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The present study was conducted to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Mallotus philippinensis (Kamala), Melia azedarach (Bakain), and their combination as herbal extracts against Ascaridia galli infection. To determine efficacy, egg hatch test (EHT) and adult motility assay (AMS) were performed using increasing concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml of aqueous plant extracts, in conjunction with 7.5 mg/ml Albendazole as the positive control and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as the negative control for up to 15 h. There was 100% mortality achieved with the combined herbal extract (LC50 = 36.7 µg/ml), whereas mortality with extract from Mallotus 50 philippinensis (LC50 = 41.4 µg/ml), Melia azedarach (LC50 = 147 µg/ml), and 50 50 Azadirachta indica (LC50 = 189 µg/ml) were 87.5%, 62.5%, and 50% respectively, 50 at 15 hours post-exposure. These findings suggest that Azadirachta indica, Mallotus philippinensis, Melia azedarach herbal extracts, or their combination, should be further exploited to control Ascaridia galli infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Weeds incur significant losses to the crop plants by not only competing with crops for water, nutrients, sunlight, and space but also harbour insects and diseases. The herbicide resistant cotton offers farming community an opportunity to combat weeds by providing flexibility of herbicide application whenever needed. In the present study, the herbicide resistant cotton was evaluated to unravel the glyphosate dose response at different time intervals. Glyphosate was applied on advance transgenic cotton line VH-289 at the time intervals of 20, 25, 30 and 40 days after germination and was compared with manual weeding of its conventional non-transgenic counterpart as control. The weed control efficacy, types, mortality, and population of nineteen different weeds were calculated with reference to the time and dose of glyphosate spray [600 mL.acre -1 (242 mL.ha-1), 800 mL.acre -1 (324 mL.ha-1), 1000 mL.acre -1 (305 mL.ha-1), 1200 mL.acre -1 (486 mL.ha-1), 1400 mL.acre -1 (566 mL.ha-1), 1600 mL.acre -1 (647 mL.ha-1), 1800 mL.acre -1 (728 mL.ha-1) and 2000 mL.acre -1 (809 mL.ha-1)] and its impact on yield. The yield and contributing characters like boll weight and cotton yield were higher in lines where glyphosate was applied at 20 and 30 days after germination compared to other treatment (manually hoed). Importantly, weeds control efficiency was recorded up to 98% at a dose concentration of 1800 mL.acre -1 and 2000 mL.acre -1 after 15-30 days after glyphosate application (DAS). The average number of bolls per plant in glyphosate resistant line was recorded higher compared to non-transgenic manually hoed control. This study highlights that spraying 1800 and 2000 mL.acre -1 glyphosate can help to eradicate weeds in field at less cost and good yield return. The results can be helpful for the cotton farmers regarding the proper concentration of glyphosate and its time of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work incorporates experimental investigation and simulation to inspect the impact of influential parameters on the efficiency of a forced draft cooling tower. The number of packing ribs, the flow rate of water, the flow rate of air, the surface area, and the area of contact are the parameters investigated in this study. All of these parameters are altered and their effect on efficiency is explored. Two types of packing with varying rib numbers of packing and areas are utilized to observe their influence on the efficiency of the cooling tower. Modeling and CFD analysis of the aforementioned cooling tower is done on SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS Fluent respectively. Finally, the results from experimental data and CFD analysis are compared to inspect the effectiveness of the simulation. The results depicted that the efficiency of a forced draft cooling tower varies directly with the flow rate of air and inversely with the flow rate of water. Moreover, the performance of the cooling tower has a direct relationship with the area of contact, time of contact between air and water, and the number of ribs. The results obtained from CFD analysis are compared and validated with experimental results. Finally, percentage error analysis is also presented between simulation model efficiency and experimentation efficiency of the benchtop cooling tower and it exhibits good agreement with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guiera senegalensis is a shrub that grows up to a height of 3 to 5 m and has tremendous medicinal properties. However, there is difficulty in the identification of medicinal plants leading to substitution of one plant for another. This problem can be addressed by establishing fingerprints of the medicinal plants. The aim of this research is to establish FTIR fingerprint of G. senegalensis leave. G. senegalensis leave were collected from the wild in Jigawa, Kaduna and Zamfara states, shade dried and size reduced. Samples (2 mg) were analysed in triplicate using Agilent technologies FTIR Carry 630 in the mid-IR region 4000-650 cm-1 at resolution 8 cm-1 with 16 scans. The level of similarity and differences was determined by Chemometrics using similarity and discriminant analysis. The level of differences between the samples was insignificant (p<0.05) as indicated by low values of eigenvalue (0.048) and canonical correlation (0.215) as well as high Wilks' Lambda value (0.954). High level of similarity between the samples was further proven by their correlation and Tuckers' congruence coefficients values, which were close to unity. However, significant (p<0.05) difference in the concentration of phytochemicals was observed