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Histochemical study were made on trachea of buffalo foetuses  ranging from 4.3 to 44 cm CRL (crown rump length) to elucidate distribution of neutral and acid Mucopolysaccharides. During initial development up to 15.8 cm CRL tracheal eqithelium was strong to moderately positive from neutral mucopolysaccharides. The ground substance of developing cartilage primodria was weakly positive from acid mucopolysaccharide linging was present on the surface of PAS positive epithelia cells. The primordial of tracheal glands were positive for neutral mucopolysachharide content with well developed PAS positive submucosal tracheal glands.

The avian oncogenic viruses include Mareks disease virus (MDV), Avian Leukosis virus (ALV) and Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV). All the three viruses as etiological agents of single and/or multiple oncogenic infections were reported previously in broiler and layer chickens. The present study describes the detection of these multiple oncogenic viruses by multiplex PCR from suspected samples collected from the native chicken of Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. Out of 51 samples tested, 10 were found positive for MDV and 25 positive for ALV subgroup E and 6 samples positive for REV. Further, the representative samples were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The molecular characterisation of the present MDV strains showed the close proximity with strains from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Kerala states of India with bootstrap value of 97%. Further, the current REV strain showed close relatedness with the previously known Tamil Nadu REV isolate with bootstrap value of 66%. The ALV strain identified from the backyard poultry was found to be endogenous virus and showed close identity with ALV-E China isolate with bootstrap value of 78%.

A field experiment was conducted inside a temperature gradient tunnel (TGT) at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during rabi 2014-15 to quantify the impacts of elevated temperature on thermal requirement, growth and yield of wheat crop. Wheat crop was subjected to five temperature treatments, i.e. +0ºC (representing ambient condition), +0.9ºC, +2.5ºC, +2.8ºC and +3.5ºC.Temperature elevation of 3.5°C increased accumulated growing degree days (GDD) and photo-thermal unit (PTU), thereby hastening maturity of the crop. Leaf area index (LAI) of the crop was affected most by the high temperature at the anthesis stage. Temperature elevation by 2.5°C and above significantly reduced the LAI of wheat. Grain weight decreased by 17.1%, while the straw weight reduced by 10.5% with temperature elevation of 3.5°C. Temperature elevation by 2.5°C and above significantly reduced the straw weight, but grain weight of wheat got significantly reduced even with 0.9°C elevated temperature. Reduced number of spikes per/m2 and number of grains/spike decreased grain yield. In fact, the increase in the spikelet sterility contributed towards the grain yield reduction. The information generated from this study will help in developing the appropriate management practices for production of wheat crop.

We present some recent activity in Ontario on the mathematical modeling of COVID-19 and the development of optimal strategies for vaccine distribution that take into account equity issues.

Objectives To report the reduction in new neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic and estimate the impact of delayed treatment on visual outcomes at 1 year.Design Retrospective clinical audit and simulation model.Setting Multiple UK National Health Service (NHS) ophthalmology centres.Participants Data on the reduction in new nAMD referrals were obtained from four NHS Trusts comparing April 2020 with April 2019. To estimate the potential impact on 1-year visual outcomes, a stratified bootstrap simulation model was developed drawing on an electronic medical records dataset of 20 825 nAMD eyes from 27 NHS Trusts.Main outcome measures Simulated mean visual acuity and proportions of eyes with vision ≤6/60, ≤6/24 and ≥6/12 at 1 year under four hypothetical scenarios: 0-month, 3-month, 6-month and 9-month treatment delays. Estimated additional number of eyes with vision ≤6/60 at 1 year nationally.Results The number of nAMD referrals dropped on average by 72% (range 65%–87%). Simulated 1-year visual outcomes for 1000 nAMD eyes with a 3-month treatment delay suggested an increase in the proportion of eyes with vision ≤6/60 from 15.5% (13.2%–17.9%) to 23.3% (20.7%–25.9%), and a decrease in the proportion of eyes with vision ≥6/12 (driving vision) from 35.1% (32.1%–38.1%) to 26.4% (23.8%–29.2%). Outcomes worsened incrementally with longer modelled delays. Assuming nAMD referrals are reduced to this level for 1 month nationally, these simulated results suggest an additional 186–365 eyes with vision ≤6/60 at 1 year.Conclusions We report a large decrease in nAMD referrals during the COVID-19 lockdown and provide an important public health message regarding the risk of delayed treatment. As a conservative estimate, a treatment delay of 3 months could lead to a >50% relative increase in the number of eyes with vision ≤6/60 and 25% relative decrease in the number of eyes with driving vision at 1 year.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the only non-cereal staple food crop globally. The progress of this temperate crop in the sub-tropical country relies strongly on improvement activities utilizing the genetic resources acquired over a time period. However, proper maintenance, evaluation and utilization of germplasm resources is a cumbersome task. Creation of core set of conserved genetic resources is an efficient and cost effective method of management of conserved germplasm and its use in breeding program. Indian collection of potato (Solanum tuberosum ssp tuberosum) constitutes 1399 accessions emanating from the five continents maintained under ex situ conservation. A core subset of 140 potato germplasm was developed using Power Core software based on 19 morphological traits. Majority of entries in the core subset were from South America (42.14%). Comparison of mean data using Newman-Keul's test and variances using Levene's test for different traits revealed representation of actual diversity of base population by the core subset. Correlations among the traits governed by co-adapted gene complexes were conserved in the core subset. Shannon-Weaver diversity indices indicate that the potato core subset maximized the phenotypic diversity of the potato germplasm. Validation of core subset using principal component analysis reveals that the first 4 PCs represents 55.27% of total variations in core subset compared to 52.50% that in entire collection. The identified core subset can be used in Indian potato improvement programs as well as in genomics studies.

