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It is still not clear whether differential response of Bt cotton and conventional non-Bt cotton genotypes in terms of growth, phenology and yield ability are hypothetical or realistic. This study investigated the response of three Bt cotton hybrids in comparison to their conventional non-transgenic version (near-isogenic lines) along with two locally adapted genotypes for growth, yield attributes, phenological characteristics and rooting behavior. Therefore, two experiments were conducted during summer season of year 2016 and 2017 to evaluate differences among 3 popular Bt cotton hybrids along with their non-Bt version. First field experiment was conducted as a pot study wherein shoot and root parameters of 3 Bt cotton hybrids (Ankur 3028, MRC 7017, Bioseed 6588) were compared with their non-Bt version along with 2 local checks (i.e.,hirsutum cotton Cv. F2228 and arboreum cottonCv. FDK124). Second field experiment evaluated growth, phenological characteristics, yield attributes and productivity potential of above mentioned Bt and non-Bt hybrids. Findings of pot experiment could not establish any significant difference among studied Bt and non-Bt hybrids for root and shoot characteristics. However, arboreum cotton FDK124 exhibited higher root length than all genotypes. Results of second experiment revealed significant differences for phenological characteristics, wherein Bt version of all the tested hybrids exhibited earliness for flowering initiation, 50 % flowering and days to maturity over their non-Bt version. Seed cotton yield (SCY) in all hybrids possessing Bt gene was significantly higher than their non-Bt version primarily due to higher bolls plant-1. Studies conclude that introgression of Bt gene could not alter rooting parameters of evaluated cotton genotypes but significantly affected phenological stages by inducing earliness and higher SCY in Bt versions due to improved bolls plant-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue is one of the most critical diseases, caused by Dengue virus (DENV) serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4). Study aims to detect DENV in natural A. aegypti from endemic regions of Uttar Pradesh. From 2010- 2013, mosquitoes collected from Uttar Pradesh tested for Dengue virus serotypes by capsid premembrane gene-based PCR analyzed for genotypes sequencing of the C-prM junction of DENV genome. A total of 4731, 53.54% (n=2671) A. aegypti and 46 % (n=2060) A. albopictus mosquitoes were collected. Of 226 mosquito pools, 10 pools of A. aegypti and 14 pools of A. albopictus were positive for DENV by PCR. All 24 isolates identified as DENV-I; Genotype (G)-III (n=8), G-V (n=1); DENV-2; G-IV (n=4); DENV-3; G-III (n=11). The overall minimum infection rate was much higher in A. albopictus mosquitoes and presence of MIR in male mosquitoes is an indicating natural vertical transmission and important observation in geographical area indicating natural vertical transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In North India, sub-soiling is required to alleviate the problem of soil compaction raised due to the use of heavy machinery. We have emphasized energy auditing to understand the practical feasibility of sub-soiling in cotton-wheat cropping system. Four sub-soiling treatments (cross and single side sub-soiling at 1.0 m, 1.5 m under both cases) in addition to conventional tillage were compared with conventional tillage alone at two sites. Sub-soiling improved crop yield by 13.5–33.7% in cotton and 13.0–22.0% in wheat as compared to control. Net monetary returns earned with sub-soiling were 98–408 and 159–287 US$/ha higher under cotton and wheat, respectively over control. Energy auditing suggested that sub-soiling treatments consumed 489–1504 MJ/ha extra energy in cotton season, however, net energy gain was higher in cotton (by 11,518–29,715 MJ/ha) and wheat (by 19,861–32,594 MJ/ha) over control. Energy use efficiency was higher under sub-soiling treatments in cotton (5.36–7.25) and wheat (9.55–10.46), whereas corresponding values under control were 4.64–6.18 and 8.18–8.36. Similarly, lesser specific energy was observed under sub-soiling treatments as compared to control. The present study concluded that sub-soiling increased cotton productivity and energetic returns as well as had the significant residual effect on wheat crop. These results clearly suggest that sub-soiling is a sustainable practice for cotton-wheat system in north-western India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The study was conducted to determine whether dietary supplementation of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis), a natural carotenoid source, could enhance body (skin) colouration of shubunkin gold fish, Carrasius auratus (Linn.) even in high‐alkalinity rearing water. This was done with the objective of utilizing vast inland