To evaluate Gene Xpert for diagnosis of Female Genital Tuberculosis (FGTB) as compared to conventional methods.STUDY DESIGN:It was a prospective study conducted over 167 cases of infertile female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) diagnosed on composite reference standard (CRS) (smear for AFB, histopathological evidence of epithelioid granuloma or definite or possible findings of tuberculosis on laparoscopy). All women underwent endometrial biopsy for AFB microscopy, culture, gene Xpert, PCR and histopathology) and laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for diagnosis and prognostication of disease. The results of Gene Xpert were compared with conventional methods in detection of FGTB. All patients were treated with 6 months course of rifampicin (R), isoniazid (H), pyrazinamide (Z) and ethambutol (E) (RHZE for 2 months, RHE for 4 months) using directly observed treatment short course strategy.RESULTS:Mean age, parity, body mass index and history of contact was 28.3 years, 0.28, 22.9 Kg/m2 and 38.92% respectively. Primary infertility was seen in 87.42% cases with mean duration of 2.42 years. Menstrual dysfunctions, abdominal or pelvic pain and lump were seen in 38.92%, 14.37% and 10.77% cases. Abnormal vaginal discharge and adnexal mass were seen in 28.14% and 13.17 % cases. On diagnostic laparoscopy, definite findings of tuberculosis (beaded tubes, tuebrcles and caseous nodules) were seen in 96 (57.48%) women while probable findings of tuberculosis (pelvic or abdominal adhesions, hydrosaplinx, tubo-ovarian mass, pyosalpinx) were seen in 81 (48.50%) women. On laboratory investigations, positive AFB on microscopy or culture was seen in 2.99% casess, PCR was positive in 47.90% gene Xpert was positive in 18.56% cases while epitheloid granuloma was seen on histopathology in 16 (9.58%) cases. Gene Xpert had sensitivity of 35.63%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 58.82% and diagnostic accuracy of 66.47% in the present study.CONCLUSION:Gene Xpert is a very useful test to rule in tuberculosis whereas when it is negative it is not a good test to rule out tuberculosis.

Reactor pressure vessel steel samples were irradiated to three different doses 10, 25 and 50 displacements per atom (dpa) at 300 degrees C (reactor operating temperature) with 1.76 MeV Fe+ ion and at the dose rate of similar to 4.4 x 10(-3) dpa s(-1). Samples were examined by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Grazing Incidence x-ray Diffraction (GIXRD), depth dependent Doppler Broadening Spectroscopy (DBS) and nanoindentation before and after irradiation. EBSD showed an increase in local misorientation values suggesting an increase in geometrically necessary dislocation density. GIXRD showed an increase in overall dislocation density after irradiation. DBS results suggested a non-uniform vacancy-depth distribution with the highest damage at a depth (similar to 500 nm) which was consistent with the values from the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) calculations. The mechanical response after irradiation was measured using nanoindentation. The nanohardness of the irradiated samples was higher than that of the unirradiated one and increased with the increase in dpa. GIXRD result showed that the dislocation density of 50 dpa irradiated sample was almost twice that of the unirradiated sample.

Postactivation potentiation is referred to as an acute and temporary enhancement of muscle performance resulting from previous muscle contraction. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of plyometric exercise (PLY) and heavy-resistance exercise (RES) on the blood lactate level (BLa) and physical performance. Fourteen male collegiate soccer players were randomized to perform either RES or PLY first and then crossed over to perform the opposite intervention. PLY consisted of 40 jumps, whereas RES comprised ten single repetitions at 90% of one repetition maximum. BLa and physical performance (countermovement jump height and 20-m sprint) were measured before and at 1 and 10 min following the exercise. No significant difference was observed in the BLa for both exercises (PLY and RES). Relative to baseline, countermovement jump (CMJ) height was significantly better for the PLY group after 1 min (P=0.004) and after 10 min (P=0.001) compared to that of the RES group. The 20-m sprint time was significantly better for PLY at 10 min (P=0.003) compared to that of RES. The present study concluded that, compared to RES, PLY causes greater potentiation, which leads to improved physical performance. This trial is registered with NCT03150277 .

