A comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation of the neutron response of multi-element microdosimetric detectors based on THick Gas Electron Multiplier.

We present comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations for the neutron response of the multi-element microdosimetric detector based on THick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM). Simulations were carried out using the MCNP6.2 code to calculate the deposited energy spectrum in the gaseous sensitive volumes for three different configurations, 7 × 3, 19 × 5, 37 × 7 that occupy a cylindrical volume of 5-cm diameter by 5-cm length. The energy response was computed from 10 keV to 2 MeV. The response variation was investigated between sensitive volumes as well as between layers. The simulated energy response showed a good agreement against the evaluated fluence-to-kerma conversion coefficients in the energy region 10-100 keV, whereas discrepancies were observed in the region above 250 keV. The angular response simulations showed a variation of less than 10%.

3D assessment of ear morphology.

Introduction: Auricular reconstruction is a technically challenging and aesthetically demanding procedure as the ear has a complex anatomy. Anthropometry aids in achieving aesthetic ear reconstruction. We considered that implication of stereophotogrammetric technology will lead to a better understanding of human ear morphology. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in our institutional OPD in a tertiary health care centre in the Northern part of India.400 people were chosen based on selection criteria. facial scans were done for 3D pictures using Canfield VECTRA® H2 3D imaging device. Study variables were assessed after marking landmarks on the 3D-generated auricular image of an individual. Discussion: This study consisted of 55.5% males and 44.5% females belonging to the age group of 5-25 years (30.3%), 26-40 years (38.8%) and>40 yr (31.0%). Out of 400 cases, the majority had; oval shaped auricle, normally rolled helix, square earlobe; knob shaped tragus. The attached type of earlobe attachment was more in the right auricle (37%) and the partial attachment ear lobe was more in the left side auricle (35.5%). Darwin's tubercle showed more proportion in the case of males. The mean length and width of the auricle & attachment length are higher in males compared to females. Ear Angulation is highest among females. Conclusion: Assessment of ear morphology using technologically sound methods like stereophotogrammetry paves the way for a more quick, reliable and easy-to-use method for understanding ear morphology. Precise assessment of ear morphology using stereophotogrammetry helps in providing more cosmetic and acceptable ear restoration.

Identifications of good and bad structural fragments of hydrazone/2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrids with correlation intensity index and consensus modelling using Monte Carlo based QSAR studies, their molecular docking and ADME analysis.

The application of QSAR along with other in silico tools like molecular docking, and molecular dynamics provide a lot of promise for finding new treatments for life-threatening diseases like Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study is an attempt to develop Monte Carlo algorithm-based QSAR models using freely available CORAL software. The experimental data on the α-amylase inhibition by a series of benzothiazole-linked hydrazone/2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrids were selected as endpoint for the model generation. Initially, a total of eight QSAR models were built using correlation intensity index (CII) as a criterion of predictive potential. The model developed from split 6 using CII was the most reliable because of the highest numerical value of the determination coefficient of the validation set (r2VAL = 0.8739). The important structural fragments responsible for altering the endpoint were also extracted from the best-built model. With the goal of improved prediction quality and lower prediction errors, the validated models were used to build consensus models. Molecular docking was used to know the binding mode and pose of the selected derivatives. Further, to get insight into their metabolism by living beings, ADME studies were investigated using internet freeware, SwissADME.

Assessment of ideal serum dilution for screening of antinuclear antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescence method in diagnosis of autoimmune disorders.

BACKGROUND: Time and cost constraints lead to majority of clinical laboratories deviating away from an ideal practice of checking for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) at multiple dilutions. Usage of screening dilution of 1:40 recommended by most manufacturers of commercial ANA kits results in numerous false positive-tests and misdiagnosis of connective tissue disorders (CTDs). We sought to study the ideal screening dilution for ANA by IIF for a diagnosis of ANA-related CTDs. METHODS: Serum samples of patients with ANA-related conditions (n = 233) and healthy controls (n = 154) were evaluated by IIF using Immuno Concepts Hep-2000 ® ANA kits at dilutions from 1:40 to 1:640. Accuracy for diagnosis of CTDs for each serum dilution was assessed by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity was observed in 19.5%, 10.4%, 4.55%, 0.65%, and 0% of healthy controls at dilutions of 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640, respectively. ANA positivity at 1:40 dilution was observed among 26.4% cases with mimics of CTDs. Prevalence of ANA positivity in ANA-related CTDs was 97.3%, 96.4%, 89.3%, 83.9%, and 71.4% at dilutions of 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640, respectively. ROC analysis revealed best test performance for distinction between healthy and ANA-related CTD populations at a serum dilution of 1 in 80. CONCLUSIONS: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity at low titers (1:40) is highly prevalent in healthy population (19.5%) as well as amongst mimics of CTD (26.4%). Our study suggests a higher screening dilution of 1:80 for ANA by IIF for diagnosis of CTD maybe better. Combination of 1:80 and 1:160 dilutions provides optimum sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of ANA-related disorders.

