A Torquoselective Thermal 6π-Electrocyclization Approach to 1,4-Cyclohexadienes via Solvent-Aided Proton Transfer: Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

The thermal 6π-electrocyclization of hexatriene typically delivers 1,3-cyclohexadiene (1,3-CHD). However, there is only limited success in directly synthesizing 1,4-cyclohexadiene (1,4-CHD) using such an approach, probably due to the difficulty in realizing thermally-forbidden 1,3-hydride shift after electrocyclic ring closure. The present study shows that by heating (2E,4E,6E)-hexatrienes bearing ester or ketone substituents at the C1-position in a mixture of toluene/MeOH or EtOH (2 : 1) solvents at 90-100 °C, 1,4-CHDs can be selectively synthesized. This is achieved through a torquoselective disrotatory 6π-electrocyclic ring closure followed by a proton-transfer process. The success of this method depends on the polar protic solvent-assisted intramolecular proton transfer from 1,3-CHD to 1,4-CHD, which has been confirmed by deuterium-labeling experiments. There are no reports to date for such a solvent-assisted isomerization. Density functional theory (DFT) studies have suggested that forming 1,3-CHD and subsequent isomerization is a thermodynamically feasible process, regardless of the functional groups involved. Two possible successive polar solvent-assisted proton-transfer pathways have been identified for isomerization.

Historical shifting in grain mineral density of landmark rice and wheat cultivars released over the past 50 years in India.

The 'Green Revolution (GR)' has been successful in meeting food sufficiency in India, but compromising its nutritional security. In a first, we report altered grain nutrients profile of modern-bred rice and wheat cultivars diminishing their mineral dietary significance to the Indian population. To substantiate, we evaluated grain nutrients profile of historical landmark high-yielding cultivars of rice and wheat released in succeeding decades since the GR and its impacts on mineral diet quality and human health, with a prediction for decades ahead. Analysis of grain nutrients profile shows a downward trend in concentrations of essential and beneficial elements, but an upward in toxic elements in past 50 y in both rice and wheat. For example, zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration in grains of rice decreased by ~ 33.0 (P < 0.001) and 27.0% (P < 0.0001); while for wheat it decreased by ~ 30.0 (P < 0.0001) and 19.0% (P < 0.0001) in past more than 50 y, respectively. A proposed mineral-diet quality index (M-DQI) significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased ~ 57.0 and 36.0% in the reported time span (1960-2010) in rice and wheat, respectively. The impoverished M-DQI could impose hostile effects on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like iron-deficiency anemia, respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal among the Indian population by 2040. Our research calls for an urgency of grain nutrients profiling before releasing a cultivar of staples like rice and wheat in the future.

Retromaxillary Cell: Radiological Analysis and Clinical Significance.

Retromaxillary cell (RMC), one of the anatomical variations of the posterior ethmoidal cell and is often overlooked during primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The incomplete removal of the disease from RMC leads to need for revision surgery. This study was aimed at analyzing Computed tomography scans of patients' paranasal sinuses for the incidence, types and radiological evaluation of Retromaxillary cell. Incidence of RMC was 74% (74/100 sides). The sex distribution was 31 (62%) males and 19 (38%) females. 34 patients (85%) had bilateral RMC and 6 patients (15%) had unilateral RMC. Lateral extension of RMC ranged from 1.03 to 11.3 mm. Out of 74 sides examined, 20 (27.02) were type I, 36 were type II (48.64%) and 18 (24.32%) were type III. The incidence of maxillary sinus disease on RMC sides and non-RMC sides has no significant difference (p < 0.5). RMC is lateral extension of posterior ethmoidal cell beneath the orbit and posterosuperior to maxillary sinus. The depth of the RMC is highly variable. The risk of residual disease in FESS is high in Type III RMC and one should pay attention to presence or absence of RMC and type of RMC prior to the endoscopic sinus surgery. Radiological study of RMC helps in preoperative planning and therefore intraoperative complete clearance of disease in endoscopic sinus surgery.

Laryngeal Schwannoma Triggered Life-threatening Acute Airway Obstruction- A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature.

