Survey and Surveillance on Major Rice Diseases Severity in Karnataka, India

Rice blast, sheath blight and Grain discoloration diseases of rice were becoming a serious threat to rice crop in Karnataka. The patterns of spatio-temporal distribution of disease incidence were examined in two seasons (Kharif 2012 and 2013) with main objective of statues of rice diseases in paddy growing areas of Karnataka and variability with climatic condition. Most of the fields in the paddy growing areas of Karnataka were diseased, but significant differences in disease incidence occurred among the some sites in paddy growing areas of Karnataka. The leaf blast severity showed that the highest mean per cent disease incidence 37.20 was observed in Mandya district.and sheath blight severity showed that the highest mean per cent disease incidence 41.76 was observed in Yadgir district. The spatio-temporal distribution of grain discoloration incidence in Kharif 2012 and 2013 varied with districts, the maximum disease was in Bellary (33.82% and 31.24%) followed by Koppal (31.78% and 27.16%), for sheath blight, maximum disease was in Yadgir (36.23% and 41.76%) followed by Raichur (27.16% and 30.59%) and maximum leaf blast disease was in Mandya (37.20% and 36.91%) followed by Ramanagar (36.67% and 36.54%) respectively. Many fungi have been isolated from discolored grain, Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boed. were found as a dominant pathogen. Survey and surveillance were serve as a precursor for evolving management strategies against the disease effective for the zone in an integrated way for sustainable development of crop in the state.

Soybean Bacterial Endophytes against Anthracnose Disease Collected from Karnataka State: An in-vitro Study

Endophytes trigger various defence mechanisms within their host plants, engaging primary and secondary protective pathways. This investigation primarily aimed to isolate bacterial endophytes from diverse agroecological regions in Karnataka. Subsequently, these endophytes were assessed for their inhibition against Colletotrichum truncatum using the in-vitro streak plate technique. A total of 43 bacteria isolated from soybean plants and key endophytes showing the inhibition against C. truncatum were in different zones namely, DHW-9(87%), BID-2(85%), BID-13(85%), BID-14(82.50%), DHW-15(80%), BID-15(75%),and BID-16(75%) exhibited notable efficacy against C. truncatum in decreasing order. Among these, the DHW-9 (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain P4-32) bacterial endophytes isolated from the North Transition Zone (Dharwad) were highly effective against the pathogen, possibly due to employing many direct and indirect mechanisms. Furthermore, the inhibition potential of the bacterial endophytes varies with and within the place of agroecological zones. In conclusion, it has been observed that the bacterial endophyte DHW-9 inhibited the progression of anthracnose disease caused by C. truncatum in controlled in vitro. Hence, it is imperative to conduct additional experiments, including pot and field studies, to explore its potential to enhance the growth and yield of soybean plants.

Standardization of Screen Aperture Size for Grading of Dhaincha Seeds

To standardize the sieve size for seed grading in dhaincha during Kharif, 2019–20 and 2020–21, an experiment was carried out. The native dhaincha species was processed using slotted perforated metal sieves with CRD design ranging S1 - 1.4 mm (S), S2- 1.6 mm (S), S3- 1.8 mm (S), S4 - 2.0 mm (S), and S5- 2.2 mm (S). The study realized that 2.0 mm and 2.2 mm sieves recorded highest seed quality standards and yielded larger-sized seeds. the results revealed that the seed recovery per cent in the 1.4 mm screen was maximum, whereas, the seed quality, nevertheless was better when seeds were graded using 2.0 mm and 2.2 mm sieves. From the combined average data of the two years, the highest quality seeds were retrieved by grading the seeds using 2.0 mm screen with good seed recovery per cent viz., SR (92.99%), PP (98.46%), PLS (90.37%), TW (26.16 g), SG (81.63 %), TSL (25.2 cm), SDW (14.4 mg), SVI-I (2103) and SVI-II (1174). Hence, the 2.0 mm screen can be used to obtained highest quality seeds with economical seed recovery.

Influence of Stage of Harvest on Seed Yield and Quality in Soybean Varieties

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Bidar during Kharif 2018 and 2019 to determine the influence of appropriate stage of harvest on seed yield and quality parameters of soybean varieties JS-335 and DSb-21. The research plots were laid out in replication using factorial RCBD design. The crop was harvested according to the stage of harvest which was fixed as treatments i.e. at 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100 days after sowing (DAS) in both the varieties and threshing was done manually. The results revealed that among different harvesting stages, the seeds of the variety JS-335 harvested at 85 DAS showed highest seed yield and quality characters compared to early and delayed harvesting stage. Likewise in case of DSb-21 variety the crop harvested at 90 DAS recorded highest seed yield and quality parameters compared to other stages of harvest.

