Dietary supplementation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets with bay laurel (Laurus nobilis): alleviation of oxidative stress and amelioration of immune response, serum biochemistry, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila.

Herbal plants can enhance immunity and alleviate oxidative stress in fish. Therefore, the present work was performed to evaluate the effects of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) on growth, immunity, antioxidant activities, disease resistance, and hematology in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 225 Nile tilapia fingerlings (average weight 15.36 ± 0.04 g) were divided into five treatment groups and fed with bay laurel at 0, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g/kg diet for 90 days. A completely randomized design with three replications was applied. The significantly (p < 0.05) improved weight growth (WG), food conversion ratio (FCR), average daily growth (ADG), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and survival rate were observed in fish fed with bay laurel-supplemented diet at the rate of 15 g/kg. Significantly improved red blood cells (RBCs) count, white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and significantly declined alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were found in the same diet-fed group. The immune response parameters such as nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT), lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, total serum protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, and albumin-globulin ratio were found significantly improved at 15 g/kg bay laurel supplemented diet. The improved antioxidant response (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant activity) was also observed in the same diet-fed group. Relative percent survival after the fish challenged against Aeromonas hydrophila was significantly (p < 0.05) different. Overall, bay laurel supplementation at a 15 g/kg diet improved the nutritional physiology and immunity and, therefore, could be a potential growth-promoting feed additive for aquaculture development.

Recent update on the electroactive oligopyrrolic macrocyclic hosts with a Bucky-ball heart.

Supramolecular chemistry is a multidisciplinary research area mostly associated with the investigation of host-guest interactions within intricate three-dimensional (3D) molecular architectures held together reversibly by various non-covalent interactions. Continuous efforts to develop such kinds of complex host-guest systems with designer oligopyrrolic macrocyclic receptors are a rapidly growing research domain, which is deeply involved in applied supramolecular chemistry research. These host-guest supramolecular complexes can be constructed by combining suitable electron-rich oligopyrrolic donors (as a host) with complementary electron-poor guests (as acceptors), held together by the ionic force of attraction triggered by intermolecular charge/electron transfer (CT/ET) transitions. Some of these resulting CT/ET ensembles are potential candidates for the construction of efficient optoelectronic materials, optical sensors, molecular switches, etc. In this Feature Article we aim to focus on these supramolecular ensembles composed by size and shape complementary electroactive oligopyrrolic molecular containers, which are suitable for spherical guest (e.g., buckminsterfullerene) complexation. We also provide a "state-of-the-art" overview on plausible applications of these particular host-guest systems. Our aim is to cover only specific electron-rich tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-based oligopyrrolic receptors, e.g., TTF-calix[4]pyrroles, TTF-cryptands, TTF-porphyrins and exTTF-porphyrin-based molecular motifs reported to date, along with a brief outlining of their "functional behaviour" in materials chemistry research.

Giant Epidermal Cyst of Floor of Mouth: Case Report.

Introduction: The epidermoid cysts of the mouth are located on the mid line of the floor of mouth, most likely caused by the retention of the germinal epithelium during the growth of the mandible and hyoid branchial arches. Here, we present a case of large epidermoid cyst involving sublingual region.

Imaging manifestations of IgG4-related disease.

IgG4-related disease is a multisystem immune-mediated disorder associated with lesions manifesting an IgG4-rich plasma cell infiltrate and often raised serum IgG4 concentrations. The disease can mimic neoplastic, infective, and inflammatory processes due to features such as development of masses or organ enlargement. Prompt consideration of this diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary investigations and offer appropriate treatments, which can include steroids and other immunosuppressive agents. Although histology is typically diagnostic, imaging is critical to assess disease burden, determine biopsy targets, and evaluate response to treatment. Characteristic imaging features can also point towards the diagnosis in the absence of biopsy. This review highlights these features, as well as more atypical findings, grouped by organ or system. Differential diagnoses are emphasised. The full spectrum of imaging methods is discussed. Whole-body imaging with integrated 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has an evolving role in the detection of multi-organ involvement and subsequent follow-up.

Determination of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC in the paddy ecosystem and its risk assessment.

