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In this study, we develop a structural gravity model to analyse the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on international trade in food and agriculture. Using detailed data on trade flows, we estimate the trade impacts of the pandemic for major sectors in food and agriculture. Supply-side impacts on trade caused by reductions in labour tend to be largest in labour-intensive sectors such as meat processing and processed fruit and vegetables. The supply-side export effects are dwarfed by the demand-side import effects, as the recessionary impact of the pandemic drives significant decreases in imports, largely in processed goods and labour-intensive commodities., (© 2023 The Authors. The World Economy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: The present study aims to assess the genotoxic effect of various forms of tobacco users on buccal mucosa and nuclear changes as biomarkers., Materials and Methods: The study involves 150 cases, they were divided into three groups (two study groups and one control group). The buccal cytological smears were taken from three groups: Group I - 50 smokers, Group II - 50 nonsmokers (smokeless tobacco), and Group III - 50 control group. The buccal cells were transferred into a test tube containing Tris-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid buffer (pH = 7) and was centrifuged (Remi® 1500 revolution/min [rpm]). Cell suspensions were transferred to the slides and fixed. The slides were stained using PAP and Feulgen stain. The MN and other nuclear abnormalities were studied and compared., Results: Nonsmokers (smokeless tobacco) had significantly increased frequency of all nuclear anomalies compared to smokers and healthy controls. Binucleation, karyorrhexis, micronuclei (MN), karyolysis, broken egg nuclei, and prominent nucleoli in nonsmokers (smokeless tobacco) and condensed chromatin in smokers were the most frequent anomalies. Binucleation and karyorrhexis were significantly more frequent in nonsmokers (smokeless tobacco) compared to smokers. The other nuclear abnormalities were not statistically significant in smokers and nonsmokers (smokeless tobacco)., Conclusion: Numerous studies have stated that MN and other nuclear anomalies were present in higher frequency in smokers and nonsmokers. In our study, we found binucleation and karyorrhexis were statistically significant in nonsmokers (smokeless tobacco) compared to smokers. The other nuclear anomalies showed insignificant results. In order to further validate the significance of this study, a larger sample size has to be studied. On comparing the staining efficacy of smokers and nonsmokers using PAP and Feulgen stain, both the stains showed positive results. In the present study, DNA-specific Feulgen stain shows better staining of nuclear anomalies compared to DNA nonspecific PAP stain, which was found to be statistically significant., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

COVID-19 has had unprecedented effects on the US economy, in large part because of its effects on workers. Within food and agriculture, these effects pose the greatest threat to the production of labor-intensive commodities-in particular, fruits and vegetables, the production of which tends to require large numbers of workers for harvesting and packing. We econometrically estimate the effects of COVID-19 on fruit and vegetable production as the US agricultural labor supply is adversely affected by this pandemic. The major crop losses include $16 million in lettuce, $5 million in apples, and $4 million in grapes., (© 2020 Agricultural & Applied Economics Association.)

Background: Tibial plateau fractures involving two or more columns were routinely assessed by two-dimensional radiography in the past. This often misled surgeons and attention was given only to the medial and lateral column without consideration of the posterior column, especially the postero-medial corner. Luo in 2010 introduced the new three-column classification system based on multiplanar computed tomography images. This study was conducted to assess the outcome after internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures involving two or more columns in our centre based on the column specific approach., Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at our institute, between 2011 and 2016. Total of 183 patients with tibial plateau fractures involving two or more columns were admitted during this study period of which 123 patients were satisfied our inclusion criteria. 8 patients were lost to follow up. Hence 115 patients with tibial plateau fractures involving two or more columns were classified based on the new three column classification system. Dual column fixation (Anterolateral +Anteromedial) was done in 76 patients, (Anterolateral+Posteromedial) fixation in 25 patients and triple column fixation (Anterolateral + Anteromedial + Posteromedial) in 14 patients. Post operatively patients were assessed by Modified Rasmussen functional and radiological scoring system., Results: Based on Modified Rasmussen functional scoring system, 73 patients (63.5%) had excellent results, 37 patients (32.2%) had good results and 5 patients (4.3%) had fair results. Based on Modified Rasmussen radiological scoring system, 71 patients (61.7%) had excellent results, 38 patients (33.1%) had good results, 6 patients (5.2%) had fair results. 3 patients had deep infections., Conclusion: Based on our study, we like to conclude that we had good outcomes utilizing this modern column specific approach to the treatment of these two or more column tibial plateau fracture injuries, which includes assessment of three columns., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ankle arthrodesis has long been the traditional operative treatment for posttraumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, neuromuscular conditions, and salvage of failed ankle arthroplasty. It remains the treatment of choice for patients in whom heavy and prolonged activity is anticipated. We present our short term followup study of functional outcome of patients who underwent transfibular ankle arthrodesis for arthritis of ankle due to various indications., Materials and Methods: 29 transfibular ankle arthrodesis in 29 patients performed between April 2009 and April 2014 were included in this study. The mean age was 50 years (range 22-75 years). The outcome analysis with a minimum of 1-year postoperative followup were included. All the patients were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot scale., Results: All cases of ankle fusions (100%) progressed to solid union in a mean postoperative duration of 3.8 months (range 3-6 months). All patients had sound arthrodesis. The mean followup period was 32.52 months (standard deviation ± 10.34). The mean AOFAS score was 74 (pain score = 32, functional score = 42). We found that twenty patients (68.96%) out of 29, had excellent results, 7 (24.13%) had good, and 2 (6.89%) showed fair results., Conclusion: Transfibular ankle arthrodesis is a simple and effective procedure for ankle arthritis. It achieves a high rate of union and good functional outcome on midterm followup., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Isolated tibial shaft (ITS) fracture with intact fibula is a common injury but records often fail to mention it. Our primary aim was to study the effect of the intact fibula in ITS fractures in closed and open injuries and that these fractures can unite without a primary fibulectomy., Materials and Methods: 56 patients who sustained an ITS fracture with an intact fibula who underwent closed or open reduction and reamed intramedullary interlocking nailing (IM IL nail) for closed and open fractures between August 2008 and April 2014 were included in this study. Four patients were lost to followup. One patient died due to causes not related to the surgery. At the time of final followup, 51 patients with 51 ITS fractures were available for the analysis. There were 33 closed and 18 open fractures. Patients were followed up at 4 weekly intervals until radiological signs of union were noted. They were assessed for functional outcome using the IOWA knee and ankle score systems at the time of final followup., Results: The average time to union was 19.7 weeks. Closed fractures united in 17.7 weeks as compared to 23.5 weeks for open fractures (P < 0.05). A delay in union occurred in 6 patients (4 open) and in 3 patients fractures failed to unite (2 open). The functional outcome as per the knee score and ankle score evaluation system was 93.13 and 92.54, respectively. The knee scores were 93.81 and 91.8 for closed and open ITS fractures, respectively (P > 0.05). Similarly, the ankle scores were 94.96 and 88.1 for closed and open ITS fractures, respectively (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: ITS fracture with intact fibula is a common occurrence, and they can be treated safely with reamed IM nailing that provides good union rates and the excellent functional result even in open fractures.

