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Background: There is a paucity of data on the optimal threshold of oestradiol (E2) levels required for successful implantation as this is a valid question to be answered, considering that significant number of in vitro fertilisation cycles are deferred for FET cycles. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the serum E2 levels before starting exogenous progesterone in artificial autologous frozen thawed embryo transfers on pregnancy outcomes. Settings and Design: This was a cohort study wherein clinical data of 213 artificial autologous programmed hormone-regulated frozen embryo transfer (HR-FET) cycles were collected. Materials and Methods: The HR-FET cycles were divided into three groups based on the E2 levels before starting progesterone: Group A: E2 ≤300 pg/mL, Group B: E2 301–500 pg/mL and Group C: E2 >500 pg/mL. After adequate endometrial stripe was appreciated by transvaginal ultrasonography, single blastocyst transfer was performed in all the cycles. Statistical Analysis Used and Results: The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in Groups A, B and C were 41.8%, 73.5% and 0.95%, respectively (P = 0.0001). The live birth rate (LBR) in Groups A, B and C was 18.1%, 62.2% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.0001). The miscarriage rate (MR) was significantly lower (15.3%) when E2 was between 301 and 500 pg/mL (P = 0.001). At both the extremes of serum E2 values, the rate of miscarriage increased. If serum E2 levels were ≤300 pg/mL or >500 pg/mL, the rate of miscarriage was 56.5% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum E2 levels in the range of 301–500 pg/mL before starting progesterone in programmed FET cycle are associated with an improved CPR and LBR and also decreased MR as compared to the extreme values of E2 ≤300 pg/mL or >500 pg/mL.

Abstract Background Biofortification represents a promising and sustainable strategy for mitigating global nutrient deficiencies. However, its successful implementation poses significant challenges. Among staple crops, wheat emerges as a prime candidate to address these nutritional gaps. Wheat biofortification offers a robust approach to enhance wheat cultivars by elevating the micronutrient levels in grains, addressing one of the most crucial global concerns in the present era. Main text Biofortification is a promising, but complex avenue, with numerous limitations and challenges to face. Notably, micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu) can significantly impact human health. Improving Fe, Zn, Se, and Cu contents in wheat could be therefore relevant to combat malnutrition. In this review, particular emphasis has been placed on understanding the extent of genetic variability of micronutrients in diverse Triticum species, along with their associated mechanisms of uptake, translocation, accumulation and different classical to advanced approaches for wheat biofortification. Conclusions By delving into micronutrient variability in Triticum species and their associated mechanisms, this review underscores the potential for targeted wheat biofortification. By integrating various approaches, from conventional breeding to modern biotechnological interventions, the path is paved towards enhancing the nutritional value of this vital crop, promising a brighter and healthier future for global food security and human well-being.

The increasing use of illicit drugs has become a major global concern. Illicit drugs interact with the brain and the body altering an individual’s mood and behavior. As the substance-of-abuse (SOA) crisis continues to spread across the world, in order to reduce trafficking and unlawful activity, it is important to use point-of-care devices like biosensors. Currently, there are certain conventional detection methods, which include gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), surface ionization, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), electrochemiluminescence (ECL), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), etc., for the detection of abused drugs. These methods have the advantage of high accuracy and sensitivity but are generally laborious, expensive, and require trained operators, along with high sample requirements, and they are not suitable for on-site drug detection scenarios. As a result, there is an urgent need for point-of-care technologies for a variety of drugs that can replace conventional techniques, such as a biosensor, specifically an immunosensor. An immunosensor is an analytical device that integrates an antibody-based recognition element with a transducer to detect specific molecules (antigens). In an immunosensor, the highly selective antigen–antibody interaction is used to identify and quantify the target analyte. The binding event between the antibody and antigen is converted by the transducer into a measurable signal, such as electrical, optical, or electrochemical, which corresponds to the presence and concentration of the analyte in the sample. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various illicit drugs, the conventional methods employed for their detection, and the advantages of immunosensors over conventional techniques. It highlights the critical need for on-site detection and explores emerging point-of-care testing methods. The paper also outlines future research goals in this field, emphasizing the potential of advanced technologies to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and convenience of drug detection.

