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Based on fieldwork in Tinsukia district of Assam, this article examines the interplay of Ekal, ideology and education among the Adivasis in the tea gardens. The Ekal schools are one-teacher, informal schools operated by the Sangh Parivar in the underprivileged regions of India and Nepal. Considering the backward status of Adivasis in these tea gardens, the official narrative of the school is to reduce the literacy gap among the community, impart "sanskar" and empower them with entrepreneurial skills. I argue that Ekal's organisational structure and funding are corporate, and its conception of 'empowerment' is neoliberal. This works as an effective model for Hindutva as the Sangh seeks to bring popularly Christian-dominated tea gardens into its Hindutva fold. This is done by practices both inside and outside the school.

Based on fieldwork in Tinsukia district of Assam, this article examines the interplay of Ekal, ideology and education among the Adivasis in the tea gardens. The Ekal schools are one-teacher, informal schools operated by the Sangh Parivar in the underprivileged regions of India and Nepal. Considering the backward status of Adivasis in these tea gardens, the official narrative of the school is to reduce the literacy gap among the community, impart sanskar and empower them with entrepreneurial skills. I argue that Ekal's organisational structure and funding are corporate, and its conception of 'empowerment' is neoliberal. This works as an effective model for Hindutva as the Sangh seeks to bring popularly Christian-dominated tea gardens into its Hindutva fold. This is done by practices both inside and outside the school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present study, the nuclear track detector LR-115 (II) was employed to assess radon (222Rn) exhalation rate, effective radium (226Ra) content, and the annual effective dose from coal and soil samples collected in and around the coal mining area of Tiru region of Nagaland, India. The 222Rn mass and surface exhalation rates and 226Ra contents were found to be in the ranges of 7.3–17.3 mBq kg−1 h−1, 242.9–573.6 mBq m−2 h−1 and 1.0–2.3 Bq kg−1, respectively, for coal and 15.8–22.0 mBq kg−1 h−1, 523.8–730.4 mBq m−2 h−1 and 2.1–2.9 Bq kg−1, respectively, for soil. The 222Rn exhalation rates and 226Ra contents in soils were found to be higher than in coal. The estimated annual effective doses for coal and soils were found to be in the ranges of 17.6–41.6 and 38.0–53.0 μSv y−1, respectively. This study is an important contribution to the understanding of radiation exposure in the coal mining area of the thrust-bound sedimentary sequence of the Naga Schuppen Belt, and it would have potential impact on further human health studies. However, the measured values for all the samples were found to be within the globally recognised permissible range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents measurements of 222Rn exhalation rates, 226Ra contents and radiological exposure doses of granite, gneiss, shale, sandstone and soil samples across the seismically active Kopili Fault Zone, India using LR-115 (II) track detectors. The granites were found to have higher 222Rn exhalation rates than the other types of rocks. The study shows higher 222Rn exhalation rates and radiological exposure doses of soil samples collected near the fault than those collected away from the fault. However, the 226Ra contents in every geological sample were within the global average value of 40 Bq kg−1 for materials used in common buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the adsorption behaviors of surfactants in sandstone reservoir rocks containing various amounts of carbonate cement/minerals and their impact on wettability alteration under low‐salinity conditions. Two types of rock samples from sandstone reservoirs of Assam oilfields in India are selected based on XRD results. These rock types are (i) high carbonate cement (HCC) core sample with higher carbonate cement (calcite 5.6% and dolomite 4.0%), and (ii) low carbonate cement (LCC) core sample with lower carbonate cement (calcite = 0.5% and dolomite 0%). The study reveals that the mineralogy of sandstone reservoir rocks especially the carbonate minerals affects the brine‐rock interactions including wettability alternation and surfactant adsorption. Notable differences (2° to 8°) in contact angles for the two rock types at different salinities revealed that carbonate cement in sandstone thus impacts brine‐rock interactions. Further, low salinity surfactant (LSS) could positively alter the wettability of both rock types to water‐wet conditions (contact angle <60°). The most favorable wettability alterations (up to 30°) were achieved with cationic LSS solutions for both core types. Using LSS solutions also reduced the adsorption of anionic surfactant by around 40% and 33% for HCC and LCC rock samples, respectively. The study's novelty emanates from investigating the impact of sandstone reservoir rock mineralogy with varying amounts of carbonate cements on the adsorption behavior of surfactants under low‐salinity conditions. Moreover, this study provides a better understanding of the interrelationship existing between the degree of wettability alteration and the amount of surfactant adsorbed by sandstone rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Fermented soy foods exhibit the capability to inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme. The bacteria isolated from these fermented soy foods may contribute to the production of a higher quantity of α-glucosidase inhibitor (α-GI) in optimized condition. Aim. The present study aims to isolate α-glucosidase inhibitor producing bacterial strain from peruyaan, a traditional fermented soy food of Arunachal Pradesh, optimize the production of α-GI for maximum yield, and assess the compounds. Result. Bacillus subtilis PM NEIST_4 (identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing) was isolated as a potential strain that exhibit maximum α-glucosidase inhibition. This strain showed maximum α-GI productivity in Mueller Hinton Broth (MHB). The cultivation parameters for fermentation of MHB were optimized in order to maximize the yield of α-GIs. The α-GI productivity of 1616.613 ± 84.54 U/mL was observed before optimization, which increased by almost three times after optimization (4808.324 ± 13 U/mL). In vitro assays against α-glucosidase enzyme revealed a significant IC50 value of 596.532 ± 44.80 μg/mL after the optimized study compared to that before optimization (IC50 1705.617 ± 43.95 ug/mL). Besides, α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory property of fermented MHB (FMHB) was found to be unaffected at varied range of pH and temperature. Oral gavaging of FMHB in sucrose-loaded Wistar rat exhibited maximum reduction in postprandial blood glucose at 400 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, FMHB was fractionated using solvents of increasing polarity including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. Ethyl acetate fraction that exhibited the strongest inhibitory action against the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 value of 251.55 ± 19.65 μg/mL), showed the presence of pyrrolopyrazine derivatives through GC-MS and LC-MS analyses. Conclusion. The present study demonstrated the isolation of a potent α-GI producing bacterial strain from traditional fermented soy food, and the optimization of the bacterial fermentation process was achieved to maximize the yield of α-GI. These findings underscore promising industrial potential of B. subtilis PM NEIST_4, advocating the use of indigenous microbial resources for the production of α-GI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report unveils the outcomes of measurements of 222Rn exhalation rates, effective 226Ra content, and the annual effective dose for rocks and soil collected in the vicinity and far from the seismically active Kopili Fault Zone, India. LR-115 (II) nuclear track detector has been used to investigate radiation exposure in the seismically active fault zone and gneissic complex of the Shillong Plateau, which have significant geological characteristics and frequently produce earthquakes. In this study, 222Rn mass exhalation rates for granite, gneiss, and soil samples collected near and far from the fault were calculated to be in the ranges of 73.2–83.0, 11.0–14.8, 21.1–70.7 and 34.3–65.5, 6.4–9.9, 19.1–28.9 mBq kg−1 h−1, respectively. Surface exhalation rates of 222Rn for granite, gneiss, and soil samples collected near and far from the fault varied between 2428.8–2751.7, 365.6–491.9, 698.3–2345.9, and 1138.6–2172.7, 211.9–328.2, 634.9–960.0 mBq m−2 h−1, respectively. The 226Ra contents of granite, gneiss, and soil collected in similar