Genome-wide assessment of genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium and haplotype block structure in Tharparkar cattle breed of India.

Knowledge about genetic diversity is very essential for the management and sustainable utilization of livestock genetic resources. In this study, we presented a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of genetic diversity, ROH, inbreeding, linkage disequilibrium, effective population size and haplotype block structure in Tharparkar cattle of India. A total of 24 Tharparkar animals used in this study were genotyped with Illumina BovineSNP50 array. After quality control, 22,825 biallelic SNPs were retained, which were in HWE, MAF > 0.05 and genotyping rate >90%. The overall mean observed (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) were 0.339 ± 0.156 and 0.325 ± 0.129, respectively. The average minor allele frequency was 0.234 with a standard deviation of ± 0.131. We identified a total of 1832 ROH segments and the highest autosomal coverage of 13.87% was observed on chromosome 23. The genomic inbreeding coefficients estimates by FROH, FHOM, FGRM and FUNI were 0.0589, 0.0215, 0.0532 and 0.0160 respectively. The overall mean linkage disequilibrium (LD) for a total of 133,532 pairwise SNPs measured by D' and r2 was 0.6452 and 0.1339, respectively. In addition, we observed a gradual decline in effective population size over the past generations.

Source apportionment and health risk assessment of airborne particulates over central Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Sources of airborne particulates (PM10) were investigated in two contrasting sites over central Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), one representing a rural background (Mirzapur) and another as an urban pollution hotspot (Varanasi). Very high PM10 concentration was noted both in Varanasi (178 ± 105 µgm-3; N:435) and Mirzapur (131 ± 56 µgm-3; N:169) with 72% and 62% of monitoring days exceeded the national air quality standard, respectively. Particulate-bound elements contribute significant proportion of PM10 mass (15%-18%), with highest contribution from Ca (7%-10%) and Fe (2%-3%). Besides, presence of Zn (1%-3%), K (1%-2%) and Na (1%-2%) was also noted. Water-soluble ionic species contributed 15%-19% of particulate mass, primarily by the secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA). Among the SIA, sulphate (5%-7%) and nitrate (4%) were prominent, contributing 59%-62% of the total ionic load, especially in winter. Particulate-bound metallic species and ions were selectively used as signatory molecules and source apportionment of PM10 was done by multivariate factor analysis. UNMIX was able to extract particulate sources in both the locations and crustal resuspensions (dust/-soil) were identified as the dominant source contributing 57%-63% of PM10 mass. Secondary aerosols were the second important source (17%-23%), followed by emissions from biomass/-refuse burning (10-19%). Transport of airborne particulates from upper IGP by prevailing westerly were identified as the important contributor of particulates, especially during high particulate loading days. Health risks associated to particulate-bound toxic metal exposure were also assessed. Non-carcinogenic health risk was within the permissible limit while there is possibility of elevated risk for PM10-bound Cr and Cd, if adequate control measures are not in place.

A multicentre observational study on the epidemiology, risk factors, management and outcomes of mucormycosis in India.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology, management and outcome of individuals with mucormycosis; and to evaluate the risk factors associated with mortality. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study involving consecutive individuals with proven mucormycosis across 12 centres from India. The demographic profile, microbiology, predisposing factors, management and 90-day mortality were recorded; risk factors for mortality were analysed. RESULTS: We included 465 patients. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was the most common (315/465, 67.7%) presentation followed by pulmonary (62/465, 13.3%), cutaneous (49/465, 10.5%), and others. The predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus (342/465, 73.5%), malignancy (42/465, 9.0%), transplant (36/465, 7.7%), and others. Rhizopus species (231/290, 79.7%) were the most common followed by Apophysomyces variabilis (23/290, 7.9%), and several rare Mucorales. Surgical treatment was performed in 62.2% (289/465) of the participants. Amphotericin B was the primary therapy in 81.9% (381/465), and posaconazole was used as combination therapy in 53 (11.4%) individuals. Antifungal therapy was inappropriate in 7.6% (30/394) of the individuals. The 90-day mortality rate was 52% (242/465). On multivariate analysis, disseminated and rhino-orbital (with cerebral extension) mucormycosis, shorter duration of symptoms, shorter duration of antifungal therapy, and treatment with amphotericin B deoxycholate (versus liposomal) were independent risk factors of mortality. A combined medical and surgical management was associated with a better survival. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus was the dominant predisposing factor in all forms of mucormycosis. Combined surgical and medical management was associated with better outcomes. Several gaps surfaced in the management of mucormycosis. The rarer Mucorales identified in the study warrant further evaluation.

