Piriformospora indica suppresses the symptoms produced by Banana bract mosaic virus by inhibiting its replication and manipulating chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation in banana.

Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) infection results in characteristic reddish streaks on pseudostem and chlorotic spindle lesions on leaves leading to traveler's palm appearance and complete crop loss depending on the stage of infection in banana plants. Here, we discuss the influence of P. indica colonization (a beneficial fungal root endophyte) on BBrMV infection, specific viral component genes responsible for symptom development, chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, and degradation in BBrMV-infected banana plants. P. indica colonization significantly and substantially reduced the severity of Banana bract mosaic disease (BBrMD) in addition to increased growth, development and yield of banana plants. The percent disease incidence (PDI) of BBrMV ranges from 50 to 70 per cent in plants raised from suckers and from 58 to 92 per cent in TC plants under artificial inoculation. P. indica-colonized plants inoculated with BBrMV resulted in an enhanced plant height, root length, leaf width, and leaf length of 72, 88, 90, and 60 per cent, respectively, compared to BBrMV alone-infected banana plants along with the reduced disease severity. BBrMV infection showed a drastic decrease of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents by down-regulating chlorophyll biosynthesis (Chlorophyll synthase-CHLG) and upregulating chlorophyll degradation (Chlorophyllase-CLH1 and CLH2 and Pheophytin pheophorbide hydrolase-PPH) genes; and by up-regulating carotenoids biosynthesis (Phytoene synthases-PSY1 and PSY2) and down-regulating its degradation (Phytoene desaturase-PDS) genes compared to P. indica-colonized banana plants challenge inoculated with BBrMV. P. indica also inhibited the expression of the viral genes (P3 and HC-Pro) involved in symptom development. P. indica-colonized banana plants reduced the BBrMV symptoms severity by enhancing chlorophyll biosynthesis; and decreasing chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation; and inhibiting the viral genes responsible for symptom development in addition to enhanced growth and yield of banana plants. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03983-y.

Nano-PCR for the early detection of tomato leaf curl virus.

Nano-PCR is a potential tool for the early detection of plant viruses. In the current study, different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (20 nm) and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (50 nm) were included in the PCR mixture to improve the sensitivity of PCR for the detection of tomato leaf curl virus. The inclusion of nanoparticles in single or combination in PCR mixture has resulted in improvement of PCR sensitivity. Four-fold improvement was exhibited by the inclusion of 3 ng/µL silver nanoparticles, whereas the combination of silver and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (3 ng/µL and 200 ng/µL, respectively), resulted in a 4.5-fold improvement. The inclusion of 200 ng/µL of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in the PCR mixture exhibited a 7.6-fold increase in PCR sensitivity. Replacement of magnesium chloride with a combination of silver and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (3 ng/µL and 275 ng/µL, respectively) resulted in a 12-fold increase. A 13-fold improvement in PCR sensitivity was observed by the replacement of magnesium chloride in PCR buffer with 275 ng/µL of magnesium oxide nanoparticles. This could also produce detectable amplicon in PCR with a minimum of 25 cycles, resulting in a 26.5% reduction in the duration of PCR. This is the first report on the use of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in PCR for the early detection and better management of tomato leaf curl virus. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03842-2.

Impact of biofertilisers on iron homeostasis and grain quality in the rice variety Uma under Elevated CO2.

The diminishing nutritional quality of rice with increasing concentrations of atmospheric CO2 is currently a major global concern. The present study was designed with the objective of assessing the impact of biofertilisers on grain quality and iron homeostasis in rice under elevated CO2. A completely randomised design with four treatments ([KAU, POP (control), POP+Azolla, POP+PGPR, and POP+AMF]), each replicated three times under ambient and elevated CO2 conditions, was followed. The analysed data revealed that yield, grain quality, and iron uptake and translocation were modified in an unfavourable manner under elevated CO2, which was reflected in the lower quality and iron content of the grains. The response of iron homeostasis in the experimental plants to the application of biofertilisers, especially plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), under elevated CO2 strongly suggests the possibility of utilising them for designing iron management strategies for achieving higher quality in rice.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of audio and virtual reality distraction on the dental anxiety of healthy and mild intellectually disabled children.

