Screening of Coriander Genotypes for their Relative Susceptibility against Aphids under Field Conditions

The field experiments were conducted during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 to screen out twelve varieties/entries of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) for their relative susceptibility against aphids. None of the varieties/entries escaped the infestation of aphids. The build-up of aphid infestation started from second half of December and reached to its maximum in the first to third week of February in both years and then gradually declined. On the basis of grade index of mean aphid population, coriander varieties RCr- 684 (25.45 aphids/plant), RCr-446 (26.45 aphids/plant), ACr-1 (26.60 aphids/plant), RCr- 436 (41.75 aphids/plant), Gujarat Coriander-2 (42.45 aphids/plant), Pant Haritma (43.50 aphids/plant) and Gujarat Coriander-1 (43.70 aphids/plant) were categorized as least susceptible, Rajendra Swati and RCr-41 were moderately susceptible, whereas, Swati (CS-6), Sadhna (CS-4) and Sindhu (CS-2), 73.88, 70.60 and 69.50 aphids/plant, respectively were categorized as highly susceptible varieties of coriander against aphids under field conditions. Coriander variety RCr-684 received maximum yield (16.82 and 16.63 q/ha) for both the years followed by ACr-1 and RCr-446

XYLOGLUCAN CONJUGATED FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE OXIDE AS A NANO CARRIER SYSTEM FOR pH RESPONSIVE TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY OF FUCOIDAN

Objective: Marine polysaccharides are materializing in the field of biomedicine owing to its promising properties, including high biocompatibility, excellent biodegradability, nontoxic nature, abundance and low cost. Fucoidan (FU), a sulphated marine polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, shows a promising application prospect as an anticancer model drug. In order to enhance the stability, biocompatibility and drug loading capacity, xyloglucan was chosen as a targeting ligand, conjugated onto the surface of chitosan functionalized graphene oxide for targeted delivery of fucoidan. Methods: Firstly, Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by modified Hummer’s method and functionalized with chitosan (CS) via amidation process, further conjugated with xyloglucan (XG). The resulting conjugate, GO-CS-XG, was used to deliver fucoidan through a nanocarrier drug delivery method. The developed GO-CS-XG-FU nanosystem was analyzed for its physiochemical characterization, morphology, hemolytic activity, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Results: The FU loading efficiency and capacity were 75.7% and 83.4%, respectively. XG ligands on the nanoparticle may lead the nanoparticles to actively target cancer cells. Hemolytic activity of the FU-loaded GO-CS-XG nanosystem shows negligible activity, thus making it a potential candidate for biomedical applications. In vitro drug release analysis of FU from GO-CS-XG was lesser at physiological pH but under acidic conditions, it was significantly increased. Results of in vitro cell viability studies indicate that the efficiency of fucoidan was improved upon conjugation with the nanosystem (GO-CS-XG) against human histiocytic lymphoma (U 937) cell line. Conclusion: As a result, we propose a new multifunctional graphene-based targeted platform by using xyloglucan polysaccharide as targeting nanomaterial for pH-responsive anticancer drug delivery with high efficacy

Klippel trenaunay syndrome-an obstetric challenge

Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome is a rare congenital disease characterized by triad of extensive cutaneous haemangiomas (most common), venous varicosities and hypertrophy affecting a leg and/or arm on one side. We report two cases of pregnant women with Klippel Trenaunay syndrome of which one patient presented with Kasabach Merritt Syndrome (refractory coagulopathy). 24-year-old primigravida of 29 weeks with KTS presented with bleeding gums for two days. Known case of diabetes, hypothyroid on treatment and treated TB lymphadenopathy. She had hypertrophy with varicosities and haemangiomas on left lower limb and vulvar region. She was treated for thrombocytopenia at 19 weeks gestation with steroids. Laboratory studies revealed thrombocytopenia. Steroids were given as per haematologist opinion for thrombocytopenia. She had emergency caesarean section with platelet transfusion at 35 weeks as per vascular surgeon opinion. Postoperatively she was given anticoagulants and steroids. 28-year-old primigravida of 39 weeks with KTS admitted for safe confinement. She had surgery for haemorrhoids at 14 years of age and had bleeding per rectum two years back. She had hypertrophy of left lower limb and cutaneous nevus in multiple dermatomes on left half of body. Doppler left lower limb shows superficial varicosities. Laboratory studies revealed normal. With multidisciplinary approach, she had elective caesarean in view of primigravida/breech-footling presentation. Post operatively she was given anticoagulants. The success in the management of these patients requires the participation of multidisciplinary approach. The use of prophylactic anticoagulant is generally advised during the pregnancy and postpartum period

Economic feasibility of weed management practices in nigella (Nigella sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted to find out the suitable and economical method of weed control in nigella. Based on two year study, it was found that besides weed free treatment, significantly higher plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, number of leaves, number of nodes and dry matter accumulation plant-1 (at 60 days after sowing (DAS), 90 DAS and at harvest) were recorded with the pre-emergence application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS and pendimethalin @ 1 kg ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS. Similarly, yield attributes like number of siliqua plant-1, number of seeds siliqua-1, siliqua size and test weight as well as seed and straw yields of nigella were also higher with these two treatments. Besides weed free treatment, lower dry weight of weed at harvest, weed index with highest weed control efficiency was obtained under pre- emergence (PE) application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS. The Highest gross returns and net returns were obtained in weed free treatment followed by effective control of weed with pre -emergence application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS but highest B: C ratio (2.62) was recorded with preemergence application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS. &nbsp

