First report of leaf spot of maize caused by Curvularia verruculosa in India.

Curvularia leaf spot affects maize plants worldwide and is commonly caused by Curvularia lunata, C. geniculata, and C. pallescens (Manzar et al. 2022; Manzar et al. 2021; Choudhary et al. 2011). In February 2017, leaf spot symptoms were observed in a Deogaon, (25.74 N, 82.99 E) in Uttar Pradesh, India, with disease incidence of less than 10% of the plants in maize fields. On the leaves and sheaths, variously shaped yellow spots were developed. The spots were 2.5 mm in diameter and frequently grew larger, reaching a diameter of 1 cm. They were encircled by a chlorotic halo with dark borders. The symptomatic tissue showing leaf spots of 10 plants was taken and cut into pieces (4 mm2) then surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, and rinsed three times with distilled water. The cut leaf tissue was placed on the Petri plate containing potato dextrose agar medium amended with streptomycin sulfate (125 ppm). Then incubated at 25±2°C with a 12-h light and dark period, after 5 days of incubation, five pure cultures were obtained using the hyphal tip technique. The pure culture was incubated at 26±2°C for 10 days. The upper surface of the colony was dark grayish black with fluffy mycelia, and the reverse colony was dark brown. The conidia have three septa, are light brown to dark brown in color, straight to curved, ellipsoidal to fusiform, and have two bigger, darker central cells than terminal cells. On average, conidia are between 27.22 to 31.21 mm long and 10.61 to 12.62 mm wide (n=30). The morphological description is similar to the Curvularia verruculosa morphological traits described by Tandon & Bilgrami (Ellis 1966). Molecular identification was done in addition to supporting morphological identification. The nucleopore GDNA Fungus Kit (Genetix Brand, India) was used to extract the genomic DNA of the E40 isolate. The ITS rDNA region (White et al. 1990) and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd) gene (Berbee et al. 1999) were amplified through PCR(Manzar et al., 2022).The amplicons were bidirectional sequenced through the Sanger sequencing method. The similarity percentage of E40 isolate matched 100% with MH859788 (CBS444.70 ) of Curvularia verruculosa strain for ITS, and 100% with LT715824 (CBS150.63) of Curvularia verruculosa strain for gpd after Blastn analysis. The gene sequences were deposited to GenBank and accession no. OR262893 for ITS, and LC773704 for gpd were assigned. As a result, C. verruculosa was determined to be the presumed pathogen by both morphology and molecular characteristics. The pathogenicity of E40 isolate was performed twice by spraying (106 conidia/ml in sterile water) onto the leaves of 25 days old maize plant cv. Kanchan (n = 10). Uninoculated healthy maize plants (n=5) were sprayed only with autoclaved water. All pots are kept in a glass house at 25°C±2°C with 90% relative humidity. After 15 days of pathogen inoculation the foliar spots with chlorotic halo, enlarger upto 1cm, and from these spots the identical fungus was reisolated. The reisolated fungus showed similar morphological characteristics to C. verruculosa. Control plants showed no symptoms. C. verruculosa has been previously reported as a causative agent of leaf spot disease in Common beans (Wei et al., 2022), Cotton (Shirsath et al., 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf blight caused by C. verruculosa on maize in India.

Insights on Strain-Substrate Interactions and Antioxidant and Anti-Bacterial Properties of the Velvet Foot Medicinal Mushroom Flammulina velutipes (Agaricomycetes).

To study the best substrate for the Indian subcontinent, four different substrates (sawdust + wheat bran, wheat straw + wheat bran + corn cobs, sawdust + corn cobs and wheat straw + wheat bran) were screened for six different Flammulina velutipes strains. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties were studied for these strains. In study it was found that the strain DMRX-767 and DMRX-768 were the most promising for yield and biological efficiency in all substrates and wheat straw + wheat bran being the best with respect to BE. To corroborate the findings, the best strain and best substrate trails were repeated. DMRX-767 and DMRX-768 were the most promising for yield and biological efficiency in all substrates, with wheat straw+wheat bran were again found the best. The methanolic extract of strain DMRX-166 showed highest antibacterial properties as highest inhibition is found for Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas syringae. However, DMRO-253 inhibited Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas campestris. DMRX-768 has the best scavenging ability followed by DMRO-253.

