The F waves study in young healthy individuals

Background: The F wave is a CMAP (compound muscle action potential) evoked by a supramaximal stimulation of a motor nerve. F waves are particularly useful for the diagnoses of polyneuropathies at an early stage and proximal nerve lesions.Methods: Healthy males (n=64) and females (n=26) medical students of BPKIHS with age 20 to 24 years were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters; F wave latencies, persistence and chronodispersion of bilateral median, ulnar and tibial nerves were recorded in Neurophysiology Lab II of BPKIHS. Descriptive analysis was done.Results: Mean age, height and weight of the subjects were 21.64±1.19 years, 165.61±5.4cms and 64.07±5.5kg. Mean minimum F wave latencies (ms) of right median, ulnar and tibial nerves were 24.09±1.95, 24.02±1.76, 44.34±3.02 while on the left side were 23.92±1.96, 24.11±1.92, 44.07±2.83 respectively. F persistence was above 80%. F chronodispersion (ms) for right and left median, ulnar and tibial nerves were 2.77±0.70, 2.79±0.65, 2.71±0.67, 2.80±0.56, 3.48±0.73 and 3.45±0.64 respectively.Conclusions: Maximum and minimum F wave latencies, F chronodispersion and F persistence were derived for both sexes in an age group of 20-24 years

Decay studies of 288−287115^{288-287}115 alpha-decay chains

The $\alpha$-decay chains of $^{288-287}115$ are studied along with the possible cluster decay modes by using the preformed cluster model (PCM). The calculated $\alpha$-decay half-lives are compared with experimental data and other model calculations. The calculated Q-values, penetration probabilities and preformation probabilities factors for $\alpha$-decay suggest that $^{283}_{170}113$,$^{287}_{172}115$ and $^{272}_{165}107$ parent nuclei are more stable against the $\alpha$-decay. These alpha decay chains are further explored for the possibilities of cluster decay. Decay half lives of different cluster from different nuclei of the decay chains point to the extra stability near or at the deformed shells Z=108, N=162 and Z=100, N=152. The decay half-lives for $^{14}C$ and $^{48}Ca$ clusters are lower than the current experimental limit ($\approx$ $10^{28}$sec)

Use of Xpert MTB/RIF in Decentralized Public Health Settings and Its Effect on Pulmonary TB and DR-TB Case Finding in India

Background Xpert MTB/RIF, the first automated molecular test for tuberculosis, is transforming the diagnostic landscape in high-burden settings. This study assessed the impact of up-front Xpert MTB/RIF testing on detection of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and rifampicin-resistant PTB (DR-TB) cases in India. Methods This demonstration study was implemented in 18 sub-district level TB programme units (TUs) in India in diverse geographic and demographic settings covering a population of 8.8 million. A baseline phase in 14 TUs captured programmatic baseline data, and an intervention phase in 18 TUs had Xpert MTB/RIF offered to all presumptive TB patients. We estimated changes in detection of TB and DR-TB, the former using binomial regression models to adjust for clustering and covariates. Results In the 14 study TUs, which participated in both phases, 10,675 and 70,556 presumptive TB patients were enrolled in the baseline and intervention phase, respectively, and 1,532 (14.4%) and 14,299 (20.3%) bacteriologically confirmed PTB cases were detected. The implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF was associated with increases in both notification rates of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.39; CI 1.18-1.64), and proportion of bacteriological confirmed TB cases among presumptive TB cases (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.33; CI 1.6-1.52). Compared with the baseline strategy of selective drug-susceptibility testing only for PTB cases at high risk of drug-resistant TB, Xpert MTB/RIF implementation increased rifampicin resistant TB case detection by over fivefold. Among, 2765 rifampicin resistance cases detected, 1055 were retested with conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST). Positive predictive value (PPV) of rifampicin resistance detected by Xpert MTB/RIF was 94.7% (CI 91.3-98.1), in comparison to conventional DST. Conclusion Introduction of Xpert MTB/RIF as initial diagnostic test for TB in public health facilities significantly increased case-notification rates of all bacteriologically confirmed TB by 39% and rifampicin-resistant TB case notification by fivefold

