Search

The study aimed to develop and validate a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) anxiety scale. Three independent studies were done to achieve the stated aim of the research. Study 1 explored the factor structure of the scale. Study 2 aimed at confirming the factor structure and establishing test–retest reliability of NCAS. Study 3 aimed to test the incremental validity of the new scale over two most widely used scale (FCV-19S & CAS). EFA resulted in a three-dimensional factor structure with 4, 3, 5 items in 'anxiety pertaining to threat posed by COVID-19', 'Anxiety pertained to public policies' and 'Anxiety pertaining to societal consequences' respectively. CFA confirmed the findings of EFA and a higher order of 'COVID-19 anxiety' was also established. The test–retest reliability was found to be 0.91. NCAS shared 48% variance with FCV-19S (fear of COVID-19 scale) and 27% with CAS (Coronavirus anxiety scale). NCAS has significant incremental validity over FCV-19S and CAS in predicting self-reported mental health and life satisfaction. The scale would help in identifying people's specific anxiety related to COVID-19, which would further help in their intervention/treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article aims to examine the asymmetric effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in India during 1991–2019. Along with FDI, financial development, inflation and trade openness are used as control variables. To check the influence of these variables on economic growth, this study employed the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. The results indicate that a positive shock in FDI inflows positively influences India's economic growth while negative FDI inflows have a negative influence. Also, the Wald test establishes the asymmetric effect of FDI on gross domestic product (GDP) growth both in the short-run and long run. Moreover, financial development and inflation rate significantly reduce the pace of economic growth in both the long run and the short run. However, trade openness boosts economic growth only in the long run. Based on these empirical findings, several policy implications are designed to increase the pace of economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive optic neuropathy that can lead to blindness. It is a multifactorial disorder, with elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) being one of the modifiable risk factors. Glaucoma affects the emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients, even in the early stages of the disease, impacting their Quality of Life (QoL). Aim: To assess the association between vision-related QoL and mental health status among glaucoma patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 110 glaucoma patients aged 18 to 70 years who were residents of Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India from September 2023 to December 2023. Glaucoma severity was graded based on mean deviation measured by visual field testing. Anxiety and depression levels were graded using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). QoL was assessed using the Glaucoma QoL-15 questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27.0, and the association between different variables was examined using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among the 110 participants, 47 (42.7%) were females and 63 (57.3%) were males, with an average age of 52.6±12.2 years. 56 (50.9%) had moderate anxiety, and 59 (53.6%) had moderate levels of depression. QoL factors assessed included peripheral vision, dark adaptation and glare, central and near vision, and outdoor mobility. Statistically significant differences were observed between different severity levels of glaucoma (p-value <0.05) in relation to these factors. A comparison of glaucoma severity, anxiety level, and depression level with QoL revealed a significant difference (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Glaucoma impacts the mental health status of patients by causing anxiety and depression, as well as affecting their QoL. As the severity of glaucoma increases, anxiety and depression levels rise, while QoL decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devising effective national-level climate action plans requires a more detailed understanding of the regional distribution of sources and sinks of greenhouse gases. Due to insufficient observations and modelling capabilities, India's current carbon source–sink estimates are uncertain. This study uses a high-resolution Lagrangian transport model to examine the potential of available CO 2 observations over India for inverse estimation of regional carbon fluxes. We use four different sites in India that vary in the measurement technique, frequency and spatial representation. These observations exhibit substantial seasonal (7.5 to 9.2 ppm) and intra-seasonal (2 to 12 ppm) variability. Our modelling framework, a high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting Model combined with the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport model (WRF–STILT), performs better in simulating seasonal (R2=0.50 to 0.96) and diurnal (R2=0.96) variability (for the Mohali station) of observed CO 2 than the current-generation global models (CarboScope, CarbonTracker and ECMWF EGG4). The seasonal CO 2 concentration variability in Mohali, associated with crop residue burning, is largely underestimated by the models. WRF–STILT captures the seasonal biospheric variability over Nainital better than the global models but underestimates the strength of the CO 2 uptake by crops. The choice of emission inventory in the modelling framework alone leads to significant biases in simulations (5 to 10 ppm), endorsing the need for accounting for emission fluxes, especially for non-background sites. Our study highlights the possibility of using the CO 2 observations from these Indian stations for deducing carbon flux information at regional (Nainital) and suburban to urban (Mohali, Shadnagar and Nagpur) scales with the help of a high-resolution model. On accounting for observed variability in CO 2 , the global carbon data assimilation system can benefit from the measurements from the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary cause of environmental degradation, which poses a danger to the long-term viability of the ecosystem, is the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). For this reason, the Glasgow Climate Pact (COP26) established a decarbonization goal in response to this ecological concern, for which all economic players have a responsibility. India is among the participants who have a target set for them to decarbonize their economies by the year 2060 via the use of green energy and the advancement of