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Child malnutrition remains a pervasive problem in India though there are significant improvements in several health indicators with country's consistent economic growth. Along with other factors, maternal autonomy is considered to be critical in influencing health outcome of a child. This paper attempts to examine the determinants of nutritional measures of children under age five with the focus to the role of mother's autonomy in India. There are studies which link characteristics of mother, like education, age, with nutrition of her children. But maternal autonomy is a complex subject as this variable is not tangible. Women's autonomy in daily life is more likely to result in their better healthcare which in turn influences children's birth weight and infant nutrition. We used nationally representative India Human Development Survey 2004–05 (IHDS- 1) and 2011–12 (IHDS 2) data for the analysis. This paper studies the association between maternal autonomy and childhood stunting, the indicator of chronic malnutrition, and the risk of having a stunted child. We have also used the panel data using both waves of IHDS and used mothers fixed effect model to evaluate the impact of maternal autonomy. The autonomy index is created using four dimensions-women's decision making, freedom of movement, financial autonomy and attitude toward domestic violence. The two dimensions of autonomy—physical autonomy, financial autonomy—remain significant determinants for childhood stunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In India research on health issues of transgender populations are very recent and limited though transgenders are an important sub-group of the population. Hence, this study attempts to understand the state of transgender health research in India through a systematic review of literature. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using bibliometric analysis. Initially, 132 studies were identified, and only 37 articles meeting selection criteria were subsequently selected for review using PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The research landscape was examined with tools such as Biblioshiny, Arc-GIS (10.1), and Vos-Viewer. Results: The review highlights that existing literature on transgender health in India mainly focuses on sexual health while neglecting their overall health status. It also emphasises the skewed geographical coverage of these studies. Based on the analysis, the interdisciplinary nature of the subject is illustrated in a three-field plot and through term co-occurrence. These indicate the need for culture-specific gender-affirmative services promoting a holistic approach to comprehend the health of transgender populations in India. Conclusion: In India research on transgender health is lopsided and at an initial stage. There is a need to develop diverse research focus on various health issues of transgenders that should also be geographically representative. Future in-depth research on this subject will enable optimizing resource allocation, developing effective gender-inclusive policies, and support holistic planning for better health status of transgender people in India, and other countries with similar socio-cultural background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal power generation is economical in the current scenario, but it is a water-intensive process, resulting in a high-water footprint. In this research, life cycle water use (LCWU) was assessed for three coal-based thermal power plant in India. The LCWU was found to be in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 L-kWh−1. The results of the LCWU of coal-based thermal power plants in India are higher than the global average of 1.75 L-kWh−1. In order to reduce the dependency on water, air-cooled condenser (ACC) with a novel approach of reducing temperature of air before entering into condenser is purposed using vapour absorption chillers. A 300 MW thermal power plant located in the South India region is chosen to illustrate the application of the proposed system. Initially, waste heat from flue gas is used to run a vapour absorption chiller, and finally a solar-assisted vapour compression chiller is used. Also, in order to utilize large coastal lines in India, an alternate approach of sea water cooling-based thermal power generation is investigated. A 2 MW steam turbine plant utilizing deep sea water is designed and analysed. In seawater cooling system the condenser temperature is reduced, increasing efficiency by 1.9% and power output by 133 kW. It resulted in power generation with multiple benefits, including cooling, desalinated water, and increased plant efficiency. The outcomes of this study provide information on water use in Indian thermal power plants along with its comparative assessment. A study of ACCs and seawater-cooled condensers is also an opportunity to reduce the life-cycle water use in thermal power plants in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is an unmet need for high-quality data for Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in the Indian population. Indian study group on partial nephrectomy (ISGPN) is a consortium of Indian centers contributing to the partial nephrectomy (PN) database. The current study is a descriptive analysis of perioperative and functional outcomes following RAPN. Methods: For this study, the retrospective ISGPN database was reviewed, which included patients who underwent RAPN for renal masses at 14 centers across India from September 2010 to September 2022. Demographic, clinical, radiological, perioperative, and functional data were collected and analyzed. Ethics approval was obtained from each of the participating centers. Results: In this study, 782 patients were included, and 69.7% were male. The median age was 53 years (interquartile range [IQR 44-62]), median operative time was 180 min (IQR 133-240), median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (IQR 50-200), mean warm ischemia time was 22.7 min and positive surgical margin rates were 2.5%. The complication rate was 16.2%, and most of them were of minor grade. Trifecta and pentafecta outcomes were attained in 61.4% and 60% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: This is the largest Indian multi-centric study using the Indian Robotic PN Collaborative database to evaluate the outcomes of robot assisted PN, and has proven its safety and efficacy in the management of renal masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on women empowerment highlights a positive correlation between work and decision‐making power of women within families. On the contrary, the role of work opportunities in letting women achieve greater control over their lives, making them more independent is also well‐established. In this background, we explore the effect of women employment on different dimensions of women empowerment by using a nationally representative household survey data, the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS‐II, 2011–12). As "empowerment" is unobservable, multi‐faceted and difficult to quantify, we model it by an index which aggregates the qualitative answers provided by a respondent. Due to the presence of an endogenous relation, we exploit sources of exogenous variations in employment through an instrumental variable (IV) setup. Following the literature, we identify IV as the level of transport infrastructure in the region where a woman resides. We find that the estimated coefficients are positive and statistically significant, remaining robust to changes in empowerment calculation. In the context of public initiatives aimed at improving female labour force participation and empowering women in India, our results show how policymakers can look beyond standard policies and take the help of transport‐related initiatives to improve employment and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing water scarcity and the demand for sustainable agriculture, precise estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for effective irrigation management, crop yield assessment, and equitable water distribution, particularly in semi-arid regions. In this study, a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) was used to validate the remote sensing-based ET model SETMI (Spatial Evapotranspiration Modeling Interface) in an irrigated maize-wheat cropping system in a semi-arid region at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Results obtained by the SETMI model depicted modeled surface energy fluxes compared well with LAS field data, showing a very high R2 (0.83–0.95) and NRMSE (8–29%). The SETMI model performed better in the case of the maize crop than the wheat crop in field experiments. Further, the SETMI model was employed at the regional level using high-resolution Sentinel-2 to estimate the regional water productivity of wheat crops over a semi-arid region in India. The estimated regional, seasonal wheat actual ET mainly ranged between 101 mm and 325 mm. The regional wheat water productivity varied from 0.9 kg m−3 to 2.20 kg m−3. Our research reveals that the SETMI model can give reliable estimates of regional wheat water productivity by examining its spatial and temporal fluctuations and facilitating the creation of regional benchmark values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no information available in India regarding the fertigation schedule for the growth and development of indoor plant species suitable for indoor vertical gardening. The current investigations were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India with the objective to determine the optimum fertigation schedule of nutrient formulations for a successful installation of a vertical garden by using four indoor plant species Schefflera arboricola, Dracaena godseffiana, Aglaonema angustifolium and Philodendron selloum to make interior beautiful as well as to add cleaner air for healthy environment. These indoor plant species were grown in soilless media consisting of cocopeat, perlite and vermiculite in the ratio 3:1:1 with four concentrations of Hoagland nutrient solution (25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % of Hoagland's solution) and the fifth concentration was self-composed nutrient formulation placed horizontally inside the rooms. Experimental design was factorial completely randomized design keeping three replications in each treatment. Plant growth and leaf nutrient accumulation was maximum when the plants were fertigated with 100 % of the Hoagland's solution (NF IV). Thus, based on their performance these indoor plant species were further planted for indoor vertical garden using fertigation schedule of NF IV. The order of performance of the species evaluated on the basis of growth, chlorophyll and nutrient accumulation were Aglaonema angustifolium >Schefflera arboricola> Philodendron selloum> Dracaena godseffiana. The accumulations of nutrients by ornamental plants were highly variant between species and this information could be used for further fertigation scheduling of indoor vertical gardening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Ceratosporella collected on leaf litter of Mohru Oak Quercus floribunda in Uttarakhand, India, are described herein and compared with closely allied species. They are Ceratosporella deviata and Ceratosporella cheiroidea. Among them, C. cheiroidea is newly recorded from India. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comments are provided for the aforementioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The disheartening reality sheds light on the tragic consequences that can arise from inaction and inefficiencies in maternal healthcare systems, often leading to devastating outcomes for mothers and their families. Among the multifaceted causes of maternal deaths, one deeply concerning aspect is the phenomenon of "maternal deaths due to delays". Objective: To explore the pervasive issue of maternal deaths due to delays, distance, different referrals highlighting the discrepancies in the system. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive cross sectional study done in selected district (Jabalpur, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Katni) of Jabalpur division of Madhya Pradesh, India for a period of 1 year from April 2021 to March 2022. A total of 68 maternal deaths were reviewed out of 324 total maternal deaths in Jabalpur division in 2019-2020. Results: Pathway analysis of the maternal deaths were drawn to illustrate the Referrals of the maternal deaths in various health care facilities. About 42(61%) of the deceased mothers were referred to two facilities. 17(25 %) and 3 (5%) of the deceased mothers were referred to third and fourth health facilities respectively. Major causes of the delays were identified was the No birth preparedness by the family/deceased mother, inadequate referral system and shortage of staff in the facilities, Lack of encouragement from relatives & community members to seek care. Conclusion: The delays require a multi-faceted approach involving improved healthcare infrastructure, increased access to skilled healthcare professionals, community education, removing financial barriers, promoting respectful and patient-centred care, and addressing cultural and societal norms that discourage timely care-seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The term seizure is used to describe abnormal, uncontrolled paroxysmal electrical activity of brain, literature suggests that about 8 -10% of population may experience at least one episode of seizure. Neuroimaging studies like CT scan brain is recommended in adult patients with new onset seizures to determine the underlying cause, structural abnormality, and the possibility of recurrence. Because of its capacity to quickly rule out an intracranial haemorrhage or a tumour requiring immediate neurosurgical intervention, CT scan remains the first -line imaging technology in most acute care settings. Aims and Objectives: To Evaluate the CT scan study in new onset seizure and to identify a lesion in CT scan that can explain the seizure. Materials and methods: Eighty-five patients (age 18 and above) were studied in the outpatient and inpatient department of medicine of a tertiary care centre of central India from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2021. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were subjected to detailed clinical history, examination including neurological examination, and aetiology and characteristics of seizure were co related with CT scan findings. Results: The majority of patients were presented with focal seizures 55 (55%) and with generalised seizures 45(45%). Seizures are more prevalent in age 18 to 40. the prevalence of seizures was higher in males 60% than in females 40%. The abnormal CT scan findings were found in 50.6% cases where seizure were secondary to CVA infarct in 16.5%cases, whereas CVA IP bleed was noted in 10.6% ICSOL was noted in 16.6% cases, with tuberculoma and neurocysticercosis in 5.9% and 4.7% cases respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Incidence & prevalence of OPMDs & OSCC is increasing day by day, thereby escalating the burden of oral cancer in India. Oral cancer ranks in the top three of all cancers in India and is quickly becoming a health priority. This study aims to assess prevalence and associated factors of OPMDs and OSCC in patients attending dental OPD and its association with age, gender, habit (type & duration), clinical presentation and site of involvement. Material and Methods: A prospectively 12 months study was conducted in the outpatient department. Patient's data whether suspected or proven cases of OPMDs & OSCC and fits in clinical criteria were reviewed and analysed for demographic data, oral adverse habit, clinical presentation and site of involvement. Results: Overall 38,588 patient's data were analysed for 12 month time duration. Out of this 552 (1.43%) cases of OPMDs and 58 (0.15%) cases of OSCC were reported. Out of 552 maximum patients were reported with OSMF (34.4%), followed by other lesions and minimum with LP (7.9%). Age group most commonly affected was above 45 years (44.9%) of age. Males (81.1%) were affected more than females. OPMDs (92%) and OSCC (96.5%) were mostly associated with smokeless or smoking form of tobacco. Conclusion: Present study evaluated the prevalence rates and associated factors of OPMDs & OSCC, which is beneficial for general practitioner in early diagnosis, formulating better treatment plan and to educate general population about risk factors, early signs and symptoms of these lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate prediction of noise levels at outdoor locations requires detailed data of the noise sources and terrain parameters and an efficient model for prediction. However, the possibility of predicting noise with reasonable accuracy using less input data is a challenge and needs to be studied scientifically. The qualities of the noise data, terrain parameters, and prediction model can impact the accuracy of the prediction significantly. This study primarily focuses on the dependency of noise data for efficient noise prediction and mapping. This research article proposes a detailed methodology to predict and map the noise and exposure levels in Ratapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, with various granularities of noise data inputs. The noise levels were measured at various places and at different times of the day at 10 min intervals. Different data input proportions and qualities were used for noise prediction, namely, (1) a large data-based method, (2) a small data-based method, (3) a source point average data-based method, (4) a Google navigation data-based method, and (5) accurate modelling using an ANN-based method, integrating accurate noise data with a sophisticated modelling algorithm for noise prediction. The analysis of the variation between the predicted and measured noise levels was conducted for all five of the methods using the ANOVA technique. Various methods based on less noise data methods predicted the noise levels with accuracies within the ±4–10 dB(A) range, while the ANN-based technique predicted it with an accuracy of ±0.5–2.5 dB(A). Interestingly, the estimation of the noise exposure levels (>85 dB(A)) and the identification of hazard zones around the studied road intersection could also be performed efficiently even when using the data-deficient models. This paper also showcased the possibility of predicting an accurate 3D map for an area by extracting vehicles and terrain features from satellite images without any direct recording of noise data. This paper thus demonstrated approaches to reduce the noise data dependency for noise prediction and mapping and to enable accurate noise-hazard zonation mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate complementary feeding practices lead to poor cognition, stunting, and increased rate of infections. Insight into deficiencies of complementary feeding practices could help in planning and implementing newer approaches at various levels of intersection. Aims and Objectives: The aim and purpose of the study were to determine the complementary feeding practices, to identify maternal determinants of each practice, and to analyze the associations between complementary feeding practices with malnutrition. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, of a tertiary hospital over a 14-week period. All children aged 6-23 months were included in the study. Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire based on the World Health Organization Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) indicators for assessing IYCF practices. Results: A total of 400 mothers participated in the study. The mean age of children was 12.58 20±5.02 months, male: female = 1.6:1. The mean age of starting complementary feeding was 6.81±1.79 months. Semisolid food was introduced in 90.2% of children, minimum dietary diversity was received by 61.0%, minimum meal frequency by 83.8%, and minimum acceptable diet by 58.2%, eggs and flesh by 14.2% and 3.5% children, respectively; only 9.2% received vitamin A rich fruits and 38.5% did not receive any vegetable or fruit. Bottle feeding was present in 55.5% of population. Maternal parameters (education, employment access to media) and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with feeding practices (P<0.05). A significant difference was found in the nutritional status (wasting and stunting) of children who did not receive minimum dietary diversity (P<0.01). Conclusion: Wide gap exists in feeding practices even in urban settings and was significantly associated with child's nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Thyroid hormones have a very crucial role in the regulation of metabolism, proteins synthesis and influencing functions of various other hormones in the human body. While both kidneys play an essential role in the metabolism of thyroid hormone by conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). In patients with chronic kidney diseases, frequent abnormal thyroid functions are observed. Aim:To study the pattern of thyroid dysfunction in chronic kidney disease population and to evaluate the correlation existing in between severity of kidney failure and thyroid dysfunction Methods:This cross sectional observational study was conducted in the department of internal medicine in a tertiary care hospital, central India. 100 chronic kidney disease patients were included in the study. Diagnosis of chronic kidney failure was performed as per criteria laid down by Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative. Blood was drawn for estimation of serum creatinine, GFR and thyroid profile. Results: Among 100 CKD patients, most of them (64%) were male with age ranging from 18 to 80 years with mean age of 57.08±10.35 years. Of the total patients, 6%, 12%, 29%, 26% & 27% patients belonged to CKD Stages 1,2,3,4 & 5 respectively. Low T3 is the most common thyroid dysfunction & the earliest abnormality noticed in CKD patients. The prevalence of low T3 syndrome in this study was 48%. Increasing trend for Low T3 prevalence with increasing severity of CKD was noticed in this study and was statistically significant (P