The gluten-free cookies with improved nutritional value and health promoting qualities were prepared by substituting rice flour with malted buckwheat (BW), foxtail millet (FM) and proso millet (PM) flours at 15 % and 30 % levels. The characteristics of malted BW, FM and PM flours obtained after germination for 1–4 days (GD = 1–4) were first evaluated. The increment in germination days caused a significant improvement in protein content, total dietary fibre (TDF), oil absorption capacity, amylase and protease activity of malted BW, FM and PM flours. Incorporation of 30 % malted (GD=3 and 4) BW, FM and PM flours increased the G', G'' and tan δ values of the cookies dough. The protein, ash, fat, TDF content and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of cookies increased while glycaemic and starch hydrolysis index decreased by incorporating malted flours of all three grains. The incorporation of 30 % malted BW flour (GD = 3) increased IVPD, antioxidant capacity, protein, phenolics and flavonoids while incorporation of 30 % malted FM flour (GD = 4) proved useful in improving dietary fibres in gluten-free rice cookies. The 30 % malted BW and FM flour (GD = 3) can be incorporated in rice cookies for the improvement of nutritional and functional properties.

This case report highlights the diagnostic dilemma and therapeutic challenges encountered while managing adolescent girls with progressive dysmenorrhoea and management of Robert's uterus. Two girls aged 20 years and 13 years presented with severe progressive dysmenorrhoea. In the first case, laparoscopy revealed juvenile cystic adenomyoma (JCA) of 3 cm × 3 cm on the left side anteroinferior to the round ligament. Laparoscopic resection of the lesion was done, and histopathology revealed features of adenomyosis. In the second case, there was a globular enlargement of the right half of the uterine body with round ligament and adnexa attached to the lesion (Robert's uterus). In view of severe symptoms, complete resection of the lesion and partial resection of hemi-uterus was done, followed by myometrial defect closure. Both cases were initially diagnosed as JCA, and the final diagnosis was made on laparoscopy. Both girls had complete symptomatic relief from the next menstrual cycle and have been under follow-up for 24 months and 18 months, respectively. Due to the rarity of conditions, Robert's uterus and JCA are usually misdiagnosed with each other or with other Mullerian anomalies such as a non-communicating unicornuate uterus. Radiologists and clinicians should be aware of these different pathologies causing similar symptoms. Understanding the pathology, early diagnosis, timely referral and correct surgical procedure are emphasised to improve reproductive outcomes.

Immunohematology reference laboratory (IRL) is defined as a fully equipped advanced laboratory that receives samples from various parts of the country for workup. This is a specialized center, where other centers experiencing difficulty in resolving immunohematological tests, refer samples for further workup and resolution. To complete the workup process, ABO RhD typing, antibody screening, identification (ID), antigen phenotyping, and direct antiglobulin tests are performed. In our retrospective observational study 528 cases, worked up from October 2019 to March 2022 were included. The prevalence of alloimmunization found in this evaluation was 68.1%. Among the different alloantibodies, anti-D was most common followed by anti-E and anti-M. In our study, most of the autoantibodies were of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) class (79.31%). Out of the 528 samples, ABO discrepancy was found in 48 samples (9%). Of these, none belonged to Group I or Group III discrepancy types. Group II discrepancies were noted in 28 cases (58.3%) and Group IV discrepancies were found in 20 cases (41.6%). Our study clearly indicates that there is an important role of IRL which is not only limited to ID of alloantibodies or resolution of ABO discrepancies but also supports all the hospitals and transfusion centers in the region by providing phenotype-matched or compatible units and advice for safe transfusion practices.