Screening microbial inoculants and their interventions for cross-kingdom management of wilt disease of solanaceous crops- a step toward sustainable agriculture.

Microbial inoculants may be called magical bullets because they are small in size but have a huge impact on plant life and humans. The screening of these beneficial microbes will give us an evergreen technology to manage harmful diseases of cross-kingdom crops. The production of these crops is reducing as a result of multiple biotic factors and among them the bacterial wilt disease triggered by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most important in solanaceous crops. The examination of the diversity of bioinoculants has shown that more microbial species have biocontrol activity against soil-borne pathogens. Reduced crop output, lower yields, and greater cost of cultivation are among the major issues caused by diseases in agriculture around the world. It is universally true that soil-borne disease epidemics pose a greater threat to crops. These necessitate the use of eco-friendly microbial bioinoculants. This review article provides an overview of plant growth-promoting microorganisms bioinoculants, their various characteristics, biochemical and molecular screening insights, and modes of action and interaction. The discussion is concluded with a brief overview of potential future possibilities for the sustainable development of agriculture. This review will be useful for students and researchers to obtain existing knowledge of microbial inoculants, their activities, and their mechanisms, which will facilitate the development of environmentally friendly management strategies for cross-kingdom plant diseases.

Association of Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio with Persistent Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is a disease that affects approximately 15-25% of the World population. It is characterized by itching, sneezing, and nasal or postnasal drip. Generally, diagnosis is based on clinical findings and patient history. Laboratory tests that can be used in the diagnosis and clinical course of AR are still limited and should be improved. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Platelet Lymphocyte Ration(PLR) are novel markers for the evaluation of inflammation. This study aims to investigate whether NLR and PLR, would be useful in diagnosis and monitoring the severity of disease in allergic rhinitis. It is a 1 year cross sectional study which assesses 140 patients, 70 belonging each to case and control group. NLR and PLR ratio was measured and compared in case and control groups. Mean NLR was 1.92 in patient group and in control group it was 1.54 (P value < 0.001). Mean PLR was 1.33 in patient group and in control group it was 0.88 (p < 0.001). Mean NLR in mild cases was 1.68 and in moderate to severe cases was 2.15 (p value 0.002). Mean PLR was 1.49 in moderate to severe disease and in mild disease it was 1.18 (p value 0.006). To conclude NLR and PLR were significantly higher in moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and not so in mild cases. Hence in allergic rhinitis NLR and PLR can be used as a marker of severity of disease according to symptoms of the disease.

Development of Diagnostic Markers and Applied for Genetic Diversity Study and Population Structure of Bipolaris sorokiniana Associated with Leaf Blight Complex of Wheat.

Bipolaris sorokiniana, a key pathogenic fungus in the wheat leaf blight complex, was the subject of research that resulted in the development of fifty-five polymorphic microsatellite markers. These markers were then used to examine genetic diversity and population structure in Indian geographical regions. The simple sequence repeat (SSR) like trinucleotides, dinucleotides, and tetranucleotides accounted for 43.37% (1256), 23.86% (691), and 16.54% (479) of the 2896 microsatellite repeats, respectively. There were 109 alleles produced by these loci overall, averaging 2.36 alleles per microsatellite marker. The average polymorphism information content value was 0.3451, with values ranging from 0.1319 to 0.5932. The loci's Shannon diversity varied from 0.2712 to 1.2415. These 36 isolates were divided into two main groups using population structure analysis and unweighted neighbour joining. The groupings were not based on where the isolates came from geographically. Only 7% of the overall variation was found to be between populations, according to an analysis of molecular variance. The high amount of gene flow estimate (NM = 3.261 per generation) among populations demonstrated low genetic differentiation in the entire populations (FST = 0.071). The findings indicate that genetic diversity is often minimal. In order to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of the B. sorokiniana populations, the recently produced microsatellite markers will be helpful. This study's findings may serve as a foundation for developing improved management plans for the leaf blight complex and spot blotch of wheat diseases in India.

