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Introduction: The increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, which mainly is attributed to fossil-fuel combustion and deforestation, is often suggested as one of the prime causative factors toward accelerated global warming. This commends for sequestration of atmospheric carbon under terrestrial systems to partially offset fossil-fuel emissions. Concerning the same, agricultural sector presents an extensive opportunity, especially for countries such as India where over 55% of the population is engaged in the agriculture sector. Methods: Sequestering atmospheric carbon in agriculture requires the adoption of climate-resilient alternative agriculture practices without compromising food security. The deliberated study highlights the options of alteration in current conventional farming practices and its economic evaluation for sequestrating carbon under two Climate Change (CC) scenarios, viz., RCP 4.5 and 8.5, over three temporal scales, i.e., 2020, 2030, and 2050. Considering the current landuse pattern and existing growth rate in land-use shifting, three land-use policies, namely, Business as Usual (BaU), Optimistic, and Pessimistic scenario, integrated with CC scenarios were contemplated. Six possible futuristic scenarios were generated for the assessment of carbon sequestration and its valuation following the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoff (InVEST) model. Results: The results suggested that across the studied region adopting an optimistic policy over BaU and pessimistic scenario, carbon can sequestrate an additional 0.64 to 1.46 Mt. (2.35 to 5.36 million ton CO2e) having an economic value of 193.4 to 504.8 million USD. Results: Moreover, the outcomes of the study are advocated for the policy of carbon credit in the agriculture sector, which shall contribute toward meeting various nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric adenocarcinoma in Indian patients’ is on the rise. A high level of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) is associated not only with the development of cancer-associated thrombosis but also with the degree of malignancy, the rate of metastasis, and cancer prognosis. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to study the association of vWF with tumor location, TNM staging, and grades of tumor differentiation in gastric adenocarcinoma and to assess the usefulness of circulating vWF levels as a potential biomarker for gastric adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective observational study done in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Madurai Medical College, Madurai, over a period of 2 years between September 2020 and August 2022. Fifty cases of gastric cancer and 50 controls were recruited and vWF levels were analyzed. Results: Among the 50 gastric cancer patients, 8% belonged to Stage II, 62% belonged to Stage III, and 30% belonged to Stage IV. vWF was elevated in Gastric Cancer patients compared to control group. Mean value of vWF in Cases and Control population was 3.68 ng/ml and 0.58 ng/ml respectively (p value 0.0005). Pertaining to Stage, the vWF value was, Stage II – 4.7, Stage III – 3.3, and Stage IV – 4.1 ng/mL. With respect to tumor differentiation, the vWF values were, poorly differentiated – 4.7, moderately differentiated – 3.0, and well differentiated – 3.9 ng/mL. Conclusion: vWF values were significantly elevated in gastric cancer patients. Based on the results, vWF can be used as a surrogate marker to predict the tumor differentiation in patients, thereby prognosticating the disease. Stage-wise, there was no significant difference in the vWF values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is thought to be the most common helminthic infection of central nervous system in India. In children, it has pleomorphic clinical and radiological presentations depending on location and stage of lesion. Solitary cystic granuloma appearing as a single ring enhancing lesion is the most frequently encountered neuroimaging finding in patients with neurocysticercosis or tuberculoma in India. This series reports unusual clinico-radiological aspects of pediatric neurocysticercosis patients of Asian ethnicity. Case presentation: In the present case series, we have described socio-demographic and clinico-radiological profile of eight cases of neurocysticercosis with parenchymal lesions in varying stages of development. Among these two had single discrete ring enhancing lesion (SDREL), two had single conglomerated ring enhancing lesion (SCREL), and five cases reported to have multiple ring enhancing lesions (MREL). Two cases with recurrent neurocysticercosis have been reported which is quite rare. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy helps to differentiate between neurocysticercosis and tuberculoma and may avoid brain biopsies or unnecessary anti-tubercular treatment. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was done in three cases with findings of absence of lipid peak and choline/creatinine ratio less than 1.2. Conclusion: Despite the advances in neuroimaging, accurate diagnosis of NCC is still sometimes difficult, which is related to the pleomorphic nature of disease and significant overlapping features with tuberculoma. A combination of proper diagnostic criteria and neuroimaging findings are helpful in making the diagnosis without invasive and potentially harmful investigations in paediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) involves the deployment of the lead deep inside the septum. Penetration of the septum by the lead depends on the texture of the septum, rapidity of rotations, operator experience, and implantation tools. Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the behavior of the lumenless lead during rapid rotations and the physiological property of the interventricular septum(IVS) during LBBP. Methods: Patients undergoing LBBP between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively included in the study. Results: Among 255 attempted patients, 20 (7.9%) had procedural failure(no LBB capture—four, inability to penetrate septum—seven, and dislodgements after sheath removal—nine). Septal penetration achieved in 248/255 patients (97.2%). Lead movement inside the IVS was assessed by lead traverse time. Based on the behavior of the IVS (n = 255), three different responses were noted. Type‐I response(normal/firm septum) in 93.7% (n = 239) characterized by constant and progressive movement of lead. Neither perforation nor further change in premature‐ventricular‐complex morphology beyond M‐beat were observed despite additional few unintentional rotations indicating the protective mechanism of LV‐endocardium. Type‐II response(soft/cheesy septum) in 3.5% (n = 9) characterized by hyper‐movement of lead without resistance due to altered texture of septum and poor LV subendocardial barrier resulting in perforation. No patients in this group had LV dysfunction or associated coronary artery disease. In type‐III response, seen in 2.8% (n = 7), lead could not