Achievement of higher biomass, yield and quality of essential oil of Tagetes minuta L. through optimizing the sowing method and seeding rate.

Tagetes minuta L. is known as an industrial crop in the world as it possesses an essential oil that is extensively used in the perfumery and flavor industries. The crop performance is influenced by the planting/sowing method (SM) and seeding rate (SR); however, the effects of these variables on biomass yield and quality of the essential oil of T. minuta remain unclear. As a comparatively new crop, the responses of T. minuta to different SMs and SRs have not been studied in the mild temperate eco-region. Thus, the biomass and essential oil yield response of T. minuta (variety 'Himgold') to SM (line sowing and broadcasting) and SR (at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 kg ha-1) were investigated. The overall fresh biomass of T. minuta ranged from 16.86 to 28.13 Mg ha-1, while the essential oil concentration in fresh biomass varied from 0.23% to 0.33%. Irrespective of the SR, the broadcasting method produced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher fresh biomass yield by approximately 15.8% and 7.6% compared with line sowing during 2016 and 2017, respectively. An increase in biomass yield was noted as the SR increased up to 4 kg ha-1. The SR at 4 kg ha-1 registered approximately 41.9%-56.1% and 3.3%-10.3% higher biomass yield than the SR at 2 and 6 kg ha-1, respectively. No significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences in essential oil concentration in fresh biomass were observed due to the different SMs and SRs. Thus, T. minuta may be sown by the broadcasting method in the mild temperate eco-region with an SR of 4 kg ha-1.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Metastasis-Indian Experience.

Ashwin K.R.Introduction Peritoneal metastasis secondary to gastric cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may be an efficacious treatment option for an otherwise palliative condition. Methods A retrospective single institutional study of patents diagnosed with gastric carcinoma and peritoneal metastasis and treated with CRS and HIPEC from February 2015 to December 2019. Results Sixteen patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis were treated with CRS and HIPEC. Three patients underwent upfront surgery, and five patients underwent interval surgery. The mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 3.5, and adequate complete cytoreduction (CC) score of 0/1 was achieved in all patients. All patients received HIPEC with mitomycin C. Major surgical complications were in 12.5% of patients. Grade I surgical site infection was present in one patient. Three patients had prolonged gastrointestinal (GI) recovery. The 30-day mortality was zero. Median follow-up time was 39 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.86-17.13). The median overall survival (OS) was 17 months (95% CI 6.36-27.64). Conclusion Multidisciplinary treatment of perioperative chemotherapy with CRS and HIPEC is a promising treatment option, which may prolong survival in selected patients, and large randomized clinical trials are warranted for it to become standard of care.

Introduction, adaptation and characterization of monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii): a non-caloric new natural sweetener.

Siraitia grosvenorii, an herbaceous perennial plant, native to the southern parts of China, is commonly used as a low-calorie natural sweetener. It contains cucurbitane-type triterpene glycosides known as mogrosides. The extract from monk fruit is about 300 times sweeter than sucrose. In spite of its immense importance and International demand, Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) is not commercially cultivated outside China since scientific information for cultivation of this species is lacking. Planting material of monk fruit plant was not available in India. Thus, the seeds of monk fruit were introduced in India from China after following International norms. Then the experiments were conducted on different aspects such as seed germination, morphological and anatomical characterization, phenology, flowering and pollination behaviors, and dynamic of mogroside-V accumulation in fruit. The hydropriming at 40 °C for 24 h was found effective to reduce the germination time and to increase the germination rate (77.33%). The multicellular uniseriate trichomes were observed in both the leaf surfaces, however, higher trichomes density was observed in the ventral surface of males compared to females. The microscopic view revealed that the ovary was trilocular (ovary consists three chambers) having two ovules in each chamber or locule. Most of the fruits were globose or oblong type with 5-7 cm in length and 4-7 cm diameter. Mogroside-V content in fruit at 80 days after pollination was 0.69% on dry weight basis. The rate of increase of mogroside-V accumulation from 50 to 70 days was very slow, whereas a sharp increase was observed from 70 to 80 days. The higher receptivity of stigma was observed with fully open flowers. The floral diagram and formula have also been developed for both male and female flowers. Our results highlighted that monk fruit can be grown in Indian conditions.

