Strike Omicron before you Captures It !

Omicron is currently shaking the world to its core. The disease is mainly transmitted via the respiratory route when people inhale droplets and small airborne particles (that form an aerosol) that infected people exhale as they breathe, talk, cough, sneeze, or sing. “UK becomes first country in Europe to pass 1,50,000 COVID deaths Omicron clouds forecasts for Covid end game.Omicron is a variant of nSARS-CoV-2 that has been identified initially in COVID19 patients in Botswana and South Africa. The chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that the combination of Delta and Omicron variants of coronavirus is driving a tsunami of COVID-19 cases. The statement came as record new cases were reported from the United States and countries across Europe. France recorded the highest ever daily numbers in Europe for the second consecutive day, at 208,000 new cases.Vaccines offer strong protection from serious illness.

Syntheses and magnetic properties of substituted bis-indacenyl bi-metallic complexes & application / Síntesis y propiedades magnéticas de complejos bimetálicos de bis-indacenilo sustituido y su aplicación / Sínteses e propriedades magnéticas de complexos bimetálicos bis-indaceníli-cossubstituídos e aplicação

Abstract Organometallic compounds, Bis (2,4,6,8 teramethyl-indacenyl) di Iron (1), Bis (2,4,6,8 teramethyl s-indacenyl) mono iron, mono cobalt (2), and Bis (2,6 diethyl-4,8-dimethyl-s-indacenyl) di cobalt (3) were synthesised by means of salt elimination strategy, using Fe(II) and Co(II) salts. The compounds were characterised through spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. Magnetic measurements were carried out by Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS). Mossbauer spectroscopic data reveals that in all compounds, surprisingly, Iron is in +3 oxidation state. DFT calculations have been carried out to understand the change in the oxidation state of a metal. DFT study confirms the electron transfer nature of ligand to metal. Cyclic voltametric study on these compounds shows a large separation (ΔE>800mV) between two oxidation peaks confirming the strong interaction between the metal centres. Magnetic measurements on these organometallic compounds reveals that they exhibit a ferrimagnetic behaviour at temperatures below 40 K.

Resumen En este trabajo se sintetizaron los compuestos organometálicos Bis (2,4,6,8 terametil-indacenil) férrico (1), Bis (2,4,6,8 terametil s-indacenil) ferroso, cobaltoso (2) y Bis (2,6 dietil-4,8-dimetil-s-indacenil) di cobalto (3) mediante la estrategia de eliminación de sales, utilizando sales de Fe(II) y Co(II).Los compuestos se caracterizan por métodos espectroscópicos y electroquímicos. Las mediciones magnéticas se llevaron a cabo mediante el sistema de medición de propiedades físicas (PPMS). Los datos espectroscópicos Mossbauer revelan que, en todos los compuestos, sorprendentemente, el hierro se encuentra en el estado de oxidación +3. También se realizaron cálculos DFT para comprender el cambio en el estado de oxidación de los metales. El estudio DFT confirmó la naturaleza de transferencia de electrones del ligando al metal. El estudio voltamperométrico cíclico de estos compuestos muestra una gran separación (ΔE>800mV) entre los dos picos de oxidación que confirman la fuerte interacción entre los centros metálicos. Las mediciones magnéticas de estos compuestos organometálicos revelan que presentan un comportamiento ferrimagnético a temperaturas inferiores a 40 K.

Resumo Compostos organometálicos, Bis (2,4,6,8 terametil-indacenil) di ferro (1), Bis (2,4,6,8 terametil s-indacenil) mono ferro, mono cobalto (2) e Bis (2,6 dietil-4,8-dimetil-s-indacenil) di cobalto (3) foram sintetizados por estratégia de eliminação de sal, utilizando sais de Fe(II) e Co(II). Os compostossão caracterizados por métodos espectroscópicos e eletroquímicos. As medições magnéticas foram realizadas pelo Sistema de Medição de Propriedades Físicas (PPMS). Os dados espectroscópicos Mossbauerrevelam que em todos os compostos, surpreendentemente, o ferro está em +3 estado de oxidação.Os cálculos do DFT foram realizados para entender a mudança no estado de oxidação de um metal. O estudo DFT confirma a natureza da transferência de elétrons do ligante para o metal. O estudovoltamétrico cíclico dessescompostosmostrauma grande separação (ΔE>800mV) entre dois picos de oxidação confirmando a forteinteração entre os centros metálicos. As medições magnéticas nestescompostos organometálicos revelam que eles apresentam um comportamento ferrimagnético a uma temperatura abaixo de 40 K.