Background: Patients receiving hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) require extensive transfusion support until red blood cell (RBC) and platelet engraftment occurs. The present study was planned to assess the trend of blood component transfusion in the first 100 days of ABO-compatible (ABOc) and ABO-incompatible (ABOi) allogeneic matched, related HSCT. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in the department of transfusion medicine at a large tertiary health-care center between 2016 and 2019. Data of component-wise transfusion from the day of transplant to 100 days posttransplant were collected in all allogeneic matched, related peripheral blood HSCT recipients. Results: During the study duration, there were 62 matched, related HSCT. Of these, 38 were ABOc HSCT, and 24 were ABOi HSCT. The mean CD34+ cell dose harvested by apheresis was 7.7 and 6.2 million/kg for ABOc and ABOi categories, respectively. The most common component transfused was platelets (9.15 mean random donor platelet concentrates [RDPCs] units, 4.45 mean single donor platelet concentrates [SDPCs] units issued), followed by red cells (6.9 mean RBC units issued), with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (3.2 mean FFP units issued) being the least frequently requested component. The mean number of red cells, RDPC, SDPC, and FFP issued for transfusion in the ABOc category were 7.1, 8.7, 5.5, and 2.3, respectively, while it was 6.7, 9.6, 3.4, and 4.1 in ABOi category, respectively. The component-wise difference in the number of units transfused in the first 100 days was not found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) between the two categories. Conclusions: Contrary to the usual belief that ABOi transplants require more transfusions, the transfusion practices at the present center did not show a significant difference in component-wise transfusions between the two categories. A restrictive transfusion strategy was an important measure in reducing the number of transfusions.

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common problem in reproductive age group and perimenopausal age group being responsible for many outpatient visits. Traditional management of AUB consists of giving mefenamic acid, tranexamic acid, or their combination with progestogens or hormonal intrauterine deviced levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for severe or nonresponsive cases. The objective of the current study was to study the efficacy and safety of adding diosmin along with tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid in reducing menstrual blood loss in AUB patients. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial in which 900 mg of diosmin was given once daily along with 500 mg tranexamic acid and 250 mg mefenamic acid during menstruation (Group I-92 patients), or only tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid during menstruation (Group II-92 patients). Results: Mean age, parity, body mass index, and socioeconomic status were similar in the two groups. It was 35.68 years versus 36.78 years, 2.2 versus 2.3, 23.68 kg/m2 versus 24.62 kg/m2 respectively. Mean days of bleeding before this treatment were 6.8 versus 6.6 (P = 0.33) and were 3.5 versus 5.2 (P = 0.02) after treatment. There was a significant reduction in both groups as compared to before treatment (P = 0.021 in Group I, 0.027 in Group II) but the reduction was greater in Group I (P = 0.02). The amount of blood loss was 385 ml versus 390 ml (P = 0.7) before treatment which was significantly reduced in both groups to 68 ml versus 112 ml (P = 0.02 in Group I, 0.03 in Group II) with more decrease in Group I than in Group II (P = 0.01). Mean hemoglobin at beginning of the study was 8.4 versus 8.5 g/dl in Group I and Group II (P = 0.02) and significantly increased in both groups posttreatment to 10.9 and 9.8 g/dl in Group I and Group II (P = 0.012 in Group I, 0.011 in Group II) with increase being more in Group I than Group II (P = 0.03). Pictorial blood assessment chart score was 398 versus 406 (P = 0.35) before treatment and decreased significantly to 86.5 and 110.5 (P = 0.001 in Group I, 0.001 in Group II) with more decrease being in Group I than II (P = 0.01). There was significant decrease in dysmenorrhea with both treatments with no difference in the two groups. Various adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and headache were equal in the two groups. Conclusion: Both the group's diosmin with tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid (Group I) and tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid (Group II) were efficacious in reducing menstrual blood loss, number of menstrual days and dysmenorrhea with effect being more by addition of diosmin. Adverse effects were equal in both the two groups.

