Histopathological Spectrum of Myxoid Soft‑Tissue Neoplasms in a Tertiary Care Center with a Special Focus on Vascular Patterns: A 13‑Year Compilation

Introduction: Myxoid soft‑tissue tumors are a diverse group of tumors which have similar histomorphology but have varied geneticsequence and clinical outcome, hence differentiating and diagnosing them is a challenge for any pathologist. This study describes the varioushistomorphological spectrum and vascular pattern of various myxoid soft‑tissue tumors. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective observational study of myxoid soft‑tissue tumors over a period of 13 years. A total of 224 cases with myxoid morphology were included and were examined morphologically with a special focus on the vascular pattern. SPSS v 24 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The predominant lesions were benign in 164 (73.21%) cases, followed by malignant lesions in 43 (19.19%) cases and intermediate lesions 17 (7.58%) cases. Both benign and malignant lesions showed a male preponderance and were seen to arise predominantly from the extremities. The most common benign myxoid lesions in this study were of neural origin with myxoid neurofibroma constituting 65 (29. 01%) cases, followed by schwannoma 38 (16.9%) cases. Myxoid dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was the most common intermediatelesion. Tumors with adipocytic differentiation were the predominant lesions among the malignant group, i.e myxoid liposarcoma seen in 17 (7.5%) cases. Conclusions: Vascular pattern in the myxoid lesions are subtle yet crucial in arriving at a histo‑morphological diagnosis. Further studies correlating the vascular pattern with the genetic profile of these tumours can help arriving at a histo‑morphological diagnosisof myxoid lesions.

Study of Medicinal Plants Found in Yamkeshwar Block District Pauri, and their Therapeutic Uses, Uttarakhand, India with reference to Bhavaprakash Nighantu: A Review

The prolific plant diversity of Uttarakhand hills has provided an initial lead to the local people to look for various plant species for the purpose of food, medicine, spices and perfumes. Medicinal plants found in Pauri district at Yamkeshwar block Uttarakhand, India have resulted in the documentation of medicinal, aromatic and spice plant species. These species were distributed over various life forms, like tree, shrub and herbaceous forms. The plants species were collected and arranged in their botanical name family, Sanskrit name, local name and their habit pattern. The leaves root, stem bark and whole plants were the mostly used. The traditional knowledge of medicinal plants gathered from local healers at Yamkeshwar block transmitted orally one generation to another generation but not documented. Now new generation is not interested in traditional knowledge of medicinal plants due to modernization, so there is an urgent need to document ethnomedicinal plants before the knowledge become extinct. Conservation and sustainable utilization of these valuable medicinal plant species is essential to protect the traditional knowledge regarding plants and plant based healing practices. In this article made an effort to document such information, especially the plants found in that region and use of plants for medicine, and made an effort to enlist the medicinal plants mentioned in Bhavaprakash Nighantu.

Effectiveness of continuous passive motion after total knee replacement: A randomized controlled trial from North India

Background: Continuous passive motion (CPM) is a common strategy for early post-operative rehabilitation of patients who have undergone knee surgery. During an early recovery time following primary total knee replacement (TKR), the efficiency of the CPM approach was evaluated in this study. Aim and Objective: To determine the effectiveness of using a CPM device for individuals with poor ROM after a TKR as compared with non CPM device users. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four TKR patients were distributed into two groups. CPM and exercises were given to the study group, while exercises were given to the control group only. All individuals were assessed for mean active range of motion (AROM), mean Knee Society Score (KSS), and the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index before and after surgery (WOMAC). Results: The study group’s mean AROM was 81.7 ± 15.1, while the control group’s was 75.4 ± 21.8. The Study group had a mean KSS score of 135.7 ± 19.7 points, while the control group had a score of 134.2 ± 15.7. Between the two groups, there were no statistical differences. The Study group’s KSS functional score was 64.6 ± 8.4, compared to 61.1 ± 7.5 for the control group, yet there was a statistically significant difference between the groups at hospital discharge (P = 0.008). A statistically significant difference in pain level, joint stiffness, and function was also found between the two groups (37.1 ± 12.3 points for the CPM group and 23 ± 14.1 points for the control). Conclusions: From these findings it suggests that CPM has no effect on improving clinical measures. The subjective assessment of pain level, joint stiffness, and functional ability, on the other hand, showed a substantial positive effect.

