Search

Background: Cutaneous angiomyolipoma (CAML) is a rare benign tumour originating from the perivascular cells of the smooth muscle and fat. Owing to its rarity, clinical presentation, size, and location, we report a case of interest. Case report: A 59-years-old male patient from the Etawah district presented with a lump in the anterior abdominal wall of the umbilical region for the past 5 months. The patient was asymptomatic, but was concerned about the nature of the lump and agreed to undergo excision of the lump, which revealed angiomyolipoma of the anterior abdominal wall on histopathological examination. The patient experienced no complications from the excision and was discharged from the hospital. This particular subsite is rare and lacks association with tuberous sclerosis, a clinical entity commonly associated with renal angiomyolipoma Conclusion: The final diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology based on the traditional criteria of the presence of blood vessels, fat tissue, and smooth muscles. Surgery is the preferred course of treatment, and complete resection is important because incomplete resection may cause recurrence.

Present study was carried during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Institute Seed Science, Mau, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the effect of thermopriming on inducing heat stress tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown under suboptimal conditions. The experimental material consisted of two location specific varieties of barley, DWRB 101 and DWRB 123, with two distinct lots, one of fresh seeds and the other of seeds aged for 1-year duration. Temperature regime between 30 to 45°C with 5°C increment and 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h duration, was selected as the treatment combinations along with the control (non-treated seeds). Results showed that the quantum of temperature exposure as well as the duration has significant impact on the germination and seedling growth of barley under lab conditions. The ANOVA and Dunken multiple range test enumerated that, the seeds primed at 30°C for 12 h, has positively improved the germination potential and seedling vigour index when compared to the respective lower and higher durations of exposure and revealed it as the best treatment combination. The subsequent year of evaluation of emergence potential of the treated seeds under an artificially induced high temperature stress revealed that the selected treatment was a good performer in inducing heat stress tolerance in barley, and can be chosen as solution to the high temperature stress induced through increasing atmospheric temperature at different stages of crop growth.

Context: The link between oral infections and systemic disease is a well-proven hypothesis in the current literature. This relationship is the result of interaction between periodontal microbe that triggers inflammatory processes leading to the secretion of cytokines and other mediators of inflammation resulting in the systemic effects of pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: In this study, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), probing pocket depth, plaque index, gingival index, and the parameters were assessed initially and 1 month after scaling and root planing (SRP). Statistical Analysis Used: The paired t-test and the Pearson correlation were needed to examine and compare measured data. Results: The data from the study reveal that all the clinical parameters like the plaque index, the gingival index, and the probing pocket depth were statistically significantly reduced after 1 month of SRP with respect to baseline. While ESR mean value was also reduced, that is, 3.27 ± 1.24 mm/hr which was also considered statistically significant. Conclusions: The findings from the study showed a positive correlation between periodontal inflammation and ESR.

The influence of coloured-plastic mulching on physical and biochemical characteristics of tomato fruits were investigated. During the study, tomato crop was grown in an open field under five coloured-plastic mulching, one organic mulch and a no-mulch treatment. Harvested tomato fruits were analysed for various physico-chemical post-harvest quality parameters. Results evidenced that sphericity of tomatoe fruits was non-significantly (P

Background and Aims: The contemporary literature review suggests upper airway ultrasound can help us to diagnose an unanticipated difficult airway before laryngoscopy. The primary objective of this study was to compare ultrasonography (USG) and clinical airway indices across easy and difficult laryngoscopy groups. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study included 258 patients scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Ultrasonographic upper airway parameters, viz., tongue thickness (TT), skin-to-epiglottis distance (DSE), and tongue thickness to thyromental distance ratio (TT/TMD) were measured. Patients were identified as easy or difficult laryngoscopy groups based on their Cormack Lehane (CL) grading. Results: Out of 258 patients, 20 (7.75%) had difficult laryngoscopy, and 238 (92%) had easy laryngoscopy. The USG measured TT mean, and median values were 6.16 ± 0.39 [6.10] cm in difficult and 5.41 ± 0.36 [5.40] cm in easy laryngoscopy groups. The USG measured mean and median value of DSE were 2.75 ± 0.09 [2.74] in difficult and 2.27 ± 0.23 [2.27] in easy laryngoscopy groups. The ratio of TT/TMD with mean and median values of 0.98 ± 0.07 [0.99] in difficult and 0.84 ± 0.13 [0.82] in easy laryngoscopy. Using the inputs, the diagnostic accuracy of the ultrasound-measured significant variables was calculated in terms of their area under the curve using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Conclusions: This study revealed a relationship between sonographic measurements like TT, DSE, and TT/TMD ratio for easy and difficult laryngoscopy identification. Including these sonographic parameters and their cut-off values may enhance our ability to predict an unanticipated difficult laryngoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to create significant microbial consortia against drought stress mitigation using potential drought stress tolerant rhizobacteria, isolated under differential polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) simulation in order to mitigate drought stress and ultimately improve plant and soil well-being. Soil samples were collected from drought prone areas of Uttar Pradesh and resilient strains were tested for drought stress tolerance and further screened for different plant growth promotion activities. Eight efficient bacterial isolates were obtained with maximum drought tolerance and PGP traits. All the strains were found to grow under wide range of pH & temperature. The efficient isolates were compatibly utilized to develop efficient consortia, T1 , T2 and T3, which were found to significantly (P≤ 0.05) increase shoot length of tomato plants. Stress tolerant consortium could be used to enhance tomato drought-stress tolerance after testing and validation of formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family and used for the treatment of many diseases. This study is focused on determining the critical limit for the cultivation of A. paniculata in sodic soil. A pot experiment was conducted with different exchangeable sodium percentages (ESPs) to determine the critical limit for the cultivation of A. paniculata in sodic soil. The critical limit, 16 ESP, was found for A. paniculata grown in sodic soil. Overall, increasing trends in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Mo and a decreasing trend in Ni and Se were observed in all part of the plant due to increasing sodicity levels. The determination of the critical limit for the cultivation of A. paniculata in sodic soil is an important aspect of this paper. The nutrients and heavy metal profiling with the extreme levels of sodicity will be useful to study the nutrient utilization pattern for the nutrient management strategy of A. paniculata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilocytic astrocytomas are well-circumscribed, predominantly cystic mass lesions that have a discrete mural nodule. Giant, solid pilocytic astrocytoma is uncommon. Its characteristic imaging features are described.