Assessment of frailty syndrome with coexisting hypertension and depression among older individuals, aged >80 years of age.

Objectives: The objective was to determine odds of frailty syndrome with coexistence of hypertension and depression among oldest-old adults. Methods: We analysed secondary data from 167 community-dwelling hypertensive participants aged 80 years and older from a cross-sectional study of frailty conducted in India. Data included sociodemographic, medical history, physical performance, functional limitations, mobility-disability, cognition, depression, sleep, frailty syndrome and chronic diseases. Odds of frailty syndrome was compared among individuals having only hypertension, and individuals having hypertension and depression. Chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression were performed to determine odds of frailty. Results: Frailty was significantly higher (OR: 4.93;95% CI: 1.89-12.84) among individuals having hypertension and coexisting depression, compared to individuals having only hypertension. Men (OR: 5.07;95% CI: 1.02-25.17) and women (OR: 4.58;95% CI: 1.36-15.40) with hypertension and depression showed a higher risk of frailty, compared with hypertension alone. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, cognitive impairment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases, anaemia, diabetes, obesity, physical performance, activities of daily living and 4-meter walking speed. Conclusion: Coexistence of hypertension and depression increased risk of frailty syndrome among men and women above 80 years of age by almost 5 folds. Treating depression in hypertensive older individuals may reduce the risk of frailty among them.

Association of Obesity with Cognitive Impairment and Depression among Oldest Old Population having Frailty syndrome.

Objectives: The objectives were to estimate prevalence of obesity among frail individuals aged ≥80 years and examine the association of obesity with cognitive impairment and depression among frail individuals aged ≥80 years. Methods: Two-hundred community-dwelling participants aged ≥80 years, were enrolled; 166 frail participants were further analyzed. Obesity and adiposity were determined by Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC) and Body Fat Percentage (BF%). Cognitive impairment and Depression were assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Frailty was assessed by Fried criteria. Chi-Square, t-test, trend-analysis and Logistic Regression (LR) were done. Results: Obesity among Frail individuals aged ≥80 years was 40% using BMI and 73.2% using WC. Obesity was inversely associated with cognitive impairment and depression among frail individuals. Severity of cognitive impairment and depression was lower among obese frail than non-obese frail. Trend-analysis showed decreasing cognitive impairment and depression with increasing BF%. On LR, obesity among frail individuals had inverse association with cognitive impairment and depression. Conclusion: Obesity among frail individuals aged ≥80 years was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment and depression in our population. Positive effects of weight gain in oldest old frail individuals and development of cognitive impairment and dementia should be explored in further researches.

Peripheral bone structure, geometry, and strength and muscle density as derived from peripheral quantitative computed tomography and mortality among rural south Indian older adults.

Multiple studies have observed a relationship of bone mineral density (BMD) measured by Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and mortality. However, areal BMD (aBMD) measured by DXA is an integrated measure of trabecular and cortical bone and does not measure the geometry of bone. Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) provides greater insights on bone structure, geometry and strength. To examine whether higher bone phenotypes and muscle density as measured by pQCT are associated with a lower all-cause mortality, we studied 245 men and 254 women (all age >60) recruited in the Mobility and Independent Living among Elders Study in rural south India. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HR [95% Confidence Intervals]). After an average follow-up of 5.3 years, 73 men and 50 women died. Among men, trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of radius (HR per SD increase in parameter = 0.59 [0.43, 0.81]) and tibia (0.60[0.45, 0.81]), cortical vBMD of radius (0.61, [0.47, 0.79]) and tibia (0.62, [0.49, 0.79]), cortical thickness of radius (0.55, [0.42, 0.7]) and tibia (0.60, [0.47, 0.77]), polar strength strain index (SSIp) of tibia (0.73 [0.54, 0.98]), endosteal circumference of radius (1.63, [1.25, 2.12]) and tibia (1.54, [1.19, 1.98]) were associated with all-cause mortality. Muscle density (0.67, [0.51, 0.87]) was associated with lower mortality in men. Among women cortical vBMD of radius (0.64, [0.47, 0.87]) and tibia (0.60 [0.45, 0.79]), cortical thickness of radius (0.54, [0.37, 0.79]) and tibia (0.43, [0.30, 0.61]), SSIp of radius (0.70 [0.48,1.01]) and tibia (0.58 [0.37, 0.90]) and endosteal circumference of radius (1.33 [0.97, 1.82]) and tibia (1.83, [1.37, 2.45]) were associated with all-cause mortality. Among men, gait speed mediated the association of muscle density and mortality but there was no mediation for any bone parameters. Conclusion: pQCT bone measures and muscle density were independently associated with mortality among rural south Indian elders.

