Variability for growth and yield traits in single cross hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.)

Saabunud / Received 29.09.2021 ; Aktsepteeritud / Accepted 18.11.2021 ; Avaldatud veebis / Published online 18.11.2021 ; Vastutav autor / Corresponding author: Jiban Shrestha [email protected] single-cross hybrids of maize were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate genetic variability and correlation among growth and yield traits at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal from March 13 to September 05, 2021. The hybrids were grouped into four clusters using Euclidean Average Linkage method. The cluster analysis showed the presence of genetic variability in the evaluated hybrids. The maximum distance between cluster centroids (194.28) was found between cluster 2 and cluster 4, indicating genetic dissimilarity. Grain yield had the maximum values of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) (35.02%), followed by ear height (17.82%) and plant height (12.22%). Similarly, grain yield had the maximum values of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) (26.24%) followed by the number of kernel rows/cob (8.77%) and days to 50% silking (8.72%). Days to 50% silking and days to 50% tasseling had the highest values of heritability (86%) followed by cob diameter (84%) and no. of kernel rows in cob (68%). The leaf area per plant had the maximum values of genetic advance (GA) (74.87 cm2), followed by plant height (27.80 cm) and days to 50% silking (9.66 days). Similarly, the maximum values of genetic advance as percent of the mean (GAM) was found for grain yield (40.50%) followed by days to 50% silking (16.70%) and days to 50% tasseling (16.17%). The hybrids namely KWM-91 × KWM-93 produced the maximum values of grain yield (9.99 t ha–1) followed by KWM-93 × KWM-91 (9.63 t ha–1) and KWM-92 × KWM-93 (9.40 t ha–1). Grain yield showed positive and significant phenotypic correlation with days to 50% silking (r = 0.41), days to 50% tasseling (r = 0.39), plant height (r = 0.37), cob diameter (r = 0.49) and the number of kernel rows in cob (r = 0.38). Therefore, utilization of present genetic variability along with indirect selection for traits having significant association with grain yield, high heritability and GAM could aid in the improvement of maize productivity

Do sub-groups of butterflies display different elevational distribution patterns in the Eastern Himalaya, India?

Understanding the pattern of biodiversity along environmental gradients helps in identifying diversity hotspot areas that can be prioritized for conservation. While the elevational distribution of several taxa has been studied, responses of the sub-groups within a taxon to elevation and its associated factors are not properly understood. Here we study species richness and butterfly density along an elevation gradient in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India and explore the underlying causes of the patterns. We sampled butterflies using a fixed-width point count method in 16 elevational bands (150–200 m intervals), between a range of 300 and 3300 m a.s.l. We categorized butterflies into various sub-groups based on family, range size, biogeographic affinity, and host-plant specialization. We recorded 3603 individuals and 253 species of butterflies after the completion of 1860 point counts. Overall, species richness in the majority of the sub-groups (except for Riodinidae and Palearctic species) declines with elevation, as does the density of almost all the sub-groups. From a selection of environmental factors, annual actual evapotranspiration has the strongest effect on the species richness pattern of butterflies as well as on the density of the overall butterfly community, especially the Lycaenidae family. The richness and density of butterfly groups display varied responses to the richness and density of trees and shrubs. The conducive climatic conditions and diverse habitats in the lower valleys of the Eastern Himalaya support a high diversity of butterflies (with majority of small range species) and thus warrants conservation attention.publishedVersio

Otorhinolaryngologic Evaluation of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Tertiary Hospital of Nepal