Hypothyroxinemia in sick term neonates and its risk factors in an extramural neonatal intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid functions in the sick newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Transient hypothyroxinemia has been reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or to acute illness. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hypothyroxinemia and determine its risk factors in sick term newborns. Materials and methods: We analyzed free T4 (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in sick term neonates (≤7 days of life) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FT4 and TSH levels were estimated in the first week of life in all the enrolled neonates (N = 98) and then repeated at 14-21 days of life in 46 babies. Risk analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results: Hypothyroxinemia was seen in 10 (10.2%) of the admitted term babies. Male gender, vaginal delivery, presence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and need for mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) were identified as risk factors. There was a significant negative linear correlation between FT4 level in the first week of life and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Hypothyroxinemia is common in sick term neonates.

Comparison of the Locoregional Outcome, Toxicities, and Compliance between Hypofractionated and Conventional Chemoradiotherapy for Head‑and‑Neck Cancers

Introduction:Head‑and‑neck cancer (HNC) treatments are elusive, and the hunt for an appropriate radiation strategy continues.Hypofractionation has the potential to provide several advantages, including a shorter overall duration that reduces rapid repopulation, dosage escalation with a higher biologically effective dose, and patient convenience. Hypofractionation is also beneficial in minimizing the danger of catching an infectious agent by reducing the number of hospital visits during the height of the COVID‑19 epidemic. Materials and Methods: Between January 2020 and August 2021, 120 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head‑and‑neck subsites were randomly allocated to either the hypofractionated arm A (n = 60) or the standard fractionation arm B (n = 60) with concomitant treatment. Results:Locoregional tumor response, acute and late toxicity, and compliance were the study’s endpoints. The normal tissue toxicities of each patient undergoing radiation were monitored weekly. Clinical and radiographic evaluations of locoregional control were conducted. Conclusion:Hypofractionation effectively overcomes tumor repopulation in rapidly growing tumors such as HNC, and we conclude in our study that the hypofractionated chemoradiation schedule appears to be more efficacious, with relatively superior locoregional control when compared to conventional chemoradiation with comparable normal tissue toxicities and compliance

A Brief Review on Tejovati (Zanthoxyllum Armatum.Dc.) in Vedas and Samhita: An Ethnomedicinally Rich Plant

Medicinal plants are considered as a rich resources of ingredients which can be used in drug development either pharmacopoeial, non- pharmacopoeial or synthetic drugs. A part from that, these plants play a critical role in the development of human cultures around the world. Traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) is becoming increasingly popular, with many chronic conditions responding to it well. Most patients begin to take conventional medications as soon as their diagnoses are made, so Ayurvedic treatments are usually undergone alongside and/or after conventional medical approaches. WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that 80 percent of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs. According to WHO, around 21,000 plant species have the potential for being used as medicinal plants. Elaborate description of the plant and its therapeutic action are explained by our Acharyas in Vedas, Puranas, and Samhitas and in the later Nighantus. Tejovati is such a drug which is widely available and is having many mentioning in the classics for its effectiveness in many diseases. Tejovati does not have any controversies in any of the literatures or classics regarding its identification or usage. The current article is to highlight the importance of drug and references has been collected from Vedas, Puranas, Samhita kala, Nighantu kala. Synonyms, Gana Varga, Vernacular names etc has been collected and arranged systematically.

Low back pain as an occupational risk among supermarket cashiers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background: Work-related low back pain (LBP) has received growing attention, especially regarding the effect it has on work productivity and activities of daily living (ADL). Supermarket cashiers are at high risk of LBP due to maintaining awkward postures for prolonged periods. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and intensity of LBP among supermarket cashiers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and to identify occupational and non-occupational risk factors for LBP. Methods: Supermarket cashiers from 12 conveniently selected stores of a major South African supermarket franchise were included in this cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were administered in October and November 2018. Mean LBP disability scores were used as a measure of pain intensity experienced during various activities. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to measure the effect size of different variables on the LBP intensity score. The associations between LBP and both occupational and non-occupational factors were assessed using Fischer's exact test and forward stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results: One hundred and forty-six cashiers participated in the study. Most of the participants reported having minimal LBP (n = 132, 90.4%), indicating that they could cope with most living activities. Based on the mean disability scores, only the effect size of age was large. The odds of having LBP were associated with age 30 years and older (p = 0.001), race other than black African (p = 0.037), and working for more than 10 hours a day (p = 0.039). Conclusion: Reporting of LBP was common among the supermarket cashiers in this study. Older workers are at a higher risk of having LBP, which may be exacerbated by long working hours. Workplace interventions such as ergonomic programmes, structured and defined working hours, and home-based interventions such as exercise therapy, should be implemented.