be penetrated due to scar in IVS. Conclusion: Three different patterns of responses were observed during LBBP. The most distinct type‐ll response was associated with soft/cheesy septum with hyper‐movement of the lead predisposing for future dislodgments in patients without structural heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ageing is a complex, natural process. Due to structural and physiological changes that occur as a consequence of intrinsic and extrinsic aging, the elderly population is highly susceptible to dermatological disorders. These changes are associated with significant morbidity and stress. Hence, it is important to have a better understanding of the dermatological needs of elderly patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern and frequency of geriatric dermatoses in patients attending the Skin Outpatient Department (OPD) at a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at BPS Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan (Sonepat), Haryana, India, from September 2022 to February 2023. A total of 300 patients aged 60 years and above, of either sex, who consented to participate were enrolled. Detailed history taking and dermatological examinations were performed, and relevant investigations were carried out. Data was collected, entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet, and analysed for frequency, percentage, and mean of variables. Results: Out of the total 300 patients, 155 (51.66%) were males and 145 (48.33%) were females. The majority of patients belonged to the age group of 60-69 years (n=171, 57%). Wrinkling (n=287, 95.66%) was the most common physiological skin finding, followed by dry skin (n=157, 52.33%). Among pathological dermatoses, infectious dermatoses were present in (n=134, 44.66%) patients, followed by eczemas (n=92, 30.66%). Papulosquamous disorders were seen in (n=17, 5.66%) patients. Hypertension was the most common systemic illness present in (n=53, 17.66%) patients. Conclusion: Physiological and pathological skin changes in the elderly are a common cause of consultation in dermatology OPD. Physiological changes were seen in all patients. Among pathological changes, infections were the leading dermatoses, followed by eczemas and papulosquamous disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current widespread and intensive soil degradation in India has been driven by unprecedented levels of population growth, large‐scale industrialization, high‐yield agriculture, urban sprawl and the spread of human infrastructure. The damage caused to managed and natural systems by soil degradation threatens livelihoods and local services and leads to national socio‐economic disruption. Human‐induced soil degradation results from land clearing and deforestation, inappropriate agricultural practices, improper management of industrial effluents and wastes, careless management of forests, surface mining, urban sprawl, and ill‐planned commercial and industrial development. Of these, inappropriate agricultural practices, including excessive tillage and use of heavy machinery, over‐grazing, excessive and unbalanced use of inorganic fertilizers, poor irrigation and water management techniques, pesticide overuse, inadequate crop residue and/or organic carbon inputs, and poor crop cycle planning, account for nearly 40% (121 Mha) of land degradation across India. Globally, human activities related to agriculture contribute to the transgression of four of the nine Planetary Boundaries proposed by Rockström et al. (2009): Climate Change, Biodiversity Integrity, Land‐system Change, and altered Phosphorus and Nitrogen Biogeochemical Flows. This review focuses on how knowledge of soil processes in agriculture has developed in India over the past 10 years, and the potential of soil science to meet the objectives of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger (End hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture), using the context of the four most relevant Planetary Boundaries as a framework. Solutions to mitigate soil degradation and improve soil health in different regions using conservation agricultural approaches have been proposed. Thus, in this review we (1) summarize the outputs of recent innovative research in India that has explored the impacts of soil degradation on four Planetary Boundaries (Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Land‐system Change, and altered Biogeochemical Flows of Phosphorus and Nitrogen) and vice‐versa; and (2) identify the knowledge gaps that require urgent attention to inform developing soil science research agendas in India, to advise policy makers, and to support those whose livelihoods rely on the land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonar Lake is a highly saline inland water body created by a crater in Maharashtra, India. A rare occurrence of the colour change of lake water from green to brown and eventually to pinkish-red was observed in Lonar in June 2020. This phenomenon attracted the attention of researchers, academicians and interestingly legal fraternity to understand the causes of colour change. The literature studies coupled the phenomenon of colouration of water to three aspects: the presence of halophilic Halobacterium salinarum or an algal species of Dunaliella (Dunaliella salina) or oxidization of metals (Fe and Mn) present in water. A comprehensive study was done to understand and assess the change in the colour of Lonar Lake water. The green colour of the lake is primarily due to the dominance of chlorophyll-a pigment in the algae population. The stressed condition in June 2020 adversely affected the photosynthesis activity of Dunaliella sp. resulting in the red colouration of the species. This red colour of Dunaliella sp. is due to the formation of a pigment named carotenoid which is similar to that in halophilic bacteria. This pigment completely hides the green chloroplast, and water turns pinkish-red. This study describes detailed investigations of environmental and climatic parameters to determine possible causes of abiotic stress on the algae population of the lake. The major factors contributing to the stressed conditions are high dissolved solids, alkalinity and alkaline pH due to salts in the lake water due to evaporation losses and limited rainfall over the months. The study further verified whether the colour change is a cyclic event and predicted possible lake conditions for the event of colour change to occur in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectiveness of diverse eco-safe strategies against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) infesting Indian mustard was evaluated for two years with 11 treatments viz., Beauveria bassiana @ 108 CS ml-1, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) @ 5 per cent, neem oil @ 5 per cent, B. bassiana @ 108 CS ml-1 after clipping of infested twigs (CIT), nimbecidine @ 0.03 per cent, NSKE @ 5 per cent after CIT, neem oil @ 5 per cent after CIT, nimbecidine @ 0.03 per cent after CIT, clipping of infested twigs alone, dimethoate 30 EC @ 625 