Differential expression of CK7, CK20, CDX2 in intestinal and pancreatobiliary types of preriampullary carcinoma

Context: Incidence of periampullary carcinoma is low, approximately 0.5–2% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. Histologic subtyping has a prognostic bearing. The purpose of this study is to differentiate periampullary carcinomas based on immunohistochemistry (IHC) by using cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2). Aims: To analyze the usefulness of IHC as single/panel of markers that included CK7, CK20, and CDX2. Settings and Design: This was a prospective study done from January 2017 to September 2018. Subjects and Methods: A total 50 pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens were evaluated and classified as intestinal (INT) and pancreaticobiliary (PB) types based on their morphological and immunohistochemical features, respectively. The morphologic subtypes, expression of IHC markers were correlated with different histologic parameters. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used to study the association between different IHC markers with histologic parameters. Probability (P) values <0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Results: The expression of CK7, CK20, CDX2 were studied in 50 cases to classify them as INT and pancreatobiliary subtypes. CK7 has high sensitivity (88.2%), CDX2 has high specificity (96.4%), CK20+/CDX2+ has both high sensitivity (94.2 percent) and specificity (89.2 percent) in differentiating INT from pancreatobiliary subtypes. The morphologic subtypes showed correlation with two variables (tumor grade, pathologic T stage). CK20 and CK20/CDX2 expression showed a positive correlation with tumor grade, pathologic T staging, and lymphovascular invasion. Conclusions: In conclusion, morphological classification can significantly discriminate histologic types, IHC plays a moderate role. However, the combined expression of CK20 and CDX2 is helpful in subtyping.

The Impact Of Clinical Pharmacy Services In General Surgery

Objective: The objectives of this study include performing pharmaceutical care-related research and documenting regarding drug-related problems in the surgery department. Further, these types of studies may bring consciousness to both physicians and patients regarding drug use in surgery. Methods: A Prospective interventional study was conducted in a general surgery hospital. The prescriptions were analyzed for the use of inappropriateness of drugs using the classification for drug-related problems. Results: Out of 100 cases, 62 patients were observed with drug-related problems. The number of antibiotics prescribed was 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in 8, 11, 12, 32, 18, 18, 1 cases respectively. A significant increase in the outcome of antibiotic rationality and cases adhered to guidelines was seen in November compared to October and somewhat decreased in December due to some limitations. The overall study states that prescribing has a more important cause of Drug-related problems compared to dispensing and the use of the drug. Conclusion: Drug-related problems have to be acknowledged as a very important contributing treatment factor for the best health care outcome. Our study shows the importance of clinical pharmacists in every hospital for identifying and resolving drug-related problems and medication errors.

Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in comparison with the Alvarado score

Background: Different scoring systems have been created to increase diagnostic accuracy, and they are inexpensive, non-invasive, and easy to use and reproduce. The modified Alvarado score is widely used in emergency services. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) score was formulated in 2010 and has greater sensitivity and specificity. The aim of our article was to compare the usefulness of modified RIPASA score and Alvarado score in the diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain and suspected acute appendicitis.Methods: A prospective study was undertaken among 100 cases presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis, conducted at the Narayana medical college hospital, Nellore. The questionnaires used for the evaluation process were applied to the patients suspected of having appendicitis.Results: A total of 100 patients, 95% underwent laparoscopic procedure. The cut-off threshold point of the Alvarado score was set at 7.0, which yielded a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 52%. The positive predictive value was 65%. The cut-off threshold point of the modified RIPASA score was set at 7.5, which yielded 90% sensitivity and 72% specificity. The positive predictive value was 89% and the NPV was 30%.Conclusions: On comparing both the scores, sensitivity and specificity was higher for modified RIPASA score. The positive predictive value was higher for the Alvarado and negative predictive value was higher for RIPASA score. Bothe p values were statistically significant.

