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Objectives:Axial length (AL) is an important contributor to refraction, and growth curves are gaining importance in the prediction of myopia. This study aimed to profile the distribution of ocular biometry parameters and to identify correlates of spherical equivalent refraction (SE) among school children in South India.Materials and Methods:The School Children Ocular Biometry and Refractive Error study was conducted as part of a school screening program in southern India. The enrolled children underwent tests that included vison check, refraction, binocular vision assessment, and biometry measurements.Results:The study included 1382 children whose mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 10.18 (2.88) years (range: 5-16 years). The sample was divided into 4 groups (grades 1-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-9, and grade 10) based on significant differences in right AL (p

Designing a rapid, reliable and sensitive assay, for detection of hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus variants by real-time PCR, is challenging at best. A recent approach for quantifying the viral load using the sensitive fluorescence principle, was used in this study. A total of 350 samples were collected from outpatient unit, Center for Liver Research and Diagnostics (CLRD). Complete Human HBV DNA and HCV sequences were obtained from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI); primers and probes were designed and synthesized from core, surface and x region of Hepatitis B and UTR region of HCV. Real-time based detection was done, using standard kit and in-house generated standards and RT-PCR protocols. A standard curve was generated by using the Smart Cycler II software and serial dilution 102 to 108 of cloned viral regions, the calibration curve was linear in a range from 102 to108 cp/ml for both HBV and HCV, with R2 value of 0.999 and 0.995. Out of 100 predetermined HCV negative samples, 02 samples were found positive with in-house developed RT-PCR assay, the positivity of this sample was confirmed by sequencing the amplified product. Low cost of this assay procedure and précised sample volume will permit the assay to be implemented for routine screening of Hepatitis B and C virus mono-infection and co-infection using Real Time PCR , Nucleic acid Chip technology and Fluorescent End Point detection systems. This assay is reproducible showing limited inter and intra assay variability. Our results correlated well with the standard kit for HBV and HCV virus monitor.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the residual heterosis in F2 and F3 populations of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]. The study material included eight parents and the 28 crosses of Indian mustard in two generations, namely F2 and F3. The experiment was conducted over two years at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, during Rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22. Out of the 28 crosses, three crosses namely, Npj-194 × DRMR-15-16, Npj-194 × RW- 85-59 (Sarma) and Npj-194 × SKJM-05 were found to show significantly positive residual standard heterosis over the standard variety (SKJM-05) for both the characters siliquae per plant and seed yield per plant. This provides us evidence that by improving siliquae per plant, the character seed yield per plant can be improved. The promising cross populations which have shown significant standard heterosis for seed yield in F2 and F3, can be utilized for the development of hybrid varieties, which would be very much beneficial to the marginal farmers of our country as they would be able to use the F2 and F3 seeds of the hybrid varieties without any compromise with seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of Doppler ultrasonography has been employed in the evaluation of several hemodynamic parameters of the portal vein, such as flow direction, velocity, and volume, in individuals suffering from portal hypertension. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of comprehensive research on the flow waveform and its pulsatility in these particular circumstances. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the pulsatility pattern and Spectral width index in individuals diagnosed with portal hypertension. Additionally, this research aims to assess the correlation between the pulsatility pattern and Spectral width index with the severity of liver disease, as determined by the Child-Pugh classification. Methods: For the purpose of study, 60 cases of clinically diagnosed Chronic Liver Disease patients and Doppler examination of portal waveform was done. Results: The normal value for PI in healthy adult's ranges from 0.200 to 0.557. In CLD patients the PI ranges from 0.140 to 0.483 with a mean of 0.28 + 0.09 SD. In Child Pugh Class A the PI was 0.36 + 0.06 SD, in Class B 0.29 + 0.07SD and in Class C 0.20 + 0.04 SD. In this study, the SWI in patients with CLD ranged from 0.608 to 1.00 with mean of 0.87 + 0.10 SD. The SWI in Child Pugh Class A was 0.82 + 0.09 SD, in Class B 0.83 + 0.14 SD and in Class C 0.92 U + 0.07 SD. There is a statistically significant relation found between portal vein pulsatility pattern and Spectral width index in patients with portal hypertension in relation to severity of liver disease. Conclusion: With increasing severity of the liver disease as graded by Child Pugh class scoring, the pulsatility of portal vein blood flow decreases and Spectral width index increases with increasing severity of liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superoxide dismutase is dimeric antioxidant enzyme responsible for quenching of superoxide radicals which are released during the chemical reactions of the various metabolic pathways. The enzyme levels of SOD are [...]