Chlorantraniliprole belongsto theanthranilic diamide group is widely used against broad range of lepidopteron pests in a variety of vegetable and rice pests includingyellow rice stem borer and leaf folder. Supervised field trials were conducted duringRabi (2018-2019) and Kharif (2019) to evaluate the dissipation pattern and risk assessment of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC in paddy ecosystem following foliar application at 30 and 60 g a.i. ha-1 in two different cropping seasons.Modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) technique was used for the extraction of CAP residues with acetonitrile and determined by LC-MS/MS (ESI +).The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.01 µg g-1 for paddy leaf, straw, husk, and brown rice, respectively and 0.005 µg g-1 for soil. The average recoveries obtained were 84.30-88.92% from paddy leaf, 94.25-97.81% from straw, 90.21-93.38% from husk, 93.57-96.40% from brown rice and 89.93-91.14% from soil. The residues in paddy leaf dissipated within 35-40 days with a half-life of 4.33-5.07 days in Rabi and 3.92-4.86 days in Kharif at 30 and 60 g a.i. ha-1, respectively. The residues in soil dissipated within 15-21 days with a half-life of 14.44-15.75 days in Rabi and 13.33-14.44 days in Kharif at respective doses. At harvest chlorantraniliprole residues were not detected in straw, husk, and brown rice. The dietary risk of paddy leaf (green fodder) for cattle was found safe for consumption as the hazard index is less than one. Soil ecological risk assessment was found to be less than one (RQ < 0.1) for earthworms (Eisenia foetida) and arthropods (Aphidiusrhopalosiphi). The presentmethod could be useful inthe analysis ofchlorantraniliproleresidues in different cereals and vegetable crop ecosystems and application at recommended dose is safe for the final produce at harvest.

Genetic enhancement of Trichoderma asperellum biocontrol potentials and carbendazim tolerance for chickpea dry root rot disease management.

Advances in biocontrol potentials and fungicide resistance are highly desirable for Trichoderma. Thus, it is profitable to use mutagenic agents to develop superior strains with enhanced biocontrol properties and fungicide tolerance in Trichoderma. This study investigates the N-methyl-n-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) (100 mg/L) induced mutants of Trichoderma asperellum. Six NTG (3 each from 1st & 2nd round) induced mutants were developed and evaluated their biocontrol activities and carbendazim tolerance. Among the mutant N2-3, N2-1, N1 and N2-2 gave the best antagonistic and volatile metabolite activities on inhibition of chickpea F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, B. cinerea and R. bataticola mycelium under in vitro condition. Mutant N2-2 (5626.40 µg/ml) showed the highest EC50 value against carbendazim followed by N2-3 (206.36 µg/ml) and N2-1 (16.41 µg/ml); and succeeded to sporulate even at 2000 µg/ml of carbendazim. The biocontrol activity of N2-2 and N2 with half-dose of carbendazim was evaluated on chickpea dry root rot under controlled environment. Disease reduction and progress of the dry root rot was extremely low in T7 (N2-2 + with half-dose of carbendazim) treatment. Further, carbendazim resistant mutants demonstrated mutation in tub2 gene of ß-tubulin family which was suggested through the 37 and 183 residue changes in the superimposed protein structures encoded by tub2 gene in N2 and N2-2 with WT respectively. This study conclusively implies that the enhanced carbendazim tolerance in N2-2 mutant did not affect the mycoparasitism and plant growth activity of Trichoderma. These mutants were as good as the wild-type with respect to all inherent attributes.

Identification of genomic regions governing moisture and heat stress tolerance employing association mapping in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

