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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had affected negatively the mental well-being of nursing students. However, limited research is currently available that explored mental health issues of nursing students. Aim: To investigate the impact of resilience on stress, anxiety, and fear of COVID-19 among the nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was adopted for this study. A total of 268 nursing students from three universities in South India. responded to an Online survey. Data was collected using selfreported questionnaires in June 2021. Results: The findings revealed that most of the students had a normal level of resilience (3.06 ± 0.39) and low levels of stress (17.885 ± 0.09). The mean scores on fear of COVID-19 (18.31 ± 5.68) and COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS) (21.67 ± 7.42) suggest that around half of the participants had a high level of fear and anxiety. The resilience of the participants was negatively correlated with fear (r = -260, p < .001) and perceived stress (r = -0.307, p < .001). Similarly, fear was positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.211, p < .001) and perceived stress (r = 0.418, p < .001). Conclusion: Our findings showed that nearly 50% of the nursing students had a high level of COVID-19 associated fear and anxiety. Therefore, we suggest that innovative strategies are needed to improve students' resilience and mental health during highly stressful situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present KAP study aimed to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on clinical toxicology among internees and medical doctors at ACSR Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, in the light of implementing new National Medical Commission curriculum (Graduate Medical Regulations 2019). The study also aimed at understanding the knowledge and training gaps pertaining to clinical toxicology in the target population and thereby propose interventions for proper delivery of toxicology curriculum. A semi structured questionnaire was used to elicit information wherein 120 health care providers voluntarily participated in the study. The results detected significant deficits towards understanding concepts in clinical toxicology and implementation of evidence-based approach in providing care. Our study identified the need to stress on toxidrome based approach, use of evidence-based decontamination methods, the necessity to stabilise the patient more than being enthusiastic in diagnosing the poisoning, increased use of multidose activated charcoal as a primary antidote, use of poison control centre helpline, material safety data sheet & toxicology databases when in doubt, employing holistic care models, providing education on social & preventive toxicology and role of screening in chronic paediatric poisonings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a prominent legume oilseed after mustard in India and it’s lower productivity is a matter of concern attributed to the major constraints of inefficient irrigation and nutrient management in rabi season. Fertigation is the recent innovative gearing up technology in which the nutrients are applied in précised quantity along with drip irrigation at regular intervals throughout the crop growth matching with their requirement, resulting in enhanced resource use efficiency and crop yields. Liquid formulations of biofertilizers can be diluted sufficiently and applied through drip irrigation uniformly to the root zone of crop. Humic acid is widely used as fertilizer synergist and hence in combination with inorganic fertilizers can enhance their use efficiency and improve root zone activity. The present experiment was conducted to develop an integrated nutrient management practice in combination of chemical fertilizers with organic sources i.e., co-inoculation of liquid biofertilizers and humic acid under fertigation for rabi groundnut under irrigated condition. Methods: The experiment was comprised of seven treatments of integrated nutrient management practices viz., T1- Soil application of 100% RDF(30-40-50 kg N,P2O5 and K2O haˉ¹) + Drip irrigation ; T2- 75 % RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l haˉ¹ ; T3- 75% RDF + Humic acid @ 12.5 l haˉ¹ ; T4- 50 % RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l haˉ¹ ; T5–50 % RDF + Humic acid @ 12.5 l haˉ¹ ; T6- 100 % RDF + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l haˉ¹ ; T7- 100 % RDF+Humic acid @ 12.5 l haˉ¹ which were laid out in randomised block design with three replications. Result: The integrated nutrient management practice with application of 100% RDF (30-40-50 kg N,P2O5 and K2O) + Liquid biofertilizers @ 3.75 l ha-1 (Rhizobium, Phosphorus solubilising bacteria and Potassium solubilising bacteria each @ 1.25 l ha-1) through fertigation recorded tallest plants (49.9 cm), highest LAI(2.05), SCMR value(34.5), highest number of nodules plant -1(60.2), pods plant-1(11.2), 100 pod weight(125.7 g), kernel weight (52.9 g) which resulted in the highest pod (3902 kg ha-1), kernel (2666 kg ha-1), haulm yied (4363kg ha-1 ), higher nutrient uptake and net returns (Rs.130818 ha-1) of groundnut, which were comparable to 100% RDF + Humic acid @ 12.5l ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes an innovative program at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, India that introduced literary texts to students majoring in scientific subjects. Students were enthusiastic about the use of the literary texts. (Author/VWL)

A study of 75 Indian parents of children with mental retardation found that many families were not aware of the availability of library-based information services. General information on mental retardation is the most needed category of information, and the age of the person with mental retardation and level of literacy affect the type of information required. (CR)