distributions were found to vary from 9.76–11.06, 1.47–1.98, 2.8–9.4, and 4.58–8.74, 0.85–1.32, 2.6–3.6 Bq kg−1, respectively. The annual effective doses attributed to 222Rn inhalation from exposure to the samples were calculated to be in the ranges of 176.3–199.8, 26.5–35.7, 50.7–170.3 and 82.7–157.7, 15.4–23.8, 46.1–69.7 μSv y−1, respectively, for granite, gneiss, and soil. The lifetime fatality-risks have also been analysed in this study. The samples that were collected in close proximity to the fault showed higher values than those that were collected farther away. However, the results reveal that the measured values are within the globally recognised permissible range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opencast coal mining produces trash of soil and rock containing various minerals, that are usually dumped nearby the abandoned sites which causes severe environmental concern including the production of acid mine drainage (AMD) through oxidation pyrite minerals. The current study entailed assessing the potential production of AMD from an opencast coal mining region in Northeast part of India. In order to have a comprehensive overview of the AMD problem in Makum coalfield, the physico-chemical, geochemical, and petrological characteristics of the coal and overburden (OB) samples collected from the Makum coalfield (Northeast India) were thoroughly investigated. The maceral compositions reveal that coal features all three groups of macerals (liptinite, vitrinite, and inertinite), with a high concentration of liptinite indicating the coal of perhydrous, thereby rendering it more reactive. Pyrite (FeS2) oxidation kinetics were studied by conducting the aqueous leaching experiments of coal and (OB) samples to interpret the chemical weathering under controlled laboratory conditions of various temperature and time periods, and to replicate the actual mine site leaching. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was operated to detect the disposal of some precarious elements from coal and OB samples to the leachates during our controlled leaching experiment. The Rare earth element (REE) enrichment in the samples shows the anthropogenic incorporation of the REE in the coal and OB. These experiments reveal the change in conductivity, acid producing tendency, total dissolved solid(TDS), total Iron(Fe) and dissolved Sulfate(SO42−) ions on progress of the leaching experiments. Moreover, the discharge of FeS2 via atmospheric oxidation in laboratory condition undergoes a significant growth with the rise of temperature of the reaction systems in the environment and follows pseudo first order kinetics. A bio-remediative strategies is also reported in this paper to mitigate AMD water by employing size-segregated powdered limestone and water hyacinth plant in an indigenously developed site-specific prototype station. Apart from neutralisation of AMD water, this eco-friendly AMD remediation strategy demonstrates a reduction in PHEs concentrations in the treated AMD water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper Respiratory Tract Illness is mostly caused by viruses in all age groups especially children. It is implicated as a leading cause of mortality amongst the children of the 3rd world countries. Among the viral etiologies common are Parainfluenza virus, Rhino virus, Adeno virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Human metapneumo virus, Infleunza virus. Laboratory diagnosis of URTI is based on PCR and historical modalities like tissue culture are not done routinely and find use only in reference laboratories and academic institutes. Material and Methods: Throat swab, nasopharyngeal swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from patients ( ≤ 3years) and placed inside a viral transport media and transported at 4o C. RNA was extracted and Duplex RtPCR was run. Results: In the paediatric patients the most common age group affected was between 1-2 years, with a slight female predominace. Majority of the patients presented with features of upper respiratory tract infection. High birth order, Low birth weight, undernutrition, poor socio-economic status appear to be significant risk factors. Conclusion: URTI of viral origin appear to be the most important presentation of ARI in children below 3years of age in the population under study. Demographic factors such as high bith order, low socio-economic background and malnutrition appear to have significant impact on the morbidity due to ARI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Viburnum simonsii Hook. f. & Thoms is one of the 17 Viburnum species reported from India. Viburnum species such as Viburnum opulus and Viburnum grandiflorum have been used since time immemorial to treat various ailments and their therapeutic claims have been scientifically validated. However, the species under investigation despite having a long traditional usage history for the treatment of various illnesses in Meghalaya, India has grossly remained unexplored to date. No scientific report validating its therapeutic claim has been reported thus far. Therefore, the present study was mainly focused on investigating the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of V. simonsii and its phytochemical profile. Result: Preliminary phytocompound assessment revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, steroids, glycoside and terpenoids. The fruit extract displayed good antioxidant activity with phenolic and flavonoid content of 250.20 ± 8.12 mgGAE/g and 40.65 ± 1.31 mgQE/g respectively, and IC50 value of 131.35 ± 1.71 µg/ml. In antimicrobial assay, inhibitory activity was observed against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) with 17.80 ± 0.80 mm and 15.78 ± 2.62 mm zone of inhibition respectively. However, no activity was observed against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica) as well as fungus (Candida albicans). The absorption bands in the FTIR spectra of the sample corresponded to the presence of primary and secondary alcohols, alkanes, amines, aliphatic ethers, etc. Further, the GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of phytocompounds such as neophytadiene, β-sitosterol, α-amyrin, lupeol, etc., which have bioactivity especially anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Conclusions: The findings of the present study demonstrated that V. simonsii possessed appreciable antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and may be a potential target for pharmaceutical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution in freshwater environments has drawn considerable attention over the decades due to the risk posed by MPs to the aquatic fauna and human health. In this study, the occurrence of MPs was assessed from the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of indigenous fishes from Bhogdoi River, a tributary of River Brahmaputra, northeast hill region, Assam, India. All the fish species (n = 180) analysed showed 100% occurrence of MPs sampled from three stations of River Bhogdoi. A total of 488 microplastic particles were recorded from GIT of fishes collected. The mean abundance of MPs was highest in Station-II (7.64 ± 2.77 numbers individual−1) with lowest in S-I (3.17 ± 0.99 numbers individual−1). The MP size of 100–500 μm, MP shape of fibre (43.33%) and fragments (35.33%), blue colour MPs (26–37%) and polymer type PA (23–30%) were most prevalent in fishes analysed from River Bhogdoi. The mean abundance of MPs was higher in herbivore fishes (8.52 ± 1.22 numbers individual−1) as compared to carnivorous and omnivorous fish species with highest abundance in Labeo rohita (12.11 ± 2.13 numbers individual−1). Fibre and fragments with size range of 100–500 μm were dominant among all the feeding habits. Blue and black colour MPs were abundant among herbivore and carnivore fishes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed that polyamide and polypropylene were the most abundant MP polymer in the fishes analysed. The present study provides baseline information of MPs in River Bhogdoi, Assam, for its future monitoring and assessment of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mahadevpur (27°39′48″ N, 95°51′32″ E; Arunachal Pradesh, India) meteorite is a fall‐type, coarse‐grained rock consisting of a heterogeneous mixture of chondrules of varying types occurring in a matrix comprising mostly chondrule fragments. It was earlier classified as poorly shocked (S1, unshocked) ordinary chondrite (H4/5). The minerals observed in the Mahadevpur meteorite include olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, albitic‐plagioclase, Fe‐Ni alloy and troilite with minor amounts of chromite and phosphate. Olivine and orthopyroxene are almost equilibrated. The textures and compositional features of minerals and chondrule