An experiment was conducted by growing Pusa 44 rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety under different treatments: Ambient, Elevated O3 (EO3: 60 ± 10 ppb), Elevated CO2 (ECO2: 550 ± 10 ppm) and Elevated CO2 and O3 (550 ± 10 ppm CO2 and 60 ± 10 ppb EO3) in free air carbon dioxide and ozone enrichment facility (FACE-O3) with the objective to assess the impact of elevated tropospheric ozone (O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) interaction on growth and yield of rice. The crop was exposed to elevated levels of gases from transplanting to maturity. EO3 was found to be having a negative impact on all the growth parameters at vegetative, anthesis and maturity stages. ECO2 was found to be having a compensatory effect over EO3 for the different growth parameters. On an average the compensatory effect of ECO2 over EO3 on yield was about 40% and negative impact of elevated O3 over control was around 26% in both the years.

Introduction: Organophosphate compound poisoning is one of the most common causes for admission to the Medical Intensive Care Unit. Parkinsonism is a primary neurotoxic manifestation of organophosphate intoxication. In this case report, we present the case of a 26 year old man who had the experience of organothiophosphate poisoning. Case presentation: A 26 year old man was admitted with tremors in upper and lower limbs together with the rigidity of all 4 limbs as well as difficulty in swallowing and in daily activities like walking, rising from chair, and turning on bed. He had consumed organophosphorus compound quinalphos, 15 days before. The basal ganglia changes were documented radiologically by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Gradual recovery was observed by treatment with dopaminergic agents and central anticholinergics over few weeks. Only 0.5% of organophosphate poisoning patients develop neurotoxic manifestations in the form of extrapyramidal syndromes such as Parkinsonism. Discussion: The occurrence of Parkinsonism as a complication of organophosphate poisoning raises safety concerns, especially in developing countries. Yet, this study is the first case report on Organothiophospahate induced Parkinsonism. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of extrapyramidal manifestations following organophosphate poisoning and the patients should be asked for regular follow-ups as the symptoms may appear even 1 month after the poisoning.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) are immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated hypersensitivity phenomena. The objective of the study is to assess the association between total serum IgE level and skin prick test (SPT) in Indian patients who presented with different nasobronchial allergy symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational prospective study conducted in the Allergy and Asthma Clinic, Motihari, Bihar. A total of 183 patients diagnosed as BA and AR undergo SPT against different allergens between January 2017 and July 2018. Serum total IgE was measured in all patients. All statistical analyses were performed using statistical software SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study patients included 95 males and 88 females (total 183) with a mean age of 27.15 ± 12.64 years. SPT was positive in 99 out of 183 (54.09%) study patients. BA and AR were associated with skin sensitization in 30.60% and 15.30% of patients, respectively, while 54.09% of patients were associated with both AR and asthma. Forty-four out of 99 (44.44%) patients were sensitized to single allergen, while 40.40% and 15.15% of patients were sensitized to 2–5 allergens and >5 allergens, respectively. Except 11 patients, all the study patients had high total IgE level (>150 IU/ml). More than half of the study patients (51.36%) were associated with more than 1000 serum total IgE level. Total IgE level was not affected with the number of allergen sensitization. SPT-positive patients had higher IgE value than SPT-negative patients but statistically not significant (P > 0.05), and there was also poor correlation between SPT result and serum total IgE level (r = 0.102). CONCLUSION: SPT should be performed in all clinical allergic patients irrespective of serum total IgE level.