An Incidental Finding Of Button Battery In The Nose Without Any Complication- A Case Report Of A Rare Presentation

Aim And Background-A foreign body in nose presents with unilateral purulent nasal discharge, nasal obstruction and nasal bleed.We present a case in which a button battery remained uncomplicated in the nasal cavity for a year. However, if it is found, it should be removed as early as possible. A 6-year-old female child presented with aCase Description – one-year history of foul-smelling, left-sided nasal discharge. During anterior rhinoscopy, a black, rigid mass was observed. A circular foreign object was found in the floor of the left nasal cavity during a CT (computed tomography) scan of the Nose and PNS (paranasal sinuses). General anesthesia was used during the diagnostic nasal endoscopy on the child. A foreign body was visualized and removed using a curved curette. The nasal mucosa was normal on follow-up, and there was no septal perforation. A detailed history, assessment and radiological examination plays aConclusion- key role in management of foreign bodies.We report that a button battery was left in the nose for a long time without causing any problems. There were no complications from an unnoticed button battery in theClinical Significance: nose for a year. However, if it is found, it should be removed.

The Role of Kunjal Kriya in Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders w.s.r. to Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma is one of the distressing ailments of the present time and is notable for its episodic and chronic course which influences the entire human race & it is a sickness of the human respiratory framework where the aviation routes get restricted. This limiting causes side effects, for example, wheezing, windedness, chest snugness, and hacking, which answer bronchodilators. Kunjal Kriya is the most straightforward technique among all types of Dhouti. The cleaning up of the whole track beginning from the mouth to the stomach related way toward the start of the small digestion tracts, that is mouth, and throat. Asthmatics might notice huge globs of mucus in the ousted water; the solid reflex from the pyloric valve will release bodily fluid discharges from the bronchial cylinders. Kunjal Kriya is suggested as a protected technique during an assault, as the strong activity of the vagus nerve delivers fit in the respiratory framework. Every day Kunjal Kriya is suggested for asthmatics under the arrangement of prepared instructors. In this review study, the author focused to rule out the mode of action of Kunjal Kriya in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections w.s.r. to Bronchial Asthma.

A Primer on Interoception and its Importance in Psychiatry

Interoception is the perception of signals from inside the body. It plays a significant role in the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and endocrine systems. It is also closely related to the autonomic nervous system and inflammatory pathways and plays a significant role in our optimal functioning. Recently, interoception has gained more attention in neuropsychiatric research. Anatomical and physiological aspects of interoception like relevant brain areas, the role of the vagus nerve, and the autonomic nervous system are gradually being understood. Different facets of interoception like interoceptive attention, detection, magnitude, discrimination, accuracy, awareness, and appraisal have been proposed and their assessments and importance are being evaluated. Further, interoception is often dysregulated or abnormal in psychiatric disorders. It has been implicated in the psychopathology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of mood, anxiety, psychotic, personality and addiction-related disorders. This narrative review attempts to provide a nuanced understanding of the pathway(s), components, functions, assessments, and problems of interoception and will help us to detect its disturbances and evaluate its impact on psychiatric disorders, leading to a better perspective and management. This will also advance interoception-related research.

Metabolic Bone Disease in Children With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia

Objective: This study aimed to detect metabolic bone disease and endocrinopathies in a cohort of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). Methods: This prospective study was conducted between March 2020 - August 2021. Children with TDT older than 5 years, receiving regular blood transfusion, underwent comprehensive endocrine and metabolic bone disease evaluation, which included screening for short stature, delayed puberty, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and hypoparathyroidism. Children older than 10 years also underwent. X-ray of thoracolumbar spine, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. Results: Out of 37 patients (19 males), with mean (SD) age 15 (6) years, hypogonadism was the commonest endocrine deficiency seen in 15 (62%), followed by short stature, abnormal glucose metabolism, subclinical adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was seen in 12 (60%) and hypocalcemia in 2 patients. Low bone mass was seen in 8, and osteoporosis, as evidenced by vertebral fractures, in 4 patients. Of the four patients with vertebral fracture, three were aged ?18 years, one was symptomatic, two each had grade 1 and grade 2 fractures, one had multiple vertebral fractures, and all four had hypogonadism and multiple endocrine deficiencies. Conclusion: Vertebral fractures occur even in the second decade among patients with TDT, and are often associated with endocrinopathies, most commonly hypogonadism. Early screening and prevention of vertebral fractures is necessary.