science and innovation. Nevertheless, the asymmetrical effect of green energy, technology, and innovation on India's decarbonization program was not sufficiently explored in the prior study; hence, this research aims to fill this literature vacuum by considering India's GHG emissions from 1990 to 2020 by leveraging the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. The findings reveal the asymmetric influences of variables of interest on GHG emissions during the short and long term and under positive and negative shocks. Regarding the positive shock, long-term findings demonstrate that innovation and technical know-how grow GHG emissions and accelerate environmental degradation. However, a negative shock in innovations and technological know-how is opposed to a positive shock and improving environmental conditions. Further, positive shocks in green energy boost environmental effectiveness by reducing GHG secretions in India. In contrast, the negative shock in green energy deteriorates the environment by triggering GHG releases. These factual findings compel the Indian government to prioritize green technologies in addition to green energy generation to decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions and meet rising energy demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Snakebite envenomation‑related thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is observed in a subset of patients with venom‑induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC). The study was planned to determine the prevalence of TMA among patients with hemotoxic envenomation admitted to a medical college hospital in Himachal Pradesh, India. Methods: This was a hospital‑based open cohort observational study conducted on patients diagnosed with hemotoxic envenomation. The study period was of 1 year and patients were recruited using a nonprobability sampling method. Hemotoxic envenomation was defined as prolonged bedside 20‑min whole blood clotting time (20 WBCT) following a history of snake bites. TMA was defined as the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Results: A total of 56 patients (32 females and 24 males) were included in the study. The prevalence of TMA was (7/56) 12.5%. Out of the seven patients with TMA, four (57.1%) patients improved without renal replacement therapy and three (42.9%) patients took referrals for getting nephrology services outside the state and hence were lost in follow‑up. AKI was developed in 17 (30%) patients. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that TMA is not an uncommon entity. Investigation protocol for TMA should be included in all patients with VICC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal meningiomas, originating from arachnoid cap cells, primarily manifest in the intradural extramedullary region, commonly favouring the thoracic area, albeit occurrences in the cervical, lumbar, and exceptionally rare sacral regions have been noted. Among tumours in this location, meningiomas, neurofibromas, and schwannomas prevail. MRI serves as the preferred imaging modality due to its ability to often reveal the distinctive dural origin of meningiomas. Microdissection and resection stand as the established gold standard for treating spinal meningiomas. Materials and methods: This study, conducted at the Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India, spanned approximately 10 years from August 2009 to July 2017 retrospectively and August 2017 to July 2019 prospectively. It encompassed patients diagnosed with spinal meningiomas, evaluated through comprehensive history-taking, clinical examinations, biochemical assessments, and radiological studies. Surgical interventions predominantly involved laminectomy, aiming for gross total or subtotal tumour resection using a posterior approach. Postoperative complications, such as CSF leaks and wound infections, were monitored, and the duration of hospitalization was recorded from the surgery date to discharge. Results: The results showed a mean patient age of 44 years, with the youngest being 16 years old and the eldest 70 years old. Most patients (40.90%) fell within the 41-50 age group, with 22.72% in the 51-60 age bracket. Among the 22 patients, females comprised 68.18%, resulting in a female-to-male ratio of 2.1:1. The most prevalent symptoms were pain (77%) and weakness (63%), followed by bladder dysfunction (27%). Tumors were primarily located in the thoracic region (68%), with other occurrences in the cervicothoracic (18%), thoracolumbar (9%), and cervical (4.54%) areas. Posterior surgical approaches were utilized in 91% of cases, with the remaining 9% employing an anterior approach. Tumour sizes varied, with 22.72% smaller than 2 cm and 77.27% larger, having a mean greatest diameter of 2.9 cm. Postoperative complications were observed in 9.09% of patients, with CSF leaks and wound infections being the major concerns, while 91% experienced no complications. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study illustrates spinal meningiomas as slow-growing tumors with a subtle onset, typically appearing in the 4th to 5th decade, and exhibiting a female predominance with a 2:1 ratio. Pain emerges as the most prevalent presenting symptom. Surgery stands as the primary treatment, albeit accompanied by potential postoperative complications such as wound infections, CSF leaks, or bowel and bladder dysfunctions. Adjuvant radiotherapy might be considered for recurrent or advanced disease to offer palliative relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The eco-innovation is considered one of the possible ways to tackle climate change. However, the conflicting empirical evidence related to the role of eco-innovation on environmental quality becomes a motivation to explore the effect of eco-innovation on environmental degradation proxied by ecological footprint. Besides, it controls economic growth, remittance inflows, trade openness and total energy consumption in the environmental degradation function. Design/methodology/approach: Uses the Augmented Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (AARDL) approach to examine the cointegration relation among the series during the period ranging from 1975 to 2017 for India within the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework. Findings: The result suggests that eco-innovation can mitigate climate change by reducing the ecological footprint. Similarly, economic growth reduces the ecological footprint in the short- and long-run. However, the square of economic growth is positive and significant. Thus, it shows evidence against the conventional EKC hypothesis. The results also reveal that remittance inflows have an insignificant negative role on the ecological footprint, while total energy