Marker-Assisted Improvement for Durable Bacterial Blight Resistance in Aromatic Rice Cultivar HUR 917 Popular in Eastern Parts of India.

Bacterial blight (BB) is a devastating disease of rice in the tropics of Indian sub-continent, where the presence of Xoo races with varying levels of genetic diversity and virulence renders disease management extremely challenging. In this context, marker-assisted improvement of plant resistance has been proven as one of the most promising approaches for the development of sustainable rice cultivars. The present study demonstrates the marker-assisted introgression of the three BB resistant genes (Xa21 + xa13 + xa5) into the background of HUR 917, a popular aromatic short grain (ASG) rice cultivar in India. The performance of the resulting improved products (near isogenic lines (NILs), HR 23-5-37-83-5, HR 23-5-37-121-10, HR 23-5-37-121-14, HR 23-65-6-191-13, HR 23-65-6-237-2, HR 23-65-6-258-10 and HR 23-65-6-258-21) establishes the utility of marker-assisted selection (MAS) approach for accelerated trait introgression in rice. The MAS-bred lines carrying three introgressed genes showed broad spectrum BB resistance (lesion length, LL of 1.06 ± 1.35 cm to 4.61 ± 0.87 cm). Besides, these improved lines showed the complete product profile of recurrent parent HUR 917 along with the enhanced level of durable BB resistance. The improved introgression lines with durable BB resistance would contribute to sustainable rice production in India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plane that has substantial acreage under HUR 917.

Role of pine needle biochar in operation and stability of anaerobic processes.

Utility of biochar addition in anaerobic processes for promoting direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is demonstrated in this research. Biochar produced from pyrolysis of pine needle forest residue was used as conductive material for DIET. Three CSTRs were operated in parallel with and without biochar addition in fed-batch mode. Reactor without biochar which represented indirect interspecies electron transfer (IIET) exhibited wide variation in pH and VFA and took longer period during startup. All the rectors were operated at steady state with an OLR ranging from 0.5 to 1.75 kg-COD/m3.d. As OLR increased, performance of reactor without biochar resulted in rapid pH drop and increase in VFA, leading to its eventual failure at OLR of 1.75 kg-COD/m3.d. As against to this, performance of reactors with biochar remained robust and relatively unaffected at higher OLR values. Daily VFA accumulation from fed-batch mode always remained highest in reactor without biochar.

Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Guidelines on Interventions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and a significant cause of cancer-related death. Treatment of HCC depends on the stage of the tumor. As many patients with HCC are not deemed fit for surgical resection or liver transplantation, locoregional therapies play an essential role in the management. Image-guided locoregional treatments include percutaneous ablative therapies and endovascular therapies. The choice of an individual or a combination of therapies is guided by the tumor and patient characteristics. As the outcomes of image-guided locoregional treatments depend on the ability to achieve necrosis of the entire tumor along with a safety margin around it, it is mandatory to follow standard guidelines. In this manuscript, we discuss in detail the various aspects of image-guided locoregional therapies to guide interventional radiologists involved in the care of patients with HCC.

Facilitation of interspecies electron transfer in anaerobic processes through pine needle biochar.

Role of biochar in promoting methanogenesis during anaerobic processes was investigated in this research. Biochar produced from Himalayan pine needles was used as medium for conductive material mediated interspecies electron transfer (CM-IET) amongst the electron producing microorganisms and electron consuming methanogenic archaea. Three anaerobic continuous stirrer tank reactors (CSTRs) with 0, 5 and 10 g/L pine needle biochar (PNB) were operated at steady state organic loading rate (OLR) of 2.0-2.5 kgCOD/(m3.d). R0 (0 g/L PNB), representing indirect interspecies electron transfer (IIET), failed at an OLR of 2.0 kgCOD/(m3.d) due to the highest volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration of 6,300 mg/L among the three CSTRs. On the other hand, at an OLR of 2.5 kgCOD/(m3.d), R2 (10 g/L PNB) showed the most superior performance with chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 55% and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration of 3,500 mg/L, while R1 (5 g/L PNB) recorded COD removal of 45% and VFA concentration of 4,400 mg/L. In comparison, fixed biofilm reactor (FBR) with 80 g/L of PNB as support material operated satisfactorily at OLR of 13.8 kgCOD/(m3.d) with 70% COD removal and VFA concentration of 1,400 mg/L. These investigations confirmed the beneficial role of biochar in anaerobic processes by promoting CM-IET amongst VFA degrading bacteria and methane producing archaea.