Context: Dental environment is one of the most anxiety-provoking stimuli for children, which makes patient management a constant challenge in both typically growing and intellectually disabled children. Distraction is a nonpharmacological technique to manage anxiety in children during dental treatment. Aim: This study compares the effect of audio and virtual reality (VR) distraction on the dental anxiety of healthy and mild intellectually disabled children. Methods: Forty children aged 6-14 years were divided into two groups (Group I: children with mild intellectual disability and Group II: healthy children). Groups I and II were further subdivided into two subgroups of 10 children each, based on the distraction technique given to them during the first appointment. After 1 month, we carried out a cross-over of the subgroups. Anxiety levels were measured using physiological and observational parameters at three-time intervals. Statistical Analysis: Performed using paired t-test for the intergroup comparison and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for the intra-group comparison. Results: A decrease in the pulse rate, improvement in oxygen saturation levels, and lower Venham's anxiety rating scores were observed on introducing audio and VR distraction in all the subgroups. The inter-group comparison revealed that audio and VR were more effective in healthy children than children with mild intellectual disabilities. Conclusions: Audio and VR distraction techniques can be employed successfully to reduce anxiety in children with mild intellectual disability and healthy children undergoing dental restorative treatment.

Glaucoma in Uveitic Eyes: Long-Term Clinical Course and Management Measures.

BACKGROUND: The management of glaucoma in uveitis is challenging. A meticulous combination of anti-glaucoma and anti-inflammatory agents is often needed to control the intraocular pressure (IOP) and preserve the visual status in an otherwise blinding disease. AIM: To study the clinical course and management of glaucoma in uveitic eyes. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzing the case records of patients over 12 years, referred for the management of uveitic glaucoma in the last two decades. RESULTS: The analysis of 582 uveitic glaucoma eyes of 389 patients was done, and the mean IOP at baseline was 25.89 (±13.1) mmHg. Non-granulomatous uveitis (102 eyes) was the most common diagnosis. Granulomatous uveitis was the most common diagnosis among the treatment failure eyes and in eyes requiring more than one surgical intervention for glaucoma. CONCLUSION: An appropriate and adequate combination of anti-inflammatory and IOP-lowering therapy will lead to better clinical outcomes.

Syndromic surveillance system during mass gathering of Panchkroshi Yatra festival, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Background: The health implications surrounding a mass gathering pose significant challenges to public health officials. The use of syndromic surveillance provides an ideal method for achieving the public health goals and objectives at such events. In the absence of published reports of systematic documentation of public health preparedness in mass gatherings in the local context, we describe the public health preparedness and demonstrate the operational feasibility of a tablet-based participatory syndromic surveillance among pilgrims during the annual ritual circumambulation- Panchkroshi Yatra. Methods: A real-time surveillance system was established from 2017-2019 to capture all the health consultations done at the designated points (medical camps) in the Panchkroshi yatra area of the city Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. We also surveyed a subset of pilgrims in 2017 to gauge satisfaction with the public health measures such as sanitation, water, safety, food, and cleanliness. Results: In 2019, injuries were reported in the highest proportion (16.7%; 794/4744); most numbers of fever cases (10.6%; 598/5600) were reported in 2018, while 2017 saw the highest number of patient presentations of abdominal pain (7.73%; 498/6435). Conclusion: Public health and safety measures were satisfactory except for the need for setting up urinals along the fixed route of the circumambulation. A systematic data collection of selected symptoms among yatris and their surveillance through tablet could be established during the panchkroshi yatra, which can complement the existing surveillance for detecting early warning signals. We recommend the implementation of such tablet-based surveillance during such mass gathering events.