ml ha-1 and control. The pooled data revealed that dimethoate contributed maximum efficacy in reducing L. erysimi population over control (89.74 %), followed by B. bassiana after CIT (83.16 %) and nimbecidine @ 0.03 per cent after CIT (80.51%). Seed yield (1716 kg ha-1) was maximum in dimethoate, followed by treatments B. bassiana @ 108 CS ml-1 after CIT (1636.5 kg ha-1) and nimbecidine @ 0.03per cent after CIT (1608 kg ha-1), whereas minimum (1211 kg ha-1) in the control. The gross income (Rs 64350 ha-1) and net return (Rs 18017 ha-1) were highest in dimethoate, followed by B. bassiana @ 108 CS ml-1 after CIT with gross income of Rs 61388 ha-1 and net return of Rs 13865 ha-1. The incremental cost-benefit ratio was also maximum in dimethoate (1: 19.58), followed by B. bassiana, nimbecidine and NSKE treatments (1: 6.33 to 7.27). Results suggest that B. bassiana @ 108 CS ml-1 after CIT and nimbecidine @ 0.03 per cent after CIT can be used as a non-chemical control option as a substitute to chemical control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin disorders are common in paediatric age group and are associated with significant morbidity and stress. These differ from adults in clinical presentation, treatment and prognosis. Data on pattern of paediatric dermatoses can be used in planning healthcare programs. Aim: To study the clinical pattern and prevalence of various skin conditions in paediatric age group in tertiary care centre of rural Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College (W) Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India. A total of 1,003 consecutive Outpatient Department (OPD) patients upto age of 14 years presenting with skin conditions were included in study from a period May 2021 to January 2022. Various parameters like age, gender, pattern of distribution and type of skin lesions were assessed. Results were entered in excel sheet and frequency, percentages were calculated. Results: Out of 1,003 patients 56.53% were males and 43.47% were females. Maximum number (33.20%) of patients were in the age group of 1-5 years. Scabies (24.12%) was the most reported dermatological condition. Majority of dermatoses belonged to infections (32.40%) and infestations (24.83%) followed by eczemas (17.34%). Bacterial infections (15.25%) were most common infections followed by fungal (10.37%) and viral (6.78%) infections. Conclusion: In the present study, infections and infestations were most common dermatological conditions. This study provides insight about the pattern of various dermatoses among children in rural setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we explored how the combination of site soil qualities and invasion by Prosopis juliflora affects the species specific (Leptadenia pyrotechnica) morphological (canopy volume) and population traits (density and Relative Importance Value) in an arid region of the India. For this, we surveyed 9 sites, categorized under two scenarios sites (n = 5) invaded by P. juliflora (Scenario 1), and sites (n = 4) un-invaded with P. juliflora (Scenario 2). With respect to sites, density of both these species exhibited reverse trends to each other. Similar trends were also recorded for canopy volume and cover of L. pyrotechnica and P. juliflora, respectively. We found log-normal distribution types at all the studied sites. In our empirical study, fifteen Relative Importance Value (RIV) of P. juliflora was identified as threshold level beyond which it can drastically reduced the community diversity and niche space of various associates. Further, Relative Severity of Competition (RSC for density, canopy volume and cover) suggested that density (RSC 0.24) and canopy volume (RSC 0.20) of L. pyrotechnica suffered most due to invasion of P. juliflora. Partial Least Square (PLS), regression suggested that density of L. pyrotechnica and P. juliflora are orthogonal to each other indicated significant negative relationships between both of them (r2 = − 0.95). Soil potassium and organic carbon are located close to density of L. pyrotechnica that is both these two variables have positive impacts with density (r2 = 0.95). Similar positive relationships also observed between canopy volume and clay content (r2 = 0.95), while, sand content was orthogonal to this parameter (r2 = − 0.95). Present study suggested how the invasive P. juliflora along with certain soil factors controls the population, morphological and community position attributes of L. pyrotechnica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articles highlight the return volatility, return on investment of goal, and real estate in India. Returns on investment of gold and real estate are determined through generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity dynamic conditional correlation. The global financial and monetary market has been diverted through economic cruises that have made the monetary market highly volatile. Diversification of investment into various instruments such as gold and real estate leads to the investment opportunity to the financial and monetary market. Significant amounts of investors in India are affected by the volatility in the return of gold and investment. A financial market investment has been shifted away from gold and real estate. By the year 2021, India's real estate will reach US$ 180 billion. The housing sector in India is considered to be 11% of India's GDP. Gold and real estate have a major contribution to the total investment of the Indian market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) is a serious pest of Brassica crops in the North-Western region of India, inflicting crop yield losses. Therefore, the present study was conducted on seasonal incidence and management of B. hilaris in Brassica juncea genotype RH 725 at farmer's field, Kolana village, Aravalli Hills Region, Rewari, Haryana, India during Rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21. This study laid out the trial in a randomized block design with three replications and six treatments viz., Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) @ 7%, Nimbecidine @ 0.03%, Neem oil @ 5%, NSKE @ 5%, Neem oil @ 7% and control (unsprayed). Observations on the incidence of B. hilaris showed that it appeared from 5th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) (0.34 bugs plant-1) and attained peak during 10th SMW with 5.77 bugs plant-1. The incidence of B. hilaris exhibited significant positive correlation with maximum (r=0.852, p<0.05) and minimum (r=0.900, p<0.05) temperature, rainfall (r=0.763, p<0.05) and wind velocity (r=0.959, p<0.05). Spray of Neem oil @ 7% (83.01 %) was the most effective in reducing the B. hilaris population over control followed by NSKE @ 7% (81.48 %), while NSKE @ 5% (68.85 %) confirmed least effective. Seed yield in different treatments varied from 1440.5 kg ha-1 (NSKE @ 5%) to 1590 kg ha-1 (Neem oil @ 7%) against 1216 kg ha-1 in control. The highest incremental costbenefit ratio was registered with NSKE @ 7% (1: 7.70) followed by Nimbecidine @ 0.03% (1: 7.41) and NSKE @ 5% (1: 6.25). The present