Background and Objectives: Correlation has been shown between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) levels in different patient categories. However, this has not been studied for donors. The aim of this study was to study the relationship between HBV DNA levels and E ratio obtained for HBsAg testing by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) performed on donor samples. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in the department of transfusion medicine at a large tertiary health-care setup in North India from 2017 to 2021. Serological testing for HBV included HBsAg testing by CLIA. All reactive samples were tested in duplicate by electro CLIA (eCLIA). All samples found to be reactive in all three tests were then tested by a rapid diagnostic test and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: During the study duration, 251 donors were found to be reactive for HBsAg by CLIA and eCLIA in screening. Of these 251, HBV DNA could not be detected in 85 (33.86%) samples, whereas in rest 166 (66.14%) samples, HBV DNA was detected. Mean E ratio for CLIA for all 251 samples was 5177.45, whereas mean viral copies detected were 19645858.66. The correlation for all 251 samples was found to be weak negative. The correlation for sero-reactive samples with the presence of HBV DNA was also found to be weak negative. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found significant but weak correlation between HBsAg results obtained by CLIA and HBV DNA levels for blood donors. The measurement of HBV DNA level is necessary for all apparently healthy donors coming for blood donation and testing reactive for HBsAg in screening assays.

Background and Objectives: Measurement of actual concentration of IgG requires methods like heat inactivation (HI) of serum. This study was aimed at comparing of heat-treated ABO titers performed by conventional test tube technique (CTT) and column agglutination technique (CAT) with hemagglutination (HA)/solid-phase red cell adherence (SPRCA). Methods: This was a prospective, observational study conducted between October 2019 and March 2020. All consecutive A, B, and O group donors who gave consent for participation in the project were included. All samples were tested by CTT and CAT before and after HI (post DTT treatment performed by CTT [pCTT] and post DTT treatment performed by CAT [pCAT]) and with HA/SPRCA. Results: A total of 300 donors were included: 100 each with A, B, and O blood groups. For group O, IgG titers were higher than IgM titers among group O, whereas that among group A and group B, IgM titer was found to be higher than IgG titer by both HA/SPRCA and pCTT. The titer values among all the three blood groups were highest when the test was performed by pCAT, though the results of pCTT and SPRCA, pCTT, and pCAT were significant in group O donors. For groups A and B, results of pCTT and pCAT, pCAT, and HA/SPRCA were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Results obtained by HA/SPRCA were closer to pCTT, with respect to time consumption, expertise required, and lack of inter-observer variation. Titers obtained by pCAT were higher in comparison to pCTT obviously due to its relative higher sensitivity. Hence, these methods cannot be used interchangeably.

Background and Objectives: Audits identify areas of problems in immunohematology workup and transfusion practice which can be corrected by the education of medical staff, formulation of guidelines, and algorithms. An audit is a series of simple, direct questions, which when answered and reviewed, tell us whether the laboratory is performing its procedures, activities, and policies correctly. The aim of this study was to analyze immunohematology request forms sent from red cell serology laboratories to our reference testing center (RTC) to ascertain their completeness. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study conducted in the department of transfusion medicine at a tertiary-level health-care center from November 2019 to June 2021. We ascertained whether the immunohematology workup forms details were complete, absent, or incomplete. Results: The study was conducted over a period of 20 months, with 264 forms being audited. In this overall total number, almost one-third of 1894 (34.16%) of the immunohematology workup requisition form details were complete and 716 (12.91%) of these entries were incomplete. However, almost half of the overall number of 2934 (52.92%) of the requisitions were absent. Conclusion: From our study, we concluded that an audit of all the RTC requisitions at the point of receiving can be an important tool to detect requisition errors and results of RTC workup. We received a sample for RTC advanced immunohematological testing from all over India. There is a need for the organization of CME and training of staff to increase compliance regarding sending appropriate RTC advanced immunohematological requisitions and samples.

Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is radiographic evaluation of uterine cavity and tubal patency. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and utilisation of HSG in female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) with infertility. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in a tertiary referral centre of North India. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study on 87 cases of FGTB with infertility. Diagnosis of FGTB was made by composite reference standard using the presence of acid-fast bacilli on microscopy/culture or positive GeneXpert, positive polymerase chain reaction or epithelioid granuloma on endometrial biopsy or definitive or probable findings on laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Statistical Analysis Used: Suitable statistical methods were used with STATA software version 12.0. Results: HSG findings were normal in 49 (56.32%) cases. There were filling defects in 14 (16.09%), short and shrunken cavity in 4 (4.49%), intrauterine synechiae in 14 (16.09%), T-shaped cavity in 3 (3.44%) and deformed uterine cavity in 5 (5.74%) cases. Fallopian tube findings were hydrosalpinx in 12 (13.79%) and 11 (12.64%) cases, beading of tube in 4 (4.59%) and 2 (2.29%) cases, pipestem appearance in 2 (2.29%) cases each and Maltese cross appearance in 3 (3.44%) and 2 (2.29%) cases, respectively. Tubal blockage was seen in 69 (79.31%) and 67 (77.01%) cases being cornual block in 28 (32.18%) and 26 (29.88%) cases, mid-tubal block in 16 (18.39%) and 15 (17.24%) cases, multiple blocks in 10 (11.49%) and 12 (13.79%) cases and fimbrial block in 15 (17.24%) and 14 (16.09%) cases. None of the cases had flare-up of the disease after HSG in the current study. Conclusion: HSG is a useful modality in FGTB with infertility.

