Primary central nervous system neuroblastoma mimicking a meningioma: A case report.

ABSTRACT: Neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumor in the pediatric age group (~8%-10% of childhood neoplasms). Most cases of intracranial neuroblastomas occur due to metastasis from some primary extracranial sites and are known as secondary neuroblastomas. However, the occurrence of primary central nervous system neuroblastomas (PCN-NB) is very rare, and only a few cases and case series have been reported in the literature. PCN-NB is mainly an intra-axial pathology, and extra-axial involvement is mainly due to metastasis from some extracranial primary site with involvement of the skull bone. Herein we report a case of a 23-year-old female having a large extra-axial space-occupying lesion in the right frontal region that was mimicking a meningioma, and surprisingly the histopathology was suggestive of a supratentorial neuroblastoma. A right frontal craniotomy was made, and Simpson's grade 1 excision of the tumor was done. The excised tissue was sent for histopathological examination. PCN-NB located extra-axially are extremely rare to occur. Due to inconsistent radiological imaging, it becomes very difficult to diagnose these tumors preoperatively, and these should be kept in mind as one of the differential diagnoses of extra-axial intracranial space-occupying lesions. Histopathological examination is crucial in diagnosing the intracranial neuroblastomas.

The Post-COVID-19 Haul on Pulmonary Function: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID syndrome, characterized by symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, and cough, persisting for weeks to months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses significant challenges globally. Studies suggest a potential higher risk among females aged 40-50, with symptoms affecting individuals regardless of initial COVID-19 severity, underscoring the need for comprehensive understanding and management. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at a teaching tertiary care institute in Central India, involving COVID-19 patients from May 2020 to September 2021. Participants, aged 18 or older, diagnosed with COVID-19 and surviving until the last follow-up, were monitored telephonically and during outpatient visits for treatment details and outcomes. Data analysis was done using R software 4.2.1. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the study participants showed a majority of moderate COVID-19 severity (47.5%), with a higher proportion of males (64.8%) affected. Common comorbidities included diabetes (27.1%) and hypertension (22.9%). Long COVID-19 symptoms, notably breathlessness, were prevalent, with females exhibiting a significantly higher association. Pulmonary function abnormalities were associated with both long COVID-19 symptoms and higher COVID-19 severity categories, indicating lasting respiratory impact post-infection. CONCLUSION: Long after the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to raise concerns due to persistent sequelae, with a majority experiencing long COVID symptoms, particularly those with severe initial illness, including breathlessness and abnormal lung function, highlighting prevalent restrictive lung pattern changes.

Surface adsorption and corrosion resistance performance of modified chitosan: Gravimetric, electrochemical, and computational studies.

Two novel chitosan derivatives (water soluble and acid soluble) modified with thiocarbohydrazide were produced by a quick and easy technique using formaldehyde as links. The novel compounds were synthesized and then characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Their surface morphologies were examined using scanning electron microscopy. These chitosan derivatives could produce pH-dependent gels. The behavior of mild steel in 5 % acetic acid, including both inhibitors at various concentrations, was investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical experiments. According to the early findings, both compounds (TCFACN and TCFWCN) functioned as mixed-type metal corrosion inhibitors. Both inhibitors showed their best corrosion inhibition efficiency at 80 mg L-1. TCFACN and TCFWCN, showed approximately 92 % and 94 % corrosion inhibition, respectively, at an optimal concentration of 80 mg L-1, according to electrochemical analysis. In the corrosion test, the water contact angle of the polished MS sample at 87.90 °C was reduced to 51 °C. The water contact angles for MS inhibited by TCFACN and TCFWCN in the same electrolyte were greater, measuring 78.10 °C and 93.10 °C, respectively. The theoretical results also support the experimental findings.

A detailed study on genetic diversity, antioxidant machinery, and expression profile of drought-responsive genes in rice genotypes exposed to artificial osmotic stress.