consumption and trade openness harm the environment by enhancing the ecological footprint. Practical implications: This study provides important implications for climate change mitigation. Thus, the government should promote eco-innovation to mitigate climate change by offering a favorable legal environment to the firms to adopt the same in their production and consumption activities. It also suggests that initiatives like green strategies should give serious attention while incurring research expenditure. Originality/value: No prior studies assess the impact of eco-innovation on the ecological footprint for the period of 1975–2017 in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the dynamic nexus between economic complexity index (ECI), technological development (TIN), human capital (HC) and environmental quality in India for transition towards a sustainable environment. This study is based on secondary data covering the period from 1985 to 2018. For empirical analysis, this study applied "Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology" (STIRPAT) model framework under the estimation of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and vector error correction model (VECM) model. The empirical findings of model 1 show ECI, TIN, HC and urbanization (URB) as the helping hands to mitigate the problem of environmental degradation by shrinking the level of EF, whereas for model 2, ECI and TIN failed to influence the CO2 emissions, but HC served as a stimulant for environmental quality enhancement by declining the level of CO2 emissions. In contrast, GDP growth and URB strengthen the CO2 emissions levels. Moreover, in VECM framework, estimated findings reveal that the covariables Granger-cause EF and CO2 emissions, inferring that causality flows asynchronously from its covariables to EF and CO2. Impulse response function (IRF) revealed that the responses in EF and CO2 emissions ascribed to changes in its covariables. The outcome of the study has some implications for environmental policy strategists to prepare sustainable environment policies and other responsible authorities for sustainable development goal (SDGs), academician and scholars. All the stakeholders involved in environmental economics and policymakers can evaluate this study to design proper policy framework with respect to the environment. There are few studies that explore the dynamic nexus between ECI, TIN and HC with environmental quality in the control environment of URB and GDP growth using the STIRPAT model for India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research explored individual and group level risk factors in preventive health and panic buying behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, COVID-19 anxiety, and personal identity were considered individual-level risk factors. Group based identities such as family, religious groups, and identification with one's nation were considered as group level risk factors. Standardized scales have been used to measure all the constructs under study. Data were collected electronically from 305 Indian respondents. Hierarchical regression analysis in SPSS Version 22 was used to test the hypotheses. Results showed that personal identity and identification with the nation predicted preventive health behavior. Panic buying behavior was predicted by the location of the respondents (containment versus non-containment zones), perceived severity, and one's personal identity. The interplay of individual and social factors is reflective of both individual and collective agencies in the adoption of preventive health behaviors, while only individual-level factors led to panic buying behavior. The findings of this study have implications for curbing, managing, and reinforcing desirable and non-desirable behavior during the present pandemic as well as in the future as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devising effective national-level climate action plans needs a more detailed understanding of the regional distribution of sources and sinks of greenhouse gases. Due to insufficient observations and modelling capabilities, India's current carbon source-sink estimates are uncertain. This study uses a high-resolution transport model to examine the potential of CO2 observations over India for inverse estimation of regional carbon fluxes. We make use of four different sites in India that vary in measurement technique, frequency and spatial representation. These observations exhibit substantial seasonal (7.5 to 9.2 ppm) and intra-seasonal (2 to 12 ppm) variability. Our modelling approach, a high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting Model combined with Stochastic Time Inverted Lagrangian Transport (WRF-STILT) model, performs better in simulating seasonal (R2 = 0.50 to 0.96) and diurnal (R2 = 0.96) variability of observed CO2 than the current generation global models analysed in the study. Representation of local flux variability like biomass burning in the model needs further refinement, depending on the site location. During the agricultural season, crop biospheric uptake in the Indo-Gangetic Plain region significantly modulates the CO2 variability in the northern Indian stations. Depending on the region and time of the year, the anthropogenic and biospheric emission components contribute differently to CO2 variability. The choice of emission inventory in the modelling framework alone leads to significant biases in simulations (5 to 10 ppm), endorsing the need for accounting emission fluxes, especially for non-background sites. By implementing a high-resolution model, our results emphasise that observations from Indian sites can be useful in deducing carbon flux information at regional (Nainital) and sub-urban to urban (Mohali, Shadnagar, Nagpur) scales. On accounting for observed variability, the global carbon data assimilation system can thus benefit from the measurements from the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The study is aimed at understanding the novel molecular mechanisms governing drug resistance in the opportunistic fungi belonging to the genus Candida. Methods and results This is a multipronged study wherein different assays like drug susceptibility and whole cell proteome analysis, stress tolerance assay, measurement of total internal glycerol content, western blot analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, glucose uptake, lactate production, ATP generation, and NADPH measurements were made. The study reveals an incidence of different species of Candida in the northern most part of India (Kashmir valley). Resistant isolates, mostly resistant to azoles were reported across all the species. The study revealed a difference in resistance mechanisms between Candida albicans and C. glabrata