between the samples. The Guiera senegalensis leaf samples were similar with respect to their phytochemical constituents however, differences in the phytochemical concentrations were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton plants are normally targeted by numerous challenges from which 75% are biotic. Among these biotic stresses, insects constitute major segment causing direct or indirect considerable yield loss. Bt cotton, corn and soybean are mostly resistant to chewing insects in the field, but their resistance to sap sucking pests has not yet achieved. Likewise Bt protein against chewing insect, there are some proteins characterized for their actions against sucking insects e.g. lectins. Major function of plant lectin is to provide anti-insect activity with other known and unknown function. Therefore, all necessary in-silico, in-vivo and plant transformation experimentation adopted to design a codon optimized (cotton targeted) Pinellia ternata agglutinin (pta) gene cassette under the influence of well-tested CaMV35S promoter in pCAMBIA2300 expression vector enabled by agrobacterium LB4404 plant infecting strain for stable delivery and integration of transgene in the recipient genome. Stable transformation of at least five different cotton plants (transformation efficiency 0.53%) took place successively, which was tested through PCR and Southern blotting in T0 and T1 generation. This work has provided genotypic bases and a candidate phenotype of commercial cotton crop resistant against sucking pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is among the top staple foods in the world, and salinity adversely affects its yield and quality. To improve salt tolerance in potato, the present study is focused on the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of potato by the Atriplex canescens betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) gene driven by single, double, and triple CaMV 35S promoters. The study led first to the detection of seven lines containing the BADH gene followed by the identification of T-DNA insertions via DNA hybridization and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The salt tolerance was found to be promoter dependent, as the lines with triple promoters showed a higher resistance than those tranformed with single and double promoters. The transgenic lines showed lower content of H2O2 and malondialdehyde and a lower relative electrical conductivity than wild-type plants. Furthermore, these lines also showed higher proline and chlorophyll content. In silico analysis confirmed that the A. canescens BADH protein had a remarkable tendency to interact with sodium ions and water molecules like other BADH proteins. Taken together, the overexpression of BADH under triple CaMV 35S promoters enhanced salt tolerance of potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant lectins are the potential proteins that specifically bound and cross linked with carbohydrates and target particular glycans present on the cell surface of viruses through a pathway termed as a lectin activation pathway. They have a role in plant defense system. In this study, we evaluated anti-PVY (potato virus Y) activity of plant derived lectin in in-vitro assay. A tetramer lectin was isolated from the corms of Crocus vernus and purified to sub fractions through ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, filtration on the PD 10 column, cation exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose gel. In-silico studies predicted stable interaction between Crocus vernus lectin (CVL) and targeted protein of PVY. Cytotoxicity tests performed on HepG2 cells indicated IC50 value for CVL was 770 µg/ml. The IC50 values indicated the safe limit and non-cytotoxic effect of the CVL extract and worth for further testing. The hemagglutination activity of CVL against the rabbit erythrocytes was revealed to be 100 µg/ml. The anti-PVY activity displayed in the CVL lectin was evaluated through quantitative realtime PCR assay. It was revealed that CVL was effective against targeted gene of PVY at 30, 60 and 90 µg/ml concentration and up to 100% inhibition of the PVY mRNA was achieved in all three tested concentrations in comparison with control. Our results clearly indicate the CVL gene can be a used for transformation studies in potato to control the potato virus Y as an effective tool, in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petunia hybrida is considered as an important and beautiful ornamental flowering plant, grown throughout the world for its beauty and attractiveness. Various petunia hybrids have been produced by different countries. The present study was carried out to investigate the higher seed yield petunia line developed through selfing to produce F1 hybrids during the experimental seasons of the 2011-2014 period. The lines IAGS-P8, IAGS-P9 and IAGS-P11 performed well, both in the cluster analysis and minimum spanning tree, the inbred lines IAGS-P8 and IAGS-P9 showed to a higher similarity percentage. From statistical and regression analysis showed that stomata conductance, chlorophyll ‘a’ contents, chlorophyll ‘b’ contents, flowers per plant, flower fresh weight, seed area, seed weight and abscisic acid contributed higher to seed yield per plant in petunia. The higher abscisic acid concentration suggested that the petunia genotypes may be used to develop better seed yields and higher number of flowers per plant in petunia under environmental stress. This method proved to be more efficient as it reduced the cost, time and efficacy for better selection in petunia improvement program. Still, further studies are required which should cover different years and locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is the most important indispensable part of human food. Cold induced sweetening