Background and Aims: Protection of anaesthesiologists from contaminated aerosols of COVID 19 patients during endotracheal intubation has spurred the development of barrier devices like aerosol boxes and clear transparent plastic sheets and usage of videolaryngoscopes in COVID 19 patients. However, the efficiency, feasibility and difficulties faced by anaesthesiologist while performing endotracheal intubations under barrier devices require scientific validation. This manikin-based pilot study aims to assess the laryngoscopic performances of experienced anaesthesiologists under two different barrier enclosures. Methods and Materials: 53 anaesthesiologists (14 Consultants and 39 Senior Residents) who were undergoing an airway training module as a part of preparedness for handling the COVID 19 pandemic were recruited. Using an aerosol box over a manikin, the participants attempted intubation using a Glidescope Videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscopes (GA and MA Groups). Subsequently, intubation was attempted under a transparent plastic sheet using both laryngoscopes (GP and MP groups). Time required for intubation, first pass success rates, subjective ease of intubation and the feedback obtained from the participants were recorded and analysed. Results: Time required for accomplishing successful intubation was 38.55 ± 12.16 seconds, 26.58 ± 5.73 seconds, 46.89 ± 15.23 seconds and 37.26 ± 8.71 seconds for GA, MA, GP and MP groups respectively. Time for intubation and difficulty (VAS) was least for Macintosh group with aerosol box (MA) and maximum time was taken in Glidescope group with transparent polythene drape (GP). First attempt success rate for Glidescope groups (GP and GA) were 100% and in MA and MP group was 98% and 96% respectively. Restriction in hand movement and stylet removal were the major difficulties reported Conclusion: Longer intubation times were observed while using Glidescope Videolaryngoscopes with either of the two barrier devices in place compared to Macintosh laryngoscopes.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in middle ear and mastoid are uncommon. Presentation of RMS in these sites include purulent or blood stained discharge, polypoidal mass and granulation tissue. Clinical diagnosis may be delayed due to similar presentation as Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM). Authors herein report a case of six-year-old male patient, who presented with a blood stained discharge from right ear for 15 days. On otoscopic examination, a polypoidal mass in external auditory canal was identified. A history of ruptured right tympanic membrane with occasional discharge for two years had been given. Clinical diagnosis of CSOM with aural polyp had been made. Radiographically, it was a soft tissue lesion with poorly defined margins. There were no bony erosions with minimal collection in right middle ear cavity. On routine histopathological examination diagnosis of round cell tumour had been made. On Immunohistochemistry (IHC), tumour was immunoreactive for desmin and vimentin, while negative for Cytokeratin (CK), Leukocyte Common Antigen (LCA), chromogranin and synaptophysin. Tumour was diagnosed as RMS (Embryonal type). This case report shows importance of early diagnosis of RMS in middle ear, which is often delayed and misdiagnosed as CSOM. Delayed diagnosis may lead to, facial nerve involvement, local meningeal involvement and distant metastasis. Histopathological examination and IHC e.g., desmin positivity are the mainstay of diagnosis.