Multi-Gene Phylogenetic Approach for Identification and Diversity Analysis of Bipolaris maydis and Curvularia lunata Isolates Causing Foliar Blight of Zea mays.

Bipolaris species are known to be important plant pathogens that commonly cause leaf spot, root rot, and seedling blight in a wide range of hosts worldwide. In 2017, complex symptomatic cases of maydis leaf blight (caused by Bipolaris maydis) and maize leaf spot (caused by Curvularia lunata) have become increasingly significant in the main maize-growing regions of India. A total of 186 samples of maydis leaf blight and 129 maize leaf spot samples were collected, in 2017, from 20 sampling sites in the main maize-growing regions of India to explore the diversity and identity of this pathogenic causal agent. A total of 77 Bipolaris maydis isolates and 74 Curvularia lunata isolates were screened based on morphological and molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on ribosomal markers-nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, 28S nuclear ribosomal large subunit rRNA gene (LSU), D1/D2 domain of large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), and protein-coding gene-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Due to a dearth of molecular data from ex-type cultures, the use of few gene regions for species resolution, and overlapping morphological features, species recognition in Bipolaris has proven difficult. The present study used the multi-gene phylogenetic approach for proper identification and diversity of geographically distributed B. maydis and C. lunata isolates in Indian settings and provides useful insight into and explanation of its quantitative findings.

Frailty Syndrome among oldest old Individuals, aged ≥80 years: Prevalence & Correlates.

OBJECTIVES: Objectives were to study prevalence of frailty among Indian oldest old population, and to detect its correlates. METHODS: A cross sectional community based study was done including 200 healthy participants aged ≥80 years, randomly sampled from Hyderabad city in India. They completed an administered questionnaire and physical function tests including SPPB, grip strength. Cognitive function was assessed using MMSE and depression using GDS. Blood pressure, haemoglobin, and fasting blood sugar were measured for all participants. Frailty was defined using Fried phenotype criteria. Logistic regression was done to identify independently associated correlates. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty syndrome was 83.4% in our study population. Frailty among men was 80.3% and among women was 84.7%, and it increased with increasing age. The independent correlates which increased the odds of frailty were poor physical performance (SPPB) (OR: 4.21; 95% CI: 1.12-15.83), depression (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.29-8.73), chronic joint pains (OR: 4.90; 95% CI: 1.97-12.18) and COPD (OR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.03- 8.78), while hypertension showed inverse association (OR: 0.33;95% CI: 0.11-0.94). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of frailty among the oldest old is very high. Geriatric medicine protocols must include routine screening for frailty, while also including early detection of poor physical performance, depression, COPD and osteoarthritis.

Fever awareness, management practices and their correlates among parents of under five children in urban India.