Purpose: The objective of this study was to find the association between fetal hemoglobin (HbF) concentration and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. Methods: In this observational, prospective, longitudinal study, a total of 410 preterm infants with <36 gestational weeks and <2.5 kg birth weight, who were attending ROP clinic in a tertiary care hospital of central India for 1 year duration were included. Dilated fundus examination was done as per ROP screening guidelines, and ROP was staged as per international classification for retinopathy of prematurity (ICROP) classification, 2021. HbF (%) was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography, and data was analyzed statistically. The relationship between HbF (%) and ROP was evaluated. Those infants who had ROP were further divided into treatment-requiring and non-treatment-requiring groups and HbF was compared in these groups at the first visit and after 1-month follow-up period. The outcome of ROP was studied with HbF levels. Results: A total of 410 preterm infants were included, out of which 110 infants had ROP (26.8%). Infants with ROP had significantly lower percentage of HbF with gestational age groups and birth weight groups, compared to infants without ROP. Higher percentage of HbF was associated with a lower prevalence of ROP. Higher concentration of HbF was found in the ROP infants who regressed spontaneously without treatment and less concentration was found in those who progressed to a severe disease and those who required treatment. The predictive ability of HbF (%) was 0.976 for ROP. Conclusion: Low fraction of HbF was found to be significantly associated with the development and progression of ROP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appropriate management of ophthalmoplegia demands good anatomy knowledge of cranial nerves involved i.e., III, IV and VI. Where these nerves originate and where they end, clinical features associated with paralysis of each nerve all this knowledge help in proper management of cases. Objective: To study clinical and etiological factors associated with the ophthalmoplegia. Methods: Prospective, Hospital based observational study was carried out among 50 cases of ophthalmoplegia. Detailed history was recorded. Thorough clinical examination including examination of both the eyes was carried out in terms of laterality, pupils affected or not, Central nervous system involvement, cranial nerves III, IV and VI etc. Papilledema, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar were investigated for each case. Results: Most common age group affected was >50 years in 50%. Males were slightly more affected than females. Majority (72%) cases were bilateral. Only nine cases had affected pupils. In ten cases, central nervous system was affected. Hypertension was seen in 32% and diabetes in 44%. 14% had history of trauma. Inflammation, tumor and vascular affection was seen in three cases each. Four cases had viral infection. Among all factors, diabetes was significantly associated with III cranial nerve involvement (p<0.05). Hypertension was significantly associated with IV cranial nerve involvement (p<0.05). But no factor was significantly associated with VI cranial nerve involvement (p>0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that ophthalmoplegia mainly affects elderly and males. It is usually bilateral and sometimes pupils and CNS are affected. Hypertensives and diabetics are at an increased risk of ophthalmoplegia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Transformational leadership has caught the significant attention of many academic scholars in the leadership domain. In recent studies, emphasis has been given on green transformational leaders who empower their subordinates, which, in turn, leads to employees' discretionary behavior toward environmental management of the organization, which has been denoted as organizational environmental citizenship behavior. Organizational citizenship behavior has been strongly advocated as a means to improve the environmental performance of organizations. A green transformational leader encourages his subordinates to undertake activities that are beneficial to the organization's environmental management, such as thinking about the sustainable development of the organization, solving environmental problems and contributing to the firm's environmental performance. This study aims to investigate the domain of environmental leadership by examining the mechanism and conditions under which green transformational leaders induce organizational environmental citizenship behavior. Design/methodology/approach: Information technology (IT) firms across four major cities in India were considered for the survey to examine the proposed hypotheses. Online questionnaires were shared with 1,286 employees working across seven branches of IT companies. A total of 378 respondents completed the survey, but only 293 questionnaires were suitable for further analysis using structural equation modeling. Findings: The findings of the study show that green transformational leadership promotes green empowerment and organizational citizenship behaviors toward the environment (OCBE) among the employees. It also reveals that environmental passion plays a key role in promoting eco-initiative and eco-helping behavior among the employees when they are empowered for green practices. Also, the influence of resource commitment fosters eco-civic engagement among the employees. Practical implications: Results hold strong implications for human resource managers on how green transformational leadership approaches can help trigger organizational citizenship behavior among employees. Also, understanding the impact of green empowerment on employees' involvement in extra-role behavior will help organizations to develop strategies to strengthen their sense of empowerment toward green practices. Originality/value: This study attempts to investigate the impact of green transformational leadership on employees' OCBE and the mechanisms through and conditions under which green transformational leadership may impact the indicators of OCBE. The study proposes a mechanism and social and psychological conditions that can potentially explain the linkages between green transformational leadership and OCBE: green empowerment, resource commitment and environmental passion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nasolabial cysts are non-odontogenic cysts that arise from the nasal alar area. Sublabial resection of the nasolabial cyst is considered an effective surgical modality of treatment. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of nasolabial cyst at a tertiary care teaching hospital in eastern India. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 38 cases of nasolabial cysts managed between May 2018 and June 2022. The detailed clinical presentations, investigations and treatment of nasolabial cysts of the patients were studied. Results: Out of 38 cases of the nasolabial cyst, 22 (57.9%) were seen on the left side, 13 (34.2%) were seen on the right side and 3 were seen bilaterally. The most common presenting complaint was facial swelling (84.2%). Computed tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses was done in 24/38 (70.5%) patients studied. Surgical excision of the nasolabial cysts was done by intraoral sublabial approach in 32 (84.2%) cases and 6 underwent endoscopic transnasal marsupialisation. The most common post-operative complication was post-operative facial/perinasal swelling. One case of recurrence was reported who underwent endoscopic transnasal marsupialisation. Conclusions: Nasolabial cysts are an uncommon clinical entity but manifest cosmetic deformity and nasal obstruction. Intraoral sublabial excision and endoscopic transnasal marsupialisation are important surgical techniques for the nasolabial cyst. The post-operative complications and chance of recurrence are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Testicular Germ Cell Tumor (GCT) is a disease of young adults and is also highly curable. But in India, most of the patients present in an advanced stage and succumb to the disease as compared to the Western nations where patients present at an earlier stage and are mostly cured. Also, there is a scarcity of literature on testicular GCT from the Indian subcontinent. We present our experience from the Tata Memorial Centre of North-east India. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Tata Memorial Centre - BBCI, Guwahati for the period of 5 years from January 2018 to December 2022. The study focused on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes. Results: Seventy-two cases of testicular GCTs were studied (28 cases were seminoma, and 44 were non-seminoma). Most common presenting stage was stage I in seminoma (53.6%), and stage III (77.2%) in non-seminoma. As per the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification, 25%, 35%, and 40% of patients were good-risk, intermediate-risk, and poor-risk in non-seminoma. In patients with seminoma, 54% and 46% were in good and intermediate-risk, respectively. Seventy-two percent and 21% had achieved a radiologic complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) with conventional chemotherapy in patients with seminoma. Radiologic CR and PR rates were 20% and 61% among non-seminoma patients. The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 43 months. RFS was better in seminoma versus non-seminoma, stage I versus stage III, and good-risk versus high-risk group. Conclusion: Most of our patients presented with an advanced stage of the disease and a high nodal burden. In patients with non-seminoma GCT, the best response to conventional chemotherapy was a partial response. The use of an alternative chemotherapy regimen to improve outcomes for such patients can be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bile is deemed a sterile fluid, with the presence of clinical conditions like cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, previous biliary interventions, biliary strictures, and so on, leading to bile stasis, and increases the chances of bacteriobilia. In this study, we recognize the bacterial spectrum of microorganisms isolated from bile samples, diagnostic parameters, and antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out by compiling data from the hospital information system of a tertiary care center from 2021 to 2022 to evaluate biliary infections in patients who underwent surgical procedures related to the biliary tract and associated organs. Results: A total of 234 patients' bile samples were included in our study. The mean age of patients was 48.04 ± 14.74 years, with more patients below the age of 65 years among those with infected bile samples. One hundred and sixty-three (163/234, 69.66%) patients infected by 209 pathogenic microorganisms were recognized. The most common microorganism isolated was Escherichia coli (83/209, 39.71%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37/209, 17.7%). Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate owed to more than 90% penicillin, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, carbapenem, and fluoroquinolone resistance among all isolates. Length of hospital stay, malignant obstruction, and chronic kidney disease were identified as statistically significant risk factors that lead to the isolation of multi-drug-resistant isolates from bile culture. Conclusion: We recognized the spectrum of pathogens causing biliary tract infections at our center along with the antibiotic resistance pattern to guide and facilitate prompt and appropriate treatment by primary health care professionals and family medicine practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food insecurity is a major public health problem worldwide. In India, there are limited food insecurity assessment studies using a conventionally accepted method like the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), developed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). This study aims to measure food insecurity using the FIES and explore its determinants and association with body mass index (BMI) among Indian adults. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we used FIES to measure food security in a sample of 9005 adults residing in North and South India. Using questionnaires, socio-demographic factors, dietary intake and food security data were collected. The dietary diversity scores (FAO-IDDS) and food insecurity scores (FAO-FIES) were calculated. Body size was measured and BMI was calculated. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 52.4 years (± 11.7); half were women and half resided in rural areas. Around 10% of the participants reported having experienced (mild or moderate or severe) food insecurity between October 2018 and February 2019. Dietary diversity (measured by FAO's Individual Dietary Diversity Scores, IDDS) was low and half of the participants consumed ≤ 3 food groups/day. The mean BMI was 24.7 kg/m2. In the multivariate analysis, a lower IDDS and BMI were associated with a higher FIES. The place of residence, gender and wealth index were important determinants of FIES, with those residing in South India, women and those belonging to the poorest wealth index reporting higher food insecurity. Conclusion: Food security is understudied in India. Our study adds important evidence to the literature. Despite having marginal food insecurity, high prevalence of low diet quality, especially among women, is disconcerting. Similar studies at the national level are warranted to determine the food insecurity situation comprehensively in India and plan appropriate policy actions to address it effectively, to attain the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen Indian cities, including urban and rural locations, were chosen for the present study across India, with unhealthy air quality based on National Air Quality Index (NAQI > 100). However, it was found that NAQI values over the locations are driven by the undifferentiated mass concentration of particulate matter (PM, both PM 10  and PM 2.5 ) than other criteria pollutants. The PM 2.5  and PM 10  concentration during the winter violated the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of India by two to five times at six urban locations, with the mean daily PM 2.5  concentration averaged over the month; the the largest being at Patna (353 µg m − 3 ) during the winter and lowest at Bengaluru (27 µg m − 3 ) during the summer. The analysis of chemical species, in general, indicated NO 2  (SO 2 , CO) as having a 25% to 70% (16% to 50%, 16% to 85%) increase in concentration from the summer to winter, which is adequately reflected in higher fuzzy scores during the winter. Thus, to provide a realistic approach to air quality management, the present study focuses on identifying priority-based locations requiring immediate mitigation measures by developing a Prioritized Clean Air Assessment Tool (PCAT). The tool utilizes a fuzzy-based algorithm to incorporate the cumulative effect of all six criteria pollutants, taking into consideration the severity of their expected health implications. Using PCAT, Delhi and Varanasi cities are identified for prioritized mitigation considering the NAAQS of India, unlike all cities (except Bengaluru) during the winter and nine out of fourteen cities during the summer, considering the NAQI. Using more stringent WHO guideline values in PCAT, six cities out of fourteen were identified requiring immediate mitigation during the winter and summer months; locations such as Solapur and Patna are identified to need season-specific mitigation measures during the summer and winter, respectively. The tool is simplistic, user-friendly, and quickly evaluates multiple locations simultaneously to provide priority sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Isepamicin is a 1-N-S-a-hydroxy-b-aminopropionyl derivative of gentamicin B and the spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms covered by it and its effectiveness is similar to that of amikacin except the action of aminoglycoside inhibitor enzymes is ineffectual on it. Material and Methods We performed a prospective study in the Bacteriology section of the Department of Microbiology at a 1,600-bedded hospital in Northern India from Jan 2022 to March 2022. Isepamicin was tested for susceptibility against gram-negative bacteria, identified by routine biochemicals and matrix-assisted-desorption/ionization –time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) assay. The antibiotic susceptibility testing for each of the isolates was performed by Kirby Bauer's disc diffusion method, according to the CLSI 2019 guidelines. Results The majority of isolates were obtained from blood samples (50, 39.1%). Among the non-inducible Enterobacteriaceae , Escherichia coli was least susceptible to amikacin (8/27, 29.63%) and most susceptible to isepamicin (18/27, 66.67%). Klebsiella pneumoniae followed the same pattern of susceptibility as E. coli and was least susceptible to Amikacin (20/46, 43.48%) and most susceptible to isepamicin (24/46, 52.17%). Enterobacter cloacae (6/7, 85.71%) was most susceptible to both amikacin and isepamicin, followed by 71.43% (5/7, 71.43%) susceptibility to gentamicin and tobramycin each. Enterobacter aerogenes was equally 53.33% (8/15) susceptible to all antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most susceptible isolate to all antibiotics (18/21, 85.71%). Conclusion Isepamicin is a potential antimicrobial agent for treating an array of gram-negative bacteria-associated infections and shows better in vitro activity than older aminoglycoside agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer continues to be listed among the top gynecologic cancers worldwide. According to current data, it is ranked fourteenth among all cancers and fourthranked cancer among women worldwide. In India alone 1,30,000 new cases occur with the death toll of 70,000 per year. A "PAP' test should be performed during the second half of the menstrual cycle (Day 14). The patient is placed in lithotomy position and the cervix is visualized by means of a speculum. The smaller end of the Ayre's spatula is introduced through the external os and the squamocolumnar junction is scraped by rotating the spatula to 360°. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the use of the Pap smear screening method for detection of precancerous lesions. Cervical cancer accounts for 15% of all cancers in females. If treated or detected earlier, cervical cancer can be prevented. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 1000 patients during reproductive and later age groups (postmenopausal), attending Obstetric and Gynaecological Outpatient Department of Panna Dhai Hospital associated with RNTMC, Udaipur during the period of November 2012-April 2014 with history of white discharge per vagina, bleeding per vagina, pain in lower abdomen and post coital bleeding. Results: Most of the smears (90.1%) were NILM and 9.9% of smears showed cytological abnormality. Majority 834 (83.4%) of smears were inflammatory, Bacterial vaginosis was seen in 119 cases (11.9%), Candidiasis in 78 cases (7.8%), Trichomoniasis in 35 cases (3.5%), Atrophic vaginitis in 4 cases (0.4%) and Radiation changes in 4 cases (0.4%). There were 99 samples reported as having epithelial cell abnormality. Out of which 75 were LSIL, 14 were high grade squamous intraepithelial, 5 were atypical squamous cells (ASC)-US, 1 was ASC-H and 4 were squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Due to high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy found in this study Pap test is proved to be highly useful to detect precancerous and cancerous lesions of cervix. From the above facts, it can be concluded that early diagnosis and prompt specific treatment of preinvasive or early stages of the disease (mainly in high risk women), reduces the prevalence of invasive carcinoma of uterine cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 42-year-old man who experienced three episodes of sudden-onset severe, throbbing holocranial headache just before orgasm during sexual activity in the last 1 month. Cited are the medical history of the patient, the findings of the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and magnetic resonance angiography which led to the diagnosis of moyamoya angiopathy (MMA), and patient outcome following treatment with oral naproxen.