Plutella xylostella L. is one of the world's major pests of cruciferous crops. The indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides has led to insecticide resistance and resurgence, and has been harmful to non-target organisms and the environment. Botanical insecticides are the best alternatives to synthetic pesticides for the management of pests in organic agriculture and integrated management. T. sebifera is an invasive species and has good potential as an insecticide due to the availability of plant material in some parts of India. The antifeedant activities of T. sebifera have not been reported against P. xylostella and other lepidopteron insects to date. Therefore, the current study targeted the characterization of leaf and bark extracts, feeding deterrence, synergistic and detoxification enzyme activities of leaf/bark ethanolic extracts/fractions, seed oil, and isolated compounds. UHPLC-QTOF-IMS analysis showed that shikimic acid, xanthoxylin, quercetin, kaempferol, methyl gallate, and stigmasterol are common metabolites identified in leaf and bark extracts. The combination of seed oil with bark extract showed higher deterrence (DC50 = 317.10 mg/L) as compared to leaf/bark extracts alone. Gallic acid showed higher deterrence (67.48%) than kaempferol and quercetin. The n-butanol fraction of bark was more repellent (RC50 = 414.61 mg/L). Based on DC50, the seed oil with leaf extract (1:1 ratio) alone with choice and seed oil with leaf and bark extract without choice showed synergistic interaction, but seed oil with bark extract with choice showed additive interaction. The ethanol extract of leaf, bark, and seed oil inhibited GST and AChE in P. xylostella. The leaf extract and seed oil or their combinations may be recommended as antifeedants to reduce damage by P. xylostella based on persistence, antifeedant, phytotoxicity, safety to predators/parasitoids, etc., under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the distribution of dissolved inorganic nitrate (DIN), phosphorus (DIP), and silicate (DSi) in surface waters of 70 coastal rivers in India's Western Ghats (WG) has been determined. The nutrient concentrations in individual rivers appear to be influenced by catchment geology, land use, and climate. The entire WG region contributes 0.31 Tg of DIN, 0.03 Tg of DIP, and 5.65 Tg of DSi annually to the coastal Arabian Sea. The annual ratios of N:P, Si:N, and Si:P suggest that most of these rivers are limited by P rather than N, and there is an excess supply of Si, primarily from natural sources. P limitation is severe during monsoon periods, while N limitation is observed in the Deccan Traps region. The annual export of 0.31 Tg of DIN from WG rivers could support 2.05 Tg of carbon (new production) on the Arabian Sea coast, indicating that the riverine export of DIN can significantly remove atmospheric CO 2 through biological pumps in the Arabian Sea. The study also confirms that the excess input of Si from natural processes relative to the anthropogenic supply of limited P and N further supports the idea that riverine nutrient inputs from small west-flowing tropical mountainous rivers do not contribute to coastal eutrophication along the Eastern Arabian Sea coast. • Soil acts as a major source for DIN and DIP; intense chemical weathering favors high silicate loads. • These nutrient fluxes represent a significant land-based supplier of nutrients to the coastal region of the eastern Arabian Sea. • The west-flowing coastal rivers of India carry 0.31 Tg of DIN and have a potential of 2.05 Tg of carbon (primary) production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The American Diabetes Association recommends statin therapy for young type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) adults only if one additional cardiovascular (CV) risk factor coexists. The data regarding CV risk factors in young Indian T2DM adults is limited. Hence, we assessed the prevalence of CV risk factors in young adults with T2DM from eastern India. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, diabetic medical health check records of eastern-Indian T2DM patients performed between March 2018 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and the relevant data of T2DM patients (n = 3564) including CV risk factors [serum LDL-cholesterol of =100 mg/dL, hypertension (>140/90 mmHg), smoking, chronic kidney disease (eGFR of <60 ml/min), microalbumin to creatinine ratio of =30 µg/mg, and obesity/overweight (body mass index =23 kg/m2)] were analysed. Results: There were 3280 T2DM patients from eastern India and 679 (20.7%) were =40 years of age. Overweight/obesity (74.3%) and serum LDL-cholesterol of =100 mg/dL (69.2%) were the two most common additional CV risk factors. At least one additional CV risk factor was present in 576 (95.36%) patients, whereas at least two additional CV risk factors were present in 409 (67.7%) patients. At least one non-obesity/overweight CV risk factor was present in 472 (78.1%) patients. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of additional CV risk factors in young eastern-Indian adults with T2DM. Hence, there is a need for an intensive approach to managing the CV risk factors in young Indian adults with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decade, the inventions association with technologies like biotechnology and genetics has surmounted. Biotechnology in an advanced upfront technologies that enables the investors to focus on brining sustainable development in the country. However, the factors like capital, resources and work force is a powerful factors that provides an influential candidate in country's economy. The innovations in biotechnology creates rapid wealth in the society via wide variety of applications. In this study, innovations in biotechnology is regarded as a serious factor that gets influenced by various other factors like government policies, research development polices and collaborative policies with corporates. The study reports the data collected from various respondents of biotechnology firms in India. Based on which, the hypothesis are framed and tested. The research shown significant impact of all the related factors with innovations activities and the implications are provided to advance the flaws associated with innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A phase 3 study to assess the efficacy and safety of the desidustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, against the epoetin alfa for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with dialysis dependency. Methods: DREAM-D was a phase 3, multicenter, open-label, randomized, active-controlled clinical study conducted across 38 centers in India. A total of 392 patients with clinical diagnosis of anemia due to CKD with dialysis