Diversity analysis of selected rice landraces from West Bengal and their linked molecular markers for salinity tolerance.

Study of genetic diversity in crop plants is essential for the selection of appropriate germplasm for crop improvement. As salinity posses a serious environmental challenge to rice production globally and especially in India, it is imperative that the study of large collections of germplasms be undertaken to search for salt tolerant stocks. In the present study, 64 indica germplasms were collected from different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India, from the Himalayan foothills in the northern part down to the southern saline belt of the state keeping in view the soil characteristics and other edaphic factors prevailing in the region. Salt tolerance parameters were used to screen the large set of germplasms in terms of root-shoot length, fresh-dry weight, chlorophyll content, Na+/K+ ratio and germination potential in presence of salt. Standard evaluation score or SES was calculated to find out tolerant to sensitive cultivar. Twenty-one SSR markers, some associated with the Saltol QTL and others being candidate gene based SSR (cgSSR) were used to study the polymorphism of collected germplasm. A wide diversity was detected among the collected germplasms at the phenotypic as well as molecular level. Of the 21 SSR markers, 15 markers were found to be polymorphic with 88 alleles. Based on phenotypic and biochemical results, 21 genotypes were identified as salinity tolerant, whereas 40 genotypes turned out to be salt susceptible. The present study shows that apart from the established salt tolerant lines, several other landraces like Bonkanta, Morisal, Ghiosh, Patni may be the source of salt tolerant donor in future breeding programs.

Synthesis, Chemistry, and Electronic Structures of Group 9 Metallaboranes.

Dimetallaoctaborane(12) of Ru, Co, and Rh have been well-characterized by a range of spectroscopic techniques and X-ray diffraction studies. Thus, reinvestigation of the Ir-system became of interest. As a result, a slight modification in the reaction conditions enabled us to isolate the missing Ir analogue of octaborane(12), [(Cp*Ir)2B6H10], 1. Compound 1 adapts a geometry similar to that of its parent octaborane(12) and Ru, Co, and Rh analogues. In [M2B6H10+x](M = Ru, x = 2; M = Co and Rh, x = 0), there exist two M-H-B protons. However, a significant difference observed in [(Cp*Ir)2B6H10] is the presence of two Ir-H instead of Ir-H-B protons that eventually controls the reactivity of this molecule. For example, unlike [M2B6H10](M = Co or Rh), the Ir-analogue does not react with metal carbonyl compounds or [Au(PPh3)Cl]. Along with 1, a closo trimetallic 8-vertex iridaborane [(Cp*Ir)3B5H4Cl], 2 was also isolated. Additionally, from another reaction, 12-vertex closo iridaboranes [(Cp*Ir)2B10Hy(OH)z], 3a and 3b (3a: y = 12, z = 0; 3b: y = 8, z = 2), have also been isolated. Further, density functional theory calculations were performed to gain useful insight into the structure and stability of these compounds.

Diffuse parenchymal lung disease in a case of chronic arsenic exposure.

A 42-year-old housewife, the resident of rural part of West Bengal, presented with gradually progressive exertional dyspnea associated with a dry cough for last 3 years clinical features were suggestive of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD). Her chest X-ray posteroanterior view and high resolution computed tomography scan of the thorax showed bilateral patchy ground glass opacities and reticulonodular pattern. Search for the etiology revealed classical skin findings of chronic arsenic exposure in the form of generalized darkening and thickening of skin and keratotic lesions over the palms and soles and classical raindrop pigmentation over leg which was present for last 7 years subsequently her bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, hair, nail, and drinking water showed significant amount of arsenic contamination. By exclusion of all known causes of DPLD, we concluded that it was a case of DPLD due to chronic arsenic exposure. To the best of our knowledge, only few case report of DPLD in chronic arsenicosis has been reported till date.

Hypoelectronic 8-11-Vertex Irida- and Rhodaboranes.

