Search

Background: Clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] (2n=2x=14) is an under exploited legume belonging to the family Fabaceae. Clusterbean is a versatile legume crop cultivated mostly as vegetable, for the extraction of guar gum, animal feed cover crop. Clusterbean is a drought tolerant, hardy, deep rooted annual legume. To assess the nature and magnitude for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for seed yield and component characters that are useful for an effective selection programme, the present study was under taken. Methods: A set of 40 clusterbean genotypes were evaluated during Kharif 2019 in in randomized complete block design with four replications at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India. Result: The highest estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the number of branches per plant followed by seed yield per plant, days to flowering and number of clusters per plant indicating the presence of wide genetic variability for these characters. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for number of branches per plant, seed yield per plant and days to flowering indicating the presence of additive genes and less environmental influence on the characters and existence of sufficient heritable variation and wider scope for effective selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, rapid and novel reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for quantification of molnupiravir in its capsule dosage form which is recently approved for phase III clinical trials in moderate coronavirus disease patients in India. The chromatographic separation of Molnupiravir was achieved on reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography using Eclipse Plus C18 (150×4.6 mm, 5 µ) column with buffer (pH 4.5) and methanol (70:30 v/v) as mobile phase. Method was validated in accordance with recommendations of International Council for Harmonisation Q2 (R1) guidelines. The linearity of the method was found to be excellent over the concentration range of 49.80-149.40 µg/ml. The mean of the coefficient of determinations (r2, n=3) was found to be 0.9999. The precision values (percentage relative standard deviation) and overall percentage recovery was found to be acceptable. The proposed method effectively separated the drug from its degradation products. Hence, it can be used as a stabilityindicating assay method for the routine analysis of molnupiravir in pharmaceutical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis, and floods affect the resilience of bridges. In the last four decades, about 2,130 bridges were collapsed due to various disasters in India, and out of these, almost 1,105 bridges were ruined due to floods. However, in the existing practice of measuring the resilience of bridges, resilience matrices overlook the dynamism of bridge resilience and fail to address the uncertainty of variables influencing the resilience of bridges due to floods. Therefore, this study aims to develop the fuzzy system dynamics (FSD) model to simulate and forecast bridge resilience considering complex interconnections among different infrastructures and government systems. For this, the study first shortlists 14 variables related to bridge resilience using the Delphi method. Then, the cause-and-effect feedback loop and stock-and-flow diagram are formulated to explore the interdependency among these system dynamics variables of bridge resilience. Fuzzy measures and integral are used to establish the soft relationships and the existing mathematical formulas to explain the hard relationships in the FSD model. The proposed FSD model is used to simulate and forecast scenarios of the resilience of 12 bridges against floods. The structure and behavior of the FSD model are validated by conducting the dimension consistency test, structure verification test, and sensitivity analysis. The proposed model can be helpful to bridge owners to manage bridge assets, prioritize the repair and rehabilitation of bridges, propose the new bridges, devise the new policy, coordinate with other utilities and governance agencies, and thus enhance the bridge's resilience against floods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, line× tester analysis was carried out at Castor-Mustard Research Station, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India during rabi 2018-19 (October 2018 to February 2019) in order to estimate all three types of heterosis (relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis) for identification of superior cross combinations of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern&Coss]. Thirty-five hybrids along with five CMS lines, seven testers and check GDM 4 were evaluated for ten different traits. The F1 generation of all the crosses exhibited fertility restoration with pollen fertility except F1 crosses with Vardan, Rohini and SKM 319 fertile line (0%). The remaining crosses exhibited pollen fertility ranging from 68.26% (Kranti×SKM 303) to 85.17% (Kranti×Mori 'R' 1-18). The analysis of variance for parents, hybrids and parents vs. hybrids revealed that mean sum of squares of parents were highly significant for majority of the characters except days to maturity. Whereas, hybrids differed highly significant for all the characters. Comparison of mean squares due to parents vs. hybrids was found significant for almost all the characters except number of seeds siliqua-1 and oil content. This indicates that considerable amount of genetic variability present among the parents and hybrids for all the characters studied. On the basis of per se performance, three hybrids viz., Kranti×Mori 'R' 1-18, SKM 9928×PusaAgrani and SKM 9928×Mori 'R' 1-18 were foundpromising for seed yield plant-1 over the standard check GDM 4. With respect to heterosis, one of the hybrid Kranti×Mori 'R' 1-18 (17.85 %)manifested significant and positive standard heterosis for seed yield plant-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Level-of-service (LOS) is a key index that reflects the operational condition of the toll-plaza. Although it has been observed that the developed countries have a very effective system at the toll plazas; but, the developing countries are still struggling to achieve the properly managed system that could improve the customer satisfaction at toll plazas. Hence, a sample of 1431 respondents has been collected at four toll plazas located in India and analyzed, for users' perceived LOS. The ordered probit model was developed and the results show that humps at tollbooth is a highly influencing variable. The study results reveal that the users not only consider delay but also a multitude of factors such as age, education, experience, frequency, aesthetics etc. while evaluating the users' perceived LOS at toll plazas. The results obtained from the present study portrays that all significant factors need to be considered when planning of toll plazas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, four properties of resilience robustness, rapidity, resourcefulness, and redundancy (4Rs) are associated with technical, organizational, social, and economical (TOSE) dimensions are widely regarded when evaluating the resilience of infrastructure. Currently, bridge resilience is assessed using the factors for the technical dimensions associated with the 4Rs only. However, to make a comprehensive evaluation of bridge resilience, along with technical dimensions, this study additionally considers the TOSE dimensions associated with the 4Rs. To accomplish this, this study first develops a three-level hierarchical structure called a bridge resilience measure matrix (BRMM), this is based on a literature review and experts' opinions. The BRMM consists of a bridge resilience index (BRI) at the first level, the 4Rs at the second level, and TOSE factors at the third level. Then, a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) technique is used: (1) an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to obtain relative weights of the 4Rs (at the second level) and its associated TOSE factors (at the third level), (2) a technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is applied to determine the 4Rs at the second level, and (3) a weighted sum method (WSM) is used to evaluate BRI at the top level. By using the developed BRMM, the bridge resilience indices of 12 bridges are computed. Finally, this study uses sensitivity analysis to examine how changing the relative weights of the 4Rs and TOSE factors influence the BRI. Further, BRI can be used to evaluate bridge resilience that aids in the