Indian agriculture is diverse and capable of producing most of the food and horticultural crops of the world. In spite of its top ranking in production of a number of crops including rice, wheat, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables, the stagnancy in productivity and shortage of agricultural produce are two major bottlenecks of Indian agriculture. Several studies suggest a direct correlation between farm mechanization and crop productivity. It saves inputs like seeds and fertilizers by 15-20%, labour requirement and operational time by 20-30%, increases cropping intensity by 5-20% and crop productivity by 10-15%. At present, Indian farmers are adopting farm mechanization at a faster rate in comparison to recent past. Farm power availability from tractors has grown from 0.007 kW/ha in 1960-61 to 1.03 kW/ha in 2013-14 and it is further estimated to reach 3.74 kW/ha by 2032-33. According to the World Bank estimates, half of the total Indian population would be in urban areas by 2050. It is further estimated that the percentage of farm workers of total work force would reduce to 49.9% in 2033 and 25.7% in 2050 from 54.6% in 2011. The share of agricultural workers in total power availability in 1960-61 was about 16.3%, which is going to reduce to 2.3% in 2032-33. The overall level of farm mechanization in the country is only 40-45% and 90% of the total farm power is contributed by mechanical and electrical power sources. To assure timeliness and quality in various field operations, the average farm power availability needs to be increased to a minimum of 2.5 kW/ha by 2020.

Taking into consideration the unique relational position of convenors (Chairs) in PhD oral examinations, this qualitative study explores insights from 55 convenors at a research-intensive university in New Zealand into the ways academic staff developers can better prepare doctoral supervisors and examiners for oral examinations. One striking insight was that convenors focused not only on technical and practical aspects of the oral exam, which are predominately cognitive, but also on emotional support to candidates, indicating the value of the affective aspect of a meaningful oral. This study outlines practices academic developers can use to enhance quality assurance of oral facilitation processes, create a positive experience for stakeholders, and introduce improvements in university practices and policies on conducting orals.

Introduction: The multi-disciplinary approach to cleft care has been a reality since the beginning of the last century, but there is a paucity of literature discussing or recommending specific cleft protocols. This is understandable due to the significant difference in cleft protocols around the world and the controversies surrounding each of them. Material and Methods: The Indian Society of Cleft Lip Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies in its 13 th Annual Conference discussed threadbare the different protocols around the world and propose a guideline to Indian surgeons delivering cleft care. Results and Discussion: These guidelines though not binding, are supposed to be pointers to a generally accepted standard for cleft care, considering the unique circumstances and limitations of cleft care providers in developing countries like India. It is a "best practice" indicator which, if adhered to by all the cleft care providers, will soon bring about uniformity in cleft care deliverance and allow us to evaluate our results on a much larger scale than has hitherto been possible.

High engine oil temperatures have detrimental effect on overall engine performance and durability. High oil temperature is a direct indication of high engine temperature and hence, the inefficient cooling system of the engine. In this paper we show how the systematic investigation of cooling system thought experiments and CFD modeling can reduce the engine oil temperature within the desirable limit. A CFD model was developed for the entire cooling system and results were validated with the experimental measurements. The CFD model and experimental measurement techniques have been described in detail. Separate experimental measurements were conducted for flow and thermal measurements and the corresponding CFD model was validated against these measurements. Various design concepts were investigated and its effects on engine heat transfer coefficients and temperatures, change in system resistances, flow rates and other parameters have been presented. A simple experimental setup was developed for optimization of the centrifugal fan. The optimized fan was then used in the CFD model. It was observed that the reduction in engine oil temperature could be achieved by systematic design changes. However, it comes at the expense of increase in system resistance.

