Repurposing of known drugs for COVID-19 using molecular docking and simulation analysis.

We selected fifty one drugs already known for their potential disease treatment roles in various studies and subjected to docking and molecular docking simulation (MDS) analyses. Five of them showed promising features that are discussed and suggested as potential candidates for repurposing for COVID-19. These top five compounds were boswellic acid, pimecrolimus, GYY-4137, BMS-345541 and triamcinolone hexacetonide that interacted with the chosen receptors 1R42, 4G3D, 6VW1, 6VXX and 7MEQ, respectively with binding energies of -9.2 kcal/mol, -9.1 kcal/mol, -10.3 kcal/mol, -10.1 kcal/mol and -8.7 kcal/mol, respectively. The MDS studies for the top 5 best complexes revealed binding features for the chosen receptor, human NF-kappa B transcription factor as an important drug target in COVID-19-based drug development strategies.

Procalcitonin levels in maternal serum and cord blood as marker for diagnosis of early onset neonatal sepsis.

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Procalcitonin in maternal serum and umbilical cord blood samples to predict Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). Study Design: It was a Prospective analytical cohort study. Pregnant women ≥ 34 weeks gestation in active labour, with risk factors for EONS were included in the study. Maternal blood samples at recruitment and umbilical cord blood samples after delivery were taken for Total leucocyte count (TLC), high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Procalcitonin. Newborns were classified into non-infected, suspected and proven infection. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of maternal and cord blood procalcitonin, TLC and hs-CRP were calculated. Results: A total of 200 women were recruited. Maternal procalcitonin had a superior diagnostic accuracy of 99% compared to maternal TLC and maternal hs-CRP. Also, cord blood procalcitonin had a diagnostic accuracy of 95%. Conclusion: Procalcitonin in both maternal as well as cord blood is a promising biomarker to detect EONS with high diagnostic accuracy.

Comparison of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) and WHO criteria for diagnosis of gestational diabetes by assessment of fetomaternal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fetomaternal outcomes in women who are normoglycemic by Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) but have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by WHO criteria versus those who are normoglycemic by both DIPSI and WHO criteria. METHODS: This was a prospective, cohort study. A total of 635 women participated. They underwent a 2-h non-fasting oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and results were interpreted by DIPSI. Out of 635 women, 52 were lost to follow up and 33 were diagnosed as GDM by DIPSI and excluded from the study. The remaining 550 women, after 72 h from the first test, underwent a 75-g fasting-OGTT and results were interpreted using WHO 2013 criteria. Results of the second test were blinded till delivery. The 550 women were followed for fetomaternal outcomes. Participants with normal DIPSI and normal WHO 2013 OGTT were labeled group 1. Participants with normal DIPSI but abnormal WHO 2013 OGTT were labeled group 2. Fetomaternal outcomes were compared between these groups. RESULTS: Occurrence of GDM by DIPSI was 5.1%, by WHO 2013 criteria it was 10.5%. Composite fetomaternal outcomes occurred more commonly in women with a normal DIPSI but an abnormal WHO 2013 test. Out of 550 women, 492 had normal DIPSI and normal WHO 2013 test. Out of this 492, 116 (23.6%) women had adverse fetomaternal outcomes. Fifty-eight women out of 550 had a normal DIPSI but an abnormal WHO 2013 test. Thirty-seven (63.8%) women out of 58 had adverse fetomaternal outcomes. We found statistically significant association between adverse fetomaternal outcome and GDM by WHO 2013 test (with normal DIPSI test). CONCLUSION: WHO 2013 has superior diagnostic value compared with DIPSI criteria for diagnosis of GDM.

