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The article presents a study which examined the presence of Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) infected Spodoptera frugiperda larvae in order to manage the invasive pest the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda in north India. Topics discussed include isolation and purification of polyhedral occlusion bodies (POBs), evaluation of the most potent virus isolate, and natural incidence of NPV in Spodoptera frugiperda larvae collected from different zones of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

This paper explores the lost stories of the precarious lives of thousands of migrant women from the community that the Indian government officially calls Displaced Persons of Pakistanoccupied Jammu and Kashmir (DPs of PoJK). We examine the stories of those who survived the painful migration that followed tribal raids in the western parts of the kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir, which ceased to exist after its accession with the Union of India on October 26, 1947. Drawing on the concept of precarity as propounded by Judith Butler, this paper critically examines the torturous experiences of women in Kulvir Gupta's autobiography, Embers the Beginning and Embers the End of Mirpur (2018). The paper also employs Agamben's conception of "camp" to analyze the unlawful and inhumane treatment these women received in migrant camps such as Kalghar and Alibegh. It shows how their life was relegated to "bare lives" while being differentially subjected to gender-based violence amidst the territorial conquest in the region. This paper concludes that these migrant women from Mirpur and the entire western region of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir were highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation in the contemporary political order of the region. This paper, being the first of its kind on the select migrant group, attempts to voice the pains and struggles of these courageous migrant women of whom only a few are alive today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the genome of temperate isolate of Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV-IND-K) from Kashmir, India, was analyzed and compared with other Helicoverpa NPV genomes with the logic to determine the effect of the geographic difference at the genomic level. The HearNPV-IND-K genome has a size of 129 234 bp, and GC ratio of 38.9%, and 137 protein-coding genes. The genome has three baculovirus repeat origin (bro-a, bro-b, and bro-c) genes and five homologous repeat regions (hr). According to the phylogenetic tree analysis, it showed 92% similarity to the HaSNPV-L1 isolate from Ludhiana, India having tropical climate. It has been determined that there are significant differences between the genomes of these two HearNPV isolates from different geographical regions of the same country. While there are 137 genes in the HearNPV-IND-K genome, it is quite remarkable that there are 113 genes in the HaSNPV-L1 genome. Interestingly, 111 genes are shared among the genomes and the HearNPV-IND-K genome has a unique hypothetical gene (ORF 77). The bro-a and bro-b genes are relatively short (89 aa, 144 aa) in the HearNPV-IND-K genome and do not have the bro-d gene. Further, all hr regions have different lengths between the two genomes. In the HearNPV-IND-K genome, the hr2 region is 211 bp shorter, the hr1 region is 602 bp, the hr3 region is 599 bp, the hr4 region is 294 bp, and the hr5 region is 659 bp longer. Overall, the results revealed that the HearNPV-IND-K has a unique gene and the genomes of the two isolates from the same country vary significantly. It also paved the way for future studies to elucidate the function of the unique hypothetical gene and to investigate the effects of the relatively short bro-a gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explorative surveys were conducted to detect the natural occurrence of Kerria lacca in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on its natural hosts Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana), Palas (Butea monosperma), Kikar (Acacia nilotica) Khair (Acacia catechu) and Pipal (Ficus religosia). The natural occurrence of the insect was found to be highly threatened due to summer mortality, parasitism by natural enemies and human interventions. Over the period of survey, a total of 9 strains were recovered and conserved ex-situ in the gene bank. On the basis of productivity linked parameters the 'Gol Market' strain was found to be the most promising in terms of higher initial settlement (172.8 crawlers/ cm²), lower mortality (43%), greater fecundity (225 larvae per cell) and dense female cells (11.32/ cm²). Further, this strain was inoculated on three different hosts viz., Flemingia semialata, Ziziphus mauritiana and Butea monosperma to study the productivity linked parameters. The productivity linked parameters like cell and resin weight (19.83 and 8.15 mg) were also found to be highest in this strain. The data recorded on mean initial and final density of settlement, density at crop maturity, weight of female cell, resin output and fecundity were significantly higher on F. semialata followed by Z. mauritiana and B. monosperma, respectively. Initial mortality (%) showed significant difference among different hosts with minimum mortality of 24.79% on F. semialata followed by 46.80% and 71.94% mean mortality on Z. mauritiana and B. monosperma, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surveys to different localities of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand yielded three species of genus Sphrageidus Maes, namely S. similis (Fuessly), S. simlensis (Gupta) and S. xanthorrhoea (Kollar) of subfamily Lymantriinae. The external morphological characters particularly wing maculation and venation along with genitalia characteristics have been studied and illustrated in detail. The male genitalic features like distinct saccus, ring-like