BACKGROUND: Rice crop is damaged extremely by abiotic stress world-wide. The best approach to enhance drought tolerance in rice varieties is to identify and introgress yield QTLs with major effects. The Association mapping approach helps in the identification of genomic regions governing physiological, yield and yield attributes under moisture and heat stress conditions in diverse collections of crop germplasm, based on historic recombination events and linkage disequilibrium across the genome. METHODS AND RESULTS: The association mapping panel of 110 rice germplasm lines exhibited significant variation for all the traits in both irrigated and moisture stress conditions. The extent of yield reduction ranged to 83% during rabi, 2018-19, 53% in rabi, 2019-20 and 68% in pooled analysis. The genotypes Badami, Badshabhog, Pankaj, Varalu, Vasundhara, Vivekdhan, Krishna and Minghui63 exhibited drought tolerance with least yield penalty under moisture stress conditions. The genotypes Konark, MTU3626, NLR33671, PR118 and Triguna exhibited minimal reduction in heat stress tolerance traits. Association mapping of germplasm using 37808 SNP markers detected a total of 10 major MTA (Marker-trait association) clusters distributed on chromosomes 1, 3, 4 and 11 through mixed linear model (MLM) governing multiple traits from individual data analysis which are consistent across the years and situations. The pooled data generated a total of five MTA clusters located on chromosome 6. In addition, several novel unique MTAs were also identified. Heat stress analysis generated a total of 23 MTAs distributed on chromosomes 1, 5, 6 and 11. Candidate gene analysis detected a total of 53 and 38 genes under individual and pooled data analysis for various yield and yield attributes under control and moisture stress conditions, respectively and a total of 11 candidate genes in heat stress Conditions. CONCLUSION: The major and novel MTAs identified in the present investigation for various drought and heat tolerant traits can be utilized for breeding climate-resilient rice varieties. The candidate genes predicted for key MTAs are of great value to deploy into the rice breeding after functional characterization.

Intestinal Obstruction Due to an Incarcerated Obturator Hernia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

An obturator hernia (OH) is a rare form of pelvic hernia in which the abdominal contents protrude through the obturator canal. Malnourished, frail, and multiparous elderly females are at risk of an OH. Preoperative diagnosis of obturator hernia is challenging because of non-specific symptoms. Most of the cases of OH reported in the literature are diagnosed during a laparotomy for acute intestinal obstruction. However, a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the abdomen is the best diagnostic investigation for OH. The morbidity and mortality are high because of the associated complications. We report a case of an obturator hernia in a 79-year-old cachectic female with features of acute intestinal obstruction and the usefulness of a CT scan in the preoperative diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing disastrous complications.

Correlation of Prognostic Markers {CEA, Ca19.9, Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR)} With Progression Free Survival (PFS) in Advanced/Metastatic Gallbladder Carcinoma.

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is likely to be diagnosed at progressive stages and shows a very poor prognosis. Combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GEMCIS) has been widely used as first line palliative chemotherapy. Prognostic significance of inflammatory markers Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in advanced gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is not well established. MATERIAL: 30 patients who were diagnosed as advanced/ metastatic gallbladder carcinoma with age more than 18 years were included. All patients who were fit to receive chemotherapy was started on gemcitabine 1000mg/m2 and cisplatin 25mg/m2 (GEMCIS) administered intravenously on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks. The treatment was repeated for a total of 6 cycles or until the occurrence of unacceptable toxicity, loss to follow up, confirmation of disease progression or death. All the patients underwent Contrast enhanced CT scan along with markers NLR, PLR, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA19.9) at the baseline and at the end of 3 and 6 cycles of chemotherapy and the tumour response was assessed based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours RECIST 1.1 criteria. Progression free survival was calculated from the date of documentation of best response. The response was correlated with markers CEA, CA19.9, NLR and PLR. OBSERVATION: At a cut-off of NLR (>3 ng/ml) and PLR (>190) predicts progression with a sensitivity of 91% and 100% respectively and both with a specificity of 100%. Out of 30 participants 11 (36.7%) had disease progression (p<0.001). Disease progression noted in 8 participants (26.7%) after 3 cycles (P<0.001) and in 3 participants (13.6%) after 6 cycles of chemotherapy (p <0.001). Disease control rate was 63.33%: 01(3.3%) patient with complete response, 07(23.3%) patients with partial response, 11(36.7%) patients with stable disease. Mean progression free survival in participants associated with progressive disease was 11.45±5.54 weeks (p <0.001). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >3 (95%CI 7.6-13.6; log rank test P<0.01) and Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) >190 (95%CI 7.67-8.83; log rank test p<0.001) were significantly associated with worse progression free survival. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of NLR (>3) and PLR (>190) have prognostic value to predict progression free survival (PFS) in advanced gallbladder carcinoma patients on palliative chemotherapy. NLR and PLR can be used as prognostic markers in advanced gallbladder carcinoma.

Distribution and pathogenic diversity in Fusarium udum Butler isolates: the causal agent of pigeonpea Fusarium wilt.