Background and Aims: Anaesthesiologists have been in the forefront of managing patients of the novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) globally. The rearrangement of duties of anaesthesiology professionals and trainees along with the enforced containment measures like cessation of gatherings (for classroom teaching), cancellation of large number of elective cases and restricted number of procedures that are being performed have adversely affected the training of anaesthesiology postgraduate students across the country. Methods: An electronic survey to assess the effect of the measures taken by hospitals due to COVID-19 on postgraduate teaching was undertaken using a validated questionnaire. We used snowball sampling, and the survey invitation with the web link was shared through freeware WhatsApp. The participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymity was maintained. Data obtained from the responses was collated and analysed. Results: A total of 595 anaesthesiology postgraduate students (males = 298, females = 297) responded to the survey. Majority of the participants reported a steep depreciation (>50%) in the quality and quantity of academic activities (57.47%), major changes or cessation of clinical rotations (73.61%) and inability to conduct thesis-related cases (55.29%). In total, 56.97% of the students reported the rise in usage of online platforms like “Zoom” for conduct of routine academic activities. Conclusion: Teaching and training schedules of anaesthesiology postgraduate students have undergone major modifications following the COVID 19 pandemic. Resourcefulness and ingenuity in teaching methods is the need of the hour to sustain the desired standards of training courses and to maintain the quality of the budding anaesthesiologists.

Background: Present study, aimed to assess effect of organic and inorganic crop mulching on physical, physiological and biochemical quality of fresh cowpea beans. Methods: Cowpea (cv. Kashi Kanchan bush-type) was grown during two consecutive seasons from April 2018 to July 2019 under four different mulching treatments. Mulching treatments included no mulch; wheat straw mulch (organic mulch); black mulch and silver mulch. Black and silver mulches were made of 25 microns LDPE sheet. Cowpea was grown as per standard agronomic practices and physical, biochemical and postharvest quality parameters of beans were evaluated. Result: Results indicated that bean length (28.7cm) was highest under silver mulch whereas bean thickness (9.10 mm), width (9.29 mm) and 100 bean weight (1094.5 g) were highest under organic mulch. Likewise, protein content (28.63%), total phenolic content (17.0 µg GAE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (46.84 µmol trolox equiv./100 g) were found highest in beans produced under organic mulch. Overall results demonstrated that crop mulching could be used for enhancing the antioxidants, phenolic content of cowpea beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Ashish Kumar Kannaujia (corresponding author) [1]; Tanvi Bhargava [1]; Abhishek Kumar [1]; Suruchi Ambasta [1] Sir, Complications with central venous line insertions are common and different approaches with central [...]

Background and Aims: Exposure to ionising radiation to Anaesthesiology consultants, residents, technicians and nurses (Anaesthesiology personnel) is steadily increasing as a consequence of growing usage of imaging technology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of Anaesthesiology professionals (consultants, residents, technicians and nursing staff) working in three major tertiary care medical institutes in northern India regarding the existing knowledge, attitudes and practices of radiation safety at their workplaces. Methods: A printed and validated 30-point questionnaire was distributed. Questions were graded into the domains of demographics (6 questions), knowledge (9 questions), attitude (4 questions) and practice (11 questions). Data obtained from the responses was collated and analysed statistically Results: Out of the 403 questionnaires distributed, 222 were returned completed (55). Majority of the respondents were residents (53.60) and males (57.20). Many were unaware of the principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), (70.7) regarding collimators (65.85) and their usage (41.9). Maximum respondents stressed on the necessity of knowing the exposure dosage of radiations (89.2) and were concerned regarding the same (87.8). Lead apron was the commonest protection equipment and 97.3 of them were not using dosimeters. Highest levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices were demonstrated by the consultants. In terms of practices, the technicians fared better than the residents. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding radiation protection issues and doses of radiological procedures is limited. Although all the cadres scored high on their attitude scores, the practice sector requires improvement. Keywords: Anaesthesiology, radiation, radiation dosimeters, radiation exposure, radiation protection, Author(s): Rudrashish Haldar [1]; Rafat Shamim [1]; Himel Mondal [2]; Ashish Kumar Kannaujia (corresponding author) [1]; Prabhakar Mishra [3]; Anil Agarwal [1] INTRODUCTION A phenomenal increase has been witnessed in [...]

This case series aimed to review the significance of revisiting papilledema after successful cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) management with sinus angioplasty. Four patients presented with blurring and transient obscuration of vision with papilledema, headache, tinnitus, and vomiting. On magnetic resonance venography and digital subtraction angiography, chronic transverse sinus thrombosis was diagnosed for which patients underwent endovascular intervention (stenting). After the resolution of CVST, patients developed the recurrence of symptoms which on digital subtraction angiography revealed dural arteriovenous malformation (DAVM). DAVM and papilledema resolved with endovascular embolization. This case series highlights a need of constant monitoring of CVST cases after the endovascular intervention.

Author(s): Dhiraj Singh [1]; Rudrashish Haldar (corresponding author) [1]; Ashish K. Kannaujia [1]; Anil Agarwal [1] Sir, The second wave of coronavirus disease-19 pandemic was unmatched in terms of its [...]