investigation signified that the study on the seasonal incidence of B. hilaris in relation to weather parameters could provide information for planning pest control and management strategies. The botanicals could be used as eco-friendly and economical substitutes for chemical insecticides at farmer's fields against this insect pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is considered as a land of agriculture that engages 64% of the rural workplace and it has a major role in improving the condition of the rural areas. It is important to analyze the changing pattern of agriculture pricing to sustain the interests of the farming community. In this article, the changing pattern in agriculture pricing in India has been examined. Crop cultivation in the last 25 years has been considered as a source of cost escalation that affects the various agricultural factors. Significant changes have been found in the agricultural pricing in India due to changes in the method of agriculture practices. Bullock labor, human labor, manure, and traditional methods are the input that has affected agriculture pricing whereas changes in the irrigation method such as including modern technologies and using large-scale use of tube well have affected the agriculture pricing for maximizing the profits of the farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jaggery is the unrefined form of concentrated sugarcane juice obtained by its continuous heating in traditional plants (TPs). The lack of technological advancements in these plants causes high bagasse consumption and low thermal efficiency. In present research work, a modified plant (MP) having two pans is fabricated to overcome these drawbacks. The improved plant has modified boiling and gutter pans with fins at the bottom to enhance its heat transfer capacity. A TP has also been fabricated and tested for comparison purpose. The performance of these plants has been compared on the basis of performance parameters. The rates of heat utilization (31.23%), water evaporation (32.92%), jaggery production (44.83%), and thermal efficiency (35.32%) of MP are found higher, while the rates of bagasse consumption (4.41%), heat generation (3.38%), heat loss (20.66%), temperature of exhaust gases (8.92%), and draft generated (6.12%) are observed lower than that of TP. The improvement in performance parameters of MP has reduced the concentration time in boiling pan by 8% which makes the plant an economical and fuel self‐sustainable. The actual results obtained for the plants have also been compared with theoretical values and observed in good agreement. The experimental errors have also been evaluated. Practical applications: The traditional jaggery manufacturing plants are tiny in size and run by the farmers on their own level with small investments. These plants are designed by local artisans without any technological advancements and are placed in decentralized sectors of India. Any technological upgradation requiring large investment would not be affordable for the farmers. The innovations involving very less investment and modifications in existing plants are acceptable. Moreover, innovations must be universal that can be implemented in different types and capacity of the plants. In present research work, fins are fitted at the bottom of boiling and gutter pans of a two pan jaggery manufacturing plant that enhanced the heat transfer capacity of pans and consequently, improved the overall performance of the plant. The fitment of fins at the bottom of pans is universal that needs very less investment and constructional changes, thus affordable for small investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficit irrigation (DI) has been emerging as an important technique for enhancing crop water productivity (WP). However, advantage of DI under varying nitrogen (N) application rates remains unclear. Field experiments were conducted during 2012–2014 to investigate the impacts of six irrigation levels[FI (full irrigation), DI10, DI20, DI30, DI40 and DI50, with irrigation amount of 100, 90, 80, 70, 60 and 50% of ETc, respectively) and four N application rates (N0, N10, N20 and N30, with 0, 10, 20 and 30 kg N ha−1, respectively) on WP, yield, quality, and net economic return of peanut in hot arid region of India. We used Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to obtain the optimal combination of irrigation and N rates. Both irrigation level and nitrogen dose had significant effects on yield and quality parameters examined in the study. Relative to FI, DI40 and DI50 significantly reduced yield (40.2–62.1%), economic benefit (70.8–118.5%), WP (8.2–33.0%), and kernel oil content (7.5–11.9%), but DI20 increased WP by 17.1% with only marginal reduction in economic benefit (2.6%), and yield (3.2%). Compared to N0, the N30 had 1.7, 1.1, and 1.6-folds increased yield, oil content in the kernel, and WP, respectively. Among all treatments, DI0N30 had the greatest yield and net return; DI20N30 had greatest WP and oil content in the kernel. TOPSIS analysis showed that DI20N30 was optimal in balancing of WP, yield, net return, and quality of peanut in northwestern arid India. The results have direct implications for improving irrigation water and N management for irrigated crops in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on wheat-weather relationship were carried out at Pusa (25.98 oN, 85.67 oE, 52 m), Bihar situated in middle Gangetic plains of India, with three popular wheat cultivars viz. RW 3711, HD 2824 and HD273, grown under five fixed dates of sowing viz. 15 November, 25 November, 5 December, 15 December and 25 December, for five consecutive rabi seasons from 2011-12 to 2015-16. Thresholds of maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin) and bright sunshine hours (BSH), associated with higher productivity, occurring at different phenophases, were determined. Results revealed that temperature played a crucial role in achieving higher grain yield of wheat. Both Tmax and Tmin during flowering to milking and flowering to maturity phases increased with delayed sowing dates beyond 25 November with consequent reductions in grain yield. During 50% flowering to milk stage, Tmax and Tmin above 24.6 oC and 11.6 oC, respectively, reduced grain yield below 4000 kg ha-1; significant reduction in grain yield was also noted beyond maximum temperature of 26.9 oC. During flowering to milk and flowering to maturity phases, Tmax and Tmin exhibited highly significant negative correlation with grain yield, indicating higher temperatures causing lower grain yield. With delayed sowing, sensitive phases of the crop experienced higher air temperatures which led to reduction in grain yield. An increase of Tmax from 29.2 to 32.1 oC during flowering to maturity phases reduced the wheat productivity drastically in this region of Indo-Gangetic plains. Grain yield declined by 399 kg ha-1 per 1 oC rise in Tmax during 50% flowering to maturity stage. Considering grain yield vis-à-vis temperature regimes during flowering to maturity stage, the most important recommendation for the farmers of the region would be to finish wheat sowing before 25 November in order to enable them to escape terminal heat stress in wheat and thereby realizing higher grain yield. The anthesis-time management by manipulating sowing dates could be a realistic adaptation strategy for attaining optimum grain yield under changing climate scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, ibuprofen and indomethacin, are approved drugs for closure of patent ductus arteriosus but have potential toxicities. There are reports of the effectiveness of paracetamol in ductal closure. However, there is paucity of data comparing paracetamol to ibuprofen or indomethacin in relation to the efficacy and safety profile.