Effect of rice husk biochar, carpet waste, farm yard manure and plant growth promoting rhizobium on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)

The present investigation was aimed for improving growth and yield of crop using waste products of differ-ent activities and also useful in ecological stability of soil environment. This objective is not only an economic option for poor farmer but also an effective strategy for increasing yield. The experiment was conducted in the organic farm-ing plot of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi during kharif season of rice crop in 2014. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments and three replications. Application of graded level of biochar, carpet waste farm yard manure (FYM) and plant growth promoting rhizobium (PGPR) was found to significantly enhance the grain and straw yield of rice by 57.70% and 56.08% over control, respectively

Performance of Indian crossbred wool on khadi spinning system

HP Crossbred, JK Crossbred and JK Merino yarns have been spun on the New Model Charkha (NMC) spinning system to find out the suitability of Indian crossbred wool in Khadi sector. These crossbred wools produced in the north temperature region of India have been spun into medium quality yarn linear density of 42 tex. The pure crossbred wool yarns have higher U%, imperfections and hairiness index; and lower tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction. The mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool significantly improves yarn performance in terms of fineness (31 tex), evenness (U%), imperfections and hairiness index. The tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction of mixed yarns increase significantly by mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool. These findings will help in increasing the utilization of crossbred wool and reducing the costing of end products

Functional evaluation of various modalities of management in floating knee injuries at a tertiary care centre in central India

Background: The injuries involving femur and tibia fractures due to high velocity are known as floating knee injuries. These fractures may involve the shaft, metaphysis or the articular surface. There are many complications associated with these injuries. This study evaluates the functional, clinical and radiological outcomes of floating knee injuries. Methods: A Prospective and interventional study was performed at MGMMC and MYH Hospital, Indore. We included 30 patients in our study. Femur fractures are managed by intramedullary nailing or distal femur plating. Tibia fractures are managed by Intramedullary nailing or tibia plating. Patient were called for regular follow up for a minimum of 6 months. Functional and clinical evaluation done by Karlstorm and olerud scoring system and radiological outcome by union on x rays were done. Results: Out of 30 patients 28 (93.33%) male and 2 (6.66%) female. According to Fraser classification, 17 (56.66%) type 1, 4 (13.33%) type 2A, 4 (13.33%) type2B, 5 (16.66%) type 2C injuries. A majority of the injuries occurred due to road traffic accidents involving right limb 21 (70%) more then left 9 (30%). Knee stiffness occurred in 8, infection in femur 3, infection in tibia 2, malunion of femur 2, limb length discrepancy in 2 patients. Outcome was excellent in 5 (16.66%), Good in 10 (33.33%), Acceptable in 9 (30%) and poor in 6 (20%). Conclusions: Fraser type 1 fracture has excellent results and Fraser type 2C has poor results. Closed fracture has better outcome compared to compound Fractures. A better functional outcome can be determined on the basis of implant choice based on Fraser Classification, level of injury, open or closed injury, simple or compound type of fracture

Performance of Indian crossbred wool on khadi spinning system

127-132HP Crossbred, JK Crossbred and JK Merino yarns have been spun on the New Model Charkha (NMC) spinning system to find out the suitability of Indian crossbred wool in Khadi sector. These crossbred wools produced in the north temperature region of India have been spun into medium quality yarn linear density of 42 tex. The pure crossbred wool yarns have higher U%, imperfections and hairiness index; and lower tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction. The mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool significantly improves yarn performance in terms of fineness (31 tex), evenness (U%), imperfections and hairiness index. The tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction of mixed yarns increase significantly by mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool. These findings will help in increasing the utilization of crossbred wool and reducing the costing of end products

Evaluation of diagnostic efficacy of hepatobiliary scintigraphy as a diagnostic procedure in pediatric practice with special reference to cholestatic jaundice

Background: The objective was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of hepatobiliary scintigraphy (Tc99 mebrofenin) in case of cholestatic jaundice in pediatric practice.Method: Study conducted on 45 cases from 0-6 yrs. of age. Out of 45 pt 20 pt excluded from study Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy (Tc99m Mebrofinin) was performed in 25 cases. Injection of Tc99m mebrofinin (1-2 mCi) IV was given to each subject. Dynamic hepatic scan was done upto initial 1 hour study and additional delayed images were taken at 4 & 24 hrs only in case of non-visualization of tracer in the intestine after initial 1 hr. study.Results: In this study hepatobiliary scintigraphy was 100% sensitive, 93.73% specific, 80% positive predictive values, 100% negative predictive value, 6.23% false positive result and virtually no false negative result for biliary atresia. Conclusion: It is concluded that Tc99m mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy has proven to be reliable noninvasive imaging modality in evaluating cholestatic jaundice in pediatric practice as it carries a high sensitive & specific value, good positive & no negative predictive value, few false positive & virtually no false negative results.

LAMOTRIGINE INDUCED DRESS SYNDROME

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, is a type of hypersensitivity reaction, mainly due to anti-epileptic drugs. Lamotrigine is a newer broad spectrum antiepileptic that can be used in both children and adults. Lamotrigine induced DRESS syndrome is a rare case with incidence of 1/1000 to 1/10000. This syndrome manifests as rash, fever, tender lymphadenopathies, hepatitis, and eosinophilia. This case highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment of such a rare and life threatening event because early detection of the condition leads to early recovery of the patient. Further re-exposure to the drug should be avoided. Â