BACKGROUND: Awareness regarding fever is reportedly low among Indian urban parents, leading to its over- management among under five children. We attempted to study the awareness and fever management practices of South Indian urban parents. The objectives were to find the awareness of parents regarding childhood fever management, and correlates of practices. METHODS: One hundred parents of under-five children with history of fever in past three months were randomly selected and interviewed using a predesigned tool. Children's weight and height was measured. Awareness scores for causes of fever and fever management were constructed. Logistic regression was done to identify correlates of incorrect practices. RESULTS: 95% parents were aware about correct temperature above which fever became harmful. Awareness score for causes of fever was poor (<1) among 41% parents. Mothers' complications awareness scores were better than fathers (p<0.05). 81% parents used antibiotics; only 18% consulted a doctor before doing so. 17% parents using antibiotics did not complete the prescribed course. The independent correlates of poor fever management practices were working parents (OR: 6.28; 95%CI: 1.7-23.16), lesser number of children (OR: 3.08; 95%CI: 1.01-9.37), poor compliance for antipyretics (OR: 9.20; 95%CI: 1.64-51.52) and giving antipyretics without consulting doctors (OR: 5.43; 95%CI: 1.69-17.47). Poor knowledge of available pediatric antipyretic preparations was negatively correlated (OR: 0.13; 95%CI: 0.02-0.64). CONCLUSION: Fever awareness was fair among urban parents. Mothers had better awareness than fathers. Increased awareness for correct fever management of under-five children is desirable among urban parents to reduce misuse of antibiotics and antipyretics.

Hypertension and its Correlates in the Oldest Old Population Aged 80 Years and Above in Urban South India.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major problem among the geriatric population, presenting the risk of multiple associated co-morbidities and organ system damage. Data related to the epidemiology of controlled and uncontrolled hypertension among the oldest old population is sparse, more so from developing countries. The objectives of the present paper were to identify the prevalence and correlates of hypertension according to gender among the urban community-dwelling healthy oldest old population. METHODS: 200 healthy people aged 80 years and above were recruited by random selection from Hyderabad city of South India in 2017. A trained investigator collected data on background history, history of hypertension and other co-morbidities, medications and sleep. Participants were tested for muscle strength, gait speed, and SPPB and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 83.5%; 81.6% among men and 84.7% among women. 64.5% was self-reported. Hypertension was controlled with treatment among only 46.2%. In 74.6%, it was controlled even without treatment. The independent correlates were BMI per SD increase (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17-3.16), diabetes (OR: 6.02, 95% CI: 1.24-29.11) and asthma (OR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.05-12.29). Among men, BMI per SD increase was significantly associated while hemoglobin per SD increase, height per SD decrease, and arthritis were positively associated among women. Increasing heart rate among total subjects (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.71), and among women (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.92) showed a negative association. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension was high. The correlates were different for men and women. Subjects were unaware of their control status which posed an increased risk for organ damage, and development of co-morbidities. Policies aimed at improving quality of life of the oldest old should place due stress on appropriate hypertension management in developing countries.

Geriatric Depression and its Correlates among South Indian Urbans.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric depression is a growing global problem, expected to be the leading cause of mortality in the next decade. We attempted to explore the previously unidentified burden of depression and its correlates amongst South Indian elderly residing in an urban area. METHODS: A cross sectional study including 100 community dwelling urban elders aged 60 years and older was conducted. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables, chronic health conditions, changes in vision and cognition, addictions, and medication usage. Depression was assessed using Geriatric Depression Scale. Other measurements included anthropometry and blood pressure. Logistic regression was done to identify the independently associated correlates of depression. RESULTS: The prevalence of geriatric depression was 23%. 15.4% men and 31.2% women had depression. On logistic regression, the independent correlates of depression were living single (OR:4.26; 95% CI:1.06-17.09), poor self-rated health (OR:12.09; 95% CI:1.41-103.14), bedridden (OR:5.29; 95% CI:1.21-23.04) and osteoarthritis (OR: 4.91; 95% CI:1.39-17.28). CONCLUSION: The burden of depression in our urban geriatric population was moderate. Several correlates were positively associated. While addressing geriatric morbidity, screening for elderly depression, as well as exploration and management of related factors would be of significance.

