similar for both genders. Conclusion: The normal ranges can be supportive in diagnosis of illness related to pancreas. The dimensions within 5–95th percentile along with iso-echogenicity can be regarded as normal, while the dimensions beyond these limits along with change of echogenicity can be suspected for pancreatic disorders.

Quantitative and qualitative objectives are both significant to solve any facility layout problem (FLP), which is called as multi-objective FLP. Generally, quantitative factors are considered as material handling cost, time, etc., and qualitative factors are considered as closeness rating, hazardous movement between the facilities, etc. For solving and optimizing two or more objectives, two methods are available. First is weight approach method and second is non-dominated sorting method. In the former method, suitable weights are given to each objective and combined in a single objective function; while in later method, the objectives are defined separately and by making comparison of the solutions on the non-dominance criteria, best Pareto-optimal solutions are obtained. In this paper, equal area multi-objective FLPs which are formulated as quadratic assignment problem (QAP) are considered and optimized using biogeography based optimization (BBO) algorithm and non-dominated sorting BBO (NSBBO) algorithm. BBO is one of the efficient metaheuristic techniques, developed to solve complex optimization problems. Computational results of BBO algorithm using weight approach illustrate its better performance compared to other methods while solving multi-objective FLPs. Furthermore to obtain Pareto optimal solutions, NSBBO algorithm is implemented.

Bacterial wilt disease, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi has become a severe problem in tomato crops and no satisfactory control methods are currently available to reduce damage caused by the disease. For biological control of the disease, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolates particularly from Bacillus spp. may be considered as a promising strategy for managing the disease. Thirty nine isolates of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, isolated from rhizospheric soil of solanaceous crops were characterized antagonistic and plant growth promoting activities in vitro conditions. The isolate UKTBA-8 of B. amyloliquefaciens was found best among all other isolates, that inhibited maximum growth of R. solanacearum under in vitro conditions and formed inhibition zone of 3.96 cm2 followed by HPTBA-1 (3.3 cm2) and MPBA-6 (2.56 cm2). UKTBA-8 solubilized the highest phosphorus (81.59 μg/ ml) produced maximum siderophores to form orange yellow halo (1.96 cm diameter) and indole acetic acid ranging from 41.25–97.41 μg/ml under in vitro conditions. Biocontrol efficacy and plant growth ability of best six bacterial antagonists, viz. HPTBA-1, MPBA-6, JHBA-6, ORTBA-1, KCBA-4 and UKTBA-8 were evaluated to control bacterial wilt disease of tomato cv. Pusa Ruby at National Phytotran Facility, IARI, New Delhi. B. amyloliquefaciens UKTBA-8 treated plants showed least wilt incidence (12.23%) with maximum biocontrol efficacy (83.36%) after 30 days of inoculation.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a microbial population found in the rhizosphere of plants that can stimulate plant development and restrict the growth of plant diseases directly or indirectly. In this study, 90 rhizospheric soil samples from five agro climatic zones of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) were collected and rhizobacteria were isolated, screened and characterized at morphological, biochemical and molecular levels. In total, 38% of rhizobacteria exhibited the antagonistic capacity to suppress Ralstonia solanacearum growth and showed PGPR activities such as indole acetic acid production by 67.64% from total screened rhizobacteria isolates, phosphorus solubilization by 79.41%, ammonia by 67.75%, HCN by 58.82% and siderophore by 55.88%. We performed a principal component analysis depicting correlation and significance among plant growth-promoting activities, growth parameters of chilli and rhizobacterial strains. Plant inoculation studies indicated a significant increase in growth parameters and PDS1 strain showed maximum 71.11% biocontrol efficiency against wilt disease. The best five rhizobacterial isolates demonstrating both plant growth-promotion traits and biocontrol potential were characterized and identified as PDS1—Pseudomonas fluorescens (MN368159), BDS1—Bacillus subtilis (MN395039), UK4—Bacillus cereus (MT491099), UK2—Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (MT491100) and KA9—Bacillus subtilis (MT491101). These rhizobacteria have the potential natural elicitors to be used as biopesticides and biofertilizers to improve crop health while warding off soil-borne pathogens. The chilli cv. Pusa Jwala treated with Bacillus subtilis KA9 and Pseudomonas fluorescens PDS1 showed enhancement in the defensive enzymes PO, PPO, SOD and PAL activities in chilli leaf and root tissues, which collectively contributed to induced resistance in chilli plants against Ralstonia solanacearum. The induction of these defense enzymes was found higher in leave tissues (PO—4.87-fold, PP0—9.30-fold, SOD—9.49-fold and PAL—1.04-fold, respectively) in comparison to roots tissue at 48 h after pathogen inoculation. The findings support the view that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria boost defense-related enzymes and limit pathogen growth in chilli plants, respectively, hence managing the chilli bacterial wilt.