Use of pulp tissue of deciduous teeth for gender determination - A comparative molecular analysis study.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pulp tissue collected from deciduous teeth for the determination of gender using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: 140 extracted deciduous teeth were selected. The control group comprised 20 teeth that were subjected to DNA analysis immediately. Whereas Group I and Group II consisted of 60 teeth which were stored in the open environment and salt water, respectively, for a period of 3, 9, and 15 months. DNA was isolated and quantified followed by the amplification of X and Y chromosomes by PCR and compared with the actual gender of the child. The data were analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, the independent sample t-test, paired t-test, and the Chi-square test. Result: The PCR analysis results of Group I showed a more correct interpretation of gender as compared to Group II on storage for a period of 15 months. The PCR analysis results of the Control group showed a 100% accuracy rate as compared to the samples in Groups I and II. Conclusions: Gender could be effectively determined from the samples evaluated immediately after extraction. But the period of storage and the method of storage conditions affected the quality of isolated DNA and thus decreased the ability of gender determination.

Utility of constructed wetlands for treatment of hospital effluent and antibiotic resistant bacteria in resource limited settings: A case study in Ujjain, India.

Increasing generation of wastewater and its indiscriminate disposal is detrimental to human and animal health. Resource-limited settings often struggle for efficient wastewater treatment systems owing to lack of funds and operational difficulties. Therefore, alternative treatment systems involving low expenditure and simplistic operations are need of the hour. Constructed wetlands are one such alternative that can efficiently remove variety of pollutants from wastewater. In this study, we have assessed the utility of constructed wetlands for treatment of hospital wastewater in Ujjain. An in-house wetland system was designed and constructed using Typha latifolia and Phragmites karka. Results showed that wetland was efficient for removal of various physico-chemical and biological contaminants, namely, biochemical-oxygen-demand (77.1%), chemical-oxygen-demand (64.9%), turbidity (68.3%), suspended-solids (63%), total-phosphorus (58.7%), nitrate-nitrogen (33%), fecal coliforms (96.8%), and total coliforms (95.6%). Paired t test revealed that removal efficiencies for various parameters were significantly different among Phragmites, Typha, and control cells (p ≤ 0.05). Study also depicted that most of the bacterial isolates in inlet wastewater were selectively resistant to antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and sulphamethaxazole) as well and these isolates were also removed. Precisely, Typha was fairly suitable for antibiotic resistant bacteria removal. Thus, constructed wetlands were found to be one of the suitable options for wastewater treatment in resource-limited settings. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Constructed wetlands are one of the suitable options for wastewater treatment in resource limited settings. These systems involve wetland vegetation, soil, and associated microbial assemblages to improve the water quality. Typha and Phragmites were found to be efficient for treating the hospital wastewater. Experiments showed that antibiotic resistant bacteria may also be removed through constructed wetland systems. Easy operation, cost effectiveness, and efficiency are important attributes.

Dynamics of Household Waste Segregation Behaviour in Urban Community in Ujjain, India: A Framework Analysis.

Waste segregation practices must be socially acceptable, affordable, context-specific, and participatory, which is essential for promoting waste segregation. Therefore, this study explored the urban community members' motivation, opportunity, and household waste segregation ability. We performed a qualitative study in Ujjain city, India. Ten focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews were conducted with female and male household members in residential and slum areas. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and translated. We used the thematic framework technique using the Motivation-Opportunity-Ability-Behaviour theory for analysis. Three themes were constructed: motivation, where household members are motivated to sort waste yet fear the consequences of improper sorting; ability, where household waste segregation is rapidly gaining acceptance as a social norm; and opportunities, involving convenient facilities and a social support system for household members towards waste segregation. This study contributes to developing a knowledge base on waste segregation behaviour and a repertoire to facilitate evidence-based management and policymaking. There is a need for educational intervention and women's self-help groups' involvement to develop community orientation and waste segregation literacy. Finally, this study emphasizes the importance of all three behavioural change components, i.e., motivation, opportunity, and ability, in managing sustainable waste segregation practices.