Correlates of Cognitive Impairment among Indian Urban Elders.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment among elderly is increasing owing to increases in life expectancy globally. The problem is multifactorial. The objective of the present paper was to study the correlates of cognitive impairment in an urban elderly population in India. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 100 randomly selected urban elderly population. Data was collected upon household visits using a predesigned pretested questionnaire administered by a trained investigator. Measurements included cognitive function assessment using Mini Mental State Examination, depression assessment using Geriatric Depression Scale, blood pressure measurement and anthropometry. Cognitive impairment was defined at MMSE score <24. Logistic regression was done to identify independently associated factors with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Prevalence of cognitive impairment among elderly was 10%. Women had a higher prevalence than men. Higher age, no schooling, living single, lower weight, lower waist and hip ratios, difficulty in activities of daily living, poor self-reported health, bedridden and depression significantly associated with cognitive impairment. The independently associated factors upon logistic regression were increasing age, no schooling and bedridden status for past six months. CONCLUSION: Although the current prevalence of cognitive impairment among Indian urban elderly is low, several associated factors exist in this population that may increase the burden in future. Geriatric health policy should address the modifiable risk factors to manage the problem of cognitive impairment and its consequent outcomes.

Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), bone structure, and structural geometry among rural South Indian, US Caucasian, and Afro-Caribbean older men.

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) provides biomechanical estimates of bone strength. Rural South Indian men have reduced biomechanical indices of bone strength compared to US Caucasian and Afro-Caribbean men. This suggests an underlying higher risk of osteoporotic fractures and greater future fracture burden among the rural South Indian men. INTRODUCTION: Geographical and racial comparisons of bone mineral density (BMD) have largely focused on DXA measures of areal BMD. In contrast, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measures volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone structural geometry and provides estimates of biomechanical strength. To further understand potential geographical and racial differences in skeletal health, we compared pQCT measures among US Caucasian, Afro-Caribbean, and rural South Indian men. METHODS: We studied men aged ≥ 60 years enrolled in the Mobility and Independent Living among Elders Study (MILES) in rural south India (N = 245), Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) in the US (N = 1148), and the Tobago Bone Health Study (N = 828). RESULTS: The BMI (kg/m2) of rural South Indian men (21.6) was significantly lower compared to the US Caucasians (28) and Afro-Caribbean men (26.9). Adjusting for age, height, body weight, and grip strength; rural South Indian men compared to US Caucasians had significantly lower trabecular vBMD [- 1.3 to - 1.5 standard deviation (SD)], cortical thickness [- 0.8 to - 1.2 SD]; significantly higher endosteal circumference [0.5 to 0.8 SD]; but similar cortical vBMD. Afro-Caribbean men compared to US Caucasians had similar trabecular vBMD but significantly higher cortical vBMD [0.9 to 1.2 SD], SSIp [0.2 to 1.4 SD], and tibial endosteal circumference [1 SD], CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to US Caucasians, rural South Indian men have reduced bone strength (lower trabecular vBMD) and Afro-Caribbean men have greater bone strength (higher cortical vBMD). These results suggest an underlying higher risk of osteoporotic fractures and greater future fracture burden among rural South Indian men.

Burden and Correlates of Falls among Rural Elders of South India: Mobility and Independent Living in Elders Study.

AIM: Falls are an important contributor to loss of function, morbidity, and mortality in elders. Little is known about falls in Indian populations. The objective of this cross-sectional report was to identify the prevalence and correlates of falls in a cohort of 562 rural southern Indian men and women. METHODS: Risk factors included demographics, anthropometrics, self-reported health, medical history, physical function, vision, depression, and lifestyle. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: 71 (13%) subjects reported at least 1 fall in the past year. Prevalence was higher among women (17%) than men (8%), P = 0.003. Sex and age showed significant interaction (P = 0.04) whereby falls prevalence increased with age among women but decreased among men. Correlates of falls among men included a history of osteoarthritis (OA) (odds ratio (OR): 6.91; 95% CI: 1.4-33.1), depression (OR:9.6; 3.1-30.1), and greater height (OR per 1 standard deviation increase: 2.33; 1.1-5.1). Among women, poor physical performance (OR: 3.33; 1.13-9.86) and history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 2.42; 1.01-5.80) were independently associated with falls. IMPLICATIONS: Prevalence of falls in elderly South Indians was lower than published reports from western countries and likely reflects low exposure to fall risks. Patterns with age differed in men and women and may reflect sex differences in the accuracy of age recall. Presence of comorbidities specifically OA, CVD, and depression was independent correlate of falling.