margins indicate a limited degree of recrystallization. The equilibration temperature (700–800°C) for the Mahadevpur chondrite is consistent with the computed temperature (752–902°C) derived from the coexisting orthopyroxene‐clinopyroxene pairs. In the light of new evidences observed during the present study, such as olivine exhibiting undulose extinction and planar to sub‐planar fractures, olivine and orthopyroxene showing strong mosaicism, the shock‐melted plagioclase glasses, the presence of high‐pressure mineral phases and silicate darkening, the earlier proposed shock stage pronouncement has been modified to S4–S5 with supporting petrographic, sub‐microscopic and Raman spectroscopic data. This is the first comprehensive account of the Mahadevpur chondrite with an upgraded shock stage classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an attempt to explore the role of Tai Ahom proverbs as a marker of cultural identity in the realm of postmodern society. Using or choosing culturally driven speech in communication is a linguistic behaviour which reflects the character of the people, their worldview, and thus their uniqueness or difference from the 'other'. In another way, this might be a conscious way of projecting self. This qualitative study on proverbs of Tai Ahom language and culture adopts the methods of ethnography and textual analysis. A cultural hermeneutic model, along with the participant observation method, was used to collect the data. Finally, the Tai Ahom community of Sivasagar district of Assam, India was chosen as the locus for the research. The findings show that the proverbs are deeply woven by the Ahom community's cultural heritage, history, pride, advice, and satire. Hence, this article provides an insight into Tai Ahoms' way of living and their worldview. In locating the Tai Ahom's cultural identity within the homogenised bigger community of 'Assamese' or akhomiya , this study could help in understanding the differences or uniqueness of the Tai Ahom and thereby the Assamese identity in the present context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the commonest infectious diseases in India, where control is difficult due to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The rifampicin resistance (RR) is an important surrogate marker of MDR-TB. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this article is to determine the prevalence of RR-TB among all symptomatic presumptive TB patients by cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) in our institution. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020 in the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) center of a tertiary care hospital. All presumptive cases of pulmonary TB patients coming to the DOT center were subjected to CBNAAT by GeneXpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis rifampicin (MTB/RIF) (Cepheid). Data were collected from a data-extraction sheet from registration books and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Fisher's exact test was applied to examine the association between categorical variables and P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 6171 presumptive TB patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence of TB was 1590 (25.77%) in all age groups. The prevalence of RR-TB among all confirmed TB cases was 10.75% (171/1590) with the majority being males (130 cases). The prevalence of RR cases among new and previously treated was 3.1% and 36.34%, respectively, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We found that RR-TB is still much prevalent in our area, and it was significantly higher in previously treated cases. The CBNAAT is a good molecular assay method for rapid detection of TB and also for the detection of RR-TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 28 April 2021 earthquake Mw 6.1 (epicentre 26.69° N, 92.36° E; centroid depth ~ 40 km GCMT report, www.globalcmt.org) in the Sonitpur district of Assam valley, North East (NE) India occurred at the Kopili fault (KF) zone, a long transverse structure across the valley. The earthquake caused a few casualties and injuries and some damage to buildings, ground fractures, fountains and liquefactions, landslides and other such manifestations in several parts of the valley, with a maximum intensity of MMI VI. The KF is identified as a seismically most active fault that caused two (1869 and 1943) large earthquakes (Mw > 7.0) in the past and several severely felt earthquakes (Mw ≥ 5.0) in recent years. Fault plane solutions of the 28 April 2021 mainshock and six aftershocks (Mw > 3.5) are determined by waveform inversion using broadband seismograms of the nearest observatory at Tezpur. The solutions are comparable to the GCMT solution of the mainshock and correlated with the known right-lateral strike-slip motion at the KF zone. The low-stress drops of the earthquake sequence indicate relatively long source duration and small co-seismic slip of the mainshock and the aftershocks. The low-stress drop in terms of lower energy release may be due to reactivation of the KF. The low-stress drop also indicates a pre-existing fault zone at greater depth. A stress inversion analysis of the 17 available fault plane solutions indicates a NNE–SSW compressional and NNW–SSE tensional stress regime in the KF zone. The Coulomb stress change map, on the other hand, identifies the zone of triggered aftershocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 infection has been declared a pandemic in 2020 and since then it has been affecting the vast population of the world till today. Alteration of various hematological and biochemical parameters has been documented in various literatures. Aim: The aim of our study is to find out the prognostic role of hematological and biochemical parameters in severe and nonsevere COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective record-based study conducted in a district-level COVID hospital of West Bengal, India. The COVID-confirmed patients admitted to the hospital during the second wave of COVID were included and data from records, including laboratory investigations were collected from the hospital registry. The severity of COVID was categorized based on the national guidelines. Independent samples t-test was applied to find out any relation of hematological and biochemical parameters abnormality in relation to disease severity. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 94 COVID-confirmed cases were included in our study. Males constitute the majority of cases (51 males vs. 43 females). Seventeen cases were categorized as severe COVID (18.09%), whereas others were nonsevere COVID. Among hematological parameters, total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil and lymphocyte percentage, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly altered among the severe compared to the nonsevere group (P < 0.05). While C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and serum ferritin levels also showed significant alteration among severe COVID patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed that severe COVID patients were significantly associated with neutrophilia, raised NLR, CRP, D-dimer, and serum ferritin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in cattle of Assam was 41% (134/325). Among 134 infected cattle 24 animals with >200 EPG of similar age group were selected randomly and divided into four groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) to record the anthelmintic efficacy and haematological parameters. The animals of group T1, T2 and T3 were treated with fenbendazole @ 5 mg/kg body weight (BW), albendazole @ 7.5 mg/kg BW and levamisole @ 7.5 mg/kg BW orally, respectively and group T4 was kept as infected untreated control group. On the basis of FECRT, the efficacy of these anthelmintic was found to be 100, 81.27 and 80.00% in the animals of group T1, T2 and T3, respectively. To record the values of haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC) and total leukocyte count (TLC), blood from the each infected treated and control animal was collected before and after treatment of 10 days. The increasing values of Hb and TEC were found to be non-significant among the treated groups while infected untreated group showed the decreasing values which were found to be highly significant when compared with treated group. However, increasing value of TLC was found to be significant in group T1, non-significant in T2 and highly significant among T3 group. These three anthelmintics have wide therapeutic index and they may kill or restrain egg production of GINs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is happening, and we have been forewarned of the consequences. Since it is caused largely by human action, a lot can be done to avert