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Middle cerebral artery (MCA) variants are rare compared to that of the other two cerebral arteries. Incidence of variations like duplication, fenestration, accessory vessel and early branching ranges from 0.17 to 4%. However, the literature describing MCA variations using CT Angiography (CTA) is limited, so this study was planned to determine the incidence of MCA branching pattern in Indian population using CTA. Datasets of CTA of 578 MCA from 289 patients (180 males and 109 females), with average age of 49.29±16.16 years (range of 11 to 85 years), from a tertiary care hospital were systematically reviewed for variations in branching pattern. Cases involving aneurysms and infarcts were excluded from the study. Four branching patterns of MCA were seen. Pattern I: single trunk in 0.17% (1/578) cases, on left side. Pattern II: early bifurcation in 0.52% (2/578) cases, two cases on right and one on left side. Pattern III: bifurcation, in 97.75%, (565/578) cases, 46.15% (6/13) cases on right and 53.84% (7/13) on left side. Pattern IV: trifurcation, in 1% (6/578), two cases on right and four on left side. Duplicated MCA seen in 0.34% (2/578) cases, both on the right side. The fenestration of MCA seen in 0.17% (1/578), on the left side. No case of accessory MCA was seen. Awareness of these anatomical variations in the branching pattern of MCA is valuable for clinicians and surgeons handling cases of intracranial aneurysms and infarcts. Thus, data from this study would help surgeons minimize errors and provide the best possible outcome to the patients

Systematic observations as carried out in selected experimental plots and farmers field at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvidyalaya, Rice and Wheat Research Centre, Malan (HP) during kharif 2015 and 2016, revealed that the rice hispa (adults) started infesting the paddy crop early in the season at 26th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) and it continued till the crop matures (40-44th SMW). The grub incidence was reported from 28-39th SMW. Simultaneously, random samples of mined leaves were collected from the surveyed plots, brought to the laboratory, examined for field parasitism symptoms, maintained and reared for further investigations, recovered the association of hispa grubs or pupae with a gregarious parasitoid, which was identified as Chrysonotomyia sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae). Also, the maximum parasitization rates for this vary species of parasitoid were recorded during 34-39th SMW, with the mean parasitization of 46.0 and 39.3 percent during kharif 2015 and 2016, respectively. The natural parasitization of grubs or pupae of rice hispa by Chrysonotomyia sp. was reported for the first time from the state and it thus could be exploited as an important biological tool under the sustainable approach for its integrated management.

Background: Yoga is considered to be one of the most important, effective, and valuable tools available for man to overcome various physical and psychological problems. Stress contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases; hence, it becomes important to reduce the level of stress for prevention and management of diseases. Aims and Objectives: The present study was aimed: (1) To understand and analyze the possibilities of employing yogic practices in the treatment of periodontal disease along with conventional dental therapy, (2) to understand the effect of stress on periodontal treatment outcome, (3) to evaluate the efficacy of yoga in the management of periodontal disease with reference to stress. Materials and Methods: An outpatient department-based parallel group randomized study was performed with standard treatment for periodontal disease yoga therapy as Group II and only standard treatment as Group I. Periodontal health status was recorded using indices of modified plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth, and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The Cohen's perceived stress questionnaire was also used to determine stress severity. The yogic intervention consists of lectures and practical sessions on asanas, pranayama, kriyas, and meditation. Results: Repeated measure analysis of variance revealed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in all the outcome variables with respect to time in both groups. It was observed that mean PI score reduced by 1.35 in Group II as compared to 0.54 in Group I, mean probing pocket depth reduced by 1.60 in Group II as compared to only 0.68 in Group I, and mean CAL score reduced by 1.60 in Group II as compared to 0.68 in Group I. Similarly, Cohen's perceived stress scale score also reduced by 18.76 points in Group II as compared to only 2.58 points in Group I, BOP also shows better improvement in Group II with a reduction of 0.68 as compared to reduction of only 0.08 in Group I. The results obtained ascertained the role of yoga in stress reduction in periodontal disease. Conclusion: Although yoga does not play a direct role in improving periodontal disease, it accelerates the treatment outcomes by combating the stress which is a major factor affecting the treatment of periodontal disease.