Cisteína oral N-Acetyl versus indometacina retal para prevenção de pancreatite pós-CPRE: um ensaio controlado randomizado multinacional multicêntrico / Oral n-acetyl cysteine versus rectal indomethacin for prevention of post ercp pancreatitis: a multicenter multinational randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background This multicenter multinational RCT designed to compare the efficacy of suppository indomethacin and NAC for prevention of PEP. Methods: During a 6-month period, all of the ERCP cases in seven referral centers were randomly assigned to receive either 1200 mg oral NAC, indomethacin suppository 100 mg, 1200 mg oral NAC plus indomethacin suppository 100 mg or placebo 2 hours before ERCP. The primary outcomes were the rate and severity of any PEP. Results: A total of 432 patients included (41.4% male). They were originally citizens of 6 countries (60.87% Caucasian). They were randomly allocated to receive either NAC (group A, 84 cases), rectal indomethacin (group B, 138 cases), NAC + rectal indomethacin (group C, 115 cases) or placebo (group D, 95 cases). The rate of PEP in groups A, B and C in comparison with placebo were 10.7%, 17.4%, 7.8% vs 20% (P=0.08, 0.614 & 0.01 respectively). The NNT for NAC, indomethacin and NAC + indomethacin was 11, 38 and 8 respectively. Conclusion: Oral NAC is more effective than rectal indomethacin when compared to placebo for prevention of PEP and the combination of NAC and Indomethacin had the lowest incidence of PEP and may have synergistic effect in preventing of PEP (IRCT20201222049798N1; 29/12/2020).

RESUMO Contexto: Este estudo randomizado, controlado multicêntrico e multinacional foi projetado para comparar a eficácia da indometacina supositório e N-acetil cisteína (NAC) para prevenção de pancreatite pós colangiografia endoscópica. Métodos: Durante um período de 6 meses, todos os pacientes submetidos à CPRE em sete centros de referência foram aleatoriamente atribuídos para receber 1200 mg de NAC oral, supositório de indometacina 100 mg, 1200 mg de NAC oral mais supositório de indometacina 100 mg ou placebo 2 horas antes do procedimento. Os resultados primários foram a taxa e a gravidade de qualquer pancreatite pós procedimento (PPP). Resultados: Um total de 432 pacientes foram incluídos (41,4% do sexo masculino). Eram originalmente cidadãos de seis países (60,87% caucasianos). Foram alocados aleatoriamente para receber NAC (grupo A, 84 casos), indometacina retal (grupo B, 138 casos), NAC + indometacina retal (grupo C, 115 casos) ou placebo (grupo D, 95 casos). A taxa de PPP nos grupos A, B e C em comparação com o placebo foi de 10,7%, 17,4%, 7,8% vs 20% (P=0,08, 0,614 e 0,01, respectivamente). Conclusão A NAC oral é mais eficaz do que a indometacina retal quando comparado ao placebo para prevenção de PPP e a combinação de NAC e indometacina teve a menor incidência de PPP e pode ter efeito sinérgico na sua prevenção de PPP. (IRCT20201222049798N1; 29/12/2020).