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was done in our tertiary care neonatal unit from October 2014 to January 2016 after clearance from ethical committee. It was registered with clinical trial registry of India (CTRI/2016/09/007261) and drug controller general of India (CT/Drugs/56/2014). Preterm neonates with clinical suspicion of hemodynamically significant PDA after echo confirmation were included in the study. Randomization was done by stratified randomization through sealed opaque envelopes. A sample size of 150 was estimated with an expected difference in success of closure as 20% between the treatment groups at level of 5% significance and 80% power. The echocardiography was done 24 hours after completion of treatment by a cardiologist blinded to treatment.Results: The baseline parameters were comparable between two groups. One hundred and forty-six babies had hs-PDA, out of which 110 babies were randomized. No significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to PDA closure (RR 0.97, 95%CI 0.78-1.20, p = 1), mortality or cardio-respiratory morbidity. The babies who received ibuprofen had a higher occurrence of acute kidney injury (RR 0.33, 95%CI 0.13-0.85, p = 0.024).Conclusions: Paracetamol is as effective as ibuprofen for PDA closure in preterm neonates. Ibuprofen used for PDA closure in preterms poses an increased risk for acute kidney injury compared to paracetamol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Flavivirus contains many mosquito-borne human pathogens of global epidemiological importance such as dengue virus, West Nile virus, and Zika virus, which has recently emerged at epidemic levels. Infections with these viruses result in divergent clinical outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to fatal. Myriad factors influence infection severity including exposure, immune status and pathogen/host genetics. Furthermore, pre-existing infection may skew immune pathways or divert immune resources. We profiled immune cells from dengue virus-infected individuals by multiparameter mass cytometry (CyTOF) to define functional status. Elevations in IFNβ were noted in acute patients across the majority of cell types and were statistically elevated in 31 of 36 cell subsets. We quantified response to in vitro (re)infection with dengue or Zika viruses and detected a striking pattern of upregulation of responses to Zika infection by innate cell types which was not noted in response to dengue virus. Significance was discovered by statistical analysis as well as a neural network-based clustering approach which identified unusual cell subsets overlooked by conventional manual gating. Of public health importance, patient cells showed significant enrichment of innate cell responses to Zika virus indicating an intact and robust anti-Zika response despite the concurrent dengue infection. Author summary: Mosquitoes carry many globally important human pathogens including a family of related viruses: dengue virus, West Nile virus, Yellow Fever virus, and recently of critical significance, Zika virus. The Zika virus epidemic emerged very rapidly in the susceptible South American population and in many cases immune responses were unable to control the infection. Immune history is a key element of susceptibility or resistance to severe disease. We examined whether pre-existing infection would skew or divert immune resources and might play a role in the severity of Zika infection in the Americas. Using samples from dengue patients and healthy controls from India, we tested functional responses to Zika virus in the context of pre-existing dengue infection. We quantified frequency and functional status of 36 individual cell subsets in depth using advanced profiling techniques and a novel deep learning algorithm. We showed an intact response to new infection with Zika virus which was enriched for early innate immune pathways and robust even during existing dengue infection. Thus, our study suggests that concurrent dengue infection would not be expected to impair immune responses to new infection with Zika virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who have high emotional intelligence create understanding or know how to manage their own emotions and they know how to read emotions of others. Emotional intelligence was positively connected to physical, psychosomatic and mental health. The studies on the predictors of emotional intelligence, particularly in India are limited. For this purpose focus of the present study was to investigate the predicting effect of personality traits (neuroticism & extraversion) on emotional intelligence among the student of Raipur, India. A sample of the study comprised 300 P.G. students (male=50; female=50). Mangal Emotional Intelligence Inventory and Eysenck’s Maudsley Personality inventory (M. P. I.) were used to measuring emotional intelligence (EI) and personality traits. SPSS 16th version, structure equation model (SEM) with ADANCO, jamovi. (Version 1.0) were used for analysis. Measurement model was excellent fit in the samples [CFI = .968, TLI=0.904, SRMR=.033 and RMSEA = 0.11 (RMSEA 90% CI: Lower-0.0495, Upper-0.189)]. The findings revealed that personality traits, neuroticism emerged as significant predictors of emotional intelligent, intra personal awareness, inter personal awareness and inter personal management. Age emerged as significant predictors of emotional intelligent and its dimension. The findings also revealed that gender and extraversion have no impact on emotional intelligent and its dimension. A stable personality, age and their psychological wellbeing are important in enhancing the emotional intelligence of young students as there is a possibility in improving their emotional intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Jaggery is a traditional concentrated product of sugarcane juice which is easily and cheaply available to the Indian rural population. Several value added jaggery based products are also very popular in large section of population throughout the country. Jaggery is a good source of minerals and nutritiants and also has various medicinal values. With the increasing demand of this nutritive sweetener, efforts are being made to develop a standard manufacturing package that will increase its productivity besides quality improvement in terms of hygiene, standardization of