saline water for the culture of high‐value low‐volume ornamental fishes. The 40% S. platensis diet caused highest total carotenoid content (TCC), and maximum growth. The lower S. platensis levels (10% and 20%) also resulted in higher TCC than the reference diet, and the diet without S. platensis. The level of rearing water total alkalinity (RWTA) at which S. platensis could be effectively used for body colour enhancement was 300 mgl−1 as it resulted in maximum TCC (38.25 ± 0.33 µg/g wet body weight). At higher RWTA (450 mgl−1 and 600 mgl−1), the TCC considerably reduced and was minimum (32.66 + 0.15 µg/g wet body weight) at 600 mgl−1. At lower RWTA (150 mgl−1), TCC was 36.03 ± 0.2 µg/g wet body weight. Better growth of the fish was also obtained at 300 mgl−1 of RWTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central government had unilaterally passed three controversial Farm Bill on 20 September 2020, but concerns about the bills had been building prior to this, with a Farmers Union representative stating that the government had not done any consultation. Farmers from Punjab and Haryana began a march to India's capital, Delhi, in late November 2020. [Extracted from the article]

The connection between the recolonization of India's economy through neoliberal reforms and the re-emergence of rhetoric around Khalistan during the farmers' protest in Delhi are examined in this article. Despite the use of humanistic principles based on the Sikh tradition during the protest to draw attention to issues around food and land insecurity, lack of education, and poverty the Indian state creates phantasmagoria around the issue of Khalistan to enact economic liberalization while, counterintuitively, destabilizing its democratic institutions. I argue that the Delhi Morcha requires the dynamics of religion, politics, and violence in democracies needs to be rethought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation water scarcity during the very high rate of evapotranspiration period (during May and June) is a major concern for cotton production in north-western India. So, an experiment was planned to study the response of cotton to levels of pre-sowing irrigation, different times of sowing, delay in first irrigation and different agrometeorological indices (AMI). Cotton growth and yield attributes and AMI for different phenophases were poor under shallow pre-sowing irrigation and resulted in a reduction in seed cotton yield (SCY) significantly by 14.4–15.7% as compared to heavy pre-sowing irrigation. Timely sown cotton achieved maximum crop growth and yield attributes and AMI as well as SCY over the late sown crop. Late sown crop resulted in more than 40% yield reduction. Cotton crop that received first irrigation at 4 weeks after sowing (WAS) recorded significantly higher SCY along with higher growth and yield attributes and AMI. A delay in first irrigation from 4 WAS to 6 WAS resulted in the reduction of 15% SCY. SCY was significantly correlated with accumulated growing degree days (GDD), phenothermal index (PTI) and helio-thermal units (HTU) with higher correlation coefficients. Hence, higher AMI, SCY and heat use efficiency (HUE) were achieved from early sown crop with heavy pre-sowing irrigation and first irrigation at 4 WAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the value implications of Jensen's free cash flow hypothesis for a sample of Australian listed companies. Consistent with the US evidence in Masulis, R, C Wang and F Xie (2009). Agency problems at dual-class companies. Journal of Finance, 64(4), 1697–1727, we find that the marginal value of corporate capital expenditures in Australian listed companies is inversely related to the magnitude of agency conflicts arising out of the use of free cash flows. Our results suggest that firms where managers have a greater ability to extract private benefits and are therefore more likely to maximize their own private benefits rather than shareholder wealth will suffer from a lower perceived valuation of their capital investments. Our findings are robust to alternative proxies for relative cash flows and growth opportunities and also hold over multiple sub-periods and industry groupings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drying of plums to prunes is an important postharvest processing step, as it results in a product with higher nutrient density, increased shelf life, and significantly greater antioxidant and fiber content. However, due to the waxy layer present on the plums surface having low permeability toward moisture, plum dries very slowly which is an energy-demanding process. Therefore, to breakdown waxy layer on the surface and enhancement of skin moisture diffusivity, two genotypes (V91074 and V95141) of Yellow European Plums (YEPs) were dipped in 1% (w/v) of Ascorbic Acid (AA), Citric Acid (CA), and Potassium Meta-bisulfite (KMS) solution for 1 min at 40°C. The