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Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an economically important vegetable crop which is used worldwide for culinary and medicinal purposes. The extensive use of inorganic fertilizers poses serious collateral problems such as environmental pollution, pest resistance development and food safety decline. Thus present study was conducted to investigate the effects of various application rate of inorganic fertilizers (100% NPK, 75% NPK and 50% NPK) and biofertilizers (consortium I and consortium II) on garlic yield and soil health. Results revealed that supplementation of 75% NPK along with biofertilizers gave the higher yield, biochemical components and soil parameters than 100% NPK application. Moreover, nutrient contents (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) of garlic leaves and bulbs increased by combined inoculation of different combinations of NPK along with biofertilizers. Integrated application of inorganic fertilizers along with biofertilizers improved soil's physico-chemical (pH and organic carbon) and biological (dehydrogenase activity) properties. Therefore, it can be concluded that integrated utilization of these biofertilizers along with 75% NPK improves soil health and it also offers the scope of reducing the application of inorganic fertilizers to garlic crop by 25% without any loss in bulb yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten full-length vip3-type genes amplified from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates recovered from various Indian agro-climatic zones and two from known Bt strains were cloned, sequenced and confirmed as vip3Aa-type genes based on sequence homology. Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences of these genes compared with previously reported vip3Aa-type genes and other lepidopteran-specific vip3Aa genes revealed new amino acid substitutions, indicating the diversity of Indian Bt isolates. These genes have been grouped into six phylogenetic clusters and assigned names as vip3Aa67–vip3Aa78 by Bt nomenclature committee (www.bpprc.com). Interestingly, the substitution of lysine in the holotype Vip3Aa1 with glutamine at amino acid position 284 was uniformly found in all our Vip3Aa-type proteins, suggesting sequence conservation as well as diversity among these proteins. For evaluation of toxicity, vip3Aa67–vip3Aa72 genes were cloned in pET-29a(+) Escherichia coli expression vector. The immunostrip assays, SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis with Vip3A antibodies confirmed the presence of Vip3Aa67, Vip3Aa68, Vip3Aa69, Vip3Aa70, Vip3Aa71 and Vip3Aa72 proteins of ca. 89 kDa size. The toxicity of these Vip3Aa proteins along with the Vip3Aa44 protein used as a positive control was evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera. LC50 ranged from 0.921 to 8.513 ppm indicating their insecticidal potential. The impact of Vip3A proteins on the life cycle characteristics of H. armigera was studied, and the results showed toxic and sublethal effects on the growth and fecundity of the insect population. Computational analysis of the three-dimensional structure of Vip3Aa proteins revealed the effect of amino acid substitutions on stability, highlighting the importance of flexibility in protein function. This study reveals the potential of the newly identified Vip3Aa proteins in the biological control of H. armigera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) is a significant health concern affecting specific regions, particularly agricultural communities. This prospective study, conducted over one year at a tertiary care center, aimed to comprehensively investigate CKDu by evaluating demographic, clinical, laboratory, and environmental factors. Methods: A total of 150 CKDu patients and 150 control group participants were enrolled to explore this enigmatic disease. Demographic analysis highlighted the prevalence of CKDu in rural, agriculturally engaged individuals. Clinical characteristics revealed distinct symptoms and clinical markers, while laboratory results unveiled key biochemical differences. Occupational history and environmental exposures were assessed to identify potential risk factors. Results: CKDu patients exhibited elevated proteinuria levels, reduced eGFR, and heightened blood pressure, emphasizing the clinical impact. Laboratory findings confirmed renal dysfunction with elevated serum creatinine, BUN, and albuminuria. Occupational and environmental factors highlighted longer agricultural work durations, pesticide/herbicide exposure, and variations in water sources among CKDu patients. Conclusion: This study underscores the multifaceted nature of CKDu, where demographic, clinical, and environmental factors intersect to contribute to its pathogenesis. A strong association between proteinuria and CKDu was observed, emphasizing its diagnostic relevance. These findings call for targeted interventions and preventive measures in high-risk regions, acknowledging the need for a comprehensive approach to manage and mitigate the impact of CKDu on affected communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic alcohol abuse remains a pressing global health concern, with far-reaching implications for both biochemical markers and cardiac function. This cross-sectional study aims to comprehensively assess the impact of chronic alcohol abuse on these parameters. Methods: We conducted a study involving 200 participants to investigate the interplay between demographics, alcohol consumption patterns, biochemical markers, and cardiac function. Data were collected through questionnaires, biochemical assays, and echocardiographic assessments. Results: Demographics and Alcohol Consumption Patterns: Our finding revealed a predominantly middle-aged cohort, with a higher prevalence of males (60%) and an average age of 45 years. Participants demonstrated chronic alcohol abuse, with an average duration of 18 years and daily alcohol intake significantly exceeding recommended limits.In a cohort of 200 chronic alcohol users, our study identified significant elevations in biochemical markers: GGT (70 ± 20 U/L), BNP (300 ± 100 pg/mL), and NT-proBNP (900 ± 300 pg/mL), all surpassing normal ranges, indicative of liver and cardiac stress. Echocardiographic data revealed increased ventricular dilation (35 ± 10%) and reduced ejection fraction (50 ± 8%), highlighting cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion: Comparative analysis showed more pronounced abnormalities in heavy drinkers versus moderate drinkers, emphasizing the dose-dependent impact of alcohol on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of resistant maize cultivars is the most effective and sustainable approach to combat fungal diseases. Over the last three decades, many quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping studies reported numerous QTL for fungal disease resistance (FDR) in maize. However, different genetic backgrounds of germplasm and differing QTL analysis algorithms limit the use of identified QTL for comparative studies. The meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis is the meta-analysis of multiple QTL experiments, which entails broader allelic coverage and helps in the combined analysis of diverse QTL mapping studies revealing common genomic regions for target traits. In the present study, 128 (33.59%) out of 381 reported QTL (from 82 studies) for FDR could be projected on the maize genome through MQTL analysis. It revealed 38 MQTL for FDR (12 diseases) on all chromosomes except chromosome 10. Five MQTL namely 1_4, 2_4, 3_2, 3_4, and 5_4 were linked with multiple FDR. Total of 1910 candidate genes were identified for all the MQTL regions, with protein kinase gene families, TFs, pathogenesis-related, and disease-responsive proteins directly or indirectly associated with FDR. The comparison of physical positions of marker-traits association (MTAs) from genome-wide association studies with genes underlying MQTL interval verified the presence of QTL/candidate genes for particular diseases. The linked markers to MQTL and putative candidate genes underlying identified MQTL can be further validated in the germplasm through marker screening and expression studies. The study also attempted to unravel the underlying mechanism for FDR resistance by analyzing the constitutive gene network, which will be a useful resource to understand the molecular mechanism of defense-response of a particular disease and multiple FDR in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Primary objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the potential of a range of qualitative and quantitative multiparametric features assessed on T2, post-contrast T1, DWI, DCE-MRI, and susceptibility-weighted-imaging (SWI) in differentiating evenly sampled cohort of primary-central-nervous-system-lymphoma (PCNSL) vs glioblastoma (GB) with pathological validation. Methods: The study included MRI-data of histopathologically confirmed ninety-five GB and PCNSL patients scanned at 3.0 T MRI. A total of six qualitative features (three from T2 and post-contrast T1, three from SWI: thin-linear-uninterrupted-intra-tumoral-vasculature, broken-intra-tumoral-microvasculature, hemorrhage) were analyzed by three independent radiologists. Ten quantitative features from DWI and DCE-MRI were computed using in-house-developed algorithms. For qualitative features, Cohen's Kappa-interrater-variability-analysis was performed. Z-test and independent t-tests were performed to find significant qualitative and quantitative features respectively. Logistic-regression (LR) classifiers were implemented for evaluating performance of individual and various combinations of features in differentiating PCNSL vs GB. Performance evaluation was done via ROC-analysis. Pathological validation was performed to verify disintegration of vessel walls in GB and rim of viable neoplastic lymphoid cells with angiocentric-pattern in PCNSL. Results: Three qualitative SWI features and four quantitative DCE-MRI features (rCBVcorr, Kep, Ve, and necrosis-volume-percentage) were significantly different (p < 0.05) between PCNSL and GB. Best diagnostic performance was observed with LR classifier using SWI features (AUC-0.99). The inclusion of quantitative features with SWI feature did not improve the differentiation accuracy. Conclusions: The combination of three qualitative SWI features using LR provided the highest accuracy in differentiating PCNSL and GB. Thin-linear-uninterrupted-intra-tumoral-vasculature in PCNSL and broken-intra-tumoral-microvasculature with hemorrhage in GB are the major contributors to the differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate outcomes of fetal reduction in twin pregnancy. Search strategy: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched from 1980 through December 2020. Selection criteria: Prospective or retrospective studies of pregnant women with twin gestations who had a transabdominal reduction of twin to singleton pregnancy with a comparison group of ongoing twin gestations. Data collection and analysis: Outcomes were meta-analyzed only if reported in at least three studies. Main results: Six studies with a pooled sample of 2867 women with a twin pregnancy of whom 624 underwent 2-to-1 reduction and 2243 did not. In the fetal reduction group, the odds of preterm birth before 34 and 37 weeks of pregnancy were lower by 36% (odds ratio [OR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.86, P < 0.003) and 77% (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12-0.44, P < 0.001), respectively, than in the control group, and the odds of hypertensive disorders and cesarean delivery were lower by 75% (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.15-0.43, P < 0.001) and 65% (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.62, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Twin reduction to singleton pregnancy decreased the possibility of preterm birth, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and cesarean delivery. Sufficiently powered prospective studies are needed to support these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change leads to the concurrence of a number of abiotic stresses including moisture stress (drought, waterlogging), temperature stress (heat, cold), and salinity stress, which are the major factors affecting maize production. To develop abiotic stress tolerance in maize, many quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified, but very few of them have been utilized successfully in breeding programs. In this context, the meta-QTL analysis of the reported QTL will enable the identification of stable/real QTL which will pave a reliable way to introgress these QTL into elite cultivars through marker-assisted selection. In this study, a total of 542 QTL were summarized from 33 published studies for tolerance to different abiotic stresses in maize to conduct meta-QTL analysis using BiomercatorV4.2.3. Among those, only 244 major QTL with more than 10% phenotypic variance were preferably utilised to carry out meta-QTL analysis. In total, 32 meta-QTL possessing 1907 candidate genes were detected for different abiotic stresses over diverse genetic and environmental backgrounds. The MQTL2.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.6, 7.1, 9.1, and 9.2 control different stress-related traits for combined abiotic stress tolerance. The candidate genes for important transcription factor families such as ERF, MYB, bZIP, bHLH, NAC, LRR, ZF, MAPK, HSP, peroxidase, and WRKY have been detected for different stress tolerances. The identified meta-QTL are valuable for future climate-resilient maize breeding programs and functional validation of candidate genes studies, which will help to deepen our understanding of the complexity of these abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Cause of death assignment from verbal autopsy (VA) questionnaires is conventionally accomplished through physician review. However, since recently, computer softwares have been developed to assign the cause of death. The present study evaluated the performance of computer software in assigning the cause of death from the VA, as compared to physician review. Methods: VA of 600 adult deaths was conducted using open- and close-ended questionnaires in Nandpur Kalour Block of Punjab, India. Entire VA forms were used by two physicians independently to assign the cause of death using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 codes. In case of disagreement between them, reconciliation was done, and in cases of persistent disagreements finally, adjudication was done by a third physician. InterVA-4-generated causes from close-ended questionnaires were compared using Kappa statistics with causes assigned by physicians using a questionnaire having both open- and close-ended questions. At the population level, Cause-Specific Mortality Fraction (CSMF) accuracy and P-value from McNemar's paired Chi-square were calculated. CSMF accuracy indicates the absolute deviation of a set of proportions of causes of death out of the total number of deaths between the two methods. Results: The overall agreement between InterVA-4 and physician coding was 'fair' (?=0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.38, 0.46). CSMF accuracy was found to be 0.71. The differences in proportions from the two methods were statistically different as per McNemar's paired Chi-square test for ischaemic heart diseases, liver cirrhosis and maternal deaths. Interpretation & conclusions: In comparison to physicians, assignment of causes of death by InterVA-4 was only 'fair'. Hence, it may be appropriate to continue with physician review as the optimal option available in the current scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This retrospective study was performed on a 3T MRI to determine the unique conventional MR imaging and T1-weighted DCE-MRI features of oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma and investigate the utility of machine learning algorithms in their differentiation. Methods: Histologically confirmed, 81 treatment-naïve patients were classified into two groups as per WHO 2016 classification: oligodendroglioma (n = 16; grade II, n = 25; grade III) and astrocytoma (n = 10; grade II, n = 30; grade III). The differences in tumor morphology characteristics were evaluated using Z-test. T1-weighted DCE-MRI data were analyzed using an in-house built MATLAB program. The mean 90th percentile of relative cerebral blood flow, relative cerebral blood volume corrected, volume transfer rate from plasma to extracellular extravascular space, and extravascular extracellular space volume values were evaluated using independent Student's t