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea is a global health problem characterized by collapse of upper airway during sleep. It is commonly associated with road traffic accidents, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The study aimed to measure the different otorhinolaryngologic parameters of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and to compare these findings with different class of polysomnography. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out among patient coming to department of Otorhinolaryngology of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital. In total 74 patients with obstructive sleep apnea participated in this study. Sociodemographic details, co-morbid illness and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Data was presented in the form of mean, standard deviation and percentage. Chi-square, student’s t-test were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patient was 47.43±11.30 years. Majority of the patients were male. Out of 74 patients, 24 (32.4%) patients were obese, 22 (29.7%) were overweight. The PSG showed 49 (66.2%) participant had severe obstructive sleep apnea.  According to Modified Mallampati score, 28 (37.8%) of patients belonged to Class 3, 20 (27%) belonged to Class 2. There was no significant association observed between the studied variables and polysomnographic results. Conclusion: Male and old age were the predominant factor in obstructive sleep apnea patients. In patients with snoring, the Otorhinolaryngologists should rely on thorough medical history, anatomic examination, radiological examination of head and neck should be done.    Keywords: Modified Mallampati Score; Obstructive sleep apnea; Otolaryngology: Polysomnography

Combined Forward-Backward Asymmetry Measurements in Top-Antitop Quark Production at the Tevatron

The CDF and D0 experiments at the Fermilab Tevatron have measured the asymmetry between yields of forward- and backward-produced top and antitop quarks based on their rapidity difference and the asymmetry between their decay leptons. These measurements use the full data sets collected in proton-antiproton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt s =1.96$ TeV. We report the results of combinations of the inclusive asymmetries and their differential dependencies on relevant kinematic quantities. The combined inclusive asymmetry is $A_{\mathrm{FB}}^{t\bar{t}} = 0.128 \pm 0.025$. The combined inclusive and differential asymmetries are consistent with recent standard model predictions

Clinical Concepts for Triple Therapy Use in Patients with COPD: A Delphi Consensus

COPD exacerbations; Delphi procedure; Triple inhaled therapyExacerbacions de MPOC; Procediment Delphi; Teràpia triple inhaladaExacerbaciones de la EPOC; Procedimiento Delphi; Terapia triple inhaladaPurpose: Role of triple therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management is supported by growing evidence, but consensus is lacking on various aspects. We conducted a Delphi survey in respiratory experts on the effects of triple therapy on exacerbation reduction, early optimization, pneumonia risk, and mortality benefits in COPD management. Methods: The study comprised 2-round online surveys and a participant meeting with 21 respiratory experts from 10 countries. The 31-statement questionnaire was prepared using Decipher software after literature review. Responses were recorded using Likert scale ranging from 1 (disagreement) to 9 (agreement) with a consensus threshold of 75%. Results: All experts participated in both surveys and 14/21 attended participant meeting. Consensus was reached on 13/31 questions in first survey and 4/14 in second survey on: mortality benefits of triple therapy; comparable pneumonia risk between single inhaler triple therapy (SITT) and multiple inhaler triple therapy (81%); preference of SITT for patients with high eosinophil count (95%); exacerbation risk reduction and healthcare cost benefits with early initiation of SITT post exacerbation-related hospitalization (< 30 days) (86%). No consensus was reached on first line SITT use after first exacerbation resulting in COPD diagnosis (62%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there is consensus among experts regarding many of the key concepts about appropriate clinical use and benefits of triple therapy in COPD. More evidence is required for evaluating the benefits of early optimisation of triple therapy.This study was funded by GSK. Meetings, data analysis, and medical writing assistance were funded by GSK

Osteomyelitis and extensor tenosynovitis- an unusual presentation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) commonly presents with arthritis, flexor compartment tenosynovitis, and dermatitis. Osteomyelitis and extensor compartment tenosynovitis caused by DGI is rarely reported in medical literature. We describe one such case of extensor tenosynovitis and osteomyelitis of the wrist joint which symptomatically improved after arthrotomy and intravenous antibiotics

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and its Relationship with Parafunctional Habits among Undergraduate Medical and Dental Students