BACKGROUND: Fusarium wilt (Fusarium udum Butler), an important soil-borne disease of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.)], causes significant yield losses across the major pigeonpea production regions. Widespread and high diversity in F. udum hampers the breeding for pigeonpea wilt resistance. The study aimed to elucidate the pathogenic diversity and distribution of F. udum variants in major pigeonpea growing regions of India. RESULTS: The roving survey was conducted in major pigeonpea-growing states of India to collect the F. udum isolates. Pathogenic variability of 60 F. udum isolates which are selected from diverse geographical locations and pathogenicity test were performed against 11 pigeonpea host differentials cultivars [ICP 8858, ICP 8859, ICP 8862, ICP 8863, ICP 9174, C 11, BDN 1, BDN 2, LRG 30, ICP 2376 and Bahar (ICP 7197)]. The current study indicated distribution of F. udum isolates into nine variants (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Variant-2 and 3 were found to be widespread and predominant in most pigeonpea producing regions. Variant-7 (Karnataka) and Variant-8 (Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra) were found highly virulent, as most of the host differentials were susceptible to these variants. Three host differential cultivars namely ICP 9174, BDN-2 and Bahar (ICP 7197) were found resistant to most of the F. udum isolates. CONCLUSION: The present study generated significant information in terms of variants of F. udum which could be used further for the deployment of location-specific wilt resistant cultivars for optimized disease-management strategies. Study is also useful for development of broad-based wilt resistant cultivars to curtail the possible epidemics.

Clinical studies in Ayurveda: A bibliometric analysis of articles indexed in AYUSH research portal.

Bibliometric analysis is a standard method for evaluating the quality and quantity of published articles. AYUSH research portal (ARP) is meant for the dissemination of research findings in the domains of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa, and Homoeopathy and allied faculties. The study attempts to understand the trend of published Ayurveda clinical trial-based articles in terms of quality and quantity. Three perspectives of research output assessed in this study are productivity in the field of Ayurveda, evidence from articles, and its involvement with the body system where disease or malfunctions are induced. Based on the study, it is observed that the highest number of articles have been published under the musculoskeletal, endocrine/metabolic/nutritional categories, and skin. Further, it is observed that only 4.50% of articles are categorized under the evidence of Grade "A" (randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) as per the World Health Organization's traditional medicine research guidelines. Out of the top 20 journals which publish Ayurveda-based research works, only five journals are indexed in reputed indexing platforms viz., PubMed and Scopus. The findings indicate that, Ayurveda clinical trials have to be planned meticulously and carried out as per the RCT guidelines for producing quality evidence so that the abysmal percentage of grade-A category articles will increase in ARP. Further, the journals, which are not yet indexed in standard indexing platforms, must strive to secure a place in them to ensure access to appropriate peers and effective dissemination of findings.

A new host record for Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis (16Sr XIV-A) associated with phyllody and fasciation of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) from India.

Linseed commonly called as flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated widely in Northern parts of Karnataka. During, 2019 (January-February), a characteristic disease was noticed with symptoms that resembled phytoplasma or like disease symptoms. The incidence was ranged from 6·5 to 16·5% in the experimental station of Raichur Agricultural University. The typical symptoms observed were virescence of floral parts, fasciation of the inflorescence axis, phyllody, stunted and flattened stem with reduced leaves. Symptomatic and healthy samples were collected and processed for molecular detection of phytoplasma. Total DNA was isolated from four infected plants and two healthy plants. The 16S rDNA region was amplified using P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2 primer pair which showed the amplification of expected amplicon size from all four infected samples. Furthermore, the SecA gene was amplified using SecA1/SecA3 primers. The PCR amplified products were subjected for direct sequencing from both directions and the consensus sequences were obtained and nBLAST search analysis revealed that the 16Sr RNA and SecA sequences were sharing maximum similarity (100%) with the reference sequence of Ca. P. cynodontis. The sequences were analysed phylogenetically by constructing a Phylogram independently by NJ method along with reference sequence of 16S rRNA region and SecA region retrieved from GenBank database showed that the phytoplasma sequence from linseed phyllody of the present study placed in a distinct clade along with reference sequence of "Ca. P. cynodontis" thus confirming the identity phylogenetically. Furthermore, iPhyClassifier and virtual RFLP proved that the phytoplasma belonged to 16SrXIV (subgroup A) phytoplasma. Previously linseed is known to be associated with 16SrII-D phytoplasma but the association of the 16SrXIV-A group of phytoplasma is not reported so far. Therefore, this is the new host record for Ca. P. cynodontis (16SrXIV-A) phytoplasma associated with linseed stem fasciation, phyllody from India.