Metabolic risk factors in first acute coronary syndrome (MERIFACS) Study

Objectives: In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients the focus is on major conventional risk factors - CRF [diabetes, hypertension, elevated low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and smoking] whereas others - specific metabolic risk factors - MRF [high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), body-mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and triglycerides, and HbA1c get less attention. Methods: This is a prospective caseecontrol observational study from 15 tertiary care hospitals in India. CRF and MRF in patients presenting with first incidence of ACS (n ¼ 2153) were compared with matched controls (n ¼ 1210). Results: Propensity score matching (PSM) yielded 1193 cases and matched 1210 controls. Risk factor prevalence in cases vs. controls were CRF: hypertension - 39.4% vs 16.4% (p < 0.0001), diabetes - 42.6% vs 12.7% (p < 0.0001), smoking - 28.3% vs 9.3% (p < 0.0001) and elevated LDL-C - 70.2% vs 57.9% (p < 0.0001). MRF: High BMI - 54.7% vs 55.1% (p ¼ 0.84), increased waist: hip ratio 79.5% vs 63.6% (p < 0.0001), high HbA1c - 37.8% vs 14.9% (p < 0.0001), low HDL-C - 56.2% vs 42.8% (p < 0.0001) and elevated triglycerides - 49.7% vs 44.2% (p ¼ 0.007). Adjusted Odds ratios by multivariate analysis were CRF: hypertension - 2.3 (p < 0.001), diabetes - 4.7 (p < 0.001), high LDL-C - 3.3 (p < 0.001) and smoking6.3 (p < 0.001). MRF: High waist: hip ratio - 2.4 (p < 0.001) high HbA1c - 3.2 (p < 0.001), low HDL-C 2.2 (p < 0.001) and elevated triglycerides - 0.878 p ¼ 0.17. Conclusion: In India, the risk of ACS conferred by specific metabolic risk factors (High waist: hip ratio, Low HDL-C and High HbA1c) is comparable to that caused by CRF

Estimated Deficits in Nutrient Intake of ICDS Beneficiaries Who Receive Take Home Ration at Two Districts in Karnataka

Background: The current estimates of energy and protein to bridge nutrient gap in the beneficiaries of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supplementary nutrition program use sub-optimal methodology for deficit calculation. Objective: To estimate the nutrient deficit and the risk of inadequate nutrient intake in beneficiaries of the ICDS, aged 6-36 months, using individual 24-hour diet recalls, from districts of Chitradurga and Davanagere in Karnataka. Study design: Cross-sectional design. Participants: Children (aged 6 to 36 months) registered as beneficiaries of the ICDS in these districts. Methods: Data were collected on socio-demographic factors, child feeding patterns, perception and usage of take home ration (THR), between August to October, 2019. Three non-consecutive days’ 24-hour diet recall data of children were obtained from mothers, and anthropometric measurements were taken. The proportion of children at risk of inadequate nutrient intakes was estimated using the probability approach. Assuming that 50% of a healthy population will be at risk of nutrient inadequacy such that intake and requirement distributions overlap, the proportion at actual risk of nutrient inadequacy (?50%) was calculated. Results: A combined district analysis showed a median energy deficit of 109 kcal and 161 kcal in children belonging to the age groups of 6-12 month and 13-36 month, respectively. The actual risk of inadequate intake for both age groups ranged between 12- 47% for fat and other micronutrient (iron, calcium, zinc, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A), despite breastfeeding, complementary feeding and reported THR use. Conclusion: Children who receive supplementary nutrition as part of the national program fail to meet their nutrient requirements that are essential for growth and development. The study results may help in strengthening the IYCF counselling and in modification of the existing THR, with quality and cost implications.

Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing Gram negative bacteria - An emerging menace in Neonatal Sepsis.

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis caused by extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram negative bacteria (GNB) is associated with significantly high mortality and morbidity. Clinical features and risk factors for such neonatal sepsis can help in identifying it early. Objectives: Aim of the study was to estimate the incidence, risk factors, clinical features and antibiotic sensitivity of GNB and outcomes of ESBL GNB in neonatal sepsis. Methodology: A prospective observational conducted at regional tertiary care health center. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 87 cases of Gram negative neonatal sepsis were included in study. Male: female was 1.7:1. Forty nine (56.3%) isolates were ESBL positive strains. The clinical features in order of frequency were shock, lethargy, sclerema, disseminated intravascular coagulation and severe thrombocytopenia. Out born neonates (p=0.03), late onset sepsis (p=0.05) and mechanical ventilation (p=0.002) were the risk factors for ESBL GNB sepsis. Mortality associated with ESBL sepsis was 26.5%. Carbapenems and Piperacillin + Tazobactum were most sensitive antibiotics and high resistant for cephalosporins was observed. Conclusion: ESBL GNB neonatal sepsis is an emerging threat with high mortality in Neonatal Intensive care unit.

Dental Considerations of Hereditary Bleeding Disorders in Children: An Overview

Introduction: Hereditary bleeding disorders are the diverse group of disorders that happen due to the inherent abnormalities in the blood vasculature preventing the blood clotting process and leading to delayed bleeding. Objectives: To review this heterogenous group of disorders and update the clinicians about their oral manifestations and dental management to prevent the onset of any complications in dental settings. Materials and Methods: Review papers, original studies, case reports published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, as well as numerous publications, were used to compile the data by four reviewers. Result and Conclusion: This review article explains the existing paradigm. Children with various hereditary bleeding disorders are a significant challenge for clinicians. Many authors have emphasized that patients with bleeding disorders can be managed safely in a dental setting if specific recommendations are followed.

Expressions of CD 138 and CD43 in Oral Leukoplakia

Introduction: Oral Leukoplakia is the second most common oral potentially malignant disorder encountered in day-to-day clinical practice, with an overall global prevalence of 4.11%. The rate of its malignant transformation varies worldwide. Aims & Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess CD 138 and CD43 immunoreactivity in oral epithelial dysplasia. Materials & Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on fifteen formalin-fixed oral epithelial dysplasia tissues for CD 43 (n=15) and CD 138 (n=15) which were obtained from archives at Oral cancer research and coordinating centre, Malaysia. Results: The expression of CD 43 in non-hematopoietic tissues was negative in all cases, but epithelium with dysplastic alterations had low or weak CD 138 expression between dysplastic tissue and non-dysplastic epithelium, there was a substantial difference in staining intensity. Conclusion: Oral carcinogenesis is a multistep process, and cancer driver genes have been shown to have vastly diverse effects in various tissues. CD 138 expression was shown to be lower in tissues undergoing dysplastic alterations, which could be a sign of oral epithelial dysplasia with a high risk of malignancy.

Development of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model and Assessment of the Impact of Renal Underdevelopment in Preterm Infants on the Pharmacokinetics of Aminophylline

Objective:To develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for individualization of the dosing regimen considering the physiological requirements of these preterm neonates. Methods: The study comprised preterm newborns with fewer than 34 weeks of gestation and six apneic episodes in 24 h. A PBPK model was created using PK-SIM (version 9, update 1, GitHub, San Francisco, CA, USA). A PBPK model is built using a typical loading dosage of 5 mg/kg and a maintenance dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Based on the verified base model, a PBPK model representing renal underdevelopment based on nRIFLE/pRIFLE categorization was developed. Results: The PK parameters of Aminophylline were computed using the PBPK model. As per the model prediction, T1/2 and area under the curve reduced as postnatal age increased, and in the event of renal underdevelopment, even while Cmax for patients under R (RISK), I (injury) was within the therapeutic range; it was greater compared to preterm without any renal complications. Mean Cmax (mol/L) was 59.53 and for R, I, and F (FAILURE) categories the values were 83.04, 99.69, and 126.98, respectively. Conclusion: The model was created using appropriate drug, study subject, and dosage protocol inputs. The established PBPK model could help in individualizing aminophylline dose in preterm babies.

Does Femoral Intercondylar Notch Volume Differ in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Injured Adult Patients Compared to the Uninjured?: A Meta-Analysis

Background@#Stenotic femoral intercondylar notch is considered as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and three-dimensional notch volume is used as a marker for the injury. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the difference in notch volume between the ACL-injured and uninjured in men and women combined or stratified by sex. The secondary purpose was to assess the difference in notch volume between the ACL-intact men and women. @*Methods@#A search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from inception to December 9, 2020, was conducted without restrictions using the following terms: ACL, notch, volume, notch volume, femoral notch volume, and intercondylar notch volume. Studies that compared the ACL-injured with uninjured controls were included. Independent extraction of articles by two authors using predefined data fields including study quality indicators was done. All pooled analyses were based on the inverse-variance weighted random effects model and mean difference was chosen as the effect measure. @*Results@#Nine studies (1,169 knees) qualified for overall analysis (both sexes combined) and significant heterogeneity was observed, which disappeared after pooling studies with age-sex matched controls and those without. Notch volume in the ACLinjured was 0.75 cm3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–0.96 cm3 ), which was smaller than that in the age- and sex-matched controls. Six studies qualified for analysis in men. Notch volume in the ACL-injured men was smaller, especially when non-contact ACL injury was considered (1.40 cm3 ; 95% CI, 1.08–1.73 cm3 ). Five studies qualified for analysis in women and ACL-injured women had smaller notch volume irrespective of the mechanism of injury (0.38 cm3 ; 95% CI, 0.18–0.59 cm3 ). Notch volume of the uninjured men was larger than that of the uninjured women (1.86 cm3 ; 95% CI, 1.54–2.18 cm3 ). @*Conclusions@#ACL-injured adults have smaller notch volume than the age- and sex-matched controls. Non-contact ACL-injured males have smaller notch volume compared to ACL-intact males. ACL-injured females have smaller notch volume irrespective of the nature of injury. Men have higher notch volume than women. The quality of evidence is very low to low.