A series of novel isocloso-diiridaboranes [(Cp*Ir)2B6H6], 1, 2; [1,7-(Cp*Ir)2B8H8], 4; [1,4-(Cp*Ir)2B8H8], 5; [(Cp*Ir)2B9H9], 8; isonido-[(Cp*Ir)2B7H7], 3; and 10-vertex cluster [5,7-(Cp*Ir)2B8H12], 6 (Cp* = η(5)-C5Me5) have been isolated and structurally characterized from the pyrolysis of [Cp*IrCl2]2 and BH3·thf. On the other hand, the corresponding rhodium system afforded 10- and 11-vertices clusters [5-(Cp*Rh)B9H13)], 7, and [(Cp*Rh)2B9H9], 9, respectively. Clusters 1 and 2 are topological isomers. The geometry of 1 is dodecahedral, similar to that of its parent borane [B8H8](2-), in which two of the [BH] vertices are replaced by two [Cp*Ir] fragments. The geometry of 2 can be derived from a nine-vertex tricapped trigonal prism by removing one of the capped vertices. Compounds 4 and 5 are 10-vertex isocloso clusters based on a 10-vertex bicapped square antiprism structure. The only difference between them is the presence of a metal-metal bond in 5. The solid-state structures of 8 and 9 attain an 11-vertex geometry in which a unique six-membered B6H6 moiety is bonded to the metal center. In addition, quantum-chemical calculations have been used to provide further insight into the electronic structure and stability of the clusters. All the compounds have been characterized by IR and (1)H, (11)B, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy in solution, and the solid-state structures were established by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Mature cystic teratoma of mediastinum with pleural effusion: An uncommon entity.

Teratomas are tumours composed of tissues originating from at least two of the three primitive germ layers, i.e., ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. A dermoid cyst, commonly known as benign cystic teratoma is a histological variant containing epidermis and its derivative (sebaceous material) within a lining of squamous epithelium. Mediastinum is the most common extragonadal site for germ cell tumours including mature teratomas. However, pleural effusion secondary to rupture of benign germ cell tumour is quite a rarity and the nature of pleural effusion in such ruptured cases has not been discussed in detail in literatures. Here, we are presenting a case of mature cystic teratoma coexistent with pleural effusion which is quite an uncommon entity making this case quite an interesting learning curve.

Silicosis in the form of progressive massive fibrosis: A diagnostic challenge.

Silicosis is a major occupational lung disease with a relatively fatal and irreversible outcome. Early diagnosis for shifting the potential candidates to safe modes of workplace as well as for prevention of further progression is the cornerstone of management. Here, we present a complicated case of silicosis in the form of progressive massive fibrosis, which was initially interpreted as tuberculosis; radiological images had resemblance with tuberculosis and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Radiology-guided trucut biopsy was imperative to confirm the diagnosis.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Thrombocytopenic purpura as a manifestation of pulmonary tuberculosis is very rare. We report a case of 25-year-old female who presented with thrombocytopenia-induced purpuric spots and an abnormal chest X-ray. There was no hepatosplenomegaly while the bone marrow examination revealed normal maturation of myeloid and erythroid series with increased megakaryocytes. Acid fast bacilli were seen in the sputum microscopy. A diagnosis of sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis along with immune thrombocytopenia was made. High dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy along with antituberculous drugs corrected the thrombocytopenia and also cured pulmonary tuberculosis. This case report illustrates the causal association between immune thrombocytopenia and tuberculosis.

Closed pleural biopsy is still useful in the evaluation of malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Pleural fluid cytology for malignant cells is the easiest way to diagnose malignant pleural effusion with good sensitivity and specificity. With the introduction of medical thoracoscopy, the use of closed pleural biopsy for the diagnosis of cytology negative malignant pleural effusion is gradually decreasing. However use of thoracoscopy is limited due to its high cost and procedure related complications. AIMS: The aim was to assess the usefulness of closed pleural biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients of pleural effusion associated with malignancy were selected from the patients admitted in the chest ward of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 1 year. Pleural fluid aspiration for cytology and closed pleural biopsy were done in all the patients. RESULTS: Out of 66 patients, 46 (69%) patients showed malignant cells in pleural fluid cytology examination. Cytology was positive in 35 (52%), 10 (15%), and 1 (1.5%) patients in the first, second, and third samples respectively. Closed pleural biopsy was positive in 32 (48%) patients. Among them, 22 also had positive cytology. Additional 10 cytology negative patients were diagnosed by pleural biopsy. Cytology-histology concordance was seen in 12 patients. Definite histological diagnosis could be achieved in five patients with indeterminate cytology. Pleural biopsy was not associated with any major postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: Closed pleural biopsy can improve the diagnostic ability in cytology negative malignant pleural effusion. Closed pleural biopsy has still a place in evaluation of malignant pleural effusion especially in a resource-limited country like India.

