To accelerate genetic gains in breeding, physiological trait (PT) characterization of candidate parents can help make more strategic crosses, increasing the probability of accumulating favorable alleles compared to crossing relatively uncharacterized lines. In this study, crosses were designed to complement

Guidelines for doctors managing osteoporosis in the Asia-Pacific region vary widely. We compared 18 guidelines for similarities and differences in five key areas. We then used a structured consensus process to develop clinical standards of care for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and for improving the quality of care. Purpose Minimum clinical standards for assessment and management of osteoporosis are needed in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region to inform clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and to improve osteoporosis care. We present the framework of these clinical standards and describe its development. Methods We conducted a structured comparative analysis of existing CPGs in the AP region using a "5IQ" model (identification, investigation, information, intervention, integration, and quality). One-hundred data elements were extracted from each guideline. We then employed a four-round Delphi consensus process to structure the framework, identify key components of guidance, and develop clinical care standards. Results Eighteen guidelines were included. The 5IQ analysis demonstrated marked heterogeneity, notably in guidance on risk factors, the use of biochemical markers, self-care information for patients, indications for osteoporosis treatment, use of fracture risk assessment tools, and protocols for monitoring treatment. There was minimal guidance on long-term management plans or on strategies and systems for clinical quality improvement. Twenty-nine APCO members participated in the Delphi process, resulting in consensus on 16 clinical standards, with levels of attainment defined for those on identification and investigation of fragility fractures, vertebral fracture assessment, and inclusion of quality metrics in guidelines. Conclusion The 5IQ analysis confirmed previous anecdotal observations of marked heterogeneity of osteoporosis clinical guidelines in the AP region. The Framework provides practical, clear, and feasible recommendations for osteoporosis care and can be adapted for use in other such vastly diverse regions. Implementation of the standards is expected to significantly lessen the global burden of osteoporosis.

A field experiment was conducted during, winter seasons 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate the weed management practices in garlic. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design having straw mulch treatments in main plot (0, 5 t/ha and 10 t/ha) and weed control treatment, viz. pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre-emergence), oxyfluorfen 0.223 kg/ha (pre-emergence) manual weeding (2) and weedy check. Application of mulch at 10 t/ha declined the weed population and recorded significantly lower weed density and higher weed control efficiency (71.65 and 75.17%), and higher growth and yield (2.08 and 2.72 t/ha) of garlic as compared to without mulch treatment. Among the weed control measures, application of oxyfluorfen 0.223 kg/ha recorded significantly lower weed density (55.9 and 70.89 m 2 ) and higher growth and yield (2.05 and 2.53 t/ha) of garlic as compared to weedy check, but it was at par with pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha application. Maximum BCR (1.19 and 2.18) was recorded under the paddy straw mulch applied at 10 t/ha and oxyfluorfen 0.223 kg/ha (1.11 and 2.14) as pre-emergence application.

Background: Results of conservatively managed mid-shaft clavicle fractures are not as good as previously thought. This has lead to increasing interest in primary fixation of these fractures. There are two main techniques of internal fixation, namely, plate fixation and intra-medullary nail fixation. We have evaluated pre-contoured locking compression plates and titanium elastic nails for fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures and compared their results Material and Methods: Between July 1 st 2015 and June 30 th 2017 42 cases of unilateral displaced midshaft clavicular fracture were studied. 23 were managed by open reduction internal fixation with precontoured locking compression plates and 19 were managed by closed or open reduction and internal fixation by Titanium Elastic nails. Patients were followed up monthly for 4 months and at 6 months and 9 months. Final results were computed at end of 6 months. Functional outcome was compared using Constant Score. Other complications like non-union, delayed union, infection, implant failure, hardware prominence, refracture and wound dehiscence were also studied. Results: There was significant difference in constant score of two group with plating group performing better. Nail impingement was major concern after intra-medullary nailing. Union time was slightly better in nailing group. Conclusion: Pre-contoured locking compression plates gave better functional outcome and were associated with complications in fewer cases as compared to titanium elastic nails when used for surgical fixation of displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures.

IntroductionSacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common source of low back pain. Though this condition can be treated with conservative measures, there is a subset of patients who fail to respond to conservative treatment. For them, surgical treatment using minimally invasive techniques could be considered. There are currently a number of SIJ fixation methods described. However, there is no case series reported on posterior oblique approach. Therefore, in this paper, the authors report their experience with the Sacrix system via the posterior oblique approach. MethodIn this series, 19 patients aged 44-84 years, with a median of 58 years, underwent SIJ fusion using this technique. This is a posterior oblique approach in which two screws are inserted into the ilium through the posterior part of the iliac crest and then advanced into the sacrum through the SIJ. ResultsThe follow-up is between 7 and 30 months, with a median of 12 months. Eighteen patients had excellent pain relief. There was no complication from the procedure, and the blood loss was minimal. All eight patients who had follow-up radiographs showed solid fusion. ConclusionPosterior oblique approach for SIJ fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that proved to be effective and safe in this series. It also resulted in solid radiographic fusion, decreased pain, and improved function.