Baseline growth of the Trinidad freshwater crab Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) under laboratory conditions / Crescimento do caranguejo de água doce de Trinidad, Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840), em condições laboratoriais

Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) is widely distributed throughout riverine habitats in Trinidad. However, there is a scarcity of information on the biology of this species. This study provides the first baseline examination that describes growth aspects for P. dentata. Juvenile crabs were obtained from berried females collected in northwest Trinidad. Carapace width (CW), length (CL), moult incident, intermoult period and qualitative aspects were recorded for crabs (N = 23) over 9 months. CW, CL and intermoult period were used to derive percentage size increment, specific growth rate (SGR) and size at structural maturity for both sexes. Growth curves and logistic equations were also generated for each sex. Hatched crabs (< 5 mm CW) underwent rapid hardening after their first moult, indicating a fast turnover of moult cycles. SGR and CW percent increment were also the highest for this initial moult (P < 0.05). CW, CL, intermoult period, size increment and SGR did not differ between sexes (P > 0.05), with logistic equations expressed as CW = 32.81 (1+exp (1.481 ̵ 0.031t))-1 for males and CW = 34.07 (1+exp (1.516 ̵ 0.027t))-1 for females. Yet, breakpoint analyses indicated dissimilar sizes for structural maturity (male: 28.40 mm CW; female: 16.84 mm CW). These patterns reflect a shorter life span for this species in comparison to what has been reported for other trichodactylid relatives. This can have implications for P. dentata populations residing in anthropogenically disturbed habitats; thus, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to ensure preservation of native wild stock.

O Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) está amplamente distribuído nos habitats fluviais de Trinidad. Existem, porém, poucas informações sobre a biologia dessa espécie. Este estudo fornece a primeira análise de referência que descreve aspectos do crescimento do P. dentata. Caranguejos jovens foram obtidos a partir de fêmeas em desova na região noroeste de Trinidad. A largura da carapaça (LC), o comprimento da carapaça (CC), a incidência de muda, o período de intermuda e aspectos qualitativos foram registrados para caranguejos (N = 23) ao longo de mais de nove meses. A LC, o CC e o período de intermuda foram utilizados para obter o aumento porcentual, a taxa específica de crescimento (TEC), e o tamanho na maturidade estrutural para os dois sexos. Curvas de crescimento e equações logísticas foram também geradas para cada sexo. Os caranguejos que nasceram (com largura de carapaça < 5 mm) apresentaram um endurecimento rápido depois de sua primeira muda, o que indica uma rápida rotação dos ciclos de muda. A TEC e o aumento da porcentual da LC foram também os mais altos para esta muda inicial (P < 0,05). Não houve variação da LC, CC, do período de intermuda, aumento do tamanho e da TEC entre os sexos (P > 0,05), e as equações logísticas foram expressas como: LC = 32,81 (1+exp (1,481 ̵ 0,031t))-1 para machos, e LC = 34,07 (1+exp (1,516 ̵ 0,027t))-1 para fêmeas. Porém, as análises de quebra indicaram tamanhos diferentes para maturidade estrutural (LC para macho: 28,40; para fêmea: 16,84 mm). Esses padrões refletem um período de vida mais curto para esta espécie em comparação com o que tem sido registrado para outras famílias de Trichodactylidae. Isso pode ter implicações para as populações de P. dentata que residem em habitats modificados antropogenicamente; destaca-se, assim, a necessidade de estratégias de conservação para assegurar a preservação das populações selvagens nativas.