the detrimental consequences. But getting political support for action is difficult because the hardest‐hit people are marginalized groups that have little political power, including indigenous communities. Greta Thunberg and groups that agree with her view are emerging worldwide to promote action; nevertheless, the magnitude of public response and action is inadequate. This article highlights the adversities caused by the climate emergency in India and the efforts of indigenous communities to take effective action. In its conclusion, this article makes suggestions about ways to respond appropriately to the climate emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oligocene Laisong Formation in the Naga Schuppen Belt is coal bearing along the Dimapur‐Kohima Road section, Nagaland. The coals are sulphurous and classified as lignite to sub‐bituminous 'C' based on various rank parameters. The coals are dominantly composed of vitrinite followed by inertinite and liptinite in order of abundance. The coals have high‐quality Type III kerogens derived mainly from angiosperm plants. The richness and quality of organic matter in the coal is excellent to act as a petroleum source rock. Most of the maturity parameters indicate that maturity ranges from immature to early mature. The biomarker parameters and facies critical maceral associations point to deposition of the coal‐bearing strata in non‐marine/terrestrial depositional environment under moist hydrodynamic conditions, possibly in an upper delta plain environment. However, the high sulphur content of the coal points to deposition in a lower delta plain environment. Comparison with other Palaeogene coal deposits of the same sedimentary basin shows that the Laisong coals contain lesser amount of liptinite macerals and much higher amount of sulphur than these deposits. All these deposits are of similar rank, however, the Laisong coals show marginally low thermal maturity from the viewpoint of hydrocarbon generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) report reflects the current health condition of the country and its states as well as.Based on these findings this review carried out to highlight the mother’s health seeking behaviours during childhood illness for the North-eastern states of India along with existing health programs catering to maternal and child health.Overall 60 percent of the children aged under five (U-5) were received any advice or treatment for Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) from a health provider in Northeast India. Nearly 20 percent of the children with fever were given antibiotic drug and only 1 percent of them were given antimalarial drug. Meghalaya is the only North-eastern state were the maximum incidence (12%) of diarrhoea has been observed while least was seen in Sikkim (2%). The lack of basic amenities is directly or indirectly responsible for the high burden of childhood morbidities in this region. Also, poor and unequal distribution of maternal health seeking behaviours for their children were observed to all the North-eastern states of India. A huge proportion of children are still lagging behind from the adequate advices or treatments due to various reasons like, poor quality of care and the lake of government health facility in the area, health personnel were often absent from government health facilities and the major problem was the distance to a health facility specially in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oligocene succession of the Tikak Parbat Formation has prominent coal bearing horizons. The formation comprises of medium to coarse grained light coloured sandstone, clay and carbonaceous shale with four workable coal seams. Core samples from two wells has been studied with regards to organic matter content and type. Relatively high total organic carbon (TOC) contents are present (average 72.103 wt %) in coal; the hydrogen index (HI) values reach a maximum of 410 mg HC/g TOC, indicating presence of type III-II kerogen, and the organic matter is thermally immature (Tmax 428°C) in coal. The genetic potential have maximum yield of 246.53 mg/g, so the coal deposits could act as an excellent source rock for hydrocarbons if the burial depth is sufficient. Carbonaceous shale samples are at early mature stage (Tmax 438°C). Kerogen at this maturity level is within oil window and is capable of generating oil and thermogenic gas upon thermal cracking. The study highlights dense accumulation of reactive macerals (vitrinite + liptinite) and low concentration of inertinite. The empirically derived values for coal reveal a high conversion (>90%) and oil yield (>60%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal network characteristics have an important role in assessing the hard-to-reach population. The purpose of the study was to assess the network characteristic, recruitment pattern and the association between personal networks with other cofactors of female sex workers (FSWs) in Nagaland, India. Four hundred and seventeen FSWs were recruited through Respondent Driven Sampling in Dimapur, Nagaland using seven seeds. Transition probability matrices and homophily indices were used to describe the network characteristics and network pattern of FSWs. Respondent Driven Sampling weighted logistic regression model was performed to observed the association. Mean personal network size of FSWs was 6.8. Heterophily was present for age at first sexual debut, duration of sex work, client volume per weeks, and personal network size. Being >30 years of age, having ≥10 years of engagement in sex work, being hotel/lodge entertainer, having more client were found significantly associated with an increased likelihood of personal network size. Higher personal network size was also found significantly associated with ever illicit drug used practices. The personal network sized and the existence of the affiliation between recruiters and recruitees may help to spread peer-driven intervention among FSWs in the region. Further, research is required on the social networks of FSWs for a better understanding of their personal network, network pattern, and high-risk behaviors in all aspects to build a better foundation for behavioral intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of the eastern hoolock gibbon in India is restricted to the eastern part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Sadiya sub-division of Assam. The Sadiya population of the eastern hoolock gibbon is the sole population of the species in the state of Assam. A survey was conducted from January to February 2019 in three of the six reserve forests of the Sadiya sub-division to investigate the status of the eastern hoolock gibbon. Data were collected using modified line-transect surveys. We recorded seven groups in three reserve forests through direct sightings. Of the 17 individuals recorded, 14 were adults, and three were juveniles or infants. The average group size of the sighted groups was 2.42, with an adult sex ratio of 1:1. We also recorded 12 groups of rhesus macaques in the area. Rapid loss of habitat resulting from encroachment and illegal felling of trees and inadequate infrastructure are the major threats to the hoolock gibbon in Sadiya. A comparison of the present demographic data with the results of a previous study indicates that, without any immediate conservation and management intervention, this single population of eastern hoolock gibbons will be extinct in the near future. An integrated management program for the forest fragments, taking hoolock gibbon as a flagship species, could ensure the survival of the biodiversity of Sadiya, and the hoolock gibbon there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, CML is the commonest adult leukemia. Imatinib is the gold standard for frontline treatment of newly diagnosed CML-CP patients. The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib in newly diagnosed CML-CP patients. In this prospective study, 76 newly diagnosed CML-CP patients received generic imatinib. They were monitored as per the ELN2013 recommendation. Karyotyping and BCR-ABL transcript level were done at specified time points. Adverse effects, if any, were documented as per the NCI-CTCAE criteria v4.03. Statistical analysis was done using standard methods. A total of 76 patients included in the study; median age was 36 years. The most common (71%) presenting symptom was fatigue; splenomegaly was found in all patients. CHR was achieved in 97% cases. At 3 months, 64.5% patients achieved ERM. At 6 months, CCyR and MCyR had seen in 65% and 68% cases, respectively. MMR achieved at 12 months in 44% cases. Most common hematological and non-hematological toxicity were anemia and skin changes seen in 89.5% and 71% cases, respectively. With generic imatinib therapy, the results