pretreated YEPs were dried at three different temperatures (50°C, 60°C, and 70°C) until a final moisture content of approximately 30% (wet basis) was reached. It was observed that treated samples (AA and KMS) dried faster as compared to untreated samples, except for CA treatment where no significant difference in drying time was observed. One model cannot be selected for describing the thin layer drying characteristics of YEPs. Five out of 11 models used were found to be a perfect fit for genotype V91074 and genotype V95141, respectively. Pretreatment had a significant effect on effective moisture diffusivity (Deff). Deff for untreated and treated plum samples ranged between 4.6 × 10−11 to 8.6 × 10−11 (m2/s) and 4.9 × 10−11 to 9.1 × 10−11 (m2/s). The drying temperature had a significant effect on phenolic content and antioxidant activity, whereas no significant effect of pretreatment was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Influenza A/H1N1pdm09 causes respiratory illness and remains a concern for public health. Since its first emergence in 2009, the virus has been continuously circulating in the form of its genetic variants. Influenza A/ H1N1pdm09 surveillance is essential for uncovering emerging variants of epidemiologic and vaccine efficacy. The present study attempts in silico analysis and molecular characterization of Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus circulating and causing major outbreaks in central India during 2009-2019. Materials and Methods: We have investigated the antigenic drift analysis of 96 isolates' hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequences (59 central Indian and 37 local Indian and 28 global reference HA gene sequences) of Influenza A/H1N1pdm09 viruses from 2009 to 2019. The study includes mutational (Multiple sequence Alignment), phylogenetic (Maximum Likelihood Method), and statistical analysis (Covariance and correlation) of HA sequences submitted in NCBI, IRD and GISAID from central India. Results: Phylogenetic analysis indicated maximum clustering of central Indian HA gene sequences in genogroup 6B. Analysis of amino acid sequence alignment revealed changes in receptor binding site (RBS). The frequency of S220T amino acid substitution was found to be high followed by S202T, K300E A273T, K180Q. The Karl Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and covariance between the number of mutations and the death toll was found +0.246 and +100.3 respectively. Conclusion: The study identifies the continuous genetic variations in the HA gene sequences of circulating Influenza A/ H1N1pdm09 in central India from the year 2009 to 2019. Further suggesting importance of monitoring the gradual evolution of the virus with regards to an increase in virulence, pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy timely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melioidosis, caused by the facultative intracellular gram-negative pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an emerging cause of community-acquired pneumonia across the tropics. The majority of patients present with pneumonia with or without sepsis, but localized and asymptomatic infection is also well recognized. Recent modeling and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the widespread presence of B. pseudomallei in otherwise unrecognized regions with a predicted mortality of 90,000 deaths worldwide. Innovative environmental studies are also uncovering how hydrodynamic, pedology, fauna, and weather events influence geographic distribution and incidence of melioidosis cases. Of concern is the changes associated with global warming, which will be conducive to B. pseudomallei in combination with the global diabetes pandemic. In fact, over 80% of patient developing melioidosis have underlying comorbidities. For this great mimicker, culture remains the mainstay of diagnosis and despite availability of other assays, challenges still remain in reducing time to diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis. With institution of timely antimicrobials such as ceftazidime and supportive intensive care, overall mortality can be reduced to 10%, although this can still be as high as 50% in poorly resourced areas. Promise is on the horizon with the first human vaccine trials being planned for 2021. Meanwhile new multiomics techniques are giving us a better understanding of the role of virulence and host-pathogen interactions on patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize response to deficit water and nitrogen for assessing phenological development and yield was studied under semi-arid conditions. Experiment consisting three drip irrigation levels, replenish 60 (DI60), 80 (DI80) and 100 percent (DI100) of cumulative pan evaporation, and four nitrogen doses 50 (RN50), 75 (RN75), 100 (RN100) and 125 (RN125) per cent of recommended nitrogen. A Furrow irrigated treatment