Background: Temporomandibular disorder is a term used to describe problems involving  temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication, occlusion characterized by symptoms such as pain, restricted movements and intermittent joint sound. The present study was conducted to determine prevalence of TMD and to describe its association with parafunctional habits. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 345 undergraduate students of KIST Medical College and Hospital. Study population was selected by simple random sampling and the Fonseca Anamnestic          Questionnaires were distributed. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 16 . Results: The prevalence of TMD was 47.4% with mild and moderate type of TMD present. The most common habit was chewing gums followed by biting of lips and biting of objects. Statistically significant difference in TMD groups was observed in clenching and grinding of teeth, biting of lips and biting of objects (p&lt;0.001). There was  statistically significant association between TMD and the signs and symptoms such as headaches, difficult to open mouth, muscular pain while chewing (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: A statistically significant association was found between biting of lips, grinding of teeth and mouth breathing with TMD.Keywords: parafunctional habits; prevalence; TMD . </p

Outcome of dacryocystectomy with nasal bone osteotomy for lost nasal flap dacryocystorhinostomy with repeated post-operative probing

Aim: (1) To evaluate the effect of dacryocystectomy (DCT) with osteotomy on correction of epiphora in terms of subjective and objective assessment and (2) to compare the outcome of probing with non-probing in DCT with osteotomy. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study done on 36 patients with chronic dacryocystitis complaining of watering due to distal sac block or nasolacrimal duct block with intraoperative complications like significant bleeding when angular vessels are encountered, difficult in suturing flaps, or lost nasal flaps are subjected to the study from December 2015 to May 2017. DCT with nasal bone osteotomy done for these patients and they were followed up postoperatively on day 1, every week in the 1 st month, 2 weeks in the 2nd month, and once in the 3rd month with probing or without probing in randomly selected patients. Results: A total of 36 patients were subjected to DCT with nasal bone osteotomy among them 18 underwent for probing and 18 were not. Of 18 with probing patients, 4 (22%) were objectively corrected (no regurgitation on lacrimal syringing) and 8 (44%) were subjectively corrected (no complaints of watering). Of 18 non-probing patients, only 1 (5.5%) was corrected objectively and 2 (11%) were corrected subjectively. Conclusion: DCT with nasal bone osteotomy with probing is more effective when compared with non-probing in lost nasal flap dacryocystorhinostomy both in terms of subjective and objective correction of epiphora.&nbsp

Application of Humanized Zebrafish Model in the Suppression of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induced Pathology by Tri-Herbal Medicine Coronil via Cytokine Modulation

Zebrafish has been a reliable model system for studying human viral pathologies. SARS-CoV-2 viral infection has become a global chaos, affecting millions of people. There is an urgent need to contain the pandemic and develop reliable therapies. We report the use of a humanized zebrafish model, xeno-transplanted with human lung epithelial cells, A549, for studying the protective effects of a tri-herbal medicine Coronil. At human relevant doses of 12 and 58 &micro;g/kg, Coronil inhibited SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, induced humanized zebrafish mortality, and rescued from behavioral fever. Morphological and cellular abnormalities along with granulocyte and macrophage accumulation in the swim bladder were restored to normal. Skin hemorrhage, renal cell degeneration, and necrosis were also significantly attenuated by Coronil treatment. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis identified ursolic acid, betulinic acid, withanone, withaferine A, withanoside IV&ndash;V, cordifolioside A, magnoflorine, rosmarinic acid, and palmatine as phyto-metabolites present in Coronil. In A549 cells, Coronil attenuated the IL-1&beta; induced IL-6 and TNF-&alpha; cytokine secretions, and decreased TNF-&alpha; induced NF-&kappa;B/AP-1 transcriptional activity. Taken together, we show the disease modifying immunomodulatory properties of Coronil, at human equivalent doses, in rescuing the pathological features induced by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, suggesting its potential use in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity

Carbapenemase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) meningitis from chronic otitis media

Meningitis and brain abscess caused by carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) is rarely described in the medical literature. Such infections have been described after neurosurgical medium or post-trauma. We describe an unusual case of KPC meningitis originating from with long term intravenous antibiotics