juxta, simple valva, aedeagus with a hook or reversed spine at the apex and distinct wing venation, i.e., absence of vein M2 in hindwing completely conform the characterization ofthe genus. In the present studies, the species simlensis has been placed under genus Sphrageidus Maes making a new combination as Sphrageidus simlensis (Gupta) for its proper placement. The genus diagnosis has also been updated. The external morphological characters including wing maculation, venation and particularly the genitalic features proved significant from taxonomic point ofview in all the three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to work out quantitative measurement of various geomorphic parameters as well as analysis of geomorphic landforms to study the tectonic character of Suru basin. Morphometric analysis, being widely used to assess the drainage characteristics of the river basins, has also been found to be a useful tool to delineate tectonically active zones. A number of parameters including the mountain front sinuosity, asymmetry factor, transverse topography symmetry, hypsometry, longitudinal profile and the shape parameters have been used. The low mountain front sinuosity values < 1.4 indicate that the tectonic forces dominate over erosive activity. Also the asymmetry factor 66.98% suggests that the right side of the basin has experienced uplift with the development of unpaired river terraces. Hypsometric integral 0.96, convex up hypsometric curve and the GPS data of year 2011–2013 indicate that the relief of the basin is high relative to mean, is in youthful stage and actively uplifting at the rate of 2.18 ± 0.99 mm/year. The shape parameters further suggest that the Suru river basin having lower elongation ratio is indicative of elongate shape of basin with tectonic forces outpacing the erosion power. Area-altitude analysis of the Suru river basin indicates that about 72% of the area of the basin is steeply to very steeply sloping and 28% area is moderately to gently sloping. The area-altitude indicates 72% area of basin could slide when there is slight shift in terms of tectonic disturbance. In addition to the geomorphic indices, the field investigations reveal tectonically unstable character, exhibit a complex topography and varied Quaternary sedimentation. The major geomorphic landforms viz., alluvial terraces, alluvial fans, debris cone, scree, and talus cone at the foothills are present throughout the valley with tectonic structures like micro folds, back-tilted beds, deeply incised valleys, faults and tectonic deposits (Ophiolites), indicating that the tectonic activity has affected the basin. The synergized results of geomorphometry, field investigations and GPS data indicate that the Suru basin is tectonically active and uplifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphic and neo tectonic studies have been carried out for the first time in Mawar basin of the Kashmir valley. On the basis of field investigations and geomorphic data derived from toposheets and satellite imageries, with the help of Arc GIS (10.3) and Global Mapper (18) the relationship between morphology and tectonics has been investigated in Mawar basin, which lies to the northwest of Kashmir valley. The morphotectonic aspects like mountain front sinuosity (Smf), hypsometric integral (Hi), have been studied to relate the tectonic forces with erosive power and identify the areas where field investigations are required. The field interpretation indicates that the landforms of the area are structurally controlled and mainly consist of tectonic linear, parallel striking ridges and valleys. The course of Mawar is mostly controlled by the Mawar fault striking east-west and local structures present in the area. General morphometric parameters like assymetry factor (Af), transverse topography symmetry (T), stream length gradient (SL) and valley floor width to height ratio (Vf) have been computed to draw the conclusion of tectonic activity on the drainage. The Af and T suggest that the basin has shifted to the right side and the Mawar river has shifted to the left side when facing downstream. The SL values indicate that the river has fluctuations in gradient/knickpoints at 6.8, 10 and 18 km from the source. However the Vf values infer the basin has deeply incised V-shaped valleys. All the quantified geomorphic indices and their interrelationship with the geomorphology are useful in comparing different drainage basins in terms of tectonic character and are helpful in delineating the areas where more detailed works will be fruitful. The results of computed geomorphic indices, geomorphology and the structures present in the Karewas (Plio Pleistocene) deposits inferred that the basin has shown activity in Pleistocene period, suggesting the basin is tectonically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intermontane Karewa basin contains a wide variety of seismically induced soft sediment deformation structures, interpreted as seismites and occurs in 1300 m thick succession of upper and lower Karewas. The Karewa Formation of Kashmir valley are glacio- fluvial-lacustrine and aeolian loess of Plio-Pleistocene age. The soft sediment deformational structures occurs in various formations and members of Karewas and vary greatly in terms of morphology and pattern. The Karewa Formations were frequently confronted with recurrent seismic activities during differential upliftment of Pir Panjal and Zanaskar ranges which resulted in various deformation structures during their evolution and development. In the present study, an attempt has been made to relate the palaeo-seismicity events in Karewa formations with the deformed structures of various formations. The origin of these deformational structures have been interpreted and analyzed from the field evidences by applying paleo-seismological approach. During and after the deposition of Karewas different soft sediment deformation structures (seismites) like load cast, convolute