Baseline growth of the Trinidad freshwater crab Poppiana dentata () under laboratory conditions

Abstract Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) is widely distributed throughout riverine habitats in Trinidad. However, there is a scarcity of information on the biology of this species. This study provides the first baseline examination that describes growth aspects for P. dentata. Juvenile crabs were obtained from berried females collected in northwest Trinidad. Carapace width (CW), length (CL), moult incident, intermoult period and qualitative aspects were recorded for crabs (N = 23) over 9 months. CW, CL and intermoult period were used to derive percentage size increment, specific growth rate (SGR) and size at structural maturity for both sexes. Growth curves and logistic equations were also generated for each sex. Hatched crabs ( 5 mm CW) underwent rapid hardening after their first moult, indicating a fast turnover of moult cycles. SGR and CW percent increment were also the highest for this initial moult (P 0.05). CW, CL, intermoult period, size increment and SGR did not differ between sexes (P > 0.05), with logistic equations expressed as CW = 32.81 (1+exp (1.481 0.031t))-1 for males and CW = 34.07 (1+exp (1.516 0.027t))-1 for females. Yet, breakpoint analyses indicated dissimilar sizes for structural maturity (male: 28.40 mm CW; female: 16.84 mm CW). These patterns reflect a shorter life span for this species in comparison to what has been reported for other trichodactylid relatives. This can have implications for P. dentata populations residing in anthropogenically disturbed habitats; thus, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to ensure preservation of native wild stock.

Resumo O Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) está amplamente distribuído nos habitats fluviais de Trinidad. Existem, porém, poucas informações sobre a biologia dessa espécie. Este estudo fornece a primeira análise de referência que descreve aspectos do crescimento do P. dentata. Caranguejos jovens foram obtidos a partir de fêmeas em desova na região noroeste de Trinidad. A largura da carapaça (LC), o comprimento da carapaça (CC), a incidência de muda, o período de intermuda e aspectos qualitativos foram registrados para caranguejos (N = 23) ao longo de mais de nove meses. A LC, o CC e o período de intermuda foram utilizados para obter o aumento porcentual, a taxa específica de crescimento (TEC), e o tamanho na maturidade estrutural para os dois sexos. Curvas de crescimento e equações logísticas foram também geradas para cada sexo. Os caranguejos que nasceram (com largura de carapaça 5 mm) apresentaram um endurecimento rápido depois de sua primeira muda, o que indica uma rápida rotação dos ciclos de muda. A TEC e o aumento da porcentual da LC foram também os mais altos para esta muda inicial (P 0,05). Não houve variação da LC, CC, do período de intermuda, aumento do tamanho e da TEC entre os sexos (P > 0,05), e as equações logísticas foram expressas como: LC = 32,81 (1+exp (1,481 0,031t))-1 para machos, e LC = 34,07 (1+exp (1,516 0,027t))-1 para fêmeas. Porém, as análises de quebra indicaram tamanhos diferentes para maturidade estrutural (LC para macho: 28,40; para fêmea: 16,84 mm). Esses padrões refletem um período de vida mais curto para esta espécie em comparação com o que tem sido registrado para outras famílias de Trichodactylidae. Isso pode ter implicações para as populações de P. dentata que residem em habitats modificados antropogenicamente; destaca-se, assim, a necessidade de estratégias de conservação para assegurar a preservação das populações selvagens nativas.

Efficacy Of Binary Combination Of Deltamethrin+Mgk-264 On Levels Of Biochemical Changes In The Snail Lymnaea Acuminata

Objective: The objective of the present study is the evaluation of the effect of the sublethal (40% and 60% of 48h LC50) binary combination (1:5 ratios) of molluscicides deltamethrin+MGK-264 on the endogenous levels of protein, amino acid and nucleic acid in different tissues of snail Lymnaea acuminata. Methods: The snails were treated with 1:5 mixtures of sub-lethal concentration of (40% and 60% of 48h LC50) deltamethrin+MGK-264 on the protein, amino acid and nucleic acid levels in gonadal, nervous and foot tissue of L. acuminata. In order to study the effect of withdrawal from treatment, the snails were first exposed to the above concentrations for 96h, after which they were transferred to freshwater. Water was changed every 24h for the next seven days, after which different biochemical parameters were estimated. Results: There was a significant change in the levels of protein (sublethal concentration of 60% of 48h LC50 after 96h) gonadal, nervous and foot tissues are 48.1, 12.1 and 14.5%, respectively, amino acid are 273, 234 and 252%, respectively, DNA are 25.1, 38.9 and 42.1%, respectively and RNA are 12.2, 30.7 and 30.5%, respectively. These changes were time and concentration-dependent. In the withdrawal experiment, the snails were treated for 96h to transfer in freshwater for 7 d, which caused significant recovery in all the biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the high molluscicidal activity of deltamethrin+MGK-264 simultaneous decrease in the levels of proteins, DNA, RNA and increase in the level of amino acids.