was kept as control/check. Significant earliness in visibility of collar of 8th leaf, tasseling, silking and significant delay in dough stage and physiological maturity was recorded under well water treatment DI100 as compared to DI60. Days to collar of 8th leaf, tasseling and silking had significant negative correlation, and duration of yield formation phase and days to physiological maturity had significant positive correlation with grain yield. Higher DM production, longer yield formation phase and late physiological maturity led to significantly higher grain yield under DI100. In case of nitrogen levels, phonological characteristics like collar of 8th leaf, tasseling and silking were significantly delayed, and dough stage and physiological maturity were advanced under nitrogen deficit treatment RN50 as compared to RN100 and RN125. Significantly higher dry matter production and longer yield formation phase observed led to significant higher SCY under RN100 and RN125 as compared to RN50. Yield formation phase was significantly longer under drip irrigated crop as compared to control during 2nd year of study. Crop phenological development significantly affected by drip irrigation regimes and nitrogen levels, and there was significant correlation between phenological stages development and grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drying of plums to prunes is an important postharvest processing step, as it results in a product with higher nutrient density, increased shelf life, and significantly greater antioxidant and fiber content. However, due to the waxy layer present on the plums surface having low permeability toward moisture, plum dries very slowly which is an energy-demanding process. Therefore, to breakdown waxy layer on the surface and enhancement of skin moisture diffusivity, two genotypes (V91074 and V95141) of Yellow European Plums (YEPs) were dipped in 1% (w/v) of Ascorbic Acid (AA), Citric Acid (CA), and Potassium Meta-bisulfite (KMS) solution for 1 min at 40°C. The pretreated YEPs were dried at three different temperatures (50°C, 60°C, and 70°C) until a final moisture content of approximately 30% (wet basis) was reached. It was observed that treated samples (AA and KMS) dried faster as compared to untreated samples, except for CA treatment where no significant difference in drying time was observed. One model cannot be selected for describing the thin layer drying characteristics of YEPs. Five out of 11 models used were found to be a perfect fit for genotype V91074 and genotype V95141, respectively. Pretreatment had a significant effect on effective moisture diffusivity (Deff). Deff for untreated and treated plum samples ranged between 4.6 x 10-11 to 8.6 x 10-11 (m²/s) and 4.9 x 10-11 to 9.1 x 10-11 (m²/s). The drying temperature had a significant effect on phenolic content and antioxidant activity, whereas no significant effect of pretreatment was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bond rating upgrade (downgrade) is more likely when preceded by acquisitions that meet with positive (negative) announcement‐period abnormal returns suggesting that decisions of rating agencies are partly influenced by the quality of investments undertaken by companies. Parsing the sample along takeover motives reveals that rating upgrades are more likely in value‐creating acquisitions motivated by synergy while acquisitions motivated by agency considerations are more likely to elicit a rating downgrade. Following a rating downgrade however, firms seem to significantly alter their investment policies as such firms tend to make fewer but higher quality acquisitions. In addition, value creation through synergy seems to be the dominant motive in acquisitions for downgraded firms post rating downgrade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite polio eradication, nonpolio enterovirus (NPEV) detection amid polio surveillance, which is considered to have implications in paralysis, requires attention. The attributes of NPEV infections in nonpolio-AFP (NPAFP) cases from Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, remain undetermined and are thus investigated. A total of 1839 stool samples collected from patients with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) from UP, India, between January 2010 and October 2011 were analyzed as per the WHO algorithm. A total of 359 NPAFP cases yielded NPEVs, which were subjected to microneutralization assay, partial VP1 gene-based molecular serotyping and phylogenetic analysis. Demographic and clinical-epidemiological features were also ascertained. Echoviruses (29%) and Coxsackievirus (CV)-B (17%) were the most common viruses identified by the microneutralization assay. The molecular genotyping characterized the NPEVs into 34 different serotypes, corresponding to Enterovirus (EV)-A (1.6%), EV-B (94%) and EV-C (5.3%) species. The rarely described EV serotypes, such