Journal of family medicine and primary care- A five year bibliometric analysis from 2016 to 2020.

Aim: To conduct a five-year bibliometric analysis of the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (J Family Med Prim Care) between 2016 and 2020. Setting and Design: This retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted in the Department of Conservative, Endodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry, Dental Institute, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand and Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, UP. Material and Methods: The data of publications including research articles, review and case reports excluding editorials and letters to the editor, commentaries and invited articles published in the J Family Med Prim Care between 2016 and 2020 were downloaded from the journal website and analysed in terms of the bibliometric parameters. Results: The results revealed that the journal gave equal weightage to all types of articles. The total number of articles published between 2016 and 2020 was 2,426 out of which 1,666 articles were published from India and the remaining from other parts of the world. In India, the state of Delhi had the maximum publications while speciality Preventive and Social Medicine (22.42%) and General Medicine (23.12%) had the maximum articles. Moreover, between 2016 and 2020, J Family Med Prim Care had 2,132 citations of published articles and had 65 publications in 2020 about the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Conclusion: The issue numbers per year for J Family Med Prim Care has gradually increased over time. The publication is open for all fields of medical, dental sciences and allied sciences.

Copper removal from aqueous solution using chemical precipitation and adsorption by Himalayan Pine Forest Residue as Biochar.

This research deals with the use of pine residue biochar as an adsorbent for the removal of copper from aqueous solution which is a major component of printed circuit boards from E-waste. Biochar was produced from pine residue such as bark, cone and needle through pyrolysis, and the effect of temperature on biochar properties was assessed. The biochar yield of about 33% and maximum surface area of 368 m2/g was obtained at pyrolysis temperature of 650°C. FTIR analysis revealed the existence of C-O, O-H and C = C functional groups on the surface of biochars. The point of zero charge of pine biochars were in the range 5.55 to 5.75. Batch adsorption studies revealed maximum copper adsorption capacity of 60-81 mg/g at near neutral pH. The batch adsorption data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm and followed the pseudo-second order kinetics. Adsorption of copper onto the biochar surface mainly followed physisorption which was reversible in nature. Desorption study revealed that pine biochar could be reused up to three cycles. Column adsorption data fitted well with Thomas model. These investigations revealed that the pine residue, which otherwise results in adverse environmental impacts, can be converted into useful resource like biochar as a heavy metal adsorbent.

Indian College of Radiology and Imaging (ICRI) Consensus Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Imaging and Intervention.

The medical science has witnessed significant change in the management of acute stroke patients as a result of recent advances in the field of stroke imaging and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in addition to intravenous thrombolysis and optimization of stroke services in balance with available resources. Despite initial negative trials, we witnessed the publication of five multicenter randomized clinical trials showing superiority of the endovascular approach over standard medical management in patients with large vessel occlusion. The aim of this study is to provide comprehensive set of evidence-based recommendations regarding imaging and endovascular interventions in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Interventional radiology and COVID-19: How to face the challenge?

With the sudden outbreak of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in China, and its rapid spread across the continents over a short period of time, healthcare workers are posed with the challenge of managing these patients as well protecting themselves from getting infected. Since interventional radiology deals with both elective and emergency services, wherein close patient contact is a norm, there is a substantial risk of acquiring and transmitting infection. Given the circumstances, it is imperative to develop broadly applicable guidelines to utilize the available resources in an optimal fashion and limit transmission of disease. This brief review deals with infection control measures within the Interventional Radiology department or section and possible recommendations that can be adopted at the institutional level.

Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Evidence-Based Guidelines for Interventions in Portal Hypertension and Its Complications.

Portal hypertension is a complication of chronic liver disease. Various radiological interventions are being done to aid in the diagnosis of portal hypertension; further, an interventional radiologist can offer various treatments for the complications of portal hypertension. Diagnosis of portal hypertension in its early stage may require hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement. Measurement of gradient also guides in diagnosing the type of portal hypertension, measuring response to treatment and prognostication. This article attempts to provide evidence-based guidelines on the management of portal hypertension and treatment of its complications.

Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Gastro- Protective Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Agents based on Dual Oxidative Stress / Cyclooxygenase Inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) derived local generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in the formation of gastric ulceration. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, anti-inflammatory analgesics with potent antioxidant activity could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pain and inflammatory disorders without gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. METHODS: In an effort to develop gastroprotective analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, a series of 2-methylamino-substituted-1H-benzo[d] imidazol-1-yl) (phenyl) methanone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition as well as anti-oxidant potential by the FRAP assay. The compounds with significant in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity were further screened in vivo for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Moreover, the ulcerogenic potential of test compounds was also studied. To gain insight into the plausible mode of interaction of compounds within the active sites of COX-1 and COX-2, molecular docking simulations were performed. RESULTS: Among the various synthesized molecules, most of the compounds showed good cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity and efficient antioxidant activity in FRAP assay. After preliminary and indicative in vitro assays, three compounds exhibited most significant antiinflammatory and analgesic activity with better gastric tolerability during their in vivo evaluation. Ligand interaction studies indicated highest dock score -43.05 of 1,2- disubstituted benzimidazole derivatives in comparison to the reference ligand -30.70. Overall studies provided us (2-((4-methoxyphenylamino) methyl) -1h-benzo [d] imidazol- 1-yl) (phenyl) methanone as a lead with potent gastro-protective anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities that can be used for future research. CONCLUSION: From the above results, it can be concluded that designing of multifunctional molecules with COX-1/COX-2 inhibitory and anti-oxidant activities could hold a great promise for further development of GI-safer NSAIDs.

Basic Interventional Procedures: Practice Essentials.

There has been an increasing demand in image-guided minimally invasive procedures and these have become an integral part of present-day clinical practice. Basic interventional radiology (IR) procedures have greatly reduced the need for invasive procedures for sampling as well as treating conditions like abscess and fluid collections. Owing to their minimally invasive nature, most of these procedures may be performed on the outpatient patients as daycare procedures. Some of these procedures in critically ill patients may be lifesaving. Basic interventional radiology (IR) procedures consist of image-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy, tru-cut (core) biopsy, needle aspiration/drainage and percutaneous catheter drainage. This review aims to provide practice requisites for basic IR procedures.

"Honeycomb" pattern of gallbladder wall thickening - A forward step in early diagnosis of "Severe Dengue Fever".

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study "Honeycomb" pattern of gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT) in dengue fever (DF) and to assess its clinical significance in early diagnosis of severe DF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 244 patients of DF were studied, 84 patients were classified as severe DF, 61 patients as DF with warning signs, and 99 patients as DF without warning signs. Abdominal ultrasound was performed for assessment of GBWT patterns, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pancreatic enlargement, ascites, pleural effusion, and other additional findings were recorded in severe DF cases. Statistical comparison between "Honeycomb" pattern of GBWT and clinically severe DF was done using Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: Out of 244 patients, 145 patients were males and 99 patients were females, belonging to various age groups ranging from 1 to 81 years and 14.34% (35 patients) among them included in pediatric group. In total, 65.57% (160 patients) were non-severe DF cases and 34.42% (84 patients) were severe DF cases. A total of 84 patients of severe DF, 92.85% patients showed GBWT, and out of which, 71.42% patients had "Honeycomb" pattern, whereas a total of 160 patients of non-severe DF patients, 45% patients had GBWT and out of which, only 5.6% patients showed "Honeycomb" pattern. "Honeycomb" pattern of GBWT shows sensitivity of 71.4%, 94.37%, Positive predictive value of 86.95%, and Negative predictive value of 86.28% in severe DF. CONCLUSION: "Honeycomb" pattern of GBWT is significant finding in severe DF. Its sensitivity and specificity are high in severe DF with significant statistical correlation. It can aid in early diagnosis of severe DF.