Introduction: In India, there are approximately 41 million diabetics to date. Impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes may occur as early as adolescence. Objective: To find out the cut-off values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference to predict pre-diabetes in adolescents in north India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 526 students aged 17–19 years, in the Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University, Kanpur. A pre-tested questionnaire was used and the diagnostic criteria of the American Diabetic Association were applied. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was used to assess the cut-offs of BMI and waist circumference for predicting prediabetes. Results: ROC analysis showed that BMI is a good predictor of prediabetes for both boys and girls.Area under the ROC curve was 0.828 for boys and 0.838 for girls, respectively. The cut-off values of BMI for predicting prediabetes were identified as ≥22.8 kg/m2 in boys and ≥20.5 kg/m2 in girls. Upon ROC analysis for waist circumference, it was observed that it was a good predictor of prediabetes both for boys (area under the curve 0.804) and girls (area under the curve 0.795). The cut-offs for waist circumference for predicting prediabetes were found to be ≥82.5 cm for boys and ≥80.3 cm for girls. Conclusion: BMI and waist circumference estimation can be done for early detection of prediabetes in adolescents for further diagnostic evaluation and management.

Advanced machining processes (AMPs) are widely utilized in industries for machining complex geometries and intricate profiles. In this paper, two significant processes such as electric discharge machining (EDM) and abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) are considered to get the optimum values of responses for the given range of process parameters. The firefly algorithm (FA) is attempted to the considered processes to obtain optimized parameters and the results obtained are compared with the results given by previous researchers. The variation of process parameters with respect to the responses are plotted to confirm the optimum results obtained using FA. In EDM process, the performance parameter “MRR” is increased from 159.70 gm/min to 181.6723 gm/min, while “Ra” and “REWR” are decreased from 6.21 μm to 3.6767 μm and 6.21% to 6.324 × 10−5% respectively. In AWJM process, the value of the “kerf” and “Ra” are decreased from 0.858 mm to 0.3704 mm and 5.41 mm to 4.443 mm respectively. In both the processes, the obtained results show a significant improvement in the responses.

This article investigates the effect of Mg insertion into the Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The composite films were prepared using solution casting technique. XRD, and FTIR characterizations were done to study the structural changes in the MgCl2/PVDF composite films. The dielectric study reveals the improvement in the dielectric constant and conductivity with the insertion of Mg ions in the PVDF composite. The MgCl2/PVDF composite has immense potential in sensing and actuator applications.

In this paper, an EOQ model is developed for a deteriorating item with quadratic time dependent demand rate under trade credit. Mathematical models are also derived under two different situations i.e. Case I; the credit period is less than the cycle time for settling the account and Case II; the credit period is greater than or equal to the cycle time for settling the account. The numerical examples are also given to validate the proposed model. Sensitivity analysis is given to study the effect of various parameters on ordering policy and optimal total profit. Mathematica 7.1 software is used for finding optimal numerical solutions.