Seasonal variations in rainfall patterns, particularly during sowing, early growing season, and flowering, drastically affect rice production in northeastern India. However, sensitivity to drought stress is genotype-specific. Since 80% of the land in this region is used for rice production, it is crucial to understand how they have adapted to water stress. This study evaluated 112 rice genotypes grown in NE India for seed germination percentage and seedling development under PEG-mediated drought stress. Among the rice genotype, Sahbhagi dhan, RCPL-1-82, Bhalum-3 and RCPL-1-128 showed drought-tolerant traits, while Ketaki Joha, Chakhao, Chandan, RCPL-1-185 and IR-64 were the most drought-sensitive rice genotypes. Drought-tolerant rice also showed significantly higher seed germination potential, proline content, antioxidant activity and expression of drought-responsive genes than drought-sensitive rice genotypes. A similar expression pattern of genes was also observed in the rice genotype treated with a 50% water deficit in pot culture. In addition, drought stress reduced the pollen fertility and yield per plant in sensitive rice genotypes. Molecular markers associated with drought stress were also used to characterize genetic diversity among the rice genotypes studied.

Indigenous chicken production system in different agro-ecology of Indian Himalayan Region: implication on food and economic security.

The indigenous chicken production system (ICPS) has several use values and ecosystem services. In the last few years, ICPS has been recognized for its possible contribution to household food security, income generation, wildlife protection, and bettering the women's lives. This study aimed to collect, for the first time, comprehensive information about ICPS in three different agro-ecologies (tropical, sub-tropical, and sub-temperate) of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and its role in food and economic security of traditional communities. In this study region, ICPS is semi-extensive, providing homegrown feed and temporary night shelter. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, females owned non-significant (p = 0.170) more indigenous chicken flocks than males. Households in sub-temperate agro-ecologies had significantly (p ≤ 0.001) larger flock sizes and tropical livestock units (chicken-TLU). However, the livestock diversity index (LDI) was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in tropical and subtropical agro-ecology. The households in the sub-temperate region highly (p ≤ 0.001) valued indigenous chicken because of its survivability and adaptability. In absolute numbers significant (p ≤ 0.001) higher numbers of adult birds died in past 1 year in sub-temperate agro-ecology. The mortality rate of adult birds in sub-temperate agro-ecology was 9%, and it was 14 and 15% in tropical and sub-tropical agro-ecologies, respectively. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, larger flock size translated into significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) egg production and subsequently a significant (p ≤ 0.001) higher egg consumption per household per month. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, households' dietary diversity score was significantly (p ≤ 0.001) higher. Similarly, the average annual income from ICPS was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in sub-temperate agro-ecology and accounted for 18% of household income. ICPS' marketing chain was relatively short in the sub-temperate region. In all agro-ecologies, indigenous chicken and egg demand was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in the winter. ICPS litter is used as farmyard manure, enhancing ecological resilience. In all agro-ecologies, the three most frequently cited obstacles to extending the indigenous chicken production system are illnesses, predators, and a lack of chicks availability. ICPS contributes to food and nutritional security, economic stability, and ecological resilience in this hilly and fragile ecosystem. Even though the system is self-sustaining, management and health interventions can increase production and productivity.

Improvement of rooting and growth in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) cuttings with organic biostimulants.

Seaweed extracts have shown profoundly positive effects on crop growth, quality and reproduction in diverse agricultural and horticultural crops. Seaweed extracts can be used to promote the rooting and growth of cuttings in perennial fruit species like kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). In this study, the cuttings were treated with 1, 5, 10 and 50% solutions of G Sap (Gracilaria edulis), K Sap (Kappaphycus alvarezii), AN (Ascophyllum nodosum), EM (Ecklonia maxima), HA (Humic acid) and control (water) for 6 h as base dipping. Subsequently, the treatments of G Sap, K Sap, AN, EM, HA and control were repeated every 15 days for a period of six months as application of 50 ml solutions in the potted cuttings. All the treatments exhibited significant effects on the rooting percent in all the kiwifruit cultivars, namely 'Monty', 'Abott', 'Hayward', 'Allison' and 'Bruno' (P ≤ 0.01) as compared to the control. Shoot and root growth parameters including leaf number per cutting, number of roots per cutting, number of branches, plant height, shoot diameter, root length, root diameter and root weight were all positively increased with the application of seaweed extracts (P ≤ 0.05). Cuttings treated with seaweed extract exhibited significantly higher levels of pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoids), metabolites (total carbohydrates and soluble phenols) and less electrolyte leakage as compared to the control cuttings. Significant positive and negative correlations were observed between biochemical parameters combined with plant nutrient concentration. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 and PC2 (first two principal components) accounted for 75% of the entire variation. While, PC1 accounted for 63% of the total variation, PC2 accounted for 11% of the total variation. The leaves and the roots of kiwifruit cultivar 'Hayward' treated with G Sap at 10%, K Sap at 10%, AN at 10%, EM at 10%, HA at 10% exhibited higher expression of all four root promoting candidate genes (GH3-3, LBD16, LBD29 and LRP1) compared to the control. Therefore, it can be concluded that, seaweed extract and humic acid can be used as a suitable alternative to synthetic hormones for promoting the rooting and growth of kiwifruit cuttings.