need (Erythrocyte Stimulating Agent [ESA] naïve or prior ESA users) and with baseline hemoglobin levels of 8.0–11.0 g/dL (inclusive) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either desidustat oral tablets (thrice a week) or epoetin alfa subcutaneous injection for 24 weeks to maintain a hemoglobin level of 10–12 g/dL. The primary endpoint was to assess the change in the hemoglobin level between the desidustat and the epoetin alfa groups from the baseline to evaluation period week 16–24. The key secondary efficacy endpoint was the number of patients with hemoglobin response. Results: The least square mean (standard error) change in hemoglobin from the baseline to week 16–24 was 0.95 (0.09) g/dL in the desidustat group and 0.80 (0.09) g/dL in the epoetin alfa group (difference: 0.14 [0.14] g/dL; 95% confidence interval: −0.1304, 0.4202), which met the prespecified noninferiority margin. The number of hemoglobin responders was significantly higher in the desidustat group (106 [59.22%]) when compared to the epoetin alfa group (89 [48.37%]) (p = 0.0382). The safety profile of the desidustat oral tablet was comparable with the epoetin alfa injection. There were no new risks or no increased risks seen with the use of desidustat compared to epoetin alfa. Conclusion: In this study, desidustat was found to be noninferior to epoetin in the treatment of anemia in CKD patients on dialysis and it was well-tolerated. Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: CTRI/2019/12/022312 (India). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is one of the major limiting factors for wheat production. Mult-environmental evaluation is necessary to identify stable drought tolerant wheat genotypes. To identify stable drought tolerant wheat genotypes and reliable phenotypic and/or spectral markers for drought tolerance. One hundred ninety-six diverse wheat genotypes were evaluated at three different locations in India for two years (E1 to E12). Drought was imposed at the heading stage (Z59) by withholding irrigation until the moisture content reached <45% as compared to the control (100%). Various Morpho-physiological and phenological traits: Days to flowering (DTF) and maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), grain yield (GY), NDVI, canopy temperature depression (CTD), and chlorophyll readings were recorded. Different stress indices and stability models (AMMI - Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction; WAASB - Weighted Average of Absolute Scores from the singular value decomposition of the matrix of BLUPs; and MTSI - Multi-Trait Stability Index) were used to identify the stable and tolerant genotypes. In addition, discriminate function analysis (DFA) was performed to identify drought tolerant genotypes. Genotype performance reduced significantly under drought for all traits in all environments. Overall, GY was reduced by 35% under drought compared to control. Pooled ANOVA showed that 81% of the variation in grain yield was due to the environment and 10.6% due to its interaction with genotypes. MTSI and WAASBY identified 11 common genotypes with stable performance across all environments. Further, 29 stable genotypes selected by MTSI (with 15% selection intensity) had higher selection differential than other stability models. Further, NDVI at maturity showed a positive and significant correlation [r = 0.41** in E2 and 0.36** in E4) with the GY specifically under drought for two years. MTSI is an effective method for selecting stable wheat genotypes under drought conditions. NDVI may be a high throughput screening tool for drought tolerance. MTSI may be used to identify stable genotypes, while DFA is useful in selecting drought tolerant genotypes. Further, NDVI can be used in addition to yield traits to screen wheat genotypes for drought tolerance. • Drought stress significantly reduces wheat production. • AMMI, GGE, WAASBY and MTSI plots are effective in detecting G × E interaction. • MTSI is a reliable tool for selecting stable genotypes under drought. • NDVI appears to be a useful tool for high throughput screening under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-basin variations in sediment supply provide clues for understanding the erosion process and the role of local topographic features and climatic factors. Hence in this study, Bharathapuzha (BP) basin from tectonically quiescent Western Ghats (WG) was selected to examine the role of topography and climate on the sediment erosion process across its sub-basins. Multi-years daily water discharge and sediment load data of five monitoring stations were combined with morphometric parameters to visualize the local variability in sediment erosion rates. The average annual water discharge and sediment load of the BP basin to the Arabian Sea are 4.71 km3 and 0.37×106 tons. Interestingly, Kunthipuzha (KP) sub-basin, despite covering 17% of the total basin area, contributes around 41% and 27% of water discharge and sediment flux, respectively. The sediment yield (erosion rate) from the KP sub-basin is ten times higher than the same sized sub-basin within the BP catchment. For comprehending the role of topography and climate on these local variations, geomorphic indices such as Hypsometric integral (HI) and stream length (SL) index were calculated for the BP basin and sub-basins. Further, multiple regression was used to explore the quantitative relationships among the influencing factors. Results suggest that the rainfall and topography critically influenced basin erosion and explained 93% of the total variance. This study demonstrates the importance of intra-basin scale processes even for small mountainous rivers and signifies the role of local variations in topography and climate in erosion and material transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mechanical twins form by the simple shear of the crystal lattice during deformation. In order to test the potential of narrow twins in monazite to record the timing of their formation, we investigated a ca. 1700 Ma monazite grain (from the Sandmata Complex, Rajasthan, India) deformed at ca. 980 Ma, by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). APT 208Pb/232Th ages indicate that the twin was entirely reset by radiogenic Pb loss during its formation at conditions far below the monazite closure temperature. The results are consistent with a model where Pb is liberated during rupture of rare earth element-oxygen (REE-O) bonds in the large [REE]O9 polyhedra during twinning. Liberated Pb likely migrated along fast diffusion pathways such as crystal defects. The combination of a quantitative microstructural investigation and nanogeochronology provides a new approach for understanding the history of accessory phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against women is a priority public health issue. Women with mental illness are at a double disadvantage. While social norms and beliefs either support or confront violence against women, research is limited on this issue. A randomized controlled design was adopted for the present study. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of module-based training in changing nurses' attitudes towards norms and beliefs that support violence against women in mental health care settings. In this study, 68 nurses were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (34 in each group). After receiving the training program, the mean scores on norms and beliefs and justifiability of abuse scales were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The results confirmed the positive impact of the training program in changing nurses' attitudes. However, further studies are required to draw firm conclusions on the effectiveness of the training intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good understanding of the general circulation features of the oceans, particularly of the coastal waters, and ability to predict the key oceanographic parameters with good accuracy and sufficient lead time are necessary for the safe conduct of maritime activities such as fishing, shipping, and offshore industries. Considering these requirements and buoyed by the advancements in the field of ocean modeling, data assimilation, and ocean observation networks along with the availability of the high-performance computational facility in India, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services has set up a "High-Resolution Operational Ocean Forecast and Reanalysis System" (HOOFS) with an aim to provide accurate ocean analysis and forecasts for the public, researchers, and other types of users like navigators and the Indian Coast Guard. Major components of HOOFS are (i) a suite of numerical ocean models configured for the Indian Ocean and the coastal waters using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) for forecasting physical and biogeochemical state of the ocean and (ii) the data assimilation based on local ensemble transform Kalman filter that assimilates in situ and satellite observations in ROMS. Apart from the routine forecasts of key oceanographic parameters, a few important applications such as (i) Potential Fishing Zone forecasting system and (ii) Search and Rescue Aid Tool are also developed as part of the HOOFS project. The architecture of HOOFS, an account of the quality of ocean analysis and forecasts produced by it and important applications developed based on HOOFS are briefly discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study glycemic control, mortality and long-term complications in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Referral centre at a government teaching hospital. Participants: Patients with T1D with age ≤18 years at onset. Methods: We retrospectively collected demographic data from computer records from 1991 to 2015. Prospective study for outcomes was conducted between 2012 and 2016. Main outcome measures: Mortality rate, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and microvascular complication rate. Results: The proportion of T1D patients (n=512) <5 years of age at onset was 18.6% between 1995 and 2004, and 24.2% in 2005–2014 (P<0.001). Twenty eight patients had died out of 334 whose living status was known (mortality 1.1 per 100 patientyears over 2549 patient-years follow up). Median (range) HbA1c (n=257) was 8.3% (5.1–15.0%). At least one episode of severe hypoglycemia (coma/seizure/inability to assist self) had occurred in 22.8% patients over two years. Hypertension was present in 11.7% patients. Microvascular complications screen in 164 eligible patients [median (range) age 20 (8–45) y and duration of diabetes 9.1 (5v30) y] showed diabetic nephropathy in 3.0%, proliferative retinopathy in 3.6% and LDL cholesterol >100 mg/dL in 34% patients. Conclusions: The mortality rate and prevalence of hypertension were high, given the short duration of diabetes of the patients. The proportion of patients with age ≤5 years at onset of diabetes has increased at our center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are limited clinical experiments addressing the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) alone.Aim: The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical effects of adjunctive use of PDT, combination of PDT with LLLT as adjunct to conventional SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.Materials and Methods: In a single-centered randomized and controlled clinical trial, 24 patients (15 males and 9 females) with untreated chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned in a split-mouth design into three treatment groups which included Group I: SRP only, Group II: SRP and PDT (1% methylene blue [MB] solution), and Group III: SRP, PDT, and LLLT. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, modified sulcular bleeding index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after therapy.Results: Within each group, significant improvements (P < 0.001) were found for all variables in 6-month follow-up compared with baseline. The improvement in clinical parameters was significantly greater in Group III compared to Group I and Group II. The mean PD (mm) reduction from baseline to 6 months in Group I was 2.50 ± 0.54, Group II was 2.57 ± 0.53, and Group III was 3.14 ± 0.50. The mean CAL (mm) gain from baseline to 6 months in Group I was 2.63 ± 0.47, Group II was 2.55 ± 0.44, and Group III was 3.07 ± 0.55.Conclusion: In patients with chronic periodontitis, a combination of a single application of PDT (using a 980 nm laser and MB) and LLLT provide additional benefit to SRP in terms of clinical parameters 6 months following the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women entrepreneurs have the necessary skills and initiative to take new ideas