of treatment outcome and safety profile were comparable with original imatinib. The added advantage was gross reduction in cost of therapy meeting unmet needs in CML patients in countries with resource constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health service is very important for the socio-economic upliftment of a country. Every citizen of a nation wants a better healthcare service to maintain their hygienic life. In India there is always facing a shortfall of healthcare services mainly in rural areas of the country. Therefore, the present study is trying to examine the current status of rural healthcare infrastructure of the nation especially in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India i.e. the states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. It also aims to make a comparative analysis of healthcare infrastructure among NER states. The study is solely based on secondary data and collected from different sources of Government of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuel production becomes a sustainable developmental strategy, when wastelands are reprocessed as prospective mass culture sites (PMCS) for microalgae feedstock. Remote Sensing (RS) data and field visits were used to delineate eutrophic water bodies for PMCS. The floodplains of the Brahmaputra River Valley of Assam, India, were selected as PMCS and were defined using RS data. A green alga of the genus Parachlorella was isolated from an algal bloom present in the drainage system, of Tezpur University, Assam, India. The species was cultured in representative water samples from the PMCS and growth was monitored in open laboratory conditions against the control. The microalgal biomass was characterized and subjected to in situ transesterification. The fuel properties such as viscosity, density, calorific value and cetane number (CN) were determined to assess the fuel quality. The results showed the biodiesel fuel properties were within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) purview. Additionally, the thermo-chemical conversion and subsequent characterization underscored the feasibility of bio-oil production from open laboratory culture of microalgae. This study highlights the practicability of combining RS data and experimental appraisal for cost effective, environment friendly and sustainable biofuel production, from microalgae cultured in wasteland PMCS. Image 1 • Remote Sensing for mapping wastelands for microalgal culture. • Microalgal bioenergy prospecting. • Bio and thermo-chemical conversion of microalgal biomass. • Biodiesel fuel properties within ASTM range. • Feasibility of mass culture and wasteland reclamation simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the commonly Neglected tropical disease worldwide. Improvement in Living conditions with better diagnostics can reduce the incidence of this disease. The burden of NCC is high in areas with poor socio-economic development. Despite high prevalence in India, the diagnostic challenge remains especially when differentiating from tuberculosis which is also common in the same setting. We describe a novel and rapid diagnostic method for NCC, which might add to our diagnostic Repertoire. Methods: It was prospective case control study involving consecutive patients of definite and probable NCC at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern India. LAMP assay in urine was performed in all the patients. LAMP amplified target Taenia solium cox1 gene at 60°C in 120min. The results were compared with 24 controls. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative value were calculated using a 2X 2 contingency table. Results: Total of 58 patients recruited, 53 were definitive NCC and 5 had probable NCC based on Del Brutto criteria and 24 volunteers were taken as control all of them underwent urine LAMP of T. solium. T. solium cox1 gene was detected in 60% of Urine samples in patients of NCC, overall specificity of LAMP assay was 92%. The negative predictive value and positive predictive value of real time LAMP assay was 50% and 95%. Conclusions: Conclusion: Real time urine LAMP assay for T. solium gene offers noninvasive, cost effective and rapid method to detect Taenia parasite in patients, in Addition to available investigations. Specially in resource limited setting of endemic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) lesions show considerable geographic and racial variations with respect to the incidence and their pattern of distribution. The histological spectrum of CNS lesions is broad and it varies among extremes of age groups. The study is aimed to determine the diversity of CNS lesions as well as to highlight the incidence and the histological spectrum of CNS lesions in a tertiary health center in India. Materials and Methods: A total of 238 CNS lesions were retrospectively analyzed in the Department of Pathology from October 2014 to November 2017. The specimens were processed by routine histotechniques, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed whenever required. The diagnosis was confirmed by applying the existing World Health Organization classification. Results: Two hundred and thirty-eight cases of CNS lesions were analyzed, of which 33 (13.86%) cases were nonneoplastic, with the majority being cystic lesions 12 (36.36%). The neoplastic lesions comprised 205 (86.13%) cases, which included 200 (97.56%) primary and 5 (2.43%) metastatic lesions. Among the primary lesions, gliomas 57 (27.80%) were the most common followed by meningiomas 43 (20.97%) and schwannomas 37 (18.04%). Conclusion: The present study highlights the histological diversity of CNS lesions in both adult and pediatric age groups. Although with the advent of modern imaging techniques, a provisional diagnosis could be given to these diseases, histological examination with further utilization of IHC remains the gold standard in diagnosis and grading of all CNS lesions. This has further helped in management as well as the prognosis of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of low dose secondary/tertiary prophylaxis in severe Hemophilia A children and determine improvements in their daily life.Methods: Thirty Hemophilia A children (≤ 12 y) with factor VIII <2% and less than two joint bleeds without inhibitors, were given prophylaxis with recombinant Fc fusion long acting factor VIII (ELOCTATE) at 10 IU.kg-1 twice weekly for 1 y. Earlier, patients received on-demand FVIII for a minimum of six months. Outcome was measured in terms of annual bleeding rate, Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and child activity/participation was measured in terms of school absenteeism, School Activity Participation Score and Daily Activity Score according to Beijing Children Hospital assessment scale.Results: A total of 30 children were included in the study. There was reduction in annual joint bleeds by 85.76% (14.5 to 2.2) and school absenteeism (days/month) by 86% (17.38 to 2.42) before and after prophylaxis respectively. Majority (43%) showed moderate improvement in daily activity score. Mean HJHS score was 8.3. There was mild improvement in School Activity Participation Score in 57%. Mean annual hospitalization rate reduced from 8.7 to 1.1 with improvement in joint scores. Mean annual factor consumption decreased from 1944.2 IU.kg-1 to 1560.3 IU.kg-1.Conclusions: With low dose secondary/tertiary prophylaxis, there is significant reduction in the annual joint bleed rate with improvement in joint health and child activity. As factor consumption is reduced, this has a positive effect on cost benefit; and is a very feasible option in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The golden langur, Trachypithecus geei, is among the world's 25 most endangered primates. It is endemic to India and Bhutan. Its distribution is limited to a small forest belt in western Assam in India and in Bhutan, between the River Manas in the east, River Sankosh in the west, and the Brahmaputra in the south. We carried out a survey of the golden langur in the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, the sole protected habitat for golden langurs in India, from December 2016 to March 2017. Modified line transects and total count methods were used for data collection. A total of 558 individuals in 72 groups were counted along the transects through direct sightings. Group size ranged from 2 to 18 individuals, with a mean size of 7.75. The adult male to female sex ratio was 1:2.06 and the ratio of adult females to infants was 1:0.461. The age structure of the population observed comprised 62.4% adults, 22.4% juveniles, and 15.2% infants. Encroachment, illegal tree felling, fuelwood collection and grazing by the different fringe villages are identified as major threats for golden langurs in and around