Brucellosis in India: results of a collaborative workshop to define One Health priorities.

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis worldwide. In livestock, it frequently causes chronic disease with reproductive failures that contribute to production losses, and in humans, it causes an often-chronic febrile illness that is frequently underdiagnosed in many low- and middle-income countries, including India. India has one of the largest ruminant populations in the world, and brucellosis is endemic in the country in both humans and animals. In November 2017, the International Livestock Research Institute invited experts from government, national research institutes, universities, and different international organizations to a one-day meeting to set priorities towards a "One Health" control strategy for brucellosis in India. Using a risk prioritization exercise followed by discussions, the meeting agreed on the following priorities: collaboration (transboundary and transdisciplinary); collection of more epidemiological evidence in humans, cattle, and in small ruminants (which have been neglected in past research); Economic impact studies, including cost effectiveness of control programmes; livestock vaccination, including national facilities for securing vaccines for the cattle population; management of infected animals (with the ban on bovine slaughter, alternatives such as sanctuaries must be explored); laboratory capacities and diagnostics (quality must be assured and better rapid tests developed); and increased awareness, making farmers, health workers, and the general public more aware of risks of brucellosis and zoonoses in general. Overall, the meeting participants agreed that brucellosis control will be challenging in India, but with collaboration to address the priority areas listed here, it could be possible.

In vitro assessment of gentamicin and azithromycin-based combination therapy against Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in India.

PURPOSE: The public health burden of infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is magnified due to high rates of resistance to traditional antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of an alternative dual therapy comprising gentamicin and azithromycin. METHODOLOGY: The E-test method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of gentamicin and azithromycin individually prior to testing in combination using the cross or 90o angle formation method. A total of 70 clinical isolates of N.gonorrhoeae displaying varying ceftriaxone MICs along with 2 reference strains (WHO K and P) and 1 ceftriaxone-resistant QA isolate were examined. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated and the results were interpreted using the following criteria: synergy, FICI ≤0.5; indifference or additive, FICI >0.5 to ≤4.0; and antagonism, FICI >4.0. RESULTS: A total of 54 (77.1 %) isolates displayed indifference, while 16 (22.9 %) demonstrated synergy. When azithromycin was tested alone, the MICs ranged from 0.016 to 2 µg ml-1 . However, in combination with gentamicin, the mean MIC value of all isolates decreased from 0.275 µg ml-1 to 0.090 µg ml-1 (P=0.05).When gentamicin was tested alone, the MICs ranged from 0.25 to 8 µg ml-1, with a mean MIC of 4.342 µg ml-1, whereas in combination with azithromycin it decreased significantly to 2.042 µg ml-1 (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: No antagonism was observed in this combination, suggesting that it could be a future treatment option as we prepare for a post-cephalosporin era. However, comprehensive in vivo evaluations are warranted and recommendations should be made based on clinical trials.

Tuberculosis-tobacco integration in the South-East Asia Region: policy analysis and implementation framework.

SETTING: Despite overwhelming evidence for the association between tuberculosis (TB) and tobacco use, it remains neglected in the context of policy, planning and practice. There is limited evidence about the extent of integration of TB and tobacco control programmes in South-East Asia Region (SEAR) countries. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of TB-tobacco integration in 11 SEAR countries. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire addressed to TB and tobacco focal points at the World Health Organization Country Offices. RESULTS: Apart from India, no country in the SEAR has a formal coordination mechanism for national TB and tobacco control programmes or a system of referral for tobacco users among TB patients for treatment of tobacco dependence. There is no joint planning, joint training or joint supervision and monitoring in any country. CONCLUSION: There is poor integration between TB and tobacco control programmes in most SEAR countries. This assessment fed into the development of a regional framework for TB-tobacco integration, which outlines three strategies: 1) integrated patient-centred care and prevention; 2) joint TB tobacco actions covering policy development, planning, training and monitoring; and 3) research and innovation. Every country in the region should adopt the TB-tobacco integration framework to improve programme performance.