Study On Tendinous Connections Between Flexor Hallucis Longus And Flexor Digitorum Longus

Introduction: Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) and Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) are long flexors of the toes, oftenwith the interconnecting tendinous slips at various points. These interconnecting slips hold great significance inreconstruction surgeries of ankle and foot such as chronic Achilles tendon rupture, posterior tibial tendondysfunction (PTTD) and peroneal tendon rupture. In view of the above this study was aimed to find out varioustypes of connections between tendons of FHL & FDL.Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy ACSR GovernmentMedical College, Nellore, conducted in a total of 34 lower limbs. Flexor digitorum brevis and abductor hallucismuscles were reflected distally after the removal of the skin, superficial fascia and plantar aponeurosis toexpose FHL and FDL tendons which were examined for the interconnections. Specimens with interconnectionswere photographed and documented.Result: Out of 34 samples, 17 were right sided and 17 were of left sided. Mean foot length was 22.4 ± 1.9 cm. Threetypes of connections i.e. type 1, 4 & 5 were documented at 17 (50%), 16 (47.1%) and 1 (2.9%) type 5 respectively.Type 1 tendinous connections were further classified into 3 sub types i.e. type 1A were 10 (58.8%), type 1B were5(29.4%) and type C were of 2(11.8%).Conclusion: This study finds maximum distribution of type1 interconnections followed by type 4 and sub type 1Aamong type 1. This study also reports for the first time a common origin of 1st lumbrical from distal part oftendinous slip as well as from 1st digital slip of FDL. These interconnections provide stable base and enhancedpropulsion by toes and also act as natural tenodesis

Attenuation Of Diabetic Nephropathy In Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats By Methanolic Extract Of Bougainvillea Spectabilis Aerial Parts

Diabetic nephropathy has become a leading cause of end stage renal failure worldwide. To develop Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, the present study investigated the protective effects of methanolic extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis (MEBS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. In this study, diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. STZ diabetic rats were treated with oral doses of MEBS (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period body, kidney weight, blood glucose levels, serum and urine parameters were investigated. Antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxide levels were determined in the kidney along with histopathological examination of the same. MEBS significantly increased body weight, lowered blood glucose levels and ameliorated kidney hypertrophy index in the STZ-diabetic rats. The extract also decreased the levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, triglycerides, advanced glycation end products and albumin in serum and urine, respectively. MEBS significantly increased the antioxidant parameters in the kidney. Histological evaluation revealed that MEBS treated STZ-diabetic rats demonstrated reduced vacuolar degeneration of tubules; periodic acid Schiff base (PAS) positivity staining intensity in glomeruli and basement membrane thickening. Present findings provide experimental evidence that MEBS has potential antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and anti-glycation activities which might be helpful in slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

A study of etiological and clinical profile of patients with severe anemia in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of mortality in developed countries, as well as in the whole world. In this regard, autologous transfusion is a topic that can be useful and valuable, especially in complex surgery such as heart surgery and organ transplantation. One of its variants is Acute Normovolomic Hemodilution (ANH). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of ANH on the amount of bleeding in the first 48hours after coronary artery bypass grafting.Methods: In this clinical trial, 100 patients were selected from all heart patients referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardebil for CABG surgery in the years 2016-17. They were selected by simple random sampling as a statistical sample and They were divided into intervention (50 ANH recipients’ people) and control groups (50 without ANH people).Results: Based on the findings, in the ANH recipients’ group, the mean of bleeding volume was 59.1±7.3ml in the first day and 55.6±4.2ml in the control group and the difference between the two groups was not significant on the first day. The mean of bleeding volume on the second day was 46.1±2.8ml in the ANH group and 42.7±2.9ml in the control group. Although it was somewhat higher, it was not statistically significant. Of all samples 45% were female and 55% were male. The most common type of blood group was 33 (33%) in the blood group O. The highest age group (61%) was over the 60 years old. The pump time varied with an average of 122.2±21.5minutes. The lowest value was PT 11 and the highest was 15 with an average of 13.02±0.9seconds. The mean of PTT was 32.5±2.6seconds and the mean INR was 1.1±1.0. The average plt was 251170±64124. The mean ACT was 596 / 6±183/7seconds.Conclusions: The results showed that in the mean of bleeding volume between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.41), bleeding volume by age (p = 0.3), bleeding volume by gender (p =0.54) and bleeding volume by blood group (p=0.48) was not significant difference. Based on these results, it is suggested that more studies be done on the more number of samples.

