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• We used a novel method to delineate phosphorite within carbonate rock using ASTER data. • We have identified promising surface occurrences of phosphorite. • These phosphorite occurrences are validated using colorimetric and geochemical data. • These phosphorite sites are suitable for detailed exploration. • The work is important for food security of the ever increasing global population. In this study, we have identified surface exposures of phosphorite using visible near infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands of Advanced space borne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) data. We analysed the spectral contrast of dolomite and phosphorite samples collected from the ground and also from the pixels of the ASTER image composite. We observed the consistent spectral contrast between the samples of dolomite and phosphorite and used the same for delineating phosphorite within the dolomite and associated carbonate rocks. In this regard, we first delineated dolomite and associated carbonate rocks using feature oriented principal component of the iron rich carbonate rocks. Subsequently, we implemented partial spectral unmixing method, known as orthogonal subspace projection on ASTER VNIR and SWIR bands to delineate phosphorite within dolomite. We could trace a few new occurrences of phosphorite in the study area beyond the known occurrence at Hirapur open cast mining area. We have validated the identified new areas during field survey using a rapid colorimetric test for phosphate to ascertain the exploration importance of these targets. We further estimated P 2 O 5 grade content of the phosphorite samples in these sites and found few of them have very high P 2 O 5 content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is the most common cause of neonatal mortality. As per National Neonatal-Perinatal Database (NNPD), 2002-2003, the incidence of neonatal sepsis in India was 30 per 1000 live births. Signs and symptoms of sepsis are nonspecific; therefore empirical antimicrobial therapy is promptly initiated after obtaining appropriate cultures. The early manifestations of neonatal sepsis are vague and ill-defined. Novel approaches in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis include heart rate analysis on ECG, and colorimetric analysis of skin color. Although blood culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of sepsis, culture reports are available only after 48-72 hours. In this era of multidrug resistance, it is mandatory to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics to treat non-infected infants. Thus, rapid diagnostic test(s) that include Interleukien-6 (IL-6), neutrophil CD64 index, procalcitonin and nucleated RBC count- and differentiate the infected infants from the non-infected, particularly in the early neonatal period- have the potential to make a significant impact on neonatal care. The aim of this review is to specify the diagnostic criteria, treatment guidelines, and a summary of recent diagnostic tests of sepsis, along with the preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidium latifolium Linn. (perennial pepperweed) is one of the preferred phytofoods among cold arid region of Ladakh, India and its leaves contribute significantly to people's diet. This study was conducted to determine its nutritive value and antioxidant activity. Plant samples from three different locations were selected in the present study. Results showed that this plant is an excellent source of glucosinolates, notably sinigrin that is present in very high amount (∼70–90%). Its value ranged from 149 to 199 µg per g fresh weight. Fatty acid composition analysis showed that its leaves were abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, specifically linolenic acid (18∶3) whose percentage is about 50%. Higher glucose and crude protein along with higher nitrogen to sulfur ratio, supplements the nutritive value of this plant. Based on total phenol, flavanoids, free radical scavenging activity and DNA protective activity showed that this ecotype of perennial pepperweed contains high antioxidant properties. The percentage inhibition for O2− scavenging activity ranged from 41.3% to 83.9%. Higher content of phenols (26.89 to 50.51 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight) and flavanoids (38.66 to 76.00 mg quercetin equivalents per g dry weight) in leaves could be responsible for the free radical scavenging activity of this plant. Depending upon the location of the plants, variations were observed in different activities. Based on the systematic evaluation in this study, preparations of Lepidium latifolium from Ladakh can be promoted as substitute to dietary requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: People in many countries are affected by fluorosis owing to the high levels of fluoride in drinking water. An inexpensive method for estimating the concentration of the fluoride ion in drinking water would be helpful in identifying safe sources of water and also in monitoring the performance of defluoridation techniques. For this purpose, a simple, inexpensive, and portable colorimeter has been developed in the present work. It is used in conjunction with the SPADNS method, which shows a color change in the visible region on addition of water containing fluoride to a reagent solution. Groundwater samples were collected from different parts of the state of Karnataka, India and analysed for fluoride. The results obtained using the colorimeter and the double beam spectrophotometer agreed fairly well. The costs of the colorimeter and of the chemicals required per test were about Rs. 250 (US$ 5) and Rs. 2.5 (US$ 0.05), respectively. In addition, the cost of the chemicals required for constructing the calibration curve was about Rs. 15 (US$ 0.3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is the most common cause of neonatal mortality. As per National Neonatal Perinatal Database (NNPD) 2002-2003, the incidence of neonatal sepsis in India was 30 per 1000 live birth. It is 3% among intramural babies and 39.7% among extramural admissions. The early manifestations of neonatal sepsis are vague and ill-defined. Novel approaches in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis include heart rate analysis on ECG or colorimetric analysis of skin color. Although blood culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of sepsis, culture reports would be available only after 48-72 hours. In this era of multidrug resistance, it is mandatory to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics to treat noninfected infants. Thus, rapid diagnostic test(s) that differentiate infected from non-infected infants, particularly in the early newborn period, that include Interleukien-6 (IL-6), neutrophil CD64 index, procalcitonin and nucleated RBC count, have the potential to make a significant impact on neonatal care. The aim of this review is to specify the diagnostic criteria, treatment guidelines and a summary of the newer diagnostic tests of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant phenolics and lavonoids have a powerful biological activity, which outlines the necessity of their determination. The phenolics and lavonoids content of 20 medicinal plants were determined in the present investigation. The phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The total lavonoids were measured spectrophotometrically by using the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay. The results showed that the family Mimosaceae is the richest source of phenolics, (Acacia nilotica: 80.63 mg gallic acid equivalents, Acacia catechu 78.12 mg gallic acid equivalents, Albizia lebbeck 66.23 mg gallic acid equivalents). The highest total lavonoid content was revealed in Senna tora which belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae. The present study also shows the ratio of lavonoids to the phenolics in each sample for their specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]