as EV-C95, CV-A20, EV-C105, EV-B75, EV-B101, and EV-B107, were also identified. NPEV-associated AFP was more prevalent in younger male children, peaked in the monsoon months and was predominantly found in the central part of the state. The NPEV strains isolated in the study exhibited genetic diversity from those isolated in other countries. These form part of a different cluster or subcluster existing in cocirculation, limited to India only. This study augments the understanding of epidemiological features and demonstrates the extensive diversity exhibited by the NPEV strains in NPAFP cases from the polio-endemic region. It also underscores the need or effective long-term strategies to monitor NPEV circulation and its associated health risks in the post-polio eradication era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow European Plums (YEPs) are a rich source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, which can be obtained using microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE). During this study, two MAE experiments were performed to optimize MAE extraction parameters and the MAE process using YEPs. The first experiment was to determine the influence of independent variables such as solvent concentration (20, 60, and 100 %) and solid‐to‐solvent ratio (0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 g/mL), on the yield of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), for ethanol and methanol, during MAE. Using a response surface methodology, the optimized extraction parameters for MAE were then found to be 60 % ethanol at a solid‐to‐solvent ratio of 0.1 g/mL. Using the optimized parameters from the first experiment, the second experiment evaluated the effect of microwave temperature (50, 60, 70 °C) and duration (5, 10, and 15 min) on TPC, DPPH, and FRAP, using a face‐centered central composite design. Individual phenolic compounds, including ascorbic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid, were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. In the second experiment, it was observed that time and temperature had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the extraction of phenolic compounds from four genotypes of YEPs. However, due to their diverse phenolic composition, there was not one optimal operating time and temperature suitable for all genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses water saving in a spring maize farm under different drip irrigation regimes and its impacts on nitrogen levels. Topics include adaptation of shifting cropping system, laws on Crop water requirements for the Punjab state, and economic aspects of spring maize crop. Also discussed is different methods of planting and rise in gross returns from green cobs and fodder.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the performance of corporate acquisitions between the pre- and post-SOX periods, using both short-term and long-term analyses.Design/methodology/approach The sample includes 9,463 mergers and tender offers undertaken by publicly traded US firms between 1996 and 2009. The authors used the standard event study methodology for short-term performance analysis; Berkovitch and Narayanan (1993) method to identify merger motives; and standard benchmark adjusted return on assets (sales) (Barber and Lyon, 1996) and buy-and-hold abnormal returns (Mitchell and Stafford, 2000) to analyze long-term performance.Findings Compared to the pre-SOX period, US acquirers experience significantly higher announcement returns in the post-SOX period; the results are robust to various controls like bidder, target and deal characteristics, bidder management quality, and product market competition. Similar results (in favor of post-SOX US acquirers) are obtained with long-term post-acquisition operating and stock performance analyses.Research limitations/implications This paper only addressed domestic acquisitions.Originality/value This paper adds to the growing body of research on the impact of SOX on publicly traded US corporations. By examining corporate acquisitions, an important long-term investment decision for a firm, the paper shows that despite the complex nature of SOX, substantial compliance costs and the unintended negative consequence it engendered, the act had a beneficial impact in an important area of corporate finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third molars (wisdom teeth) often develops in abnormal positions and most of the times they unable to erupt properly. The third molars removal is the most common performed procedure in oral surgery. The impacted third molar teeth can be associated with local pathological changes, such as gum and alveolar bone disease, inflammation of the gums around the tooth, damage to the adjacent teeth, root resorption, and the development of cysts and tumors. The prophylactic removal of asymptomatic impacted third molar teeth