Impacts of water quality parameters on the fish diversity of the river Yamuna were studied from January 2010 to December 2011 at 11 sampling sites from uppermost Badwala to Allahabad. Certain key water quality parameters were showing considerable increase in their values from Badwala to Etawah. The highest value of chloride was observed at Mathura (217.4 ppm). The fish diversity of the river Yamuna were investigated for the first time and 112 fish species belonging to 10 orders, 29 families and 73 genera were identified. Indian major carp fishery has considerably declined in the system while exotics, especially Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis niloticus, are increasing at an alarming rate in the middle and downstream stretches. The exotic common carp was observed at all sampling sites except the uppermost, almost pristine Badwala and formed a maximum 27.0% of the total fish catch at Arail (Allahabad), Tilapia was recorded between the Panipat to Allahabad stretch, and formed a maximum 84.8% population at highly polluted Etawah. The population of exotics comprised 93.0% of the total fish catch at Etawah.

35 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with unstabilized clinical course and normalized intraocular pressure were treated. All patients were divided into subgroups: 8 patients - with the Ist stage of POAG, 12 - with the IInd and 15 with stage III-IV. Patients were examined with clinical-ophthalmologic and instrumental methods. After the treatment by CERAXON® an improvement of visual functions were noted, accompanied by significant positive dynamics of perimetric and morphometric characteristics: average light sensitivity and defect, dispersion, average thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer. During the treatment by CERAXON® there wasn't any case of side effects, demanding drug withdrawal or change of therapeutic regimen.

The Department of eye diseases and ophthalmology of Peoples' Friendship University of Russian has devised a method of the interlamellar circular, tunnel and sectoral keratoplasty for surgical correction of myopia and astigmatism of high degrees. In this article we have analyzed the results of our method. In total 140 operations were performed on 99 patients with follow-up period up to 13 years. 443 alloimplants were transplanted into the layers of the cornea and in 96.83% of cases (429 implants) transparent engraftment of the implants was achieved. Interlamellar keratoplasty is applied for correction of high myopia from 8.5 diopters up to 17.0 diopters; simple, complex myopic and mixed astigmatism from 3.5 diopters up to 9.5 diopters. The significant advantages of the interlamellar keratoplasty are: small trauma, lack of deep incisions of the cornea, the intact optical center of the cornea 6,0 mm, controllability of the refractive effect by replacing of alloimplants or their complete removal, if it is necessary, without any consequences for cornea.

Bihar, India has been in the grip of kala-azar for many years. Its rampant and severe spread has made life miserable in most parts of the state. Such conditions require a comprehensive understanding of this affliction. The numbers coming out of the districts prone to the disease in the north and south Ganges have provided us with several startling revelations, as there are striking uniformities on both sides, including similar vegetation, water storage facilities, house construction and little change in risk factors. The northern areas have been regularly sprayed with DDT since 1977, but eradication of the disease appears to be a distant dream. In 2007 alone, there were as many as 37,738 cases in that region. In contrast, the southern districts of Patna and Nalanda have never had the disease in its epidemic form and endemic disease has been present in only some pockets of the two districts. In those cases, two rounds of spraying with DDT had very positive results, with successful control and no new established foci. In addition, an eleven-year longitudinal study of the man hour density and house index for the vector Phlebotomus argentipes demonstrated that they were quite high in Patna and Nalanda and quite low in north Bihar. Given these facts, an attempt has been made to unravel the role of P. argentipes saliva (salivary gland) in the epidemiology of kala-azar. It was determined that patchy DDT spraying should be avoided for effective control of kala-azar.

Background: ′Think-manager, think-male′ stereotype had lived its age and the time is ripe to give way to a Psychologically Androgynous manager, who is more personally effective. Irrespective of one′s sex, he/she possesses both the masculine as well as feminine attributes and practices them as the situation so desires. Material & Method : 350 male management students were categorized under three groups viz. Typically Sex-typed, Androgynous and Undifferentiated by using Bem′s Sex-role Inventory (1974). Their Personal Effectiveness scores were obtained using Pareek′s Personal Effectiveness Scale(2001). Mean, S.D., t-ratio and Pearson′s Correlation was calculated. Results : Three groups were found to be significantly different in terms of their Personal Effectiveness. Psychologically Androgynous group was found to be most personally effective on the dimensions of self-disclosure, benefit from feedback & perceptiveness or sensitivity to others′ feelings. Also, significant correlation existed between Psychological Androgyny and Personal Effectiveness vis-à-vis the other sex-role orientations. Conclusion : Androgynous sex-role orientation predicts personal effectiveness in management students.