lamination, pseudonodules, recumbent folds, sand dykes etc. were formed during liquefaction and triggered by tectonic impulsive events. The deformational structures are evidenced by their unique nature, distribution, association, behaviour and deformation, and can be used as vital indicators for palaeo-seismicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian gypsy moth ( Lymantria obfuscata ) is a pest of national significance, which attacks a wide range of forest and fruit crops in India. The outbreaks of this pest over the past few years spurred interest towards sustainable biointensive approaches for quality fruit production of apple and walnut for agricultural export in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). The exploratory survey's were conducted for the isolation of native strains of L. obfuscata multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LyobMNPV) and field evaluation was conducted to determine the most promising strain as a potential biological control agent of this pest. The virus was recovered from different locations of J&K with its natural incidence varying from 0.77 to 7.43 percent. This is the first report from the Indian sub-continent and worldwide of the occurrence of NPVs in natural larval populations of L. obfuscata . The in vivo mass production was optimised by inoculating per os late 3rd instar L. obfuscata larvae with an inoculum dose of 1.44 × 10 5 OBs/larva and followed by a 10 day incubation period. To prevent the disintegration of larval cuticle and microbial contamination, moribund larvae were harvested with an average yield of 1.42 × 10 8 OBs/larva. The field application of LyobMNPV against the host populations on apple and willow with the pre-standardised dosage of 2.5 × 10 12 OBs/ha reduced the larval population density by 25–63%. In the year following application, the larval population density in the treated blocks was 19–28% lower as compared to controls on both apple and willow. This suggests that the virus has considerable potential as a biocontrol agent and the timely application with LyobMNPV on non-fruit trees such as willow which are the preferred hosts for egg laying may help to initiate viral epizootics to keep population outbreaks under check. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) with five levels of sulfur (S), 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg S ha−1in sub-tropical Inceptisol of Jammu, North India. The residual effect of S on rice crop was evaluated. The seed and stover yield of mustard increased in the linear order up to 60 kg S ha−1but significant yield increase was obtained up to 30 S kg ha−1which was 21.4 percent higher in comparison to the yield obtained in control. The uptake of S at maturity was significantly affected with all the levels of S application. The seed S uptake increased significantly up to 30 kg S ha−1and stover 45 kg S ha−1. The residual effect of S was convincing in enhancing the rice yield to the tune of 5.3% over control, but was statistically non-significant. The S uptake was also favourably influenced by the residual S which was evidenced through increased S use efficiency. Agronomic and physiological efficiency as well as S recovery were all greatly influenced by direct and residual effect of S. Apparent S recovery was higher at 30 kg S ha−1in mustard (12.06%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Koul PA., et al. (2011) Pandemic and seasonal influenza viruses among patients with acute respiratory illness in Kashmir (India). Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(6), e521-e527. Background With the emergence of pandemic influenza A (2009A/H1N1) virus in India, we sought to determine the prevalence and clinical presentations of seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses among acute respiratory illness (ARI) patients from Srinagar, a temperate climate area in northern India, during the peak winter season. Methods Combined throat and nasal swabs, obtained from 194 (108 male) presenting with ARI from January to March 2010 (Week 53-week 10), were tested by RT-PCR for influenza A and B, including 2009A/H1N1 viruses. HA1 gene of selected 2009A/H1N1-positive samples was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was carried out. Results Twenty-one (10·8%, age 15-80 years, median age 40 years) patients tested positive for influenza viruses: 13 (62%) for 2009A/H1N1 virus, 6 (28·5%) for seasonal influenza A (H3N2), and 2 (9·5%) for influenza B. Twelve of the 13 patients with 2009A/H1N1 presented with febrile ARI, and eight had associated comorbidities. All of the patients recovered. Phylogenetic analysis of HA gene ( n = 8) revealed that all strains from Srinagar clustered in 2009A/H1N1 clade seven along with the other 2009A/H1N1 strains from India. Amino acid substitutions in the HA protein defining clade seven (P83S, S203T, and I321V) were found in almost all isolates from Srinagar. Conclusions Both seasonal and 2009A/H1N1 viruses appear to be associated with ARI in Srinagar. The 2009A/H1N1 in Srinagar is genetically similar to globally circulating clade 7 strains, with unique signature sequences in the HA gene. Further investigations into ascertain the role of these mutations in possible alteration of the virulence and transmissibility of the virus are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.), is a model organism of lepidopteran insects with high economic importance. The viral diseases of the silkworm caused by Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) and Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV) inflict huge economic losses and significantly impact the sericulture industry of India and other countries. To understand the distribution of Indian isolates of the BmNPV and to investigate their genetic composition, an in-depth population structure analysis was conducted using comprehensive and newly developed genomic analysis methods. The seven new Indian BmNPV isolates from Anantapur, Dehradun, Ghumarwin, Jammu, Kashmir, Mysore