The nature and magnitude of genetic variability and correlation studies was assessed in 20 apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes for fruit, yield and quality traits. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were almost identical in expression for these traits. High heritability and high genetic gain were reported for fruit weight and yield per tree. High heritability with moderate genetic gain was obtained for titratable acidity, pulp/stone ratio, stone width, fruit breadth, firmness, fruit length, total sugars and TSS. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations for important component traits were also significant with each other. Maximum positive direct effect cited towards yield were contributed by fruit weight, followed by phenols, sugar/acid ratio, TSS, stone width, fruit breadth and non reducing sugars. Hence, selection can prove effective for improvement in fruit yield and other traits.

The present study was under taken to characterize and identify prominent species of Xanthomonas causing bacterial leaf spot disease on pepper and their genetic diversity in India. Thirty one isolates of Xanthomonads isolated from infected leaf and fruit samples of tomato, chilli and bell pepper from 5 different states of India, viz. Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu and Haryana were characterized as translucent, yellow, raised colonies on YGCA medium, Gram negative, rod shaped, positive in starch hydrolysis, variation in pectin utilization. These isolates showed symptoms on chilli cv. Pusa Jwala and tomato cv. Pusa Ruby and they were grouped into pepper-tomato group (XCVPT), belonged to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Two sets of primers, i.e. Bs-XeF and Bs- XeR and Xeu 2.4 and Xeu 2.5 specific to X. euvesicatoria were used for further confirmation and the primers amplified DNA of all the isolates at 173bp and 208 bp respectively. Genetic diversity of 31 isolates of X. euvesicatoria along with four out group bacteria P. fluorescence DTPF-3, X. campestris pv. campestris Xcc-4, and Xcc-C23 and B. subtilis DTBS-5 was done by REP, ERIC and BOX- PCRs fingerprinting. Out of 12 DNA types, maximum isolates of X. euvesicatoria (12 isolates) belong to DNA type 2 isolated from tomato plants from different states of India and formed separated group isolated from pepper. High level of genetic diversity among the X. euvasicatoria isolates was observed. All out group bacteria were separated from X. euvesicatoria isolates.

The plant propagules migrate into denuded or conditionally created habitats by variety of means and grow, capable species establishes their population successfully and rest abolish. The present study was aimed to identify potential species in such habitats by evaluating naturalized community in conditionally crated habitats i.e. debris dumping sites of a hydroelectric power project in Western Himalayas, India for phytoretoration (eco-restoration) purpose. The data on phytosociological attributes of herbaceous community was collected from both debris dumping area (D) and undumped natural area (N) in the fringe, by quadrat method (1 x 1 m dimension). A total of 54 species from debris dumping sites and 128 species from undumped natural area (N) are recorded in this study. The invasive alien species predominates at dumping sites which covered 37% of the species richness, 50.99% of density, 76.67% of basal cover and 63.15% of dominance (IVI). Thus, invasive species are opportunistic in the process of phytorestoration in degraded habitats, which may not be beneficial for the better functioning of ecosystem but some of them can be considered as potential preliminary soil binder at such cases (dumping area). The development agencies must have an eco-restoration plan for such dumping zones which magnetized the encroachments of invasive alien species and play a pivotal role in degrading the natural ecosystem.

Noma is a rapidly progressive, polymicrobial, opportunistic infection that occurs during periods of compromised immune function. It occurs in children with poor nutrition and compromised immune system. Early presentation is unclear as noma is often well progressed at initial presentation. Noma, unlike most infections, is able to spread through anatomic barriers such as muscle, which might also extend to other facial structures leading to extensive soft tissue and bony defects with or without temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Reconstruction of such type of defects poses a challenge for the surgeon as it requires staged surgical approach. A residual noma with a full-thickness defect of upper lip in a 6-year-old child was reconstructed using Estlander flap.

Desmoplastic fibroma is a rare benign intraosseous tumor with locally aggressive behavior. The mandible is the most frequent site of involvement. It causes bone destruction with a tendency to invade the soft-tissues if untreated. It has a high propensity for local recurrence if treated inadequately. We report a case of desmoplastic fibroma of the mandible treated with a wide margin of excision.