shape, size, and storability. The thermal and overall efficiencies of jaggery making plants are very low due to loss of thermal energy through flue gasses and un-designed constructional parameters of plant. The storage of jaggery is also a major problem. Since, it is much influenced by the contents of invert sugars and mineral salts that are hygroscopic in nature. This intends us to study the technological upgradations used for the production and preservation of jaggery in order to prioritise the required advancements. This paper gives an overview of the technological upgradation of jaggery manufacturing plants and the preservation of jaggery by using different storage and packaging methods. Highlights • Jaggery, a natural sweetner is a good source of minerals and essential nutrients. • Jaggery industry is one of the largest and most important among major Indian agro processing industries. • Thermal and overall efficiencies of traditional jaggery making plants are low. • Manuscript discusses elements and operation of jaggery manufacturing processes, its up-gradation, shelf life of jaggery and its storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frieswal cattle is one of the crossbred strains having 5/8 Holstein Friesian and 3/8 Sahiwal inheritance, developed by ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, in collaboration with Ministry of Defence. The project was started in 1987 for the evolution of a new crossbred national milch breed: Frieswal – (Holstein×Sahiwal), yielding 4,000 kg of milk with 4% butter fat in a mature lactation of 300 days. It is the only project in the country where such a huge population of animals (more than 20,000) is available with accurate production and pedigree records of each and every animal over generations, with well-established progeny testing network in 37 military farms to cover all the agro-climatic zones of the country. In this review, an attempt has been made to analyze the genesis, present status and future prospects of Frieswal cattle in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut or groundnut is one of the major oilseed crops in the world. It is rich in oil and proteins. Developing countries account for about 95% of the world peanut production. Asia alone accounts for 70% of this amount where the major producers India and China together represent over two-third of global output. Traditionally, groundnuts are dried in open sun to its safe moisture level for storage. Natural and artificial (hot air drying) drying methods of groundnuts are being used throughout the world. Artificial peanuts drying devices consume very large amount of energy. In this paper, present status of peanut and a comprehensive review of its drying methods are discussed. Recent developments in preservation and storage of groundnuts are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-fleshed dragon fruit offers an array of bioactive compounds. Its cultivation is gaining momentum in India, including in arid and semi-arid conditions. Among various factors, the fruit developmental stages and climatic conditions of locations greatly influence the biosynthesis and actual contents of different bioactive compounds and mineral contents of the fruit. The changes in physical attributes, and bioactive and mineral content in red-fleshed dragon fruit grown in semi-arid conditions in India were assessed and quantified at six developmental stages. Significant changes occurred in the physical attributes of the fruit and the bioactive compounds and mineral content during the fruit maturation stages of the red-fleshed dragon fruit. The fruit physical characteristics, such as fruit size, fruit and pulp weight gain, peel thickness, and fruit firmness, along with eating quality parameters, such as soluble solids, sugars, acidity and soluble proteins, were observed at optimum at 35 days after anthesis (DAA). The decrease in total phenolics (29.96%), total flavonoids (41.06%), and vitamin C (75.3%) occurred throughout the fruit development stages, whereas the content of betalains, which was detected initially at 25 DAA, increased (48.6%) with the progression of the fruit development stages. However, the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity demonstrated variable trends throughout the fruit maturation period. There was an increasing trend in all the minerals up to 35 days, followed by a slight decrease, except for phosphorus content, which increased until the last stage of evaluation. The colour characteristics, in conjunction with the bioactive and antioxidant potential determined in the present study, suggest that red-fleshed dragon fruit can be harvested at 35 DAA for long-distance transportation, and from 35 to 40 DAA for local marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that can have profound physical, social and psychological consequences. We aimed to assess the clinical predictors of quality of life of people with epilepsy. We recruited 31 patients suffering from epilepsy in this crosssectional study. Their clinical profile was recorded. Quality Of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE- 31) was used to assess quality of life of our patients. Depression was screened by Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory in Epilepsy (NDDI-E). Among all the clinical variables, only seizure frequency significantly correlated with seizure worry (P=0.002), emotional well-being (P=0.026) and social functions (P=0.013) subscales of QOLIE-31. NDDIE score showed a significant negative correlation with all the subscales of QOLIE-31 except medication effects (P=0.993). A significant positive correlation was also noted between seizure frequency and NDDI-E score (r=0.417, P=0.020). Seizure frequency and depression are the most important predictors of quality of life in epilepsy patients. The management of patients with epilepsy should not only be aimed at just preventing seizures but the treating clinicians should also be cognizant about depression which itself can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective antibody titles against FMD in bovine of some districts of Uttarakhand, India were investigated using LPB-ELISA. Overall seroprevalence of antibody titre against FMD virus serotypes O, A, and Asia-1 were 71.22, 68.22 and 53.23%, respectively, while in cattle it was 73.01,69.20 and 53.63% and in buffalo it was 68.01,66.46 and 52.80%, respectively. In male bovines, seroprevalence of antibody titre was 76.92, 71.15 and 51.92%, respectively, for serotype O, A and Asia-1, while in females it was 70.48, 67.82 and 53.52%, respectively. Among different age groups,maximum seroprevalence of protective antibody titre was found in 3 to <5yrs. Seroprevalence of antibody titre were highest in Udham Singh Nagar (91.75%) followed by Dehradun (70.00%), Nainital (53.33%) and Almora (36.00%) for serotype O. Similar patterns were found for serotype A and Asia-1 also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watering is known to convert deserts into oases. However, information on how irrigation brings changes in physical and