Effect of boron fertilization on productivity and sustainability of rice-wheat cropping system in Tarai region, North-West India.

Extensive global dependency on rice and wheat crops has necessitated the adoption of intensive cultivation practices, thereby compelling to closely monitor the potential yield-limiting factors, among which, boron (B) deficiency stands out to be a prime concern. The present study explores the effects of B fertilization strategies within the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in the Tarai region of North-West India. A comprehensive six-year field experiment was conducted (2013-2019) at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment tested graded B doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha-1) at varied frequencies (single, alternate, and annual) in a factorial design. The study revealed significant impacts of alternate B application at 1.5 kg ha-1 on crop yields and the Sustainable Yield Index (SYI). The System Rice Equivalent Yield (SREY) exhibited an increase of 6.7% with B supplementation over B-deprived plots, highlighting the pivotal role of B fertilizer in enhancing productivity within the RWCS. The economic optimum B dose was found to be 1.422 kg ha-1 using a linear plus plateau model, resulting in a calculated annual SREY of 9.73 t ha-1 when applied alternately to the cropping system. Continuous application and higher B rates demonstrated substantial increases in various B fractions, while the mobility factor remained within 10%, depicting safe ecological limits. The distribution of fractions in B-treated plots on average followed the order: residual B > organically-bound B > oxide bound B > specifically adsorbed B > readily soluble B. Similarities in the distribution patterns of B fractions between B-treated plots and the control indicated potential influence of biotic or abiotic processes on B fraction dynamics, even in the absence of external B application. To sum up, B application in alternate years at 1.5 kg ha-1 was most sustainable in enhancing the SREY, SYI, available soil B, and B fractions and lowering the environmental hazards.

Effect of land use and soil depth on the distribution of phyto-available nutrients and SOC pools of Vertisols in Central India.

A proper understanding of soil parameters under different production systems of the world is necessary for efficient soil management. We, therefore, carried out the present study to assess the status of some selected soil properties (soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC)), phyto-available nutrients (available nitrogen (AN), available potassium (AK), exchangeable calcium (Ex. Ca), exchangeable magnesium (Ex. Mg), available sulfur (AS), and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools (SOC, total organic carbon (TOC), very labile C, labile C, less labile C, and non-labile C) and to establish relationships among the measured soil parameters at different depths of Vertisols of India under various land uses. A total of 150 composite soil samples (from 25 plots including nine from agricultural land, nine from horticultural land, three from forest land, and four from grassland) were collected from 6 soil depths viz, 0-10, 10-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm under agriculture, horticulture, forest, and grassland land uses present in Central India and analyzed. The values of soil pH, EC, AN, AK, Ex. Ca, Ex. Mg, and AS in various soil depths under different land uses varied widely. The values of SOC (0.19 to 1.00%), TOC (0.58 to 2.42%), very labile C (0.14 to 0.83%), labile C (0.05 to 0.25%), less labile C (0.05 to 0.26%) and non-labile C (0.23 to 1.42%) in various soil depths under different land uses also varied significantly. Forest and grassland land uses had higher levels of SOC, TOC, very labile, and non-labile C content in all the soil depths in comparison to SOC, TOC, very labile, and non-labile C content in different soil depths under agriculture and horticulture land use. The levels of SOC, TOC, very labile, and non-labile C content under all the land uses decreased with increasing soil depths. SOC was positively and significantly correlated with AN, AK, AS, and estimated SOC pools in surface soil layers. Principal component analysis (PCA) of soil parameters in different soil depths resulted in 5 principal components (PCs) with > 1 eigenvalue and accounting for > 75% variability. This information could be used for managing SOC status and phyto-available nutrients in Vertisols under different land uses.

Assessment of zinc inadequacy among tribal adolescent population of central India - A cross-sectional study.