preparation of strategies for managing, maintaining, and enhancing the resilience of bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yogic farming means doing various farming operations in a yoga (connection/union) state or personally empowered state of mind. The Raja yoga meditation technique of personal empowerment is an ancient technique of India. It is being revived by the Raja Yoga Education and Research Foundation, a sister organization of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Univesity, a non-governmental organization headquartered at Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The organization has been teaching methods of personal empowerment based on Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation (BKRYM) techniques for the last 77 years. The present article reviews bonafide research conducted at the GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (2012-13); on a farmer's field in Gagsina village, Karnal, Haryana (2011-12); and at the SD University of Agriculture and Technology (SDUAT), Dantiwada, Gujarat (2009-12), in order to discuss the effect of yogic farming through BKR YM on the different aspects of seed and crops as well as its feasibility in agricultural transformation. Seeds exposed to BKRYM revealed enhanced germination, seedling growth, and vigor. The quality of groundnut and wheat improved, along with increased soil microbial population. After three years of experimentation, the yield of wheat and groundnut obtained with organics + BKR YM was found to be comparable to that obtained with chemical inputs. BKRYM works best under organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2006-07 and 2007-08 to study the effect of fertigation of nitrogen and potash under different methods of irrigation on yield of processing grade tubers of potato cv. Kennebec. Fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five irrigation methods viz., drip (0.8 PEF) with lateral in each row and in each pair, perforated pipe, micro-sprinkler at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (40 mm) and furrow at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio (60 mm) were relegated to main plots and three levels of fertility viz., 50%, 75% and 100% N and K of recommended dose were assigned to sub-plots, with three replications. Higher number and yield of processing grade A and medium grade B tubers were produced when the crop was irrigated with drip irrigation. Treatment I1 (irrigation through drip with lateral in each row) recorded significantly higher number and yield of processing grade A and B tubers over I3, I4 and I5 treatments, but was at par with I2 treatment. F3 (100% recommended dose of N and K) recorded significantly higher number and yield of processing grade A and B tubers, but it was at par with F2 (75% recommended dose of N and K). Treatment I2 registered highest net return (Rs. 46302/ha) and BCR (1.64). Treatment F3 recorded highest net return (Rs. 39668/ha and BCR (1.56). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2010–11 to 2012–13 at Centre for Natural Resources Management, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to test the effect of irrigation regimes (four levels of irrigation viz., sprinkler irrigation with 0.6 (I1), 0.8 (I2) and 1.0 (I3) IW/CPE ratio and surface irrigation with 1.0 IW/CPE (I4) as control on productivity and economics of mustard. Among the irrigation regimes, scheduling irrigation at an IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 through sprinkler significantly enhanced all the growth (except plant height) and yield attributes. Mustard irrigated at IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 recorded significantly the highest seed yield over surface method of irrigation in all the years and in pooled results also, whereas the highest water use efficiency of 4.56 kg/ha-mm was observed with IW: CPE of 0.60 and gradually decreased with higher irrigation schedules. Irrigation at 0.60, 0.80 and 1.00 IW: CPE ratio increased the seed yield by 3.99, 15.73 and 25.47% over control (surface irrigation), respectively. Net returns and BCR increased markedly with increase in irrigation regimes from an IW: CPE ratio of 0.60 to 1.00. Irrigation at 0.80 and 1.00 IW: CPE ratio increased the net returns by 34.45 and 19.20% over that with the 0.60 ratio, respectively. The highest production efficiency of 13.56 kg/ha/day, profitability of 258.03 kg/ha/day and relative economic efficiency of 10.26% were recorded under sprinkler irrigaion at 1.0 IW/CPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new coal seam is being reported in Chandra area (23°03′00″ to 23°10′00″ N, and 83°10′00″ to 83°20′00″ E), located southeast of Ambikapur, the district headquarter of Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, falling in Survey of India, Toposheet 64 M/8. This area is located to the southeast of well known Bisrampur and east of Lakhanpur coalfields in south Rewa Gondwana Masterbasin. Lithostratigraphic sequence of the Chandra area comprises granite-gneisses, phyllite belonging to the Palaeo to Mesoproterozoic forming the western extension of Chhotanagpur Gneissic complex, and the Lower Gondwana Group comprising the Talchir Formation mainly represented by boulder beds (tilloid) and green shale overlain by the Barakar Formation comprising mainly sandstone (fluvial sequence). Barakar sandstone overlaps onto the granite gneiss (basement) at some places. Barakar Formation. Exposed in northeast of Chandra village contains coal seam of around 1.50 m thick is exposed in a nala section. Analysis results show that coal present in the area contains high volatile matters (21.65% to 31.10 %) and high ash yield which varies from 12.12 % to 51.90 % and grade of G2, G8 and G14, with useful heat value ranging between 6525 to1326 K Cal/kg. With the development of the Bisrampur coalfield and the railway line connecting Ambikapur with Annuppur (on South Eastern Railway) it is possible to develop mines in Chandra area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety climate is a snapshot of the safety culture of any organization and it is dynamic in nature. It reflects the employees' perceptions and attitude towards the existing safety practices in construction projects. The main goal of this paper is to evaluate and differentiate construction projects based on their safety climate and to determine the significant constructs of a safety climate. This paper develops a model to predict safety climate in a construction project based on an artificial neural network (ANN). The important constructs for a safety climate have been determined through literature review. The constructs of safety climate are used as inputs and the safety climate of the project is used as an output for the ANN algorithm. This study collected a total of 250 responses through a questionnaire survey across the country. A three-layer feed-forward back-propagation neural network (10-18-1) has been utilized for the analysis. The developed model predicts the safety climate of a construction project reasonably well. Based on sensitivity analysis, commitment and supervisory environment are proposed as the most significant out of 10 constructs of safety climate. Moreover, projects are ranked with respect to their safety climate using this model and outlier projects could easily be identified through the normal probability technique. Thus, the model should prove to be helpful to clients and contractors to evaluate and predict safety climate, thereby managing safety effectively at construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hill ecosystem of Northeastern Himalayas is suitable for organic farming due to negligible use of fertilizer (<12 kg ha−1) and agrochemicals, abundance of organic manure, especially plant biomass, and favourable climatic conditions for diverse crops. For successful organic farming, efficient cropping systems and organic amendments are to be identified to sustain soil health on one hand and productivity and enhanced income on the other. The efficacy of three organic amendments, namely, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and integrated nutrient source (INS; 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (N) through FYM + 50% N through VC) on performance of three-vegetable-based cropping systems, namely, maize + soybean (2:2 intercropping)–tomato, maize + soybean–potato and maize + soybean–French bean was evaluated for five consecutive years (2005–06 to 2009–10) under subtropical climate at Umiam, Meghalaya, India (950 m above sea level). All the organic amendments were applied