The economic impact of peste des petits ruminants in India.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an economically important livestock disease which affects a vast section of the small ruminant population in India. However, data on the incidence of PPR are limited and scant literature is available on the economic losses caused by the disease. In the present study, a structured sampling design was adopted, which covered the major agro-climatic regions of the country, to ascertain the morbidity and mortality rates of PPR. Available estimates of the economic losses in India due to various livestock diseases are based on single values of various epidemiological and economic parameters. Stochastic modelling was used to estimate the economic impact of PPR. Overall annual morbidity and mortality rates of PPR for small ruminants in India have been estimated from the sample as being 8%and 3.45%, respectively. The authors have analysed variations in these rates across species, age group, sex, season and region. The expected annual economic loss due to PPR in India ranges from as little as US $2 million to $18 million and may go up to US $1.5 billion; the most likely range of expected economic losses is between US $653 million and $669 million. This study thus reveals significant losses due to the incidence of PPR in small ruminants in India.

La peste des petits ruminants (PPR) est une maladie du bétail à fort impact économique. En Inde, une grande partie de la population des petits ruminants est affectée. Cependant, les données disponibles sur l'incidence de la PPR sont rares et très peu d'articles ont été consacrés aux pertes économiques causées par la maladie. Les auteurs présentent une étude basée sur un échantillonnage structuré couvrant les principales régions agro-climatiques du pays, visant à déterminer avec certitude les taux de morbidité et de mortalité de la PPR. Les estimations disponibles des pertes économiques induites par diverses maladies des animaux d'élevage sont basées sur des valeurs uniques correspondant à divers paramètres épidémiologiques et économiques. Les auteurs ont évalué l'impact économique de la PPR en utilisant un modèle stochastique. En se basant sur l'échantillon, les taux annuels de morbidité et de mortalité de la PPR chez les petits ruminants en Inde ont été respectivement estimés à 8 % et à 3,45 %. Les auteurs ont également analysé les variations de ces taux en fonction de l'espèce, du groupe d'âge, du sexe, de la saison et de la région. Les pertes annuelles attendues imputables à la PPR en Inde fluctuent d'un minimum de 2 millions de dollars US (USD) à 18 millions d'USD, mais elles peuvent atteindre 1,5 milliard d'USD ; la fourchette la plus probable des pertes économiques attendues se situe entre 653 millions et 669 millions d'USD. Cette étude souligne l'importance des pertes économiques liées à la présence de la PPR en Inde.

La peste de pequeños rumiantes (PPR) es una enfermedad del ganado que reviste importancia económica y afecta a un vasto segmento de la población de pequeños rumiantes de la India. Sin embargo, existen pocos datos sobre su incidencia y muy escasas referencias bibliográficas sobre las pérdidas económicas que ocasiona. Los autores describen un estudio encaminado a determinar las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad por PPR a partir de un muestreo estructurado que abarcaba las principales regiones agroclimáticas del país. Las estimaciones existentes de las pérdidas económicas causadas en la India por diversas enfermedades del ganado están basadas en valores únicos de diversos parámetros epidemiológicos y económicos. Para estimar el impacto económico de la PPR se utilizó una modelización estocástica. A partir de la muestra se calculó que, en los pequeños rumiantes del país, los índices anuales de morbilidad y mortalidad totales por PPR se cifran en un 8% y un 3,45%, respectivamente. Los autores analizaron después las variaciones que exhiben esos índices por especie, grupo de edad, sexo, estación y región. La cuantía prevista de las pérdidas económicas anuales causadas por la PPR en el país oscila: de apenas 2 a 18 millones de dólares estadounidenses puede llegar hasta los 1 500 millones. El intervalo más probable de pérdidas económicas se sitúa entre 653 y 669 millones. El estudio demuestra pues que la incidencia de la PPR entre los pequeños rumiantes de la India provoca pérdidas de importante magnitud.

Assessment of Clinical Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interaction of Antimalarial Drugs α/ß-Arteether and Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine.