Unusual Occurrence Of Brain Hydatid Disease In A Patient With Previous Surgical Intervention For Hemorrhagic Venous Infarct

Hydatid disease is an endemic parasitic disease and can occur anywhere in the body and has a variable presentation. On imaging, the lesions have varied appearance ranging from cystic to solid appearing lesions, solitary to multiples. We present a case of 35-year-old female who underwent decompression craniectomy for right temporoparietal hemorrhagic venous infarct and now presented with acute onset of right-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of cerebral hydatid disease. The presented case emphasizes that hydatid cyst should be considered as a possibility whenever a cystic lesion is encountered during imaging

Nutrigenomics: Opportunities & challenges for public health nutrition

The hierarchical information flow through DNA-RNA-protein-metabolite collectively referred to as 'molecular fingerprint' defines both health and disease. Environment and food (quality and quantity) are the key factors known to affect the health of an individual. The fundamental concepts are that the transition from a healthy condition to a disease phenotype must occur by concurrent alterations in the genome expression or by differences in protein synthesis, function and metabolites. In other words, the dietary components directly or indirectly modulate the molecular fingerprint and understanding of which is dealt with nutrigenomics. Although the fundamental principles of nutrigenomics remain similar to that of traditional research, a collection of comprehensive targeted/untargeted data sets in the context of nutrition offers the unique advantage of understanding complex metabolic networks to provide a mechanistic understanding of data from epidemiological and intervention studies. In this review the challenges and opportunities of nutrigenomic tools in addressing the nutritional problems of public health importance are discussed. The application of nutrigenomic tools provided numerous leads on biomarkers of nutrient intake, undernutrition, metabolic syndrome and its complications. Importantly, nutrigenomic studies also led to the discovery of the association of multiple genetic polymorphisms in relation to the variability of micronutrient absorption and metabolism, providing a potential opportunity for further research toward setting personalized dietary recommendations for individuals and population subgroups.

A clinical study of emphysematous pyelonephritis

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis should be suspected in every diabetic patient, presenting with features of acute pyelonephritis. E.coli is the most common organism associated with EPN. Aim: To study the clinical features, radiological classification and risk factors assess the prognostic factors and to study different management modalities of Emphysematous pyelonephritis and their outcomes. Materials and methods: It was prospective study done on 48 patients who were diagnosed to have Emphysematous pyelonephritis from various departments in Osmania General Hospital from October 2004 to October 2006 were included in the study. The diagnosis of EPN was confirmed by plain CT KUB scan. Results: All the 48 patients with EPN had diabetes mellitus (DM). All the 48 patients had poorly controlled DM. Left kidney was involved in 54.1% and Right kidney in 37.5% of cases. 6.25% of cases had bilateral involvement. Fever (93%) and tachycardia (64.5%) were most common presentation in patients. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 50% of these patients and 12% of patients with thrombocytopenia required platelet transfusion. Shock during initial presentation was seen in 22.9% of patients. 16.6% of patients presented with altered sensorium. E.coli was grown in 78% of patients and klebsiella in 6% of patients. There were 6 patients with dry EPN and 42 patients with wet EPN. 41.6% of patients had Class 2 EPN (Commonest class in our study), 25% of patients had class 3A EPN, 22.9% had Class 1 EPN, 6.25 had Class 4 EPN. 15.63% of patients were treated conservatively with antibiotics according to culture and sensitivity. 78% of patients required minimally invasive intervention. Nephrectomy was done in 6% of patients. Mortality rate in our study was 8.3%. V. Vishnu Vardhana Reddy, K. Panduranga Rao. A clinical study of emphysematous pyelonephritis. IAIM, 2018; 5(2): 150- 159. Page 151 Conclusions: Nephrectomy should be promptly attempted for patients not responding to conservative methods and patients with extensive, fulminant course of disease. Pre-existing CKD status, shock at presentation and altered sensorium are the poor prognostic factors in this study.

Green Tea in the Prevention of Dental Caries A Systematic Review

To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of green tea and its products in the prevention of dental caries. A broad literature search was performed using COCHRANECENTRAL, MEDLINE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, EBSCO, PROQUEST for online search and hand search was performed in the central library of the institute. Articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria with description of randomized clinical trials regarding green tea in the prevention of dental caries were included. Initial search resulted in 196 articles; Our final review included 5 studies. Of these 2 studies evaluated both streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus, 1 study evaluated streptococcus mutans separately, 1 study evaluated salivary fluoride concentration, 1 study evaluated caries increment of the green tea polyphenol. Among the five studies two studies showed a significant reduction in the levels of streptococcus mutans. One study showed significant reduction in the levels of lactobacillus. One study showed that there was significant increase in the fluoride level. One study showed that the green tea and its extracts has an inhibitory effect on dental caries. With the constraints of limited available literature green tea and its extracts had a inhibitory effect on dental caries. But still further studies are recommended.