Background & objectives: Zinc is a crucial micronutrient in adolescence, required for promoting growth and sexual maturation. Adolescents of some tribes may be at high risk of zinc deficiency due to dietary inadequacy and poor bioavailability of zinc from plant-based diets. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of zinc deficiency by estimating prevalence of inadequate zinc intake, prevalence of low serum zinc and stunting among tribal adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted among adolescents (10-19 yr) in three purposively selected districts where Bhil, Korku and Gond tribes were in majority. Structured data collection instrument comprising information about sociodemographic characteristics and dietary recall data was used. Anthropometric assessment was conducted by standardized weighing scales and anthropometry tapes, and blood sample was collected from antecubital vein into trace element-free vacutainers. Serum zinc was estimated using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: A total of 2310 households were approached for participation in the study, of which 2224 households having 5151 adolescents participated. Out of these enlisted adolescents, 4673 responded to dietary recall (90.7% response rate). Anthropometry of 2437 participants was carried out, and serum zinc was analyzed in 844 adolescents. The overall prevalence of dietary zinc inadequacy was 42.6 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI) 41.2 to 44.1] with reference to the estimated average requirement suggested by International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG) and 64.8 per cent (95% CI 63.4 to 66.2) with Indian Council of Medical Research-recommended requirements. Stunting was observed in 29 per cent (95% CI 27.2 to 30.8) participants. According to IZiNCG cut-offs, low serum zinc was detected in 57.5 per cent (95% CI 54.1 to 60.8) of adolescents, whereas it was 34.4 per cent (95% CI: 31.2-37.5) according to the national level cut-off. Interpretation & conclusions: Risk of dietary zinc inadequacy and low serum zinc concentration amongst adolescents of the Gond, Bhil and Korku tribes is a public health concern.

Dapsone-induced haemolysis among leprosy patients on MDT from an endemic area of central India.

Background and Aim: Haemolysis due to dapsone as a part of MDT in leprosy patients has been long recognized. However, the frequency and severity of this side effect and factors associated with it have not been well documented. We planned to determine the frequency of dapsone-induced haemolysis in leprosy patients on MDT and various risk factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective analysis, conducted on 36 treatment completed or partially treated or on treatment leprosy patients in a tertiary care centre in Chhattisgarh. Results: Out of 36 patients, 83.3% showed a fall in haemoglobin from the baseline value (pre-treatment values). Dapsone was stopped in 33.3% of patients with a significant fall in haemoglobin. We found that the mean haemoglobin concentration for all patients fell from 13.05(+/-1.8) g/dl to 11.8(+/-1.9) g/dl (P < 0.05) which was statistically significant. A total of 25% of patients were labelled as confirmed cases of dapsone-induced haemolysis as per our definition. Conclusion: Our results underline the need to incorporate haematological investigations in leprosy management protocol, especially in primary care settings where the majority of leprosy patients are managed.

RBD mutations at the residues K417, E484, N501 reduced immunoreactivity with antisera from vaccinated and COVID-19 recovered patients.

Introduction: It is unclear whether induced spike protein-specific antibodies due to infections with SARS-CoV-2 or to the prototypic Wuhan isolate-based vaccination can immune-react with the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. Aim/objectives: The main objective of the study was to measure the immunoreactivity of induced antibodies postvaccination with Covishield™ (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccines) or infections with SARS-CoV-2 by using selected peptides of the spike protein of wild type and variants of SARS-CoV-2. Methodology: Thirty patients who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infections and 30 individuals vaccinated with both doses of Covishield™ were recruited for the study. Venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected at a single time point from patients within 3-4 weeks of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infections or receiving both doses of Covishield™ vaccines. The serum levels of total immunoglobulin were measured in both study groups. A total of 12 peptides of 10 to 24 amino acids length spanning to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of wild type of SARS-CoV-2 and their variants were synthesized. The serum levels of immune-reactive antibodies were measured using these peptides. Results: The serum levels of total antibodies were found to be significantly (p<0.001) higher in the vaccinated individuals as compared to COVID-19 recovered patients. Our study reported that the mutations in the RBD at the residues K417, E484, and N501 have been associated with reduced immunoreactivity with anti-sera of vaccinated people and COVID-19 recovered patients. Conclusion: The amino acid substitutions at the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 have been associated with a higher potential to escape the humoral immune response.

Valorisation of phyto-biochars as slow release micronutrients and sulphur carrier for agriculture.