the sanctuary. This information on the status and threats spectrum of the golden langur in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary will help in formulating the future conservation and management guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Capsicum chinense Jacq., is prone to many fungal diseases, including collar rot. • PGPR can control the disease by triggering the induction of resistance systemically. • ISR plant boosted defense-related enzymes activity and upregulated gene expression. • No internal injury or change occurred in PGPR treated plant. • The study will help for sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical pesticides. Collar rot disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a major constraint to the commercial cultivation of Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) in North-East India. However, the management of the disease is not addressed comprehensively in this plant. Some plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could control plant diseases by triggering induction of resistance systemically, and emerge as a highly promising approach to reduce the use of chemical fungicides. Therefore, five selected PGPRs were tested for plant growth promotion and induced systemic resistance (ISR) for controlling the disease. Induced systemic resistance was determined in vivo condition. Confocal laser scanning microscopic observation was done to see any harmful effects on cells in the induced plant. The PGPRs could significantly improve plant growth as well as suppress the disease and boost defense-related enzymes activity in the induced plants. Bacillus megaterium JPR68 triggered the maximum ISR in the plant. Expression of the defense-related genes was analyzed which were highly expressed in ISR plants. Microscopic observation revealed that no internal changes occurred in PGPR treated plant cells similar to the untreated plant, and indicated no harmful effect of the bacteria in the host cell. The study demonstrates the possible application of B. megaterium JPR68 as a biocontrol agent for sustainable management of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ISR against any fungal disease in Bhut Jolokia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looper stages of geometrid moths such as Biston suppressaria, Hyposidra talaca and H. infixaria are among the most destructive pests of tea in the Himalayan foothills and plains of northeast India. Geometrid moths typically lay their eggs in cracks of rough barked shade-trees in tea plantations. In a novel approach to disrupt egg laying and prevent neonate loopers from migrating upward to the canopy, trunks of shade trees were partially covered with bands of polythene sheets covered with a sticky material called "Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesive". The efficacy of this method was compared with another control method, light trapping, in terms of number of geometrid moth catches. The results of the capture experiments showed contrasting sex-bias: The light traps caught significantly more males than females in two experimental locations, whereas the opposite trend was observed for the sticky traps. Cost calculations show that employing sticky band traps compared to light traps is more cost effective. The sticky band traps are also more practical to adopt, and do not require power supply or trap structures. This study demonstrates that sticky band traps are effective eco-friendly device for management of looper pest in tea plantations, particularly when compared with the other methods of light trapping. However, the combination of both sticky band traps and light traps could strengthen plant protection under IPM program, hence help preventing population built-up of loopers, especially in bio-organic tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about oral health of riverine islanders of Brahmaputra in Assam, India. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental caries, dental pain and risk factors (alcohol, tobacco and oral hygiene practices) among riverine islanders of Brahmaputra in Assam, India. Methods: A cross-sectional (questionnaire and clinical) study was conducted among 102 study participants to obtain their socio-demographic data, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, oral hygiene practices and history of dental pain in preceding 6 months. Dental caries was clinically diagnosed using WHO modification of DMFT index. Chi-square and students 't' test was used for proportion and mean difference. Results: Consumption of alcohol was nil and 58.8 percent consumed tobacco with majority using smokeless form. The prevalence of dental caries was 59.8 percent with mean dmft - 2.3 and DMFT - 3. Males had significantly higher dmft scores (P=0.02) and absence of dental caries was observed more among females (P=0.008). About 34 percent did not brush their teeth and 71 percent experienced dental pain. Difficulty in chewing food was common impact affecting their quality of life. Majority did not do anything for dental pain citing 'no dentist nearby' and 'transportation problems' as main reasons. Conclusion: After careful consideration of the results, a Boat Dental Clinic Program (BDCP) was initiated to overcome the barrier of accessibility thereby providing oral health services at their doorstep. BDCP was planned based on the prevalent epidemiology of oral diseases, cultural factors and available resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalijhora in Darjeeling district of West Bengal happens to be one of the few places in extra-peninsular India which hosts Gondwana rocks. While Gondwana sedimentation in peninsular India largely took place within a fluviatile regime, marine influences on these rocks have been proved from some areas of Himalayan region mainly based on paleontological attributes which are absent in Kalijhora. The Kalijhora lithostratigraphic column which exudes imprints of Himalayan geodynamism is largely arenaceous with minor carbonaceous shale, sandy shale and coal. These arenaceous units were investigated in detail to locate marine signatures, if any. The sub-arkose to sub-litharenite Kalijhora sandstones having more of calcareous cements show imprints of locomorphic to phyllomorphic stages of diagenesis. Mg/Ca ratio of Kalijhora sandstones hints at possible precipitation of low to high magnesian calcite under a marine influence. The presence of dolomite in pore spaces and the dolomitic accretions in the form of stars indicate a phase of dolomitic intrusion which is a distinct marine signature. Further, both primary euhedral dolomite cement crystals and secondary dolomitized cements represent two phases of cementation that can be inferred to have formed during a possible marine incursion phase as seawater is the common and principal source of Mg in sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex and unique riverbank erosion characteristics of the Brahmaputra River in India, the fourth largest river in the world in terms of average discharge at the mouth and second only to the Yellow River in China in the amount of sediment transported per unit drainage area, is highlighted with illustrations of the severity of erosion caused at various bank locations. First, the source and the entire course of the river are described. Riverbank erosion mechanisms and existing erosion control measures and their effectiveness in the Assam reach of the Brahmaputra River are described. As part of a joint effort for the first time between U.S. and Indian (local) investigators to understand and find solutions to this mega unique problem of the Brahmaputra River, a set of recommendations, including a phase-wise multiple solutions to the acute and potential riverbank erosion sites along this large river, is forwarded for discussion and getting feed back from international experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to study the effects of different doses of pig dung on the growth rate of Catlacatla during the summer season. Rate of application of pig dung doses were 10000 kgha-1yr-1,15000 kgha-1yr-1, 20000 kgha-1yr-1 and 25000 kgha-1yr-1. The experiment was carried out in a Completely Randomized Block Design. There were four replicates for each treatment where pig dung was applied at 10000 kgha-1yr-1 (T1), 15000 kgha-1yr-1 (T2), 20000 kgha-1yr-1 (T3) and 25000 kgha-1yr-1 (T4) and control. The control pond did not receive pig dung. After 10 days of application of pig dung, Catla was stocked at the rate of 8,000 nos./ha in the fish ponds. Sampling was done at 15 days interval to study the growth rate and health status of the fishes. At the end of 3 months period, the fishes were harvested, and the performance of growth, survival and total production was recorded viz. 72.92±6.41g. The results of