Schwannoma in larynx is a rare presentaion. Laryngeal schwannomas are characterstically slow growing benign tumour usually arising from false cord and aryepiglottic fold with globus sensation being the most common presentation. Seldom it can present as stridor which need immediate intervention for survival of the patient. We present a case of 53 year female who presented with stridor at emergency and emergency tracheostomy was done. This patient had a history of dysphagia to solid food, hoarseness of voice and symptoms of aspirations. 70 degree rigid endoscopy and CEMRI of neck was performed to see the extent of the laryngeal lesion causing stridor. Tumor was excised completely by external transcervical approach. Histopathological reports suggested this tumor as schwannoma. Large obstructive laryngeal schwannoma though a unusual presentation but with immediate tracheostomy, proper diagnostic work up and precise surgical approach can give excellent recovery and post operative outcome for the patient.

Thermally Activated Geometrical Regioselective E→Z Isomerization-Enabled Cascade Sequences of Conjugated Dienals: Experimental and DFT Studies.

The geometrical regioselective E→Z isomerization of a conjugated alkene under thermal activation pose a challenge due to microscopic reversibility. Herein we report that such reversibility issues can be circumvented by integrating E→Z isomerization with subsequent cyclization cascade, particularly in the absence of commonly employed light, acids, or metal-catalysts. Thus, linearly conjugated dienals in a mixture of toluene-alcohol (2 : 1) solvents or only with alcohol at 60-70 °C can be converted to γ-alkoxybutenolides in moderate to good yields. The intermediary 2Z,4E-isomer can be isolated, which includes the first example of isolating the regioselective isomerization product under thermal conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) studies have been employed to shed light on the feasibility of geometrical alkene isomerization and ensuing cascade sequences. It has been observed that the regioselective 2E,4E→2Z,4E isomerization of dienal is a thermodynamically facile (ΔG <0) process. Structural elucidation further reveals that the presence of a certain charge transfer and a non-covalent interaction may be the primary reasons for the enhanced stability of the 2Z,4E-isomer. The thermodynamic plausibility of the subsequent cascade reaction from the Z-isomer to the anticipated product in the presence of a polar protic solvent (here MeOH) is also explicated. Out of the two probable pathways, the "hemiacetal pathway" involving a relay proton transfer is kinetically more feasible due to the diminished activation barrier than the "conjugate addition pathway".

Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus with Congenital Neurofibroma: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) is characterized by its large size and potential for transformation into melanoma. It can be associated with other neural cristopathies, including neurofibroma, however, it has not previously been described with a congenital neurofibroma. CASE REPORT: A newborn girl presented with a large congenital neurofibroma arising in a bathing trunk type of giant congenital melanocytic nevus. CONCLUSION: Congenital neurofibromas can be associated with (or a component of) a GCMN.

CardioSim: a PC-based cardiac signal simulator using segmental modeling of electrocardiogram.

Background: ECG modeling has wide application in signal representation, compression and synthetic ECG generation. Method: CardioSim generates synthetic ECG waveform in real-time using PC-based system. It provides dual facility of interface-based visualization with hardware-based waveform generation. It has two stages viz., development of reference model parameter database using Fourier model and generation of synthetic ECG waveform based on user defined parameters using normal and abnormal records (H, APC, PVC, LBBB, RBBB, P) from mitdb under PhysioNet. Result: It generates ten various ECG waveforms including one healthy and nine diseased rhythms from a single dynamic model with flexible user defined parameters. It gives higher reconstruction performance in terms of SNR and MSE. The mean SNR for different beat morphology is 89.2(H), 88.37(V), 86.32(A), 85.35(L), 97.22(P) and 83.3(R) and mean MSE is 2.45 × 10-6(H), 3.14 × 10-6(V), 8.98 × 10-6(A), 5.82 × 10-6(L), 0.43 × 10-6(P) and 0.25 × 10-6(R). Conclusion: It improves the performance parameters over published research work on ECG modeling and simulation. It can be used as a self-learning tool for entry level medical students.

Nickel-mediated lead dynamics and their interactive effect on lead partitioning and phytoremediation indices in spinach.