Molecular Hybrids of N-Phthaloylglycyl Hydrazide and Hydrazinecarbothioamide with Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant Activities.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress due to high levels of reactive organic species is the cause of the progression of inflammation in various diseases. The molecules possessing both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity can be the promising key to treat inflammatory diseases. Phthalimide and hydrazinecarbothioamide are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant pharmacophores. OBJECTIVE: Molecular hybrids possessing above two pharmacophores were designed. A series of N-phenyl substituted 2-(2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)acetyl)-N-phenylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide (CGS compounds) was synthesized and evaluated for biological activities. METHODS: N-phthaloylglycyl hydrazide was reacted with unsubstituted/substituted phenyl isothiocyanates to yield CGS compounds. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan rat paw edema model, and in vitro anti-oxidant activity by DPPH assay. Levels of TNF-α and oxidative stress at the site of inflammation were measured. The genetic algorithm-PLS regression based QSAR model correlating the effect of N-phenyl substituent on the anti-inflammatory activity was developed. Further, the interaction of the active compound in the TNF-α binding pocket was studied by in silico docking. RESULTS: Compound containing the 2-OCH3, 4-NO2 (CGS-5); 4-CF3 (CGS-9); 4-NO2 (CGS-3) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (percentage inhibition of paw edema after 3 hour = 58.24, 50.38, 40.05, respectively) and potent anti-oxidant activity (IC50 =0.045, 0.998, 0.285 µg/ml, respectively). Reduced levels of TNF- α and increased levels of GSH were observed for the above three compounds. Descriptors for QSAR model identified by GA-PLS were WPSA1, Weta1unity, WDunity, SC3, VC5, MlogP, and WTPT3. The identified model was highly predictive, and value of root mean square error of prediction for internal (leave one out) and external validation was: 1.579, 1.325. CONCLUSION: Molecular hybrids of phthalimide and hydrazinecarbothioamide were synthesized. Some of the compounds possessed promising anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities.

Accuracy of the kissing sign on lumbar spine MRI in cases of axillary disc herniation and the surgical correlation: an Indian multi-center study / Precisão do sinal do beijo na RM da coluna lombar em casos de hérnia do disco axial e a correlação cirúrgica: um estudo multicêntrico indiano

ABSTRACT Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging has proven to be a valuable tool in the assessment of disc abnormalities. Two types of disc extrusion can be described according to the direction of herniated disc material: shoulder type and axillary type. Axillary disc herniation is described when the extruded disc fragment lies in the recess between the lateral border of cauda equina and medial to the nerve roots, while in the shoulder type the disc lies lateral to the nerve roots. It is very important to describe the type of disc herniation, as the surgical approach differs in each type. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no definite signs have been described in literature to date. This study aimed to address the accuracy of the kissing sign on MRI for he diagnosis of axillary disc herniation. Methods: The MRIs of 72 patients undergoing spinal surgery were prospectively evaluated for axillary disc herniation by a senior radiologist and experienced spinal surgeon using the kissing sign on MRI. The kissing sign was considered positive when the herniated disc material was in direct contact with the lamina and/or ligamentum flavum on axial images. Subsequently, all surgeries were performed by two independent surgeons and the actual type of disc herniation was documented. The accuracy of the results was statistically assessed. Results: The kissing sign on MRI was found to be 66.66% sensitive, 92.59% specific, and 76.38% accurate in detecting axillary disc herniation with significant correlation with the surgical findings. Conclusion: The type of disc herniation is an important parameter for patient selection in different surgical approaches. The kissing sign on MRI can be considered as an important tool for diagnosing axillary disc herniation due to its high specificity and accuracy.

RESUMO Objetivos: A ressonância magnética provou ser uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação das anormalidades do disco. Dois tipos de extrusão de disco podem ser descritos de acordo com a direção do disco herniado: lateral e axilar. A hérnia de disco axilar é definida quando o fragmento do disco extruso encontra-se no recesso entre a borda lateral da cauda equina e medial às raízes do nervo, enquanto na hérnia lateral o disco posiciona-se lateralmente às raízes do nervo. A descrição do tipo de hérnia de disco é extremamente importante, pois a abordagem cirúrgica difere em cada tipo. Tanto quanto é do conhecimento dos autores, nenhum sinal definido foi descrito na literatura até o momento. Este estudo teve como objetivo abordar a precisão do sinal do beijo na RM no diagnóstico de herniação de disco axilar. Métodos: As RM de 72 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia da coluna vertebral foram avaliadas prospectivamente em relação à presença de hérnia de disco axilar por um radiologista sênior e cirurgião da coluna experiente com o sinal do beijo na RM. O sinal do beijo foi considerado positivo quando o material do disco herniado estava em contato direto com a lâmina e/ou ligamento amarelo em imagens axiais. Posteriormente, todas as cirurgias foram feitas por dois cirurgiões independentes e o tipo real de hérnia de disco foi documentado. A precisão dos resultados foi avaliada estatisticamente. Resultados: O sinal do beijo na RM apresentou 66,66% de sensibilidade, 92,59% de especificidade e 76,38% de precisão na detecção de hérnia de disco axilar com correlação significativa com os achados cirúrgicos. Conclusão: O tipo de hérnia de disco é um parâmetro importante para a seleção de pacientes em diferentes abordagens cirúrgicas. O sinal do beijo na RM pode ser considerado uma ferramenta importante para o diagnóstico de hérnia de disco axilar devido à sua alta especificidade e precisão.