Access to inexpensive, safe, consistent, and clean energy is a critical necessity for all to achieve the SDGs. India's renewable energy (RE) currently accounts for more than a third of the 482 GW of installed capacity and more than 40 percent of power production (including large-scale hydropower). Reforms such as the establishment of a single national power grid have improved access to electricity for people, and the ambitious development of renewable energy, which is the world's third-largest energy generator and third-largest electricity user, has helped in achieving these aims. As a result, the expansion of national targets signifies and reflects the country's optimism and goal for the forthcoming generation. Standardization of the guidelines and development of the stable grid and transmission networks will only enable the country to achieve the ambitious target of 500 GW of green and clean energy by 2030. This paper highlights the important development in the power sector regarding the energy security of India. As well as specifically examining the initiative of NSMs for achieving the 2030 targets, the key challenges, and the way forward to increase the cumulative installed capacity, comprehensive studies of various policies and government initiatives are also discussed. Furthermore, the key challenges usually faced by the developers in the industry, along with the steep decline and rise in the tariffs of solar projects and the previous trends in capacity installation, are also pointed out. This research work also highlights the potential key challenges to achieving the targets, and will thus provide a focus for power developers, policy makers, researchers, and industry practitioners and help with their planning. In the current scenario, the supply of food and the clean energy nexus are required to meet the demands of people's livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schwannomas are neoplasms that are rarely found in the sinonasal tract and pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). The objective of this study is to evaluate the schwannoma in the sinonasal tract and PPF including its effectiveness of endoscopic surgical excision of the lesion. Methods: This retrospective study was done between March 2018 and April 2022. There were nine cases of benign schwannomas found in the nasal cavity, the nasal ethmoid and the PPF. All patients had undergone endoscopic endonasal removal of the tumour. Results: All the patients successfully underwent endonasal endoscopic excision of the schwannoma from the sinonasal tract and PPF. Out of nine patients, one showed recurrence after 1 year during follow-up check-ups. None of the patients showed any major vascular complications during surgery. At follow-up, one patient presented with a persistent sensory deficit in the facial area. Conclusions: The endonasal endoscopic approach for schwannoma at the sinonasal tract and PPF is a safe and effective method for biopsy and treatment. This approach is highly effective for visualisation and has the potential to reduce complications. Pre-operative imaging is an important step before successful treatment by endoscopic endonasal removal of the schwannoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the association between fetal hemoglobin (HbF) concentration, blood transfusion, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. Methods: This was an observational, prospective study. A total of 410 preterm infants born with <36 weeks gestational age and <2.0 kg birth weight in a tertiary care center of central India for a period of 1 year were included in this study. Clinical data were obtained from case notes. HbF of infants was measured in the blood sample using high-performance liquid chromatography at the first visit and after 1 month follow-up and was analyzed statistically. Dilated fundus examination was done as per ROP screening guidelines, and ROP was classified as per the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP), 2021. The study subjects were divided into two groups based on the status of ROP. The relationship among HbF, blood transfusion, and ROP was evaluated in both the groups. The relationship between other clinical characteristics and various neonatal risk factors was also studied between the groups. Results: A total of 410 preterm infants were included in this study, of which 110 infants had ROP (26.8%). Blood transfusion was found to be significantly associated with the development of ROP. Higher fraction of HbF (%) was associated with a lower prevalence of ROP. HbF was also inversely related with the severity of ROP. Conclusion: Replacing HbF by adult hemoglobin during blood transfusion may promote the development of ROP. Conversely, maintaining a higher percentage of HbF may be a protective factor against ROP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chryseobacterium spp., is non motile, non fermenter, Gram Negative Bacillus (GNB) showing enzymatic activity of catalase, oxidase, and indole production. Chryseobacterium spp. are found widely in the soil and aquatic milieu. It is also capable of surviving in chlorinated water, which can be attributed to the spread of infection in hospital settings hosting profusely immunosuppressed individuals. Newer diagnostic modalities like Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time Of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and Vitek-2 facilitate early identification and treatment can alleviate the infections caused by them. Present series discusses three cases of Chryseobacterium indologenes (C. indologenes) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Case 1-was a 61-year-old hypertensive and diabetic male patient diagnosed with renal failure with pyelonephritis. Case 2- was a female patient of 64-year-old with left upper ureteric calculus. Case 3-was a 31-year-old male patient having left mid ureteric calculus. All the patients were catheterised with a urinary catheter and developed UTI by C. indologenes. C. indologenes infection in UTI patients is uncommon but these cases of complicated UTIs demonstrate C. indologenes as a potential cause of UTI in hospitalised patients using invasive equipment like urinary catheters. As the organism was Multidrug-Resistant (MDR), appropriate antibiotic treatment and accurate identification can alleviate infection by this organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is one of the environmental concerns which is a threat to the health of our plants and animals. Little knowledge exists in the literature about its impact on trees and crops. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of air pollutants on the biochemical parameters of 19 tree and crop species from five different locations in Patna, Bihar, India. Air pollution tolerance index value showed that Ficus religiosa, Zea mays, Carthamus tinctorius and Cajanus cajan were more tolerant compared to the other crops. Anticipated performance index value showed that trees like F. religiosa, Azadirachta indica and Mangifera indica and crops like C. cajan, Z. mays and Triticum aestivum were most suitable under air pollution condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed health testing, using the blotter method, revealed some fungal growth on the seed surface of one accession of Indian trumpet flower/Broken bones tree (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz) collected from Kokrajhar, Assam, India. The fungus was identified as Diaporthe phaseolorum (Cooke & Ellis) Sacc. based on morphological characters. Later, the identity was re-confirmed by DNA sequencing using ITS gene sequencing (NCBI Sequence Id: MT154253.1) and a large subunit of rRNA (NCBI Sequence Id: OL798081.1). Literature reveals that D. phaseolorum is a destructive pathogen causing severe yield losses in various host crops. However, detection of D. phaseolorum in Indian trumpet flower seed followed by pathogenicity on its seedlings confirms that O. indicum is a new host record. Being a destructive pathogen of several other crops, such as seed decay and stem canker in soybean, it may pose a serious threat to future cultivation of this herbal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco control methods differ by country, with telephonic counseling being one of them. The effectiveness of telephone counseling in smoking cessation has been discussed on several occasions. India's tobacco problem is more complex than that of any other country in the world. To begin with, tobacco is consumed in a variety of ways, and India is a large multilingual country with remarkable cultural diversity. In India, the National Tobacco Quitline Service (NTQLS) is a government-run program. Its data from May 2016 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively in this cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and pattern of tobacco use in India, as well as the abstinence rate for smoking cessation. A total of 4,611,866 calls were received by the Interactive Voice Response system (IVR). The number of calls increased from 600 to 5400 per day after the toll-free number was printed on all tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco use was discovered to be more prevalent, with males significantly more likely to use both smoking and smokeless tobacco. At one month and one year after quitting, 33.42% and 21.9%, respectively, remained tobacco-free. The study emphasizes the efficacy of behavioral counseling in increasing abstinence rates. The printing of a tollfree number on tobacco products is an effective strategy for expanding the operation of quit lines. Despite the challenges of cultural diversity and complex tobacco use, India's quit line service has been able to provide counseling to callers with prolonged abstinence and quit rates comparable to the various quit lines around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Knowledge of epidemiology of bacterial isolates and their anti-biograms in hospital settings is necessary for prompt empirical anti-microbial therapy of neonatal sepsis. Aims: To study risk factors, bacteriological profiles, and anti-biograms of blood culture isolates of both early and late onset neonatal sepsis. Settings and Design: It is a prospective observational study conducted from January 2020 till July 2021 at our tertiary care center. Material and Methods: Neonates (0–28 days) admitted to this neonatal intensive care unit clinically suspected with sepsis were subjected to blood cultures, and the isolates were identified both biochemically and by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was performed as per CLSI guidelines. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used. Results: Out of 280 suspected cases of neonatal sepsis, 43 (15.3%) cases showed positive blood culture. Of these, the majority (30, 69.8%) had late-onset neonatal sepsis. Major pre-disposing risk factors were pre-term birth and a low birth weight (26, 60.5%). Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 25 (58.1%) and 18 (41.9%) blood cultures, respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5%) was the most predominant pathogen in both early-onset (23.1%) and late-onset (46.7%) sepsis. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (34.8%) was the second most common organism and was more common in late onset (23.2%) neonatal sepsis. A high level of antibiotic resistance was noted in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, even to amikacin (76.5%) and carbapenems (66.7%). Conclusion: Increased resistance in bacterial isolates of neonatal sepsis emphasizes the need of AST of bacterial isolates for proper antibiotic administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is one of the leading citrus−producing countries, next to China and Brazil. Despite the sizeable production, especially of lemons and limes, India contributes meagerly to the world's citrus market. Of the various factors responsible for the restricted quantum of citrus export, citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri pv. citri) is one of the leading serious causes and directly impacts the appearance of the fruits. Considering the extent of damage, the present study aimed to understand the impact of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) on the physio−biochemical responses in contrasting Citrus spp. Two genotypes, each of three citrus species, namely Citrus aurantifolia (Pusa Udit and ALC−35), C. limon (Kagzi Kalan and Konkan Seedless), and C. paradisi (Redblush and Marsh Seedless), were artificially inoculated with Xcc (108 to 109 cfu/ mL) by the pinprick method. The physio−biochemical changes in the host were evaluated after 48 h post inoculation (hpi). The chlorophyll content (total, a, and b) degradation and reduction in leaf gas exchange parameters, such as photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), and intrinsic water−use efficiency (iWUE), were measured to a greater extent in susceptible than resistant genotypes. The microscopic observations also evidenced higher stomatal density with larger stomatal areas in susceptible genotypes, favoring the easier penetration of Xcc in host tissues than resistant species or genotypes. The higher activities of various antioxidant enzymes, viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR), the contents of soluble protein, and phenolics were measured in resistant genotypes in contrast to susceptible genotypes. The activities of phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were also higher in resistant genotypes, whilst the levels of ROS (superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) production were enhanced in susceptible genotypes. Based on the host–pathogen interaction, the order of resistance in a descending manner was found as Kagzi Kalan, Marsh Seedless, Redblush, Konkan Seedless, Pusa Udit, and ALC−35. Further, the results will enhance the understanding of the pathogen mechanism during pathogenesis in resistant and susceptible Citrus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is one of the best available treatments for benign hypertrophy of the prostate. Many of the complications in TURP are associated with the absorption of irrigation fluid. In BIPOLAR TURP, normal saline is used as an irrigant which is more physiological. Aims and Objectives: Our aim of the study is to evaluate the correlation between post-operative electrolyte changes to perioperative factors in bipolar TURP. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten patients enrolled in this study who were admitted to Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Results: Mean age of the participants was 65.68 (±8.50) years with a median of 66 years. mean hemoglobin drop was 1.21 (±1.36) g/dl. The mean serum sodium drop was 1.55 (±3.01) mEq/L. The mean serum potassium change was 0.06 (±0.74) mEq/L. There was a significant positive association between operative time and serum sodium drop (P<0.001). There was no significant correlation between any of the other parameters prostate size, resection time, resected volume were noted, and post-operative electrolyte April 2019-March 2021. Patient pre-operative changes and hemoglobin drop is observed. Correlation is assessed with Spearman Rho. Conclusion: Our study concluded that as operative time increases sodium drop and hemoglobin drop significantly increases. Resected and preoperative prostatic volumes do not affect electrolyte and hemoglobin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections caused by multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among hospitalized patients. In neonatal intensive care units (NICU), blood stream infections by K. pneumoniae are one of the most common nosocomial infections leading to poor clinical outcomes and prolonged hospital stays. Here, we describe an outbreak of multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae among neonates admitted at the NICU of a large tertiary care hospital in India. The outbreak involved 5 out of 7 neonates admitted in the NICU. The antibiotic sensitivity profiles revealed that all K. pneumoniae isolates were multi-drug resistant including carbapenems and colistin. The isolates belonged to three different sequence types namely, ST-11, ST-16 and ST-101. The isolates harboured carbapenemase genes, mainly blaNDM-1, blaNDM-5 and blaOXA-232 besides extended-spectrum b-lactamases however the colistin resistance gene mcr-1, mcr-2 and mcr-3 could not be detected. Extensive environmental screening of the ward and healthcare personnel led to the isolation of K. pneumoniae ST101 from filtered incubator water, harboring blaNDM-5, blaOXA-232 and ESBL genes (blaCTX-M) but was negative for the mcr genes. Strict infection control measures were applied and the outbreak was contained. This study emphasizes that early detection of such high-risk clones of multi-drug resistant isolates, surveillance and proper infection control practices are crucial to prevent outbreaks and further spread into the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of change in the relative amount of active and passive carbon (AC and PC) due to the land management practices (cropping systems combined with tillage) may vary with soil types depending on their level of chemical and/or physical protection from the decomposition but has rarely been directly measured. We have quantified the C storage potentiality of different soil types, namely old alluvial Inceptisol of Malda and recent alluvial Entisol of Coochbehar in West Bengal (subtropical eastern India) under the influence of different cropping systems (rice-maize: RM and rice-wheat: RW) and tillage practices (zero-tillage: ZT and conventional tillage: CT). The key objective was to demonstrate the short-term impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil C dynamics over the conventional practice. Research revealed that after short-term CA, total organic carbon (TOC), AC, PC, and total nitrogen (TN) showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement under the RM cropping system over the RW. The highest TOC content under the RM cropping system was recorded in the sites of Malda over the Coochbehar sites. The ZT significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the TOC in the upper layers (0–5 and 5–10 cm) and the CT showed improvements in the lower depths (10–20 cm). We observed some irregular variations in the interactions of the cropping system and tillage with respect to different sites. However, the ZT performed better in improving C fractions under RM and RW as compared to CT. The TOC and TN stocks were maximum in the lower depth which was evident in both soil types. The TOC linearly regressed on TN accounted for 94.2% variability (R2 = 0.942) of the C accumulation in soil and vice-versa. The PC was in a significant relationship with TN (R2 = 0.943), but AC was moderately regressed (R2 = 0.851). Lower stratification ratio values in Coochbehar soils (sandy loam in texture) indicated higher profile distribution of AC and PC in the soil profile; while in the Inceptisol, accumulation of the C fractions on the soil surface due to heavy texture resulted in the higher stratification values. The novelty of this study is that old alluvial Inceptisol showed a comparatively greater amount of AC and PC storage capability in comparison with the new alluvial Entisol. Conclusively, our study demonstrated that the adoption of conservation agriculture (CA practice/ZT) in cropping systems with higher C biomass input would significantly enhance the AC and PC fractions; however, the amount of storage is highly governed by the soil type and climatic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the very first time, on 22-March-2020 the Indian government forced the only known method at that time to prevent the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic which was restricting the social movements, and this led to imposing lockdown for a few days which was further extended for a few months. As the impact of lockdown, the major causes of air pollution were ceased which resulted in cleaner blue skies and hence improving the air quality standards. This paper presents an analysis of air quality particulate matter (PM)2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Air quality index (AQI). The analysis indicates that the PM10 AQI value drops impulsively from (40–45%), compared before the lockdown period, followed by NO2 (27–35%), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) (2–10%), PM2.5 (35-40%), but the Ozone (O3) rises (12–25%). To regulate air quality, many steps were taken at national and regional levels, but no effective outcome was received yet. Such short-duration lockdowns are against economic growth but led to some curative effects on AQI. So, this paper concludes that even a short period lockdown can result in significant improvement in Air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acinetobacter is a non fermenting, Gram