A greenhouse research was conducted to monitor lead (Pb) translocation dynamics in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) mediated by nickel (Ni) application. Each of the four levels of Pb (0, 100, 150, and 300 mg/kg) and Ni (0, 100, 150, and 300 mg/kg) was applied in different combinations in the pot experiment. A fully matured spinach crop was harvested and divided into biomass samples from the roots and above ground. ICP-OES was used to determine the concentrations of Pb and Ni in the samples. The increase in Pb application rate in soil resulted in a decrease in dry matter yield of plant roots and above-ground biomass, according to the findings. Pb accumulation was also found in significant amounts in roots and above-ground biomass. Pb was accumulated in greater quantities in the spinach roots than in the above-ground biomass. Pb uptake in spinach roots and above-ground biomass decreased when high dose of Ni was applied. The Ni application in spinach crop had a negative impact on various parameters of Pb uptake, including translocation factor, bioconcentration factor, translocation efficiency, and crop removal of Pb. Pb toxicity was reduced when higher doses of Ni (100 to 300 mg/kg) were applied to Pb-contaminated soil. The findings of this study could help researchers better understand how Pb and Ni interact, as well as how to treat soil that has been contaminated by industrial wastewater containing nickel and lead.

Alteration of contamination threat due to dilution effect on metal concentration in maize-wheat biomass on sludge amended clayey soil.

Industrial sludge often contains considerable amount of organic matter and plant nutrients to enhance crop production. However, its utilization in agriculture is viewed with concern as it also enhances the entry of toxic heavy metals into the agroecosystem. A field study was conducted to assess the potential of sludge generated from a soft beverage industry in cereal crops after critical analysis of benefits and contamination risks. The treatments were control, recommended doses of major fertilizers applied to both maize and following wheat crops, and organic amendments, viz., cattle dung manure and sludge at graded rates (2-50 t/ha) applied only to maize crop. Growth, yield, and heavy metal concentrations in plant parts were measured. Sludge application rates at ≥ 20 t/ha had significant direct as well as residual effects on crops in terms of enhancing their growth parameters and grain yields in comparison to the direct effects of fertilizer applications. It also enhanced Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in vegetative biomass of both crops even with the lowest rate of application, but had lower or little effect on their concentrations in grains. Sludge facilitated accumulation of metals in vegetative biomass of maize as indicated by increase in dynamic factor of bioaccumulation (BAdyn) to > 1. Relative uptake of added metals by maize biomass increased with increasing sludge rate up to 10 t/ha, but decreased significantly at the highest application rate. Heavy metals concentration in biomass due to increasing rates of sludge application was the result of a trade-off between their "increasing entry in soil-plant system" and "dilution in biomass" due to enhanced crop growth. Strategy for safe application of this contaminated sludge in agroecosystem was discussed through analysis of heavy metals transfer characteristics in soil-plant system. The study indicates that conjoint application of lower rates of both sludge and N fertilizer can minimize risk of heavy metals contamination while ensuring higher crop yields.

Wastewater irrigation in India: Current status, impacts and response options.

Wastewater generated from urban agglomerations in India is estimated to be 26.4 km3 annually and 28% of it is treated. This has a potential to irrigate about 2.1 million-ha agricultural land, contribute 4 million Mg of plant nutrients, generate 2.8 million person-days of employment and reduce green house gas (GHG) emission by 73.7 million Mg CO2-e. Farmers in peri-urban areas depend largely on raw and partially treated wastewater for livelihood via raising high value crops such as vegetable, fodders and fruits. Both controlled and uncontrolled disposal of waste waters leads to progressive and irreversible contamination of soils, surface and ground waters with pathogens, heavy metals and organic micro-contaminants and consequently their bio-transfer through the chain: sewage-soil-vegetation-animal-humans. This has led to the development of a considerable assortment of regulatory measures and guidelines aimed at reducing or eliminating wastewater related health risks. Because conventional treatment technologies are cost prohibitive, alternate methods based on biological and land treatment systems are being advocated. Since soils are the most logical sinks for wastewater, efforts are to optimise rates and methods of water application, quantify the sink capacity of soils to immobilise contaminants and protect the quality of produce. Reuse of diluted or undiluted wastewaters improves crop productivity by 10-36% though production sustainability depends on soil type, climatic conditions, crop grown, irrigation techniques and socio-political factors. Disposal of wastewater in tree plantations and constructed wetlands with consequent removal of toxic metals/compounds using hyper-accumulators/accumulators plants provide for a possible alternative. Ignoring the associated risks, using pisciculture for sewage disposal is quite popular in high rainfall areas. With growing water scarcities, it is utmost important to recognise wastewaters as a valuable resource and formulate appropriate policy initiatives considering the health and livelihood issues of the per-urban farmers and consumers of food as well as risks to environment.