Brauer Nevus of Eyebrow: A Rare Entity.

Brauer nevus presents as a local circumscribed area of noncicatricial alopecia. It usually involves the frontotemporal scalp. We report an unusual case of Brauer nevus involving the right eyebrow. Trichoscopy helps to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate this condition from other types of nonscarring alopecias. It also helps to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Comparative Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Intralesional Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide versus Intralesional Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in Alopecia Areata.

CONTEXT: Alopecia areata is a chronic non-scarring alopecia that involves scalp and/or body. Corticosteroids are the most popular drugs for its treatment. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in alopecia areata and to compare the efficacy of these modalities in alopecia areata. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled comparative study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty patients were enrolled from the outpatient department and divided into two groups of 20 patients each. Group A and B randomly received intradermal triamcinolone acetonide suspension (10 mg/mL) and PRP, respectively, into the lesion using an insulin syringe in multiple 0.1 mL injections 1cm apart. The injections were repeated every 3 weeks till 12 weeks. The patients were evaluated by Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score and photographically every 3 weeks till the end of 12 weeks and then at the end of 6 months. Statistical analysis used descriptive analysis along with Pearson chi-square test or Fisher exact test, paired samples, and independent samples t test or their nonparametric analogs for continuous variables. RESULTS: The reduction in SALT score at each visit with respect to baseline was greater in the triamcinolone group as compared to PRP group. This signifies greater effect of triamcinolone in alopecia areata. Around 50% patients in triamcinolone group and 5% patients in PRP group showed grade V improvement. Pain during intralesional injection was higher in the PRP group. CONCLUSION: Both intralesional triamcinolone and PRP were found to be efficacious in alopecia areata but the latter produced lesser improvement.

Two Case Reports of Integrated Management of Antibiotic-Resistant Urinary Tract Infection.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent in women. Cystitis after intercourse (post-coital cystitis) accounts for 60% of recurrent cases. Most physicians treat recurrent UTIs (R-UTIs) with multiple courses of antibiotics. The high prevalence indicates that this bacteria-oriented approach in the long term is ineffective for many women. A change in clinical behavior regarding use of antibiotics and recognizing the importance of a patient's self-defense mechanisms are important considerations in combating antimicrobial resistance. METHODS: The intervention for each of two women with R-UTI was integrated treatment with a non-conventional and tailor-made homeopathy regimen, addressing multiple levels of disease simultaneously, for the prevention of recurrence as well as for treatment. Assessment of causal attribution of homeopathy treatment effect was carried out using the Modified Naranjo Criteria. RESULTS: Case 1 presented with chronic multi-morbid conditions, including R-UTI which had become multi-drug resistant. With regular homeopathic treatment, her antibiotic use reduced, her diabetic profile improved, and she did not need prophylactic antibiotics. Case 2 suffered from R-UTI with post-coital cystitis and burning sensation, despite following all conventional advice for treatment and prophylaxis. Addition of homeopathy improved her quality of life and prevented relapses. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score for each patient was +10/13 and +9/13, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of homeopathy can be an effective approach in integrated management of antibiotic-resistant R-UTIs. Controlled research on the topic is thus indicated.

Drug-associated Plica Polonica: An Unusual Presentation.

Plica polonica is an uncommon condition characterized by irreversible matting of hair on the scalp. It is usually associated with psychiatric disturbance, neglect of hair, scalp infestation, and use of ionic surfactants for shampooing. Rarely, plica polonica has been associated with drugs. We report this condition in a patient of metastatic carcinoma breast on docetaxel chemotherapy.