test. Support vector machine (SVM) classifier was constructed to differentiate two groups across grade II, grade III, and grade II+III based on statistically significant features. Results: Z-test signified only calcification among conventional MR features to categorize oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma across grade III and grade II+III tumors. No statistical significance was found in the perfusion parameters between two groups and its subtypes. SVM trained on calcification also provided moderate accuracy to differentiate oligodendroglioma from astrocytoma. Conclusion: We conclude that conventional MR features except calcification and the quantitative T1-weighted DCE-MRI parameters fail to discriminate between oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma. The SVM could not further aid in their differentiation. The study also suggests that the presence of more than 50% T2-FLAIR mismatch may be considered as a more conclusive sign for differentiation of IDH mutant astrocytoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the convergence of innovation, technology, and supply chain, the world has been shrinking, and the retail industry is one of the largest spread across the globe in the past few decades. Consumer expectations are on priority for the retailers. Most of the retail sector deals with the items whose usefulness declines with time and reaches the expiration date, resulting in a decrease in sales and eventually diminishing revenues for the retailers. In such cases, effective replenishment decisions and ordering policies may yield a significant increase in revenues. Further, with emerging retail trends, providing trade credit is considered a price reduction tool and an alternative to price discounts. Motivated by this, an inventory model developed and analyzed for items exhibiting time-varying deterioration with partially backlogged shortages and permissible delay in payment in the two-warehouse environment. The primary objective is to obtain the optimal ordering and backlogging policies for the retailer by minimizing the relevant cost. The optimal solution is obtained, solved analytically, and the inventory model validated with the help of numerical illustrations. The sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution with respect to key parameters and the managerial implications are also provided. The model is applicable to perishable items such as baked products, fruits, vegetables, groceries, meat, and seafood, where the deterioration is time-dependent and is perceived by its expiration date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the prevalence of network technologies, the world is shrinking and it is observed that the decision policies of the players of the supply chain go hand in hand. Thus the optimal replenishment decisions of retailers cannot be taken in isolation and need to be integrated with that of the supplier. This research work establishes a supplier-retailer supply chain in which demand for the products is displayed stock dependent. Nowadays, trade credit is also seen as prime source of short term financing, thus the retailer takes the benefit of permissible delay in payments from the supplier. The objective of the proposed model is to obtain the optimal decisions of the supply chain under three different policies- centralized, Supplier-led Stackelberg policy and Nash equilibrium solution. In this study, the influence of trade credit offered by the supplier, replenishment decisions and integration among the players of supply chain through different centralized and decentralized policies is analyzed for deteriorating items where retailer faces displayed stock dependent demand with two storage facilities. The model is best suitable for the emerging retail markets or supermarkets with limited shelf space displaying consumable items such as grocery, consumer goods, etc. The results have been validated with the help of a numerical example. Sensitivity analysis has also been performed to study the effect of various parameters on the optimal solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cesarean Section (CS) is the most common obstetric surgery performed today. With advancement of anaesthesia and technique resulting in improved outcome and safety, its rate has been rising. Nevertheless, it carries risk of complications resulting in morbidity and sometimes mortality. Therefore, cesarean sections done without medial indications, remains questionable. Maternal mortality and morbidity after cesarean birth is nearly five times than vaginal births, especially the risks of haemorrhage, sepsis, thromboembolism and amniotic fluid embolism. In a subsequent pregnancy, cesarean section increases the risks of placenta previa and adherent placenta which may further result in higher risk of haemorrhage and peripartum hysterectomy. Technical difficulties due to adhesions increase the risk of injury to bladder and bowel. Though cesarean section can be life saving for a fetus in jeopardy, yet in countries with high cesarean rate increased neonatal mortality and morbidity is seen i.e., iatrogenic pre-term births and respiratory morbidity. Risk of rupture uterus and stillbirths in women with previous cesarean section also increase perinatal mortality. Neonatal adaptations is delayed in cesarean babies i.e. maintenance of body temperature, glycaemia and pulmonary respiration. Development of neonatal immune system is also affected in babies born by cesarean section. Hence, cesarean section should be done only if medically indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The current World Health Organisation classification defines smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) as neoplasms that cannot be diagnosed reliably as benign or malignant according to generally accepted criteria. This has led to the application of various sets of criteria; consequently, consistent and reliable outcome data are lacking. The aims of this study were: (i) to compare the frequency of adverse outcome in STUMP on the basis of enhanced criteria; and (ii) to perform failure analysis to identify feature(s) helpful in predicting outcome Methods and results: Cases of STUMP diagnosed between 1994 and 2009 were retrieved and follow‐up data were collected. Morphological parameters were scored and correlated with outcome. Twenty‐two subjects with a median follow‐up of 74.5 months (range, 26–166 months) formed the study group. Their age ranged from 31.9 years to 51.8 years (median, 45.3 years). Sixteen subjects underwent hysterectomy and six underwent myomectomy. Adverse outcomes were noted in eight (36.4%) cases. In cases with adverse outcomes, notable features included moderate–severe nuclear atypia (seven), epithelioid features (one), infiltrative or irregular margins (five), atypical mitoses (two), and vascular intrusion (three) Conclusions: The frequency of adverse outcomes in our series (36.4%) was higher than that in previously published reports (7–26.7%), suggesting that the use of more stringent criteria can exclude some patients from further follow‐up. Although ‘significant’ nuclear atypia was not discriminatory, its frequent association with adverse outcomes has pathobiological implications. The presence of necrosis was not particularly associated with adverse outcomes. Atypical mitoses, epithelioid differentiation, vascular involvement and infiltrative/irregular margins appear to herald adverse outcomes, and therefore merit inclusion in the diagnostic regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Radiation-induced white matter changes are well known and vastly studied. However, radiation-induced gray matter alterations are still a research question. In the present study, these changes were assessed in a longitudinal manner using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and further compared for cranial and whole body radiation exposure. Materials and methods: Male mice (C57BL/6) were irradiated with cranial or whole body radiation followed by DTI study at 7T animal MRI system during predose, subacute and early delayed phases of radiation sickness. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values were obtained from brain’s gray matter regions. Results: Decreased FA with increased MD was observed prominently in animals exposed to cranial radiation showing most changes at 8 months post irradiation. However, whole body radiation induced FA changes were mostly observed at 1 month post irradiation as compared to controls. Conclusions: The differential response after whole body and cranial irradiation observed in the study depicts that radiation exposure of 5 Gy could induce permanent alterations in gray matter regions prominently as observed in Caudoputamen region at all the time points. Thus, our study has bolstered the role of DTI to probe microstructural changes in gray matter regions of brain after radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verbal autopsy methods have been developed to determine medical causes of deathforprioritizing disease control programs. Additional information on social causesmay facilitate designing of more appropriate prevention strategies. Use of social autopsy in investigations of causes of adult deaths has been limited. Therefore, acommunity-based study was conducted in NandpurKalour Block of Fatehgarh Sahib District in Punjab (India)for finding social causes of adult deaths. An integrated verbal and social autopsy toolwas developed and verbal autopsies of 600 adult deaths, occurring over a reference period of one year, were conducted in 2014. Quantitative analysis described the socio-demographic characteristics of the deceased, number and type of consultations from health care providers, and type of care received during illness. Qualitative data was analyzed to find out social causes of death by thematic analysis. The median duration of illness from symptom onset till death was 9 days (IQR = 1–45 days). At the onset of illness, 72 (12%) deceased utilized home remedies and 424 (70.7%)received care from a clinic/hospital, and 104 (17.3%) died withoutreceiving any care. The number of medical consultations varied from one to six (median = 2). The utilization of government health facilities and qualified allopathic doctor increased with each consultation (p value<0.05). The top five social causes of adult deaths in a rural area of Punjab in India. (1) Non availability of medical practitioner in the vicinity, (2) communication gaps between doctor and patient on regular intake of medication, (3) delayed referral by service provider, (4) poor communication with family on illness, and (5) perception of illness to be ‘mild’ by the family or care taker. To conclude, social autopsy tool should be integrated with verbal autopsy tool for identification of individual, community, and health system level factors associated with adult mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) following caesarean section is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. It causes delay in recovery, increased hospitalization and economic burden on the society. Hence, it is imperative to know risk factors associated with it. Aim: To evaluate risk factors for SSI following caesarean section Materials & Methods: Total 200 women who underwent caesarean section were followed upto 30 days. Women developing SSI constituted the study group A and the rest constituted the control group B. Demographic factors, preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative variables associated with SSI were analyzed. Results: The rate of SSI reported in the study was 21.5%. Risk factor associated with SSI on multivariate analysis was found to be post-operative anaemia with adjusted OR 2.395. Conclusion: Anaemia is an important modifiable factor that should be screened and treated in the antenatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Elevated serum levels of NT-proBNP (N terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide) are associated with Pre-Eclampsia (PE) and its complications. Aim: To evaluate NT-proBNP in women with PE and correlate its levels with maternal outcome. Materials and Methods: A total 90 out of which 45 women with PE (Group A) and 45 normotensive healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancy (Group B) were enrolled. NT-proBNP was estimated at term or just before induction of labour or in early labour. These women were followed till 48 hours postpartum. Maternal outcome was recorded and analysed using statistical tests like Student t-test, Mann-whitney, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, Pearson and Spearman correlation. Results: Significant elevated serum levels of NT-proBNP were seen in PE women than controls (mean 439.47±431.99 and 99.40±37.89 respectively) (p-value <0.001). Severity and early onset of PE was associated with further increased serum NTproBNP levels. In Group B none of the women developed any complication whereas, in Group A 19/45 (42.22%) women had a total of 31 complications. Forty percent of these PE women had maternal complications and elevated NT-proBNP levels above 500 pg/mL. Cardiovascular complications were observed in 4/45 women with NT-proBNP levels of 770 pg/mL and above. The positive predictive value for NT-proBNP for detecting complications was 83.33% at a cut-off level of 500 pg/mL. The negative predictive value was 92.85% at a cut-off level of 100 pg/mL. Women in Group A with early onset PE, who did not develop maternal complications, had low serum NT-proBNP. Women without severe features of PE (n=12) in Group A who developed complications, had elevated NT-proBNP (mean 434±307.219 pg/mL) than those who had no complication (mean NT-proBNP 80.66±37.54 pg/mL). Conclusion: NT-proBNP is a useful marker for predicting maternal complications and risk stratification for optimum maternal outcome in a PE women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity of a red clover global collection was assessed using 36 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers representing all seven linkage groups (LGs). The number of fragments amplified ranged from 1 to 6 for all the primers. Primer RCS0060 detected highest number of fragments, whereas four SSRs viz., RCS0899, RCS1594, TPSSR40 and RCS6927 amplified single fragment. Size range of amplicons generated by all the primers varied from 100 to 400 bp. Polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.301 to 0.719 with an average value of 0.605. LG wise diversity analysis showed that LG 3 was most diverse (I = 0.65, Ht = 0.44), whereas LG-1 showed minimum diversity (I = 0.48, Ht = 0.26) for the microsatellites used. Bayesian model-based clustering inferred three genetically distinct populations in the red clover germplasm holding and showed considerable admixture in individuals within clusters. Neighbour-joining analysis showed intermixing of accessions within groups. Principal component analysis plot complemented the clustering shown by Structure and distinguished three populations to greater extent. Analysis of molecular variance showed that 91% of the genetic variation was residing within populations, while 9% variation was among populations. Overall, the results showed that a high level of genetic diversity is prevailing in this worldwide collection of red clover, which can be exploited for its genetic improvement through breeding approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A strong relationship between serum vitamin D concentration and muscle function has been documented in various studies. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to impairment of pelvic floor muscle strength and hence pelvic floor disorders (PFD) i.e. urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and prolapse symptoms. Objectives: 1) To determine serum vitamin D levels in women with PFD symptoms and healthy controls. 2) To correlate serum vitamin D levels with severity of PFD symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in patients with PFD. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based case control study conducted on women attending gynaecology OPD. Eighty women were enrolled in our study and comprised of two groups - Group A of 40 patients with PFD symptoms and Group B of 40 healthy subjects. Serum vitamin D estimation, history, clinical examination, and pelvic floor muscle strength by Oxford scale was recorded in all the subjects on a predesigned proforma. Patients in group A were further divided on the basis of vitamin D status as vitamin D sufficient and vitamin D insufficient groups. PFD symptoms severity and its impact on quality of life were recorded on 'Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short form 20' (PFDI-SF 20) and 'Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7' (PFIQ-7) questionnaire respectively in group A. Results: In group A, 90% of patients were vitamin D deficient compared to 57.5% in group B (p = 0.002). Vitamin D level had positive correlation with pelvic floor muscle strength in both group A (p = 0.034, r value=0.336) and group B (p = 0.004, r value = 0.448). Mean PFDI-SF 20 summary score was significantly more in vitamin D insufficient group compared to vitamin D sufficient group. A negative correlation with PFIQ-7 scoring (p = 0.017, r value = - 0.392) and vitamin D was observed, suggesting poor quality of life in vitamin D deficient women. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with pelvic floor disorders, poor pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Many cases are diagnosed on autopsy and a subset of patients may require surgical intervention either due to the complication or sequelae of TB. Materials and Methods. 40 cases of resected lung specimens following surgery or autopsy in which a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was made were included. Histopathological pattern analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis along with associated nonneoplastic changes and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli was done. Results. The mean age of diagnosis was 41 years with male predominance (92.5%). Tuberculosis was suspected in only 12.1% of cases before death. Seven cases were operated upon due to associated complications or suspicion of malignancy. Tubercular consolidation was the most frequent pattern followed by miliary tuberculosis. The presence of necrotizing granulomas was seen in 33 cases (82.5%). Acid fast bacilli were seen in 57.5% cases on Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Conclusion. Histopathology remains one of the most important methods for diagnosing tuberculosis, especially in TB prevalent areas. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all respiratory diseases because of its varied clinical presentations and manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyse the design and operational status of India's civil registration and vital statistics system and facilitate the system's development into an accurate and reliable source of mortality data. Methods We assessed the national civil registration and vital statistics system's legal framework, administrative structure and design through document review. We did a cross-sectional study for the year 2013 at national level and in Punjab state to assess the quality of the system's mortality data through analyses of life tables and investigation of the completeness of death registration and the proportion of deaths assigned ill-defined causes. We interviewed registrars, medical officers and coders in Punjab state to assess their knowledge and practice. Findings Although we found the legal framework and system design to be appropriate, data collection was based on complex intersectoral collaborations at state and local level and the collected data were found to be of poor quality. The registration data were inadequate for a robust estimate of mortality at national level. A medically certified cause of death was only recorded for 965 992 (16.8%) of the 5 735 082 deaths registered. Conclusion The data recorded by India's civil registration and vital statistics system in 2011 were incomplete. If improved, the system could be used to reliably estimate mortality. We recommend improving political support and intersectoral coordination, capacity building, computerization and state-level initiatives to ensure that every death is registered and that reliable causes of death are recorded - at least within an adequate sample of registration units within each state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in subclinical and overt hypothyroidism (OH) has increased over the past few years as it affects neurodevelopment in the offspring and can cause adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. This has led to many health organization, societies and publicgroups to recommend routine thyroid screening in pregnancy. Though the effects of overt hypothyroidism on pregnancy is well known and replacement therapy is advocated, yet controversy exists about the effects of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and its need fortreatment in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to cause expression of insulin gene resulting in high insulin synthesis and secretion. It also decreases insulin resistance, thus affecting abnormal glucose metabolism and diabetes. Aim: To estimate total 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in pregnant women and to find its association with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Materials and Methods: Fifty four antenatal women were randomly enrolled at 24-28 weeks gestation after conforming to exclusion criteria. Serum vitamin D, two-hour 75 grams glucose and postprandial plasma glucose levels were estimated in all women at the time of enrollment. GDM was diagnosed with plasma glucose level >140 mg/dL (Group A). Rest of the women constituted Group B or control group. They were followed up till delivery. Vitamin D status and fetomaternal outcome was evaluated. Results: Hypovitaminosis D was found in 93% of women. There were 38.8% women (n=21) in GDM group compared to 61.2% (n=33) in control group. Vitamin D was significantly low in Group A than B (p-value 0.004). None of the women in Group A had vitamin D levels of 10 ng/mL and above compared to 37.2% in Group B. Severe vitamin D deficient women (levels <5 ng/mL) had a risk ratio of 5.647 for developing GDM. A negative correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and plasma glucose levels. Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis D was associated with development of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cranial irradiation is widely used as a treatment modality or prophylactic treatment in cancer patients, but it is frequently related to neurocognitive impairment in cancer survivors. Though most of radiation-induced changes occur during early and late delayed phase of radiation sickness, recent reports have supported the evidence of impaired neurogenesis within 24-48h of radiation exposure that may implicate changes in acute phase as well. Inspection of these acute changes could be considered important as they may have long lasting effect on cognitive development and functions. In the present study, 1H NMR spectroscopy based metabolomic approach was used to obtain comprehensive information of hippocampus metabolic physiology during acute phase of radiation sickness in a mouse model for single dose 8Gy cranial irradiation. The analysis demonstrated reduced metabolic activity in irradiated animals compared to controls, typically evident in citric acid cycle intermediates, glutamine/glutamate and ketone bodies metabolism thus providing strong indication that the hippocampus is metabolically responsive to radiation exposure. The data suggested reduced glucose utilization, altered intermediary and neurotransmitter metabolism in hippocampus tissue extract. To the best of our knowledge this is the first metabolomic study to document cranial irradiation induced acute metabolic changes using in vitro1H NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic evaluation is critical in assessing the cause of obstructive jaundice. Cytological techniques including bile aspiration and biliary brushings have become the initial diagnostic modality. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of endoscopic biliary tract cytology as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of extrahepatic cholestatic jaundice. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 biliary tract specimens including 34 bile aspirations and 22 biliary brushings from 41 consecutive patients who had presented with obstructive jaundice and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were assessed by cytological examination. The smears prepared were analyzed for standard cytological features. Results: Cytologic diagnosis was adenocarcinoma in 13 (31.7%) cases, atypical in 2 (4.9%), reactive in 3 (7.3%) and benign changes in 19 (46.3%) cases. 