Search

A classical transport experiment was performed in a field plot of 2.5 m2 using the dye tracer brilliant blue. The measured tracer distribution demonstrates the dominant role of the heterogeneous soil structure for solute transport. As with many other published experiments, this evidences the need of considering the macroscopic structure of soil to predict flow and transport. We combine three different approaches to represent the relevant structure of the specific situation of our experiment: i) direct measurement, ii) statistical description of heterogeneities and iii) a conceptual model of structure formation. The structure of soil layers was directly obtained from serial sections in the field. The sub-scale heterogeneity within the soil horizons was modelled through correlated random fields with estimated correlation lengths and anisotropy. Earthworm burrows played a dominant role at the transition between the upper soil horizon and the subsoil. A model based on percolation theory is introduced that mimics the geometry of earthworm burrow systems. The hydraulic material properties of the different structural units were obtained by direct measurements where available and by a best estimate otherwise. From the hydraulic structure, the 3-dimensional velocity field of water was calculated by solving Richards' Equation and solute transport was simulated. The simulated tracer distribution compares reasonably well with the experimental data. We conclude that a rough representation of the structure and a rough representation of the hydraulic properties might be sufficient to predict flow and transport, but both elements are definitely required.

The cross-section parasitological analysis of 359 samples taken from sheep in the suburban area of Sokode (central area of Togo) allowed the diagnosis of coccidiosis (33% prevalence) and gastrointestinal nematodes (88%) such as Trichostrongylus sp., Cooperia sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Haemonchus sp. Furthermore, lungworms (Protostrongylus rufescens) were found (16%) as well as the cestode Monieza sp. (8%). Trematodes were represented by Paramphistomum sp. (15%), Fasciola sp. (1%) and Schistosoma sp. (only one positive sample). All three major scabies parasites were confirmed (Sarcoptes sp., Psoroptes sp. and Chorioptes sp.). Ticks were represented by Amblyomma sp. and Boophilus sp. Serological analyses showed animals positive for Toxoplasma gondii (22%) and for Oestrus ovis (79%), although no larvae were found (exploration of the nasal cavity). When combining the effects on PCV of several classes of infection with trypanosomosis, gastrointestinal nematodes and their mixed infections, it appeared that trypanosomosis (13%) remained the parasitosis with the highest impact on health parameters. Several statistical analyses that took into account environmental, management and breed-related factors allowed better understanding of host-environment interactions.

The cross-section parasitological analysis of 226 samples taken from goats in the suburban area of Sokode (central area of Togo) enabled the diagnosis of coccidiosis (31% prevalence) and gastrointestinal nematodes (85%) such as Trichostrongylus sp. (29%), Cooperia sp. (2%) and Haemonchus sp. (69%). Furthermore, Protostrongylus rufescens lungworms were encountered (36%) as well as the cestode Monieza sp. (3%). Trematods were represented by Paramphistomum sp. (10%) and Dicrocoelium sp. (only one positive sample). Of the three major scabies parasites, only Sarcoptes sp. was encountered. Ticks were equally represented by Amblyomma and Boophilus sp. Serological analyses revealed the presence of 11% positive animals for Toxoplasma gondii. Trypanosomosis (8%) was still the main parasitological constraint in terms of impact on health parameters, more particularly on PCV. Other results of this study were compared to those obtained in sheep. Goats, as a species, would appear to be more rustic and resistant against parasite-borne pathologies, particularly trypanosomosis, toxoplasmosis and gastrointestinal nematode infestations. Several statistical analyses that took into account environmental, management and breed-related factors allowed better understanding of host-environment interactions.