Field efficacy of insecticides and biopesticides was studied against rice hispa Dicladispa armigera (Olivier) infesting rice (cv. Kasturi Basmati) during kharif 2014 and 2015 at the CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Rice and Wheat Research Centre, Malan. Application of various insecticides viz., dinotefuran 20 SG, triazophos 40 EC, chlorpyriphos 20 EC, monocrotophos 36 SL @ 200g, 500, 1250, 850 ml ha−1, respectively, and biopesticides viz., Beauveria 106 spores ml−1, Melia 5%, Eupatorium 5% @ 5.0, 2.5, 2.5 Lha−1, respectively, proved promising. Dinotefuran was the most effective, while of the biopesticides, Beauveria application was the best. However, maximum returns were obtained with triazophos (BCR=8.8: 1 and 8.0: 1 during 2014 and 2015, respectively at the experimental farm, and 12.2: 1 at farmer's field.

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in India, with dyslipidemia contributing significantly to the risk. There are few community-based studies that highlight the burden and risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in the Indian population.To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with dyslipidemia among adults ages 18 years and older in a resettlement colony located in central Delhi.A cross-sectional study that included a random sample of 200 adults was designed. A study tool based on the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance of noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors (STEPS) questionnaire was used. Fasting venous blood sample was collected to assess the lipid profile and anthropometric measures of the participants were recorded. Criteria based on the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults were used to define the cut offs for dyslipidemia. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 17.Of a total of 200 study subjects, 34% had increased total cholesterol levels (≥200 mg %), 38% had increased low-density lipoprotein levels (≥130 mg %), 40% had increased triglyceride levels (≥150 mg %), and 42% had low high-density lipoprotein levels (40 mg %). Using the logistic regression model, we found age, hypertension, alcohol consumption, and abdominal obesity to be associated with increased odds of dyslipidemia.A high proportion of individuals in the community have dyslipidemia, often associated with modifiable risk factors. The situation demands programs aimed at risk factor reduction. A focus on behavior change and health promotion targeting the younger age group is recommended.

Objective: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing worldwide largely due to prevalence of various risk factors, which can be controlled. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to measure the prevalence of major preventable risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi, using STEPS approach. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, that included a random sample of 200 adults, was conducted. A study tool based on the WHO STEPS questionnaire for assessing non-communicable diseases and their risk factors was used. Fasting venous blood sample was collected to assess the lipid profile and fasting blood sugar. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were also taken. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 26% (n = 52) were consuming alcohol and 17% (n = 34) were smoking. Majority (77.5%) had a raised waist circumference, and more than two-thirds were either overweight or obese. Fasting blood sugar levels were found to be raised in 18% of the study population. More than third participants had raised systolic and diastolic blood pressures and abnormal lipid profiles. More males were found to be overweight in comparison to females (P < 0.01), but in contrast, obesity (P < 0.05) and raised waist circumference (P < 0.001) were more common in females. Tobacco use was more common in lower class (P < 0.05), whereas obesity was commoner in the upper socio-economic class (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Study showed a high burden of risk factors for NCDs in the study population, pointing towards changing disease epidemiology of non-communicable diseases in India.

Objective: Endurance is the ability to work for prolonged period of time. Individuals of all ages can improve their general fitness & Endurance by participating in activities that include walking, biking, cycling, running, swimming, stair climbing, and weight training etc2. In rehabilitation centers we come across several patients for improvement of their general fitness & endurance. We used to give them training on Treadmill & Cycle Ergometer. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of treadmill with cycle ergometer on endurance in normal subjects. Material and Method: Total 20 subjects divided in group A & group B (10 subjects in each group) Training using treadmill and cycle ergometer respectively was for continuous 30 days with progression regularly. 12 minute walk test walk distance was used to measure the endurance after training. Results: There is no significant difference in effectiveness of treadmill & cycle ergometer on endurance in normal subjects. The value of tc obtained for walk distance for treadmill & cycle trainee is 0.1998 0.2 Conclusion: The study concluded that Bicycle Ergo meter is appropriate alternative to Treadmill for training in healthy volunteers. Training programme should be individualized.