Primary carcinoma of ureter is an uncommon malignancy. Of which, mostly are transitional cell carcinomas followed by squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas being the rarest histopathology encountered. We report a case of adenocarcinoma ureter in a middle-aged male along with its clinical scenario. A 62-year-old male, presented with complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms. Computerized tomography urogram showed a soft tissue lesion at the right ureterovesical junction. Cystoscopic biopsy reported villous adenoma. Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid scan reported nonfunctioning right kidney. He underwent laparoscopic right nephroureterectomy, and histopathology reported adenocarcinoma of the right lower third of ureter, with positive distal and close radial margins. The patient received external beam radiation to the postoperative bed and lymph nodes, and he is disease-free till date.

Thirty-eight isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum were isolated from wilted eggplants from seven states of India, i.e. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka and Meghalaya on TTC medium to study their genetic diversity using BOX, ERIC and REP-PCR’s. All isolates of R. solanacearum produced fluidal, irregular pinkish-white colonies and they belonged to biovar 3, race 1 and phylotype I. The study also included five out-group bacteria (Bacillus subtilis DTBS-5, Pseudomonas fluorescence DTPF-3, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Xcc-C4, X. citri subsp. citri Xac-C63 and X. oryzae pv. oryzae Xoo-4). The isolates of R. solanacearum and out group bacteria were grouped into10 DNA types at 75% similarity coefficient. Maximum 11 isolates of R. solanacearum isolated from West Bengal were grouped into DNA Type 2. The isolates collected from Uttarakhand grouped into DNA types 6, 7, 8 and 10. However, all out-group bacteria were clearly separated from the isolates of R. solanacearum as DNA type 9. Multilocus sequence analysis of 18 isolates of R. solanacearum along with sequences obtained from NCBI database of 2 out- group bacteria (Burkholderia multivoransATCC-17616 and X. campestris pv. campestris ATCC-33913) was done using sequences of hrpB (hypersensitive response gene), fliC (flagelline protein) and egl (endoglucanase gene). Sequence comparisons showed high level of variability within these three regions of the genome involved in pathogenicity. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, the selective pressure on virulence-related genes of R. solanacearum was identified. This genetic diversity presents major challenges for developing effective long-term management strategies to control the wilt disease of eggplant.

Black rot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a very important disease of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis group) resulting into 10–50% yield losses every year. Since there is a dearth of availability of resistance to black rot disease in B. oleracea (C genome), therefore exploration of A and B genomes was inevitable as they have been reported to be potential reservoirs of gene(s) for resistance to black rot. To utilize these sources, interspecific hybrid and backcross progeny (B1) were generated between cauliflower “Pusa Sharad” and Ethiopian mustard “NPC-9” employing in vitro embryo rescue technique. Direct ovule culture method was better than siliqua culture under different temperature regime periods. Hybridity testing of F1 inter-specific plants was carried out using co-dominant SSR marker and Brassica B and C genome-specific (DB and DC) primers. Meiosis in the di-genomic (BCC) interspecific hybrid of B. oleracea botrytis group (2n = 18, CC) × B. carinata (2n = 4x = 34, BBCC) was higly disorganized and cytological analysis of pollen mother cells revealed chromosomes 2n = 26 at metaphase-I. Fertile giant pollen grain formation was observed frequently in interspecific F1 hybrid and BC1 plants. The F1 inter-specific plants were found to be resistant to Xcc race 1. Segregation distortion was observed in BC1 generation for black rot resistance and different morphological traits. The At1g70610 marker analysis confirmed successful introgression of black rot resistance in interspecific BC1 population. This effort will go a long way in pyramiding gene(s) for resistance against black rot in Cole crops, especially cauliflower and cabbage for developing durable resistance, thus minimize dependency on bactericides.