The objective of the study was to study the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Hirayama disease on a 3 Tesla MRI scanner. Nine patients with clinically suspected Hirayama disease were evaluated with neutral position, flexion, contrast-enhanced MRI and fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) sequences. The spectrum of MRI features was evaluated and correlated with the clinical and electromyography findings. MRI findings of localized lower cervical cord atrophy (C5-C7), abnormal curvature, asymmetric cord flattening, loss of attachment of the dorsal dural sac and subjacent laminae in the neutral position, anterior displacement of the dorsal dura on flexion and a prominent epidural space were revealed in all patients on conventional MRI as well as with the dynamic 3D-FIESTA sequence. Intramedullary hyperintensity was seen in four patients on conventional MRI and on the 3D-FIESTA sequence. Flow voids were seen in four patients on conventional MRI sequences and in all patients with the 3D-FIESTA sequence. Contrast enhancement of the epidural component was noted in all the five patients with thoracic extensions. The time taken for conventional and contrast-enhanced MRI was about 30–40 min, while that for the 3D-FIESTA sequence was 6 min. Neutral and flexion position MRI and the 3D-FIESTA sequence compliment each other in displaying the spectrum of findings in Hirayama disease. A flexion study should form an essential part of the screening protocol in patients with suspected Hirayama disease. Newer sequences such as the 3D-FIESTA may help in reducing imaging time and obviating the need for contrast.

Sonography revealed a high accuracy for diagnosing AC of the shoulder and in differentiating it from other causes of painful shoulder. It, thus, has the potential to be adopted as a preferred imaging modality.

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Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Staph, an aromatic perennial herb, is known to have great potential as a medicinal plant. In our study, we investigated in realistic field conditions the effect of supplemental ultraviolet-B (sUV-B) at two levels (+1.8 and +3.6 kJ m −2 d −1 above ambient) on various growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics of C. citratus. A higher dose of sUV-B produced a 17.6% reduction in biomass while at a lower dose the characteristics remained unaffected. The sUV-B imparted its negative effects to chlorophyll contents while an increment was noticed for carotenoids and phenolic compounds. No significant change in the rate of photosynthesis was noticed. The SEM observation revealed dense waxy deposition on the adaxial surface of exposed leaves at a lower dose of sUV-B to increase epidermal transmittance. This study clearly indicated the beneficial effect of sUV-B on volatile oils production in C. citratus plants grown under a low dose of sUV-B.

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Central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis is a common opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, and the imaging findings differ from those in immunocompetent patients. Here, we present the imaging findings in an immunocompetent woman of a rare case of central nervous system cryptococcal choroid plexitis with trapped temporal horns, enlarged enhancing bilateral choroid plexuses and multiple intraventricular choroid plexus cysts.

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