Imaging of transcatheter aortic valve replacement complications.

Aortic stenosis is increasing in incidence and is now commonly managed with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in intermediate and high-risk patients. Radiologists are likely to encounter patients undergoing this procedure both pre- and postoperatively, and therefore, an understanding of procedural complications is essential. Complications may relate to the access site or approach, or the valve itself. This article will review the most common complications described in literature and focuses on the role of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in their evaluation either exclusively, or complementary to other imaging methods.

Comparison of the Anchorage Value of the First Molars Supported with Implant and First Molars Supported with Second Molar during En Masse Retraction.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of mini-implants as adjuncts for intraoral anchorage units for en masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 15 patients (10 females and 5 males). The samples were compared for anchorage loss with the implant-supported molar and conventional molar contralaterally in both the maxilla and mandible after six months of retraction period. The mini-implants used were 1.5 mm in diameter and 8 mm in length and were inserted in the first and third quadrant between the roots of second premolar and first molar under local anesthesia at an angle of 45°. For en masse retraction, active tiebacks with ligating (100g) were used bilaterally extending from molar hooks to J-hook on a 0.019" × 0.025" stainless steel arch wire. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after retraction for assessing the loss of anchorage in maxillary and mandibular first molars. RESULTS: Anchorage loss of 1.46 mm in the maxilla and 1.36 mm in mandible was found with conventional molar anchorage, whereas no statistically significant anchorage loss was found in the implant-supported molar side. CONCLUSION: Implant-supported molar side showed better anchorage compared with the conventional molar side. Hence, implant-supported molar can be used as an absolute anchorage unit in the en masse retraction of anterior teeth.

Late Steroid Withdrawal Following AB0-Incompatible Renal Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence on steroid withdrawal following AB0-incompatible (AB0i) renal transplantation is low. We compared clinical outcomes of patients who agreed to late steroid withdrawal and patients who remained on steroid treatment. METHODS: Steroid withdrawal was carried out in 11 patients at ≥12 months after transplantation (group W). For comparison, we analyzed 19 patients who remained on triple immunosuppression including steroids (group M). Minimum follow-up was 24 months following transplantation and 12 months after steroid withdrawal. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, including observation times, were not different between groups W and M. Graft survival was 100% in group W compared with 84% (16/19) in group M (P = .15). In group M, 1 patient experienced graft failure because of suspected antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) following temporary cessation of mycophenolate treatment after a diagnosis of cryptococcal pneumonia. Two patients died with functioning graft because of sepsis. In group W, we observed 1 episode of ABMR following steroid withdrawal. At the end of follow-up, estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were 54 (19-91) versus 60 (15-85) mL/min/1.73 m2 in group W versus M, respectively (P = .67). CONCLUSIONS: Late steroid withdrawal following AB0i transplantation is feasible at a moderate risk of rejection. We recommend close monitoring of renal function and HLA antibodies during and after steroid withdrawal. On the other hand, the occurrence of severe infections causing death and graft loss in patients on triple maintenance immunosuppression including steroids should remind us to consider the overall immunosuppressive burden.