Participatory assessment of management and biosecurity practices of smallholder pig farms in North East India.

The present study was aimed at describing the pig production system, farm management, pig movement, and existing biosecurity level of smallholders' pig production system in North East India. A cross-sectional survey of 1,000 pig producers in four districts (two urban and two rural) in core pig-producing regions of India, where ASF occurrence had been reported, was conducted. The mean pig population was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urban districts. In urban districts, most of the pig houses were isolated but located on the roadside, while in rural districts, commune pig houses along the roadside were more common. The majority of the respondent purchased (91%) or sold (60%) the pigs during the past 12 months. Swill feeding was common in the entire study area. The majority of the respondent (80%) in rural districts were unaware of ASF. Significant pig trade of live pigs and pork products was observed in the urban district. In the case of on-farm biosecurity measures, only 6.9% of respondents had fencing for the pig farm, 99.3% did not have provision for a footbath, and only 17.2% of the respondents restricted visitors' access to the pig farm. The study revealed that the pig production system is dominated by smallholding units with a frequent introduction or exit of pigs along with poor on-farm biosecurity measures. With the current level of farm management and biosecurity practices, smallholder pig farmers are at an increased risk of ASF and other contagious diseases.

Enhancing the shelf life of chevon Seekh Kabab using chitosan edible film and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil.

Chevon Seekh Kabab is a popular meat product of India. However, due to high protein and moisture content it undergoes quick microbial spoilage and oxidative reactions leading to lower shelf life. The combination of chitosan edible film and cinnamon essential oil (CEO) was chosen to remediate this problem because of its antimicrobial and antioxidative effect. Control and chitosan edible film with CEO coated chevon Seekh Kabab samples were stored at 4 °C. The physicochemical (pH, TBARS, TVBN, moisture, colour), microbiological (APC, psychrophilic, coliform and Staphylococcal count) and sensory attributes were evaluated over a 30 days period. The maximum shelf life of 27 days was observed when 2% chitosan edible film with 0.3% CEO was coated over samples. A reduction in moisture, L* value, a* value and sensory scores along with an increase in pH, TVBN, TBARS, b* value and microbiological parameters were observed during the storage period. Reaction kinetics for the physicochemical and microbiological parameters was also established. The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters were within prescribed limits till spoilage in the treated sample. This investigation may aid researchers working on scaling up of processing and preservation of Seekh Kabab.

Association of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene rs4680 Polymorphism and Levodopa Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term levodopa therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) can cause levodopa induced dyskinesia (LID). Genetic predisposition has a significant role to play in inter-individual heterogeneity in the clinical manifestation of LID. Despite accumulating evidence for the role of COMT gene polymorphism (rs4680) as a genetic basis for LID, to date results have been inconsistent. Early assessment of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) genotype might be helpful to stratify PD patients concerning their individual risk for LID. METHOD: In this meta-analysis, we have used 9 studies, which were selected through online databases. Statistical analysis was performed using R (v-3.6) software. 5 genetic models have been used in the present study: Allele model (A vs. G), Dominant model (AA+AG vs. GG), Homozygote model (AA vs. GG), Co-dominant/heterozygote model (AG vs. GG), and Recessive model (AA vs. AG + GG). RESULTS: The results indicated a significant association between COMT rs4680 (Val158Met) polymorphism and LID risk. The genotype AA of COMT rs4680 is a risk factor for LID in PD patients under the recessive model (AA vs GG+AG) in the random-effect model. Analysis based on ethnicity showed that COMT rs4680 SNP allele A is a risk factor for LID development in Asian PD patients, while GG genotype is a risk factor for LID development in non-Asian PD patients using different genetic models. CONCLUSION: The results of the present meta-analysis support that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism is a risk factor for the development of LID in PD patients having ethnic variations.