The genetic basis for nitrogen (N)-response and N use efficiency (NUE) must be found in N-responsive gene expression or protein regulation. Our transcriptomic analysis of nitrate response in two contrasting rice genotypes of Oryza sativa ssp. Indica (Nidhi with low NUE and Panvel1 with high NUE) revealed the processes/functions underlying differential N-response/NUE. The microarray analysis of low nitrate response (1.5 mM) relative to normal nitrate control (15 mM) used potted 21-days old whole plants. It revealed 1,327 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exclusive to Nidhi and 666 exclusive to Panvel1, apart from 70 common DEGs, of which 10 were either oppositely expressed or regulated to different extents. Gene ontology analyses revealed that photosynthetic processes were among the very few processes common to both the genotypes in low N response. Those unique to Nidhi include cell division, nitrogen utilization, cytoskeleton, etc. in low N-response, whereas those unique to Panvel1 include signal transduction, protein import into the nucleus, and mitochondria. This trend of a few common but mostly unique categories was also true for transporters, transcription factors, microRNAs, and post-translational modifications, indicating their differential involvement in Nidhi and Panvel1. Protein-protein interaction networks constructed using DEG-associated experimentally validated interactors revealed subnetworks involved in cytoskeleton organization, cell wall, etc. in Nidhi, whereas in Panvel1, it was chloroplast development. NUE genes were identified by selecting yield-related genes from N-responsive DEGs and their co-localization on NUE-QTLs revealed the differential distribution of NUE-genes between genotypes but on the same chromosomes 1 and 3. Such hotspots are important for NUE breeders.

Abstract Background The ovary is the most common site of occurrence of mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts). These are the most common ovarian germ cell tumor in the reproductive age group, accounting for 10–20% of all ovarian neoplasms, with a 1–2% risk of malignancy. A cecal dermoid cyst is a rare entity with only ten cases having been reported so far, eight of which could be retrieved as the rest were reported in different languages. None of these cases were managed laparoscopically. Here we present the first case of cecal dermoid managed laparoscopically. Case presentation A 35-year-old nulliparous Indian Hindu woman presented with complaints of on and off abdominal pain for 10 months. The abdominal examination revealed a well-defined mass of about 10 × 5 cm size, palpable in the right iliac fossa. On sonography, it was suggestive of a right-sided ovarian dermoid cyst. The lesion measured 10 × 7 × 5 cm on a contrast-enhanced computed tomogram (CT) scan. It was well defined and hypodense and located in the right lower abdomen. The ovarian tumor markers were normal. On laparoscopy, the uterus, bilateral tubes, and ovaries were found to be healthy. The cyst was seen arising from the right medial wall of the cecum at the ileocecal junction, which was excised laparoscopically. Histopathological study revealed it to be a mature cystic teratoma. Conclusion Ovarian mature cystic teratoma commonly has an indolent course and can present with palpable abdominal mass, pain, or vomiting due to complications like torsion, hemorrhage, or infection. Alternatively, these cysts can be asymptomatic and incidentally detected. Clinicians should be aware of the variety of presentations of dermoid cysts of the bowel as well as mesentery. The exact location of the teratoma eluded us till the laparoscopy despite adequate imaging including a contrast-enhanced CT scan having been performed preoperatively. We are reporting this as it is a rare entity, and this knowledge will help gynecologists and surgeons make an appropriate surgical decision.