is defined as the surgical removal in the absence of local pathology. In most of the countries, prophylactic surgical removal of the third molars is common practice either impacted or fully erupted. We cannot reliably predict whether impacted third molars will develop any pathological changes. Surgical removal of the wisdom teeth should be justified, and there is need to determine whether this practice is supported by evidences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complete denture wearing patients are often associated with the presence of various denture-related oral mucosal lesions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of denture-related oral mucosal lesions in complete denture patients. Materials and Methods: The study was consisted of 362 patients having various denture-induced oral mucosal lesions from the outpatient department of the department out of the 608 complete denture patients examined. Data related to gender, age, length of denture use, hygiene care were obtained. All the data were tabulated and analyzed. Results: In 362 complete denture patients, 378 oral mucosal lesions were found as 16 (4.2%) patients were having two types of lesions. Denture stomatitis (59.25%) was the most common lesion present, followed by epulis fissuratum (18.51%) and angular cheilitis (8.9%). The denture-induced oral mucosal lesions were found more common in age >40 years (60.78%) and in female (54.70%) complete denture wearer patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of the various denture-induced oral mucosal lesions in complete denture patients and more importance should be given to these patients as their oral health needs increases due to change in the oral environment conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient uptake by direct seeded rice and associated weeds was studied in a field experiment during kharif 2008. Twenty four treatment combinations viz. six sowing dates (direct seeding on 0 (June 5), 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after nursery sowing (DANS); transplanting 28 DANS); two varieties (short duration PR 115 and medium duration PAU 201) and two weed control treatments (3 hand weedings at 20, 40, 60 days and pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 pre-emergence followed by bispyribacsodium 0.030 kg ha-1 as post emergence) were evaluated in a split plot design with three replications. Among sowing dates and establishment methods, rice grains in manual transplanting utilized significantly higher amount of nitrogen and phosphorus than all the direct seeding dates 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 DANS; potassium uptake was at par to direct seeding on 0 DANS. The rice straw utilized the highest amount of potassium in transplanted treatment and was at par to direct seeding 0 DANS; nitrogen and phosphorous uptake did not show any specific trend. The nitrogen and potassium removal by the weeds was the lowest in transplanted check which was at par to direct seeding on 0- 7 DANS and for phosphorous removal it was at par to 0-14 DANS. Nitrogen and potassium uptake by rice grain and straw did not vary among varieties, however, phosphorous uptake by grain and straw was significantly higher in case of PR 115 than PAU 201; weeds also removed significantly higher amount of potassium in PR 115 as compared to PAU 201. Among weed control treatments, rice grains in the three hand weeding treatment utilized significantly higher amount of nitrogen as compared to sequential application of herbicides; nitrogen uptake by straw was non-significant. The weeds in herbicidal plot removed significantly higher amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium as compared to three hand weedings. The nutrient uptake by crop was directly related to crop dry matter accumulation and grain yield while nutrient removal by weeds was directly related to the weed dry matter accumulation under different treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis is increasing in India. To determine viral causes, we conducted cell culture and molecular analysis identification of nonpolio human enteroviruses associated with acute flaccid paralysis during March-August 2010 in northern India. The predominant nonpolio enterovirus found was echovirus 13, a serotype rarely isolated in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis is increasing in India. To determine viral causes, we conducted cell culture and molecular analysis identification of nonpolio human enteroviruses associated with acute flaccid paralysis during March-August 2010 in northern India. The predominant nonpolio enterovirus found was echovirus 13, a serotype rarely isolated in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic analysis of measles viruses associated with recent cases and outbreaks has proven to bridge information gaps in routine outbreak investigations and has made a