Combination antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, representing common and rare cystic fibrosis strains from different Irish clinics.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of antibiotic combination therapy versus single therapy against cystic fibrosis strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa identified as common and rare among patient groups in different Irish hospitals. METHODS: This study compares the susceptibility profiles of P. aeruginosa isolates from different cystic fibrosis (CF) clinics in Ireland, collected from 2004-2005. Strains were recovered in small numbers and typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Five common clonal variants were identified in five different hospitals, described as 'common strains'. A number of 'rare strains' associated with any single patient were also included in the study. Certain virulence factors were determined and in vitro assays such as minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and biofilm inhibitory concentrations (BIC) were employed to assess potential synergistic effects of antipseudomonal antibiotic combination therapy. RESULTS: There was no distinct virulence factors associated with clinical strains that were common in comparison to those that were rare. Antibiotic combination testing revealed the majority of combinations were similar to the activity of either antibiotic used as single agents. Tobramycin-ceftazidime was the most effective combination exhibiting synergistic interactions (FIC ≤ 0.5) against certain clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of single antibiotics and synergistic interactions of antibiotic combinations were strain specific, irrespective of virulence characteristics of P. aeruginosa. Common clonal P. aeruginosa strains do not have distinct characteristics that possibly influence persistence in the chronic CF lung. Tobramycin-ceftazidime may be successful for controlling specific P. aeruginosa strains. Further studies on representative isolates are needed to support these results.

Case reports on integrated management of tubercular disease.

BACKGROUND: Host immunity plays an important role in prevention of disease as is evident by the increased incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) in immuno-compromised population of HIV infected, diabetes inflicted, immune-suppressant therapy and elderly people. Rising incidence of antibiotic resistance has led to resurgence of TB of epidemic proportions. Integrated treatment with add on homeopathy in addition to anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) appears to improve outcome in TB. The intervention has been integrated treatment with homeopathy regime, which is using a patient specific, disease specific and supportive medicine simultaneously, all individualized for the patient and the disease. CASES: CASE 1: Pott's spine with paravertebral abscess, not responding to ATT. Addition of homeopathy led to fall in temperature, improved appetite, increase in weight and reduction of abscess. CASE 2: Recurrent sub-acute intestinal obstruction. The patient could not tolerate ATT but responded to homeopathy by reduction of abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, loose stools and queasiness. CASE 3: Pulmonary TB, treated with both ATT and homeopathy from beginning, led to rapid recovery and shortened treatment time. CONCLUSION: The addition of homeopathy to ATT is patient friendly, cost effective and appears to reduces the duration of treatment. Its role as immuno-modulatory therapy should be evaluated and explored.

Host-Induced Silencing of Pathogenicity Genes Enhances Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum Wilt in Tomato.

This study presents a novel approach of controlling vascular wilt in tomato by RNAi expression directed to pathogenicity genes of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Vascular wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici leads to qualitative and quantitative loss of the crop. Limitation in the existing control measures necessitates the development of alternative strategies to increase resistance in the plants against pathogens. Recent findings paved way to RNAi, as a promising method for silencing of pathogenicity genes in fungus and provided effective resistance against fungal pathogens. Here, two important pathogenicity genes FOW2, a Zn(II)2Cys6 family putative transcription regulator, and chsV, a putative myosin motor and a chitin synthase domain, were used for host-induced gene silencing through hairpinRNA cassettes of these genes against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. HairpinRNAs were assembled in appropriate binary vectors and transformed into tomato plant targeting FOW2 and chsV genes, for two highly pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum viz. TOFOL-IHBT and TOFOL-IVRI. Transgenic tomatoes were analyzed for possible attainment of resistance in transgenic lines against fungal infection. Eight transgenic lines expressing hairpinRNA cassettes showed trivial disease symptoms after 6-8 weeks of infection. Hence, the host-induced posttranscriptional gene silencing of pathogenicity genes in transgenic tomato plants has enhanced their resistance to vascular wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum.