Congruence modules in higher codimension and zeta lines in Galois cohomology.

This article builds on recent work of the first three authors where a notion of congruence modules in higher codimension is introduced. The main results are a criterion for detecting regularity of local rings in terms of congruence modules, and a more refined version of a result tracking the change of congruence modules under deformation. Number theoretic applications include the construction of canonical lines in certain Galois cohomology groups arising from adjoint motives of Hilbert modular forms.

Is there a role for upper gastrointestinal contrast study to predict the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy? Lessons learnt from a prospective study.

CONTEXT: : The importance of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is equivocal. It can, however, yield anatomical and functional details, the significance of which mostly remains unknown. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: : This prospective, single-center study included SG patients between January 2018 and January 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: : UGI contrast study was done on post-operative day 1. The findings of the study namely gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) holdup time, presence of fundus, gastroduodenal emptying (GDE) time, and sleeve shape were compared with weight loss, improvement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: : There were 138 patients with 100% follow-up. Radiological sleeve patterns observed were: tubular (62.3%), superior (16.0%), and inferior (21.7%) pouches. GEJ holdup time had no effect on percentage total weight loss (%TWL) (P = 0.09) or HbA1c improvement (P = 0.077). The absence of fundus led to greater %TWL at 6 months (P = 0.048). GDE time <15 s led to higher %TWL (P = 0.028) and lower HbA1c (P = 0.010) at 12 months. Antrum size <2 cm was associated with higher %TWL (P = 0.022) and lower HbA1c level (P = 0.047) at 12 months. Vomiting and regurgitation were common with tubular sleeves. CONCLUSION: UGI contrast study can predict weight loss, HbA1c improvement, and GERD symptoms. The absence of fundus, small antrum, and rapid GDE are associated with better weight loss. HbA1c improvement is better with small antrum and rapid GDE. Tubular sleeve predisposes to vomiting and regurgitation.

Salivaomics for Oral Cancer Detection: An Insight.

Early detection is very crucial for successful management of oral cancer or any disease as such. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for nearly 90% of malignancy of oral cavity. In the field of cancer research, there is always an ongoing quest for newer methods to lower the morbidity and mortality associated with OSCC. Saliva, a readily available noninvasive biofluid with constant contact with oral cancer lesion, offers an appealing alternative to serum and tissue testing. This review throws light on incorporation of newer technologies for harnessing the saliva to its fullest potential with increased specificity and sensitivity toward identification of cancer-specific molecular signatures for the development of point-of-care applications that could be used at the clinical setting.

Determining the Black Soldier fly larvae performance for plant-based food waste reduction and the effect on Biomass yield.

Management of Municipal solid waste in low-income countries with high population densities such as India has always been a strenuous task. With perpetual advancements, there are many available technologies dealing with waste management such as incineration, pyrolysis and landfill operations. But such technologies are often accompanied with some limitations (operational and maintenance problems) and have negative environmental impacts. In this regard, continuous efforts are currently spent to develop the sustainable technologies for coping with the problems of waste management. Confronted with such problems, BSF larval composting has emerged as a green approach for waste management which outshines the various current technologies. However, it is not widely explored and therefore in the present study, BSF larval treatment efficiency has been tested against different types of food waste treatments viz., mix food waste (T1), restaurant waste (T2), fruit waste (T3), and vegetable waste (T4). We have also evaluated the Biomass Conversion Ratio (BCR) of BSF larvae. The waste reduction efficiency was found to be 72% for T1 followed by T3 and T2 whereas the efficiency was least for T4 corresponding to lower BCR comparatively. BCR obtained for T1 treatment was almost 25% which was exceptionally high in comparison to other published studies. The highest waste reduction efficiency and the BCR values for T1 may be attributed to appropriately balanced food nutrition and C/N ratio Therefore, it may be concluded that substrate type and its nutritional value strongly determines the growth and development of larva influencing the waste ingestion rate.

Down regulation of transcripts involved in selective metabolic pathways as an acclimation strategy in nitrogen use efficient genotypes of rice under low nitrogen.

To understand the molecular mechanism of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice, two nitrogen (N) use efficient genotypes and two non-efficient genotypes were characterized using transcriptome analyses. The four genotypes were evaluated for 3 years under low and recommended N field conditions for 12 traits/parameters of yield, straw, nitrogen content along with NUE indices and 2 promising donors for rice NUE were identified. Using the transcriptome data generated from GS FLX 454 Roche and Illumina HiSeq 2000 of two efficient and two non-efficient genotypes grown under field conditions of low N and recommended N and their de novo assembly, differentially expressed transcripts and pathways during the panicle development were identified. Down regulation was observed in 30% of metabolic pathways in efficient genotypes and is being proposed as an acclimation strategy to low N. Ten sub metabolic pathways significantly enriched with additional transcripts either in the direction of the common expression or contra-regulated to the common expression were found to be critical for NUE in rice. Among the up-regulated transcripts in efficient genotypes, a hypothetical protein OsI_17904 with 2 alternative forms suggested the role of alternative splicing in NUE of rice and a potassium channel SKOR transcript (LOC_Os06g14030) has shown a positive correlation (0.62) with single plant yield under low N in a set of 16 rice genotypes. From the present study, we propose that the efficient genotypes appear to down regulate several not so critical metabolic pathways and divert the thus conserved energy to produce seed/yield under long-term N starvation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-020-02631-5.

An open-label, randomized prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Carica papaya leaf extract for thrombocytopenia associated with dengue fever in pediatric subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytopenia in dengue fever (DF) is a well-known complication in both adults and pediatric subjects. Management of DF primarily includes symptomatic and intensive supportive care. There are studies available on the efficacy and safety of Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) in adult patients with DF. However, there are no published studies available on the efficacy and safety of CPLE in the pediatric age group. Hence, this study was conducted. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, open-label, randomized controlled study was conducted in subjects aged between 1 and 12 years having thrombocytopenia associated with DF (NS-1 antigen positive) or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) grades I and II. All participants were randomized into the intervention group (n =147, CPLE syrup + standard therapy) and the control group (n=147, received only standard therapy). All subjects were followed up daily for 5 days with monitoring of blood counts. RESULTS: A total of 285 subjects were finally evaluated for efficacy, and nine dropped out (seven in the control group and two in the intervention group). However, all 294 subjects were evaluated for safety. CPLE (Caripill) syrup increased the platelet count significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the intervention group, the platelet count increased from day 3 onward: platelet count on day 3 (mean platelet count =89,739.31, P=0.030), day 4 (mean platelet count =120,788.96, P=0.019), and day 5 (mean platelet count =168,922.75 P=0.023). Two children complained of nausea in the intervention group. Overall, Caripill syrup was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: CPLE syrup significantly increases the platelet count in pediatric DF patients and is well tolerated.

Identification of rice landraces with promising yield and the associated genomic regions under low nitrogen.

With the priority of the low input sustainable rice cultivation for environment friendly agriculture, NUE of rice becomes the need of the hour. A set of 472 rice genotypes comprising landraces and breeding lines were evaluated for two seasons under field conditions with low and recommended nitrogen and >100 landraces were identified with relative higher yield under low nitrogen. Donors were identified for higher N uptake, N translocation into grains and grain yield under low N. Grains on secondary branches, N content in grain and yield appears to be the selection criterion under low N. Through association mapping, using minimum marker set of 50 rice SSR markers, 12 genomic regions were identified for yield and yield associated traits under low nitrogen. Four associated genomic regions on chromosomes 5, 7 and 10 were fine mapped and QTL for yield under low N were identified from the marker delimited regions. Three candidate genes viz., 2-oxoglutarate /malate translocator (Os05g0208000), alanine aminotransferase (Os07g0617800) and pyridoxal phosphate-dependent transferase (Os10g0189600) from QTL regions showed enhanced expression in the genotypes with promising yield under low N. Marker assisted selection using SSR markers associated with three candidate genes identified two stable breeding lines confirmed through multi-location evaluation.

Recent advancements in supporting materials for immobilised photocatalytic applications in waste water treatment.

The aim of this paper is to provide a review on the usage of different anchoring media (supports) for immobilising commonly employed photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants. The immobilisation of nano-sized photocatalysts can eliminate costly and impractical post-treatment recovery of spent photocatalysts in largescale operations. Some commonly employed immobilisation aids such as glass, carbonaceous substances, zeolites, clay and ceramics, polymers, cellulosic materials and metallic agents that have been previously discussed by various research groups have been reviewed. The study revealed that factors such as high durability, ease of availability, low density, chemical inertness and mechanical stability are primary factors responsible for the selection of suitable supports for catalysts. Common techniques for immobilisation namely, dip coating, cold plasma discharge, polymer assisted hydrothermal decomposition, RF magnetron sputtering, photoetching, solvent casting, electrophoretic deposition and spray pyrolysis have been discussed in detail. Finally, some common techniques adopted for the characterisation of the catalyst particles and their uses are also discussed.

Enhanced expression of OsSPL14 gene and its association with yield components in rice (Oryza sativa) under low nitrogen conditions.

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice crop is the need of the hour for reduction of nitrous oxide emission resulting from excess nitrogen (N) fertilizer application and also in reduction of cost of cultivation. Ten rice genotypes were grown under low and recommended dose of N application and characterized in terms of parameters related to yield, yield related components and NUE indicators. Wide genetic variability under low N conditions was observed with significant variation for 15 yield related parameters in interactions of genotypes and treatment. Limitation of N has led to the decrease of all yield and yield related parameters, but for grain filling % and 1000 grain weight. Two genotypes, Rasi and Varadhan have shown minimum differences between low and recommended N conditions. Correlation analysis of various yield components showed the importance of the secondary branches for the total grains under low N. Expression analysis of OsSPL14 (LOC_Os08g39890) gene reported to be associated with increased panicle branching and higher grain yield through real time PCR in leaf and three stages of panicle has shown differential temporal expression and its association with yield and yield related components across the genotypes. The expression of OsSPL14 at panicle stage 3, has shown correlation (P<0.05) with N% in grain. Since OsSPL14 is a functional transcription activator, its association of expression in leaf and three panicle stages with yield components as observed in the present study suggests the role of nitrogen metabolism related genes in plant growth and development and its conversion into yield components in rice.

Laparoscopic Assisted Management of a Pararectal Tail Gut Cyst.

Here, we discuss an unusual case of a pararectal tail gut cyst, initially misdiagnosed to be an ischiorectal abscess which was presented to us after being operated for incision and drainage. It was excised by a laparoscopic assisted approach. In such cases, a digital examination, transrectal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can help in the diagnosis. A combined approach is useful to locate and remove the cyst intact; however, a lower approach is useful for low-lying lesions. Histopathology can differentiate between a rectal duplication cyst and a tail gut cyst.

Development of an Ion Chromatography Method for Analysis of Organic Anions (Fumarate, Oxalate, Succinate, and Tartrate) in Single Chromatographic Conditions.

A single organic counterion analysis method was developed by using an ion chromatography separation technique and conductivity detector. This allows the rapid characterization of an API to support clinical studies and to fulfil the regulatory requirements for the quantitation of fumarate, oxalate, succinate, and tartrate counterions in active pharmaceutical ingredients (quetiapine fumarate, escitalopram oxalate, sumatriptan succinate, and tolterodine tartrate). The method was developed by using the Metrohm Metrosep A Supp 1 (250 × 4.0 mm, 5.0 µm particle size) column with a mobile phase containing an isocratic mixture of solution A: 7.5 mM sodium carbonate and 2.0 mM sodium bicarbonate in Milli-Q water and solution B: acetonitrile. The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min and the run time was 25 minutes. The developed method was validated as per ICH guidelines, and the method parameters were chosen to ensure the spontaneous quantitation of all four anions. The method was validated for all four anions to demonstrate the applicability of this method to common anions present in various APIs.

Extent of poly-pharmacy, occurrence and associated factors of drug-drug interaction and potential adverse drug reactions in Gondar Teaching Referral Hospital, North West Ethiopia.

The aim of this study was to assess the extent of poly-pharmacy, occurrence, and associated factors for the occurrence of drug-drug interaction (DDI) and potential adverse drug reaction (ADR) in Gondar University Teaching Referral Hospital. Institutional-based retrospective cross-sectional study. This study was conducted on prescriptions of both in and out-patients for a period of 3 months at Gondar University Hospital. Both bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of DDI and possible ADRs. All the statistical calculations were performed using SPSS(®) software. A total of 12,334 prescriptions were dispensed during the study period of which, 2,180 prescriptions were containing two or more drugs per prescription. A total of 21,210 drugs were prescribed and the average number of drugs per prescription was 1.72. Occurrences of DDI of all categories (Major, Moderate, and Minor) were analyzed and DDI were detected in 711 (32.6%) prescriptions. Sex was not found to be a risk factor for the occurrence of DDI and ADR, while age and number of medications per prescription were found to be significant risk factors for the occurrence of DDI and ADR. The mean number of drugs per prescription was 1.72 and hence with regard to the WHO limit of drugs per prescription, Gondar hospital was able to maintain the limit and prescriptions containing multiple drugs supposed to be taken systemically. Numbers of drugs per prescription as well as older age were found to be predisposing factors for the occurrence of DDI and potential ADRs while sex was not a risk factor.

Metronidazole induced cerebellar ataxia.

Metronidazole is a widely used antimicrobial usually prescribed by many specialist doctors for a short duration of 10-15 days. Prolonged use of metronidazole is rare. The present case is of a patient who used the drug for 4 months and developed peripheral neuropathy, convulsions, and cerebellar ataxia. He was treated with diazepam and levetiracetam. The patient recovered completely following discontinuation of metronidazole.

Incidence of adverse drug reactions in human immune deficiency virus-positive patients using highly active antiretroviral therapy.