Impact of COVID-19 on Endoscopy Training: Perspectives from a Global Survey of Program Directors and Endoscopy Trainers

Background/Aims@#The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the training of medical trainees internationally. The aim of this study was to assess the global impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy training from the perspective of endoscopy trainers and to identify strategies implemented to mitigate the impact on trainee education. @*Methods@#Teaching faculty of gastroenterology (GI) training programs globally were invited to complete a 36-question web-based survey to report the characteristics of their training programs and the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of endoscopy training, including what factors decisions were based on. @*Results@#The survey response rate was 52.6% (305 out of 580 individuals); 92.8% reported a negative impact on endoscopy training, with suspension of elective procedures (77.1%) being the most detrimental factor. Geographic variations were noted, with European programs reporting the lowest percentage of trainee participation in procedures. A higher proportion of trainees in the Americas were allowed to continue performing procedures, and trainers from the Americas reported receiving the greatest support for endoscopy teaching. @*Conclusions@#This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on GI endoscopy training internationally, as reported by endoscopy trainers. Focus-optimizing endoscopy training and assessment of competencies are necessary to ensure adequate endoscopy training.

Pars Triangularis Volume Asymmetry and Schneiderian First Rank Symptoms in Antipsychotic-naïve Schizophrenia

Objective@#Schizophrenia is a disorder of language and self, with first-rank symptoms (FRS) as one of the predominant features in a subset of patients. Abnormal language lateralization is hypothesized to underlie the neurobiology of FRS in schizophrenia. The role of Broca’s area with its right-hemispheric counterpart, consisting of pars triangularis (PTr) and pars opercularis (POp) of the inferior frontal gyrus in FRS is undetermined. We compared the volumes and asymmetries of PTr & POp in anti-psychotic-naive schizophrenia patients with FRS (FRS[＋]) with those without FRS (FRS[−]) and healthy-controls (HC) using three dimensional, interactive, semi-automated volumetric morphometry. @*Methods@#Antipsychotic naïve FRS(＋) (n = 27), FRS(−) (n = 24) and HC (n = 51) were carefully assessed with structured and semi-structured clinical tools. T1-weighted images were acquired in a 3T scanner. Volumes of regions of interest were measured independently for both sides using slicer-3D software, and asymmetry indices were calculated. @*Results@#FRS(＋) but not FRS(−) had a significant volume deficit in right PTr after controlling for the potential confounding effects of age, sex, and intracranial volume (p = 0.029). There was a significant leftward asymmetry of PTr in patients with FRS (i.e., leftward asymmetry in patients) (p = 0.026). No significant volume/asymmetry abnormalities were observed in POp. @*Conclusion@#Study findings suggest reduced right PTr volume with leftward asymmetry to be associated with FRS in schizophrenia. This is consistent with the loss of Yakovlevian torque in schizophrenia. Role of PTr in the neurobiology of schizophrenia as a disorder of self, speech, and social cognition needs further systematic evaluation in future research.

Impact of COVID-19 on Endoscopy Training: Perspectives from a Global Survey of Program Directors and Endoscopy Trainers

Background/Aims@#The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the training of medical trainees internationally. The aim of this study was to assess the global impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy training from the perspective of endoscopy trainers and to identify strategies implemented to mitigate the impact on trainee education. @*Methods@#Teaching faculty of gastroenterology (GI) training programs globally were invited to complete a 36-question web-based survey to report the characteristics of their training programs and the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of endoscopy training, including what factors decisions were based on. @*Results@#The survey response rate was 52.6% (305 out of 580 individuals); 92.8% reported a negative impact on endoscopy training, with suspension of elective procedures (77.1%) being the most detrimental factor. Geographic variations were noted, with European programs reporting the lowest percentage of trainee participation in procedures. A higher proportion of trainees in the Americas were allowed to continue performing procedures, and trainers from the Americas reported receiving the greatest support for endoscopy teaching. @*Conclusions@#This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on GI endoscopy training internationally, as reported by endoscopy trainers. Focus-optimizing endoscopy training and assessment of competencies are necessary to ensure adequate endoscopy training.