clinical isolates. Further, such resistance mechanism (in the case of C. albicans) was mostly mediated by Hexokinase 2 (Hxk2) and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6pd). Increased expression of Hxk2 was associated with increased glucose uptake, more lactate production, and more ATP generation in drug-resistant C. albicans. At the same time, increased G6pd expression was responsible for the increased production of NADPH, which imparts a better ROS scavenging potential. While in C. glabrata the resistance was linked with glycerol metabolism, where the drug-resistant isolate tends to accumulate more glycerol as an osmolyte in response to external stresses. This glycerol accumulation was found to be triggered by the HOG1-MAPK pathway. Conclusion The study concludes that, like various human malignant tumors, there is a strong correlation between drug resistance and aberrant cellular metabolism in the opportunistic fungi belonging to the genus Candida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the impact of eco‐friendly technology on environmental degradation indicated using the load capacity factor (LCF) with the framework of the Load Capacity Curve (LCC) hypothesis. In this regard, an environmental degradation function is formed and analyzed using the Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (AARDL) approach during the period spanning from 1975 to 2021 for India. The outcome indicates that eco‐friendly technology reduces the LCF, thereby fostering environmental degradation in the long run, but the relationship is not significant in the short run. Further, an N‐shaped LCC hypothesis has been observed in both long and short runs. Besides, energy consumption exhibits a LCF reducing or environmental degradation boosting role in the short run and long run. These findings are consistent with other models that are used to check the robustness of AARDL‐based results. Thus, the study recommends policies for promoting eco‐friendly technology, judicious economic growth, and cautious energy consumption to attain sustainable development by increasing the LCF in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs input‐output analysis to determine the extent of structural changes in the Indian economy, as well as how economic sector linkages changed between 2000 and 2019, and identifies the sectors with profound linkages with other sectors. Furthermore, we use the causative matrix to examine the temporal changes in intersectoral interactions. The analysis shows that manufacturing sectors have stronger intersectoral linkages than sevice sectors, with resource‐intensive and scale‐intensive manufacturing sectors having the most profound linkages. Furthermore, the causative matrix analysis reveals that Indian sectors became more externalized following the global financial crises, while receiving less feedback from other sectors. The results suggest that intersectoral linkages should be taken into account when designing industrial policies, and that investment should be encouraged in India's key economic sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored the relationship between social distancing and distress along with risk factors of social distancing. Further, online counseling/mental health services and perceived social support were tested as possible moderators between social distancing and distress. Valid and reliable measures were used to collect the data from 300 Indian respondents. Process use of social networking platforms was found to significantly explain social distancing. Online counseling/mental health services and perceived social support moderated the relationship between social distancing and distress. Only 16% of the respondents used online mental health services during the study period. Lack of awareness and acceptance of these services were major barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of students regarding the use of antibiotics in Punjab, Pakistan. Participants: 525 medical and non-medical students from Punjab in Pakistan. Methods: The t-test and ANOVA were used to compare the average response of respondents. Chi-square test was used to measure the association of different elements. Results: The mean age was 20.78 ± 2.10%. About 14% of the students agreed about the appropriateness of antibiotics for viral infections, and 15% of students said they stopped taking the drugs when symptoms subsided. 65.7% of students took antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and 54% bought antibiotics without prescription. Statistically significant results were found among the students who had heard about the antibiotic resistance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study will help assess the adequacy of current educational campaigns, maximize rationalization of antibiotic use, and minimize gaps in knowledge and attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patent protection is the exclusive rights to protect the invention which forbid the manufacture, use, distribution or trade of the invention by others unless they get permission from the patentee. Patent is granted to those inventions which are novel, inventive and have industrial or commercial applications. In India patenting is governed under the law "Indian patents act 1970". Recently India has become one of the top pioneers in filing of patents compared to other countries. One of the main reasons is the strong enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) which plays pivotal role in motivating researchers so as to improve their research outcomes and enhance economic development. With the several developments in various fields, India is mainly focusing on R&D sectors to encourage researchers by dissemination of knowledge and information about benefits of patenting. This article mainly highlights the benefits and also the barriers of patenting and how a researchers can make use of their intellectual properties to improve research outcomes. We also concentrate on the status of patent filing and also to investigate the problems faced by researchers while patenting their inventions and analyze significant efforts taken by Indian patent office. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study, the efficacy of 14-day triple therapy was compared with that of a novel ten-day LOAD regimen to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection in India. Background: Helicobacter pylorus infection is widespread in India. Resistance to antibiotics commonly used against Helicobacter pylori is increasing rapidly, leading to traditional triple therapy's lower success. Therefore, a search for a new regimen is needed Methods: In this randomized trial, patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were randomized to a group receiving LOAD therapy (levofloxacin 250 mg OD, omeprazole 40 mg BD, nitazoxanide 500 mg BD, and doxycycline 100 mg OD) for ten days or a group receiving standard triple therapy (pantoprazole 80 mg, amoxicillin 2000 mg, and clarithromycin 1000 mg daily) in divided doses for 14 days). Gastric biopsy/RUT was done 10-12 weeks after completing therapy to confirm Helicobacter pylori eradication. Results: Eradication rates were significantly greater with the LOAD regimen than with standard triple therapy on both intention-to-treat analysis (82.75% vs. 60.26%, p = 0.001; difference, 22.49% [95% CI, 8.5-18%] and per-protocol analysis (83.3% vs. 62.75%, p = 0.002; difference, 20.55% [95% CI, 7.1-22.5%]). Both treatment regimens were well tolerated. Conclusion: Although the rate of eradication of H. pylori infection was significantly higher with the LOAD regimen than triple therapy, the efficacy was still suboptimal, possibly because of fluoroquinolone resistance or the short course of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of individual variables (COVID-19 anxiety, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, optimistic bias and personal identity) as predictors of quality of life (QoL) during the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic is explored. Impact of group related variables (identification to family, religious group and nation) on QoL is also examined. Sample comprised 305 male and female Indian respondents, aged 18 to 78 years. Standardized measures have been utilised to assess the constructs. Results revealed that QoL was significantly influenced by individual variables (COVID-19 anxiety and personal identity) and group variables (identification with family and nation). The effect of COVID-19 anxiety and personal identity as individual variables is over and above that of demographic variables on QoL. Group variables (family and national identification) significantly impacted QoL over and above the individual variables. Findings would indeed, aid in the rehabilitation and assistance of people to live in COVID-19 crisis, and thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of mortality and morbidity among the under-5 years age population. Hyponatremia (HN) is common in patients with CAP, it is usually asymptomatic but it is associated with severe disease and poor outcome. Its monitoring and early identification can guide proper fluid therapy in patients with CAP. Aim: To evaluate the occurrence of Hyponatremia (HN) in paediatric patients with CAP and to analyse its association with severity of pneumonia. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in MGM Medical College and Hospital Aurangabad, India, over a period of 2 years. Serum sodium concentration was measured in 76 hospitalised children with clinically and radiologically confirmed CAP. Those with hyponatremia were identified. Statistical analysis was done by chi-square test for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables to study the relationship of hyponatremia with various clinical parameters and inflammatory markers. Results: Out of 76 patients, 41(54%) had hyponatremia on the day of admission. In the majority of patients (38.2%), HN was mild (mild HN 131-134 mEq/L moderate HN 126-130 mEq/L, severe HN less than 125 mEq/L). None of the patients had neurological symptoms due to HN. On admission, hyponatremic patients had higher white blood cell count (40 vs. 28 p 0.013), neutrophil count (38 vs. 25 p 0.014) and serum C-reactive protein (39 vs. 28 p 0.032) than normonatremic ones. No association was found with the type of intravenous fluid (0.45% DNS or Isolyte P) used and hyponatremia (P 0.6471). Conclusion: It can be concluded that hyponatremia is common in CAP and it is associated with the disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paddy-residue burning is associated with poor air quality in north-west India during October–November every year. However, till date a quantitative study of its contribution to ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using highly time-resolved measurements within the region has been lacking. Several VOCs like benzene are carcinogenic and also fuel formation of secondary pollutants such as secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and ozone. Here, we undertake quantitative source-apportionment using a PMF source-receptor model on a high-quality in-situ measured dataset of 54 VOCs in Punjab, India, and validate the model results using source profiles. The contribution of the seven most dominant sources to the total VOC mass concentrations were: daytime photochemistry and biogenic VOCs (BVOCs) (26%), followed by solid-fuel usage and waste-disposal (18%), traffic (two-wheeler 14% and four-wheeler 10%), photochemically aged biomass burning (17%), industries and solvent usage (9%), and fresh paddy residue burning (6%). Ozone production potential was dominated by solid fuel usage and waste disposal (25%), followed by traffic (two-wheeler 11% and four-wheeler 12%), BVOCs and photooxidation products (21%), photochemically aged biomass burning (16%), industries & solvent usage (9%) and fresh paddy residue burning (6%). SOA production was dominated by traffic (two-wheeler 26% and four-wheeler 28%) followed by solid fuel usage and waste disposal (22%), photochemically aged biomass burning emissions (15%) with minor contribution from industries & solvents (6%), fresh paddy residue burning (2%) and photochemistry and biogenic VOCs (1%). Comparisons with global emission inventories REASv3.2.1 and EDGARv4.3.2, showed both overestimate the industry and solvent source. Further, EDGARv4.3.2 underestimated the traffic source whereas paddy residue burning emissions are absent in REASv3.2.1. Although the overall mass contribution of paddy-residue burning emissions isn't high, our results show that health-relevant compounds emitted directly and formed photochemically from biomass burning sources active at this time are majorly responsible for the unhealthy air. [Display omitted] • Quantification of VOC sources during paddy residue burning over Indo-Gangetic Plain. • Solid-fuel use & waste-disposal & traffic together contributed> 40% VOC mass burden. • Photo-chemical oxidation of biomass burning emissions large source of toxic VOCs. • Paddy-residue burning emissions had low mass concentration contribution. • REASv3.2.1 and EDGARv4.3.2 EIs overestimate industry and solvent source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Today, obesity and depression are two major illnesses that are on the rise all over the world and threaten human health. The prevalence of obesity in India was reported as 11.1% by WHO standards and 4.5% of total population in India are suffering from depression, at each moment of time. Objective: To determine the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and depression among the patients attending department of psychiatry in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 50 patients attending the psychiatry department and diagnosed as Depression disorder, during April 2012 to December 2012. Body Mass Index (BMI) formula was used to assess obesity and Hamilton rating scale (HAM-D) was used to assess the severity of depression. Result: 19 (38%) study subjects were in the age group of 18yrs to 30 yrs with mean age as 34.2 ±14.57 years. 