to market and make suitable decisions to transform the idea into a profitable organization. Recently, their entrepreneurial role is being recognized and steps are being taken to promote women entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs play a key role in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of a developing economy. The present study attempts to identify the problems faced by Indian women entrepreneurs in MSMEs in Andhra Pradesh by analyzing their socioeconomic profile. The findings reveal some major problems faced by Indian women entrepreneurs, the factors influencing women entrepreneurship and the steps taken by the government for the upliftment of women entrepreneurs in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper analyses the factors accounting for forest transition in India, which has been characterized by a continuous decline of forest cover for about seven decades since the year 1900 and then increase since 1970s. It is argued that several forest policies and acts, economic growth, liberalization, dramatic increase in grain yield and stabilization of agricultural area in the country, promotion of plantation forestry and encouragement for timber import, global campaigns and protocols in areas of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration have given shape to the forest transition in India. It has been opined that India and other growing economies are likely to improve their forest cover further. However, it may involve deforestation associated with timber export from poorer economies such as the African underdeveloped and developing countries to other countries which have observed a shift towards increase in forest cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Of the overall 9.5 million deaths annually in India, nearly 100,000 are due to organ failure. To save and extend lives, organ donation and organ transplantation have become the only hope. Health care professionals (HCPs) are a key element in facilitating cadaveric organ donation process. Objective: To assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding organ donation among undergraduate dental students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 298 undergraduate dental students of the Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. A 27-item self-administered questionnaire, which assessed the levels of knowledge (Q1-13), positive attitude (Q14-24) and practice habits (Q25-27) regarding organ donation with dichotomous scale (Yes/No). Results: As compared to males, females reported better mean±SD scores in knowledge (8.22±1.51) and practice (0.91±0.8); higher mean±SD attitude scores (8.55±1.56) were reported among males (p<0.001). While second year dental students had higher scores for their knowledge (8.55±1.56) and practice (1.02±0.44) compared to other year of training, third year students showed a significant higher mean attitude score (1.73±1.17) (p=0.02). Hindus and Muslims scored significantly lower mean knowledge, attitude and practice habits compared to others (Christians, Jains and Athesists) (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between mean knowledge, attitude, and practice habits. Conclusion: There are an average level of knowledge and low levels of positive attitude and practice habits among studied dental students towards organ donation and transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the rationale of government policies and programs in rural development in India through the empowerment of women in the areas of economic opportunity, social equality, property and personal rights, and political representation.

Recurrence of FSGS in renal allo grafts is a major cause of graft loss. In this context, we tried to diagnose and classify FSGS in renal allografts. Indications for biopsy included graft dysfunction and/or proteinuria. Three hundred and sixty-three graft biopsies were studied over a period of 2 years. We classified FSGS into recurrent FSGS, new‑onset primary FSGS and FSGS secondary to chronic humoral rejection, calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, and nephron loss and hyperfiltration injury. Twenty‑four cases were diagnosed as FSGS, constituting 6.6%. Secondary FSGS was the most common FSGS in grafts in our study. Incidence of recurrent FSGS may not be accurate as pretransplant biopsy is available in very few cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In health psychology, several models are being constructed to understand human behaviour. Multidimensional health locus of control ( MHLC) is one among them. We sought to know the relationship of MHLC with dental plaque and gingival status before and after oral health education programme among 286 college students, aged 18-21 years in Davangere city. Methods Multidimensional health locus of control questionnaire consisting of questions measuring internal health locus of control ( IHLC), powerful others health locus of control ( PHLC) and chance health locus of control ( CHLC) was administered to students. Dental plaque and gingival health status were recorded using Plaque Index ( PLI) and Gingival Index ( GI), 1967. Oral health education was provided using power point presentation after the baseline oral examination. After 10 weeks of intervention, the students were given the same proforma followed by the assessment of plaque and gingival status. Results A negative correlation was observed between PHLC and IHLC with PLI and GI and positive correlation of CHLC with PLI and GI at a level of P < 0.01. The difference between 'pre-test' and 'post-test' mean PLI scores, GI scores, PHLC was found to be statistically significant at a level of P < 0.05. Conclusion Oral health education was found to be effective and this could change the behaviour of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Old age should be regarded as a normal, inevitable biological phenomenon. The study of the physical, psychological changes which are incident to old age is called gerontology. The Care of the aged is called clinical gerontology or geriatrics. Ageing is a natural process, in the words of Senica; "Old age is an incurable disease", but more recently Sir Games Sterling Ross commented: "You do not heal old age. You protect it; you promote it; you extend it". Objectives: 1.To knows the demographic variables in relation to geriatric age 