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:People living with HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk of developing cancer. The goals of this study were to obtain data on the prevalence of HIV in the cancer population and vice versa at a major tertiary cancer and HIV center in North India.METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted over a 3-year period from July 2013 to June 2016, wherein successive HIV positive patients from an anti-retroviral therapy (ART) center were screened for malignancy. Simultaneously, successive cancer patients at the cancer center were screened for HIV. Baseline demographic details, risk factors, and laboratory investigations were obtained for all the patients.RESULTS:Among the 999 HIV-positive patients at the ART center, the prevalence of malignancy was 2% (n=20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13, 2.87). Among the 998 patients with a malignancy, the prevalence of HIV infection was 0.9% (n=9; 95% CI 0.31, 1.49). Weight loss, loss of appetite, and fever were the most common symptoms in patients with HIV and cancer. Among 29 patients with HIV and cancer, AIDS-defining cancer was found in 19 patients; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was the most common malignancy reported (n=13).INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION:There is a low prevalence of HIV in cancer patients as well as a low prevalence of cancer in HIV patients. AIDS-defining cancers remain much more common than non-AIDS-defining cancers. With the increased coverage of ART, it is expected that non-AIDSdefining cancers will increase, as is evident from data from more developed countries.

Over the last 30 years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has made several significant contributions to the field of biology and medicine. In this review, we draw our attention to the recent applications and promise of AFM as a high-resolution imaging and force sensing technology for probing subcellular vesicles: exosomes and other extracellular vesicles. Exosomes are naturally occurring nanoparticles found in several body fluids such as blood, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid and urine. Exosomes mediate cell-cell communication, transport proteins and genetic content between distant cells, and are now known to play important roles in progression of diseases such as cancers, neurodegenerative disorders and infectious diseases. Because exosomes are smaller than 100 nm (about 30-120 nm), the structural and molecular characterization of these vesicles at the individual level has been challenging. AFM has revealed a new degree of complexity in these nanosized vesicles and generated growing interest as a nanoscale tool for characterizing the abundance, morphology, biomechanics, and biomolecular make-up of exosomes. With the recent interest in exosomes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, AFM-based characterization promises to contribute towards improved understanding of these particles at the single vesicle and sub-vesicular levels. When coupled with complementary methods like optical super resolution STED and Raman, AFM could further unlock the potential of exosomes as disease biomarkers and as therapeutic agents.

OBJECTIVE:To compare six months versus nine months anti-tuberculous therapy in patients of female genital tuberculosis.STUDY DESIGN:It was a randomized controlled trial in a tertiary referral center teaching institute on 175 women presenting with infertility and found to have female genital tuberculosis on clinical examination and investigations. Group I women (86 women) were given 9 months of intermitted anti-tuberculous therapy under directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy while Group II (89 women) were given 6 months of anti-tuberculous therapy under DOTS. Patients were evaluated for primary end points (complete cure, partial response, no response) and secondary end points (recurrence rate, pregnancy rate) during treatment. All patients were followed up further for one year after completion of therapy to assess recurrence of disease and further pregnancies.RESULTS:Baseline characteristics were similar between two randomized groups. There was no difference in the complete clinical response rate (95.3% vs 97.7%, p=0.441) between 9-months and 6-months groups. Four patients in 9-months group and two patients in 6-months group had recurrence of disease and required category II anti tuberculous therapy (p=0.441). Pregnancy rate during treatment and up to one year follow up was also similar in the two groups (23.2% vs 21.3%, p=0.762). Side effects occurred in 27(31.4%) and 29(32.6%) in 9-months and 6-months of therapy and were similar (p=0.866).CONCLUSIONS:There was no difference in complete cure rate, recurrent rate and pregnancy rate for either 6-months or 9-months of intermittent directly observed treatment short course anti-tuberculous therapy in female genital tuberculosis.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:The trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov with registration no: CTRI/2009/091/001088.