36(72%) were of normal weight or under-weight and14 (28%) were pre-obese. Among 14 pre-obese and obese study subjects, 2(15.4%) had mild, 4(18.2%) had moderate and 8(53.3%) had severe type of depression (p=0.03). Conclusion: There is a positive and significant relationship between BMI and the severity of depression among the patients attending department of psychiatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal damage is one of the fundamental mechanisms affecting the stability of rocks encountered in many deep geo-engineering ventures such as nuclear waste isolation, geothermal extraction etc. In the present study, the findings on influence of heating and subsequent cooling conditions on the fracturing and mechanical behaviour of an Indian granite are discussed. The granite samples from Jalore region of India were heated from room temperature to 600 °C followed by slow cooling and water quenching treatments. It was observed that rapid cooling through quenching had a greater impact on strength, elastic properties than slow cooling rate. Moreover, a drastic shift in terms of fracturing thresholds was witnessed, as a function of both temperature and sudden thermal shock experienced by rock at higher cooling rate. The simultaneous AE monitoring results suggested an early crack damage at higher thermal regimes. With help of microscopic observations, it was observed that inter-granular crack boundaries widened with increasing thermal damage experienced by minerals under both cooling conditions. However, the fracturing process was intense under rapid cooling treatment due to the invasion of water due to quenching which accelerated severe intra-crack growths, especially at higher thermal stress because of the rapid cooling rate than the slow cooling. The increased intensity of thermal cracks with temperatures and with variation in cooling rate was inferred as the primary reason for decay of rock characteristics. This was very well supplemented by decay in strength properties and changes in fracturing attributes of the tested granite as inferred from acoustic monitoring. • Fracturing and failure behaviour of Granite are controlled by rate of cooling. • Inter- and intra-granular crack growth are influenced by low and high thermal stress regimes. • Intense fracturing after rapid cooling induced substantial changes in the failure attributes. • The thermal damage inducted in to granite by heating varied with rate of cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the association of the Pro12Ala and C1431T polymorphisms of PPARγ with diabetes and obesity have revealed extensive population-dependent variations. However, association of these polymorphisms with the metabolic syndrome and its individual components has not been well investigated in the Indian population. The Indian population harbours the maximum number of diabetics in the world who are thus more susceptible to metabolic disorders. We screened a South Indian population (N = 699) for a possible association of these polymorphisms with the metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes. We also investigated the correlation of these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with plasma resistin levels. The C1431T SNP was associated with higher levels of plasma resistin (P = 0.017). Furthermore, C1431T was associated with resistin in different tertiles. Prevalence of the 'Pro-C' haplotype decreased with increasing tertiles of resistin (84.1% to 75.4%, P = 0.037). Plasma resistin levels were not found to be associated with MS and type 2 diabetes. These results point to a likely association of plasma resistin levels with PPARγ polymorphisms in the Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several economists assume natural resources as crucial and essential for economic growth. However, the other group of researchers questions the role and states that richness of natural resources does not guarantee economic growth. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of natural resources on economic growth using time series data from 1970 to 2018. The current study has applied a novel methodology of quantile-on-quantile regression in top five selected Asian economies which have the most natural resources in the region. The findings confirm that natural resources have a positive and significant impact on economic growth in all countries, except India. The findings confirm that the effect of natural resources on economic growth is negative and significant in the Indian economy. The findings affirm that in most of the countries, the results are significant and positive on the high quantiles of natural resources and economic growth, suggesting that the higher the rent of natural resources leads to the higher the economic performance of five selected Asian economies. Based on the findings, government and policymakers are recommended to formulate the policy that provides a platform to use the NR in a better and efficient manner, which can help the country to boost the economic performance. Image 1 • Natural resources are crucial and essential for economic growth. • The study examines the effect of natural resources on economic growth using time series data from 1970 to 2018. • A novel methodology of quantile-on-quantile regression is applied. • Top five selected Asian economies which have the most natural resources in the region were selected. • The findings confirm that natural resources have a positive and significant impact on economic growth, except India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are important resources for sustenance of rural communities; a systematic planning to manage diverse NTFPs may immensely contribute to food and livelihood security of forest dwellers. Considering this, the present study has been undertaken in the Himachal Pradesh state in north India. It aims to provide detailed information on diversity, distribution, use pattern, and conservation status of selected NTFPs that have market potential, and suggest a possible way for their sustained management and possible role in livelihood upgradation of dependent communities. Methodology: An inventory of NTFP species was prepared by collecting secondary information from published