Retrospective Inspection and Dissemination Pattern of Common Metabolic Ailments among Hilly and Tarai Region Goats of Uttarakhand

Goats are considered as an important animal not in present scenario but also from ancient time. Due to increasing frugal interest of goat farming globally, profound animal husbandry practices are attaining importance under the target of obtaining quality products along with good animal health and welfare. During the transition phase of life, noticeable alterations in the endocrine and metabolic status of the dairy ruminants were registered. Among small ruminants i.e. goat’s hypocalcaemia, hypoglycemia/Pregnancy toxemia and hypomagnesaemia are the common metabolic disorders which normally precipitated during metabolic anxiety phase. The present study was conducted during the period of 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019. During this period we had registered total 957 goats at Kalsi, Chakrata areas of district Dehradun, Chorgalia, Kotabagh, Kaladhungi areas of district Nainital and Shetlai, Pantnagar, Bazpur areas of district Uddham Singh Nagar beside this we had also included the concerned cases from Government Veterinary Hospital Outpatient departments (OPDs) of the above said areas in Uttarakhand. In the present study, we had performed a prevalence study over common occurring metabolic diseases of goats like hypocalcaemia, hypoglycemia/pregnancy toxemia and hypomagnesaemia. Besides this, we had also studied the dissemination pattern of common occurring metabolic diseases on the basis of their age groups and parity

Effect of Microclimate on Yield and Quality Attributes of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) under Open Field and Polyhouse Conditions

Cherry tomatoes are usually cultivated under greenhouse which is out of the reach of the marginal farmers. Due to unavailability of microclimatic and biochemical data in cherry tomato, meagre yield is obtained at open field conditions. Since the microclimatic factors and growing environment have immense influence on yield and quality attributes of any crop, this experiment was aimed to study the correlation of microclimate with the yield and quality contributing traits of eighteen genetically diverse genotypes of cherry tomato at open field trained on trellis and under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions. In the given study, under open conditions, mean canopy temperature in morning at 7 a.m. (15.3-19.4°C) showed highly significant positive correlation with total yield, whereas total yield possessed highly significant negative association with the mean mid-day (12 noon) canopy temperature and mean mid-day soil temperature above 25°C. In poly house condition, total yield reflected significant negative correlation with morning mean canopy temperature (24.6°C) and mid-day mean canopy temperature (25.8-26°C), whereas total yield was negatively correlated with morning and mid-day mean soil temperature when the temperature was above 20.7°C. Among biochemical parameters, lycopene and beta-carotene content increased with mean canopy temperature at 19.5°C and further decreased above 21.5°C, however TSS increased with increase in mean canopy temperature from 15 to 25°C and decreased beyond 30°C temperature.

Heart rate responses to different temperatures in juvenile Poppiana dentata ( ) / Respostas de frequência cardíaca do Poppiana dentata jovem a diferentes temperaturas ( )

Abstract Temperature is one of the main factors that influences cardiovascular functioning in ectotherms. Hence this study sought to investigate heart rate responses of a freshwater crab species, Poppiana dentata, to different temperature exposures since the species generally reside in habitats of fluctuating physicochemistry. Heart rates were non-invasively determined in juvenile crabs for three temperature regimes, each over an 8-day session; A: temperature exposures of 26 °C (2 days) to 30 °C (3 days) to 26 °C (3 days), B: 26 °C (2 days) to 32 °C (3 days) to 26 °C (3 days) and C: a control at constant 26 °C. Heart rate variations were significant among the regimes (P < 0.05), with the median heart rate being highest for regime B (74 beats per minute or bpm) during the temperature insult (32 °C), relative to regime A (70 bpm) and the control (64 bpm). Notably, a suppression and inversion of the diurnal cardiac patterns occurred for regimes' A and B crabs respectively, with rates from the highest temperature insult not shifting back to pre-insult levels during recovery (26 °C). It is plausible that P. dentata may have compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms that account for these differential heart rate responses, possibly conveying adaptive strategies in its dynamic habitat conditions.