Capillary Hemangioma of the External Auditory Canal Extending to Middle Ear and Mastoid Cavity: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature.

Capillary hemangioma  involving external auditory canal, middle ear and mastoid cavity is a very rare entity. Due to infrequent incidence but multiple overlapping clinical and radiological features amongst some common middle ear pathologies this benign vascular tumour often can be misdiagnosed. Histopathological report helps us to get definitive diagnosis. 40 years old female presented with diminished hearing and mass in right ear cavity for last 3 years. The otoscopic examination of right ear showed a pinkish polypoidal mass at the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane could not be visualized. Patient had a history of cortical mastoidectomy 2 years back for the similar problem. HRCT temporal bone revealed a single cavity with soft tissue density content in right mastoid cavity which was extending into right middle ear and external ear. Contrast Enhanced MRI showed a long polypoidal heterogeneously but strong enhancing T2 and STIR hyperintense lesion within mastoid antrum extending into middle ear cavity and external auditory canal forming an aural polyp. Excision of the mass was done by canal wall down mastoidectomy and also type IIIc tympanoplasty performed in same sitting. There is no recurrence noted after 6 months of follow up and hearing improvement noticed. Capillary haemangioma of mastoid antrum extending to middle ear and external auditory canal requires surgical excision as preferred treatment modality, pre-operative imaging guide us to choose the preferred surgical approaches.

Preparation of novel biodegradable starch/poly(vinyl alcohol)/bentonite grafted polymeric films for fertilizer encapsulation.

Sufficient hydroxyl moiety, ease of accessibility, biodegradability and reaction compatibility with other molecules make starch a basic ingredient for polymeric synthesis and to prepare encapsulated controlled release fertilizers. This article aims to prepare biodegradable clay-polymeric (starch/PVA) blended encapsulating films (CPSBs) from starch/PVA and economically feasible clay-fractioned bentonite for CPSB-encapsulated diammonium phosphate (DAP) production. The XRD, TEM and FTIR spectroscopy recognized the compatibility of bentonite with starch/PVA blend; several micropores in CPSB surface was visible through SEM. Relative crystallinity index, density of CPSBs increased with increasing bentonite content (0-20 wt%); but, porosity, water absorption was decreased. Half-life of CPSB-10 was 37.4, 40.1 and 51.9 days with Aspergillus awamori, Trichoderma viride and uninoculated soil, respectively. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) release data from CPSB-encapsulated-DAP and uncoated DAP fitted well to Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Overall, greater bentonite content stabilizes the CPSB structure and CPSB-encapsulation reduced the N and P release from DAP.

Potential of cotton for remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

The present research was conducted to study the potential of cotton for the remediation of soils contaminated with Cd, to understand the biochemical basis of its tolerance to, and to investigate the plant-microbe interaction in the rhizosphere for enhancement of phytoextraction of Cd. Cotton (Bt RCH-2) was exposed to four Cd levels (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg soil) in a completely randomised design and found that the plant could tolerate up to 200 mg/kg soil. Cd stress increased the total phenol, proline, and free amino acid contents in the plant leaf tissue compared with control but inhibited basal soil respiration, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, and activities of several enzymes viz. dehydrogenase, phosphatases, and ß-glucosidase in the soil over control. The concentration of Cd in the shoot was less than the critical concentration of 100 µg/g dry weight, and bioconcentration and translocation factors were < 1 to classify the plant as a hyperaccumulator of Cd. This was further confirmed by another experiment in which the cotton plant was exposed various higher levels of Cd (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg soil). Though the concentration of Cd in the shoot was > 100 µg g -1dw beyond 600 mg Cd/kg soil, the bioconcentration and translocation factors were < 1. The study on plant-microbe (Aspergillus awamori) interaction revealed that the fungus did not affect the absorption of Cd by cotton. It was concluded that the cotton was classified as an excluder of Cd and therefore could be suitable for the phytostabilization of Cd-contaminated soils.