Accuracy of the kissing sign on lumbar spine MRI in cases of axillary disc herniation and the surgical correlation: an Indian multi-center study.

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging has proven to be a valuable tool in the assessment of disc abnormalities. Two types of disc extrusion can be described according to the direction of herniated disc material: shoulder type and axillary type. Axillary disc herniation is described when the extruded disc fragment lies in the recess between the lateral border of cauda equina and medial to the nerve roots, while in the shoulder type the disc lies lateral to the nerve roots. It is very important to describe the type of disc herniation, as the surgical approach differs in each type. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no definite signs have been described in literature to date. This study aimed to address the accuracy of the kissing sign on MRI for he diagnosis of axillary disc herniation. METHODS: The MRIs of 72 patients undergoing spinal surgery were prospectively evaluated for axillary disc herniation by a senior radiologist and experienced spinal surgeon using the kissing sign on MRI. The kissing sign was considered positive when the herniated disc material was in direct contact with the lamina and/or ligamentum flavum on axial images. Subsequently, all surgeries were performed by two independent surgeons and the actual type of disc herniation was documented. The accuracy of the results was statistically assessed. RESULTS: The kissing sign on MRI was found to be 66.66% sensitive, 92.59% specific, and 76.38% accurate in detecting axillary disc herniation with significant correlation with the surgical findings. CONCLUSION: The type of disc herniation is an important parameter for patient selection in different surgical approaches. The kissing sign on MRI can be considered as an important tool for diagnosing axillary disc herniation due to its high specificity and accuracy.

OBJETIVOS: A ressonância magnética provou ser uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação das anormalidades do disco. Dois tipos de extrusão de disco podem ser descritos de acordo com a direção do disco herniado: lateral e axilar. A hérnia de disco axilar é definida quando o fragmento do disco extruso encontra-se no recesso entre a borda lateral da cauda equina e medial às raízes do nervo, enquanto na hérnia lateral o disco posiciona-se lateralmente às raízes do nervo. A descrição do tipo de hérnia de disco é extremamente importante, pois a abordagem cirúrgica difere em cada tipo. Tanto quanto é do conhecimento dos autores, nenhum sinal definido foi descrito na literatura até o momento. Este estudo teve como objetivo abordar a precisão do sinal do beijo na RM no diagnóstico de herniação de disco axilar. MÉTODOS: As RM de 72 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia da coluna vertebral foram avaliadas prospectivamente em relação à presença de hérnia de disco axilar por um radiologista sênior e cirurgião da coluna experiente usando o sinal do beijo na RM. O sinal do beijo foi considerado positivo quando o material do disco herniado estava em contato direto com a lâmina e/ou ligamento amarelo em imagens axiais. Posteriormente, todas as cirurgias foram realizadas por dois cirurgiões independentes e o tipo real de hérnia de disco foi documentado. A precisão dos resultados foi avaliada estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: O sinal do beijo na RM apresentou 66,66% de sensibilidade, 92,59% de especificidade e 76,38% de precisão na detecção de hérnia de disco axilar com correlação significativa com os achados cirúrgicos. CONCLUSÃO: O tipo de hérnia de disco é um parâmetro importante para a seleção de pacientes em diferentes abordagens cirúrgicas. O sinal do beijo na RM pode ser considerado uma ferramenta importante para o diagnóstico de hérnia de disco axilar devido à sua alta especificidade e precisão.