To Evaluate Correlation of Serum Copeptin with Severity of Liver Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhosis is defined as a diffuse process in the liver characterized by the development of extensive Fibrosis and replacement of the normal hepatic architecture by structurally abnormal nodules of fibrotic tissue. Because of its key role in circulatory homeostasis and its systemic vasoconstrictor effects AVP might be particularly interesting as a marker of circulatory dysfunction and prognosis in cirrhosis. Copeptin is secreted with AVP in equimolar amounts and strongly correlates with AVP over a wide range of osmolalities. These properties make copeptin an interesting surrogate marker of AVP in clinical practice. So, we evaluated the correlation of serum copeptin with the severity of liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS: We collected data from 80 patients with cirrhosis and divided them into CTP Class A, B, and C. Serum Copeptin levels were measured by a Human Copeptin ELISA Kit. The levels of Serum Copeptin were compared between the CTP Class A, B, and C. RESULT: The mean (SD) Serum Copeptin(pmol/L) in CTP Class A, B and C is 11 (0.29), 14.20 (0.40) and 23.98 (7.64) respectively. The findings of our study show that there is a significant difference in serum Copeptin levels (pmol/L) (p = <0.001) between the 3 groups as per CTP Class. CONCLUSION: The result of our study shows that measurement of Serum Copeptin levels can be used as an additional, simple, non invasive, easily accessible, and cost-effective parameter to predict the severity of liver cirrhosis. Chiranth S, Geeta Kampani Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life threatening disease. Early identification of patients at increased risk of severe and fatal disease is crucial to improve prognosis through a prompt medical/endoscopic treatment and admission to a specialized intensive care unit. Due to limitations of the commonly used scoring systems, it is difficult to assess the severity of AP at presentation. MATERIALS: An observational cross sectional study was conducted on 85 patients admitted at a referral hospital. Patients of AP were divided into 2 groups- mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) and moderately severe/ severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP/SAP)and all necessary investigations were done. RESULT: Out of 85 patients with AP, 55 had MAP, 17 had MSAP and 13 had SAP. Mean serum calcium was significantly lower in patients with MSAP/SAP than in MAP. Red cell distribution width (RDW) at 0 hr and at 24 hours and RDW/Total serum calcium (TSC) were significantly higher in patients with MSAP/SAP than in MAP. BISAP index followed by Modified Marshall Score were the best predictors of severity followed by RDW/TSC. RDW/TSC was a better predictor of severity of AP when compared to RDW at admission and at 24 hrs. No individual parameter was an independent significant predictor of AP. CONCLUSION: RDW and RDW/Total serum calcium ratio are comparable to BISAP index as predictors of severity in acute pancreatitis. They are cheap, easily available and can be used to predict the severity of AP at admission, thereby effecting prompt intervention at admission.

Scattering of e± by C2H6 Molecule over a Wide Range of Energy: A Theoretical Investigation.

The present work reports the theoretical investigation of the scattering of electrons and positrons by the ethane (C2H6) molecule over the energy range 1 eV-1 MeV. The investigation was carried out by taking into account the screening correction arising from a semiclassical analysis of the atomic geometrical overlapping of the scattering observables calculated in the independent atom approximation. The study is presented through the calculations of a broad spectrum of observable quantities, namely differential, integrated elastic, momentum transfer, viscosity, inelastic, grand total, and total ionization cross-sections and the Sherman functions. A comparative study was carried out between scattering observables for electron impact with those for positron impact to exhibit the similarity and dissimilarity arising out of the difference of the collisions of impinging projectiles with the target. Partial-wave decomposition of the scattering states within the Dirac relativistic framework employing a free-atom complex optical model potential was used to calculate the corresponding observable quantities of the constituent atoms. The results, calculated using our recipe, were compared with the experimental and theoretical works available in the literature. The Sherman function for a e±-C2H6 scattering system is presented for the first time in the literature. The addition of the screening correction to the independent atom approximation method was found to substantially reduce the scattering cross-sections, particularly at forward angles for lower incident energies.

Assessment of Intravascular Volume Status in Children with Nephrotic Edema Using Serum and Urinary Indices and Its Correlation with Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index.

Identification of volume status in nephrotic syndrome (NS) is important but clinically challenging. Urinary and serum indices can be helpful in assessing the volume status and so can be inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI). This study was done to assess the serum and urinary indices in children with nephrotic edema and to correlate them with IVCCI for intravascular volume assessment. Fifty children with nephrotic edema and 47 children in remission were analyzed for blood and urine indices. Volume status was defined as overfilling or underfilling based on the biochemical indices and also by IVCCI. Eighty-four percent individuals among cases and 23% among controls had sodium retention (FENa < 0.5%). Among cases, 54% had primary sodium retention compared to 17% among controls (p = 0.0002). Hypovolemia was observed among 36% cases based on biochemical indices and in 20% cases as per IVCCI. Hypovolemia was significantly associated with low urinary sodium and low serum albumin.

Synthesis, Structural Investigations, and In Vitro/In Silico Bioactivities of Flavonoid Substituted Biguanide: A Novel Schiff Base and Its Diorganotin (IV) Complexes.

Quercetin is one of the most powerful bioactive dietary flavonoids. The in vivo biological study of quercetin is extremely difficult due to its very low solubility. However, diorganotin complexes of quercetin are more useful when contrasted with quercetin due to increased solubility. In the present study, quercetin, substituted biguanide synthesized in the form of Schiff base and its di-alkyl/aryl tin (IV) complexes were obtained by condensing Schiff base with respective di-alkyl/aryl tin (IV) dichloride. Advanced analytical techniques were used for structural elucidation. The results of biological screening against Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria and fungi showed that these diorganotin (IV) derivatives act as potent antimicrobial agents. The in silico investigation with dihydropteroate (DHPS) disclosed a large ligand-receptor interaction and revealed a strong relationship between the natural exercises and computational molecular docking results.

Adiponectin to Leptin Ratio and its Association with Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Background: Adiponectin and leptin play a major role in metabolic homeostasis. Adiponectin to Leptin ratio can be used as an indicator of insulin resistance and a marker of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The study was planned to compare serum adiponectin, leptin, and adiponectin to leptin ratio in age and BMI matched women with and without PCOS and to find out the association of adiponectin to leptin ratio with Insulin resistance in these women. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study done in the Gynecology outpatient clinic in a tertiary care center. A total of 120 women, 60 with PCOS and 60 age and BMI matched women without PCOS, who presented in the clinic after the index cases were enrolled and tested for serum adiponectin, leptin, and insulin sensitivity. The main outcome measures were serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, adiponectin to leptin ratio, oral glucose tolerance test, serum insulin and HOMA-IR. Results: PCOS women had lower serum Adiponectin, higher serum Leptin level and lower Adiponectin to Leptin ratio compared to non PCOS women, 2.15 ± 3.07 ng/ml vs 10.7 ± 27.91 ng/ml, P < 0.0001; 24.25 ± 16.5 ng/ml vs 13.89 ± 11.19 ng/ml, P = 0.0003 and 0.15 ± 0.24 vs 3.03 ± 15.04, P < 0.0001, respectively. Plasma glucose 2 hours after 75 gm glucose and serum Insulin was significantly increased in PCOS women (108.78 ± 10.22 mg/dl vs 100.18 ± 4.89 mg/dl, P = 0.001 and 5.7 ± 9.53 mU/ml vs 3.02 ± 5.34 mU/ml, P = 0.02, respectively). The mean values of fasting plasma glucose and HOMA-IR were comparable in both groups, P = 0.145, P = 0.719, respectively. There was no significant association of A/L Ratio with BMI, plasma glucose 2 hours after 75 gm glucose, serum Insulin and HOMA-IR, in these women, r = -0.074, P = 0.5754; r = -0.203, P = 0.12; r = -0.018, P = 0.8915; and r = -0.041, P = 0.757, respectively. Conclusion: Adiponectin to leptin ratio is significantly reduced in women with PCOS but has no association with insulin resistance.

Antimicrobial screening to molecular docking of newly synthesized ferrocenyl-substituted pyrazole.

Objective: Microbial diseases are snowballing at an alarming proportion. Therefore, the intent of this study was to inspect the antimicrobial action of ferrocenyl-substituted pyrazole against various human pathogenic Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal microbial strains. Pyrazoles have been recognized for over a century as a significant and bioactive class of heterocyclic compounds. The association of pyrazoles with a ferrocene moiety may give new class of compounds. The present study was designed to synthesize biological active ferrocenyl-substituted pyrazole through a novel route. Methods: The anhydride of ferrocenyl-substituted pyrazole, namely, (S)-(3-(3-(carboxyamino)-3H-pyrazol-4-yl)cyclopenta-1,3-dien-1-yl)(cyclopenta-1,3-dien-1-yl)iron was synthesized using expansion cyclocondensation. FTIR, NMR, and GC-MS were performed to analyze the structure of the synthesized ferrocenyl-substituted pyrazole. Antimicrobial, DNA photo-cleaving, and anti-angiogenic activities of ferrocenyl-substituted compounds were studied. Results: Anhydride of (S)-(3-(3-(carboxyamino)-3H-pyrazol-4-yl)cyclopenta-1,3-dien-1-yl)(cyclopenta-1,3-dien-1-yl)iron obtained with yield of 87%. Spectral analysis confirmed the formation of anhydride. The synthesized compound was found to be biological active in the range of 85-95 µg/ml. Conclusion: This study described the novel method for the synthesis of biologically active anhydride of ferrocenyl-substituted pyrazole. The study demonstrations that synthesized ferrocenyl-substituted pyrazole in today's situation is the encouraging antimicrobial mediator against the human pathogens. In addition, it may open new doors to initiate research against drug resistance bacteria with possible biomedical applications.

Study of Correlation of Serum Calcium Level with Disease Severity in Dengue Patients.

Dengue fever is the world's fastest growing vector borne viral disease. Dengue infection has high morbidity and mortality unless managed promptly and appropriately. Calcium regulates many physiological processes such as neuromuscular transmission, heart contractility, hormonal release, blood coagulation and is essential for cell function. Low calcium level is present in almost 80% of dengue cases and is more associated with severe cases. Hypocalcemia enhances the binding of the dengue virus to monocyte macrophages and cells of T cell and B cell lineages in dengue infection. However, there is scarcity of literature on calcium homeostasis in dengue infection, and current guidelines do not address the necessity to monitor or correct blood calcium levels in dengue patients. In present study, we evaluated serum calcium level in dengue patients and correlated it with disease severity. MATERIAL: The present observational cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Medicine and Biochemistry, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, included 60 patients of dengue infection, satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria over a period of 18 months. Inclusion criteria were patients with age above 12 years, any gender, and diagnosed as having dengue infection, either by NS1Ag or by IgM ELISA for dengue antibodies, were clinically classified as Dengue Fever (DF), Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF), and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) as per National Guidelines for Clinical Management of Dengue Fever developed by NVBDCP. Exclusion criteria were patients with diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac disease, liver disease, malabsorption syndrome, renal dysfunction and patients taking drugs causing hypocalcemia and oral calcium and vitamin D supplements. In present study, serum calcium level used was corrected for hypoalbuminemia. OBSERVATION: The mean age was 27 years with a male and female ratio of approximately 3:2. The present study shows that the mean serum calcium level (mg/dL) of patients in Dengue Fever, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome was 8.85, 8.27 and 7.95 respectively(p<0.0001). Serum calcium level was lower in DSS and DHF patients than DF patients. Negative correlation between severity of dengue infection and serum calcium level was found with correlation coefficient of -0.892. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed significant negative correlation between Serum calcium level and severity of dengue infection. Therefore, it can be considered to use serum calcium level as a potential biomarker in order to identify severe dengue patients and this investigation will help in early identification, diagnosis and management of dengue infection but further studies are required to support this.

Preoperative Serum Albumin Level as a Predictor of Abdominal Wound-Related Complications After Emergency Exploratory Laparotomy.