is a phenomenon in which reducing sugars react with free available amino acid and give brown to black color when fried at high temperature which is not acceptable at end consumers. Moreover, acrylamide a potent carcinogenic is also produced during this process. So many wild and cultivated species have been utilized for screening the best potato germplasm against many potato diseases and quality but only a small sample of the available biodiversity has been exploited. An effort was made in this study to sort out the best potato germplasm from five different wild families on the basis of fine Molecular screening at different research station against cold induced sweetening. Crosses were made between potato families and then stored at 4 °C. Total RNA was isolated for Quantification of mRNA. Protein was isolated and invertase activity was measured through Plate reader at 5.9 λ. Sucrose and reducing sugars were measured through High Performance Liquid Chromatography. After 4 months of 4 °C storage incubation families were screened on the basis of chips color, invertase enzyme activity, Sucrose, reducing sugars contents and mRNA expression level. Resistance against cold induced sweetening was genotype and trial dependent especially for chip color. Invertase activity was corresponding with genotypes and trails. Locations with good chip color were having low invertase action and reducing sugars along with low mRNA expression of invertase enzyme while at other locations vice versa. Same genotype showed variable resistance at different trial satiations and conclusively invertase activity was genotypes and trials dependent. Significant trial effects were detected; all subsequent analyses were carried by trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, fungi and fungi-like organisms, with over 8,000 species, cause more plant diseases than any other group of plant pests. Chitinases possess an anti-fungal role in disease resistance. They represent the pathogen-related protein group that cleaves β-1,4-glycoside bond of chitin present in the cell wall of filamentous fungi by catalysing the hydrolytic cleavage. In this study, we have amplified 672 base pair (bp) coding regions of the plant chitinase gene of Hordeum vulgare, over-expressed in Eschercia coli (E. coli) host BL21 DE3 strain by 0.5mM Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction. In western blotting, the recombinant chitinase protein transferred on nitrocellulose membrane was detected at 26 kDa with histidine-tagged antibody reactions. By applying the nickel charged sepharose column affinity chromatography method, a single purified band of recombinant chitinase protein was found at 26 kDa in SDS-PAGE. The purified recombinant chitinase protein during the agar well diffusion method inhibited the growth of three phytopathogenic fungi in a significant way; Alternaria alternate, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum in qualitative in-vitro antifungal assays. The purified recombinant chitinase protein showed up to 82.6% reduction in A. alternate hyphal growth; 77% reduction of hyphal growth in Rhizoctonia solani and 78% reduction of Fusarium’s hyphal growth in in-vitro quantitative antifungal assays, thus depicting a strong antifungal potential. Conclusively, plant derived chitinase genes are superior in protecting the crops from phytopathogenic fungi if cloned in a suitable plant vector and expressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guiera senegalensis (Sabara in Hausa) is a shrub with numerous medicinal values attributed to its secondary metabolites e.g. quercetin. The aim of this work is to develop and validate an RP-HPLC method for the identification and quantification quercetin in Guiera senegalensis. After several trials, the optimized condition comprises of a C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm), ternary mobile phase (Methanol: Water: acetonitrile in 55:5:45) containing 0.1 % orthophosphoric acid as additive, isocratic elution mode, 255 nm detection wavelength, flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, 10 µl injection volume, a runtime of 7 minutes and at ambient temperature. Quercetin was found to be eluted at 2.2 minute. The calibration curve was linear within the range of 10-50 µg/mL (r2 = 0.999) and was sensitive as indicated by a lower LOQ (3.15 µg/mL). The method was found to be precise, accurate and robust as indicated by their respective values which are within the acceptable limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective Our aim was (1) to develop an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and (2) to test the reliability and evaluate the feasibility of this OSCE while assessing residents' clinical skills in multiple core competencies via the standardized patient methodology. Study Design Development of assessment tool. Setting Johns Hopkins Medicine Simulation Center. Subjects and Methods Residents of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine were invited to participate. A 2-station OSCE was developed. The first station used a standardized patient, and the encounter was videotaped for later evaluation by medical faculty not familiar with the participants being tested. The second was a computer-based station developed per a modified Delphi technique, based on feedback from otolaryngology and sleep medicine faculty involved in the care of patients with OSA. Checklists were developed for each station to standardize the evaluation of each trainee's performance. Results The OSCE that we developed is a feasible tool for assessing residents' performance and skills to diagnose and manage a patient with OSA. Internal consistency, as assessed by Krippendorff's alpha, was 0.699 for station 1 and 0.95 for station 2. Conclusion This OSCE was found to be feasible for assessment of clinical competency in OSA. Our model provides targeted assessment of multiple competencies and opportunity to improve clinical knowledge and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study was aimed to access genetic relationships and response for whip smut among 103 sugarcane lines/varieties through DNA genotyping. Touchdown PCR amplification based genotyping of four tailed (M-13) and 26 (FAM-labelled) SSRs markers was performed on Licor 4300 DNA Analyzer and ABI Genetic Analyzer 3730, respectively. Using different softwares, 314 alleles were scored, averaging 10.46 alleles per marker. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.67 to 0.93. DNAMAN generated homology tree revealed 66-88% genetic similarity among the studied sugarcane lines which indicated their narrow genetic base. The markers mSSCIR-19 and mSSCIR-43 were able to distinguish between all the sugarcane lines resistant and susceptible to whip smut. The grouping of sugarcane lines showing different responses to whip smut within the same cluster indicates that many genes with little effects are involved in smut resistance. The results may help sugarcane breeders in variety identification and designing crosses for developing whip smut resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is considered among most vital macro-elements, which is mandatory for successful plant growth. Although it is plentiful in soil both in its organic and inorganic form but its larger fraction is unavailable to plants. Different phosphate solubilizing micro-organisms (PSMs) residing in soils can change the chemical nature of these organic and inorganic phosphate compounds and make them available to plants. Only bacteria are focus of this study which investigates the antifungal potential of these phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB). These These PSB can perform important role in defending plant roots from pathogenic fungi in an environment friendly mode. Hence, help in minimizing the dependence on environmentally harmful and expensive phosphate fertilizers and fungicides. From a plenty of purified PSB isolates only elite strains with higher phosphate solubilization index have been selected for identification and for bio control studies. Alternaria alternate (A. alternate ), Macrophomina phasiolina (M. phasiolina), Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) and Sclerotium rolfsii (S. rolfsii) had been grown simultaneously along with six selected PSB strains including Burkholederia cepacia (B. cepacia), Citrobacter freundii (C. freundii ), Enterobacter aerogenes (E. aerogenes), Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia), Proteous vulgaris (P. vulgaris) and Acinetobacter lwoffi (A. lwoffi). The completely restricted growth of mycelia of these plant pathogenic fungi was observed in the presence of selected bacterial strains which have been found as effective bio control agents. The results of the presented work strongly encourage the need to explore more PSB strains with higher phosphate solubilizing potential and deadly effective against broader range of plant pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically modified organisms have become obligatory to adopt certain precautions to overcome the risks related to release of GMOs. Through this study, an attempt was made to evaluate bio-safety concerns of transgenic sugarcane with insect resistant gene, Cry1Ac. In short term feeding trial of 120 days, 20 broiler chicks divided into four random groups were caged separately. Group-I fed on commercial chicken diet; group-II fed on non-transgenic sugarcane diet; group-III fed on transgenic diet (commercial to transgenic ratio was 1:1) while group-IV was fed on high dose transgenic diet (commercial to transgenic ratio was 1:2). Body weights of chicks increased normally in all four groups during the course of study. Biochemical tests and molecular tests done on chick's blood reported no significant difference among assorted groups. At the termination of the experiment, chicks were slaughtered and dissected vital organs were used for histological studies. It was found that tissues belong to group 3 and 4 were morphologically and histological similar to group 1 and 2. Also, no mRNA expression was observed in total RNA isolated from chicken's tissues. These findings suggest that there was no deleterious or harmful effect of the GM sugarcane on the chick's health and no transgene fragment has transferred from GM crop to animal's blood neither in their vital tissues. Conclusively, it is suggested that at least in short-term period feeding trial, the genetically modified sugarcane doesn't not have adverse effect on animals feeding them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Despite careful selection processes, residency programs face the challenge of training residents who fall below minimal performance standards. Poor performance of a resident can endanger both patient safety and the reputation of the residency program. It is important, therefore, for a program to identify such residents and implement strategies for their successful remediation. The purpose of our study was to gather information on evaluation and remediation strategies employed by different otolaryngology programs.Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.Methods: We conducted a national survey, sending a questionnaire to the program directors of 106 otolaryngology residency programs. We collected information on demographics of the program, identification of problematic residents, and remediation strategies.Results: The response rate was 74.5%, with a 2% cumulative incidence of problematic residents in otolaryngology programs during the past 10 years. The most frequently reported deficiencies of problematic residents were unprofessional behavior with colleagues/staff (38%), insufficient medical knowledge (37%), and poor clinical judgment (34%). Personal or professional stress was the most frequently identified underlying problem (70.5%). Remediation efforts included general counseling (78%), frequent feedback sessions (73%), assignment of a mentor (58%), and extra didactics (47%). These remediation efforts failed to produce improvement in 23% of the identified residents, ultimately leading to their dismissal.Conclusions: The apparent deficiencies, underlying causes, and remediation strategies vary among otolaryngology residency programs. Based on the results of this survey, we offer recommendations for the early identification of problematic residents and a standardized remediation plan.Level Of Evidence: NA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Evidence shows a positive association between quality of surgical training received and patient outcomes. Traditionally, improved patient outcomes are linked with increased operative volume. However, generalizing this finding to surgeons in training is unclear. In addition, reduced exposure due to work-hour restrictions calls for alternative methods to determine the quality of training. The purpose of this study was to identify the indicators of high-quality training by surveying the trainees and trainers.Methods: A questionnaire was developed based on input from faculty and previous studies. The survey was divided into three sections asking about the indicators of quality training, methods to measure them, and interventions for improvement. The questionnaire was administered to program directors (PDs) and senior residents of otolaryngology training programs nationwide.Results: The strongest indicators of quality training that were agreed upon by both residents and PDs were having faculty development as an ideal trainer while having a balanced level of supervision and independence, logbooks for exposure to volume and variety of pathology, continuous evaluation and provision of feedback. However, structured teaching, simulation-based training, and trainee exam scores failed to reach an agreement as a metric of high-quality surgical training.Conclusion: Measuring quality of a residency training program is imperative to produce competent surgeons and ensuring patient safety. The results of this study will help the residency programs to better train their residents and improve the quality of their teaching.Level Of Evidence: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Work-hour restrictions, increased workload, and subjective assessment of competency are major threats to the efficacy of the traditional apprenticeship model of surgical training in modern surgical practice. In response, medical educators are developing time- and resource-efficient competency-based models of surgical training. The purpose of our project was to develop, implement, and measure the outcomes of such objective and structured programs in otolaryngology. We also investigated factors affecting the learning curve, especially deliberate practice, formative feedback, and learners' autonomy.Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal study.Methods: To measure the surgical skills of residents, we first developed and tested objective tools for otolaryngology procedures. Based on these instruments, we identified milestones of the procedures. Training on a virtual-reality simulator was validated to shorten the learning curve. We also studied a learner-centered approach of training, factors affecting the learning curve, and barriers to a competency-based model.Results: The objective tools were found to be a feasible, reliable, and valid opportunity for measuring competency in both the laboratory and operating room. With the formative assessment from these tools, residents had a remediation target to be achieved by deliberate practice. The milestones helped identify the threshold of competency, and deliberate practice on the simulator gave an opportunity for improving skills. The learner-centered approach allowed flexibility and personalized learning by shifting the responsibility of the learning process to the learners.Conclusion: The competency-based model of residency, based on the principles of deliberate practice and a learner-centered approach, is a feasible model of residency training that allows development of competent surgeons and hence improves patient outcomes. Despite these advantages, challenges to this model require a concerted effort to overcome and fully implement these principles of training beyond just technical skills, ultimately creating well-rounded medical professionals and leaders in the surgical field.Level Of Evidence: N/A. Laryngoscope, 125:S1-S14, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato virus X (PVX) a most devastating pathogen of potato, tomato and tobacco all over the world was surveyed for its epidemics in Pakistan. A 891bp amplicon covering full capsid protein gene of potato virus X was amplified through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction by using gene specific primers from the samples collected all over Punjab, Pakistan. Deduced sequence of full capsid protein gene of PVX was reported as the first full length coat protein gene of potato virus X from Pakistan in NCBI database (Accession # KC757709). In phylogenetic analysis, Pakistani PVX isolate was found to be clustered closely with European sub linage while distinctly with Australian PVX and South American isolates. In contrast to the nucleotide sequence the amino acid sequence dendrogram of PVX, Pakistani isolate showed 100% homology with American isolates. Conclusively, a new isolate of PVX was identified from Pakistan which surprisingly exhibited close lineage with European isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis To measure the effect of distractions on the operative performance and analyze if practice and experience are the factors that can help to overcome the distractions. Study Design Prospective observational study. Methods Ten postgraduate year (PGY) 2-6 residents and two faculty members from Johns Hopkins' otolaryngology department were recruited and asked to deepen the dissection at the sinodural angle on the Voxel-man mastoidectomy simulator. They were asked to perform the task under four conditions: 1) no distractors, 2) differentiation and counting of a specific alarm sound among different sounds played in the background while performing the surgical task, 3) simultaneous performance of simple arithmetic task of moderate difficulty, and 4) simultaneous performance of the task with both sets of distractors combined. Results Time taken for the task ( P = .02) and error scores ( P = .002) increased under the third and fourth conditions. The ability to multitask and response to surgical and cognitive tasks improved with increasing level of experience of the participants. Conclusions Distractions lead to impaired dexterity and an increase in the incidence of errors. However, experience and deliberate practice can help achieve the ability to multitask without compromising the operative performance. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:837-841, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulation of different genes in crop plants to get desirable characters has become an important tool of plant biotechnology. In the current study, cotton variety MNH-786 was modified for its characteristics to show resistance against lepidopteran insects and herbicide by transformation of Cry1Ac+Cry2A and GTGene cloned in a different cassette under 35S Promoter. Mature embryos of cotton MNH-786 were injured by a sharp blade at the shoot apex and infected with the Agrobacterim tumefaciens harboring transgene constructs. Transformed cotton plants were successfully acclimatized in pots and later the green house. Gene specific PCR and ELISA confirmed the transgene presence and its protein expression which was considerably higher in transformed plants. Overall transformation efficiency was 1.05%. All larvae of Helicoverpa armigera feeding on transgenic cotton leaves of T0 were found dead as compared to the control ones feeding on leaves from non-transgenic cotton. Transgenic plants also survived a glyphosate spray dose of 1,900 ml acre-1 as compared to herbs/weeds growing along with them, which burned completely five days post glyphosate application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: To examine the effects of a learner-centered educational curriculum for Johns Hopkins otolaryngology- head and neck surgery residents in improving their otolaryngology training examination (OTE) scores. We hypothesized that trainees who attend a learner-centered program demonstrate improved performance on OTEs. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Methods: In September 2008, a resident-designed educational curriculum was implemented to better prepare residents for their OTE. These mandatory sessions, led by faculty members, were held for an hour every week, during in which residents were tested on their knowledge of high-yield topics. Residents were expected to be prepared on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the selected diseases. In 2011, residents were given responsibility to lead these sessions. OTE scores from 2002 to 2012 were analyzed to see whether there was any improvement after the implementation of this curriculum. Results: Clustered linear regression analysis revealed significant improvement of OTE scores with subsequent interventions. During a 3-year period (2009-2011) after the first intervention, there was a significant increase (P = .01) of 0.69 in mean national and 0.78 in mean group stanine scoring. Similarly, after the second intervention in 2011, a further increment of 1.36 in mean national and 1.58 in mean group stanine scoring was seen (P = .001). Conclusions: Residents OTE stanines improved significantly after the implementation of a learner-centered educational curriculum. This finding suggests that trainees are able to perform better when involved in planning and implementing the educational curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: To develop and assess the feasibility of a new standardized protocol to guide tracheostomy decannulation. Study Design: Descriptive review of quality improvement project. Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted in the inpatient setting of a tertiary urban academic hospital. Adult patients who had received a tracheostomy and for whom the indication for tracheostomy had resolved were included. A multidisciplinary task force reviewed input from clinicians caring for tracheostomy patients and developed a protocol for screening, capping, and decannulation. The primary outcome measured was successful decannulation. Results: Fifty-seven patients were screened for a capping trial over a 12-month period; 54 were capped. Six patients were lost to follow-up. Fifty patients passed the capping trial, and all 50 were decannulated successfully. When decannulation was pursued in one patient who had twice failed the screening criteria and subsequent capping trials, the patient failed decannulation and ultimately required reintubation for the management of secretions. The screening tool had high sensitivity (90%) and positive predictive value (100%) for successful decannulation. Additionally, the number of reported patient safety concerns decreased from seven in the 6 months preceding implementation of the program to one report in the 6 months after implementation. Conclusion: The new tracheostomy capping and decannulation protocol assisted in