on N equivalent basis and phosphorus (P) requirement was compensated through rock phosphate. The results revealed that the yield of vegetables, except root vegetables, was maximum with FYM as soil amendment. Total system productivity in terms of maize equivalent yield (MEY) was significantly higher under FYM followed by INS. Pooled analysis revealed that MEY was enhanced by 200 and 191% with continuous application of FYM and INS, respectively, over control (no manure). Maize + soybean–tomato system recorded the highest MEY (28.78 Mg ha−1; Mg – megagram) followed by maize + soybean–French bean (24.37 Mg ha−1). INS as organic amendment resulted in maximum improvement in soil organic carbon (SOC), available P and potassium (K), soil microbial biomass carbon and water holding capacity and was similar to those under FYM. The SOC concentration under INS (23.6 g kg−1), FYM (23.3 g kg−1) and VC (22.3 g kg−1) after five years of organic farming were 31.0, 29.4 and 23.8% higher than the initial and 26.2, 24.6 and 19.3% higher than those under control, respectively. The quality traits of tomato such as total soluble solids (5%), ascorbic acid (28.6 mg 100 g−1) and lycopene content (19.35 mg 100 g−1) were higher under FYM application than other amendments. The study indicated that FYM and INS are equally good as organic amendment and their continuous application not only improves soil health but also crop productivity. FYM application was also found to be cost effective as it resulted in a higher benefit: cost ratio (4.4:1) compared to other amendments irrespective of cropping sequences during transition to organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Among the various foliar diseases affecting leaves and bulbs of onion, purple blotch incited by Alterrinari porri Ell (Ciferri), while thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) among the insects are the most devastating and prevalent in India. The present investigation was conducted to study the spray scheduling for management of foliar diseases in onion during rabi season of 2010-11 to 2012-13 under AINRPOG, College of Horticulture(OUAT), Odisha, India in RBD with six treatments replicated four times. The spray schedule consists of combined spray of both broad spectrum and contact fungicides with or without insecticides in alternate fashion along with control. The results revealed significantly minimum disease incidence (74.26, 68.17 and 65.01%), severity (54.25, 31.25 and 33.00%), thrips plant-1 (33.50, 17.79 and 19.68), marketable bulb yield (19.58,13.75 and 15.66 t ha-1) and total bulb yield (27.95, 24.88 and 27.60 tha-1) were recorded with spray schedule of mancozeb @ 0.25%+methomyl @ 0.8 g l-1, tricyclazole @ 0.1%+carbosulfan @ 2 ml l-1 and Hexaconazole @0.1%+profenofos 1 ml l-1 at 30, 45 and 60 DAT (T4) during three consecutive years, respectively. The next best recommendation was application of mancozeb @ 0.25%+methomyl @ 0.8 g l-1, propiconazole @ 0.1%+carbosulfan @ 2 ml l-1 and copper oxychloride @ 0.25%+profenofos 1ml l-1 at 30, 45 and 60 DAT (T3) in onion. Thus, it may be concluded that, combined application of insecticides and fungicides not only reduces the incidence of foliar disease and thrips infestation but also increases bulb yield instead of their sole application during 30 to 60 DAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Hb SD-Punjab (Hb SD) is a less common form of sickle cell disease ( SCD) and discrimination between Hb SD and Hb SS is not possible on alkaline electrophoresis because the two variants overlap in the compound heterozygous state. There are only a few publications consisting mostly of case reports. Thus, the phenotypic expression of Hb SD and its modifiers has not been studied. Methods We studied the phenotypic expression of 42 cases of Hb SD (the largest number of subjects ever included in this kind of study) and compared them with 84 Hb SS cases matched for age, sex, and caste. Further, we evaluated the influence of HbF concentration and alpha thalassemia on the phenotypic expressions of Hb SD, namely the frequency of VOC and degree of hemolysis. Results The frequencies of VOC were similar in both the groups. The markers of hemolysis such as total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, and LDH were higher where as HbF concentration was significantly low in HbSD. There was a negative correlation between HbF concentration and risk of VOC in the HbSD. The total hemoglobin level and hematocrit were significantly high, and the MCV and MCH were significantly low in HbSD with alpha thalassemia. Alpha thalassemia had no influence on the frequency of VOC and severity of hemolysis in HbSD. Conclusion HbF reduced the frequency of VOC but had no influence on the hemolytic markers in HbSD. HbSD with alpha thalassemia was associated with hypohromic and microcytic features of red blood cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To investigate the impact of early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) provided for first 24 h on incidence of hypothermia in stable newborns weighing 1800 g or more during first 48 h of life.Study Design:Stable newborns (term and late preterm: Mean gestational age 37.7 (1.35) weeks, range 34-40 weeks) having birth weight 1800 g or more (Mean weight 2605.6 (419.8) grams) were enrolled after approval from Institutional Human Research Ethics Committee (CTRI/2013/06/003790) and randomized into early SSC (intervention group) and conventional care (control group). Initial care in the delivery room for few minutes immediately after birth in both the groups was given under radiant warmer. In the intervention group, newborns were provided SSC by their mother started between 30 min and 1 h after birth for first 24 h with minimal interruption and were provided conventional care other than SSC for next 24 h of life. In the control group, newborns were kept with their mother and received conventional care other than SSC for first 48 h. Temperature and heart rate of newborns were recorded at 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 24 and at 48 h of life in both the groups. Independent Samples t-Test and relative risk were used to analyze the data.Result:Both groups had 50 neonates each with similar baseline characteristics. Heart rates were in normal range in both the groups. The intervention group provided an average (s.d.) of 16.98 (0.28) h of SSC over the first 24 h period. The mean temperature was significantly high in the SSC group at all time intervals starting from 1 to 48 h (P<0.05 for all). In the SSC group only two newborns (4%) had mild hypothermia (cold stress), and, of these two newborns, one had two episodes of hypothermia. All these three episodes of hypothermia occurred within first 3 h of life. In the control group 16 newborns (32%) developed hypothermia (temperature<36.5 °C) during first 48 h of life. Of them, 11 newborns had single episode, 4 newborns had two episodes and one newborn had three episodes of hypothermia. Of these 22 hypothermic episodes, 20 occurred in the first 6 h of life and 2 episodes occurred at 48 h of life. Moderate hypothermia was seen in two newborns, whereas rest had mild hypothermia. The relative risk of developing hypothermia in the control group as compared with the SSC group was 8.00 (95% CI 1.94-32.99). There was no seasonal variation in incidence of hypothermia in both the groups.Conclusion:Newborns in the SSC group achieved rapid thermal control as compared with the control group. Early SSC for 24 h after birth decreases incidence of hypothermia for initial 48 h of life. Early SSC needs to be aggressively promoted in term and late-preterm newborns to reduce incidence of hypothermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Hb Hofu ( HBB:c. 380T>A) is a rare inherited hemoglobin abnormality with few case reports in the world literature. Methods Screening for the sickle cell gene mutation and other hemoglobinopathies was carried out using the sickle slide test, Hb electrophoresis, and HPLC under an ongoing central government project. Results We detected twelve Hb Hofu heterozygotes and three sickle Hb Hofu compound heterozygotes. The heterozygotes were asymptomatic except for one individual who had chronic kidney disease and moderate anemia. Only one Hb S- Hofu case was symptomatic and presented with intermittent attacks of painful crisis. In the carrier state, the Hb Hofu eluted as a hump at the beginning of the Hb A0 window. But in Hb S- Hofu cases, Hb Hofu eluted as a single peak in the Hb A0 window, with the Hb A2 levels being >4% consistently. Conclusion Hb S- Hofu has a variable clinical presentation. The retention time of Hb Hofu on HPLC is very close to that of Hb A0 and often elutes in the A0 window. Thus, there is every possibility of the Hb S- Hofu chromatogram to be misinterpreted as that of a sickle cell trait/transfused sickle cell-beta-thalassemia case. This is the first time where Hb Hofu has been detected by HPLC, which is the widely accepted screening technique for hemoglobinopathies around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitous fine particulates can readily be bound to toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and are considered to be a great threat to human health. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of air pollution risks to public health by determining four crucial parameters- inhalable particulates, metals in particulates and PAHs which are associated with PM10in the air environment of Lucknow, India during 2007–09. The values of PM10and PM2.5ranged between 102.3–240.5 and 28.0–196.9 μg/m3whilst the average PM10was 1.7 times and PM2.5was 1.5 times higher than their respective NAAQS of 100 and 60 μg/m3respectively. The estimated relative death rate and hospital admissions for each increase in the PM10levels of 10 μg/m3ranged from 1.5–8% and from 3.9–8.0% (as per APHEA2 1990) respectively in persons > 65 yrs. Among the locations; AQS-1, AQS-2,and AQS-3(with diversified activities and heavy traffic) recorded higher concentrations of both the particulate fractions than the AQS-4(residential area with low traffic). The average concentrations of Fe, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd in PM10were 219.4, 40.6, 35.1, 27.3, 22.2 and 16.2 ng/m3and that in PM2.5were 54.3, 33.9, 38.5, 29.4, 8.4, and 1.17 ng/m3respectively.Regression analysis revealed that correlation of metals with PM2.5was stronger than PM10. The ratio of metals adsorbed on surface of particles (PM2.5:PM10) reveals that PM2.5has more affinity for Ni, Cu and Pb and PM10for Cd, Fe and Cr. Health risk due to carcinogenic metals bound to respirable particulates was predicted by estimating excess cancer risk (ECR). The highest ECR value was estimated for Cr, 266.70 × 10−6, which was associated with PM10 and 100.92 × 10−6which was associated with PM2.5, whereas lead has the lowest ECR value. Amongst PAHs, benzo(a)pyrene (51.96±19.71 ng/m3) was maximum in PM10samples. Maximum concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, metals and PAHs were detected during winter, and the lowest was during monsoon. The higher prevalence of diseases among the population may be due to high concentration of particulates coated with toxic metals and PAHs present in air environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional status of animals was evaluated by collecting representative samples of feeds, fodder and blood plasma from the selected villages from the semi-arid zone (Jamnagar district) of Gujarat. The collected samples were analyzed for proximate composition and certain minerals content. The average digestible crude protein (DCP) intake of lactating buffaloes ranged between 92.87 and 107.64% of requirement and average total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake ranged between 103.51 and 105.89% of requirement. The average calcium (Ca) content ranged from 0.25-2.28% in roughages as compared to 0.04-0.19% in concentrates. Phosphorus (P) content in concentrates (0.47%) was higher than that of roughages (0.13%). The average copper (Cu) level was recorded low in most of the feed resources (5.81-9.78 ppm). Wheat straw (7.73 ppm) and jowar straw (13.76 ppm) were low in zinc (Zn). Manganese (Mn) content in different feeds and fodders ranged from 12.98 to 99.86 ppm. Ca, P, Cu, Mn and Zn levels were found to be deficient in the ration of dairy buffaloes. The average blood plasma levels of Cu, Zn and Mn in buffaloes were 0.66, 0.75 and 0.06 ppm, respectively. As compared to critical level of Cu (0.65 ppm) and Zn (0.8 ppm) in blood plasma, more than 60% of the animals screened showed low Cu and Zn status. Based on the calculated intakes of DCP, TDN, Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mn from various feed resources, suggestions for correcting supply of protein and energy and extent of supplementation required through area specific mineral mixture, for obviating Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mn deficiency in the ration of buffaloes were given to the farmers of Jamnagar district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare and accounts for 1-2% of all primary intracranial tumors (ICT). There are conflicting reports regarding the increased incidence of PCNSL over the last two decades in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. AIM: This study was designed to study the clinicopathological characteristics of PCNSL and to access the trend of PCNSL at our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the histopathologically proven cases of PCNSL were reviewed from January 1997 to December 2009 (13 years). Immunophenotyping was performed on available paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Immune status was evaluated and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was performed in all cases. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were recorded whenever available. Possibility of secondary involvement by a systemic lymphoma was excluded in every case. Statistical analysis was done using ?2-test. RESULTS: During the study period (13 years), a total of 4715 cases of ICT were diagnosed, out of which 66 cases were PCNSL, which accounted for 1.4%. The age ranged from 10 to 75 years with a median age of 46 years. All the patients were immunocompetent. Frontal lobe was the most common site of involvement. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the histological pattern in all the cases. CSF involvement was seen in only one case. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, no significant increase in the incidence of PCNSL was found at our institute. Association of PCNSL cases with HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was not found in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Kajal and surma are eye cosmetics extensively used in Indian subcontinent. Kajal is prepared by burning of vegetable oil and butter oil while surma by grinding of the stones. High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry instruments were used for quantification and confirmation of 16 polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Significant concentration of PAH was found in all the samples examined. The median concentration of PAH ranged from 0.14 (lowest, anthracene) to 31.18 μg g−1 [dibenz(a,h)anthracene] in kajal sample and from not detectable concentration (naphthalene) to 197.47 μg g−1 of benzo(a)pyrene in surma sample. Fifteen PAHs were detected in all the samples. Therefore the use of kajal and surma in eye should be strictly restricted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the difficult site conditions for the construction of caisson foundations and evaluates the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of shock transmission units (STUs) for the Second Bassein Creek Bridge at Mumbai, India. The Second Bassein Creek Bridge is the first highway bridge in India to have STUs installed. The original bridge, which carries the existing two-lane highway adjacent to the second bridge, had faced many problems with caisson foundations during the construction. During the design of the bridge, the design and proof check consultants realized that, as the site conditions were rather difficult, it was prudent to limit the size of the caisson foundations. This, however, made the bridge unable to take full seismic and other short-term horizontal loads. So, they resolved this problem effectively by using STUs to distribute seismic loading on various substructure elements of the bridge, thereby limiting the foundation size.

The article cites a study on the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in Gomti river system in India. This study was undertaken with a view to generate data on distribution of PAHs in river system in India and presents preliminary information on the concentration and distribution of different PAHs in the water and bed sediments of the Gomti river, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study shown that the Gomti river is highly contaminated with PAHs and poses high risk to the aquatic life. The findings support that the PAHs present in the river system at most of the locations have their origin from combustion processes in the catchments.