Real-time assessment of the Ganga river during pandemic COVID-19 and predictive data modeling by machine learning.

In this study, four water quality parameters were reviewed at 14 stations of river Ganga in pre-, during and post-lockdown and these parameters were modeled by using different machine learning algorithms. Various mathematical models were used for the computation of water quality parameters in pre-, during and post- lockdown period by using Central Pollution Control Board real-time data. Lockdown resulted in the reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand ranging from 55 to 92% with increased concentration of dissolved oxygen at few stations. pH was in range of 6.5-8.5 of during lockdown. Total coliform count declined during lockdown period at some stations. The modeling of oxygen saturation deficit showed supremacy of Thomas Mueller model (R2 = 0.75) during lockdown over Streeter Phelps (R2 = 0.57). Polynomial regression and Newton's Divided Difference model predicted possible values of water quality parameters till 30th June, 2020 and 07th August, 2020, respectively. It was found that predicted and real values were close to each other. Genetic algorithm was used to optimize hyperparameters of algorithms like Support Vector Regression and Radical Basis Function Neural Network, which were then employed for prediction of all examined water quality metrics. Computed values from ANN model were found close to the experimental ones (R2 = 1). Support Vector Regression-Genetic Algorithm Hybrid proved to be very effective for accurate prediction of pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen and Total coliform count during lockdown. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04423-1.

Linseed oil in boar's diet during high temperature humidity index (THI) period improves sperm quality characteristics, antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of sperm under hot humid sub-tropical climate.

Environmental heat stress in sub-tropical climates negatively impacts boar semen production and its quality. The present study aimed to examine the heat stress alleviating effects of dietary linseed oil on semen quality and antioxidant status of boar, in the summer and winter seasons in sub-tropical climate. Six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed with 90 mL linseed oil (treatment) whereas six boars of the same breed were fed 90 mL vegetable oil (control) for sixteen weeks during both season. Sperm quality was assessed for motility, viability, abnormality, acrosomal integrity, and Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST). Sperm velocity attributes were assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC and nitric oxide; NO) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) were measured in seminal plasma and serum. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the estimation of fatty acid composition of seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Feeding linseed oil to the boars significantly (p < 0.05) improved sperm quality at the fresh stage and after 72 h of liquid storage in both season. There was a significant (p < 0.01) effect of treatment and season on semen quality parameters. Significant boar (p < 0.05) effect was recorded on reaction time, semen volume, sperm abnormality, acrosomal integrity and HOST reactive sperm. There was a significant (p < 0.01) effect of treatment and season on the velocity attributes viz. VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, BCF and STR%. Linseed oil supplementation significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced antioxidant and lowered MDA levels in serum as well as seminal plasma. The concentration of alpha-linolenic (ALA), arachidonic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids were significantly (p < 0.01) increased in seminal plasma and sperm after linseed oil supplementation. In conclusion, linseed oil supplementation to boar during high THI months improved the semen quality parameters viz. semen volume, sperm concentration, and progressive motile sperm, along with enhanced antioxidant capacity.