predicting both successful and failed decannulation. Although several patients failed certain capping criteria initially, the protocol stipulated modifications of care that enabled successful decannulation. The screening tool had high sensitivity and promoted communication, standardization of practice, and patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A literature review has been undertaken to investigate the potential of anaerobic digestion for material recovery and energy production from cattle manure. These wastes constitute 8–20% total solid, with a volatile solid content of 70–85%. The biodegradable fractions include about 11% hemicellulose, 26–53% cellulose, and 11% lignin. Anaerobic digestion of cattle manure was studied under various operating conditions using different types of bioreactors and it allows the conversion of 50–75% of organic matter to methane with an organic loading rate of 1–6 g VS/L day. Continuous two-stage configuration involving a first-stage thermophilic reactor and mesophilic second reactor emerges to be superior and the most effective technologies for anaerobic digestion of cattle manure. It was demonstrated that 41% of volatile solids were converted to methane at an organic loading rate of 5.82 g VS/L day. The methane yield was found to be 620 L/kg VS added. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives/Hypothesis This study explores the influence of selected factors on achievement of competency in mastoid surgery. Study Design A prospective study of surgical performance and a retrospective survey of learner and training factors. Methods The longitudinal performance of 15 residents was evaluated using the mastoidectomy task-based checklist (TBC). The influence of surgical experience, resident interest, and training factors (course attendance, voluntary use of simulation laboratory) was also examined and compared for the acquisition of distinct levels of technical skill difficulty (cortical mastoidectomy vs. facial recess). Results Ninety-six observations made during the first otology rotation were analyzed. Cortical mastoidectomy tasks showed positive associations with cumulated case numbers (OR 1.13, CI 1.04-1.23, P = .003) and interest in otology (OR 3.86, CI 1.21-12.27, P = .022). Facial recess tasks showed a larger positive association with interest in otology (OR 10.38, CI 2.25-47.94, P = .003), and negative association with extra time spent in laboratory practice (OR .05, CI 0.011-0.23, P = .000). Conclusions Learning trajectory for cortical mastoidectomy and facial recess may be influenced by different factors. Interest in otology, in particular, may have a moderating effect on the acquisition of more complex skills in mastoid surgery. A negative association between self-directed laboratory simulation and performance may reflect the impact of assessment-guided feedback in promoting deliberate practice. Further investigations are suggested to explore the interactions between individual trainee differences, educational models, and learning outcomes. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:3162-3167, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgene integration and expression in host plant is quite unpredictable and is considered as the major problem in plant transformation. The variation in transgene copy number in transgenic plants influences the expression level and is one of such complication. In many plant species, the analysis of transgenic plants has shown that independent transgenic plants have one to many copies of transgenes. This study focused on molecular characterization of difference in copy number of transgenes and its impact on expression level on mRNA basis. Four advanced transgenic lines of phytochrome B were analyzed for the integration of the gene. These transgenic lines were taken out on the basis of difference in copy number as determined by Southern blot analysis and Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for transgene expression. Results taken by both real time PCR and Northern blot analysis determined high expression in Line QCC11 having two copies of transgenes in homozygous condition while the least expression was seen in lines QCC10 showing three copy number in heterozygous condition as multiple copies can be incorporated from one to few insertion sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis The purpose of this study is to compare faculty and trainees' perceptions of their mentorship experience in otolaryngology training programs in order to identify areas where improvements could yield more productive mentorship. Study Design Cross-sectional survey design. Methods Residents and faculty from three otolaryngology-head and neck surgery programs were surveyed regarding their perceptions of their mentoring relationship. Trainees were asked about the characteristics of their mentorship experience. Separately, faculty were asked to describe their mentorship relationship, available resources to provide effective mentorship, and to identify areas in which formal training would improve their mentoring skills. Results Forty-eight trainees (72%) and sixty-one faculty members (73%) completed the survey. Ninety percent of residents meet with their mentors at least twice a year. Faculty and residents (> 80%) agreed that career planning was the most commonly addressed topic in mentorship sessions. However, faculty and residents differed in their perceptions of providing mentorship in other areas including clinical judgment ( P = 0.003). The majority of faculty (56%) felt that formal mentorship training would improve their mentorship skills. While 95% of mentees agreed that their mentor is accessible, only 46% of faculty believed they have enough time to dedicate to mentoring ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Mentees are generally satisfied with the mentoring they receive, while most mentors are not satisfied with the time they have to provide mentorship. Further insights into differences in faculty and trainee perceptions may improve the mentorship experience. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 123:1876-1883, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine the feasibility, reliability, and validity of an objective surgical assessment tool designed to measure the development of tonsillectomy skills by resident trainees in the operating room. A tonsillectomy evaluation instrument created previously serves as a basis for this tool, which incorporates many similar concepts but was optimized to maximize feasibility and reliability with simplified anchors and inclusion of global and task-specific sections. Study Design Prospective longitudinal validation study. Methods Faculty input via modified Delphi technique was used to develop a new objective structured assessment of technical skills-based instrument for tonsillectomy. The task-specific checklist (TSC) and global rating scale (GRS) measured tonsillectomy technical skills and overall surgical performance, respectively. Twenty-one otolaryngology-head and neck residents (ranging from postgraduate year 1 to 6) were evaluated for a period of 3 years by 11 faculty members. Results Eighty-three evaluations were completed showing strong correlation between both instruments ( r = 0.95, P < .001). Our tool demonstrated construct validity for both TSC and GRS, showing higher scores with increasing surgical experience. Both instruments showed high interitem reliability with Cronbach α coefficients of 0.97 for both parts. Conclusions This assessment tool is a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument for the assessment of surgical competency in tonsillectomy. It is effective in providing structured feedback at the end of each procedure, which encourages specific, targeted development. Laryngoscope, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a systematic review which aims to determine and explore the perceptions of program directors regarding challenges to implementing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's 2001 Outcome Project, and mentions the review's methods, results, and conclusions.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To this date the effect of the time taken to complete an evaluation on the psychometric properties of the instrument has not been reported. The goal of our study was to assess the effect of time taken to complete an evaluation on its validity. Study Design: Cross-sectional validation study. Methods: The global and checklist parts of tonsillectomy, mastoidectomy, rigid bronchoscopy, and endoscopic sinus surgery were used in the operating room by the otolaryngology faculty to evaluate the surgical skills of the residents. We categorized evaluations into two groups depending on the time taken to complete an evaluation (group A ≤6 days, group B >6 days). Construct validity was calculated for both groups by comparing the mean global and checklist scores of the residents across advancing postgraduate year levels. Results: A total of 468 evaluations, consisting of global and checklist parts, were completed for 29 residents by 32 evaluators. Mean number of days taken to complete an evaluation was 7.7 days. For all the evaluations completed within a 6-day time period, the construct validity was significant for both global and checklist parts of the four instruments. In cases of the evaluations completed after 6 days, the construct validity was significant for the tonsillectomy instrument only. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the time taken to complete an evaluation has a significant effect on the construct validity of the objective instrument. In the future, efforts should be focused on faculty development to ensure timely completion of the evaluation for a more valid assessment process. Laryngoscope, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted to analyze the role of multidisciplinary percutaneous tracheostomy team in improved patient care. It informs that data was collected from medical databases for the patients undergone through percutaneous tracheostomy in 2004 and 2008. According to the results, several disease complications were controlled due to institution of the team.

The robustness of watermarks to geometric attacks is viewed as an issue of great importance. Indeed, it constitutes one of the most challenging design requirements for watermarks. This study proposes a robust image watermarking scheme using visually significant feature points and image normalisation. In order to tackle the issue of geometric distortions, the authors adopt a feature extraction method based on end-stopped wavelets to extract significant geometry preserving feature points, which are shown to be robust against various types of common signal processing and geometric attacks. These feature points can be used as synchronisation marks between watermark embedding and detection. The watermark is embedded into non-overlapping normalised circular images, which are determined by feature points. Rotation invariance is achieved via image normalisation. The watermark embedding process is performed by modifying low-frequency coefficients of discrete cosine transform blocks, which are randomly selected using a secret key. Moreover, the security of the scheme is further guaranteed by an image-dependent key. The proposed scheme is blind as the original image is not required at the watermark detection. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme is robust against geometric attacks as well as common signal processing attacks and outperforms related techniques found in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]