Pathogenicity of Phoma betae isolates from red beet (Beta vulgaris) at seed farms in Canterbury, New Zealand

Phoma betae is an economically important pathogen of red beet causing pre-emergence seedling damping, leaf spot and root rot. However, the pathogenicity of P. betae is unknown in New Zealand despite the economic importance of this pathogen. Twenty-five isolates were collected from a survey of red beet seed farms in Canterbury, New Zealand during 2016/2017 and three of these PB101 (from seeds), PB103 (from roots) and PB106 (from leaves) were used for pathogenicity testing of two red-beet cultivars. Isolate PB106 was further used to investigate its effects on spinach and fodder beet as well as red beet under greenhouse conditions. All three P. betae isolates were pathogenic on both red-beet cultivars tested, causing leaf-spot symptoms. Isolates PB101 and PB106 produced significantly larger leaf-spot lesions (P<0.001) compared with PB103. Phoma betae isolate PB106 was pathogenic to both red-beet cultivars, spinach and fodder beet but fodder beet was less susceptible than the other species tested. Regardless of cultivar, P. betae is an important pathogen of beets and is capable of causing leaf spots

Gastroesophageal Reflux and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly co-exist. Pathophysiological mechanisms causing IPF are still not well understood, and GERD has been implicated in both as a probable causative and disease-promoting entity. Although not conclusively proven, this relationship has been the subject of several studies, including therapeutic interventions aimed at treating GERD and its resultant effect on IPF and related outcomes. Our review aims to present the current concepts and understanding of these two disease processes, which are multifaceted. Their complex interaction includes epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, review of research studies conducted to date, and future directions for research

Hypoglycemic potential of alcoholic root extract of Cassia occidentalis Linn. in streptozotocin induced diabetes in albino mice

Objective: Cassia occidentalis (CO) (family: Caesalpiniaceae) is a common weed which is widely used to treat inflammation, hepatotoxicity, antimalarial activities, sore eyes, hematuria, rheumatism, typhoid, asthma, leprosy and diabetes in folklore medicine in India. The present study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of C. occidentalis roots. Methods: Root extract of C. occidentalis (RCO) was administered orally at two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) to normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced NIDDM. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, biochemical parameters like blood glucose, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), total protein, urea, creatinine, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels and physical parameters like change in body weight, food intake, water intake and levels in liver were performed for the evaluation of hypoglycemic effects. Results: Both the doses of RCO caused a marked decrease in FBG levels in STZ induced type 2 diabetic mice. RCO decreased the blood glucose, food intake, water intake, organ weight, serum cholesterol, TG, creatinine, SGOT and SGPT levels with significant value and increased the levels of HDL cholesterol and total protein with a significant value (P < 0.05–0.01). The decrease in body weight induced by STZ was restored with a significant value (P < 0.01) at both doses. Conclusion: The results suggest that ethanolic roots extract of C. occidentalis Linn. possesses hypoglycemic potential for the NIDDM and support the traditional use of the roots of plant as hypoglycemic agent

Use of gentamicin-loaded collagen sponge in internal fixation of open fractures

【Abstract】Objective: To assess the outcome of immediate plate osteosynthesis via application of antibiotic impregnated collagen fleeces (gentamicin-collagen and antibiotic sponge) which gradually release antibiotic locally in the surgical treatment of open fractures presented to us 6 hours after injury. Methods: All cases were treated in our tertiary level trauma center and teaching hospital including 35 patients with open fractures who were treated by immediate open reduction and plate fixation from January 2008 to August 2010. Among them, 31 patients were available for adequate follow-up and assessment. All fractures were treated by irrigation and debridement, immediate open reduction and plate fixation along with placement of antibiotic-releasing collagen fleeces around the plate just before closure of wound. Patients were assessed to determine postoperative infection, delayed union or nonunion and development of other postoperative complications. It was hypothesized that immediate plate osteosynthesis after thorough debridement and local antibiotics would give safe and acceptable clinical re- sults in treatment of open fractures. Results: The 31 patients with adequate final follow-up were assessed at a mean time of 40 weeks (15-160 weeks). Most fractures united primarily in an acceptable time period according to area of involvement. Local wound complications (superficial infection and skin loss) were found in 3 patients (9.67%). Deep infection was noted in 2 patients (6.45%). None of these patients needed implant removal and both fractures united in due time. Delayed union was noted in 5 patients (16.13%). No patient progressed to non- union or implant failure in long term follow-up. Excessive scarring was developed in 2 patients (6.45%). Conclusions: Immediate plate osteosynthesis after adequate debridement and placement of collagen film eluting antibiotics locally produces excellent results regarding bone union and absence of deep infections and is a safe technique in the management of open bone injuries. These sponges can be used easily with any form of internal fixation and there is no need of second surgery for the removal of these antibiotic carriers since they are bioabsorbable. Local antibiotic-impregnated collagen sponges along with systemic antibiotics for 3 to 5 days offer promising results in open fracture management. Key words: Fractures, open; Debridement; Fracture fixation, internal; Collage

Cardiovascular complications of obstructive sleep apnea in the intensive care unit and beyond

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease with a high degree of association with and possible etiological factor for several cardiovascular diseases. Patients who are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are incredibly sick, have multiple co-morbidities, and are at substantial risk for mortality. A study of cardiovascular manifestations and disease processes in patients with OSA admitted to the ICU is very intriguing, and its impact is likely significant. Although much is known about these cardiovascular complications associated with OSA, there is still a paucity of high-quality evidence trying to establish causality between the two. Studies exploring the potential impact of therapeutic interventions, such as positive airway pressure therapy (PAP), on cardiovascular complications in ICU patients are also needed and should be encouraged. This study reviewed the literature currently available on this topic and potential future research directions of this clinically significant relationship between OSA and cardiovascular disease processes in the ICU and beyond

Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Episodes of Acute exacerbation (AE) of Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are important events in the disease trajectory of IPF, associated with punctuated decline in lung function with significant mortality and morbidity associated with it. These episodes are idiosyncratic, and often unpredictable and may have triggers. Our diagnostic criteria for these events, etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors and management continue to evolve over the years, with limited availability of qualitative research data to help guide management. Outcome in general is poor with no well-defined therapy but prevention may be possible with use of Nintedanib. Our chapter aims to explore the contemporary knowledge of the key aspects of this disease entity

Proceedings of International Conference on Women Researchers in Electronics and Computing

This proceeding contains articles on the various research ideas of the academic community and practitioners presented at the international conference, “Women Researchers in Electronics and Computing” (WREC’2021). WREC'21 was organized in online mode by Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar (Punjab), INDIA during 22 – 24 April 2021. This conference was conceptualized with an objective to encourage and motivate women engineers and scientists to excel in science and technology and to be the role models for young girls to follow in their footsteps. With a view to inspire women engineers, pioneer and successful women achievers in the domains of VLSI design, wireless sensor networks, communication, image/ signal processing, machine learning, and emerging technologies were identified from across the globe and invited to present their work and address the participants in this women oriented conference. Conference Title: International Conference on Women Researchers in Electronics and ComputingConference Acronym: WREC'21Conference Date: 22–24 April 2021Conference Location: Online (Virtual Mode)Conference Organizers: Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, INDI