and Salem grouped in the BmNPV clade, and are most closely related to Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus and Rachiplusia ou multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus on the basis of gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the partial polh, lef-8 and lef-9 gene fragments. The whole genome sequencing of three Indian BmNPV isolates from Mysore (-My), Jammu (-Ja) and Dehradun (-De) was conducted, and intra-isolate genetic variability was analyzed on the basis of variable SNP positions and the frequencies of alternative nucleotides. The results revealed that the BmNPV-De and BmNPV-Ja isolates are highly similar in their genotypic composition, whereas the population structure of BmNPV-My appeared rather pure and homogenous, with almost no or few genetic variations. The BmNPV-De and BmNPV-Ja samples further contained a significant amount of BmBDV belonging to the Bidnaviridae family. We elucidated the genotype composition within Indian BmNPV and BmBDV isolates, and the results presented have broad implications for our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of BmNPV and co-occurring BmBDV isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meningococcal disease is endemic in many parts of the world, with relatively large-scale outbreaks occurring in many countries. High density populations like dormitory students and military recruits are considered to be high risk groups to contract meningococcal disease. Indian data on meningococcal disease are sparse and limited to the studies undertaken during or immediately after suspected outbreaks. Methods & Materials: In a cross sectional design, 274 consenting healthy college freshmen (age 17-19 years, median 17; 48 female) were approached within 7 days of joining the hostel, where they would share their rooms with 2/3 more students. Demographic data and any high risk beahvior was recorded on a predefined proforma. Charcoal impregnated nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained, transported to the laboratory within 2-3hrs, plated directly onto Thayer Martin medium and incubated at 37 °C with 5-10% CO2 for 24 hours. In case of no growth the plates were incubated for another 24 hours and examined subsequently for oxidase positive Gram negative diplococcic suggestive of Neisseria spp. The isolates were sub cultured, DNA isolated and Sanger sequencing performed on the amplified PCR product. Blast n was performed at different score ad E-value parameters for all positive sequences against the whole NCBI nr/nt data base. Molecular phylogentic analysis with various serogroups of N.meningitides was performed by using MEGA 6 software package. Results: Of the 274 nasopharyngeal swabs, 10 (3.6%) grew Neisseria. DNA isolation and Sanger sequencing was performed on the amplified PCR product and sequence analysis was carried out. Blast analysis of all sequenced samples was performed against the whole NCBI-nr/nt database and within the Dataset. On molecular testing and sequence analysis, 4 of the samples were found to be N. meningitidis whereas one had close similarity to N. meningitidis. Only 2 students reported history of intimate kissing in the past 2 weeks and one had a history of using antibiotics. The isolates on Blast and molecular phlogeny analysis bore homology to serogroup 'B (Fig 1). Conclusion: Neisseria meningitides is seen in college freshmen and the potential implications for spread in close shared settings call for appropriate infection control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Kashmir Valley or the Jhelum basin is an intermontane-basin in NW Himalaya bounded by the Pir Panjal Range in the south and southwest and the Great Himalayan Range in the north and northeast. The valley is marked by active major thrust boundaries in its south and southwestern parts. Remote sensing studies and morphometric analysis suggest neo-tectonic activities and the formation of tectonic terraces due to uplift on the major thrust boundaries in NW Himalayas. The quartz from freshly eroded mountain belts is usually found to show very poor luminescence sensitivity and thus not suitable for optical dating. Similar problems occurred with the quartz from the Srinagar Basin. Due to this, feldspar was selected as a natural dose meter for dating tectonically uplifted terraces in an active and dynamic belt of the NW Himalayas. We report here for the first time the luminescence characteristics of quartz and feldspar minerals from the study area. However, feldspar also shows poor luminescence sensitivity, although enough to perform optical dating. Athermal fading was observed in all the feldspar samples, which was corrected using ‘g’ values; a large scatter was found in the g values, probably due to intermixing of feldspar grains from varying source rock types and also due to poor luminescence sensitivity. An average g value correction to the mean paleodose was found to agree if compared with the thermo-luminescence date of loess deposit dated earlier. The ages show that the terrace formation started taking place at ∼100ka in the southwestern part of the Jhelum basin and continued with pulses at 50ka and 11ka towards the northwestern part. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inguino-scrotal hernia is a very common surgical entity. Though much common in pediatric population, yet no age is exempted. Enterocutaneous fistula in an inguino-scrotal hernia is a very rare surgical entity in both developing as well as developed countries. Comparatively commoner in pediatric age group but no age is exempt, the information gathered from few cases available in the surgical literature. About 08 cases in pediatric age group and 06 cases in adult population are available in the literature that could be revealed from Pubmed/Medline as well as medical library shelf search. We report here two rare cases of scrotal enterocutaneous fistula in an adult in inguinoscrotal hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]