chemical properties of soils in a desert biome is not yet known, though pertinent to land use planning. This study reports influence of irrigation and cropping sequence on physico-chemical properties of soils in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India. Treatments included three irrigation conditions (not irrigated, low-irrigated, and high-irrigated) and eleven cropping sequences, cotton-gram (C-G), mung bean-mustard (M-Mu), moth bean-wheat (Mo-W), moth bean-mustard (Mo-Mu), cotton-fallow (C-F), cotton-wheat (C-W), cotton-mustard (C-Mu), mung bean-wheat (M-W), moth bean-fallow (Mo-F), mung bean-fallow (M-F), and pearl millet-fallow (P-F). The irrigation reduced soil temperature (9.7 to 12.2%) and bulk density (5.3 to 6.6%), but increased silt (5.1 to 7.2%) and clay (3.8 to 5.4%) content, water holding capacity (50 to 58.3%), moisture content at field capacity (100 to 133.3%), concentration (2.3 to 3.1 times), and stock (2.2 to 3.0 times) of soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (4 to 8 times), available phosphorus (1.82 to 2.1 times), and potassium (25.9 to 67.1%). These changes were higher in the high-irrigated than the low-irrigated conditions. Cropping sequences C-W, C-Mu, and C-G sequestered more SOC and retained higher microbial biomass carbon, whereas M-Mu, Mo-W, Mo-Mu and M-W maintained the highest level of phosphorus and potassium. These observations suggest that irrigation and cropping sequence are promising management options for enhancing carbon sequestration in soils, which may reduce desertification in the Thar Desert and other similar deserts in the hot tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims: To survey the occurrence of nodulated legumes in the arid and semi-arid areas of Western Rajasthan and to characterize their associated symbiotic bacteria. Methods: Herbaceous annual species were excavated whole, while tree species were studied as seedlings in the field or as trap plants in pot experiments. Nodules were examined by microscopy to confirm their effectiveness and to determine their internal structure. Bacteria isolated from the nodules were authenticated on their original hosts and were identified on the basis of 16S rRNA sequencing. Phylogenetic trees were inferred using the neighbour-joining method. Results: We studied 35 of more than 50 species of native legume reported from these areas. Legumes are drought escaping (annual species), drought tolerant perennials or trees possessing deep root systems and other adaptations to arid conditions. Nodulation was recorded in all members of the Papilionoideae and Mimosoideae, but only one species of Caesalpinioideae. Internal structure of nodules varied within these groups, especially with respect to the presence or absence of uninfected cells in the infected region. Full 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the nodules harboured a range of nodulating bacteria belonging to the genera Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium, within which they formed separate sub clades. Conclusions: This study extends the range of legumes known to grow and nodulate in semi-arid regions, and provides information about their endosymbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two years experiment was carried out to study the effect on growth and yield of wheat under different methods of sowing and N management strategies. Sowing of wheat under FIRBS with 3 and 2 rows per bed showed yield superiority of 12.5 and 8.3 per cent, respectively over flat sowing. Compared to broadcast method of N application, placement of nitrogen resulted in significant yield increase to the tune of 8.7 per cent. Results indicated that increasing the number of splits cannot compensate for basal nitrogen application. Application of nitrogen in 3 splits (1/3 before sowing + 1/3 after first irrigation + 1/3 at spike initiation) resulted in significantly taller plants, more dry matter accumulation, higher LAI, and finally grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon, phosphorus and potassium stock for a meter soil profile were determined in 2002 for a 22860 km2 area under pearl millet (pm) -pearl millet (pm) (pennisetum americanum Linn.) cropping system and the results were compared with the database of 1975. The influence of alternate land use systems on organic carbon, phosphorus and potassium density under the similar set of conditions was also evaluated. Soil organic cabon (SOC), phosphorus, and potassium stocks were depleted by 9.7, 17.1, and 9.0% from 1975 to 2002. Typic Torripsamment (19.7%) and Lithic Torriorthents (17.7%) suffered from the highest SOC loss, while coarse loamy, Typic Haplocambids registered the lowest (0.9%) SOC depletion. Equivalent CO2 emission was 11.5 Tg, while 0.37 Tg CO2 was sequestered as inorganic carbon. Trends of phosphorus and potassium depletion was similar to that of SOC. Silvipasture, Silviculture, agroforestry and pearl millet-legume sequence on Typic Torripsamments from last thirty years at CAZRI Research Farm contained 185,141,121, and 50% higher SOC and could sequester 9.6, 7.4, 6.3 and 2.6 kg/m2 higher CO2, respectively than the similar soils used for pm-pm sequence. Potassium depletion and phosphorus accumulations were significantly higher in pm-legume than other land use systems. Cropping intensity, fertilizer application, soil texture, initial organic carbon, organic residue recycled and period of canopy cover alone or in combination explained the extent of variation. The study reveals that silvipasture and silviculture are the better option for increasing SOC sequestration. Agroforestry and pearl millet-legume sequence may be grown for arresting SOC and nutrient depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse cultivation of vegetables has only recently begun to be used in India. There is no information yet available on the suitability of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars that can be used for this type of cultivation. The imported tomato cvs. R-144 (Daniela), FA-179, FA-180, and FA-574, and the local cvs. DT-2 and DT-7 were evaluated under greenhouse conditions in northern India from September to June for the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 growing seasons for yield and quality traits. The cv. R-144 (Daniela) had the best yield (21.9 and 20.4 Mg/1000 m2) and number of fruit/truss (5.6 and 5.4) during both years. The cv. FA-574 had the heaviest fruit (145.0 and 140.0 g). During 2001-2002, 'DT-7' had the fewest fruit/truss (3.2), average fruit weight (70.0g), and the lowest fruit yield (8.3 Mg/1000 m2). 