Background Serum albumin is generally considered to be a predictor of patients' nutritional status. Previous studies have used serum albumin to assess postoperative morbidity, mortality, and various other surgical outcomes in cardiac surgeries and elective gastrointestinal surgeries. In this study, we used preoperative serum albumin levels to assess postoperative surgical site wound complications in patients who underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. Methodology Preoperative serum albumin level was observed in 60 patients who underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy due to various pathological conditions and were divided into those with hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin level <3.5 g/dl and >3.5 g/dL). Postoperative surgical site infections, wound dehiscence, and various complications, such as duration of hospital stay, prolonged ileus, the incidence of enterocutaneous fistula, the incidence of anastomotic leak, and 30-day mortality, were assessed. Results In our study, about 65% of the patients had hypoalbuminemia. Among them, 56.4% of the patients had surgical site infections according to the Southampton grade, with a statistically significant p-value of <0.001. Moreover, 87.2% of the patients had wound dehiscence according to the World Union Wound Healing Societies Surgical Wound Dehiscence wound grading, with a statistically significant p-value of <0.001. In addition, statistical significance was noted between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and increased postoperative hospital stay, with a p-value of <0.001. Conclusions Preoperative serum albumin value is a formidable predictor of postoperative surgical site infections, wound dehiscence, and duration of hospital stay in patients who underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy.

Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 in Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and its Correlation with Carotid Artery Calcification.

Introduction: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphate metabolism regulator in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study is aimed to examine the FGF-23 level in pre-dialysis patients with CKD and its correlation with carotid artery calcification (CAAC). Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with CKD and controls. The patients were compared with controls having similar distribution of age and sex to determine serum FGF-23 level in Indian healthy adult population. Detailed medical history, physical examination, and investigations were done for each patient. Atherosclerotic risk factors, cardiovascular comorbidities, and drug history were recorded. Carotid calcification was observed using carotid ultrasound. Results: In total, 62 patients with a mean age of 50.0 years were enrolled. Majority of the patients had hypertension (66.1%), followed by diabetes (27.4%) and dyslipidemia (3.2%). Mean serum corrected calcium levels were significantly higher in patients with CAAC compared to the patients without CAAC (9.21 ± 1.34 vs. 8.53 ± 0.93 mg/dL; P = 0.014). The FGF-23 levels were significantly higher in patients with CAAC compared to those without CAAC (396.0 vs. 254.0 pg/mL; P = 0.008). CAAC was found to be present in both early and late stages of CKD. Multivariate analysis showed that log FGF-23 and serum corrected calcium remained as independent determinants of CAAC. The prevalence of CAAC increased with the ascending quartiles of FGF23. Conclusion: In conclusion, FGF-23 was found to be independently associated with CAAC in CKD.

Transition from physical to virtual classroom amidst COVID-19 crisis: Analyzing students' perspective to drive improvement in the current online teaching methodology.

BACKGROUND: Among the COVID crisis, medical education is forced to shift to the virtual mode, for which neither the students nor the teachers are prepared. Currently, we replaced traditional classroom teaching (CT) by live online classes (LOC), power-point presentations with voiceovers (UPV), or only power point presentations (UP). Uncertainty of this situation necessitates analysis of the experiences of its stakeholders to improve the implemented online teaching methodologies in coming time. The present study aims to analyze and compare the effectiveness of online teaching methodologies among themselves and against traditional CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, survey based, observational study was conducted on 250 MBBS first year students after 1 month of implementation of online teaching program. Responses were collected on Likert scaling from 1 to 5, and data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, ANOVA with multiple comparisons post hoc Turkey test, and an independent t-test. RESULTS: The students perceived that the understanding, convenience for attending class, notes-taking, visibility, audibility, raising queries and overall experience was best in traditional setup. The understanding of the topic and overall experience of the students was not affected by gender. Internet connectivity problem popped up as the major issue that adversely affected the online teaching experience. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of students perceived that the traditional CT is best, but at the same time, they felt that a combination of live online classes and power point presentations with voice over can replace the traditional online classes.

Signaling Pathways and Downstream Effectors of Host Innate Immunity in Plants.