Biallelic KITLG variants lead to a distinct spectrum of hypomelanosis and sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic variants in KITLG, a crucial protein involved in pigmentation and neural crest cell migration, cause non-syndromic hearing loss, Waardenburg syndrome type 2, familial progressive hyperpigmentation and familial progressive hyper- and hypopigmentation, all of which are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. OBJECTIVES: To describe the genotypic and clinical spectrum of biallelic KITLG-variants. METHODS: We used a genotype-first approach through the GeneMatcher data sharing platform to collect individuals with biallelic KITLG variants and reviewed the literature for overlapping reports. RESULTS: We describe the first case series with biallelic KITLG variants; we expand the known hypomelanosis spectrum to include a 'sock-and-glove-like', symmetric distribution, progressive repigmentation and generalized hypomelanosis. We speculate that KITLG biallelic loss-of-function variants cause generalized hypomelanosis, whilst variants with residual function lead to a variable auditory-pigmentary disorder mostly reminiscent of Waardenburg syndrome type 2 or piebaldism. CONCLUSIONS: We provide consolidating evidence that biallelic KITLG variants cause a distinct auditory-pigmentary disorder. We evidence a significant clinical variability, similar to the one previously observed in KIT-related piebaldism.

Adamantinoma of tibia: excision and reconstruction with free vascularized fibula flap: a case report and review of literature.

Adamantinoma is a rare malignant tumour usually affecting the diaphysis of long bones. The tumour most commonly affects the tibia. Conventional management involves excision with a wide margin, reconstruction and sometimes amputation. Multiple options are available, but reconstruction depends upon the size of the bony defect and available resources. None has proved to be the favourable one. We have analysed the advantages and shortcomings of various methods used. In our case, a 33-year-old male patient presented with a large adamantinoma of the midtibial region of the left leg, which was managed with excision and reconstruction of long segment bony defect with free vascularized osteocutaneous fibula flap. There are osseointegration and hypertrophy of the vascularized bone with good functional gain in long term follow-up. Autologous bone reconstruction after adamantinoma excision with microvascular free fibula flap in large bone segment defects salvage the limb with satisfactory functional outcome.

A rare case of spontaneous expulsive suprachoroidal haemorrhage in a glaucomatous eye treated with topical alpha-adrenergic agonist.

Spontaneous expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a rare ocular condition, which usually occurs after sudden decompression of the eyewall. Most of the cases of expulsive hemorrhage reported had a predisposing glaucoma with the combination of corneal pathology. We are reporting a case of spontaneous expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage in a glaucoma patient probably due to perpetuated inflammatory reaction and frequent eye rubbing induced by allergic reaction to topical alpha adrenergic agonist in a compromised cornea.

Secondary Childhood glaucoma - a rare association in Seckel syndrome.

A case of 12-year-old male with Seckel syndrome, presented with unilateral glaucoma leading to advanced disc damage hence, visual deterioration. Seckel syndrome being a rare inherited disorder characterized by growth delay and unique facial features, had been infrequently reported for ophthalmic anifestation especially glaucoma. Though glaucoma is a rare association in Seckel syndrome, screening at an early stage could help in preventing vision loss.

Consumption of fruits, vegetables and salt in the context of control of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND: Proper diet is necessary to control hypertension and diabetes. This paper describes the combined fruit and vegetable, and salt intake of adults (>=18 years) who were detected to have hypertension or diabetes. METHODS: We analysed the data from a state-wide survey of 12012 adults using the World Health Organization STEPs for NCD risk factor surveillance. We evaluated the recommended intake of fruit and vegetable (>=5 servings/day) and salt (<5 gm/day) across participants divided into four strata, and the probabilities were also estimated using the fitted multiple binary logistic regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 13.9% (95%CI: 12.2%-15.9%) and 29.4% (95%CI: 28%-30.8%) of participants consumed the recommended level of fruit and vegetable, and salt, respectively. Adjusted odds ratios were not significantly different across the four strata based on the status of treatment and control of diabetes or hypertension. The likelihood of following the recommended fruit and vegetable intake was highest for 50-69-year-old females with above high school education, obese, under treatment for diabetes or hypertension, and had normal values of FBS and BP (0.28). The likelihood for recommended salt intake was highest for 50-69-year-old males with above high school education and had normal BMI, under treatment for diabetes or hypertension, and had normal values of FBS and BP (0.69). CONCLUSION: The status of diabetes or hypertension did not show considerable influence in the fruit, vegetable, and salt intake of adults in general. A detailed exploration of the accessibility and acceptability of such recommended intakes in the Kerala context is warranted.