the study clearly indicated that in the indirect integration system of pig-fish farming, where fresh pig dung contains 0.61% nitrogen, 0.50% phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P), the dung load of 20000 kgha-1yr-1 is optimum for satisfactory growth of catla, which yield an average production of 5354.00 kgha-1yr-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tea red spider mite,Oligonychus coffeae, is one of the most destructive pests of tea in the world which is mainly managed by chemical acaricides. In the present study, concentration-mortality responses ofO. coffeaefrom eight tea geographical populations along with a laboratory susceptible strain against five acaricides, viz., ethion, dicofol, propargite, fenazaquin and fenpropathrin were assayed based on standard leaf-dipped method. Although observed levels of susceptibility varied between populations and acaricides, population from Cachar region registered a high LC50value to most of the acaricides evaluated. Almost all of the tested field populations had developed high to very high level of resistance to ethion and dicofol, with resistance ratios ranging from 13.58 to 134.27-fold. Fenazaquin and propargite were very effective againstO. coffeaein all tested populations, while fenpropathrin showed minor variation in their susceptibility. Significant positive correlation was only observed between the LC50values of ethion and dicofol (r = 0.95, P = 0.005) suggesting the potential for cross-resistance. These results indicated that control failure was associated with resistance to ethion and dicofol therefore reinforcing the need of resistance management program and offered useful information about alternative acaricides to controlO. coffeae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to identify various traditional tools and implements used for agricultural operations by thefarmers of Sikkim. A total 28 tools were documented and tools like Halo-Juwa, Daatey, Phewri, Kaata/Haatey Kaata, Kodalo, Kodali, Hansia, Khurmi, Kachia, Khukuri, Bamfok, Elaichi Churi, Bancharo, Ramba/Jhyampal, Jaato, Okhlee and Mushlee, Dhikki, Ankhe Doko/Sipringey Doko, Thunche, Namlo, Chaalni, Nanglo, Daalo/Pathee, Bhakari and, Dhekutti werefound in every household of the rural farmers. The study also revealed that most of the farmers of Sikkim have small and fragmented land holdings and continue to use indigenous tools and implements as it is considered to be cheaper, economical, and easily available in the local villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Personal networks are significant social spaces to spread of HIV or other blood-borne infections among hard-to-reach population, viz., injecting drug users, female sex workers, etc. Sharing of infected needles or syringes among drug users is one of the major routes of HIV transmission in Manipur, a high HIV prevalence state in India. This study was carried out to describe the network characteristics and recruitment patterns of injecting drug users and to assess the association of personal network with injecting risky behaviors in Manipur. Methods: A total of 821 injecting drug users were recruited into the study using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts of Manipur; data on demographic characteristics, HIV risk behaviors, and network size were collected from them. Transition probability matrices and homophily indices were used to describe the network characteristics, and recruitment patterns of injecting drug users. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were performed to analyze the association between the personal networks and sharing of needles or syringes. Results: The average network size was similar in both the districts. Recruitment analysis indicates injecting drug users were mostly engaged in mixed age group setting for injecting practice. Ever married and new injectors showed lack of in-group ties. Younger injecting drug users had mainly recruited older injecting drug users from their personal network. In logistic regression analysis, higher personal network was found to be significantly associated with increased likelihood of injecting risky behaviors. Conclusion: Because of mixed personal network of new injectors and higher network density associated with HIV exposure, older injecting drug users may act as a link for HIV transmission or other blood-borne infections to new injectors and also to their sexual partners. The information from this study may be useful to understanding the network pattern of injecting drug users for enriching the HIV prevention in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Tuberculosis is an immense health problem in the developing countries. Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is often difficult because of its protean manifestations. Our objective was to evaluate the various clinical and laboratory presentation of abdominal tuberculosis from a tertiary care setup. Materials and methods We reviewed the clinical and laboratory features of patients presenting with abdominal tuberculosis through retrospective analysis from January 2016 to December 2016 from a tertiary care hospital in Northeast India. Results Of the 42 adult patients with abdominal tuberculosis who were part of the study, 22 (52.4%) were males and 20 (47.6%) females. The mean age was 34.6 years. Fever (93%) was the most common presenting symptom followed by pain abdomen (74%), loss of appetite (71%), weight loss (67%) and nausea/vomiting (45%). The main organs involved were the mesenteric lymph nodes (n = 19, 45.2%), the peritoneum (n = 6, 14.3%), and gastrointestinal (n = 5, 11.9%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was apparent in 4 (9.5%) patients. Conclusion Abdominal tuberculosis presents with varied symptomatology. A high degree of suspicion along with meticulous history and clinical examination corroborated with laboratory investigation is required for its diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant neoplasm of the penis is a rare cancer in industrialized countries but is not uncommon in India. Nearly 95% of penile cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Malignant neoplasms of the sebaceous glands, which are mostly confined to the head and neck region, are even rarer. We present a 74-year-old male with sebaceous cell carcinoma of the penis. He underwent excision of the primary lesion with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some people in Northeast India prepare rice-based alcoholic drinks in the household. People use these drinks in religious and social functions, and these are taken even in the presence of parents and elders. Easy access to illicit substances in industrial towns and lack of social inhibition for intake of homemade alcohol might increase the vulnerability of youth to these habits. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of alcoholic drink user among school-going adolescent students in an industrial town of Assam. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to collect the data using a predesigned questionnaire. Personal interview was conducted to collect the data about pattern of alcohol use, type of alcoholic drinks they use, duration, and information about parents and peer. Data were analyzed using Epi-info 17 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences-17.0 (Chicago, USA, SPSS Inc.). Results: About 36% out of 1285 students have tasted/used homemade alcoholic drinks (HADs) and 12.3% used commercially available alcoholic drinks (CADs). Significantly higher numbers (P < 0.001) of adolescent students (≥15 years) used CAD in comparison to children (<15 years). However, the number of younger students was higher in using HAD. Minimum age at first experience of CAD was 7 years and that of HAD was 4 years; the duration varied from 1 to 8 years and 1--15 years, respectively. Parent's behavior of taking tobacco and/or alcohol influenced the habit of their children. Father's habit was found to be associated with male offspring's habit of taking CAD. About 16% of the students used one or more substances along with alcohol. Conclusion: High percentage of adolescents in the industrial town of Assam use alcoholic drinks with a male preponderance. They taste alcoholic drinks at a very young age. Parent's indulgence in taking tobacco, alcohol, or both was found to influence higher intake by their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom poisoning is a rare cause of acute kidney injury. Here, we present a case with presumed Amanita nephrotoxic syndrome, a first of its kind from the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment and reuse practices are limited in India despite the known benefits of preventing water resources pollution and contributing to sustainable production and consumption