Screening techniques and resistance sources for foliar blast in pearl millet

Once considered a minor disease of pearl millet, incidence of blast disease caused by Pyricularia grisea, has increased at an alarming rate in the recent past, particularly on commercial hybrids in several states of India. The disease can be best managed through host plant resistance. In this study, attempts were made to develop the field and greenhouse screening techniques and screen some elite hybrid parental lines to identify resistance to this disease. The field screening technique involved the use of a highly susceptible line as an infector row grown after every four test rows, artificial spray inoculation of 30-day-old plants using P. grisea spore suspension (1 × 105 spores ml-1) and maintaining high humidity (>90% RH) through perfo-irrigation for 2 weeks following inoculation. The greenhouse screening technique involved spray inoculation of 15-day-old potted seedlings with P. grisea spore suspension and maintaining moderate temperature (25±1°C) and high humidity through a misting system for 10 days after inoculation. In all, 211 elite hybrid parental lines, including 126 designated B-lines, 20 designated R-lines and 65 potential R-lines were evaluated for blast resistance in the disease nursery. Forty-five lines identified as blast resistant (score ≤3.0 on 1–9 scale) were further screened through greenhouse screening technique. Twenty-five (8 designated B-lines, 3 designated R-lines and 14 potential R-lines) of the 45 lines were found resistant to blast under greenhouse. All of these 25 foliar blast resistant lines were also resistant to downy mildew under field conditions. These resistant lines would be useful in breeding blast resistant pearl millet hybrids

Pathogenic variation in the pearl millet blast pathogen, Magnaporthe grisea and identification of resistance to diverse pathotypes

Blast, also known as leaf spot, caused by Pyricularia grisea [teleomorph: Magnaporthe grisea], has emerged as a serious disease affecting both forage and grain production in pearl millet in India. Pathogenic variation was studied in a greenhouse using 25 M. grisea isolates collected from four major pearl millet growing states in India (Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh) on ten pearl millet genotypes (ICMB 02444, ICMB 02777, ICMB 06444, ICMB 93333, ICMB 96666, ICMB 97222, ICMB 99444, 863B, ICMR 06222 and ICMB 95444). Differential reactions to the test isolates were recorded on ICMB 02444, ICMB 93333, ICMB 97222, 863B and ICMR 06222. The 25 isolates were grouped into five different pathotypes based on their reaction types (virulent = ≥ 4 score and avirulent ≤ 3 score on 1-9 scale). For the identification of resistance sources, a pearl millet mini-core comprising 238 accessions was evaluated under greenhouse conditions against five M. grisea isolates (Pg118, Pg119, Pg56, Pg53 and Pg45) representing the five pathotypes. Of 238 accessions, 32 were found to be resistant to at least one pathotype. Resistance to multiple pathotypes (2 or more) was recorded in several accessions, while three accessions (IP 7846, IP 11036 and IP 21187) exhibited resistance to four of the five pathotypes. Four early flowering (≤ 50 days) blast resistant mini-core accessions (IP 7846, IP 4291, IP 15256 and IP 22449) and four accessions (IP 5964, IP 11010, IP 13636 and IP 20577) having high scores (≥ 7) for grain and green fodder yield potential, and overall plant aspect were found to be promising for utilization in pearl millet improvement programs. Identification of five pathotypes of M. grisea and sources of resistance to these pathotypes will provide a foundation for breeding for blast resistance in pearl millet in India

Identification of rust resistance in hybrid parents and advanced breeding lines of pearl millet

Rust caused by Puccinia substriata var indica is one of the major diseases affecting both forage and grain production in pearl millet, particularly in the postrainy cool season (rabi) crop. The disease can be best managed through host plant resistance. In all, 214 advanced breeding lines, including 126 designated B-lines, 23 designated R-lines and 65 potential R-lines were evaluated for rust resistance in the disease nursery during the postrainy season 2008–09 under natural epiphytotic conditions. Eight lines (1 B-line, 7 R-lines) that showed resistance (≤10% rust severity) in the field screen were evaluated in the greenhouse by artificial inoculation of potted seedlings to confirm their resistance. One B-line (ICMB 96222) and three R-lines (ICMR 0699, ICMP 451-P8 and ICMP 451-P6) were resistant while the other four R-lines were susceptible. The four confirmed resistant lines could be useful resistance sources for breeding rust resistant hybrid parental lines and their hybrids