The study was conducted in 2831 pregnant women with no diagnosed complication at the time of registration to obtain normal foetal growth pattern for clinical and ultrasonographic parameters. Normal values for maternal weight, fundal height and abdominal girth for clinical and biparietal diameter, abdominal circumferences and femoral length for ultrasonographic parameters are presented. Clinical and ultrasonographic parameters were compared for their efficacy in prediction of low birth weight. Neither clinical nor ultrasonographic parameters were found to be satisfactory in identifying the foetus at risk of low birth weight. It has been found that clinical parameters for routine monitoring are as effective as ultrasonographic parameters and have the added advantage of being easily replicable at the peripheral level of health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among haemoprotozoan diseases of the animals, babesiosis is a tick-transmitted disease caused by protozoans of the genus Babesia and it is characterized by haemolytic anemia and fever, with occasional hemoglobinuria and death (Ristic, 1981). Among six species causing bovine babesiosis, B. bigemina and B. bovis are the most important in tropical and subtropical regions (Radostits et al., 2008). The one host tick Boophilus microplus is responsible for transmission of the disease in India, both by trans-stadial and transovarian routes (Taylor et al., 2007; Lefevre et al., 2010). We came across an unusual and interesting observation about the Babesia associated with the cerebral form of the disease, the "cerebral babesiosis" in a Gir bullock, hence reporting in this communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mid-altitude of the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region of India, a second crop of rice following the harvest of main kharif (July to mid-November) rice is not possible due to early onset of low temperature (<15°C) from November onwards, which causes spikelet sterility in rice. A field experiment on double cropping of rice was conducted under mid-altitude subtropical wetland valley ecosystem of Meghalaya from 2004-05 to 2005-06 at Umiam (950 m amsl), Meghalaya. Out of the six varieties tested, IR-64 (43.2 q/ha), Aerobic rice IR 72176 (42.1 q/ha) and Krishna Hamsha (40.5 q/ha) performed well during pre-kharif season. Double cropping (main + ratoon) of IR-64 produced 75.4 q/ha of grain yield compared to 40.5 q/ha under improved monocropping of rice variety Sahsarang-1. Ratooning could save time (nursery and field preparation, transplanting, etc.), resources (labour, seeds, etc.) and gave higher productivity. The ratooning ability of Sahsarang- 1 (33.0 q/ha) and IR-64 (32.2 q/ha) was found to be highly promising. The sequence IR-64 in pre-kharif followed by its ratoon also gave 86 and 202% higher productivity over improved (40.5 q/ha) and local practice (25.0 q/ha) of monocropping respectively. It was found equally good with the best combination of IR-64 in pre-kharif followed by late kharif transplanted crop of Vivek Dhan-82 (system productivity of 80.4 q grain/ha). Duration of main crop varied from 135 to 158 days, whereas in case of ratoon it varied from 70 to 95 days. Therefore, it was concluded that ratooning has ample opportunity, especially in the NER region of India, where climatic conditions and non-availability of resources restrict the double cropping of rice by the farmers. The practice of double cropping would not only add to the national food basket, but would also increase the farmers' income and generate more employment in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a new coal seam that has been discovered at Mainpat Plateau, Chattisgarh, Central India.

Microbial amylases should essentially remain active at higher temperatures, and in the alkaline pH and a range of surfactants to be suitable as detergent additives. In the present study, a thermophilic amylase producing bacterium, Bacillus licheniformis UDS-5 was isolated from Unai hot water spring in Gujarat, India. It was identified as a potent amylase producer during starch plate-based screening process. Therefore, the physicochemical parameters influencing amylase production were optimized using Plackett-Burman design and Central Composite Design. The amylase was purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation, size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography, achieving the purification fold and yield to be 9.2 and 40.6%, respectively. The enzyme displayed robust stability and activity across a wide range of temperatures and pHs, with an increased half-life and reduced deactivation rate constant. The amylase exhibited optimal catalysis at 70 °C and pH 8. The kinetic studies revealed Km and Vmax values of 0.58 mg/mL and 2528 μmol/mL/min, respectively. Besides, the purified amylase displayed stability in the presence of various metal ions, surfactants, and chelators suggesting its potential for industrial applications, particularly in the detergent industry. Moreover, detergent application studies demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing washing performance. A comparative profile on washing efficiency of the studied amylase and the commercial amylase with various detergents pointed towards its possible future use as a detergent additive., Competing Interests: Declarations Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. Research involving human participants and/or animals This article does not contain any studies with human participants and/or animals performed by any of the authors., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The adverse effects of intensified cropland practices on soil quality and biodiversity become especially evident in India, where nearly 60% of land is dedicated to cultivation and almost 30% of soil is already degraded. Intensive agricultural practice significantly contributes to soil degradation, highlighting the crucial need for effective countermeasures to support sustainable development goals. A long-term experiment, established in the semi-arid Nimar Valley (India) in 2007, monitors the effect of organic and conventional management on the plant-soil system in a Vertisol. The focus of our study was to assess how organic and conventional farming systems affect biological and chemical soil quality indicators. Additionally, we followed the community structure of the soil microbiome throughout the vegetation phase under soya or cotton cultivation in the year 2019. We found that organic farming enhanced soil organic carbon and nitrogen content, increased microbial abundance and activity, and fostered distinct microbial communities associated with traits in nutrient mineralization. In contrast, conventional farming enhanced the abundance of bacteria involved in ammonium oxidation suggesting high nitrification and subsequent nitrogen losses with regular mineral fertilization. Our findings underscore the value of adopting organic farming approaches in semi-arid subtropical regions to rectify soil quality and minimize nitrogen losses., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of FEMS.)

Aim: In India, 85% of organ donations are from living donors and 15% are from deceased donors. One-third of living donors were rejected because of ABO or HLA incompatibility. Kidney exchange transplantation (KET) is a cost-effective and legal strategy to increase living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) by 25%-35%., Methods: We report our experience with 539 KET cases and the evolution of a single-centre program to increase the use of LDKT., Results: Between January 2000 and 13 March, 2024, 1382 deceased donor kidney transplantations and 5346 LDKT were performed at our centre, including 10% (n = 539) from KET. Of the 539 KET, 80.9% (n = 436) were ABO incompatible pairs, 11.1% (n = 60) were compatible pairs, and 8% (n = 43) were sensitized pairs. There were 75% 2-way (n = 2 × 202 = 404), 16.2% 3-way (n = 3 × 29 = 87), 3% 4-way (n = 4 × 4 = 16), 1.8% 5-way (n = 5 × 2 = 10), 2.2% 6-way (n = 6 × 2 = 12), and 1.8% 10-way KET (n = 10 × 1 = 10). Of the recipients 81.2% (n = 438) were male and 18.8% (n = 101) were female, while of the donors, 78.5% (n = 423) were female and 21.5% (n = 116) were male. All donors were near relatives; wives (54%, n = 291) and mothers (20%, n = 108) were the most common donors. At a median follow-up of 8.2 years, patient survival, death censored graft survival, acute rejection, and median serum creatinine levels of functioning grafts were 81.63% (n = 440), 91% (n = 494), 9.8% (n = 53) and 1.3 mg/dL respectively. We credited the success to maintaining a registry of incompatible pairs, high-volume LDKT programs, non-anonymous allocation and teamwork., Conclusion: This is the largest single-centre KET program in Asia. We report the challenges and solutions to replicate our success in other KET programs., (© 2024 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.)