2. To find the morbidity pattern among the geriatric population. Methodology: The present community based cross sectional study was conducted at urban field practice area of Alluri Sita Rama Raju Institute of Medical Sciences, Eluru with the help of Community Medicine staff during the period from July 2010 to October 2010. A total of 118 geriatric age group population were interviewed with prestructured questionnaire and using systematic random sampling method of every 2nd house was selected. Data was analysed with SPSS 17.0 version and necessary statistical tests were applied. Results: Out of 118 geriatric population, about 80.5% were in the age group of 60-69 years, 14.4% were in the age group of 70-79 yrs and lastly 5.1% were above 80 yrs of age. Of which, 33% were males and 67% were females. About 82.2% were having multiple geriatric health problems ( more than one health problem). Predominant morbidity was observed in the study population was osteoarthritis, which accounts 66%, 47.3% were hypertensives in the study population. There was significant association was found between the high Body Mass Index and Hypertension (P<0.01). Conclusions: Based on the results obtained in this study, most common geriatric morbidity was osteoarthritis and more among females. Hence, in this age geriatric counseling centres and geriatric homes must be established with government support which will bring some quality of life among geriatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We wanted to assess oral and salivary changes in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and to understand the correlation of such changes with renal insufficiency. The cross‑sectional study was performed among 100 ESRD patients undergoing HD. Among these, 25 patients were randomly selected to assess the salivary changes and compared with 25 apparently healthy individuals who formed the control group. Total duration of the study was 15 months. Oral malodor, dry mouth, taste change, increased caries incidence, calculus formation, and gingival bleeding were the common oral manifestations. The flow rates of both unstimulated as well as stimulated whole saliva were decreased in the study group. The pH and buffer capacity of unstimulated whole saliva was increased in the study group, but stimulated whole saliva did not show any difference. ESRD patients undergoing HD require special considerations during dental treatment because of the various conditions inherent to the disease, their multiple oral manifestations and the treatment side‑effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 Diabetes is one of the major public health problem in India. Diabetes can affect nearly every organ system in the body, it can cause blindness, lead to end stage renal disease, lower extremity amputations, and increased the risk for stroke, ischaemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy. Objectives: 1.To finds the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Urban Population of Hyderabad City 2. How the obesity associated with the Diabetes Mellitus Methodology: A Cross sectional community based study was conducted during March 2003 to Feb 2004 at the field practice area of Osmania Medical College, the urban health centre Harrajpenta. A cluster sampling method was used a total of 502 individuals were participated and interviewed with pre-structured proforma. Results: The prevalence of the Diabetes Mellitus in the present study was 19.5%. Diabetes Mellitus steadily increases with age (X2=12.24,df=3,p=0.0066). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus significantly associated with duration of exercise (X2=4.37, 1df, P=0.03), family history of Diabetes (X2=136.1, 4df, p=0.001), Body mass index (X2=58.18 3df, p<0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An L-band radar wind profiler was established at National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Gadanki, India (13.5°N, 79.2°E), to provide continuous high-resolution wind measurements in the lower atmosphere. This system utilizes a fully active array and passive beam-forming network. It operates at 1280 MHz with peak output power of 1.2 kW. The active array comprises a 16 × 16 array of microstrip patch antenna elements fed by dedicated solid-state transceiver modules. A 2D modified Butler beam-forming network is employed to feed the active array. The combination of active array and passive beam-forming network results in enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and simple beam steering. This system also comprises a direct intermediate frequency (IF) digital receiver and pulse compression scheme, which result in more flexibility and enhanced height coverage. The scientific objectives of this profiler are to study the atmospheric boundary layer dynamics and precipitation. Observations made by this profiler have been validated using a collocated GPS sonde. This paper presents the detailed system description, including sample observations for clear-air and precipitation cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's knowledge based economy, there is a growing demand for the intellectual capital. In order to procure and retain the talent, for-profit organizations are shelling out huge amount of money and also showing them the bright career paths. This is standing as tough and challenging task to the not for profit organizations to procure and retain the talent. The present study is done in 12 NPO's in Twin Cities of Greater Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, where there is a quite good amount of the human capital and also focused on attracting and retaining this talent. The study was conducted by administering the questionnaire on the employees of these NPO's and the results show that effective human capital, structural capital and relational capital are contributing factors to these not for profit organizations in achieving good recruitment and retention rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 22-year-old male patient with crown-root fracture due to dental trauma. The patient was treated with a single-visit rebonding procedure consisting of gingivectomy, coronal fragmental removal, and single-visit endodontic therapy. The article discuses the treatment of complicated crown-root fractures, factors impacting the reattachment of dislocated tooth, and the use of resin cements.