Characterization of phytotoxin producing Alternaria species isolatedfrom sesame leavesand their toxicity.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), is an important oilseed crop in the tropics and subtropics, referred as "Queen of Oilseeds" owing to its high cooking quality and medicinal value. Sesame production, particularly in India, has been declining since last decade and 'Leaf blight' caused by Alternaria spp. is reported to cause yield loss up to 30-40%. Here, we investigated the fungal toxin produced by Alternaria and its pathogenicity. A total of 164 Alternaria strainswere isolated on potato dextrose agar media from the infected sesame leaves showing circular concentric rings with dark brown spots symptoms. All the isolates were screened for cultural and morphological characters. Colour of the fungus was grey to dark brown, formed smooth, raised, fluffy, and regular to irregular margins. Among 164 isolates, 43 isolates were moderately growing and 121 were fast in growth. The DNA of the isolate was amplified with ITS primers and sequence of BLAST results confirmed seven different species of Alternaria of NCBI database. Further, toxigenic potentiality of the isolates was tested with dilutions of culture filtrate (1:1 to 1:5) on sesame leaves. Among 164 isolates, 23 showed toxigenicity, varied from highly toxigenic to least toxigenic. Pathogenicity of the isolates showed that they were highly virulent to less virulent when tested by the detached leaf method. Based on the toxigenicity, the toxin was partially purified and brown coloured paste was recovered. Chemistry of the toxin was confirmed based on the IR, UV, NMR and mass spectra analyses, and it resembled the structure of alternariol mono methyl ether and altenuene which are mycotoxins in nature. Further, bioassay of toxin was carried out at different concentrations (50 to 2000 ppm) on seeds and seedlings of sesame. Maximum inhibition of seed germination of 81.1% was observed at 2000 ppm and the least was 6.67% at 50 ppm. With the increase in the concentration of toxin, the manifestation of the symptom was conspicuous and quick such as marginal, veinal necrosis, drooping and yellowing with lesion formation. From the present study, it is found that the species of Alternaria are responsible for the cause of blight disease symptoms and the toxicity of toxin produced by the pathogen was very high. The Alternaria toxin could inhibit the growth of the plant as well as seed germination rate.

Identifying patients at risk of acute symptomatic seizure after ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Contributors to post-stroke seizure research have advocated the need for prospective studies of acute symptomatic seizures after stroke. Identification of the patient at risk of seizure and the impact of the event on outcome is a prerequisite for this kind of research. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors, make an outline for a risk score, and look at consequences of seizure on short-time clinical outcomes. METHODS: This registry-based study included patients with ischemic stroke admitted between 2007 and 2013. We identified variables associated with the presence of acute symptomatic seizures and made a risk score. Clinical outcome measures were modified Rankin scale, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and death at discharge or at day seven. RESULTS: A total of 2598 ischemic stroke patients were included, 66 experiencing seizure within seven days of stroke. We found diabetes mellitus, NIHSS on admission, and cortical lesion to be associated with the risk of seizure. The risk score had a sensitivity of 58%, specificity of 85%, and a positive predictive value of 9% with a three-point cutoff. We found a negative effect of seizure on survival in mild-to-moderate strokes after adjusting for infections and stroke severity. CONCLUSIONS: Because of low incidence and the lack of specific risk factors, acute symptomatic seizure after ischemic stroke is hard to predict. The negative effect of seizure on stroke outcome is uncertain, and more thorough studies are needed because of possible subtle or non-overt seizures.

PGP potential, abiotic stress tolerance and antifungal activity of Azotobacter strains isolated from paddy soils.

Azotobacter strains were isolated by serial dilution method and colonies were viscous, smooth, glistening, and brown to black colour on Jenson's N-free agar. Morphological and biochemical tests showed characteristic features of Azotobacter. Further, molecular analyses revealed the presence of different Azotobacter species viz., A. armeniacus, A. chroococcum, A. salinestris, A. tropicalis and A. vinelandii. The isolates were tested for their ability of nitrogen fixation, indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberllic acid production and phosphate solubilization. Four isolates (GVT-1, GVT-2 KOP-11 and SND-4) were efficient in fixation of highest amount of N2 (29.21 µg NmL(-1) day(-1)), produced IAA (25.50 µg mL(-1)), gibberllic acid (17.25 µg 25 mL(-1)) and formed larger P solubilizing zone (13.4 mm). Some of the Azotobacter strains were produced siderophores, hydrogen cyanide and were positive for ammonia production with respect to antifungal activity of Azotobacter was tested with dual culture method and A. tropicalis inhibited the growth of Fusarium, Aspergillus and Alternaria species. Azotobacter isolates were tested against salt (0-10%), temperature (4-55 degrees C), pH (5.0-10) and insecticide chloropyrifos (0-3%) tolerance study. Among them, A. chroococcum was found tolerant to a maximum of 6% NaCl with a temperature of 35-45 degrees C and to a pH up to 8. All the 4 strains showed effective growth against 3% chloropyrifos concentration. The studies revealed that the Azotobacter strains not only produced plant growth promoting substances but are also tolerant to abiotic stresses such as temperature, pH and insecticides.