Resumo A temperatura é um dos principais fatores que influenciam o funcionamento cardiovascular dos animais ectotérmicos. Sendo assim, este estudo buscou investigar as respostas de frequência cardíaca de uma espécie de caranguejo de água doce, o Poppiana dentata, após exposição a temperaturas diferentes, visto que esta espécie geralmente reside em habitats de composição físico-química variável. As frequências cardíacas foram determinadas de maneira não invasiva em caranguejos jovens submetidos a três regimes de temperatura, cada um ao longo de uma sessão de oito dias de duração; A: exposição a 26oC (dois dias) para 30 °C (três dias) para 26 °C (dois dias), B: 26 °C (dois dias) para 32 °C (três dias) para 26 °C (três dias) e C: um controle a temperatura constante de 26 °C. As variações de frequência cardíaca foram significativas entre os regimes (P < 0,05), sendo que a frequência cardíaca mediana foi mais alta para o regime B (74 batimentos por minuto ou bpm) durante o insulto térmico (32 °C), em relação ao regime A (70 bpm) e ao controle (64 bpm). Observou-se particularmente uma supressão e uma inversão dos padrões cardíacos diurnos nos caranguejos dos regimes A e B, respectivamente, sem que as frequências do insulto térmico mais alto voltassem aos níveis anteriores ao insulto térmico durante a recuperação (26 °C). É possível que o P. dentata possua mecanismos cardiovasculares compensatórios responsáveis por essas respostas de frequências cardíacas variadas, o que pode indicar estratégias de adaptação às suas condições de habitat dinâmicas.

Serological, Isolation and Molecular Studies on Brucellosis in an Organized Farm, Jammu and Kashmir, India

The present study was conducted in an organized farm of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir state having history of late-term abortions in cattle and buffaloes to elucidate the role of brucellosis in causing abortions on the farm. The farm had 46 animals (23 adults, 15 heifers and 9 calves). The farm was positive in herd test (milk ring test). Serological tests viz., Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) were conducted on 30 serum samples and 11 samples were found positive in both tests. Five vaginal swabs from abortion cases were processed for isolation and 3 isolates of Brucella were obtained which on further characterization by biochemical tests, genus-specific PCR and species-specific PCR were identified as B. abortus biovar 1. As brucellosis is an anthropozoonoses, the high prevalence of brucellosis in livestock of farm demands the surveillance of disease in humans working on the farm and necessitates the control of disease on the farm.

Clinical validation of RIA-G, an automated optic nerve head analysis software

Purpose: To clinically validate a new automated glaucoma diagnosis software RIA-G. Methods: A double-blinded study was conducted where 229 valid random fundus images were evaluated independently by RIA-G and three expert ophthalmologists. Optic nerve head parameters [vertical and horizontal cup–disc ratio (CDR) and neuroretinal rim (NRR) changes] were quantified. Disc damage likelihood scale (DDLS) staging and presence of glaucoma were noted. The software output was compared with consensus values of ophthalmologists. Results: Mean difference between the vertical CDR output by RIA-G and the ophthalmologists was ? 0.004 ± 0.1. Good agreement and strong correlation existed between the two [interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.79; r = 0.77, P < 0.005]. Mean difference for horizontal CDR was ? 0.07 ± 0.13 with a moderate to strong agreement and correlation (ICC 0.48; r = 0.61, P < 0.05). Experts and RIA-G found a violation of the inferior–superior NRR in 47 and 54 images, respectively (Cohen's kappa = 0.56 ± 0.07). RIA-G accurately detected DDLS in 66.2% cases, while in 93.8% cases, output was within ± 1 stage (ICC 0.51). Sensitivity and specificity of RIA-G to diagnose glaucomatous neuropathy were 82.3% and 91.8%, respectively. Overall agreement between RIA-G and experts for glaucoma diagnosis was good (Cohen's kappa = 0.62 ± 0.07). Overall accuracy of RIA-G to detect glaucomatous neuropathy was 90.3%. A detection error rate of 5% was noted. Conclusion: RIA-G showed good agreement with the experts and proved to be a reliable software for detecting glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The ability to quantify optic nerve head parameters from simple fundus photographs will prove particularly useful in glaucoma screening, where no direct patient–doctor contact is established.