The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes of western Uttar Pradesh, India and possible risk factors associated with it. Blood samples collected from 1,019 animals (dairy cattle and buffaloes) of different age and sex from 17 districts of western Uttar Pradesh, India where no vaccination against brucellosis is practiced were subjected to indirect ELISA for detection of Brucella antibodies. The overall mean seropositivity was 12.37% with seropositivity in unorganized and organized farms 4.08% and 24.88%, respectively. The young calves were having significantly higher seropositivity (10.38%) and it further increased in sexually matured adults (12.71%) in comparison to older animals (9.17%). Overall seropositivity and risk factors logistic regression analyses showed that species and farming type (organized and unorganized) had significant effect and sex of animals and their age group had no significant effect on the positivity of brucellosis. In absence of any vaccination presence of circulating antibodies against Brucella in all age group of animals indicated the natural circulation of infection in the state. Study indicated an urgent need of policy for prevention and control of brucellosis in dairy animals.

A field experiment was conducted at New Delhi during kharif season to study the effect of precision nutrient and conservation agriculture practices for enhancing productivity, profitability, nutrient-use efficiencies and soil nutrient status of maize (Zea mays L) hybrids. Using nutrient expert system based site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) practices higher dose of K and N while lower dose of P were estimated for hybrid maize over recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). Data of the previous crop, target yield, residue management and soil nutrient status were entered in the nutrient expert system. The significant interaction of SSNM and hybrids showed that hybrid PMH 3 along with site specific nutrient management (SSNM) produced significantly higher grain yield under conservation agriculture. The SSNM practice gave 14.7% higher grain yield (5 491 kg/ha) over RDF (4 182 kg/ha). Significantly higher gross return, net return (Rupees 41 137) and B:C ratio (1.57) was obtained with SSNM and the net returns of the maize were improved by rupees 7 856/ha by SSNM over RDF. Amongst genotypes, PMH 3 produced significantly higher gross, net return and B:C ratio over HQPM 1, however, it remained at par with PMH 1, S 6217 and CMH 08-292. Significantly higher partial factor productivity of applied N, P and K was obtained with 50% RDF while it remained at par for applied P by SSNM. Significantly highest agronomic efficiency of applied N and P was obtained with SSNM while for applied K it was significantly highest with 50% RDF. Initially before crop sowing, significantly highest organic carbon in soil was in 100% RDF plots. However, significantly higher organic carbon build up was obtained with SSNM which remained at par with 100% RDF, after crop harvest. In SSNM plots, significantly higher ammonical nitrogen and potassium was observed after maize harvest.

The genus Mucuna is an important medicinal herb and is extensively used in traditional Indian systems of medicine for various ailments. In vitro culture technique provides an alternative to plant propagation and germplasm conservation. Our aim was to study the biochemical changes occurring during regeneration of shoots (plantlets) from explants of two accessions of Mucuna pruriens, by monitoring the efficiency of nitrogen utilization and changes in levels of some hydrolytic enzymes. A rapid micropropagation system was developed using Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with BAP and IAA combined. In both the accessions, 3.0mg l-1 6-BAP, in combination with 0.2mg l-1 IAA, induced shoot buds and shoot elongation; however for multiple-shoot induction, a slightly higher concentration of cytokinin, i.e., 3.5mg l-16-BAP, in combination with 0.2mg l-1 IAA, was required. Results of the present study confirm an active growth of explants revealed by nitrate assimilation enzymes and hydrolytic enzymes. It is concluded that medium composition, growth regulator combination and culture incubation conditions are all vital in both the accessions of Mucuna pruriens for induction of in vitro plant regeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rates, timing and causes of neonatal deaths and the burden of stillbirths in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. We discuss the implications of our findings for neonatal interventions. METHODS: We used verbal autopsy interviews to investigate 1048 neonatal deaths and stillbirths. FINDINGS: There were 430 stillbirths reported, comprising 41% of all deaths in the sample. Of the 618 live births, 32% deaths were on the day of birth, 50% occurred during the first 3 days of life and 71% were during the first week. The primary causes of death on the first day of life (i.e. day 0) were birth asphyxia or injury (31%) and preterm birth (26%). During days 1-6, the most frequent causes of death were preterm birth (30%) and sepsis or pneumonia (25%). Half of all deaths caused by sepsis or pneumonia occurred during the first week of life. The proportion of deaths attributed to sepsis or pneumonia increased to 45% and 36% during days 7-13 and 14-27, respectively. CONCLUSION: Stillbirths and deaths on the day of birth represent a large proportion of perinatal and neonatal deaths, highlighting an urgent need to improve coverage with skilled birth attendants and to ensure access to emergency obstetric care. Health interventions to improve essential neonatal care and care-seeking behavior are also needed, particularly for preterm neonates in the early postnatal period.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of sustained release (SR) formulation of pregabalin with immediate release (IR) formulation in patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Materials and Methods: In this open label, randomized, comparative, multicentric study, the primary efficacy measure was reduction in visual analogue scale (VAS) of short form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) score from baseline to last visit. The secondary evaluation measures included reduction in SF-MPQ descriptive score and present pain intensity score and change in clinical global impression - improvement of illness (CGI-I) and clinical global impression - severity of illness (CGI-S) from baseline to last visit. Total duration of the study was 12 weeks. Safety evaluation was done by recording treatment emergent adverse events and laboratory investigations at baseline and end of treatment. Results: Of 265 randomized patients, 133 received pregabalin SR tablets and 132 pregabalin IR. Patients randomized to both treatments responded to respective treatments. The least square means of VAS score in both the groups were reduced significantly (P