Amorphous 1-propanol interstellar ice beyond its melting point

The recent discovery of 1-propanol (CH3CH2CH2OH) in the interstellar medium (ISM) is of tremendous interest since fatty alcohols have been proposed as constituents of proto-cell membranes. Motivated by this discovery, we present the laboratory midinfrared (MIR) and vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) absorption spectra of 1-propanol ice under astrochemical conditions, mimicking an icy mantle on cold dust in the ISM. Both MIR and VUV spectra were recorded at ultra-high vacuum (UHV) of ∼ 10-9 mbar and at temperatures ranging from 10 K to sublimation. The morphology of the 1-propanol ice deposited at 10 K was amorphous. By warming the ice to temperatures of 140 K and above, with subsequent recording of IR spectra, we observe complete sublimation of 1-propanol molecules from the substrate around 170 K. No amorphous-to-crystalline phase change was observed upon warming to higher temperatures. Additionally, We observe the IR and VUV signatures of 1-propanol ice on the substrate well beyond its melting point (147 K). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported observation of a molecular ice staying well beyond its melting point under such conditions. This result shows that the morphology of icy mantles on ISM cold dust grains is more complex than previously thought. Our atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations capture the experimental trends and shed light on the microscopic origin of this unusual phase behaviour of 1-propanol

Identification of publicly available data sources to inform the conduct of Health Technology Assessment in India

Background: Health technology assessment (HTA) provides a globally-accepted and structured approach to synthesising evidence for cost and clinical effectiveness alongside ethical and equity considerations to inform evidence-based priorities. India is one of the most recent countries to formally commit to institutionalising HTA as an integral component of the heath resource allocation decision-making process. The effective conduct of HTA depends on the availability of reliable data. Methods: We draw from our experience of collecting, synthesizing, and analysing health-related datasets in India and internationally, to highlight the complex requirements for undertaking HTA, and explore the availability of such data in India. We first outlined each of the core data components required for the conduct of HTA, and their availability in India, drawing attention to where data can be accessed, and different ways in which researchers can overcome the challenges of missing or low quality data. Results: We grouped data into the following categories: clinical efficacy; cost; epidemiology; quality of life; service use/consumption; and equity. We identified numerous large local data sources containing epidemiological information. There was a marked absence of other locally-collected data necessary for informing HTA, particularly data relating to cost, service use, and quality of life. Conclusions: The introduction of HTA into the health policy space in India provides an opportunity to comprehensively assess the availability and quality of health data capture across the country. While epidemiological information is routinely collected across India, other data inputs necessary for HTA are not readily available. This poses a significant bottleneck to the efficient generation and deployment of HTA into the health decision space. Overcoming these data gaps by strengthening the routine collection of comprehensive and verifiable health data will have important implications not only for embedding economic analyses into the priority setting process, but for strengthening the health system as a whole

Host resistance stability to downy mildew in pearl millet and pathogenic variability in Sclerospora graminicola

Downy mildew, caused by Sclerospora graminicola, is a major pathogen of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in Asia and Africa. So development of resistant cultivars has been a major goal of national and international breeding programs. Stability of resistance in pearl millet lines developed at ICRISAT was studied through a collaborative International Pearl Millet Downy Mildew Virulence Nursery (IPMDMVN). The reactions to downy mildew of 11 pearl millet lines at 17 locations in India, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria from 1995 to 1999 were recorded. Disease incidence varied significantly among lines, locations, and years. The tested pearl millet lines exhibited significant differential resistance. Resistance in lines IP 18292, IP 18293, 700651 and P 310-17 was most stable regardless of the location or season. Analysis of the variation in resistance also suggested that the resistance in IP 18292 and IP 18293 was variable and depended on the locations and years, while the resistance in 700651 and P 310-17 was highly stable across locations and over years. The latter two lines could prove to be the most valuable sources of downy mildew resistance. The results also revealed significant differences in S. graminicola populations at different locations, with the highest disease at Bagauda (Nigeria) and Durgapura (India) and lowest from Coimbatore and Aurangabad (India). Based on the reaction of the 11 pearl millet lines, the 17 S. graminicola populations were grouped into six putative pathotypes (undefined populations closer to races)