Although numerous scoring systems are designed for lower limb open injuries, most of them are based on orthopaedic and vascular injuries and can define only an amputation score. These scoring system lack specificity and sensitivity in predicting the salvage and outcome. Ganga Hospital Scoring system was found to have good specificity in predicting the outcome in Gustilo type-IIIA and type-IIIB injuries. We have validated in our study the Ganga Hospital Scoring system which grades the open injuries based on severity of injury to covering structures, functional and the skeletal units. The score was validated in 40 open injuries of tibia, 11 type-IIIA and 29 type-IIIB. Predictability of salvage and outcome was measured based on this scoring system. Results of our study correlated well with outcome of Ganga hospital study. 38 of 40 limbs with score below 14 and 1 with score above 14 were salvaged. The sensitivity and specificity for the threshold score of 14 was 100% and 95% respectively. Requirement of flaps, number of surgical procedures, time to bony union and infection rates in different groups were similar to original study. The Ganga scoring system was found to have good specificity and sensitivity and reliable in prognosticating the outcome in open injuries of the tibia., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study describes a 2- to 13-year follow-up of a novel technique for osteosynthesis of neglected femoral neck fractures and nonunions that combines internal fixation with the benefits of fibular grafting and valgus angulation osteotomy. Twenty-three patients were treated by the "3-in-1" surgery, which consisted of osteosynthesis with a dynamic hip screw, nonvascularized fibular grafting, and valgus osteotomy, between January 1996 and June 2009. Union was achieved in all patients at an average of 5.4 months. The average shortening was 0.9 cm. Although avascular necrosis was seen in 4 patients, 2 of them still had good functional scores. Excellent and good hip functional scores were seen in 18 patients. Well-executed surgeries combining biomechanics and biology can ensure union in neglected femoral neck fractures and nonunions provided an adequate length of the neck and proximal fragment is present and there is no subchondral collapse.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcome of clubfoot correction following differential distraction using the Joshi external stabilisation system (JESS)., Methods: 13 male and 9 female patients aged 1.5 to 5 years with 28 idiopathic clubfeet underwent differential distraction using JESS for relapsed deformity after posteromedial soft-tissue release. They were available for review after a mean of 12 years. Deformities of the feet were rigid and graded as Dimeglio type III or more. Pain, function, and satisfaction were evaluated using a questionnaire. Alignments of the forefoot and hindfoot, subtalar motion, ankle range of movement, muscle power, foot size, calf circumference, and limb length discrepancy were also evaluated. Each foot was rated using the Ponseti scale., Results: In 16 patients with unilateral clubfoot, the abnormal side differed significantly from the normal side in terms of foot size, calf circumference, ankle motion, and Ponseti score. Most affected feet were smaller. The mean Ponseti score for the 28 clubfeet was 80. 20 of the feet had good-to-excellent and 5 had fair scores, whereas 3 had poor scores (because of recurrence of deformity). Most patients were able to perform activities of daily living without any problem. The function of the ankle and subtalar joints was limited. Only 3 feet achieved ankle dorsiflexion of <10 degrees, 15 were beyond neutral to 10 degrees, 7 were neutral, and 3 were less than neutral. Most patients developed pin site infection, but none necessitated premature removal of the assembly or any surgical intervention., Conclusion: Differential distraction using JESS enabled long-term maintenance of correction and good function, despite hindfoot stiffness.