Dual Task Performance Is Associated with Amyloidosis in Cognitively Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) provides an opportunity for the study and implementation of interventions and strategies aimed at delaying, mitigating, and preventing AD. While this preclinical state is an ideal target, it is difficult to identify efficiently and cost-effectively. Recent findings have suggested that cognitive-motor dual task paradigms may provide additional inference. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the relationship between dual task performance and amyloidosis, suggestive of preclinical Alzheimer's disease and whether dual task performance provides additional information beyond a cognitive composite, to help in the identification of amyloidosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Outpatient specialty brain health clinical research institution in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: 52 cognitively healthy adults. MEASUREMENTS: The data included demographics, amyloid standardized uptake value ratio obtained via florbetapir-PET, neuropsychological testing, apolipoprotien E genotype, and dual task performance measures. Data were analyzed via hierarchal multiple linear regression or logistic regression, controlling for age, education, and apolipoprotien E genotype. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, and sensitivity and specificity calculated via 2x2 contingency tables. RESULTS: There was a moderate relationship (rs>.30) between motor and cognitive dual task effects and amyloid standardized uptake value ratio (ps<.042). A strong relationship (r=.58) was found between combined dual task effect, a measure of automaticity derived from dual task performance, and amyloid standardized uptake value ratio (p<.001). Additionally, combined dual task effect showed promise in its unique contributions to amyloid standardized uptake value ratio, accounting for 7.8% of amyloid standardized uptake value ratio variance beyond cognitive composite scores (p=.018). Additionally, when incorporated into the cognitive composite, combined dual task effect resulted in improved diagnostic accuracy for determining elevated amyloid standardized uptake value ratio, and increased the sensitivity and specificity of the cognitive composite. CONCLUSSION: Dual task performance using the combined dual task effect, a measure of automaticity, was a moderate predictor of cerebral amyloidosis, which suggests that it has utility in the screening and diagnosis of individuals for preclinical AD. Additionally, when combined with the cognitive composite, the combined dual task effect improves diagnostic accuracy. Further research is warranted.

Assessment of Liver Fibrosis Using Non-invasive Screening Tools in Individuals With Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the rising prevalence of liver fibrosis and its potentially life-threatening complications, there are currently no recommendations or guidelines to screen individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) or high body mass index (BMI) for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This is mainly due to the uncertain performance and feasibility of presently available screening tools. This research was carried out to assess the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive screening tools in predicting liver fibrosis in individuals with DM and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: For this study, 140 patients with DM and metabolic syndrome were identified between March 2020 and October 2021. Liver stiffness measurement by point shear wave elastography was considered the gold standard in our study. Five non-invasive scores such as aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) score, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, BARD score, and NAFLD fibrosis score were determined in all of the participants. Using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity, specificity, both negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated for each of these scores. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was used to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of these scores. RESULTS: Of the 507 individuals screened, 140 were enrolled for the study. Among the 140 participants, 83 were male (59.29%), 30 (21.43%) had liver fibrosis as per liver stiffness measurement by point shear wave elastography, and 110 (78.57%) did not have fibrosis. The mean age and mean BMI were 54.53±12.42 and 27.37±2.73 respectively in the 'Fibrosis' group and 56.20 ±11.76 and 27.10±4.22 in the 'No fibrosis' group. The major finding of our study was that all these scores had relatively high NPV (>85 %) for predicting liver fibrosis in our cohort. The AST/ALT ratio had the highest NPV (90.28%) followed by APRI Score (88.94%). The AUROC for FIB-4 Score, NAFLD-fibrosis score, APRI score, AST/ALT ratio, and BARDd score were 0.6669, 0.657, 0.655, 0.637 and 0.599, respectively. The FIB-4 index (p=0.005) had the highest AUROC, followed by the NAFLD-fibrosis score (p =0.009). But all the scores had relatively low specificity (<60 %), PPV (<35 %), and accuracy (<63 %). CONCLUSION: The FIB-4 index and NAFLD-fibrosis score can be used reliably to exclude liver fibrosis in individuals with DM and metabolic syndrome in the Indian population, but may not be useful in accurately diagnosing liver fibrosis. Utilization of these non-invasive and cost-effective screening tools in routine practice may have promising results in predicting liver fibrosis in 'at risk' populations.

Do children in India grow well into adolescents? Longitudinal analysis of growth transitions from Young Lives panel survey in India.