Background: Nomophobia is defined as “the fear of being without a mobile phone or unable to use it.” Nowadays, it is considered a modern age phobia. It is to be considered as a form of behavioral addiction. Aim: This study aims to determine the level of nomophobia in the Indian population aged between 15 and 35 years. Materials and Methods: A personalized questionnaire was designed in the Google Forms and distributed among the targeted audience. The questionnaire contained three parts: consent letter, sociodemographic details, and nomophobia questionnaire. A total of 2061 valid responses were analyzed in SPSS software. Results: Out of 2061, 52.9% of the respondents were male and 47.1% were female. 92.2% of the respondents were between 18 and 24 years of age group. Moreover, 79.1% of the respondents are undergraduate or pursuing their graduation. 35.5% of the respondents were from metropolitan city, 38.8% were from an urban city, and 12.15% were from a semiurban city, while the rest 13.6% were from rural areas. 74.8% of the respondents were moderate nomophobic, 18.9% were severe nomophobic, and 6.3% were mild nomophobic. Conclusion: In this study, we observed that nomophobia is moderate to severe and that our “physical, mental, and social health” has a major concern.

The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been associated with various human diseases. ROS exert a multitude of biological effects with both physiological and pathological consequences. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt of the natural amino acid glutamate, is a flavor-enhancing food additive, which is widely used in Asian cuisine and is an ingredient that brings out the “umami” meat flavor. MSG consumption in rats is associated with ROS generation. Owing to its consumption as part of the fast-food culture and concerns about its possible effects on pregnancy, we aimed to study the impact of MSG on placental trophoblast cells. MSG exposure influenced trophoblast invasion and differentiation, two of the most critical functions during placentation through enhanced production of ROS. Similar findings were also observed on MSG-treated placental explants, as confirmed by elevated Nrf2 levels. Ultrastructural studies revealed signs of subcellular injury by MSG exposure. Mechanistically, MSG-induced oxidative stress with endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways involving Xbp1s and IRE1α was observed. The effect of MSG through an increased ROS production indicates that its long-term exposure might have adverse health effect by compromising key trophoblast functions.

Nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) is a function of N-response and yield that is controlled by many genes and phenotypic parameters that are poorly characterized. This study compiled all known yield-related genes in rice and mined them from the N-responsive microarray data to find 1,064 NUE-related genes. Many of them are novel genes hitherto unreported as related to NUE, including 80 transporters, 235 transcription factors (TFs), 44 MicroRNAs (miRNAs), 91 kinases, and 8 phosphatases. They were further shortlisted to 62 NUE-candidate genes following hierarchical methods, including quantitative trait locus (QTL) co-localization, functional evaluation in the literature, and protein–protein interactions (PPIs). They were localized to chromosomes 1, 3, 5, and 9, of which chromosome 1 with 26 genes emerged as a hotspot for NUE spanning 81% of the chromosomes. Further, co-localization of the NUE genes on NUE-QTLs resolved differences in the earlier studies that relied mainly on N-responsive genes regardless of their role in yield. Functional annotations and PPIs for all the 1,064 NUE-related genes and also the shortlisted 62 candidates revealed transcription, redox, phosphorylation, transport, development, metabolism, photosynthesis, water deprivation, and hormonal and stomatal function among the prominent processes. In silico expression analysis confirmed differential expression of the 62 NUE-candidate genes in a tissue/stage-specific manner. Experimental validation in two contrasting genotypes revealed that high NUE rice shows better photosynthetic performance, transpiration efficiency and internal water-use efficiency in comparison to low NUE rice. Feature Selection Analysis independently identified one-third of the common genes at every stage of hierarchical shortlisting, offering 6 priority targets to validate for improving the crop NUE.