Antimalarial drug combination therapy is now being widely used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of coadministration of intramuscular α/ß-arteether (α/ß-AE) and oral sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) on the pharmacokinetic properties of each drug as a drug-drug interaction study to support the development of a fixed-dose combination therapy. A single-dose, open-label, crossover clinical trial was conducted in healthy adult Indian male volunteers (18 to 45 years, n = 13) who received a single dose of AE or SP or a combination dose of AE and SP. Blood samples were collected up to 21 days postadministration, and concentrations of α-AE, ß-AE, sulfadoxine, and pyrimethamine were determined by using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and statistically analyzed to calculate the geometric mean ratio and confidence interval. Following single-dose coadministration of intramuscular AE and oral SP, the pharmacokinetic properties of α/ß-AE were not significantly affected, and α/ß-AE had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetic properties of SP in these selected groups of healthy volunteers. However, more investigations are needed to explore this further. (This study has been registered in the clinical trial registry of India under approval no. CTRI/2011/11/002155.).

Assessment of pesticides removal using two-stage Integrated Aerobic Treatment Plant (IATP) by Bacillus sp. isolated from agricultural field.

The biodegradation of synthetic wastewater containing Atrazine, Malathion and Parathion was studied in two stage Integrated Aerobic Treatment Plant using Bacillus sp. (consortia) isolated from agricultural field. The influent stream containing these pesticides with initial COD of 1232mg/L were fed to first reactor and treated effluent of first reactor was fed to second reactor. The maximum removal of pesticides in IATP was found to be greater than 90%. The various process parameters such as pH, DO, Redox potential and BOD5/COD were monitored during the treatment. The degradation of pesticides and its metabolites in the treated effluent were confirmed by GC-MS. Kinetic parameters such as first order rate constant (Kobs), cell yield (YX/C) and decay coefficients (Kdp) were evaluated and found to be 0.00425 per hr, 0.696mg of COD/mg MLSS and 0.0010 per hr respectively. This integrated process was found more effective than physico-chemical treatment of pesticides.

From rotten grapes to industrial exploitation: Komagataeibacter europaeus SGP37, a micro-factory for macroscale production of bacterial nanocellulose.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), being ultrapure and unique in its properties, is a booming and ageless precursor of several breakthrough technologies of materials sciences; however, its low yield and high cost has created a challenge for its usage at industrial level. Herein, we report a novel, high yielding bacterial cell factory Komagataeibacter europaeus SGP37, isolated from rotten grapes, for the production of high quality and value added BNC. The strain was kinetically analyzed to evaluate BNC production under different physiological conditions and had demonstrated the production of 9.98±0.24gL-1 BNC at the expense of 12.08±1.94gL-1 sugar following 2 weeks of cultivation, thus having the conversion yield of 0.82g BNC/g sugar which seems to be the maximum reported yield so far. The analysis of produced pellicle using FTIR, 13C CP MAS NMR, FE-SEM, XRD and TGA had shown similar structural, morphological and chemical characteristics with that of bacterial nanocellulose. Thus, K. europaeus SGP37 appears to be a potential strain and may offer a promising platform for industrial scale production of nanocelluloses.

An Economic Analysis of Pigeonpea Seed Production Technology and Its Adoption Behavior: Indian Context.

The present study was based on primary data collected from 100 farmers in Gulbarga district of Karnataka, India, during the agricultural year 2013-2014. Study shows that average land holding size of pigeonpea seed farmers was higher in comparison to grain farmers and district average. The study illustrates a ratio of 32 : 68 towards fixed and variable costs in pigeonpea certified seed production with a total cost of ₹ 39436 and the gross and net returns were ₹ 73300 and ₹ 33864 per hectare, respectively. The total cost of cultivation, gross return, and net return in pigeonpea seed production were higher by around 23, 32, and 44 percent than grain production, respectively. Hence, production of certified seed has resulted in a win-win situation for the farmers with higher yield and increased returns. The decision of the farmer on adoption of seed production technology was positively influenced by his education, age, land holding, irrigated land, number of crops grown, and extension contacts while family size was influencing negatively. Higher yield and profitability associated with seed production can be effectively popularized among farmers, resulting in increased certified seed production.

A novel recombinant Meq protein based dot-ELISA for rapid and confirmatory diagnosis of Marek's disease induced lymphoma in poultry.

Marek's disease (MD), is an economically important virus disease of poultry throughout the world. In this study, we for the first time reports development of a novel dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) for the confirmatory diagnosis of lymphoma caused by Marek's Disease Virus (MDV). Suspected lymphoma tissue extracts from the diseased birds were used for the Meq oncoprotein antigen detection, which is expressed specifically in MDV lymphomas. Recombinant Meq oncoprotein was expressed using Expresso™ Rhamnose Sumo Cloning and Expression system and the hyperimmune serum was raised against it, which was used later while developing dot-ELISA. The dot-ELISA exhibited higher specificity (92%) in diagnosing MD lymphomas as compared to conventional PCR (40%), where later assay is unable to differentiate disease development (lymphoma) and/or infection. The developed dot-ELISA proved to be a specific, rapid and inexpensive technique detecting MDV lymphomas in poultry. Of the note, this new assay could be opted as a valuable diagnostic tool in the resource poor countries andcould further be used to differentiate from other tumor causing viruses in poultry.