scientific studies in journals, books, and other periodicals as well as species being traded as per Forest department records. Search on various online databases were also used (Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, ISI Web of Science) using specific search terms such as "non-timber forest products," "NTFPs," "medicinal plants," "wild edible plants," and "Himachal Pradesh," "Western Himalaya," and "Northwest Himalaya." A list of potential NTFPs was prepared having market value. To evaluate the relative usefulness of different species, a quantitative valuation was also used by calculating various indices, such as use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance index (RI), cultural importance index (CI), and cultural value (CV). Results: A total of 811 species have been screened that has significant potential for the State, and categorized in 18 groups as per their use. The family use value was highest for Asteraceae (FUV = 76.75). Among plant parts used, whole plants, roots (including rhizomes and tubers), leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, and barks were used by the forest dwellers. Maximum NTFPs were collected from the warm temperate zone, followed by the temperate, sub-alpine, sub-tropical, and alpine zones. Sixty-one percent of species had medicinal importance, followed by species used for food and fodder purposes. Although species richness of medicinal plants decreased with altitude, however, most plants extracted from high altitudes were high-value species fetching better income. As many as 125 NTFPs were identified under the diverse level of threats according to IUCN criteria and as per the local stakeholders' perceptions. Conclusion: High dependence on NTFPs by poor and marginal communities for domestic needs as well as market demand of selected species leads to create excessive pressure on them. Unfortunately, the state agencies are not having any robust conservation plan for NTFPs. For long-term management of NTFPs sector, a species-specific conservation strategy, proper harvesting protocol, cultivation practices, the supply of quality planting material, product development and diversification, value chain development, and ensured market is greatly desired. This will not only lead to conserving NTFPs resources in their natural habitats but also lead a sustainable livelihood generation for forest dwellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the spectrum of chest computed tomographic (CT) imaging findings in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infected Indian patients.Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study comprising 147 consecutive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive patients who underwent CT chest. Prevalence, distribution, extent and type of abnormal lung findings were recorded.Results: Among the total study cohort of 147 patients, 104 (70.7 %) were males and 43 (29.3 %) were females with mean age of 40.9 ± 17.2 years (range 24-71 years). We observed lung parenchymal abnormalities in 51 (34.7 %) cases whereas 96 (65.3 %) RT-PCR positive cases had a normal chest CT. Only 12.2 % of the patients were dyspneic, 6.1 % had desaturation, 7.4 % had increased respiratory rate and 10.9 % had comorbidities. Among the patients with abnormal CT findings bilateral 39/51 (76.5 %), multilobar (88.2 %) lung involvement with a predominant peripheral and posterior distribution was commonly observed. With regards to the type of opacity, ground glass opacity (GGO) was the dominant abnormality found in all 51 (100 %) cases. Pure GGO was observed in 15 (29.4 %), GGO with crazy paving pattern was seen in 15 (29.4 %) and GGO mixed with consolidation was noted in 21(41.2 %). Peri-lesional or intralesional segmental or subsegmental pulmonary vessel enlargement was observed in 36 (70.6 %) cases.Conclusion: In this study population predominantly with mild symptoms and few comorbidities, two-thirds of RT-PCR positive patients had a normal chest CT; whereas the remaining patients showed typical findings of predominant GGOs with a bilateral distribution and peripheral predominance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Alpha-2-macroglobulin (α 2 M) is large glycoprotein present in the body fluids of vertebrates. It is an antiproteinase that inhibits a broad spectrum of proteases without the direct blockage of the protease active site. Curcumin, a yellow spice commonly used in India and several Asian countries, is reported to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects because of its antioxidant properties. In the present study, we have explored the interaction of curcumin with α 2 M using various technique such as antiproteinase activity assay, spectroscopy. Changes in the secondary structure of α 2 M following interaction with curcumin was investigated by CD and FT-IR spectroscopy. Thermodynamics of curcumin-α 2 M binding were also analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry to identify the number of binding sites, changes in enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy changes for this interaction. Thermodynamics parameters reveal that the binding is exothermic in nature. Our results suggest that the binding of curcumin with α 2 M induces a conformational change in the native form of protein that compromises its anti-proteinase activity. This exothermic and spontaneous interaction leads to alteration in the β-sheet content of the protein leading to subtle changes in conformational status of the protein leading possibly to loss in the antiproteinase potential of the inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper seeks to examine the effects of electricity generation efficiency on the index of human capital in India over 1980–2021 through the novel multi threshold non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model. We find strong evidence that the effects of efficiency in the generation of electricity on human development have varied across thresholds/quantiles. We suggest that, for improving human development in India by suitable energy policies, both policy makers and the public sector managers will need to make directed efforts to use most robust and energy saving technologies in the electricity generation process. • The study addresses the relationship between efficiency in the electricity generation process and human development. • The MTNARDL method is used because conditional mean analysis failed to provide the inner dynamics of the relationship. • We find strong evidence that the said relationship varied across thresholds/quantiles in the short and long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions such as terpenes from varied treespecies are highly reactive and when mixed with anthropogenically emitted