Introduction: Elevated serum levels of NT-proBNP (N terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide) are associated with Pre-Eclampsia (PE) and its complications. Aim: To evaluate NT-proBNP in women with PE and correlate its levels with maternal outcome. Materials and Methods: A total 90 out of which 45 women with PE (Group A) and 45 normotensive healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancy (Group B) were enrolled. NT-proBNP was estimated at term or just before induction of labour or in early labour. These women were followed till 48 hours postpartum. Maternal outcome was recorded and analysed using statistical tests like Student t-test, Mann-whitney, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, Pearson and Spearman correlation. Results: Significant elevated serum levels of NT-proBNP were seen in PE women than controls (mean 439.47±431.99 and 99.40±37.89 respectively) (p-value

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to cause expression of insulin gene resulting in high insulin synthesis and secretion. It also decreases insulin resistance, thus affecting abnormal glucose metabolism and diabetes. Aim: To estimate total 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in pregnant women and to find its association with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Materials and Methods: Fifty-four antenatal women were randomly enrolled at 24-28 weeks gestation after conforming to exclusion criteria. Serum vitamin D, two-hour 75 grams glucose and postprandial plasma glucose levels were estimated in all women at the time of enrollment. GDM was diagnosed with plasma glucose level >140 mg/dL (Group A). Rest of the women constituted Group B or control group. They were followed up till delivery. Vitamin D status and fetomaternal outcome was evaluated. Results: Hypovitaminosis D was found in 93% of women. There were 38.8% women (n=21) in GDM group compared to 61.2% (n=33) in control group. Vitamin D was significantly low in Group A than B (p-value 0.004). None of the women in Group A had vitamin D levels of 10 ng/mL and above compared to 37.2% in Group B. Severe vitamin D deficient women (levels

Acquired non-hormonal clitoromegaly is a rare condition and is due to benign or malignant tumours and sometimes idiopathic. Few cases of clitoral abscesses have been reported after female circumcision. We hereby report a case of clitoral abscess causing acquired clitoromegaly following an obstetrical surgery.

Pathogens like Puccinia triticina, the causal organism for leaf rust, extensively damages wheat production. The interaction at molecular level between wheat and the pathogen is complex and less explored. The pathogen induced response was characterized using mock- or pathogen inoculated near-isogenic wheat lines (with or without seedling leaf rust resistance gene Lr28). Four Serial Analysis of Gene Expression libraries were prepared from mock- and pathogen inoculated plants and were subjected to Sequencing by Oligonucleotide Ligation and Detection, which generated a total of 165,767,777 reads, each 35 bases long. The reads were processed and multiple k-mers were attempted for de novo transcript assembly; 22 k-mers showed the best results. Altogether 21,345 contigs were generated and functionally characterized by gene ontology annotation, mining for transcription factors and resistance genes. Expression analysis among the four libraries showed extensive alterations in the transcriptome in response to pathogen infection, reflecting reorganizations in major biological processes and metabolic pathways. Role of auxin in determining pathogenesis in susceptible and resistant lines were imperative. The qPCR expression study of four LRR-RLK (Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinases) genes showed higher expression at 24 hrs after inoculation with pathogen. In summary, the conceptual model of induced resistance in wheat contributes insights on defense responses and imparts knowledge of Puccinia triticina-induced defense transcripts in wheat plants.

Azelaic acid (AZA) is a white crystalline dicarboxylic acid naturally found in grains, rye, and barley. AZA has substantial biological and therapeutic abilities (viz a viz) its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-keratinizing, anti-microbial properties, etc., which contribute to its applicability in the management of mild to harsh dermatological complications (acne, rosacea, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, carcinomas, etc.). AZA has shown its effectiveness against varied non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions by normalizing hyper-keratinization state and attenuating the increased levels of microbial content. Topically AZA, either alone or in conjunction with other active moieties, has proved to effectively prevent acne and several other hyper-pigmentary conditions. Chronic applicability of AZA has been evidenced with the effects like itching, burning, stinging, redness, etc. To deal with the former issues, research is being conducted to substitute the conventional formulations with novel preparations (liposome's, niosomes, micro sponges, lipid nanocarriers, etc.), which could enhance the overall pharmaceutical and pharmacological profile of the drug. This article is an attempt to highlight the basic physiochemical properties of AZA, its physiological role (especially in dermatology), various commercial preparations and recent novel approaches that are in research with an aim to augment the therapeutic and safety profile of AZA., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)