Practice pattern of cataract surgeons when operating on seropositive patients

Purpose: The aim of this study is to know practice pattern of cataract surgeons when operating on patients, positive for blood-borne viral infections (BBVIs), namely, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. We also studied their awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward universal precautions and guidelines. Methods: The telephonic survey enrolled practicing cataract surgeons, who were interviewed to record responses pertaining to their practice using an open-ended questionnaire. We studied statistical significance of difference of frequency of prick injuries in topical versus peribulbar anesthesia, and phacoemulsification versus manual small incision cataract surgery by employing Chi-square test. Significance of proportion was calculated using z-test. For all statistical calculations, significance level was set at 0.05%. Results: Of 623 ophthalmologists contacted, responses of 479 (79%) ophthalmologists were analyzed. Maximum participants were in private practice (48%). During whole practicing carrier, 313 (65%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 61–70) participants admitted having suffered injury with needle or sharp instruments; of these, 204 (65%; 95% CI: 60–70) participants did not report their injury. Wearing “double gloves” during cataract surgery was the most common barrier adopted by participants. Conclusion: We found high prevalence of occupational-related sharp injuries among ophthalmologists in this survey. Majority of them were aware of universal precautions, but adherence to postexposure prophylaxis was lacking.

Development of species-specific primers for detection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causing black rot of crucifers

Aim: Black rot of crucifers caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Pammel) Dowson (Xcc) is a major seed-borne disease. The present study aimed to develop a rapid diagnostic protocol for the specific and sensitive detection of this pathogen. Methodology: A specific primer set was designed based on rpf gene and optimization of PCR condition was done for specific detection of Xcc. Sensitivity of PCR for primer set was then determined by diluting the Xcc DNA and cells. Results: Specific primer set was able to amplify a specific band of 304 bp in all 11 isolates of Xcc but failed to amplify other Xanthomonas species and one each of Ralstonia solanacearum, Erwinia caratovora subsp. caratovora, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. aeruginosa. The primer set was highly sensitive as it was able to detect 10 pg μl-1 bacterial DNA and up to 3x103 CFU ml-1 corresponding to 12 viable cells of Xcc which were used as template for PCR reaction Interpretation: The results suggest that developed PCR primers are highly specific and sensitive and it can be used to detect the pathogen at an early stage of infection for disease management.

Postpartum uterine infection & ovarian dysfunction

Postpartum uterine infections such as metritis, endometritis and mastitis have been considered as underlying causes for ovarian dysfunction in mammals. Almost all mammals, particularly dairy animals are susceptible to postpartum uterine infections, resulting in impaired fertility and economic loss. One of the factors for low fertility in females is ovarian dysfunction, which is exhibited as impaired growth and function of ovarian follicles by the postpartum infection. Immune system of mammals provides a host defence mechanism against pathogenic microbes through the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and forming inflammasomes. Like immune cells, ovarian granulosa cells also exhibit a similar pattern of cytokine gene expressions on exposure to PAMPs. Genome-wide transcriptomic approaches explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune function of buffalo granulosa cells during endotoxin exposure. Understanding the molecular mechanism of ovarian dysfunction due to uterine infection would be helpful to implement various strategies to handle the adverse effects of postpartum uterine disease on fertility by developing potential therapeutics. Therefore, this article focuses on key factors that are responsible for postpartum infection and particularly summarizes the molecular mechanism of infection underlying the ovarian dysfunction in dairy animals.

Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer changes on optical coherence tomography in early multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis cases

Purpose: To study the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) changes on optical coherence tomography in early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Patients of early MS (expanded disability status scale <3) with or without optic neuritis (ON) and idiopathic ON were included. Twenty age-matched individuals were taken as controls. Changes in RNFL and GCL thickness were evaluated along with the correlation with visual function parameters such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual evoked response at first visit and again at six months. Results: Forty-four patients of MS with or without ON (24 and 20 patients respectively), 29 patients with idiopathic ON, and 20 healthy controls constituted the cohorts. Mean LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity was found to be significantly reduced in all groups except fellow eyes (FE) of ON group. Mean values of average RNFL thickness and values in superior, temporal, and inferior quadrant were significantly reduced. Similarly, overall mean values of average GCL-inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness and values in superior, superonasal, superotemporal, inferonasal, and inferotemporal quadrant were significantly reduced in all groups except FE of ON group (P < 0.05). All the visual parameters significantly correlated with GCL + IPL thickness. Conclusion: GCL + IPL thickness is a more sensitive clinical structural marker than RNFL in early MS with/without ON and ON patients and correlates with all the visual parameters better than RNFL thickness.