Profile of child labor in Indian railways.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the socio-medical profile of child workers in Indian railways. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal survey over one year. The children up to the age of 14 y entering the reserved second class sleeper compartment of long distance trains in Indian railways were included. The data were collected regarding their profile by the investigators either by interviewing or observation as per situation in the moving train in a predesigned proforma. Data pertaining to the social, demographic and medical aspects were collected. RESULTS: A total of eighty one children were noted in 22500 kilometers of train journey. Sex distribution (8:1) was unequal with males outnumbering females. CONCLUSIONS: This study, first of its kind, attempted to delineate a distinctive socio-medical profile in a special group of children. It might, on the behalf of social pediatrics, increase the awareness and help the society to formulate a rehabilitation policy in collaboration with national and international organizations.

A comparative study of efficacy and safety of arformoterol and salbutamol nebulization as rescue therapy in acute non-severe asthma.

Arformoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist, has a rapid onset and long duration of action. Its role as rescue medication in acute asthma attack is undetermined. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of arformoterol with salbutamol nebulization, a study was conducted among 50 patients with acute non-severe asthma. Patients were randomly assigned to group 1 (n = 25) and group 2 (n = 25) who received three doses of salbutamol and arformoterol nebulization, respectively, at 20-min intervals. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured at the baseline and 5 min after each dose. The demographics and baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The mean PEFR significantly increased in both these groups when compared with the baseline. The increases in the PEFR in two groups were similar after the third dose. The adverse effects in both these groups were minor. Arformoterol was as effective and safe as salbutamol in acute non-severe asthma.

Sodium arsenite mediated immuno-disruption through alteration of transcription profile of cytokines in chicken splenocytes under in vitro system.

Arsenic is a ubiquitously found metalloid that commonly contaminates drinking water and agricultural food. To understand the ecotoxicological effects of arsenic in environment, it is essential to ameliorate the deleterious effects on human and animal health, particularly on the immune response. We investigated the effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs) on the immune response of chicken splenocytes. Both 1 and 10 mM concentrations of sodium arsenite treatment significantly reduced (P<0.001) splenocyte proliferation and phagocytic activity compared to concanavalin A (ConA) stimulated cells at 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Nitrous oxide (NO) production was significantly higher (P<0.001) at 24 h and subsequently declined in the higher dose group, while there was a gradual decline from 24 to 72 h in the lower dose group. Comparison of two different concentration of arsenic treatment also revealed time dependent differences. Relative quantification of expression of IFNγ and IL2 revealed that both genes were significantly down regulated (P<0.001) at both concentrations at each time point. iNOS gene was rapidly down regulated in splenocytes at 24 h at the high doses of As treated splenocyte, a gradual decreasing trend at low doses. Down regulation of IL-2 gene expression in response to As was further evidenced by a significant reduction (P<0.001) in the release of IL-2 into the splenocyte culture medium. We suggest that arsenic, a potent immunotoxic agent, modulates non-specific immune responses and alters the expression of cytokines in a dose and time dependent manner.

Persistence of a Rouse polymer chain under transverse shear flow.

We consider a single Rouse polymer chain in two dimensions in the presence of a transverse shear flow along the x direction and calculate the persistence probability P0(t) that the x coordinate of a bead in the bulk of the chain does not return to its initial position up to time t. We show that the persistence decays at late times as a power law P0(t) approximately t{-theta} with a nontrivial exponent theta. The analytical estimate of theta=0.359... obtained using an independent interval approximation is in excellent agreement with the numerical value theta approximately 0.360+/-0.001.