Objective: Evaluation of 6 patients presenting with tubo-ovarian mass or infertility with multi drug resistant (MDR) female genital tuberculosis (FGTB).Study design: It was an observational study in a tertiary referral centre, India on subjects with MDR FGTB on clinical examination and investigations. All patients were given category IV drugs using kanamycin (intramuscular), levofloxacin, pyrazinamide, cycloserine, ethionamide and ethambutol (or para aminosalicylic acid [PAS] for ethambutol resistant cases) for 6 months intensive phase followed by oral levofioxacin, cycloserine, ethionamide and ethambutol (or PAS for ethambutol resistant cases) for 18 months continuation phase.Patients were evaluated for primary end points (complete cure, partial response, no response, treatment completed) and secondary end points (recurrence rate, pregnancy rate) during treatment.Results: There were 2 (33.3%) primary MDR FGTB patients and 4 (66.6%) secondary MDR FGTB (three pulmonary MDR and one MDR lymphadenitis) patients. Mean age was 23.6 years. Presenting features were menstrual dysfunction in all patients (100%) especially oligomenorrhea in 3 (50%) patients, weight loss in all the patients (100%), cough with expectoration in three patients (50%), tubo-ovarian masses in five (833%) patients. Endometrial biopsy showed positive culture for AFB with rifampicin and isoniazid (INH) resistance in both primary MDR FGTB patients and in two secondary MDR FGTB patients who were sexually active. In secondary MDR FGTB, three pulmonary MDR patients had positive sputum AFB smear and culture, while the patient with MDR lymphadenitis had lymph node aspirate for AFB smear and culture positive with all showing resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid.Gene Xpert on endometrial biopsy or sputum was positive in 5 (83.3%) patients. Three (50%) patients (one primary and two secondary) have completed therapy while other 3 (50%) are in continuation phase. All patients are asymptomatic with one having 12 weeks ongoing successful pregnancy.Conclusion: MDR FGTB should be thought of in women of FGTB with tubo- ovarian masses who are not responding to first line drugs. Gene Xpert can be used in early diagnosis of MDR FGTB. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A total of 24 varieties of Indian jujube or ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) were characterized based on morphological characters, viz. growth habit, foliage, thorn, fruit and stone. The erect growth habit was noticed in two varieties, viz. Dharki No. 1 and Tikadi, while semi-erect growth habit was noticed in majority of the varieties. Three types of leaf shapes were recorded, i.e. ovate, oval and cordate. Dharki No.1 and Safeda Rohtak had ovate leaf shape and Chhuhara Bawal, Jogia, Kaithali, Kala Gola, Katha Phal, Mehrun, Sanaur-5, Seb and Tikadi had cordate shape. While rest of the varieties showed oval shape. Ber varieties could also be categorized based on leaf pubescence on lower side, viz. smooth, sparsely-tomentose and densely-tomentose. Of which, only Tikadi exhibited smooth surface on lower leaf side. Also, Tikadi recorded high branch thorniness. On the basis of fruit maturity, varieties were grouped into early, mid and late. High variability was recorded for the character fruit shape (oblong, oval, ovate, oblate, round and falcate). Eleven varieties showed yellow, 12 varieties depicted greenish-yellow and one variety Tikadi, showed chocolate brown fruit colour at maturity. The varieties were also classified into five groups, on the basis of stone shape, viz. oblong, oval, spindle, club and falcate. The varieties depicted wide variability for various morphological traits, perhaps owing to such differences in the species from which these cultivars have evolved.

Pathomorphological alterations of chicken coccidiosis in Jammu division were undertaken in both organized and backyard chickens during the year 2010–2011. A total 240 intestines were examined from both organized farms and backyard chickens for histopathological studies. Out of 240 samples processed, 48 samples were found to be positive for coccidiosis with a prevalence of 20 %. Coccidiosis was initially diagnosed on the basis of faecal examination and confirmed by the presence of sporulated oocysts and pathomorphological alterations in intestines. Eimeria species were identified by morphometry. Five Eimeria species identified were Eimeria tenella, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. acervulina and E. mitis. Histopathological lesions revealed loss of epithelial tissue, congestion of blood vessels which indicate disruption followed by haemorrhage, severe muscular oedema and necrosis of submucosa of intestine and caecum. There was loss of intestinal villi, disruption of caecal mucosa and clusters of oocysts seen. There was massive infiltration by heterophils and mononuclear cells. Several merozoites, schizonts and microgametes were found in the epithelial cells.

Ten genotypes of red-fleshed watermelon [Citrullus lantus (Thunb.)] were estimated for various health promoting bioactive compounds. The evaluated genotypes showed wide variability in total phenols, total flavonoids, tannin, total carotenoids and lycopene contents. The antioxidant activity was estimated by using in vitro assay of cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). The significant difference (P=0.05) was observed among evaluated watermelon genotypes for different phytochemicals and antioxidants. The total phenols varied from 16.77 to 21.41 mg/g, total flavoniods 55.60 to 100.93 mg/100g and tannin content 35.07 to 60.83 mg/100g on dry weight basis. Total carotenoids and lycopene ranged from 4.90 to 8.06 mg/100g and 3.74 to 6.80 mg/100g, respectively on fresh weight basis. The average antioxidant activity was found to be varied from 40.13 to 84.05 μmol TE/100g fresh weight. The results indicate that red-fleshed genotypes of watermelon are good source of antioxidants and showed significant variability for different phytochemicals and antioxidants that could be exploited to develop new cultivars/hybrids of superior quality for nutritional security.

