An occurrence data set for invasive and naturalized alien plants in India.

India has numerous invasive alien plant species (IAPSs), which seriously impact biodiversity, ecosystem services, and economic development. The availability of reliable occurrence records of IAPSs is of great importance for their successful management, prediction of distribution across time and space, and other research and development efforts. Global databases of occurrence data, like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), are often not exhaustive, especially for India, and poorly represent the actual distribution of IAPSs in the country. Our objective in creating this data set was threefold: (1) to compile occurrence data for the invasive and naturalized alien plant species of India, (2) to collect spatial and temporal information associated with occurrence records, and (3) to share the data in an accessible format so every record is traceable to its sources and allow users to submit data to increase the resolution of the data set. To achieve these objectives, we extracted data from 3137 literature records and 357 herbarium sheets. For each occurrence record, we curated information for 20 variables, which were arranged in a table with the Darwin Core (DwC) terms as column names. All data were subjected to technical validation before being included in the database. A total of 12,347 occurrence records were obtained for 362 species (195 invasive aliens and 167 naturalized aliens). The number of collected occurrence records was much higher for the invasive aliens (73.7%) than for the naturalized alien species (26.3%). Our data set will supplement the GBIF data by 60.39%, and occurrence records will be added for 64 invasive and naturalized alien plant species. The data set, as a part of the larger database of the Indian Alien Flora Information (ILORA) database, is made available without any restrictions on use as long as this data paper is properly cited. We have also made provisions for users to submit occurrence-related data following a data standard. The users are encouraged to cite the original reference when using a specific data record. The data set is expected to assist a wide range of stakeholders involved in India's scientific research, policy formulation, and decision-making related to IAPSs.

Carbidopa, a drug in use for management of Parkinson disease inhibits T cell activation and autoimmunity.

Carbidopa is a drug that blocks conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside of central nervous system (CNS) and thus inhibits unwanted side effects of levodopa on organs located outside of CNS during management of Parkinson's Disease (PD). PD is associated with increased expression of inflammatory genes in peripheral and central nervous system (CNS), infiltration of immune cells into brain, and increased numbers of activated/memory T cells. Animal models of PD have shown a critical role of T cells in inducing pathology in CNS. However, the effect of carbidopa on T cell responses in vivo is unknown. In this report, we show that carbidopa strongly inhibited T cell activation in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, carbidopa mitigated myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide fragment 35-55 (MOG-35-55) induced experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) and collagen induced arthritis in animal models. The data presented here suggest that in addition to blocking peripheral conversion of levodopa, carbidopa may inhibit T cell responses in PD individuals and implicate a potential therapeutic use of carbidopa in suppression of T cell mediated pathologies.

Salmonella newport bacteremia in a 12-day-old infant.

In the United States, Salmonella infections (salmonellosis) cause multiple medical problems. Although the most common presenting symptom is diarrhea, bacteremia can also occur. An estimated 1.4 million cases of salmonellosis occur annually in the United States. We present a case of Salmonella bacteremia in a 12-day old infant. We discuss the presenting signs, symptoms, and management strategies for a patient younger than 28 days old (neonate) presenting with fever and diarrhea.

Management of mandibular fracture in a medically compromised pediatric patient.

Maxillofacial injuries in pediatric population warrant special attention because of anatomic considerations, potential for growth disturbances and rapidity of healing. We report a case of displaced mandibular fracture in a child who tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and, therefore, was managed conservatively by closed reduction stabilized with acrylic dental splints fabricated on reduced dental models.

"Spontaneous scar dehiscence of a repaired bladder rupture in a 5 yr old girl - a case study".

Spontaneous scar dehiscence of a previous repaired urinary bladder rupture is described in a 5 yr old girl approximately 4 yrs after the original repair, she presented at the hospital with the chief complain of pain and distension of the abdomen. No underlying aetiology could be related to the event, her blood urea and creatinine levels were found to be raised. A diagnostic peritoneal tap showed non bloody straw colour urine in the peritoneal cavity. Emergent laparotomy was carried out and the site of scar dehiscence was closed in layers.