Heart failure is a common cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Unlike western countries where heart failure is predominantly a disease of the elderly, in India it affects younger age group. Important risk factors include coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathies. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels are helpful in the diagnosis of heart failure. Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality of choice, through recently cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been found to play an increasing role. Aim of management is to improve symptoms & enhance survival. Diuretics are important in relieving symptoms. Beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and adosterone antagonists improve survival in patients with impaired systolic function. Device therapy including cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantable cardiac defibrillators, though expensive are useful in selected patients. Unlike in patients with systolic heart failure where several therapies have been shown to improve survival, clinical trial results in diastolic heart failure have been disappointing and therapy in these patients is restricted to symptom improvement and risk factor control. Therapies like stem cell therapy are being evaluated in clinical trials and appear promising. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy helps in reversing the process of remodelling and clinical improvement in most of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during kharif, 2007 at Agricultural college farm, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad with 15 popular short and medium duration rice varieties developed for transplanted and rainfed upland situations of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, and hybrids cultivars of DRR, Hyderabad. Cultivars Naveen, Erramallelu, MTU 1010 and hybrid ARB17 (1) x 06 performed better both under aerobic and transplanted conditions. Rice cultivars received 426 - 570 mm of water under aerobic and 880 - 1057 mm under transplanted condition in addition to 200 and 180 mm of effective rainfall, respectively. The water productivity was higher under aerobic (0.20 to 0.60 kg/m³) than that under transplanted (0.14 to 0.43 kg/ m³ of water) condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to report a bacterium designated as 88D, capable of producing poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P (3HB-co-3HV)] copolymer from a single carbon source, which was isolated from a municipal sewage treatment plant in Hyderabad, India. This microorganism, based on the phenotypical features and genotypic investigations, was identified as Bacillus sp. The optimal growth of Bacillus sp. 88D occurred between 28 and 30°C and at pH 7. The strain yielded a maximum of 64.62% dry cell weight (DCW) polymer in the medium containing glucose as carbon source, which was followed by 60.46% DCW polymer in glycerol containing medium. Bacillus sp. 88D produced P (3HB-co-3HV) from glucose or glycerol, when they were used as a single carbon substrate. This bacterium produced polyhydrxybutyrate (PHB) when sodium acetate was used as sole carbon substrate. The viscosity average molecular mass (Mv) of the copolymers ranged from 523 to 627 kDa. The physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the biopolymers were characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vast majority of people in rural Andhra Pradesh depend on employment for their primary source of income. Therefore, success in terms of improving employment opportunities can lead to success in reducing poverty and raising living standards. Simply having access to employment is not enough. Labour force participation rates are generally high across the districts in the state of Andhra Pradesh and yet large numbers of employed people cannot lift their families out of poverty. Therefore, reducing poverty requires a joint emphasis on the quality and quantity of employment. The greater the employment focus, the more the effective economic growth in fighting poverty. However, economic growth alone cannot be counted on to generate significant improvement in the quality and quantity of employment opportunities. What is needed is an employment-centred approach to growth and development. The link between employment and living standards is straightforward. However, one has to be clear on what one means by employment in the context of rural Andhra Pradesh. Often labour market policy recommendations assume a wage employment relationship as the dominant framework for understanding the employment dynamics. Equilibrium earnings are determined by an interaction between the supply and demand for labour in a wage labour market. It is critical to understand the structure of employment in rural Andhra Pradesh if appropriate employment policies are to be formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pelecypod shell originated from Kolleru lake of Andhra Pradesh is used in the present work. It contains Mn(II) and Fe(III) in traces. The EPR spectrum of the compound is due to Mn(II) which is in three independent sites. The three g values are evaluated with slight differences. The hyperfine component varies from 9.33 to 9.49mT. The zero field splitting parameter is also ranges from 43.8(1) to 44.1(1)mT. Using the covalence parameter the number of ligands around metal is estimated as 20. In EPR spectrum Fe(III) is identified. The optical absorption spectrum is attributed to Mn(II) in octahedral geometry. Further 10 Dq band is attributed to Fe(II) in the optical absorption spectrum. NIR spectral results are due to water fundamentals, whereas IR and Raman spectrum is due to carbonate ion fundamentals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, a series of 36 airborne particulate matter (PM10) samples were colleted over a 1 year period at an urban area-Tirupati, India. The samples were collected on paliflex-filters using Mini-Partisol air sampler equipped with PM10 inlet. A three stage sequential extraction procedure viz. environmentally mobile, bound to carbonates and oxides and bound to silicates and organic matter, was applied to heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu in PM10 samples. The heavy metals were determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The reliability and applicability of the method was checked by using, NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM 1648). Good agreement was obtained between the total concentration of studied metals after three-step leaching procedure and certified values. Speciation results shows that higher percentage of Pb and Cd are accumulated in mobile fraction, where as higher amount of Cu and Zn was found in environmentally immobile fraction. Multivariate statistical analysis has been performed for the variables to define possible sources, and the results shows that mainly two sources, particles from traffic and particles from land were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A powdered sample of Phyllanthus amarus herb of Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is used in the present study. ICP-MS analysis indicates that copper is present in higher concentration when compared to other elements. Although the Pb is toxic, it is within the permissible limit. The