Pattern of Ocular Morbidity among Children Referred Through a National Screening Program in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern India.

Background: The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (India) is directed towards achieving universal health coverage among children by early detection of diseases. Under the scheme, children are screened at the level of schools and community and are thereafter referred to tertiary centre. The purpose of study was to identify common causes of ocular morbidity in children screened and referred through this national screening program. Methods: Retrospective analysis of records of all children who presented to our centre with ocular problems over a period of one year (2015) was undertaken. Clinical diagnosis was recorded on a seven point scale based on major anatomical involvement. An analysis of causes of visual impairment was undertaken with a special emphasis on avoidable and treatable causes. Results: A total of 851 subjects presented with ocular problems (mean age 9.5±4.9 years); of them 819 were classified into seven major clinical groups and subgroups. Most common clinical group was that of strabismus (59.9%), followed by refractive errors (16.9%), lids related disorders (6.2%), orbit and adnexal developmental defects (4.6%), lenticular (3.3%), corneal and conjunctival (3.2%) and retinal disorders (2.1%). A total of 49.7% cases had avoidable or treatable causes of visual impairment. Conclusion: A national program with capacity to screen and ensure appropriate referral facilities resulted in intervention in many cases with avoidable and treatable causes of visual impairment. A varied pattern of ocular morbidity was found among the referred cases; our study could provide a platform for a target oriented approach towards planning and implementation of such screening programs.

Conventional DCR vs DCR implant method in chronic dacryocystitis

Background: Chronic dacryocystitis is the commonest cause of lacrimal passage obstruction indicates inflammation of lacrimal sac. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the preliminary choice of surgical procedure in which lacrimal sac is connected with nasal mucosal flap by bypassing nasolacrimal duct. Objectives: This comparative study described and evaluated the effectiveness of conventional D.C.R method and D.C.R implant method in chronic dacryocystitis cases. Materials and methods: The present comparative study consisted of 200 patients with complaint of watering, pus discharge and diagnosed as chronic dacryocystitis. Out of which 160 cases were followed up for a period of 3-6 months. Study cases were operated by using “Pawar implant”. Results: Bleeding occurred during operation was much more in conventional D.C.R. (53.3%) method than D.C.R. implant method (7.7%). Complete patency of nasolacrimal duct was observed in 125 cases i.e. 76 cases in D.C.R. implant method, 35 cases in Conventional D.C.R. method and 14 cases in D.C.R implant after D.C.T done. Partial patency of naso lacrimal duct was observed in 22 cases and failure of patency was seen in 11 cases. Conclusion: D.C.R implant (Pawar Implant) method is secure, minimal time consuming, needs little incision, little bony ostium and less painful surgical modality for chronic dacryocystitis than conventional D.C.R method.

Probiotics in Treatment and Prevention of Periodontal Diseases: A Systemic Review

Aim: Aim of this systematic review was to analyse the available scientific evidence on the effects of probiotics in prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases Materials and methods: A broad literature search was performed using both electronic database and hand search in library. The important databases like COCHRANE CENTRAL, MEDLINE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, EMBASE were used for online data search. Hand search was performed in the central library of the institute to identify the relevant articles, articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria with description of randomized clinical trials comparing the administration of probiotics versus placebo or another intervention to prevent or treat periodontal diseases in adult patients were selected. Results: The initial search resulted in 73 articles; however, 45 of these articles were excluded after reviewing the abstracts because they did not have the proper clinical trial design or because they were duplicates. After analysing the full text from 27 clinical trials, 12 were excluded because they did not fulfil all the selection criteria. Our final review included 15 articles. Included outcome measures were probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, plaque index and gingival inflammation. Included studies were subjected to critical analysis following the Cochrane Collaboration tool for evaluating the risk of bias. Conclusion: Probiotics had a beneficial effect on reducing probing pocket depth, gingival inflammation, bleeding on probing when compared with placebo. Lactobacillus was the most commonly used probiotic genus, in which L.reuteri strain had most beneficial effects.

Herbal Induced Hepatoprotection and Hepatotoxicity : A Critical Review.