Phytopathogens, such as biotrophs, hemibiotrophs and necrotrophs, pose serious stress on the development of their host plants, compromising their yields. Plants are in constant interaction with such phytopathogens and hence are vulnerable to their attack. In order to counter these attacks, plants need to develop immunity against them. Consequently, plants have developed strategies of recognizing and countering pathogenesis through pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Pathogen perception and surveillance is mediated through receptor proteins that trigger signal transduction, initiated in the cytoplasm or at the plasma membrane (PM) surfaces. Plant hosts possess microbe-associated molecular patterns (P/MAMPs), which trigger a complex set of mechanisms through the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and resistance (R) genes. These interactions lead to the stimulation of cytoplasmic kinases by many phosphorylating proteins that may also be transcription factors. Furthermore, phytohormones, such as salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene, are also effective in triggering defense responses. Closure of stomata, limiting the transfer of nutrients through apoplast and symplastic movements, production of antimicrobial compounds, programmed cell death (PCD) are some of the primary defense-related mechanisms. The current article highlights the molecular processes involved in plant innate immunity (PII) and discusses the most recent and plausible scientific interventions that could be useful in augmenting PII.

Histological changes at the commissure of the lip on approaching from its cutaneous to the mucosa region in males.

INTRODUCTION: The morphology of the epithelium of the oral lips comprised keratinized external epithelium (anteriorly) and nonkeratinized or sometimes parakeratinized mucous membrane epithelium (posteriorly). Knowledge of morphometry of the lip lining helps in deciding the best site for choosing graft for its better uptake during several dermal grafting procedures following trauma or tumor excision following craniofacial cancers or cosmetic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten human male cadavers were procured at the Department of Anatomy King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The rectangle-shaped skin specimen through the right commissure of the lip which included the skin, mucocutaneous junction, and mucosa was stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. A total of 30 slides were prepared. Thus, the readings were obtained for three regions, respectively, with the help of CAT-CAM E-series HD cameras which were installed in a light microscope. RESULTS: Thickness of skin (epidermis + dermis) of the lip ranged from 756 µm to 1068 µm among males. Epidermal thickness increases on moving from the cutaneous region to the mucosa region of the lip. The lowest contribution of the stratum corneum in thickness of the epidermis was observed in the vermillion region, while the highest contribution was observed in the skin region. It was found to be absent in the mucosa region of the lip. Rete pegs at the dermoepidermal junction was found to be maximum in the vermillion region and minimum in the skin region. Its depth increased as we move from the skin to the mucosa region of the lip. Depth of the dermis was found to be maximum in the skin region, while minimum in the vermillion region. It ranged between 291 µm and 693 µm. CONCLUSION: Care should be taken while using dermal fillers in lip augmentation surgeries, especially in the vermillion region due to its close proximity to musculature in the core of the lip.

Molecular characterization of a novel mutation in the E1 flowering gene induced by gamma irradiation in soybean.

Soybean is a typical short-day (SD) plant. It undergoes reproductive growth only when the day length becomes shorter than a critical length. Fourteen major genes/loci affecting soybean flowering and maturity period have been mapped to date. These are E1 and E7 on chr6, E1La, E1Lb, E6, E8, and J on chr4, E2 on chr10, E3 on chr19, E4 on chr20, E9 on chr6, E10 on chr8, Dt1 on chr19, and GmAGL1 on chr14. The functional allele of all these genes, except E6, E9, J, and GmAGL1, delay flowering, while the non-functional counterpart accelerates flowering and maturity. The contribution of the E1 gene in delaying flowering is highest. Four non-functional/dysfunctional allelic variants of the E1 gene are already known, which accelerates the flowering by 20-25 days and are being used in development of early maturing soybean varieties in many parts of the world. In this study, seeds of the late maturing Indian variety NRC 37 were irradiated with gamma rays to develop an early maturing variety. One early maturing variant was obtained. Molecular characterization of the gene responsible for early flowering proved it to be a non-functional variant of the E1 gene with major deletion.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene Polymorphism and Its Methylation in Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors, along with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking cause accelerated atherosclerosis and, eventually, stroke. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are inflammatory mediators of the endoproteinase family, and their polymorphism and methylation are associated with the development of atherosclerosis and stroke. This study explores this association in the Indian population. OBJECTIVE: To study the association of MMP gene polymorphism and methylation with the risk of stroke. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 100 admitted patients (both genders) diagnosed with ischaemic stroke. Another 100 healthy subjects, not suffering from any chronic illness or stroke, were taken as controls. All participants were genotyped for rs3918242 (MMP-9) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Methylation of the MMP-9 gene-promoter region was assessed by methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS: The case (mean age = 61.3 ± 7.36 years old) and control (mean age = 60.68 ± 7.1 years old) groups were age-matched. Among cases, 61 patients were smokers, 55 were diabetic and 53 were hypertensive. A significant risk of ischaemic stroke was associated with the CT genotype (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.09; P < 0.001), TT genotype (aOR = 19.75; P < 0.001) and T allele (aOR = 10.71; P < 0.001). MMP-9 methylation decreased the risk of stroke (aOR = 0.23; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MMP-9 gene-1562C/T polymorphism (SNP rs3918242) (single-nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] rs3918242) is a potential marker to predict ischaemic stroke and constitutes a significant proportion of the general population. Its polymorphism predisposes to ischaemic stroke, while its methylation is protective.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage secondary to plastic fume exposure: A case report.