Slow release micronutrients and sulphur sources are required for higher use efficiency of fertilizers in agriculture. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the salt soluble, desorbed and specifically sorbed fractions of micronutrients and sulphur in nutrient enriched phyto-biochars incubated at 15, 25 and 35°C for 48 h after pyrolysis of Lantana sp., Pinus sp. needles and wheat straw at 300 and 450 °C. The highest salt soluble fractions of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and B were recorded with pine needle biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C, whereas that of S with lantana biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C. The highest desorbed contents of Zn, Cu and Mn were with pine needle biochar (300 °C) and that of B and S with wheat straw biochar (450 °C) and lantana biochar (300 °C), respectively. An increase in incubation temperature from 15 to 25 °C increased the salt soluble contents of Zn and specifically sorbed contents of Fe and B but decreased salt soluble contents of Fe and B and desorbed amount of S significantly. Further, increase in incubation temperature from 25 to 35 °C significantly decreased the salt soluble contents of all nutrients except Mn and desorbed amount of S but increased specifically sorbed amount of Fe, B and S. Considering the salt soluble and desorbed contents of nutrients in enriched phyto-biochars, especially pine needle biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C and treated with marginal or deficient nutrients for 2 d at 15-25 °C appeared to be suitable as a slow release fertilizer.

Awareness About Folic Acid Supplementation in First-Trimester Pregnant Women of Rural Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, and Its Determinants: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Women are supplemented with folic acid (FA) during pregnancy as well as preconceptionally to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns. To understand the importance of FA supplementation, women need to have awareness about the same, which in turn may be influenced by different factors. It is also known that both FA and vitamin B12 deficiency tend to cause NTDs in newborns and anemia. Very few studies have studied the relationship between hemoglobin, FA, and vitamin B12 levels. In this study, we aim to estimate the level of awareness of FA supplementation among pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy and the factors determining the presence of awareness regarding the same. Also, we aim to estimate any correlation between hemoglobin, FA, and vitamin B12 levels among a subset of pregnant women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Abhanpur Block of Raipur district in Chhattisgarh among 399 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy, in which their knowledge was assessed using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Each participant's knowledge score regarding FA supplementation was calculated and scored based on six indicators and classified as low, intermediate, and high scores. Logistic regression was applied to find out any significant association between knowledge about FA supplementation with any other sociodemographic variables. Scatter plots were used to assess the correlation of FA with hemoglobin, vitamin B12, and knowledge scores among 104 participants. RESULTS: The majority (77.9%) of women had low knowledge scores with a mean score of 1.4 (0.15). It was found that only 45.6% of the participants knew the importance of FA supplementation, and the majority (23.1%) were informed by auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) followed by doctors. The majority (41.6%) of the study participants also did not know when to start FA, and only 1.3% knew that FA should be taken preconceptionally. On multivariable logistic regression, women who lived in joint families had significantly higher odds of having intermediate knowledge compared to those who lived in nuclear families. Although not statistically significant, there was a positive correlation between serum vitamin B12 and FA levels and also between hemoglobin and serum FA levels. However, a significant positive correlation was found between serum FA levels and the knowledge scores of the study participants. CONCLUSION: The majority of study participants had poor knowledge and awareness regarding FA supplementation. So, health education, as well as information, education, and communication (IEC) activities, is required to improve the knowledge about FA supplementation among women of reproductive age in the community. A better understanding of FA supplementation can lead to adherence to FA consumption and prevent NTDs among newborns.

CT or MRI for image-based brachytherapy in cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare volumes and doses of tumour and organs at risk with computed tomography vs. magnetic resonance imaging in cervical cancer brachytherapy. METHODS: Seventeen previously untreated patients with cervical cancer suitable for radical treatment were included. All patients underwent brachytherapy using a magnetic resonance imaging-compatible applicator followed by both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The tumour and organs at risk (bladder, rectum, sigmoid and intestines) were contoured on computed tomography using only clinical findings and on magnetic resonance imaging using GEC-ESTRO guidelines. The volume and doses for tumour and organs at risk were evaluated using two-sided t-test. RESULTS: When magnetic resonance imaging information is not included in contouring on computed tomography images, there is significant underestimation of tumour height and overestimation of the width (P< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in V(100), D(90) and D(100) for high- and intermediate-risk clinical target volume in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The volumes and doses to 0.1, 1 and 2 cc for organs at risk were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging remains the gold standard for tumour delineation, but computed tomography with clinical information can give comparable results, which need to be studied further. Computed tomography-based contouring can be used comfortably for delineation of organs at risk.