Traditional herbal drugs are wonderful remedies for the treatment of various devastating disorders. Recently, there has been a change in a universal fashion from synthetic to herbal medicine, which is like homecoming to nature. In the present situation, the dietary changes lead to liver disorders like non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disorders. India is one of the world’s twelve leading biodiversity centers with the presence of over 45,000 diverse plant species, out of this about 15,000-20,000 plants have good medicinal and therapeutic properties of which only about 7,000-7,500 are being used by traditional practitioners. Hepatic injury accounts for 3.5%-9.5% of all adverse drug reaction reports and up to 14.7% of fatal adverse reaction. Hepatic disorders/toxicity can occur by several mechanisms like Cytochrome P450 activation, lipid peroxidation, Induction of nitric acid synthase, mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of pro-inflammatory mediators and Bile acid-induced liver cell death. There are a number of drugs or therapies available for the treatment of hepatic disorders, but still there is a need for the novel drug discovery which can target multiple disease pathways. Traditional medicines have exhaustive ancient and scientific literature for curing a lot of life threatening disorders with less or no side effects. There are number of scientifically proved hepatoprotective herbal drugs like Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum sanctum, Solanum nigrum, Silybum marianum, Phyllanthus niruri etc. which are widely used for the treatment of liver disorders. However, there are various herbal plants and phytoconstituents, which are found to be hepatotoxic like Lanata camra Linn, Symphytum officinale, Azadirachta indica, Amantia phalloides etc. This review emphasizes on both sides of the coin like crucial aspects of phytoconstituents with reference to their hepatoprotective as well as hepatotoxic effects linked to use of herbal preparations.

Spectrum of malignancies in human immunodeficiency virus – positive patients at a tertiary care centre in South India.

CONTEXT: India has a very large number of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Opportunistic infections in these patients are commonly encountered. However, malignancies in such patients also do occur. AIM: The aim was to study the spectrum of malignancies in HIV‑positive patients at a tertiary health care center. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases were retrieved from pathology record files at our Institute from January 2003 to December 2008. The follow‑up was obtained from Medical oncology records. The morphology of each case was reviewed along with immunohistochemistry wherever done. RESULTS: There were 61 such cases (51 males, 10 females). The age range was 7–78 years with a median of 35 years. The clinical presentation varied according to the malignancy. The largest group was non‑Hodgkin lymphoma (18 nodal, 23 extra‑nodal). The others included carcinoma breast (4), chronic myeloid leukemia (3), Burkitt Leukemia (2), squamous cell carcinoma anal region (2), multiple myeloma (2) and one each of miscellaneous malignancies (7). CONCLUSION: Malignancies in HIV positive individual occurred in younger individuals. Non‑Hodgkin lymphomas, especially extra‑nodal lymphomas, were the most common malignancy. There were no cases of proven Kaposi’s sarcoma or invasive cervical carcinomas. There were two cases of multiple myeloma which are infrequently reported.

Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis in Maize (Zea mays L.).

An investigation was carried out on correlation and path analysis for 12 characters on 60 F1s obtained by crossing 20 inbred lines with three testers using line × tester mating design in maize. Sixty hybrids along with 23 parents and three standard checks were evaluated for twelve characters during rabi, 2012-13. The phenotypic character association among the yield components revealed positive association of grain yield per plant with days to maturity, plant height, ear height, ear length, ear girth, number of kernel rows per plant, number of kernels per row, 100- kernel weight and shelling percentage. Grain yield per plant negatively correlated with days to 50 per cent tasseling and days to 50 per cent silking. The path coefficient analysis at phenotypic level revealed that character, 100-kernel weight (0.2863) exhibites the largest direct effect on grain yield per plant followed by number of kernels per row (0.2509) and ear girth (0.2202. Further, days to 50 per cent tasseling, days to 50 per cent silking and days to maturity recorded negative direct effect on grain yield.

In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibition of Baliospermum montanum, Humboldtia brunonis Wall. var. raktapushpa and Pittosporum viridulum.

Ethanolic extracts of three medicinal plants collected from South India were analyzed for their activity towards acetylcholinestrase (AChE) enzyme. The AChE inhibition was measured spectrophotometrically. All the three species namely, Baliospermum montanum, Humboldtia brunonis Wall. var. raktapushpa and Pittosporum viridulum showed substantial inhibitory activity towards acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values, 137.5μg/ml, 128.7 μg/ml and 105.3μg/ml, respectively.