A 31-year non-smoker man, working in plastic making industry for 12 years presented with cough and streaking hemoptysis for 2 days. Computed tomography (CT) of chest showed patchy ground glass opacities with interlobular septal thickening in bilateral lung parenchyma. Fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) was done. Sequential lavage was taken which showed progressively increasing hemorrhagic fluid. His diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was 38.08 mL/mmHg/Mi (126%) predicted on day 2 of admission, 32.36 ml/mmHg/Mi (106%) predicted on discharge and 39.63 mL/mmHg/Mi (130%) predicted on going back to work. He was diagnosed with plastic fume exposure related pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage.

Linkage mapping of Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) resistance gene in soybean.

Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India Virus (MYMIV) is one of the most prevalent pathogen that limits soybean production in India. In this study RILs derived from JS335, dominant but MYMIV susceptible variety and PI171443, donor of MYMIV resistance gene in most of the MYMIV resistant varieties released in India and F2 population derived from SL525, a resistant variety released for northern India and NRC101, a susceptible genotype were used to study the inheritance of MYMIV resistance and map the gene responsible for MYMIV resistance. F1s were found to be completely susceptible. F2:3 and RILs population segregated to fit a ratio of 1:2:1 and 1:1 indicating that a single recessive gene controlled resistance to MYMIV. BSA was performed using 144 polymorphic SSR markers. MYMIV resistance gene was mapped on chr 6 (LG C2) within a 3.5-cM genome region between two SSR markers GMAC7L and Satt322 whose size was estimated to be 77.115 kb (position of 12,259,594-12,336,709 bp). This is the first report on linkage mapping of MYMIV resistance gene in soybean. This will be helpful in breeding soybean varieties for resistance against MYMIV responsible for wide spread damage to soybean crop in India using Marker Assisted Selection.

Gender Linked Metric Analysis of Portal Vein: A Sonographic Appraisal.

INTRODUCTION: Portal hypertension is one of the most mystifying and disconcerting abdominal ailment. Ultrasonography (USG) is an effective diagnostic tool for its prompt management. Knowledge of normal calibre of portal vein in a local setting is essential as literature reports contrasting values in different regions. It helps in early diagnosis of portal hypertension even before it is clinically manifested thereby assisting clinicians and interventional radiologists in pertinent management. AIM: Study was aimed to evaluate the Portal Vein Diameter (PVD) and find its correlation with gender by using USG in North Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 healthy adults were included in the study. Portal vein diameter was measured in supine position and normal respiration by grey scale USG. The portal vein diameter was correlated with age and gender statistically using independent Student's t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: Mean PVD of (9.49±1.03 mm) was observed in the present cross-sectional study. Male showed a significantly higher mean PVD (9.70±1.02 mm) as compared to females (9.10±0.94 mm). CONCLUSION: Scarcity of information concerning ultrasonographically measured standard portal vein diameter and inconstant values reported in literature necessitates the need for establishing local standard value. In the given subset of population the portal vein diameter was influenced by the gender. The information will be helpful in prompt diagnosis and management of portal hypertension.