The efficacy and treatment outcome of a CML patient are heavily dependent on BCR::ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutation status. Next-generation sequencing technology is a bright alternative to the previously used sanger sequencing method due to its global presence in diagnostic setups, massive parallel sequencing ability, and far better sensitivity. In the present study, we have demonstrated a new protocol for kinase domain mutation analysis using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method using the ion torrent sequencing platform. This protocol uses RNA as the starting material, followed by nested PCR to amplify the fusion transcript, which is subsequently used as a template for NGS. Initial validation and comparison of this assay with the sanger sequencing (SS) method yielded 95.23% agreement. CML samples (n = 121) with a failure to TKI response were subjected to this newly developed NGS-based assay to detect KD mutations, from which samples were found to have mutations with a sensitivity ranging from 2.32 to 93.41%. A total of 34.71% of samples (n = 42) were found to be positive for one or more KD mutations, whereas 65.29% of samples (n = 81) were found to be negative. Nine samples out of 42 positive samples, i.e., 21.42%, were found to have compound mutations. This is one of the first studies from India, which includes more than 160 samples and is analyzed by the NGS approach for KD mutation analysis., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Data on mixed mould infection with COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM) are sparse., Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence of co-existent CAPA in CAPM (mixed mould infection) and whether mixed mould infection is associated with early mortality (≤7 days of diagnosis)., Methods: We retrospectively analysed the data collected from 25 centres across India on COVID-19-associated mucormycosis. We included only CAPM and excluded subjects with disseminated or rhino-orbital mucormycosis. We defined co-existent CAPA if a respiratory specimen showed septate hyphae on smear, histopathology or culture grew Aspergillus spp. We also compare the demography, predisposing factors, severity of COVID-19, and management of CAPM patients with and without CAPA. Using a case-control design, we assess whether mixed mould infection (primary exposure) were associated with early mortality in CAPM., Results: We included 105 patients with CAPM. The prevalence of mixed mould infection was 20% (21/105). Patients with mixed mould infection experienced early mortality (9/21 [42.9%] vs. 15/84 [17.9%]; p = 0.02) and poorer survival at 6 weeks (7/21 [33.3] vs. 46/77 [59.7%]; p = 0.03) than CAPM alone. On imaging, consolidation was more commonly encountered with mixed mould infections than CAPM. Co-existent CAPA (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 19.1 [2.62-139.1]) was independently associated with early mortality in CAPM after adjusting for hypoxemia during COVID-19 and other factors., Conclusion: Coinfection of CAPA and CAPM was not uncommon in our CAPM patients and portends a worse prognosis. Prospective studies from different countries are required to know the impact of mixed mould infection., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To compare COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM) with COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis (CAROM), ascertain factors associated with CAPM among patients with COVID-19, and identify factors associated with 12-week mortality in CAPM., Methods: We performed a retrospective multicentre cohort study. All study participants had COVID-19. We enrolled CAPM, CAROM, and COVID-19 subjects without mucormycosis (controls; age-matched). We collected information on demography, predisposing factors, and details of COVID-19 illness. Univariable analysis was used to compare CAPM and CAROM. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with CAPM (with hypoxemia during COVID-19 as the primary exposure) and at 12-week mortality., Results: We included 1724 cases (CAPM [n = 122], CAROM [n = 1602]) and 3911 controls. Male sex, renal transplantation, multimorbidity, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, intensive care admission, and cumulative glucocorticoid dose for COVID-19 were significantly higher in CAPM than in CAROM. On multivariable analysis, COVID-19-related hypoxemia (aOR, 2.384; 95% CI, 1.209-4.700), male sex, rural residence, diabetes mellitus, serum C-reactive protein, glucocorticoid, and zinc use during COVID-19 were independently associated with CAPM. CAPM reported a higher 12-week mortality than CAROM (56 of the 107 [52.3%] vs. 413 of the 1356 [30.5%]; p = 0.0001). Hypoxemia during COVID-19 (aOR [95% CI], 3.70 [1.34-10.25]) and Aspergillus co-infection (aOR [95% CI], 5.40 [1.23-23.64]) were independently associated with mortality in CAPM, whereas surgery was associated with better survival., Discussion: CAPM is a distinct entity with a higher mortality than CAROM. Hypoxemia during COVID-19 illness is associated with CAPM. COVID-19 hypoxemia and Aspergillus co-infection were associated with higher mortality in CAPM., (Copyright © 2023 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Radiation is present everywhere in the earth, and human beings are continuously exposed to gamma radiation. The health consequences of environmental radiation exposure are a serious societal issue. The purpose of this study was to analyse outdoor radiation in four districts of Gujarat, India: Anand, Bharuch, Narmada, and Vadodara during summer and winter seasons. This study illustrated the influence of lithology of areas on gamma radiation dose values. Summer and winter seasons are the primary factors that alter the causes directly or indirectly; therefore, the influence of season fluctuation on radiation dose rate was investigated. The annual dose rate and mean gamma radiation dose rate values from four districts were found to be greater than the global population weight average value. The mean value of gamma radiation dose rate from 439 locations in the summer and winter seasons was 136.23 nSv/h and 141.58 nSv/h, respectively. According to a paired differences sample study, the significance value between outdoor gamma dose rate in summer and winter seasons was 0.05 indicating that seasons have a significant impact on gamma radiation dose rate. The impact of various types of lithology on gamma radiation dose was studied in all 439 places, and the statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant association between lithology and gamma radiation dose rate in the summer season, but a relationship between lithology and gamma dose rate was observed in the winter season., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: During the perioperative period of living donor liver transplantation, anesthesiologists and intensivists may encounter patients in receipt of small grafts that puts them at risk of developing small for size syndrome (SFSS)., Methods: A scientific committee (106 members from 21 countries) performed an extensive literature review on aspects of SFSS with proposed recommendations. Recommendations underwent a blinded review by an independent expert panel and discussion/voting on the recommendations occurred at a consensus conference organized by the International Liver Transplantation Society, International Living Donor Liver Transplantation Group, and Liver Transplantation Society of India., Results: It was determined that centers with experience in living donor liver transplantation should utilize potential small for size grafts. Higher risk recipients with sarcopenia, cardiopulmonary, and renal dysfunction should receive small for size grafts with caution. In the intraoperative phase, a restrictive fluid strategy should be considered along with routine use of cardiac output monitoring, as well as use of pharmacologic portal flow modulation when appropriate. Postoperatively, these patients can be considered for enhanced recovery and should receive proactive monitoring for SFSS, nutrition optimization, infection prevention, and consideration for early renal replacement therapy for avoidance of graft congestion., Conclusions: Our recommendations provide a framework for the optimal anesthetic and critical care management in the perioperative period for patients with grafts that put them at risk of developing SFSS. There is a significant limitation in the level of evidence for most recommendations. This statement aims to provide guidance for future research in the perioperative management of SFSS., Competing Interests: The authors declare no funding or conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyse the water quality in the Tulsishyam region in terms of corrosive and scaling properties. Thermal water samples (TWS), groundwater samples (GWS), and riverwater samples (RWS) were collected and analysed for a variety of geochemical parameters in various locations throughout the Tulsishyam region. The pH of such thermal springs ranges between 7.1 and 7.4, suggesting that they are neutral, and the temperature ranges between 39 and 42 °C. To determine the corrosive and scaling properties of water, various indices such as the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), the Puckorius Scaling Index (PSI), the Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), and the Larson Index (LaI) are used. According to the indices described previously, all water samples are extremely corrosive to intolerably corrosive with a significant abrasion rate. The chemical composition of the fluids is also investigated in relation to the weathering processes. Sulphate has a significant negative link with chlorine and a weak correlation with bicarbonate, whereas chlorine has a moderate correlation with bicarbonate, according to multivariate analysis. Industrial usage of water samples from the study area should be limited due to the aggressive nature of the water samples., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To understand the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination (Covishield, Covaxin) on clinical features and outcome of COVID-19 during the third wave in India., Materials and Methods: The primary study aim was to describe the clinical profile and outcome of COVID-19 regarding their vaccination and to identify risk factors for disease progression in vaccinated patients. This was a prospective observational multicentric study of COVID-19 attended by Infectious Disease physicians during January 15, 2022 to February 15, 2022. Adult patients with positive RT-PCR or rapid antigen test for COVID-19 were enrolled. Patient received treatment as per local institutional protocol. Chi square test for categorical and Mann Whitney test for continuous variables were applied for the analysis. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios., Results: A total of 788 patients were included in analysis out of 883 enrolled patients from 13 centers across Gujarat. By the end of two weeks' follow up, 22 patients (2.8%) had expired. The Median age of subjects was 54 years, with a (55.8%) male. 90% of the subjects were vaccinated, majority (77%) of them had received 2 doses of vaccine with Covishield (659, 93%). Mortality among the non-vaccinated was significantly (11.4%) higher than vaccinated (1.8%). Logistic regression analysis showed numbers of comorbidities (p ​= ​0.027), baseline higher WBC count (p ​= ​0.02), higher NLR (p ​= ​0.016), and Ct value (p ​= ​0.046) were associated with mortality while vaccination was associated with survival (p ​= ​0.001). The factors associated with mortality among vaccinated were age, comorbidities, baseline higher WBC, NLR, and CRP., Conclusions: Omicron variant was associated with mild symptoms. Clinical and laboratory risk factors for getting severe disease with Omicron variant were the same with previous SARS CoV-2 strain. Two doses of vaccine protect people against severe disease and death. Age, comorbidities, baseline leucocytosis, high NLR, elevated CRP are the risk factors for poor outcome in vaccinated patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All the authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The characterisation of solid waste (SW), leachate, is essential for developing an appropriate management strategy or treatment method. However, due to a range of contributing factors, such as waste type and dumping site locations, forecasting leachate quality is often challenging. This research article discusses leachate quality indicators and the temporal variations of leachate quality collected throughout various seasons and after 1-2 years of storage. In addition to that, the article also provides the data of different physicochemical parameters of SW and ground water (GW) quality collected from of Pirana solid waste dumping area (Pirana SWD), Ahmedabad, India, and surrounding areas throughout various seasons. The parameters like pH, COD, TDS, sulphates, nitrates, ammonia nitrogen, hardness, and heavy metals were all monitored to see whether there any temporal variations. When leachates were obtained 'fresh,' all parameters evaluated showed significantly higher values. As time passed, the values of the parameters (COD, ammonia nitrogen) stabilised. Heavy metals such as Hg, As, Pb, and Cr were detected in both fresh and old samples. Similarly in SW, the presence of heavy metals Hg (0.39 ppb), Pb (1.12 ppb), and Cr (16.86 ppb) were also detected. In case of GW, some samples also show the high TDS but the presence of metals like Cr, Ni, and Zn is less than permissible limit., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: India has experienced the second largest outbreak of COVID-19 globally, yet there is a paucity of studies analysing contact tracing data in the region which can optimise public health interventions (PHI's)., Methods: We analysed contact tracing data from Karnataka, India between 9 March and 21 July 2020. We estimated metrics of transmission including the reproduction number (R), overdispersion (k), secondary attack rate (SAR), and serial interval. R and k were jointly estimated using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. We studied determinants of risk of further transmission and risk of being symptomatic using Poisson regression models., Findings: Up to 21 July 2020, we found 111 index cases that crossed the super-spreading threshold of ≥8 secondary cases. Among 956 confirmed traced cases, 8.7% of index cases had 14.4% of contacts but caused 80% of all secondary cases. Among 16715 contacts, overall SAR was 3.6% [95% CI, 3.4-3.9] and symptomatic cases were more infectious than asymptomatic cases (SAR 7.7% vs 2.0%; aRR 3.63 [3.04-4.34]). As compared to infectors aged 19-44 years, children were less infectious (aRR 0.21 [0.07-0.66] for 0-5 years and 0.47 [0.32-0.68] for 6-18 years). Infectors who were confirmed ≥4 days after symptom onset were associated with higher infectiousness (aRR 3.01 [2.11-4.31]). As compared to asymptomatic cases, symptomatic cases were 8.16 [3.29-20.24] times more likely to cause symptomatic infection in their secondary cases. Serial interval had a mean of 5.4 [4.4-6.4] days, and case fatality rate was 2.5% [2.4-2.7] which increased with age., Conclusion: We found significant heterogeneity in the individual-level transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 which could not be explained by the degree of heterogeneity in the underlying number of contacts. To strengthen contact tracing in over-dispersed outbreaks, testing and tracing delays should be minimised and retrospective contact tracing should be implemented. Targeted measures to reduce potential superspreading events should be implemented. Interventions aimed at children might have a relatively small impact on reducing transmission owing to their low symptomaticity and infectivity. We propose that symptomatic cases could cause a snowballing effect on clinical severity and infectiousness across transmission generations; further studies are needed to confirm this finding., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Flooding is one of the major natural catastrophic disasters that causes massive environmental and socioeconomic destruction. The magnitude of losses due to floods has prompted researchers to focus more on robust and comprehensive modeling approaches for alleviating flood damages. Recently developed multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are being widely used to construct decision-making process more participatory, rational, and efficient. In this study, two statistical MCDM approaches, namely the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), have been employed to generate flood risk maps together with hazard and vulnerability maps in a GIS framework for Navsari city in Gujarat, India, to identify the vulnerable areas that are more susceptible to inundation during floods. The study area was divided into 10 sub areas (i.e., NC1 to NC10) to appraise the degree of flood hazard, vulnerability and risk intensities in terms of areal coverage and categorized under 5 intensity classes, viz., very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. A total of 14 flood indicators, seven each for hazard (i.e., elevation, slope, drainage density, distance to river, rainfall, soil, and flow accumulation) and vulnerability (i.e., population density, female population, land use, road network density, household, distance to hospital, and literacy rate) were considered for evaluating the flood risk. Flood risk coverage evaluated from the two approaches were compared with the flood extent computed from the actual flood data collected at 36 random locations. Results revealed that the TOPSIS approach estimated more precise flood risk coverage than the AHP approach, yielding high R 2 values, i.e., 0.78 to 0.95 and low RMSE values, i.e., 0.95 to 0.43, for all the 5 risk intensity classes. The sub areas identified under "very high" and "high" risk intensity classes (i.e., NC1, NC4, NC6, NC7, NC8, and NC10) call for immediate flood control measures with a view to palliate the extent of flood risk and consequential damages. The study demonstrates the potential of AHP and TOPSIS integrated with GIS towards precise identification of flood-prone areas for