Carcinoma in situ bladder is a high grade and ag-gressive manifestation of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder that has highly variable course. The purpose of this study is to analyse how this serious disease is dealt with, most effective treatment option available and its clinical progression inspite of intervention. All patients diagnosed to have CIS bladder histolo-gically in Harrogate District Hospital from August 94 to August 99 were included in the study. All data con-cerning the management, treatment and subsequent fol-low-up were collected from the patients′ records and analysed in a systematic way. A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Analysis showed that there was no age or sex predilection and the age group ranged from 36 to 75. It occurs either alone or with papillary bladder tumour. It is found to be poor prognostic indi-cator for subsequent ttunour recurrence. Mitomvcin was the least effective and BCG is the most effective form of intravesical treatment. Failure on BCG therapy is an earlvpredictorforaggressive treatment i.e. Radical Cys-tectomy. Eventually 1/3 of all patients diagnosed to have CIS progressed to muscle invasive disease requiring radical treatment.

A field experiment was conducted to study the growth, yield and economic potential of rice as influenced by different age of seedlings, cultivars and weed management under system of rice intensification on sandy-clay-loam soil at Agricultural Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University during the two consecutive kharif (rainy) seasons of 2010 and 2011. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with two ages of seedlings with two cultivars assigned to main plots and seven weed management treatments were allocated as sub- plot treatments has replicated thrice. Transplanting of younger age seedling (10 days) of PHB 71 recorded significantly higher growth attributes, viz. plant height, no. of green leaves/hill and dry matter accumulation with yield attributing characters. Similarly, ten days old seedlings of PHB 71 also produced significantly higher yield (grain and straw) that fetched maximum benefit in respect to gross return, net return and B: C ratio over old aged seedling (15 days) of NDR 359 during 2010 and 2011. Among weed management, cono-weeding 4 times at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after transplanting (DAT) recorded significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield, but sequential application of pre and post-emergence herbicides, i e pretilachlor + bispyribac-Na was found economically feasible under SRI due to lesser labour requirement.

The manuscript describes a study on the blood cholinesterase (ChE) level in an exposed population at different interval of time after spraying with malathion suspension (SRES) use for kala-azar vector control in an endemic area of Bihar, India. The toxicity of a 5% malathion formulation in the form of a slow release emulsified suspension (SRES) was assessed by measuring serum ChE levels in spraymen and in the exposed population.The study showed a significant decrease in ChE levels in the spraymen (p < 0.01) after one week of spraying and in exposed population one week and one month after of spraying (p < 0.01), but was still within the normal range of ChE concentration, one year after spraying, the ChE concentration in the exposed population was the same as prior to spraying (p > 0.01). On no occasion was the decrease in ChE level alarming. A parallel examination of the clinical status also showed the absence of any over toxicity or any behavioural changes in the exposed population. Hence, it may be concluded that 5% malathion slow release formulation, SRES, is a safe insecticide for use as a vector control measure in endemic areas of kala-azar in Bihar, India so long as good personal protection for spraymen is provided to minimize absorption and it can substitute the presently used traditional DDT spray.