Tolerance of cotton to elevated levels of Pb and its potential for phytoremediation.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the cotton plant's tolerance to Pb and its remediation potential. In the first experiment, the phytoremediation potential was determined by exposing the plant to four levels of Pb (0, 500, 750, and 1000 mg kg-1). The cotton plant exhibited an excellent tolerance index at Pb 1000 mg kg-1 (root 78.65% and shoot 93.08%) and lower grade of growth inhibition (root 21.35% and shoot 6.92%). Pb stress resulted in higher leakage of electrolytes and increased the synthesis of higher proline, total phenol, and free amino acid contents to mitigate stress. The plant could not meet the criteria of a hyperaccumulator of Pb. The concentration of Pb in the shoot was a mere 96 µg g-1 dry wt (< the critical judging concentration of 1000 µg g-1 dry wt), and bioconcentration and translocation factors were <1. The study established that cotton exhibited an exclusion mechanism of Pb. Further, the translocation efficiency (TE %) was very low, i.e., <50% (ranged from 49% at 500 mg kg-1 to 42% at 1000 mg kg -1), and the % of Pb removed by the crop was too little (on an average 0.1%). Pb inhibited the dehydrogenase activity (DHA) by 76%, fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis by 60%, and ß-glucosidase activity by 20%. However, applied Pb increased the population of actinomycetes by 3.21 times, but significantly decreased heterotrophic bacteria by 3.40 times and N2 fixers by over 53% over control. In the second experiment, the plant was exposed to very high Pb (0, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 mg kg -1) to determine the concentration up to which the plant will survive. The investigation revealed that plants could survive up to Pb 3000 mg kg-1. It confirmed the first experiment in the tolerance index, grade of growth inhibition, bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, and partitioning of Pb. Therefore, it was concluded that the cotton plant was an excluder of Pb and could be effectively cultivated for the phytostabilization of soils polluted with Pb.

Evaluation of Furcraea foetida (L.)Haw. for phytoremediation of cadmium contaminated soils.

In the present study, we evaluated Furcraea foetida for the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils. We selected F. foetida because it is a drought-resistant plant, produces high biomass, and needs minimum maintenance. It belongs to the leaf fiber group of plants and therefore has economic importance. Since it is a non-edible crop, there is no danger of food chain contamination. Despite possessing these ideal characteristics, surprisingly, to date, the plant is underutilized for phytoremediation purposes. Therefore, to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of the plant, we exposed it to five levels of cadmium (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg Cd kg-1 soil) and studied its influence on growth, dry matter production, uptake, and translocation efficiency. The plant showed good tolerance to Cd 200 mg kg-1 soil without exhibiting any visible toxicity symptoms. The metal mainly accumulated in the roots (233 µg g-1dw), followed by leaf (51 µg g-1 dw). The bioconcentration factor was > 1, but the translocation factor was < 1. The plant was not classified as a hyperaccumulator of Cd; however, because of its high uptake (897 µ g-1 plant) and translocation efficiency (78%), we concluded that the plant could be utilized for phytoextraction of Cd from soils with low to moderately contaminated soils.

Effects of Co-composting of Municipal Solid Waste and Pigeon Pea Biochar on Heavy Metal Mobility in Soil and Translocation to Leafy Vegetable Spinach.

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of co-composted products of municipal solid waste (MSW) and pigeon pea biochar (PPB) on heavy metal mobility in soil and its uptake by spinach. Application of municipal solid waste biochar co-compost (MSWBC) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the heavy metal content in spinach leaves and roots compared to municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) amended soil. The percent decrease in spinach leaf following the application of MSWBC-10% PPB compared to MSWC was 20.62%, 28.95%, 36.02%, 41.88%, 41.50%, and 41.23% for Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn, respectively. The dry matter yield of spinach and soil organic carbon (SOC) content in soil amended with MSWBC-10% PPB was significantly increased by 32.75% and 47.73%; and 17.62% and 27.45% relative to control and MSWC amended soil. The study concludes that co-composted product, MSWBC, stabilized heavy metals in MSW, reduced their uptake by spinach and thus making it a viable option for safe disposal of MSW.