To estimate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). To identify the risk factors associated with ADRs in HIV patients. To analyze reported ADRs based on various parameters like causality, severity, predictability, and preventability. Retrospective case-control study. An 18-month retrospective case-control study of 208 patients newly registered in ART center, RIMS hospital, Kadapa, were intensively monitored for ADRs to HAART. Predictability was calculated based on the history of previous exposure to drug. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors for ADRs. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test for estimating the correlation between ADRs and different variables. All statistical calculations were performed using EpiInfo version 3.5.3. Monitoring of 208 retrospective patients by active Pharmacovigilance identified 105 ADRs that were identified in 71 patients. Skin rash and anemia were the most commonly observed ADRs. The organ system commonly affected by ADR was skin and appendages (31.57%). The ADRs that were moderate were 90.14% of cases. The incidence of ADRs (53.52%) was higher with Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine combination. CD4 cell count less than <250 cells/µl were 80.28%, male gender were observed to be the risk factors for ADRs. Our study finding showed that there is a need of active pharmaceutical care with intensive monitoring for ADRs in Indian HIV-positive patients who are illiterate, of male and female gender, with CD4 count ≤250 cells/mm(3) with comorbid conditions.

Radiation doses during chest examinations using dose modulation techniques in multislice CT scanner.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiation dose and image quality using a manual protocol and dose modulation techniques in a 6-slice CT scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-one patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT of the chest were included in the study. For the manual protocol settings, constant tube potential (kV) and tube current-time product (mAs) of 140 kV and 120 mAs, respectively, were used. The angular and z-axis dose modulation techniques utilized a constant tube potential of 140 kV; mAs values were automatically selected by the machine. Effective doses were calculated using dose-length product (DLP) values and the image quality was assessed using the signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio values. RESULTS: Mean effective doses using manual protocol for patients of weights 40-60 kg, 61-80 kg, and 81 kg and above were 8.58 mSv, 8.54 mSv, and 9.07 mSv, respectively. Mean effective doses using z-axis dose modulation for patients of weights 40-60 kg, 61-80 kg, and 81 kg and above were 4.95 mSv, 6.87 mSv, and 10.24 mSv, respectively. The SNR at the region of the liver for patients of body weight of 40-60 kg was 5.1 H, 6.2 H, and 8.8 H for manual, angular, and z-axis dose modulation, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dose reduction of up to 15% was achieved using angular dose modulation and of up to 42% using z-axis dose modulation, with acceptable diagnostic image quality compared to the manual protocol.

Laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti using the 'Venetian blinds' technique of plication with prosthetic reinforcement: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Diastasis is a separation of the two recti due to various reasons, and can be measured as the 'inter-recti distance' (IRD). Surgery for diastasis is controversial, while laparoscopic repair has rarely been reported. We describe our method of laparoscopic plication-the 'Venetian blinds' technique combined with mesh reinforcement for patients with diastasis of the recti. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 patients out of 35 that presented to us were operated. The common indications were cosmesis and discomfort while performing normal activities. Laparoscopic plication with the 'Venetian blinds' technique of the diastasis with prosthetic reinforcement was performed for all cases. RESULTS: The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.6 kg/m(2) (range 25-32.2) and obese patients had a larger IRD. The mean operating time was 113 min (range 72-154). Minor complications were present in five (27.77%) patients. The recurrence rate after 6-48 months follow up was 0% in this series. DISCUSSION: Even though surgery for diastasis is controversial, we advocate repair for cosmesis and restoring function of the recti muscles. Our 'Venetian blinds' technique provides a solid repair and reduces the risk of seroma. The use of a prosthesis for the repair is mandatory to prevent recurrence. The adequacy of repair was assessed by measuring the IRD preoperatively and postoperatively with computed tomography (CT) scan. Laparoscopy provides all of the benefits of minimal access surgery.

Serum cholinesterases in Down syndrome children before and after nutritional supplementation.

INTRODUCTION: Down syndrome (DS) children have different degrees of developmental abnormalities associated with mental retardation. A cascade of pathological changes triggering alterations in cholinesterase-mediated functions seems to be the cause of neuronal and muscular dysfunctions, such as memory loss, disturbed cognitive skills, and language impairment in virtually all DS individuals, but there are currently no efficacious biomedical treatments for these central nervous system-associated impairments. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutritional supplementation on cholinesterases in serum of DS children. METHODS: Activities of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase were analysed in the serum samples of 40 DS children, along with an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls under study. RESULTS: The activities of serum acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase were found to be low in DS children before nutritional supplementation, compared to controls, and showed considerable improvement after six months of supplementation of zinc in combination with antioxidant vitamins and minerals. A significant improvement was also observed in cognitive skills and behavioural patterns after nutritional supplementation. CONCLUSION: The present pilot study suggests the significance of early intervention with nutritional supplementation in DS children to ameliorate the severity of this disorder.