OBJECTIVES: Studies that examined the growth during late childhood and early adolescence beyond 8 years of age are very limited. Further, most studies have used dichotomized classification of stunting, thereby limiting the understanding of moderate stunting in childhood growth trajectory. We aimed to examine the course of stunting from childhood to adolescence by undertaking robust analyses of the Young Lives Survey (YLS) longitudinal data from India using multilevel categorization of stunting. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken from YLS in India among 1827 children from the younger cohort born in 2001-02 with complete follow-up data in all five rounds of YLS collected in 2002, 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2016. METHODS: A three-state multistate Markov model (not stunted, moderate, severe) was performed to estimate annual transition probabilities, mean sojourn-time, and transition-specific risk factors. RESULTS: Between Round-one and Round-five, cross-sectional prevalence of severe stunting decreased from 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8%, 13.7%) to 5.3% (95% CI: 3.8%, 7.3%), while moderate stunting increased from 19.9% (95% CI: 16.3%,23.9%) to 21.7% (95% CI: 18.4%, 24.9%). Mean Sojourn time estimation indicated a relatively concise state for moderate stunting. The stunting trajectory had shown gender differential where more faltering to severe stunting and lower recovery to the normal state was observed among girls between 8 and 12 years and among boys between 12 and 15 years. Compared with boys, girls had 40% excess likelihood (Hazard Ratio: 1.40; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.95) for moderate-to-severe stunting transition and also had 19% excess likelihood (Hazard Ratio: 1.19; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.40) of favorable transition (moderate-to-non-stunted). CONCLUSIONS: The transition trajectory highlights preadolescence, especially among girls, as an additional window of opportunity to ensure better nutrition in adolescent life. With a fifth of adolescents living in India, study findings call for coordinated, multisectoral, age-appropriate, and gender-responsive approach to take India closer to meeting SDG-2.

Comparative study between idiopathic and non-idiopathic dystonia: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: There are very few studies based on the updated dystonia classification. However, a comparison of the idiopathic and non-idiopathic dystonias based on the newer classification has not been done previously. OBJECTIVES: To study and compare the clinicoetiological profile of patients with idiopathic and non-idiopathic dystonia attending a movement disorder clinic of a tertiary care teaching institution. METHODS: All the consecutive dystonia patients from October 2017 to September 2019 fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to a detailed clinical evaluation. Investigations were performed as per requirement. Patients were classified according to the consensus update on phenomenology and classification of dystonia. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients with dystonia were included, with 61.7% (113) males and 38.3% (70) females. The idiopathic group revealed a significantly earlier age of onset with cases slightly outnumbering (n = 96/183, 52.5%) the non-idiopathic group (n = 87/183, 47.5%). Focal dystonias were the commonest type in both the idiopathic (n = 58/96, 60.4%) and non-idiopathic groups (n = 30/87, 34.5%), while generalized dystonia accounted for 26.4% (n = 23/87) of the non-idiopathic cases and only 3.1% (n = 3/96) of the idiopathic cases. The majority of idiopathic cases were isolated dystonia (n = 93/96, 96.9%), while all hemidystonias were non-idiopathic. CONCLUSION: Focal dystonias were the commonest in both idiopathic and non-idiopathic groups, while generalized dystonia was significantly commoner in the non-idiopathic group. Acquired causes like drugs, perinatal insult were the commonest etiology in the non-idiopathic group. Hemidystonia was found exclusively in the non-idiopathic acquired group.

The correlation between bowel complications and cardiac surgery.

Although advances in knowledge and technology have improved outcomes in surgical cardiac patients over the last decade, complications following cardiac operations still remain to be potentially fatal. Gastrointestinal complications, in particular, tend to have high rates of reintervention and mortality following cardiac surgery, with ischemia and hemorrhage being two of the commonest underlying causes. The intention of this review is to identify which risk factors play important roles in predisposing patients to such complications and to gain better insight into the pathogenesis of the sequelae. Furthermore, strategies for prevention have been discussed to educate and increase awareness of how adverse cardiac surgical outcomes can be minimized.

Polymer/Graphene oxide nanocomposite thin film for NO2 sensor: An in situ investigation of electronic, morphological, structural, and spectroscopic properties.