nitrogen oxidesact as strong precursors of secondary pollutants such as ozone and secondary organic aerosol,with consequences also for cloud formation and the regional climate. Mahogany (Swieteniamacrophylla King) trees occupy an area of ∼150 million ha, and are widespread in Centraland South America and parts of South Asia. The species is listed in the Convention onInternational Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora AppendixII due to widespread unsustainable logging, and silviculture and agroforestry ofMahogany are increasing globally to keep up with the demand for its highly-valued bestquality timber. However, to the best of our knowledge, its BVOC emissions remainunknown. Here, we quantified the emission flux (EFBV OC) of naturally-growing Mahogany(Swietenia macrophylla King) at a site in North India using a dynamic branch cuvette andrapid VOC measurements made using a high sensitivity proton transfer reaction massspectrometer (PTR-MS). BVOC emissions were studied as a function of temperature,photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and other physiological factors for a betterunderstanding of the drivers of emission flux. It was found that Swietenia macrophylla Kingemitted very high rates of monoterpenes with highest emissions during the monsoon seasonfollowed by the post-monsoon season and summer season. Surprisingly, significantco-emission of other reactive compounds that have recently been observed in ambientair over tropical rainforests was also observed, and the diurnal variability of themonoterpene flux appeared to be more strongly driven by PAR rather than temperature withpeak hourly values reaching as high as 78 micrograms of monoterpenes/gDW/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoprene is the single largest contributor to global (BVOC) emissions and affects air quality and atmospheric chemistry on rapid scales but its emission sources over India are ill-constrained. Populus deltoides is an important commercial timber source with ~30 million standing trees planted over an area of ~600 km2 as part of agroforestry practices in north India alone. Here, we present measurement results quantifying isoprene emission fluxes (EFiso) from Populus deltoides growing in their natural environment in north India during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons using dynamic branch cuvettes coupled to real-time Proton Transfer Reaction- Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) and Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (TD-GC-FID). Excellent agreement was found between isoprene measurements obtained using the PTR-QMS and TD-GC-FID (r=0.97). Water vapor, carbon dioxide, PAR and temperature were measured as well to obtain mechanistic insights regarding the emission process. The daytime measured isoprene emission fluxes (EFiso) ranged from 0.1-67.8 µg g−1 hr−1 and 0.2-18 µg g−1 hr−1 for the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. Previous studies using other methods, have reported average (normalised to 1000 µmol m-2 s−1 and 30 °C) isoprene emissions ranging from 37 µg g−1 hr−1 by Evans et al. to 53.6 ± 11 µg g−1 hr−1 by Singh et al. We will discuss the relevance of our results in the context of EFiso calculated using the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) and regional air quality effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of energy consumption, financial development, globalization, economic growth, and urbanization on carbon dioxide emissions in the presence of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model for BRICS economies, by using a family of econometric techniques robust to heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. Results from LM test, CIPS and CADF unit root test, Westerlund Cointegration test, the Dynamic seemingly unrelated regression (DSUR), and Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger causality test show that (i) the data is cross sectionally dependent and heterogeneous; (ii) carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, financial development, globalization, economic growth, square of GDP and urbanization have integration of order one; (iii) the examined variables are co-integrated; (iv) energy consumption and financial development contribute to the carbon dioxide emissions whereas globalization and urbanization have negative but insignificant relationship with carbon dioxide emissions; (v) supports the EKC hypothesis in BRICS economies; (vi) bidirectional causality exists among energy consumption, financial development, economic growth and square of GDP with carbon dioxide emissions whereas globalization and urbanization have unidirectional relationship with carbon dioxide emissions. Since these panel techniques account for heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence in their estimation procedure, the empirical results are robust and reliable for policy recommendations. Furthermore, this study also uses time series tests (ADF, P-P, and FMOLS) to find the empirical results for each of the country and finds mixed results. Empirical findings directed towards some important policy implications.

Objective: To find out any differences in free flow of internal mammary artery among different ethnic groups., Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, from January 2013 to December 2015, and comprised patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. The participants were divided into 5 groups, i.e. Sindhi, Muslim migrants from India, Punjabi, Pathan and Balochi patients. Free flow of internal mammary artery was measured immediately after harvesting within a syringe, and its flow was measured in 30 seconds. SPSS 18 was used for data analysis., Results: Of the 158 patients, 44(27.8%) were Sindhi, 33(20.9%) Punjabi, 8(5%) Baloch, 21(13.3%) Pathan and 52(32.9%) were migrants. The overall mean age was 52±8 years and the mean flow was 11.6±9.6ml per 30 seconds. The flow was 9.3±6 ml, 10±8ml, 13±11ml, 17±14ml and 15±13 ml in 30 seconds among migrants, Sindhi, Punjabi, Pathan and Baloch patients, respectively, with significant higher flow in Pathan patients compared to Sindhi and migrant patients (p<0.05). A flow of less than 5ml/30 sec was mostly found in migrants or Sindhi subjects 30/40(75%), and flow more than 30ml/ 30 seconds was found mostly in Baloch or Pathan patients 4/8(50%). Low flow internal mammary artery, which was used on left anterior descending artery, showed significantly higher need of inotropic support as compared to high flow internal mammary artery (p=0.004), more low cardiac output syndrome (p=0.022) and more use of intra-aortic balloon pump (p=0.028)., Conclusions: Internal mammary artery flow was higher in Pathan and Baloch patients and low in migrants and Sindhis.