Bananas and plantains globally the fourth important food crop, recorded wide variation in production and productivity in most of the banana growing regions. This is attributed mainly to the variety, type of planting material used, season and method of planting besides management techniques such as water and nutrients. Among all the commercial varieties of banana, owing to comparatively higher yield potential and better marketability both in domestic and export markets the Cavendish group of bananas such as Grand Naine, Williams, Robusta are preferred over other cultivars of banana. Planting sword suckers is beneficial and more ideal conventional planting material than the water suckers, butts and bits of rhizomes. However, the in-vitro banana plants of Dwarf Cavendish and Robusta are superior to conventional suckers due to their vigorous growth, early flowering (19 days) and reduced crop duration by 29 and 22 days, respectively. With reference to plant spacing and planting density which is determined by varieties grown, soil fertility status, prevailing climatic conditions etc. and maintenance of lower density of 625-1000 plants ha-1 recorded low productivity at

A patient presenting with hemi facial microsomia with Grade IIB mandibular deformity was treated by distraction osteogenesis after double osteotomy of the ramus and the body. A satisfactory facial symmetry was achieved following the surgery without any complications.

In 22 patients with pressure ulcers negative pressure was applied using adhesive drape and suction drain. By this method open wounds were converted into a controlled closed wound. It was found to reduce the tissue oedema, induration, bacterial content of the wounds, wound size, and discharge. Negative pressure was found to favour granulation tissue formation. This technique is cost effective and can be an adjuvant management of chronic infected wounds.

Purpose. To review the outcome of less invasive stabilisation system (LISS) plating for complex distal femoral fractures. Methods. Records of 6 men and 11 women who underwent LISS plating for complex distal femoral fractures from September 2001 to August 2005 were reviewed. One patient who died 12 months after surgery due to a cardiac problem was excluded. The mean age of the remaining patients was 61 years and the mean follow-up period was 12 months. Four patients, 3 of whom had open fractures, had sustained high-energy trauma. According to the AO classification, 8 fractures were type 33A and 9 type 33C. Results. The mean time to union was 17 weeks. Two patients with non-union underwent a second LISS plating and bone grafting, resulting in a satisfactory final outcome. Delayed radiographic union was observed in one patient, but clinically he was asymptomatic and mobile. The fracture finally united at 9 months. Conclusion. LISS plating is useful in treating complex distal femoral fractures, resulting in reduced blood loss and low infection rates, while achieving early mobility due to primary stability of the construct.

Compartment syndrome is characterised by an increase in the interstitial pressure within a closed osseofascial compartment. This may be due to a decrease in compartment volume, an increase in compartment content or external pressures. We report 4 patients who required surgical decompression for gluteal compartment syndrome that developed after joint arthroplasty. Gluteal compartment syndrome is rare, has high morbidity, and can be life threatening if not detected early. We emphasise the importance of identifying patients at risk, frequent monitoring of patients with continuous epidural infusions, reporting of motor blockade, and regular changing of the patient's position postoperatively.

Bilateral simultaneous anterior dislocation of the shoulders with bilateral 3-part fracture of the proximal humeri is unusual. A 42-year-old man presented with pain and restriction of movement on both shoulders. He was injured by a heavy object falling over his back while he was leaning forward holding an overhead bar. His arms were abducted and externally rotated. The injury was not correctly diagnosed, and the patient was treated with repeated manipulations and splintage for 2 weeks. Radiological examination revealed bilateral anterior dislocation of the shoulders with displaced 3-part fractures of the proximal humeri involving the shaft, greater tuberosity, and head. The patient was treated with open reduction and internal fixation through a deltopectoral approach using multiple Kirschner wires. The shoulders were kept immobilised for 3 weeks until the removal of the wires. The patient was able to resume work 3 months after surgery. He had an excellent and comfortable range of motion in both shoulders at one-year follow-up.

Isoniazid is a safe and very effective antituberculosis drug. Antimitotic agents routinely cause alopecia. Drug-induced alopecia is usually reversible upon withdrawal of the drug. Isoniazid, thiacetazone and ethionamide are the antituberculosis drugs which have been associated with alopecia. Isoniazid-induced alopecia was observed in one case and confirmed by the finding that hair growth resumed when drug removed from the regimen.