Microbial biomass and carbon mineralization in agricultural soils as affected by pesticide addition.

A laboratory study was conducted with four pesticides, viz. a fungicide (carbendazim), two insecticides (chlorpyrifos and cartap hydrochloride) and an herbicide (pretilachlor) applied to a sandy clay loam soil at a field rate to determine their effect on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and carbon mineralization (C(min)). The MBC content of soil increased with time up to 30 days in cartap hydrochloride as well as chlorpyrifos treated soil. Thereafter, it decreased and reached close to the initial level by 90th day. However, in carbendazim treated soil, the MBC showed a decreasing trend up to 45 days and subsequently increased up to 90 days. In pretilachlor treated soil, MBC increased through the first 15 days, and thereafter decreased to the initial level. Application of carbendazim, chlorpyrifos and cartap hydrochloride decreased C(min) for the first 30 days and then increased afterwards, while pretilachlor treated soil showed an increasing trend.

Differentiation between various types and subtypes of intracranial meningiomas with advanced MRI.

Background: Meningiomas are the most prevalent of all intracranial tumours. Although they are mostly benign, about 20% of meningiomas are atypical or malignant. Knowledge of their histologic grade can be clinically useful while planning surgery. Objectives: To differentiate between various grades and subtypes of meningiomas with advanced MR parameters. Method: We assessed the advanced MR imaging characteristics of 27 histopathologically confirmed meningiomas on a 3T MRI, of which 23 were grade I meningiomas (2 fibroblastic, 9 meningothelial, 9 transitional, 3 unspecified) and 4 were grade II/III meningiomas (2 atypical, 1 papillary, 1 anaplastic). Analysis of the ADC, FA, λ1, λ2, λ3 and mean diffusivity was performed using standard post-processing software. Results: The mean size of atypical meningiomas (5.9 cm ± 0.7 cm) was significantly higher (p = 0.038, 95% confidence interval [CI]) than that of typical meningiomas (4.6 cm ± 1.6 cm) with a cut-off value of 6.05 cm (75% sensitivity and 87% specificity). The mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) (ASL) of atypical meningiomas (286.70 ± 8.06) was significantly higher (p = 0.0000141, 95% CI) than that of typical meningiomas (161.09 ± 87.04) with a cut-off value of 276.75 (66.7% sensitivity and 75% specificity). Among the typical meningiomas, transitional subtypes had the lowest ADC. High FA and planar coefficient (CP) values and low λ3 and spherical coefficient (CS) values were seen in fibroblastic meningiomas. Fibroblastic meningiomas also showed the lowest vascularity among typical meningiomas. Conclusion: Tumour size and ASL perfusion are two parameters that could differentiate between typical and atypical meningiomas while ADC, FA, λ3, CP, CS, rCBF and rCBV may be helpful in distinguishing different subtypes of typical meningiomas.

Grade 2 disability among leprosy patients: A pilot study from an endemic area of Central India.

Background and Aim: Deformities and disabilities in leprosy lead to significant morbidity to the individual and financial burden to the family. As the prevalence of leprosy is higher in central India, this study was conducted to know the burden of deformity and disability among leprosy patients in central India and the factors associated with it. Materials and methods: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study, conducted on 50 new or on treatment or released from treatment leprosy patients, attending the Dermatology OPD of a tertiary care institute in Central India. Disability was graded as per the WHO criteria for disability grading of hands and feet. Results: Grade 2 disability was found among 32% of the patients with leprosy, whereas a total of 60% of our patients had either grade 1 or grade 2 disabilities. Trophic ulcer was found among 20% and claw hand among 14% of leprosy patients. We found significant associations of lepromatous leprosy with trophic ulcer (p = 0.004) and grade 2 disability (p = 0.012). All patients with claw hands and 80% of the patients with trophic ulcers presented to the healthcare facility at least 6 months after the onset of symptoms. Conclusions: We found very high rates of disability and deformity among leprosy patients indicating possible huge burden of morbidity among leprosy patients in central India. The significant association of lepromatous leprosy with trophic ulcer and grade 2 disability indicated delayed presentation and diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy patients. Our results underlined the need for large scale community-based studies on disability and deformity among leprosy patients in Central India. These results also call for better training of primary level healthcare workers for early detection and management of deformities and disabilities as well as better patient education for leprosy patients regarding hand and foot care.