In this study prevalence of chicken coccidiosis in Jammu division were undertaken in both organized and backyard chickens during the year 2010–2011, with an overall prevalence of 39.58 % on examination of 720 faecal samples. Five Eimeria species were identified viz., E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. acervulina and E. mitis. E. tenella was the predominant species in both organized and unorganized farms. The highest prevalence percentage was found in July, 2011 (68.9 %) and the lowest percentage was found in May, 2011 (12.5 %). Coccidial prevalence was found to be 53.61 % in unorganized (backyard poultry birds) as compared to organized birds (25.55 %). Maximum positive cases of coccidian infection was found in monsoon season (60.55 %) and least in summer season (21.66 %). Birds of age 31–45 days showed more prevalence percentage (58.86 %). Higher oocysts count was recorded from July to September with a peak value (38973.00 ± 3075.6) in July and lowest (12914.00 ± 595.48) in the month of May.

Cultivation of resistant or tolerant cultivars is one of the best options to minimize the losses due to diseases. Seventeen bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] varieties/genotypes (Pusa Naveen, Pusa Samridhi, Udaipur Local, Pusa Santushti, Pusa Sandesh, PSPL, Chomu Local, Azad Harit, Panchmahal Local, Arka Bahar, Thar Samridhi, PN 22, DBG 5, DBG 6, Jodhpur Local, IC 567538 and Sriganganagar Local) were evaluated for resistance against Cercospora leaf spot during the rainy season of 2011 and 2012 under hot arid field conditions of Rajasthan. Among them, none was found immune or resistant, four varieties (Pusa Naveen, Pusa Santushti, Pusa Samridhi and Pusa Sandesh) were found to be moderately resistant and four (PSPL, Arka Bahar, PN22 and DBG6) were moderately susceptible and the remaining nine were susceptible.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES:HIV/AIDS patients may have renal involvement also, however, Indian data are sparse. The present study was done to find the spectrum of renal diseases in HIV/AIDS patients in north India. METHODS:In this prospective pilot study, HIV positive patients aged >18 yr were screened for renal involvement [serum creatinine >1.5 mg% and/or significant proteinuria (>500 mg /day)]. Patients who were positive on screening were followed up prospectively and underwent kidney biopsy if indicated. RESULTS:A total of 526 patients were screened, of these, 91 (17.3%) were found to have renal involvement. Group A (Treatment naοve) comprised 392 patients who were not on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and group B (patients on ART) comprised 134 patients. More patients (74/392, 18.9%) in group A had renal involvement as compared to patients in group B (17/134, 12.7%). Of the 91 patients with renal involvement, 26 were followed up and underwent kidney biopsy. Thirteen patients had only proteinuria and another 13 had renal dysfunction with or without proteinuria. Most common histological diagnosis was mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (mes PGN) (10/26). Two patients had collapsing FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) and three patients had immune complex glomerulonephritis. Seven patients had acute kidney injury, whom six totally recovered from their renal function. All patients with mesPGN tolerated angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors well. There was mixed response of collapsing FSGS to steroids. Both patients with MPGN (membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis) did well on low dose of steroid and ART. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS:Renal involvement was found to be common in HIV positive patients (17.3%). A low occurrence of renal involvement found in patients already on ART suggests some renoprotective effect of ART. Our preliminary results showed that collapsing FSGS was not rare in Indian HIV positive population, but classical HIV associated nephropathy was not seen. Longitudinal studies with robust study design and large sample size need to be done to confirm the findings.

Aim:The present study was undertaken to know the Prevalence of chicken coccidiosis in Jammu division in both organized and backyard chickens during the year 2010-11. Materials and Methods:A total of 720 faecal samples were collected from both organized farms and backyard poultry (unorganized) sector of Jammu. Results:The overall prevalence of 39.58% was recorded in the present study and five Eimeria species were identified viz., E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. acervulina and E. mitis.E. tenella was the predominant species in both organized and unorganized farms. Conclusion:Higher prevalence of 53.61% in unorganized (backyard poultry birds) as compared to organized birds (25.55%) was recorded.The prevalence was the highest in monsoon from both organized and unorganized managemental practices.