devising effective flood management strategies., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Objectives: The impending and increasing prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in India has necessitated a need for affordable and valid community outreach screening programme for DR, especially in rural and far to reach indigenous local communities. The present study is a pilot study aimed to compare non-mydriatic fundus photography with indirect ophthalmoscopy for its utilisation as a feasible and logistically convenient screening modality for DR in an older age, rural, tribal population in Western India., Design and Setting: This community-based, cross-sectional, prospective population study was a part of a module using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness and DR methodology in 8340 sampled participants with ≥50 years age. In this study, the diabetics identified were screened for DR using two methods: non-mydriatic fundus photography on the field by trained professionals, that were then graded by a retina specialist at the base hospital and indirect ophthalmoscopy by expert ophthalmologists in the field with masking of each other's findings for its utility and comparison., Results: The prevalence of DR, sight threatening DR and maculopathy using indirect ophthalmoscopy was found to be 12.1%, 2.1% and 6.6%, respectively. A fair agreement (κ=0.48 for DR and 0.59 for maculopathy) was observed between both the detection methods. The sensitivity and specificity of fundus photographic evaluation compared with indirect ophthalmoscopy were found to be 54.8% and 92.1% (for DR), 60.7% and 90.8% (for any DR) and 84.2% and 94.8% (for only maculopathy), respectively., Conclusion: Non-mydriatic fundus photography has the potential to identify DR (any retinopathy or maculopathy) in community settings in Indian population. Its utility as an affordable and logistically convenient cum practical modality is demonstrable. The sensitivity of this screening modality can be further increased by investing in better resolution cameras, capturing quality images and training and validation of imagers., Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2020/01/023025; Clinical Trial Registry, India (CTRI)., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Purpose: COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) has reached epidemic proportion during India's second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, with several risk factors being implicated in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the patient demographics, risk factors including comorbidities, and medications used to treat COVID-19, presenting symptoms and signs, and the outcome of management., Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of patients with COVID-19-associated ROCM managed or co-managed by ophthalmologists in India from January 1, 2020 to May 26, 2021., Results: Of the 2826 patients, the states of Gujarat (22%) and Maharashtra (21%) reported the highest number of ROCM. The mean age of patients was 51.9 years with a male preponderance (71%). While 57% of the patients needed oxygen support for COVID-19 infection, 87% of the patients were treated with corticosteroids, (21% for > 10 days). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was present in 78% of all patients. Most of the cases showed onset of symptoms of ROCM between day 10 and day 15 from the diagnosis of COVID-19, 56% developed within 14 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, while 44% had delayed onset beyond 14 days. Orbit was involved in 72% of patients, with stage 3c forming the bulk (27%). Overall treatment included intravenous amphotericin B in 73%, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)/paranasal sinus (PNS) debridement in 56%, orbital exenteration in 15%, and both FESS/PNS debridement and orbital exenteration in 17%. Intraorbital injection of amphotericin B was administered in 22%. At final follow-up, mortality was 14%. Disease stage >3b had poorer prognosis. Paranasal sinus debridement and orbital exenteration reduced the mortality rate from 52% to 39% in patients with stage 4 disease with intracranial extension (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: : Corticosteroids and DM are the most important predisposing factors in the development of COVID-19-associated ROCM. COVID-19 patients must be followed up beyond recovery. Awareness of red flag symptoms and signs, high index of clinical suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and early initiation of treatment with amphotericin B, aggressive surgical debridement of the PNS, and orbital exenteration, where indicated, are essential for successful outcome.

Aims: The objective of this study was to compare the islet cell function, insulin sensitivity, and incretin axis between Asian-Indian subjects with either impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT)., Materials and Methods: Prediabetes subjects underwent a mixed meal tolerance test(MMTT) after overnight fasting. Samples for glucose, insulin, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were collected at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min. Insulin secretion sensitivity index -2 (ISSI-2) for beta-cell function and Matsuda index for insulin sensitivity were assessed. Alpha cell function was assessed by measuring the area under the curve (AUC) 0-120 glucagon/AUC 0-120 glucose., Results: A total of sixty subjects were recruited with 20 in each group. The beta-cell function represented by ISSI-2 was impaired in prediabetes subjects as compared to NGT group (IFG: 2.09 ± 0.44 vs. NGT: 3.04 ± 0.80, P < 0.0001, and IGT: 2.33 ± 0.59 vs. NGT: 3.04 ± 0.80, P = 0.002). Similarly, AUC 0-120 glucagon/AUC 0-120 glucose was also lower in prediabetes group as compared to healthy controls (IFG: 0.41(0.54) vs. NGT: 1.07(0.39), P = 0.003 and IGT: 0.57(0.38) vs. NGT: 1.07(0.39), P = 0.001)., Conclusion: Asian-Indian prediabetes subjects have reduced beta-cell function with lesser glucagon secretion during MMTT as compared to normal healthy controls., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The number of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases is increasing in India. This study looks upon the geographic distribution of the virus clades and variants circulating in different parts of India between January and August 2020. The NPS/OPS from representative positive cases from different states and union territories in India were collected every month through the VRDLs in the country and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Epidemiological analysis of the 689 SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples revealed GH and GR to be the predominant clades circulating in different states in India. The northern part of India largely reported the 'GH' clade, whereas the southern part reported the 'GR', with a few exceptions. These sequences also revealed the presence of single independent mutations-E484Q and N440K-from Maharashtra (first observed in March 2020) and Southern Indian States (first observed in May 2020), respectively. Furthermore, this study indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 variant (VOC, VUI, variant of high consequence and double mutant) was not observed during the early phase of virus transmission (January-August). This increased number of variations observed within a short timeframe across the globe suggests virus evolution, which can be a step towards enhanced host adaptation.

Aim: To estimate prevalence and causes of avoidable blindness among people ≥50 years and to assess willingness to pay (WTP) for cataract surgery in tribal region of south Gujarat, India., Methods: A cross-sectional population based survey was conducted with 44 randomly selected clusters each having 50 people aged ≥50 years selected by probability proportional to size of sampling. Adults identified with cataract causing visual loss (<6/18) in any eye were interviewed to assess their WTP for surgery., Results: Total of 2137 examined out of 2200 people enumerated (response rate 97.1%). The prevalence of blindness (Presenting Visual Acuity (PVA)<3/60 in better eye) was 2.23% (95% CI: 2.95%-1.51%). Cataract was main cause of blindness (67.3%) followed by corneal scarring (8.2%). Major barrier to cataract surgery cited by bilaterally blind people was lack of escort to the surgical facility (34.3%). Cataract surgical coverage (CSC) was 84.9% (eyes) and 92% (persons). Of the 492 people interviewed to assess WTP for their surgery, only 36.4% people were willing to pay., Conclusion: The tribal population has a high poverty profile in India. Within this group, cataract remains the main treatable cause of blindness despite a high CSC. Assessment of barriers suggested that a well-coordinated outreach programme with free transport facilities to the surgical facility is required along with strategies to improve accessibility and prioritising cataract blind in the community. One-third of people were willing to pay for their surgeries implying that cross subsidization or tier system could be feasible for eye care programme sustainability.