Sorption-desorption of some transition metals, boron and sulphur in a multi-ionic system onto phyto-biochars prepared at two pyrolysis temperatures.

The sorption-desorption of transition metals, B and S onto phyto-biochars prepared from lantana, pine needles and wheat straw by pyrolysis at 300 °C and 450 °C were studied using the batch method. Their sorption-desorption onto phyto-biochars conformed to Freundlich isotherms. Phyto-biochars pyrolyzed at 450 °C had higher sorption capacity for transition metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) but lower sorption capacity for S as compared to those pyrolyzed at 300 °C. The desorption capacity of phyto-biochars pyrolyzed at 450 °C for transition metals, B and S was also higher than that of phyto-biochars pyrolyzed at 300 °C except for S in pine needle biochar. Percent desorption of all transition metals, B and S was lower for phyto-biochars pyrolyzed at 450 °C compared to those pyrolyzed at 300 °C; however, an opposite trend was noted for Mn and S in the case of pine needle and wheat biochars, respectively. Simple correlation analysis of Freundlich model constants, desorption index and percent desorption values of transition metals, B and S with the properties of phyto-biochars and changes in Fourier transform infra-red spectra after sorption revealed that several conjunctive mechanisms such as cation exchange, complexation and co-precipitation for the sorption of transition metals, H-bonding/ligand exchange for B and H-bonding/cation bridging for S were operative in phyto-biochars. Phyto-biochars produced from plant biomass wastes by pyrolysis at 300 °C, which have been enriched with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B and S may serve as a potential slow-release nutrient carrier in agriculture.

Reduced autophagy efficiency induces innate immune activation leading to neurodegeneration.

Macroautophagy/autophagy and innate immunity are central processes in neurodegeneration, but it has been unclear whether they work independently or in combination to assault the neuron. We recently demonstrated that reduced efficiency of autophagy causes hyperactivation of innate immunity, which in turn is necessary and sufficient for loss of dopaminergic neurons in a Cdk5-mediated model of degeneration in Drosophila. Genetically restoring autophagy, or reducing innate immune activation, rescues the dopaminergic neuron loss that occurs due to altered Cdk5 activity. This work revealed an alliance of innate immunity and autophagy that causes neuron loss in Cdk5-mediated neurodegeneration.

Effect of maternal anemia on the status of iron stores in infants: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women may affect the iron reserves of their infants and lead to anemia later. The objective of the study was to compare hemoglobin and iron store status of infants born to anemic and non-anemic mothers and to determine any correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of a Teaching hospital after obtaining ethical approval and written informed consent from all participants. Total 180 mother-infant pairs were enrolled in the study were divided into two groups; Group I: 90 term infants born to anemic mothers (Hb <11 g/dl), Group II: 90 term infants born to non-anemic mothers (Hb >11 g/dl). Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were assessed in cord blood at birth and at 14 weeks after birth in the infants of both groups. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0; Chi-square test and t-test were applied to test for statistical significance. RESULTS: The final sample size was 85 for Group I and 78 for Group II. For Group I, mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels in the cord blood of infants at birth were 16.33 ± 1.19 and 135.40 ± 25.94, respectively. For Group II, Mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels in the cord blood of infants at birth were 17.62 ± 1.35 and 160.45 ± 28.50, respectively; differences were statistically significant. At 14 weeks, the mean Hb and ferritin was 11.24 ± 1.03 and 55.92 ± 10.44 in Group I and 13.18 ± 0.82 and 63.56 ± 10.15 in Group II; the differences were statistically significant. A significant correlation between maternal and infant hemoglobin and ferritin levels was observed at birth and 14 weeks after birth. CONCLUSION: Maternal iron deficiency may have an effect on the iron status of their infants. Thus, timely appropriate interventions are necessary.

