Comparative study between Blair’s procedure of ankle fusion and arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis

Background: Our objective was to perform a comparative study in terms of functional outcome of Blair’s procedure of ankle fusion versus arthroscopic methods of ankle fusion.Methods: 25 patients that underwent arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis versus Blair’s procedure of ankle fusion were taken for study at government medical college, Srinagar (VCSGGIMS and R) from the duration 2015-2021. Clinical assessment was done foot and ankle disability index and visual analog scale score for pain. Radiological assessment was done by serial X-rays. Regular follow-ups were taken till one year.Results: Both modalities proved to be equally effective in terms of patient’s functional outcome. Our analysis showed that Blair’s procedure ankle fusion was associated with a lower fusion rate (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13-0.52, p=0.0002), longer tourniquet time (MD 16.49, 95% CI 9.46-23.41, p<0.00001), and longer length of stay (MD 1.60,95% CI 1.10-2.10, p<0.00001) compared to arthroscopic ankle fusion; however, there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of infection rate (OR 2.41, 95% CI 0.76-7.64, p=0.14), overall complication rate (OR: 1.54, 95% CI 0.80-2.96, p=0.20), and operation time (MD 4.09, 95% CI 2.4910.66, p=0.22).Conclusions: We found no significant difference between two groups in terms of infection rate, overall complication rate, and operation time. Further high quality randomized controlled trials that are adequately powered are required

Moss flora of Rajasthan and Punjab plains

An updated account of 51 taxa of mosses of Rajasthan and Punjab plains is provided along with a note on delimitation of boundaries of this unique bryo-geographical zone. Family Pottiaceae is most dominant and diversified with 17 taxa under 11 genera while genus Fissidens (Fissidentaceae) has the maximum diversity with 7 species followed by Physcomitrium (Funariaceae) and Bryum (Bryaceae) with 6 species each

Nomenclatural updates in Kashyap’s ‘Liverwort flora of western Himalayas and Panjab Plains’

An updated taxonomic status of various taxa described in the ‘Liverworts of western Himalayas and Panjab plains’, a monumental work of Prof. S.R. Kashyap, is provided in the light of numerous taxonomical changes occurred during course of time, with relevant references and/or annotations

Plagiochila sisparensis Steph. - a vulnerable liverwort from Nilgiri Hills, Western Ghats

Plagiochila sisparensis Steph., an endemic liverwort of Western Ghats - Sri Lanka hot spot, is recently rediscovered from Avalanche in Nilgiri hills (Tamil Nadu), the area is adjacent to its home place. The species was only recorded from India in 1921 from Sispara (Kerala). After more than 90 years gap it has been rediscovered. The species is easily separable from other species of Plagiochila sect. Tayloriae, and characterized by moderately imbricate leaves which are oblong in shape, spinose teeth, mostly restricted to ventral margin of the leaves. Detailed information is given on its morphology and ecology, and a comparison of similar species of the same section is also discussed

Correlation of maternal age and combined assessments on risk of chromosomal anomaly during prenatal screening

Background: Prenatal detection of genetic abnormalities is one of the biggest challenges of current fetal medicine. Prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities can be done using biochemical tests. The screening is a risk estimation test and not a diagnostic test. Methods: Statistical data treatment had been performed on a sample of 362 pregnant women for prenatal screening. This was a retrospective data analysis study undertaken at the National Reference Laboratory, Redcliffe Labs. Results: Nine (2.48%) women out of 362 were screen positive for chromosomopathy. The point biserial correlation between variables (Free β-hCG - Free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, PAPP-A- pregnancy associated plasma protein-A and NT-(nuchal translucency) amongst patients with positive and negative screen test was statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between positive screen for chromosomopathy and hCG, MoM, NT MoM whereas a negative correlation between them and PAPP-A. This study indicates that higher values of hCG and lower values of PAPP-A MoM as seen in the positive screen patients is associated with a significant risk of chromosomopathy. A positive correlation between age and screen positive cases was seen. The McNemar’s test indicated a significant reduction in screen positive cases when biomarkers were added to screen for Trisomy 21 in women aged >35 years (n=86). 81 women eventually screened negative. Conclusions: The analyses stresses on the importance of using state-of-the-art, prenatal noninvasive screening software to help provide a predictive outcome, individualized for that pregnant woman.

Moss flora of Central India

In recent past considerable work has been done on mosses of Central India region but a all-inclusive literature was lacking. Therefore in present study attempt is made to fill this lacuna. This checklist reports occurrence of 210 valid taxa under 94 genera, and 30 families of mosses from this region. Family Pottiaceae is the most diversified one represented by 34 taxa under 19 genera, while genus Fissidens is the largest genus with 26 taxa distributed in the central Indian bryo-geographical zone. The taxa reported without species epithet, have been excluded here. The accepted names are cited in bold. This compilation of central India mosses is first ever effort in context of the Indian mosses and would be helpful to future workers