[1] We used a small array of portable seismographs to determine aftershock locations of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Our aftershock locations show a trend that dips toward the south at about 50°which is interpreted as the fault plane of the mainshock. The depth range of the aftershocks is from 10 to 35 km, which is somewhat deeper than other crustal earthquakes, and indicates that the faulting did not reach the surface. The area of the fault is about 40 Â 40 km 2 , which is small for a Mw7.7 earthquake and results in a high static stress drop of 13 to 25 MPa. There are no mapped faults or obvious topographic features along the surface projection of this fault. These findings show that very large damaging earthquakes can occur without producing surface faulting, which is an important issue for earthquake hazard assessments in continental regions.

BackgroundTo understand the molecular mechanism of host responses to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection and to get an insight into the means through which virus overcomes host defense mechanism, we studied global gene expression response of human lung carcinoma cells (A549) at early and late stages of infection with highly pathogenic avian Influenza A (H5N1) virus and compared it with a reverse genetics modified recombinant A (H5N1) vaccine virus using microarray platform.ResultsThe response was studied at time points 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours post infection (hpi). Gene ontology analysis revealed that the genes affected by both the viruses were qualitatively similar but quantitatively different. Significant differences were observed in the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and immune responses, specifically at 16 hpi.ConclusionWe conclude that subtle differences in the ability to induce specific host responses like apoptotic mechanism and immune responses make the highly pathogenic viruses more virulent.

Aims and Objectives:Platelet rich fibrin is widely used in stimulation and acceleration of soft tissue and bone healing because of local and continuous delivery of growth factors and proteins, mimicking the needs of the physiological wound healing and reparative tissue processes. This article will serve to introduce a second generation platelet concentrate, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).Materials and Methods:Fifteen cases are presented in which conventional endodontic therapy failed to resolve the problem and periapical root-end surgery was required.Results:At the end of six months, all patients showed complete bone regeneration.Conclusion:Production of a dense, cross-linked, physically robust PRF made of intact platelets and fibrin by high-speed centrifugation in the absence of exogenous thrombin, yields an ideal scaffold for use in tissue repair.

The treatment of retinoblastoma (Rb) has improved significantly in recent times. Worldwide, there is an increasing trend to use conservative treatment modalities that aim to preserve the globe as well as vision with minimum morbidity. Recently, the use of targeted delivery of chemotherapy to the eye in the form of selective intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy has shown promising results. Radiotherapy is beneficial in selected cases, either in the form of plaque brachytherapy or as external beam radiotherapy. Orbital disease carries a poor prognosis for survival. However, a multimodal treatment protocol has improved survival in children with extraocular disease. Nevertheless, challenges remain, especially for the developing world. This review aims to highlight recent advances in the management of Rb that have contributed towards improving treatment outcomes and also discuss the challenges ahead, with special reference to the Indian scenario.