systems. We identify the perceived key drivers and barriers to wastewater treatment and reuse governance in a two-round Delphi study, including literature and case study analyses and consultation with 75 panelists. Panelists indicated that the most significant driver for wastewater treatment and water reuse is persistent water scarcity that necessitates diversification to alternative water supplies. In contrast, the most significant barriers are the lack of enforcement of pollution monitoring and control, the lack of an umbrella directive for integrated water resources management, and insufficient collaboration between responsible governmental organizations, central and state water authorities. Given the absence of central guidelines, only a few Indian states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat or Punjab have adopted effective governance structures. These states showcase that defined reuse standards can create successful wastewater treatment and reuse practices but require target-based regulations which are enforced and regularly monitored and financing mechanisms for their long-term operation. The new effluent discharge standards by the National Green Tribunal, the government support programmes, and increasing water scarcity in many parts of India will supposedly drive innovative wastewater treatment and reuse structures. Panelists agreed that efforts are needed to develop technology guiding frameworks following the fit-for-purpose principle and that strengthening institutional and monitoring capacity is crucial to increase confidence in the quality of recovered water resources, create demand, and ultimately safeguard human health and the environment. : [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The British colonial period of Assam (1826-1947) was characterized by efforts to realign societal norms on modern lines without completely disassociating from the main tenets of its tradition. In this context, the nineteenth century in particular and the early twentieth century is important in the history of Assam as elsewhere in India, for it witnessed the entry of girls into the formal system of education. It is self-contradictory that education, which is one of the potent instruments of social change, would also be used to strengthen the prevalent patriarchal societal norms and further deny women opportunities to learn new roles. The present study would basically concern itself in reconstructing the opposition and challenges to women's education in Assam as reflected in the nascent Vernacular Press during the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The work is limited to the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The guidelines for minimizing occupational health risk from exposure to highly infectious diseases is already established but little information exists on the compliance of these measures among paramedical workers in India. Objective: To study the awareness of occupational safety measures such as universal precautions, biomedical waste handling, disposal and its compliance in their daily practice. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in a tertiary private hospital in Karnataka, Bangalore, India. Data was collected using a pretested and predesigned proforma from 120 respondents: 85 nurses and 35 laboratory technicians. Results: 27 (32%) nurses and 20 (57%) laboratory technicians could relate universal precautions to infection prevention. Only 6 (7%) nurses and 2 (6%) technicians had knowledge about proper hospital waste segregation. 45 (52.9%) nurses and 15 (42.8%) technicians had knowledge about post-exposure prophylaxis. 3 (4%) nurses and 9 (26%) technicians were formally trained in following universal precautions. Adequate hand washing was practiced among 17 (20%) nurses and none of the technicians. Faulty practice such as recapping of needle was prevalent among 57 (67%) nurses and 29 (83%) technicians. 32 (38%) nurses and 10 (29%) technicians received hepatitis B vaccine. Conclusion: As knowledge and practice regarding different aspects of universal precautions was not satisfactory, training was warranted urgently in the study population. Also, suggestions were made to develop and implement institutional policies on the universal precautions and ensuring supply of personal protection equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study documented pharmaceutically important plant resources used in primary health care of ethnic Garo tribes from Eastern Himalayas (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve [NBR], India). In order to document information on medicinal plants and to maximize the collection of indigenous knowledge of Garo tribes, 12 traditional healers were identified using the Participatory Rapid Appraisal approach. Data were collected through open-end interviews with traditional healers, between 2007 and 2011. A total of 157 plant species representing 134 genera and 81 families were found to be commonly used in the treatment of 67 health-problems. More than one-fourth of the plant species were used in the treatment of cough, flu, and cold, which are prevalent ailments in the study area. The leaves, root, rhizome, and tuber were the most commonly used plant parts while decoction was the most common method of drug preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Ovarian tumors are important in perimenopausal women as they are more likely to be malignant. Aim: The aim was to study the various histological pattern of ovarian tumors and their clinical presentation in perimenopausal age group. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and Pathology in a teaching hospital for two years from June 2007 to May 2009. All patients presented with ovarian tumors of perimenopausal age group (40- 50 years) were included. Detailed clinical information, radiological findings and histopathological reports were recorded. Results: A total 52 ovarian tumors were included in this study. Most common histological types were surface epithelial tumors (92.3%), out of which 54.2% were benign, 41.7% were malignant and 4.2% were borderline. Serous cystadenoma was the most common benign tumor and serous cystadenocarcinoma was the commonest malignant tumor. Abdominal discomfort was the commonest presenting symptom both in benign and malignant tumors (85.7% and 45.4% respectively). Most of the malignant tumors were presented in stage III (50%), followed by stage II (27.3%). Conclusion: In this: study, we found a relatively higher proportion of ovarian malignancies. So, any ovarian tumor in perimenopausal age group is more likely to be malignant and that require a thorough evaluation and management. Further research should be advocated in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Long whiskered catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822), enjoys a high consumer preference and market demand in many Asian countries including India. However, the growth of this fish is very slow under normal aquaculture conditions. The non-hormonal growth promoter--cholymbi--which contains minerals and the essential amino acids lysine and methionine, is widely used in livestock and poultry as a feed additive to improve growth and survival. Supplementing feed with cholymbi may increase the growth and survival of Mystus gulio. Materials and methods. A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary cholymbi supplementation on growth, survival, and feed conversion ratio of long whiskered catfish fingerlings. Four isoproteic diets (crude protein 37%) were formulated to incorporate cholymbi at 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% diet. The diets were fed to triplicate groups offish twice daily to supply 5% of the total body weight per day for 120 days. Water quality parameters were maintained within the range suitable for catfish growth. Results. Weight gain (WG), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were all affected by diet (P < 0.01, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). The group fed the 0.50% cholymbi diet had the highest WG and PER and the lowest FCR, although not significantly different from the group fed the 0.25% cholymbi diet. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in carcass proximate composition of catfish fed diets containing these different levels of cholymbi. Gut protease, amylase, and lipase activities were stimulated by dietary inclusion of cholymbi at all levels compared to control. Conclusion. As cholymbi is a newly introduced dietary supplement for fish, more research is needed to optimize its supplementation to improve growth, PER, FCR, and survival of long whiskered catfish. Until then, a diet with 0.50% cholymbi can be recommended to improve the aquaculture production of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]