High temperature induced changes in quality and yield parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and similarity coefficients among genotypes using SSR markers.

High temperature induced by climatic fluctuations are an important threat for plant growth, development and quality of agricultural produces. Adaptableness to environmental changes generally derives from a large set of genetic traits affecting physio-morphological, biochemical and agronomic parameters. Therefore, the identification of genotypes with higher yield and good quality parameters at high temperatures is becoming increasingly necessary for future breeding programs. Here, we analyzed the performance of different tomato genotypes grown under elevated temperatures in terms of yield and nutritional quality of the fruit. High temperature stress was induced from flower initiation to maturity stage by keeping the pots in a temperature controlled green house facility for 45 days. The quality and yield parameters were taken at the harvesting stage. Starch and soluble sugar concentration in the leaves of tomato genotypes showed significant reduction in its amount under heat stress. Titrable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content of tomato fruits were highest under high temperature conditions compared to ambient condition but lycopene content decreased with rise in temperature. The yield attributes viz., number of fruits/plant, fruit set %, average fruit weight (g), yield per plant (g/plant) were significantly lower for Arka Saurabh, Arka Rakshak and Pusa Rohini when compared to other genotypes under study. Molecular characterization of selected 22 tomato genotypes were assessed using 25 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by the unweighted neighbour-joining method (UPGMA) using NTSYSpc cluster analysis software. The Jaccard's similarity matrix was constructed using the SIMQUAL method using UPGMA algorithm in NTSYSpc. Jaccard's similarity matrix among these tomato genotypes ranged from a minimum of 0.22 to a maximum of 1 with an average genetic similarity of 0.67. Hence this study has importance in identifying genotypes that could maintain good quality and higher yield under high temperature condition.

Long-Term Surgical Outcomes of Primary Congenital Glaucoma in a South Indian Population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes of children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in a South Indian population. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Children with PCG who underwent primary surgery from 1997 through 2000 at a tertiary eye center in India with minimum of 5 years of follow-up. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included children with PCG who underwent trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy, or combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy (CTT) as primary surgery from 1997 through 2000 at a tertiary eye center in India with minimum of 5 years of follow-up. Survival analyses were performed to determine cumulative probability of complete and qualified success. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure (IOP) control, glaucoma medication use, surgical success rates, and complications. RESULTS: The study included 50 eyes of 31 patients. Mean age at initial surgery was 5 months (range, 5 days-48 months) and 19 patients (61.3%) showed bilateral disease. Mean duration of follow-up was 10.9 ± 3.10 years (range, 6-18 years). Mean IOP was reduced from 28.58 ± 9.78 mmHg (range, 10-59 mmHg) before surgery to 17.13 ± 7.62 mmHg after surgery (range, 5-42 mmHg; P < 0.001) at final follow-up. Survival analysis showed that the probability of surgical success with CTT was 77.8% at 1 year, 66.2% at 2 years, 53.0% at 5 years, and 16.6% at 15 years. Visual acuity at last available follow-up correlated with surgical success (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical success after long-term follow-up of children with PCG is low. The probability of surgical success declines over time. Children with PCG require life-long follow-up and management, even after initial surgical success, to prevent visual impairment and blindness.

Tuberculosis heralding connective tissue disorder.

Connective tissue diseases and infections are amongst the causes for organising pneumonia. However, organising pneumonia preceding other connective tissue disease manifestations is rare. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is rarely associated with organising pneumonia. We report such a case. A 50-year-old diabetic male, a roadside shop keeper, a current smoker presented with fever, breathlessness, cough and weight loss for four months. Chest radiography demonstrated areas of consolidation with halo signs. Anti-nuclear antibody blot was positive for Scl-70 and Jo-1 suggestive of a syndrome of systemic sclerosis and polymyositis overlap. Fibre-optic bronchoscopy guided lung biopsy was suggestive of organising pneumonia, and broncho-alveolar lavage detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be investigated as an aetiology of organising pneumonia, as this may occur in unestablished cases of connective tissue disease even before clinical and radiological manifestations appear, as response can be achieved with anti-tuberculosis therapy alone, without additional use of systemic steroids.