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Accurate and reliable measurements of exposure to tobacco products are essential for identifying and confirming patterns of tobacco product use and for assessing their potential biological effects in both human populations and experimental systems. Due to the introduction of new tobacco-derived products and the development of novel ways to modify and use conventional tobacco products, precise and specific assessments of exposure to tobacco are now more important than ever. Biomarkers that were developed and validated to measure exposure to cigarettes are being evaluated to assess their use for measuring exposure to these new products. Here, we review current methods for measuring exposure to new and emerging tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes, little cigars, water pipes, and cigarillos. Rigorously validated biomarkers specific to these new products have not yet been identified. Here, we discuss the strengths and limitations of current approaches, including whether they provide reliable exposure estimates for new and emerging products. We provide specific guidance for choosing practical and economical biomarkers for different study designs and experimental conditions. Our goal is to help both new and experienced investigators measure exposure to tobacco products accurately and avoid common experimental errors. With the identification of the capacity gaps in biomarker research on new and emerging tobacco products, we hope to provide researchers, policymakers, and funding agencies with a clear action plan for conducting and promoting research on the patterns of use and health effects of these products.

The present study was conducted at the instructional cum research farm of the Department of Plantation Crops and Processing of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, India during rabi season for consecutive two years (October-2019 to March-2020 and October-2020 to march-2021) to investigate the "Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Quality attributes of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)" with various growth regulators (GA3 @ 50 ppm, GA3 @ 100 ppm, GA3 @ 150 ppm, NAA @ 50 ppm, NAA @ 100 ppm, NAA @ 200 ppm, Kinetin @ 10 ppm, Kinetin @ 20 ppm, Kinetin @ 40 ppm and Control (Distilled water). In view of, effect of different plant growth regulators on quality attributes has observed significant variation. Results pertaining to total soluble solids, significantly highest TSS recorded under GA3 @100 ppm treated plots (32.10 °Brix), however, dry matter content of bulb was highest at GA3 @ 50 ppm (33.63%). Interestingly, highest oleoresin content of the bulb was also reported from the GA3 @ 50 ppm treated plots (0.24 g) with lowest physiological loss of bulb weight (7.04%). The control plots treated with distilled water was produced qualitatively inferior bulbs. The aim of the study provided valuable results to determine the potential growth regulator for enhancing post-harvest quality attribute of garlic by employing methodology of Randomized Block Design comprising of three replications with ten treatments. Based on the current experimental results, it may be concluded that foliar application of GA3 @ 50 ppm proved the best over other plant growth regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercalcemia in infants presents with a variety of clinical features and the etiology of hypercalcemia varies with age. Here we present a case of hypercalcemia in an infant presenting with nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. Our investigations led us to a diagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria (PH) type 2, a rare metabolic disorder, along with hypercalcemia, a never before reported association. A 9-month-old female presented with urinary tract infection and systemic features requiring hospitalization and parenteral antibiotics. Investigations revealed bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis. Genetic testing revealed a diagnosis of Primary hyperoxaluria type 2 with two possible mutations. Sanger sequencing of the parents identified the pathogenic mutation in the mother. This is the first report of a genetically proven case of primary hyperoxaluria type 2 associated with hypercalcemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoparathyroidism is a common encounter in endocrinology practice. A thorough search for the etiology is generally futile, and most cases are labeled as idiopathic. Familial idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is a large chunk of these idiopathic cases. Here we present 2 cases who presented with features of hypocalcemia and were eventually diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Our first case is that of a middle-age woman who presented with spontaneous tetany and perioral numbness. She had very low serum calcium values, low serum magnesium, hypokalemia, hypercalciuria, and undetectable parathormone levels. She was initially managed with parenteral calcium, magnesium, and oral potassium chloride, which was shifted to oral replacements once stabilized. Focused exome sequencing for causes of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia revealed a frameshift mutation in glial cell missing homolog 2 (GCM2) (NM_004752.4) on chromosome 6, c737dupA variant (p. Asp246Glufs*25) located at exon 5. The second case presented is that of a 1-month-old infant presenting with hypocalcemic seizures, severe hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low parathormone levels. The infant was stabilized with parenteral calcium and trial of subcutaneous teriparatide for further improvement. Oral calcium and calcitriol were instituted once stabilized, and teriparatide was tapered off. Focused exome sequencing revealed a homozygous mutation involving GCM2 (ENST0000379491.5) on chromosome 6, variant CM2 chr6:10876558_10877139insT located on exon1-2. Both of these mutations are novel and underscore the profound effect of GCM2 on parathyroid gland development in infants and maintenance in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, representative of family Malvaeceae is the important vegetable crops cultivated in the tropical and subtropical part of the world. Topics include examines India ranks first in terms of area and production and occupy several percentage share in world's okra production.