Diverse Rice Landraces of North-East India Enables the Identification of Novel Genetic Resources for Magnaporthe Resistance.

North-East (NE) India, the probable origin of rice has diverse genetic resources. Many rice landraces of NE India were not yet characterized for blast resistance. A set of 232 landraces of NE India, were screened for field resistance at two different hotspots of rice blast, viz., IIRR-UBN, Hyderabad and ICAR-NEH, Manipur in two consecutive seasons. The phenotypic evaluation as well as gene profiling for 12 major blast resistance genes (Pitp, Pi33, Pi54, Pib, Pi20, Pi38, Pita2, Pi1, Piz, Pi9, Pizt, and Pi40) with linked as well as gene-specific markers, identified 84 resistant landraces possessing different gene(s) either in singly or in combinations and also identified seven resistant landraces which do not have the tested genes, indicating the valuable genetic resources for blast resistance. To understand the molecular diversity existing in the population, distance and model based analysis were performed using 120 SSR markers. Results of both analyses are highly correlated by forming two distinct subgroups and the existence of high diversity (24.9% among the subgroups; 75.1% among individuals of each subgroup) was observed. To practically utilize the diversity in the breeding program, a robust core set having an efficiency index of 0.82 which consists of 33 landraces were identified through data of molecular, blast phenotyping, and important agro-morphological traits. The association of eight novel SSR markers for important agronomic traits which includes leaf and neck blast resistance was determined using genome-wide association analysis. The current study focuses on identifying novel resources having field resistance to blast as well as markers which can be explored in rice improvement programs. It also entails the development of a core set which can aid in representing the entire diversity for efficiently harnessing its properties to broaden the gene pool of rice.

Management of Osteoarthritis Knee by Graduated Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy in 40-60 Years Age Group Using Limb Reconstruction System: A Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: With i ncrease in elderly population, osteoarthritis has become major concern nowadays. Knee joint is most commonly affected joint. A number of methods have been developed in the last few years which help in treating the osteoarthritis knee, which includes non pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical methods. Among the most promising techniques with renewed interest for osteoarthritis knee with deformity is the use of high tibial osteotomy. Uni-compartmental osteoarthritis knee with deformity especially in relatively younger age group (less than 60 years) constitutes the main indication. AIM: The aim of present study was to evaluate management of osteoarthritis knee by graduated open wedge high tibial osteotomy in 40-60 years age group using limb reconstruction system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy leaving the lateral cortex intact which acts as a hinge, was done in 30 patients and stabilized by Limb Reconstruction System. Distraction was started at 7(th) day at the rate of 1 mm/day and continued till proper alignment was achieved. RESULTS: Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy stabilized by unilateral external fixator is a good method for unicompartmental osteoarthritis knee with deformity as it gives precise control over final limb alignment and its ability to perform a residual correction. Deformity correction can be quantified at the time of correction as it is not acute correction. Gradual deformity correction can be done over time by distraction histogenesis with the help of unilateral external fixator. It is also a good method in young patients requiring large correction. CONCLUSION: Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy is having many benefits over closed wedge osteotomy and stabilization by unilateral external fixator also has its added benefits. It is less invasive, no internal hardware present and safer in terms of neurovascular complications.

Three dimensional Couette flow and heat transfer through a porous medium with variable permeability.

This paper reports research on the effects of variations in injection velocity and permeability on the heat transfer and flow through a highly porous medium between two horizontal parallel plates situated at constant distance with constant suction by the upper plate. Due to this type of variation in injection velocity and in permeability the flow becomes three dimensional. The governing equations are solved by adopting complex variable notations to obtain the expressions for the velocity and temperature field. The skin-friction along the main flow direction and rate of heat transfer are discussed with the help of graphs.