Assessment of Functional EST-SSR Markers (Sugarcane) in Cross-Species Transferability, Genetic Diversity among Poaceae Plants, and Bulk Segregation Analysis.

Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are important resource for gene discovery, gene expression and its regulation, molecular marker development, and comparative genomics. We procured 10000 ESTs and analyzed 267 EST-SSRs markers through computational approach. The average density was one SSR/10.45 kb or 6.4% frequency, wherein trinucleotide repeats (66.74%) were the most abundant followed by di- (26.10%), tetra- (4.67%), penta- (1.5%), and hexanucleotide (1.2%) repeats. Functional annotations were done and after-effect newly developed 63 EST-SSRs were used for cross transferability, genetic diversity, and bulk segregation analysis (BSA). Out of 63 EST-SSRs, 42 markers were identified owing to their expansion genetics across 20 different plants which amplified 519 alleles at 180 loci with an average of 2.88 alleles/locus and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.51 to 0.93 with an average of 0.83. The cross transferability ranged from 25% for wheat to 97.22% for Schlerostachya, with an average of 55.86%, and genetic relationships were established based on diversification among them. Moreover, 10 EST-SSRs were recognized as important markers between bulks of pooled DNA of sugarcane cultivars through BSA. This study highlights the employability of the markers in transferability, genetic diversity in grass species, and distinguished sugarcane bulks.

Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors in femoral neck fracture patients - A life - and cost-saving intervention.

Introduction Acute gastrointestinal stress ulceration is a common and serious complication of trauma. Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine receptor antagonists have been used in poly-trauma, burns and head and spinal injuries, as well as on intensive care units, for the prevention of acute gastric stress ulcers. Methods We prospectively studied the use of prophylactic PPIs in with femoral neck fracture patients, gathering data on all acute gastric ulcer complications, including coffee-ground vomiting, malena and haematemesis. We then implemented a treatment protocol in which all patients were given prophylactic PPIs, again prospectively collecting all data. Results Five hundred and fifteen patients were included. Prior to prophylactic PPI, 15% of patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications, with 3% requiring acute intervention with oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), 5% requiring transfusions and 4% experiencing surgical delays. All patients had delayed discharges. Following PPI implementation, no patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications. Conclusions Femoral neck fracture patients create a substantial workload for orthopaedic units. The increasingly elderly population often have comorbidities, and concomitantly use medications with gastrointestinal side effects. This, combined with the stress of a fracture and preoperative starvation periods increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Here, the use of prophylactic PPIs statistically reduced the incidence of gastric stress ulcers in patients with femoral neck fractures, resulting in fewer surgical delays, reduced length of hospital stay and reduced stress ulcer-related mortality.

An efficient and cost effective method of RNA extraction from mucilage, phenol and secondary metabolite rich bark tissue of tossa jute (C. olitorius L.) actively developing phloem fiber.

Tossa jute is an important natural fiber crop of Southeast Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Myanmar etc. Traditional industrial application of jute fiber is limited to the packaging products like hessians, sacks, etc. and the fiber found unsuitable for textile industries largely due to significantly high lignin content. Therefore, understanding genetic factors underlying lignin biosynthesis in tossa jute holds promise for jute based product diversification. The major limiting factor in undertaking such study is unavailability of efficient protocol for RNA extraction at secondary growth active stage of tossa jute. Here we report a simplified, swift and cost effective protocol for isolating fairly good quality RNA from bark tissue of 65-days-old field grown tossa jute plant with active secondary growth. The purity, concentration and integrity of extracted RNA ascertained. To confirm downstream amenability, isolated RNA samples were reverse transcribed and PCR analysis done by using CCoAMT1 primer. Results established that method of RNA extraction presented here is an improvement over the other methods, particularly for bark tissue of field grown tossa jute at advance developmental stage. Therefore, present study will enhance our ability to understand expression pattern of fiber formation and maturation related genes in mature bark tissue that holds key for much talked genetic manipulation of fiber quality via lignin optimisation in the crop.