4 (9.8%) cases were non-diagnostic. Serum bilirubin was significantly elevated in the malignant group. Biliary stricture was the most common finding on ERCP (68.3%). On cytological examination, presence of solitary, intact atypical cells, enlarged nuclei, irregular nuclear membrane, coarse chromatin and nucleoli were important cytologic criteria for differentiating malignant from benign biliary specimens. Conclusions: Regular use of bile cytology and brushings during ERCP evaluation of extrahepatic cholestatic jaundice is invaluable in obtaining a morphologic diagnosis. A systematic approach, use of strict cytomorphologic criteria and inclusion of significant atypia as malignant diagnosis may improve the sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash produced by coal-burning in thermal power station has become a subject of world wide interest in recent years because of its diverse uses in construction activities and considerable economic and environmental importance. Fly ash is used in the production of bricks, sheets, cement and also in land filling etc. Indian coals used in thermal power plants are found to have high ash contents, resulting in the production of large amount of fly ash. Coal contains radionuclides including uranium (the source of inert gas radon), Th and K. Thus coal combustion results in enhanced concentration of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. Since these radionuclides concentration in fly ash plays an important role in health physics it is important to measure radionuclides concentration in fly ash. In the present work enhanced radioactivity and radon exhalation rate from fly ash samples collected from a thermal power plant of NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), Dadri (U.P.) India, have been measured. A high resolution gamma ray spectroscopic system has been used for the measurement of natural radioactivity (226Ra, 232Th and 40K). Gamma spectrometric measurements were carried out at Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi using a coaxial n-type HPGe detector (EG&G, ORTEC, Oak Ridge, USA). Activity concentration of 226Ra varies from 81.8 ± 2.2 to 177.3 ± 10.0 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 118.6 ± 7.4 Bq kg−1 and of 232Th from 111.6 ± 3.2 to 178.5 ± 3.9 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 147.0 ± 3.4 Bq kg−1. 40K activity was found to be below detection limit in some samples while other samples have shown potassium activity to vary from 365.9 ± 4.8 to 495.9 ± 6.2 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 352.0 ± 4.5 Bq kg−1. Surface radon exhalation rates (E A) and Mass exhalation rates (E M) in these samples were measured by “Sealed can technique” using LR-115 type II track detectors. E A is found to vary from 80.1 ± 9.3 to 242.7 ± 16.3 mBq m−2 h−1 with an average value 155.5 ± 12.8 mBq m−2 h−1, while E M varies from 3.1 ± 0.4 to 9.3 ± 0.6 mBq kg−1 h−1 with an average value of 6.0 ± 0.5 mBq kg−1 h−1. Radium equivalent activity (Ra eq), related to the external gamma dose and internal dose due to radon and its daughters range from 283.2 to 422.4 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 353.9 Bq kg−1. The calculated values of external hazard index (H ex) vary from 0.77 to 1.87 with an average value of 1.03. Most of the samples show the value of Ra eq close to the allowed upper limit of 370 Bq kg−1 and H ex close to unity respectively except in two samples. Annual effective dose varies from 0.15 to 0.23 mSv y−1 with an average value 0.19 mSv y−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study soil samples were collected from the region around a National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Dadri (U.P.), India. Radon activity and radon exhalation rates were measured by using “sealed can technique” using LR 115-type II nuclear track detectors. Radon activities are found to vary from 177.5 ± 23.1 to 583.4 ± 4.9 Bq m−3 with an average value of 330.5 ± 30.4 Bq m−3. Surface exhalation rates in these samples vary from 63.9 ± 8.3 to 210.2 ± 15.1 mBq m−2 h−1 with an average value of 119.1 ± 11.1 mBq m−2 h−1, whereas mass exhalation rates vary from 2.5 ± 0.3 to 8.1 ± 0.6 mBq kg−1 h−1 with an average of 4.6 ± 0.4 mBq kg−1 h−1. Activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) were also measured in these soil samples using high resolution γ–ray spectroscopic system. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K vary from 32.2 ± 6.0 to120.9 ± 4.5 Bq kg−1, 19.3 ± 0.9 to 44.6 ± 1.5 Bq kg−1 and 195.4 ± 2.8 to 505.4 ± 6.3 Bq kg−1 with overall mean values of 70.0 ± 8.9 Bq kg−1, 34.8 ± 1.2 Bq kg−1 and 436.1 ± 5.6 Bq kg−1 respectively. From the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, radium equivalent activity (Ra eq) and the external hazard index (H ex) were calculated and found to vary from 73.4 to 214.7 Bq kg−1 and from 0.2 to 0.6 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil ( Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris), is a self-pollinating diploid (2 n = 2 x = 14), cool-season legume crop and is consumed worldwide as a rich source of protein (~24.0%), largely in vegetarian diets. Here we report development of a genetic linkage map of Lens using 114 F plants derived from the intersubspecific cross between L 830 and ILWL 77. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) primers revealed more polymorphism than ISSR (intersimple sequence repeat) and SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. The highest proportion (30.72%) of segregation distortion was observed in RAPD markers. Of the 235 markers (34 SSR, 9 ISSR and 192 RAPD) used in the mapping study, 199 (28 SSRs, 9 ISSRs and 162 RAPDs) were mapped into 11 linkage groups (LGs), varying between 17.3 and 433.8 cM and covering 3843.4 cM, with an average marker spacing of 19.3 cM. Linkage analysis revealed nine major groups with 15 or more markers each and two small LGs with two markers each, and 36 unlinked markers. The study reported assigning of 11 new SSRs on the linkage map. Of the 66 markers with aberrant segregation, 14 were unlinked and the remaining 52 were mapped. ISSR and RAPD markers were found to be useful in map construction and saturation. The current map represents maximum coverage of lentil genome and could be used for identification of QTL regions linked to agronomic traits, and for marker-assisted selection in lentil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STAT3 regulates cell growth by upregulating downstream targets, such as Myc. The frequency of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) and Myc expression and their prognostic relevance is unknown within diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes. pSTAT3 and Myc were studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tumors from 40 DLBCL patients uniformly treated on a clinical trial of epratuzumab/rituximab-CHOP. A total of 35% of cases were pSTAT3-positive, and pSTAT3 positivity was more frequent in the non-GCB (P = .06) type but did not correlate with event-free survival (EFS). Myc expression was observed In 50% of cases and was more frequent in non-GCB type (P = .07). Myc-positive cases had inferior EFS in all patients, including the GCB and pSTAT3-positive cases, were more likely to express Myc (P = .06). Myc translocations Involving the major breakpoint regions were found in 10% (3 of 29) of cases, and all 3 cases were GCB and had an inferior EFS (P = .09). pSTAT3, but not Myc expression, was correlated with elevated pretreatment serum cytokines, such as IL-b (P = .05), G-CSF (P = .03), and TNF-α (P = .04). pSTAT3 IHC in DLBCL tumors has the potential to identify patients for STAT3 pathway-directed therapy; Myc IHC is a potential marker for inferior EFS in GCB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of four phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was studied on growth and aloin-A content of Aloe barbadensis in soil containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP). PSB were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Pseudomonas synxantha, Burkholderia gladioli, Enterobacter hormaechei and Serratia marcescens. These PSB solubilized 25–340μgml−1 of TCP into the liquid phase. The treatment of plants with individual PSB or mixture of these increased soil available P, P uptake in plants and plant growth. The increase in aloin-A content due to higher plant biomass and unit biomass production was 673%, 294%, 276%, 119% and 108% in plants treated with a PSB consortium, P. synxantha, S. marcescens, B. gladioli, and E. hormaechei in TCP amended soil, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cytokines are deregulated in cancers and can contribute to tumor growth. In patients with diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we observed higher levels of JAK/STAT pathway-related serum cytokines (ie, IL-6, IL-10, epidermal growth factor, and IL-2) compared with controls. Of these, only IL-10 activated the JAK2 pathway in lymphoma cells in vitro. Patients with high serum IL-10 had shorter event-free survival (EFS) than patients with low levels (P > .01) and high IL-10 was correlated with high lactase dehydrogenase (p = .0085) and higher International Prognostic Index scores (P = .01). To explore the mechanism by which IL-10 may contribute to an inferior EFS, we investigated the effect of IL-10 on the JAK2 pathway and found that the IL-10/IL-10 receptor complex upregulated JAK2 signaling. Neutralizing Ab to IL-10 inhibited constitutive and IL-10-induced JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation. JAK2 inhibition dephosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 and caused an inhibitory effect on phospho-JAK2-positive DLBCL cells; there was a minimal effect on phospho-JAK2-negative cells. Apoptosis induced by JAK2 inhibition was dependent on inhibition of autocrine IL-10 and c-myc expression and independent of Bcl-2 family expression. These results provide the rationale for testing JAK2 inhibitors in DLBCL patients, and indicate that serum IL-10 may be a biomarker to identify patients more likely to respond to JAK2-targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays crucial roles in proliferative and anti-apoptotic signaling in various lymphoid malignancies. Rapamycin analogs, which are allosteric mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors, are active in mantle cell lymphoma and other lymphoid neoplasms, but responses are typically partial and short-lived. In the present study we compared the effects of rapamycin with the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor OSI-027 in cell lines and clinical samples representing a variety of lymphoid malignancies. OSI-027, but not rapamycin, inhibited phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473, a direct target of mTORC2, in multiple lymphoid lines. In further contrast to rapamycin, OSI-027 markedly diminished proliferation and induced apoptosis in a variety of lymphoid cell lines and clinical samples, including specimens of B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma and Sezary syndrome. Additional analysis demonstrated that OSI-027-induced apoptosis depended upon transcriptional activation of the PUMA and BIM genes. Overexpression of Bcl-2, which neutralizes Puma and Bim, or loss of procaspase 9 diminished OSI-027-induced apoptosis in vitro. Consistent with these results, OSI-027 inhibited phosphorylation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 substrates, upregulated Puma, and induced regressions in Jeko xenografts, derived from a patient with mantle cell lymphoma. Collectively, these studies not only identify a pathway that is critical for the cytotoxicity of dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors, but also suggest that simultaneously targeting mTORC1 and mTORC2 might be an effective anti-lymphoma strategy in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex cord tumors (UTROSCT) are tumors of unclear histogenesis. The authors analyzed the ultrastructural features of 13 UTROSCT and correlated the findings with their immunohistochemical profile. Features included cells with frequent organoid, nested or cord-like arrangement (8), lumen formation (2; one of which showed surface microvilli), nuclei with irregular indentations (8), intermediate filaments (13), prominent paranuclear aggregates (5), cell junctions (9), desmosome-like junctions (2), tonofilaments (2), basal lamina (1), and cytoplasmic lipid droplets (7; prominent in 3). No dense bodies, subplasmalemmal densities or pinocytotic vesicles were seen. Ultrastructural epithelial differentiation was present in 2 tumors (positive for keratin or epithelial membrane antigen). Prominent lipid droplets correlated with sex cord markers positivity in 2 tumors. Ultrastructural features of smooth muscle differentiation were lacking and abundant paranuclear filaments did not correlate with myoid markers. UTROSCT are polyphenotypic neoplasms ultrastructurally with focal epithelial and variable sex cord-like differentiation. These findings suggest that UTROSCT may result from divergent differentiation in endometrial stromal tumors or represent a distinct group of uterine tumors with sex cord-like differentiation that are closer in histogenesis to ovarian sex cord stromal tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: We aimed to determine if an immersive virtual patient (VP) with a breast complaint and a breast mannequin could prepare third-year medical students for history-taking (HT) and clinical breast examination (CBE) on a real patient. Methods: After standardized instruction in breast HT and CBE, students (n = 21) were randomized to either an interaction with a VP (experimental) or to no VP interaction (control) before seeing a real patient with a breast complaint. Participants completed baseline and exit surveys to assess confidence regarding their HT and CBE skills. Results: Students reported greater confidence in their HT (Δ value = 1.05 ± 1.28, P < .05) and CBE skills (Δ value = 1.14 ± .91, P < .05) and less anxiety when performing a CBE (Δ value = −.76 ± 1.10, P < .05). The VP intervention group had a significantly higher mean HT confidence than the control group at the conclusion of the study (4.27 ± .47 vs 3.50 ± .71, respectively, P < .05). Conclusions: A single interaction with a VP with a breast complaint and breast mannequin improves student confidence in breast HT during a surgery clerkship. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gadd45a, Gadd45b, and Gadd45g (Gadd45/MyD118/CR6) are genes that are rapidly induced by genotoxic stress and have been implicated in genotoxic stress-induced responses, notably in apoptosis. Recently, using myeloid-enriched bone marrow (BM) cells obtained from wild-type (WT), Gadd45a-deficient, and Gadd45b- deficient mice, we have shown that in hematopoietic cells Gadd45a and Gadd45b play a survival function to protect hematopoietic cells from DNA-damaging agents, including ultra violet (UV)-induced apoptosis. The present study was undertaken to decipher the molecular paths that mediate the survival functions of Gadd45a and Gadd45b against genotoxic stress induced by UV radiation. It is shown that in hematopoietic cells exposed to UV radiation Gaddd45a and Gadd45b cooperate to promote cell survival via two distinct signaling pathways involving activation of the GADD45a-p38-NF-κB-mediated survival pathway and GADD45b-mediated inhibition of the stress response MKK4-JNK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether the use of prophylactic intracameral cefuroxime during phacoemulsification cataract surgery is associated with increased macular thickening in the postoperative period. Setting: Hull and East Yorkshire Eye Hospital, Hull, United Kingdom. Methods: In this prospective randomized double-masked clinical study, the study group received 1 mg of intracameral cefuroxime and the control group received intracameral balanced salt solution only. Ocular coherence tomography was performed 5 (±1) weeks after surgery. Results: Intracameral cefuroxime did not have a statistically significant effect on postoperative macular thickness compared with nonadministration of intracameral antibacterials. All patients in both groups achieved a postoperative best corrected visual acuity of 6/9 or better. Conclusion: Use of 1 mg of intracameral cefuroxime was not associated with increased macular thickness 4 weeks to 6 weeks postoperatively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Worldwide gall bladder cancer (GBC) is known to be the commonest malignant tumour of the biliary tract. It is the most aggressive carcinoma of the biliary tract with short median survival from the time of diagnosis. The aggressive biologic behavior of the carcinoma and non-availability of sensitive screening tests for early detection may be responsible for the poor prognosis associated with GBC. Owing to the delayed diagnosis at an