The higher operating temperature of metal oxide and air instability of organic based NO2 sensor causes extremely urgent for development of a reliable low cost sensor to detect NO2 at room temperature. Therefore, we present a fabrication of large area Polymer/GO nano hybrid thin film for polymer thin film transistors (PTFTs) based NO2 sensors assisted via facile method named 'spreading-solidifying (SS) method', grown over air/liquid interface and successive investigation of effect of NO2 on film via several characterizations. The PTFTs sensor has demonstrated swift and high response towards low concentration of NO2 gas with air stability and provided real time non-invasive type NO2 sensor. Herein, we are reporting the nanohybrid PBTTT/GO composite based PTFT sensor with good repeatability and sensor response for low concentration NO2. The thin film grown via SS technique has reported very good adsorption/desorption of target analyte having response/recovery time of 75 s/523 s for 10 ppm concentration of NO2 gas. It has been observed that % change in drain current (sensor response) saturated with increasing concentration of NO2. The transient analysis demonstrates the fast sensor response and recovery time. Furthermore, in order to understand the insight of high performance of sensor, effect of NO2 on nanohybrid film and sensing mechanism, an in situ investigations was conducted via multiple technique viz. spectral, electronic, structural, and morphological characterization. Finally, the performance of sensor and the site of adsorption of NO2 at polymer chains were argued using schematic diagram. This work shows the simple fabrication process for mass production, low cost and room temperature operated gas sensors for monitoring the real-time environment conditions and gives an insight about the sensing mechanism adsorption site of NO2.

Variations in straw fodder quality and grain-Straw relationships in a mapping population of 287 diverse spring wheat lines.

A wheat association mapping population consisting of 287 diverse spring wheat lines were evaluated for three years in one location (Varanasi) and out of these for one year across three locations (Karnal, Dharwad and Varanasi) in India. Straw fodder quality traits analyzed were nitrogen (N) content, neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin (ADL), ash (ASH), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) content. Grain yield (GY) and straw yield (SY) were also recorded. Highly significant (P < 0.0001) differences among lines were observed for all traits except for ADF and ADL in the three years trials conducted at Varanasi. However, year and location had strong (P < 0.0001) effects on all traits. Compared to line-dependent variations in GY and SY variation in straw fodder quality traits were small. Proportionally greatest variations between lines were observed for straw N where lowest and highest N varied by about 30%. Difference for NDF and ADF between lines were at most 4% units and below 3% units for IVOMD. Grain yield and straw yield were positively correlated (P < 0.0001) with GY accounting for 26% of the variation in SY. Straw N, IVOMD and ME were weakly but significantly (P < 0.05) negatively associated with GY and SY. Straw NDF and ADF were significantly (P < 0.05) positively correlated with GY but the association was again weak. Straw NDF, ADF and ADL were also weakly but significantly positively correlated with SY. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were applied to detect significant marker- straw fodder quality trait associations. Five genomic regions contributed for six traits (ADF, ADL, ASH, IVOMD, ME and NDF). ADF and ADL mapped in the common QTL region on chromosome 2B. Similarly, for the IVOMD and ME QTLs on chromosome 5B were associated with SNP marker, wsnp_Ku_c35090_44349517. While some associations were detected for ADF, ALD, ASH, IVOMD, ME and NDF on chromosomes 1A, 2B, 3A, 5A and 5B, the phenotypic variation explained was low to medium by individual QTL. A likely contributing factor was the comparatively small difference in straw fodder quality traits among the lines. It is interesting to note that line dependent variations in GY and SY were about two-fold. In other words, strong genotypic variations of GY and SY do exist. The lack of any similar variations in straw fodder quality traits is intriguing and requires further research.

Using controlled disorder to probe the interplay between charge order and superconductivity in NbSe2.

The interplay between superconductivity and charge-density wave (CDW) in 2H-NbSe2 is not fully understood despite decades of study. Artificially introduced disorder can tip the delicate balance between two competing long-range orders, and reveal the underlying interactions that give rise to them. Here we introduce disorder by electron irradiation and measure in-plane resistivity, Hall resistivity, X-ray scattering, and London penetration depth. With increasing disorder, the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, varies non-monotonically, whereas the CDW transition temperature, TCDW, monotonically decreases and becomes unresolvable above a critical irradiation dose where Tc drops sharply. Our results imply that the CDW order initially competes with superconductivity, but eventually assists it. We argue that at the transition where the long-range CDW order disappears, the cooperation with superconductivity is dramatically suppressed. X-ray scattering and Hall resistivity measurements reveal that the short-range CDW survives above the transition. Superconductivity persists to much higher dose levels, consistent with fully gapped superconductivity and moderate interband pairing.