evaluated soil and herb physico-chemical parameters indicate that the sample is acidic in nature in comparison with the soil. An EPR study on powdered sample confirms the presence of Fe(III), Mn(II) and Cu(II). Optical absorption spectrum indicates that Fe(III) impurity is present in octahedral structure whereas Cu(II) is present in rhombically distorted octahedral environment. MIR results are due to carbonate fundamentals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric aerosol (PM10) measurements were made at a regional representative semi-arid urban site, Tirupati, India over one-year period i.e. from October, 2001 to September, 2002. The samples were collected on polyflex filters, and analyzed for the major water-soluble ions – F, Cl, NO3, SO4, Na, NH4, K, Ca and Mg, employing ion chromatograph. The average mass of PM10 is found to be 32.75 μg/m3 with a total water-soluble aerosol load (total anion + total cation) of 13.56 μg/m3. Composition of aerosol showed higher concentration of SO4 followed by Na, Ca and NO3. Very good correlation is observed between crustal ions Ca and Mg ( r=0.82) as well as between crustal and acidic ions; Ca and SO4 ( r=0.75) and NO3 ( r=0.67) and Mg and NO3 ( r=0.78) and SO4 ( r=0.73), suggest that the ionic composition was influenced by local terrestrial sources. The presence of SO4 and NO3 may be due to re-suspension of soil particles (formation by heterogeneous oxidation). Ca, Mg and Na are mainly soil derived ones. Correlation matrix with meteorological factors, as well as seasonal distribution of PM10 and its ionic components present a clear trend of higher concentrations during summer due to greater particle release and lowering atmospheric levels during the rainy season due to washout effect. ANOVA results showed the significant variation of composition from season to season. Paired comparisons (DMRT) revealed the occurrence of significant difference in pairs of mean concentration from season to season except within monsoon i.e. between S-W and N-E monsoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air quality in cities is the result of a complex interaction between natural and anthropogenic environmental conditions. Delhi, as well as many other cities in India, is facing problems concerning air pollution. The increase in industrialization and the vehicle fleet, poor control on emissions and little use of catalytic converters, produce a great amount of particulate and toxic gases. Data on air pollutants and meteorological variables were collected in the metropolitan cities Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai for the period July-August, 2001. Data were treated with the bivariate regression model to explore the influence of the meteorological variables on air pollutant concentrations, and were also used to compute an Air Quality Index, using the weighted arithmetic mean method. The proposed index seems/to be applicable in the assessment of overall air quality with respect to air pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium containing mica is called fuchsite. Fuchsite originating from the Nellore district of India containing 3.37 wt.% of chromium is used in the present study. Optical absorption and EPR studies were carried out at room temperature (RT). The optical absorption spectrum gives energies at 14 925, 15 070, 15 715, 16 400, 17 730 and 21 740 cm−1, which are attributed to spin-allowed transitions for Cr3+ in an octahedral symmetry. EPR spectra show a strong resonance with g=1.98 along with two sets of weak resonances which are attributed to two sets of chromium in the sample. The zero field splitting parameter (D) is almost zero. These spectra are due to Cr3+ in the mineral. The NIR spectrum is due to hydroxyl ions in the sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a comparative study of structure and change of selected small communities in India and the U.S. Three aspects of the community analyzed and compared in this study are local organizations, leadership and stratification. Selected villages in India and open country neighborhoods in the U.S. were the units in the comparative analysis. A potentially universal concept such as community may be so restricted in definition that it loses its possible generality and is applicable only to a specific time and place. Such is the case with this term when it is defined as a small closely knit locality with its own distinctive culture. This definition of community may have had some relevance for earlier days and primitive societies but it has little if any use for the modern world. The substantive focus of the article is to analyze planned change or development in selected small communities in India and the U.S. The specific problem is to delineate characteristics of social structure which distinguish the more from the less technologically developed communities.

The article focuses on a study of the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant defense system during Chromium (Cr+3 and Cr+6) intoxication in freshwater field crab, Barytelphusa guerini, conducted in India. Lipid peroxidation is a free radical phenomenon and is an important indicator of membrane damage which leads to cell death. Analysis of the results indicates that crab treated with hexavalent chromium have more marked tissue alterations than those treated with trivalent, mainly because Cr(+6) penetrates cell membrane more rapidly. The reduction from hexavalent to trivalent form of Cr generates free radical species which are responsible for lipid peroxidation.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the use of moxonidine, a centrally acting anti-hypertensive agent in real world practice. Material and Methods: Patients who attended out-patients clinic with diagnosis of hypertension were enrolled in the study. Demographics with co-morbid illnesses of all patients were recorded. Patient's prescriptions were recorded and antihypertensive medications were also analysed. Results: A total of 990 patients were eligible during the study period. Moxonidine was used in 4.54% of patients. Two groups could be identified in moxonidine users - one Group with resistant hypertension (30 patients, 3.03% of total, 66.66% of moxonidine users) on multiple drugs to control BP and another Group with intolerance to conventional, first line drugs (15 patients 1.51% of total, 33.33% of moxonidine users). Moxonidine was not used in newly diagnosed hypertension cases. Resistant hypertension and renal failure predicted the use of moxonidine. Majority of drug used was as per current guidelines. Conclusions: Our study results reflected real world practice of current anti-hypertensive therapy. Patients generally receive medications in accordance with current recommendations and guidelines. Small but significant proportion of patients may require use of drugs like moxonidine to control high BP. Guidelines need to incorporate these real world practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which noted an infestation of the aphid, Amphorophora ampullata Buckton on fern, Hypolepis polypodioides from Western Himalayas in India. The number of Amphorophora ampullata was counted on five randomly selected pinnae/frond and represented as number of aphids/pinna. The infestation was found to increase during the moths of September and October.