negative bacillus, a causative pathogen of hospital-acquired infections due to its inherent Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) property. It is held responsible for the majority of nosocomial meningitis in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. Aim: To identify the clinical characteristics, drug-resistance and mortality rate among the patients suffering from meningitis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-centre study was carried out in the Bacteriology section of the Department of Microbiology at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, from February 2019 to February 2022. A total of 150 Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) samples from routine bacterial culture-confirmed patients were included in the study. All clinical data were extracted from the Hospital Information System (HIS). All the isolates were identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) assay and antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: The study included 150 (7.55%) cases of culture-proven bacterial meningitis among 1986 CSF samples collected from February 2019 to February 2022. There were 45 (30.0%) cases of Acinetobacter meningitis. Thirty-five (77.8%) patients had undergone neurosurgical procedures for the removal of spaceoccupying lesions from the brain parenchyma. Forty-two (93.3%) isolates were resistant to amikacin and a cumulative resistance of almost 93.3-95.6% was observed among cephalosporins. Fluoroquinolone resistance was observed in 43 (95.6%) patients and carbapenem resistance was observed in 42 (93.33%) isolates. Overall, 12 (26.7%) succumbed to their infections. Conclusion: Acinetobacter meningitis causes delay in the recovery of the patient undergoing intracranial surgery, amounting to a delay in brain parenchyma healing in the case of neurosurgical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: India is a major contributor to both maternal and neonatal death worldwide. Majority of these fatalities can be averted by adequate utilization of Antenatal care (ANC) services. Large scale surveys like National Family Health Survey follow hieratical characters in which subjects within the clusters are often correlated. The ordinary logistic model ignores this correlation and provide compromised estimate of effect size of predictors. Multilevel model that incorporates correlation is the appropriate method. Aim: To demonstrate the adequacy of multilevel logistic model over ordinary logistic model in hieratical data sets with ANC visits >4 and delivery assisted by Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, from October 2021 to March 2022. The data of 174607 women, who delivered the children within five years, obtained using cluster sampling, from country wide survey during 20th January 2015 to 4th December 2016 (India's National Family Health Survey-IV) was used. Firstly, the model adequacy of ordinary and multilevel logistic models was evaluated for ANC ≤4 visits and delivery assisted by SBA, the same data set of fourth round National Family Health Survey by considering the outcomes;. Thereafter, predictors of late or no registration of pregnancy were identified using three level logistic model. Results: Because of high Variance Partition Coefficients (VPC) at state and district levels, the multilevel model applied on components ANC ≥4 visits and delivery assisted by SBA suggested better accuracy of the multilevel logistic model (-2Log L=189334 for ANC ≥4 visits and 141148 for delivery assisted by SBA) than the ordinary logistic model (-2Log L=220268 for ANC ≥4 visits and 151978 for delivery assisted by SBA). For the late (registration in third trimester of pregnancy) or no registration of pregnancy, each predictor was found significantly associated in which the most important were women's education, child birth order, caste and wealth quintile. Conclusion: The present study concluded that multilevel logistic model in clustered design data was useful instead of individual level for more precise estimate of effect size of the predictors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck infection (HNI) can lead to life-threatening complications, including death. The purpose of this study is to look at the entire clinico-demographic profile of patients with HNI as well as the microbiologic profile of recurring bacterial infection cases with a variety of symptoms. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 1080 HNI patients in a tertiary care hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, from January 2018 to December 2022. Of the 1080 cases, 771 (71.39%) were males, 309 (28.61%) were females, and 603 (55.83%) were from rural areas reporting to a tertiary care hospital. 62% of the cases were between the ages of 31 and 60. Neck abscesses account for 570 (52.78%) of all cases, with parotid abscesses accounting for 233 (21.57%), peritonsillar abscesses accounting for 170 (15.74%), otitis media 32 (2.96%), and oral cavity infection accounting for 26 (2.41%). In 854 (79.07%) cases, the etiology was odontogenic, followed by sinus in 188 (17.41%) and otogenic in 38 (3.52%). The most common presenting features were neck swelling in 537 (49.72%) cases and face swelling in 238 (22.04%) cases, followed by jaw pain in 26 (2.41%) cases and others. Patients were hospitalized for an average of 11.82±4.38 days. Treatment and recurrence had a strong significant relationship (p 0.001). Microbiologic investigation of recurrent patients revealed 12 microorganisms, including bacteria and fungus, mainly multidrug-resistant in given ascending order Staphylococcus aureus (26.74%), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans (4.65%), Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei. Apart from colistin, almost all antibiotics were highly resistant to gramnegative bacteria, whereas against S. aureus, benzylpenicillin, and oxacillin showed 100% resistance, followed by erythromycin (91.3%), levofloxacin (86.96%), and ciprofloxacin (82.61%). This exploratory study would aid in determining the HNI burden and epidemiology, as well as their treatment status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To study the respiratory variation of right atrial (RA) pressures at baseline and during atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). Methods: Of the 23 patients screened, 16 participants with typical AVNRT were included in the study. After ensuring adequate hydration, baseline RA pressures were measured as the height of 'a' and 'v' waves. The patients were asked to take deep breaths, and the measurements were taken in both inspiration and expiration. Results: Of the 16 participants, 14(87.5%) showed a normal fall in the height of 'a' and 'v' waves with inspiration, 1(6.25%) showed no change and 1(6.25%) showed a rise in height at baseline, p <0.01. During induced AVNRT, the 'a' and 'v' wave heights increased in 8(50%), remained same in 6(37.5%) and showed a normal fall in 2(12.5%), p = 0.07 for 'a' waves and p = 0.09 for 'v' waves. When the magnitude and direction of change in 'a' and 'v' wave height at baseline was compared with AVNRT, it showed a significant difference with 13(81.25%) participants demonstrating positive Pseudo-Kussmaul's sign, p <0.01. Mean age was numerically higher in those with a more considerable inspiratory rise in RA pressures but was not statistically significant, χ2(2) = 3.1, p = 0.21. Conclusions: Pseudo-Kussmaul's sign does occur in a substantial number of patients during AVNRT. Clinical appreciation of this phenomenon is possible in half to three-fourth of patients, provided the mean RA pressures are low enough for the variation to be visible in the neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The stakeholders are now demanding more visibility and role clarity in the emergency supply chain to improve collaborative efforts. Using a contingent resource-based view (C-RBV), the author studies crisis leadership as a complementary organizational resource for the successful adoption of digital technologies (DTs) in the emergency supply chain. The author further examined the relationships between DTs on information visibility and collaboration under the moderating effects of crisis leadership. Design/methodology/approach: The author gathered data from 117 NGOs in India using a multi-informant questionnaire. The author further tested the research hypotheses using variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: DTs under the interaction effect of crisis leadership have a significant influence on the information visibility and the collaboration in the humanitarian context. The findings of the study extend the C-RBVs to create a better understanding of applications of DTs in alleviating human suffering due to crises. Practical implications: The author provides some direction to the managers engaged in the humanitarian supply chain, contemplating using emerging technologies to enhance information visibility and collaboration. Originality/value: The current study offers some useful implications for theory. The study findings suggest that the DTs under the moderating effect of the crisis leadership significantly improve the information visibility and the collaboration among the emergency supply chain relief workers. These findings contribute to the C-RBV literature by expanding the scope of the theory. To date, the C-RBV is yet to be explored in humanitarian or emergency settings. Further, the study empirically tests the moderating role of crisis leadership which is touted to be the game-changer, particularly in crises or emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the Nordic Bronze Age periods II-IV we have findings of early forerunners of the first European brass instruments, the first smaller bronze lurs. None of these instruments is in such a state of preservation that musical capabilities or sounding could be investigated. In this work we have made brass-replicas of four different lur findings from Rørlykke Mose, Påarp, Gullåkra Mose and Hindby and investigated their musical properties. It was found that these instruments are limited to very discrete types of playing techniques by physical laws of wave mechanics and that they must have been purposefully designed for specific musical applications each. A search for similar still existing instruments which fulfil similar physical boundaries has revealed an extremely high similarity for a variety metal horns from the traditional India. Comparative studies have been performed by blowing experiments and sonographic measurements to give a plausible reconstruction how the earlier Bronze Age lurs must have been used and how they have sounded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVID-19), primarily thought of as a respiratory system disease is actually a multi-system disease with immunological implications. CNS involvement in COVID has been explained in recent literature mainly for stroke, encephalopathy, encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and myelopathy. There are few studies characterizing clinical spectrum of COVID autoimmune encephalitis. We present a unique case of post-COVID autoimmune encephalitis in a diabetic male presenting with language dysfunction and novel radiologic findings. Case presentation: Patient admitted to inpatient department of a tertiary care hospital of India was evaluated by bedside clinical examination, routine blood tests, CSF study with intrathecal SARS-Cov-2 antibody detection, commercially available tests for autoimmune encephalitis, neuroviral panel with HSV PCR, EEG, 3-Tesla MRI and PET scan. Patient was found to have personality change and transcortical sensory aphasia in the outset of COVID encephalitis. MRI findings like temporal involvement and insular ribboning are also being reported. The patient was treated with IV immunoglobulin and is on an improving course. Conclusions: This case reports dysphasia due to COVID-mediated injury to the language networks, with novel radiologic findings. Role of parainfectious versus immune etiology is also discussed. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism and clinical spectrum of post-COVID autoimmune encephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of geological samples that have several chemically diffused zones which formed under certain physico-chemical condition is difficult to achieve. The quantitative estimations of the minerals in such samples are tedious. The present work demonstrates the application of LIBS for qualitative and quantitative analyses of a quartz-fluorite composite which was procured from an amygdaloidal basalt from Deccan Traps, India. The presence of weak emission lines of F in the spectral range of 200–900 nm makes it challenging to quantify the fluorine. This study has addressed a promising alternative to quantify the fluorine using electronic bands of CaF molecules observed in the Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrum. In addition to this spectroscopic technique, the authors also have used Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) and UV-VIS spectroscopy technique to obtain molecular information from the geological sample. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to a truncated spectral region of the CaF molecule, and it showed 99% variance. Further, the obtained results with these spectroscopic techniques were compared with the results that were obtained from X-ray diffraction and Electron Probe Micro Analyzer, and they show good agreement. Thus, the LIBS technique can be promising for in situ profile section (varies from few microns to centimeters size) studies without the sample's destruction using the point detection capability of LIBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Caesarean Section (CS) despite being one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world has a wide variation in its techniques. To improve the outcomes of CS through rectification of the surgical techniques, it is imperative to assess the current practices amongst the obstetricians and analyse the rationale behind their surgical preferences. Aim: To assess the surgical techniques used for primary CS by obstetricians and review them with respect to the current evidence. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive, questionnairebased, cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, in the month of May 2020. A total of 400 Obstetricians possessing diploma or degree in the speciality performing CS and willing to participate in the study were included. A pretested questionnaire majorly focused on the various surgical techniques of primary CS, performed by the obstetricians, was distributed online. A total 203 respondents completed the questionnaire and their response was recorded. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Independent samples t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to analyse the data. Results: Majority (n=140, 68.96%) of the respondents were between 25-40 years of age. In the study population, 8 (3.94%) were male respondents and 195 (96.06%) were female respondents. experience of <5 years. The most consistently used technique was the creation of bladder flap (187, 92.11%), while the least common was use of vertical incision (6, 2.9%) for opening the abdomen. There was a huge variation in the method of opening of the abdomen with 117 (57.6%) of obstetricians using blunt versus 86 (42.36%) using sharp dissection. The blunt extension of uterine incision was significantly associated with the increasing years of practice, whereas the preference to use Pfannensteil incision was significantly associated with the younger obstetricians. Conclusion: There was heterogeneity and variation in the CS techniques being practiced by the obstetricians. These varied practices were the result of surgeon preferences, their training and difficulty in unlearning the long used surgical techniques. These are bound to continue until strong evidence-based guidelines for the techniques of CS are formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebrospinal infections are the cause of poor prognosis among post-neurosurgery patients owing to delay in improvement of neurological functions, leading to increased length of hospital stay, proceeding to disability or death. Methods and materials: This retrospective observational study was performed at a tertiary care center in Northern India, where all patients with bacterial cerebrospinal infections from July 2019 to July 2022 were evaluated for post-neurosurgery cerebrospinal shunt infections, and all demographic data and risk factors were extracted from the hospital information system (HIS). Results: The study includes 150 (150/1986, 7.55%) culture-confirmed cases of bacterial meningitis out of 1986 cases of suspected bacterial meningitis patients. Ninety-six (96/150, 64.0%) post-neurosurgery patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were managed using external ventricular drain (EVD) or ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt. Seventy-four (74/96, 77.08%) patients were managed only on EVD, whereas 22 (22/96, 22.92%) patients were managed only on VP shunt. Eighty-two (82/96, 85.4%) multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs)were isolated and 70 (70/82, 85.36%) were Gram-negative bacteria, of which 56 (56/74, 75.68%) Gram-negative bacteria showed extended-spectrum betalactamase (ESBL)-producing character in those with an EVD, 14 (14/22, 63.63%) with a VP shunt. Among Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii showed high rates of resistance: 21 (21/23, 91.30%) and 8 (8/8, 100%) were ESBL-producing A. baumannii in patients managed on EVD and VP shunt, respectively. Conclusion: This study determines the risk factors, the spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms, multidrug resistance, and the nature of intracranial lesions isolated among the patients who developed bacterial cerebrospinal infections in post-neurosurgery patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate the combined effect of climate and landuse-landcover (LU-LC) change on the streamflow of the Betwa River; a semi-arid catchment in Central India. We have used the observed and future bias-corrected climatic datasets from 1980–2100. To assess the LU-LC change in the catchment, we have processed and classified the Landsat satellite images from 1990–2020. We have used Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based Cellular Automata (CA) model to simulate the future LU-LC. Further, we coupled the observed and projected LU-LC and climatic variables in the SWAT (Soil and water assessment tool) model to simulate the streamflow of the Betwa River. In doing so, we have setup this model for the observed (1980–2000 and 2001–2020) and projected (2023–2060 and 2061–2100) time periods by using the LU-LC of the years 1990, 2018, and 2040, 2070, respectively. We observed that the combined effect of climate and LU-LC change resulted in the reduction in the mean monsoon stream flow of the Betwa River by 16% during 2001–2020 as compared to 1982–2000. In all four CMIP6 climatic scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585), the mean monsoon stream flow is expected to decrease by 39–47% and 31–47% during 2023–2060 and 2061–2100, respectively as compared to the observed time period 1982–2020. Furthermore, average monsoon rainfall in the catchment will decrease by 30–35% during 2023–2060 and 23–30% during 2061–2100 with respect to 1982–2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas species are Gram-negative bacteria that infect various living organisms and are ubiquitously found in different aquatic environments. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify and compare the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, integrons, transposases and plasmids found in Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas veronii isolated from Indian major carp (Catla catla), Indian carp (Labeo rohita), catfish (Clarias batrachus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) sampled in India. To gain a wider comparison, we included 11 whole genome sequences of Aeromonas spp. from different host species in India deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Our findings show that all 15 Aeromonas sequences examined had multiple AMR genes of which the Ambler classes B, C and D β-lactamase genes were the most dominant. The high similarity of AMR genes in the Aeromonas sequences obtained from different host species point to interspecies transmission of AMR genes. Our findings also show that all Aeromonas sequences examined encoded several multidrug efflux-pump proteins. As for genes linked to mobile genetic elements (MBE), only the class I integrase was detected from two fish isolates, while all transposases detected belonged to the insertion sequence (IS) family. Only seven of the 15 Aeromonas sequences examined had plasmids and none of the plasmids encoded AMR genes. In summary, our findings show that Aeromonas spp. isolated from different host species in India carry multiple AMR genes. Thus, we advocate that the control of AMR caused by Aeromonas spp. in India should be based on a One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]