Expression of a Fragment of Ankyrin 2 Disrupts the Structure of the Axon Initial Segment and Causes Axonal Degeneration in Drosophila.

Neurodegenerative stimuli are often associated with perturbation of the axon initial segment (AIS), but it remains unclear whether AIS disruption is causative for neurodegeneration or is a downstream step in disease progression. Here, we demonstrate that either of two separate, genetically parallel pathways that disrupt the AIS induce axonal degeneration and loss of neurons in the central brain of Drosophila. Expression of a portion of the C-terminal tail of the Ank2-L isoform of Ankyrin severely shortens the AIS in Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neurons, and this shortening occurs through a mechanism that is genetically separate from the previously described Cdk5α-dependent pathway of AIS regulation. Further, either manipulation triggers morphological degeneration of MB axons and is accompanied by neuron loss. Taken together, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that disruption of the AIS is causally related to degeneration of fly central brain neurons, and we suggest that similar mechanisms may contribute to neurodegeneration in mammals.

Dosimetric and clinical outcome in image-based high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for anal cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dosimetric and clinical outcome in patients of anal cancer treated with image-based interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy following chemoradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixteen patients with anal cancer were treated with chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy boost with image-based high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy from January 2007 to June 2011. Two brachytherapy dose schedules were used: 21 Gy in seven fractions and 18 Gy in six fractions depending on response to chemoradiation. CT scan was done after placement of needles for confirmation of placement and treatment planning. Target volume was contoured on CT scans. Volumetric quality indices and dose parameters were calculated. RESULTS: The mean clinical target volume was 17.7 ± 4.98 cm(3), and the median overall tumor size was 4.2cm (3.4-5cm). The mean values of coverage index, dose homogeneity index, overdose volume index, dose non-uniformity ratio, and conformal index were 0.94, 0.83, 0.21, 0.37, and 0.88, respectively. With a median followup of 41 months (range, 20-67.2 months), preservation of the anal sphincter was achieved in 14 patients. The 1- and 2-year local control rates were 93.8% and 87.5%, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated and none of the patients developed Grade 3 or higher late toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of external beam radiotherapy with interstitial brachytherapy increases the dose to the tumor volume and limits the volume of irradiated normal tissue, thereby decreasing late toxicity. The use of image-based treatment planning provides better dose conformality with reduced toxicity and helps to prevent a geographic miss.

Mutation in Drosophila methuselah resists paraquat induced Parkinson-like phenotypes.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent and devastating neurodegenerative disorder having limited cure options and strong association with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the mid brain. Etiology of PD includes both genetic and environmental factors. Paraquat (PQ), a widely used herbicide, is known to be associated with pathogenesis of PD. We report that a mutation in Drosophila methuselah (mth(1)), which is associated with aging, has a role in preventing dopaminergic neuronal cell death in PQ-exposed organism. Exposed mth(1) flies exhibit significant resistance against PQ-induced Parkinson's phenotypes and behavior in terms of oxidative stress, dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, locomotor performance, dopamine content, phosphorylated JNK, pFOXO, Hid, and cleaved caspase-3 levels. Conversely, over-expression of mth in dopaminergic neurons makes the exposed organism more vulnerable to oxidative stress, neuronal cell death, and behavioral deficit. The study suggests that lesser activation of JNK-mediated apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons of exposed mth(1) flies protects the organism from PQ-induced damage, which may be causally linked to a common mechanism for PQ-induced neurodegeneration.

A rare case of isolated complete diphallia and review of the literature.

A 3-year-old boy presented with complaints of abnormal genitalia. On examination, there was penile duplication with two completely separate phalluses, unequal in size, one with hypospadias and the other with meatus at the tip of the glans. Voiding cystourethrography revealed a normal sized single bladder but two urethras with no associated vesicoureteral reflux.