substantial contribution to measles control efforts by helping to identify the transmission pathways of the virus. Materials and methods: The present study describes the genetic characterization of wild type measles viruses from Uttar Pradesh, India isolated between January 2008 and January 2011. In the study, 526 suspected measles cases from 15 outbreaks were investigated. Blood samples were collected from suspected measles outbreaks and tested for the presence of measles specific IgM; throat swab and urine samples were collected for virus isolation and RT-PCR. Genotyping of circulating measles viruses in Uttar Pradesh was performed by sequencing a 450-bp region encompassing the nucleoprotein hypervariable region and phylogenetic analysis. Results and conclusion: Based on serological results, all the outbreaks were confirmed as measles. Thirty eight strains were obtained. Genetic analysis of circulating measles strains (n = 38) in Uttar Pradesh from 235 cases of laboratory-confirmed cases from 526 suspected measles cases between 2008 and 2011 showed that all viruses responsible for outbreaks were within clade D and all were genotype D8. Analysis of this region showed that it is highly divergent (up to 3.4% divergence in the nucleotide sequence and 4.1% divergence in the amino acid sequence between most distant strains). Considerable genetic heterogeneity was observed in the MV genotype D8 viruses in North India and underscores the need for continued surveillance and in particular increases in vaccination levels to decrease morbidity and mortality attributable to measles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding experiment was conducted for 135 days to observe the effect of different isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) and isocaloric (385 kcal) diets on the growth and carcass composition of giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii ( De Man 1879 ). Three experimental diets (ED1, ED2 and ED3) were prepared using locally available ingredients. These diets differed mainly in terms of percent contribution of major protein sources such as fish meal, soybean meal, groundnut oil cake and mustard oil cake. Experimental diets were evaluated against a commercial diet, which served as the control (CD). Juveniles 1.87–2.44 g in size were stocked at a population density of 40 000 ha−1 and fed thrice daily at 10% in the beginning and reducing gradually to 7% and 5% of the body weight during the experimental period. No significant differences ( P>0.05) in the growth performance were observed; however, a significantly ( P<0.05) higher yield (721.9 kg ha−1 135 days−1) was recorded for prawn fed with control diet, followed by experimental diet 2 (676.5 kg ha−1 135 days−1, having soybean meal as a major protein source). The survival ranged between 63.8% and 77.7%, with different diets showing significantly higher survival. The apparent feed conversion ratio values of diets ranged between 3.15 and 3.49, with experimental and control diets showing non-significantly lower AFCR values. At the end of the experiment, representative specimens from each treatment were collected and their carcass composition was measured. Analysis of variance showed that carcass protein and total carbohydrate contents were significantly ( P<0.05) higher in prawns fed on a fish–soybean meal-based diet (ED3) and a control diet. The total lipid contents of prawns, however, did not differ significantly among the various dietary treatments. The results of our study suggest that the experimental diets could be used effectively for M. rosenbergii without compromising growth and flesh quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the author has attempted to analyze the human condition of legend Puran Bhagat in a number of crises in medieval Punjab, as of January 1, 1985. The point of departure is the version composed by the well-known Punjabi bard Qadiryar, in the early years of the 19th century. Condemned by astrologers to avoid his parents, Puran grows up in the darkness and deprivation of a dungeon for the first 12 years of his life. Immediately after his advent in the light of human relationships, Puran is enticed by his stepmother. The human condition in the narrative of Puran is the condition of sex and violence, of discipline and austerity, of heightened emotions and extreme egocentric personalities. Each sequence of the narrative is charged with an existential crisis of the being that can never forget him. The analysis of the sequences of the legend, Puran follows the constituting process of the narrative. It is quite different from the usual interpretations which move along either the collective social norms, as is the case with the poet Qadiryar himself.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Does a 48-Hour Rule Predict Outcomes in Patients With Acute Sigmoid Diverticulitis?," by J. Evans published in the 2008 issue.