A Radiological Evaluation of Bone Healing in Postextraction Sockets Following Bone Grafting Using Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate and Calcium Phosphosilicate: A Controlled Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Healing unbinds a well choreographed array of cellular, physiologic, biochemical, and molecular processes directed toward restoring the integrity and functional capacity of the damaged structures. The rate and degree of healing vary among individuals but is greatest during the first few months or years after tooth loss. Evidence suggests that alveolar bone ridge resorption may be prevented, initially by reconstructive surgical techniques using several materials which are employed at the time of extraction. This droves to the development of bone substitutes materials such as hydroxyapatite, beta tricalcium phosphate (ß TCP), and bioactive glasses. These regenerative materials not only act as an osteoconductive scaffold but also interact with the surrounding tissues and impart an osseostimulatory effect. METHODS: Twenty adult patients who required bilateral removal of homologous tooth, were informed and described regarding post extraction socket grafting using ß TCP and CPS followed by covering with Collagen Membrane. Radiographic densitometry evaluation of postoperative visits of immediate; 1st month; 3rd month; and 6th month using orthopantomograph was done. RESULTS: The Karl Pearson's Correlation coefficient was used to determine the degree of bone density with adjacent bone preoperatively and postoperatively. The statistical evaluation, CPS was more superior to ß TCP, with a difference of 58.75 and P value showed more significance (<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This article evaluates radiographically quality and quantity of bone formation in the socket, following extraction and bone grafting using Calcium Phosphosilicate (CPS) and ß TCP, it is concluded that the two modalities of treatment were efficient in improving the clinical outcome parameters as well as showed comparable regenerative effects when used in the treatment of "socket grafting" while between them CPS more superior to ß TCP biomaterials by Osteogenic properties.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices in Urban Slums of Eastern India.

BACKGROUND: The Sustainable Development Goals identified universal access to water and sanitation facilities as key components for improving health. We assessed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices and associated determinants among residents of urban slums in Kolkata, India. METHODS: Information on WASH practices was collected in 2 surveys (2018 and 2019) from participants of a prospective enteric fever surveillance conducted in 2 municipal wards of Kolkata. A composite WASH practice score was computed and a hierarchical stepwise multiple linear regression model constructed to identify key determinants of improved WASH score. RESULTS: Over 90% of households had access to piped water; 6% reported access to continuous supply. Adult women (61% in 2018; 45% in 2019) spent 20 minutes daily to fetch water. Access to improved latrines was almost universal, although 80% used shared facilities. Unhealthy disposal of children's stools was reported in both rounds. Food hygiene practices were high, with most (>90%) washing uncooked items before eating; frequent consumption of street food items was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The study area reported high WASH coverage. Unhygienic behavioral patterns predisposing to food- or water-borne diseases were also noted. Awareness building and sustainable community mobilization for food hygiene needs to be emphasized to ensure community well-being.

Accumulation of essential and non-essential trace elements in rice grain: Possible health impacts on rice consumers in West Bengal, India.

Rice is the major staple food to the population in rural West Bengal, India and Bangladesh. Depletion and excess accumulation of different trace elements, which are essential and non-essential to the human body, in rice can have a detrimental impact on the rice consumer. Therefore, this study has investigated the accumulation of different trace elements in rice consumed in rural households in West Bengal. The mean concentration (mg kg-1) of essential elements in rice follows the order of Fe (39.4) > Zn (9.79) > Mn (4.40) > Cu (3.26) > Se (0.28) > Co (0.03), while this order for non-essential elements is Pb (1.70) > As (0.34) > Ni (0.22) > Cd (0.04). In general, accumulation in rice is higher for elements that show higher mobility under reducing conditions (e.g. Fe, Mn, As, etc.) compared to elements with lower mobility under such conditions (e.g. Se, Cd, etc.). These orders of accumulation can be attributed to the irrigation practice of continuous flooding of the soil during rice cultivation and the abundance of these elements in the paddy soil itself. By combining these analytical results to the data obtained from questionnaire survey it is estimated that rice consumption can be either enough or a major source to fulfill the daily requirement of Fe, Cu, Se, Mn, and Zn necessary for different physiological functions in the human body for the population in rural Bengal. At the same time, it can be a potential route of As, Cd, Ni, and Pb exposure to develop their non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects among the population. This study highlights that attempts should be made to reduce the accumulation of other non-essential elements together with As in rice grain to ensure the health safety of the people who rarely get a balanced diet and relay on rice consumption to meet the daily calorific intake in rural Bengal.

Von Recklinghausen's Disease Presenting as Otolaryngologic Emergency: A Rare Occurrence.

Type 1 Neurofibromatosis (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder. There are seven clinical features of which two are necessary to diagnose it. Another important feature is plexiform neurofibroma which commonly presents as painful expansile lesion. Here we present a case of NF1 with huge swelling of left hemiface and chin following trauma over pre-existing swelling and presented as life threatening emergency and managed surgically.