advanced stage, only few of the patients are found to be eligible for a curative surgical resection. Material and Methods: All patients diagnosed with neoplastic and non-neoplastic gallbladder lesions in the Department of Pathology, Subharti Medical College were included in the study between the year 2017-2019. The Hematoxylin and Eosin stained biopsies of 320 patients were assessed and out of them 100 patients were chosen as the sample for the study. The clinicopatholgical data of the 100 patients were compiled into a data base and de-identified. Results: In adenocarcinoma - biliary type, there was positive EGFR expression seen in 64.71% of cases compared to negative expression seen in 35.29% cases, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.18). Adenocarcinoma - papillary ype showed positive expression. Adenocarcinoma--intestinal type showed negative EGFR expression, but again, without statistical significance (p = 0.24). Conclusions: The minimal response of advanced cases of GBC to traditional treatments calls for new prognostic and treatment perspectives to be identified. Novel prognostic biomarkers could bring about the needed breakthrough in this regard as they will help in the identification of patients who will benefit tremendously from adjuvant and targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the common hearing problems which can cause many complications if not treated properly. Hence, the study aims to identify the bacterial isolates causing CSOM and to study their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Kota from May 2019 to January 2020. Three hundred and seventy patients of CSOM with discharge attending the ENT outpatient department were included in the study. Swabs were taken and sent immediately to the microbiology laboratory and processed. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard methods and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done. Results: Pseudomonas was the most predominant bacteria isolated followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., Streptococcus pneumonia, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus and Acinetobacter spp. Conclusions: The present study helped in knowing the bacteriological profile of the cases of CSOM. Empirical treatment may not be successful in all cases because of the emergence of resistant organisms. Hence, it is advisable to do an antibiogram before starting the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired non-hormonal clitoromegaly is a rare condition and is due to benign or malignant tumours and sometimes idiopathic. Few cases of clitoral abscesses have been reported after female circumcision. We hereby report a case of clitoral abscess causing acquired clitoromegaly following an obstetrical surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysgerminoma is an uncommon malignant tumour arising from germ cells of ovary. It occurs mostly in the reproductive age group. Its association with pregnancy is rare. Its management remains a challenge especially in an unsuspected case. We present a case of a woman, aged 28-year-old gravida2 para1 who reported to us at 36 weeks' pregnancy with severe preeclampsia and previous caesarean section. On ultrasound she was reported as having subserosal fibroids with single live fetus of 35 weeks and 3 days gestation. She delivered a live baby by caesarean section done for failed induction. Intraoperatively bilateral ovarian masses were found and removed which were later confirmed to be dysgerminoma on histopathological examination. As she was not diagnosed dysgerminoma preoperatively, complete work up i.e., tumour markers and MRI was not done, leading to dilemmas in management. Though standard protocols for management of dysgerminoma with pregnancy exist, yet management of these incidentally diagnosed dysgerminomas remains a dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited supplies of fossil fuels have led to a search for alternative sources of fuel to drive economic growth. Maize, and especially the grain portion, has been utilized to a large extent for biofuel production while the abundant lignocellulosic portion has remained underexplored owing to its recalcitrant nature. The diversion of grain for bioethanol production has consequences for food security. However, the lignocellulosic portion can easily be directed for ethanol production without any consequences for food security. Maize has emerged as the leading crop in the last decade and hence provides a vast amount of grain and biomass. Biomass quantity and its digestibility are the two key traits for efficient biofuel production. Significant variation has been reported for these traits in maize. The brown midrib mutants (bm) of maize, with reduced lignin content, can be exploited for the development of cultivars with better digestibility. Recent advances in genetics and genomics revealed key genomic regions associated with biomass‐contributing traits. The molecular markers associated with the identified genomic regions can be utilized for marker‐aided development of cultivars with high biomass and better digestibility. Advances in phenomics have also facilitated bioethanol‐targeted breeding in maize. Biorefining uses feedstock as input and processes it into biofuel. In this review, the improvement of maize as a feedstock and biological conversion strategies of lignocellulosic biomass are assessed. Research and development platforms to enable improvements in feedstock and biological processing are also discussed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few benign and malignant tumors of thyroid lesion share many histological features, including papillary and trabecular pattern, hyalinized stroma, calcification, nuclear grooving, and nuclear inclusion. The lesions those have these common features are hyalinizing trabecular tumor, papillary thyroid carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, paraganglioma, trabecular follicular adenoma (TFA), and poorly differentiated tumor (PDT). These tumors are derived from thyroid follicular cell except PDT and paraganglioma. Hyalinized trabecular tumor and TFA are rare tumors. Due to these common features, they create a diagnostic pitfall for a false-positive or false-negative diagnosis. Therefore, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies are needed to make a definite diagnosis. The present case describes a relatively rare thyroid tumor – hyalinizing trabecular tumor – with its varied morphological features creating diagnostic difficulties and role of immunohistochemistry in formulating definitive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Images of staining which shows tumor cell mitosis and intranuclear inclusions, and photomicrograph showing strong positive immunohistochemical staining thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) and low MIB-1 labeling index (LI), pertaining to a 60-year-old male with a history of smoking, is presented.

Double aortic arch (DAA) is a form of vascular ring, completely encircling trachea and esophagus by its connecting segments, and thus can lead to clinical picture of aero-digestive tract obstruction. MRI and CECT in addition to the location and extent of aero-digestive tract obstruction can also delineate adjacent cardio-vascular anatomy. 3D reconstruction of aorta and airway can be useful tool for pre-operative planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains higher amounts of essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. The QPM phenotype is based on regulating zein protein synthesis by opaque2 transcription factor. Many gene modifiers act to optimize the amino acid content and agronomic performance. An SSR marker, phi112, is present upstream of the opaque2 DNA gene. Its analysis has shown the presence of transcription factor activity. The functional associations of opaque2 have been determined. The putative transcription factor binding at phi112 marked DNA was identified through computational analysis. The present study is a step towards understanding the intricate network of molecular interactions that fine-tune the QPM genotype to influence maize protein quality. In addition, a multiplex PCR assay for differentiation of QPM from normal maize is shown, which can be used for Quality Control at various stages of the QPM value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]