'R-144' ('Daniela') had the highest percentage of first quality fruit, 89.0 and 91.3%, with the lowest incidence of blossom end rot, 1.0 and 0.5%, respectively, for the two years. The greatest percentage of second quality fruit was from 'DT-2' (79.6%) during 2000-2001 and 'DT-7' (84.6%) during 2001-2002. Blossom end rot incidence was highest in 'DT-7' (14.2%) during 2000-2001 followed by 'DT-2' (11.0%). Overall performance of 'R-144' ('Daniela') was judged best for greenhouse commercial production under local conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Characterization of soil water retention, e.g., water content at field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point (PWP) over a landscape plays a key role in efficient utilization of available scarce water resources in dry land agriculture; however, direct measurement thereof for multiple locations in the field is not always feasible. Therefore, pedotransfer functions (PTFs) were developed to estimate soil water retention at FC and PWP for dryland soils of India. A soil database available for Arid Western India (N=370) was used to develop PTFs. The developed PTFs were tested in two independent datasets from arid regions of India (N=36) and an arid region of USA (N=1789). While testing these PTFs using independent data from India, root mean square error (RMSE) was found to be 2.65 and 1.08 for FC and PWP, respectively, whereas for most of the tested ‘established’ PTFs, the RMSE was >3.41 and >1.15, respectively. Performance of the developed PTFs from the independent dataset from USA was comparable with estimates derived from ‘established’ PTFs. For wide applicability of the developed PTFs, a user-friendly soil moisture calculator was developed. The PTFs developed in this study may be quite useful to farmers for scheduling irrigation water as per soil type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a highly invasive and polyphagous pest of global incidence. The fundamental hypothesis of the present study was that the temperature variations due to global climate change may affect seriously the future distribution and abundance of P. solenopsis, which might further aggravate the crop yield losses. We employed a temperature-based phenology model of P. solenopsis in a geographic information system for mapping population growth potentials of P. solenopsis. The three risk indices viz., establishment risk index, generation index and activity index were computed using interpolated temperature data from worldclim database for current (2000) and future (2050) climatic conditions. The daily minimum and maximum temperature data from four selected weather stations in India were used for analysing within-year variation of pest population. A linear relationship was established between the activity indices and yield losses at various locations reported in literatures for predicting the future trend of yield loss due to climate change. The results revealed that, under current temperature conditions P. solenopsis can complete >4.0 generations per year on ~80% of the global cotton production areas. Economic losses are likely to occur in areas where at least 8.0 generations can develop in a year; under current climate ~40% areas fall under this category. The increased geographical suitability at higher latitudes in cotton production areas, additional 2.0 generations per year, and 4.0 fold increase of population abundance of P. solenopsis are expected in tropical and sub-tropical cotton areas of Brazil, South Africa, Pakistan and India due to predicted climate change. Analysis of within year population increase at various selected locations in India revealed that, P. solenopsis attained maximum potential population increase during the major cotton growing season (May-June to October-November). On the other hand, the innate ability of P. solenopsis population to increase reduced considerably during off season and cooler winter months. The increased pest activity of P. solenopsis due to climate change may intensify the losses in cotton yield, with forecasted losses in India to increase from existing losses of million US$ 1217.10 to future losses of million US$ 1764.85 by the year 2050. Here, we illustrate the possible impact of climate change on future P. solenopsis exacerbation based on temperature-driven population studies, which will help in undertaking agro-ecoregion specific management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Makhana (Euryale ferox) is a high-value commodity of nutritional, medicinal and ritualistic significance. North Bihar has occupied a prominent position in terms of both production and productivity of makhana not only in India, but across the globe. Leaf blight disease on makhana was noticed in April 2018, with a severity of 15-20% in a survey of farmers' ponds in North Bihar. Symptoms of the disease were circular, small, lightbrown, necrotic, sunken lesion that later turned into a large, dark, blighted area in the leaves. Blighting of fruits was also noticed during June and July 2018. Blighted fruits were small, distorted and twisted with less seed. Alternaria alternata was identified as the pathogen causing the disease based on morphological and cultural characteristics of the culture maintained on potato dextrose agar from symptomatic leaf and fruit samples. The fungus gave rise to greyish to grey-black colonies with obclavate to obpyriform, catenulate conidia in chains. Conidia consisted of 2-5 horizontal and 0-2 vertical septa and measured 15-60 × 5-9 µm in dimension. Molecular confirmation was done by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. Eventually, pathogenicity test inferred that leaf and fruit blight in makhana are due to A. alternata infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture mechanization played a significant economic role by increasing agriculture production and reducing cost of cultivation. Agricultural mechanization has improved productivity to great extent, still post-harvest value addition to the raw product in India is very less as compared to other countries, which may be mainly due to lack of technologies. There is a dire need to develop more processing machinery for value addition of agricultural produce with a reduction in time and labour. Pea is an important cool season, leguminous crop of India. Manual removal of peas from pods is a labourious and time consuming job. In view of non-availability of efficient pea depoding machine work on design and fabrication of pea depoding machine was undertaken by Punjab Agricultural University during 2009-2011. Computer aided design of machine was made by using “SolidWorks” software. This design helps to find out the typical dimensions of various components of machine with great accuracy in small time and also gives fine representation of pea depoding machine by using simulation. The machine was fabricated by using the low cost material available in market. Main components of this machine are – frame, sieve, L-shaped blades, conveying blades, hopper, trays, motor and gear box. Depoding of pea grain is based on the principle of friction generated by rubbing action of blades with the pea pods on sieves which helps in opening the pods of peas and cutting action of conveying blades. Initial tests were done on the designed machine and it was observed that 60 r min-1 of blade shaft was best suited for depoding of pea from pods. The average throughput capacity of the machine was 30 kg h-1 . This machine will surely help farmers by adding the value to agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]