Smallholders’ access to pour-on-type products was rendered difficult after the price increase of imported products, a consequence of the 1994 devaluation of the CFA franc. They thus turned to less reliable methods for the control not only of ticks, but also of African animal trypanosomoses (AAT) transmitted by tsetse flies or glossinae. To address this problem, the Animal Trypanomosis Control Project in Togo investigated the use of a new application method that combined pour-on method advantages and a lower cost: ElectrodynTM (Zeneca). This method is based on the electrodynamic spraying of an insecticide formulation (Karate 2.5 ED®) containing 1% lambda-cyhalothrin. The trial was conducted on 170 head of cattle in the village of Skriback in the north of Togo (304 head at the end of the trial). All the animals were treated between March 1996 and March 1997, and only half of them were treated between July 1997 and July 1998. Before starting the first treatment, preliminary surveys were carried over a one-year period (from February 1995 to February 1996) to obtain precise data on the area tsetse challenge, for before-and-after-treatment comparisons. Results showed that the system was very efficient within the study set-up. It helped reduce tsetse fly densities by 99.55%, and reduce AAT prevalence from 17 to 2% when used in combination with a trypanocide treatment. It also helped improve the herd mean packed cell volume from 27 to 32.5%, when used in combination with a regular anthelmintic treatment. The Electrodyn method is also cost-effective, its cost being a third of the traditional pour-on method. Furthermore, huge additional advantages can be obtained through the joint use of equipment in areas of intensive phytosanitary control. Handling of the applicator (fixed length) and the relatively high cost of batteries are the constraints that may affect acceptability of the technique.

Parasitological examination of 738 cattle head in NorthernTogo, aged from 1 to 12 months, and of zebu, taurine or zebux taurine types, revealed several pathogenic agents andvectors belonging to various parasite groups (piroplasms,trypanosomes, nematodes, ticks and tsetse flies). Relativeprevalences were 16.9% for Babesia, 11.0% for Trypanosomaand 46.4% for gastrointestinal strongyles. The packed cellvolume was measured to evaluate the parasite pathogenicimpact on hosts (29.3% on average). It increased towards theend of the dry season (31.1%) and in areas where the animalswere treated with pour-on (29.6%), i.e. where they weremonitored by the Regional Animal Trypanosomosis ControlProject (PLTA). Epidemiologically, cattle parasite infectionsvaried according to the ecogeographical location, the season,whether the animals were monitored by PLTA, the breed, thefarming system and the animal age. This study confirmed thattrypanosomosis and strongylosis were major healthconstraints. On the other hand, it showed that the impactBabesia sp. had on calf health had been underestimated.

Abstract Background External chest-wall compression (ECC) is sometimes used in ARDS patients despite lack of evidence. It is currently unknown whether this practice has any clinical benefit in patients with COVID-19 ARDS (C-ARDS) characterized by a respiratory system compliance (C rs)

Abstract Background An abrupt lung deflation in rodents results in lung injury through vascular mechanisms. Ventilator disconnections during endo-tracheal suctioning in humans often cause cardio-respiratory instability. Whether repeated disconnections or lung deflations cause lung injury or oedema is not known and was tested here in a porcine large animal model. Methods Yorkshire pigs (~ 12 weeks) were studied in three series. First, we compared PEEP abruptly deflated from 26 cmH2O or from PEEP 5 cmH2O to zero. Second, pigs were randomly crossed over to receive rapid versus gradual PEEP removal from 20 cmH2O. Third, pigs with relative volume overload, were ventilated with PEEP 15 cmH2O and randomized to repeated ETT disconnections (15 s every 15 min) or no disconnection for 3 h. Hemodynamics, pulmonary variables were monitored, and lung histology and bronchoalveolar lavage studied. Results As compared to PEEP 5 cmH2O, abrupt deflation from PEEP 26 cmH2O increased PVR, lowered oxygenation, and increased lung wet-to-dry ratio. From PEEP 20 cmH2O, gradual versus abrupt deflation mitigated the changes in oxygenation and vascular resistance. From PEEP 15, repeated disconnections in presence of fluid loading led to reduced compliance, lower oxygenation, higher pulmonary artery pressure, higher lung wet-to-dry ratio, higher lung injury score and increased oedema on morphometry, compared to no disconnects. Conclusion Single abrupt deflation from high PEEP, and repeated short deflations from moderate PEEP cause pulmonary oedema, impaired oxygenation, and increased PVR, in this large animal model, thus replicating our previous finding from rodents. Rapid deflation may thus be a clinically relevant cause of impaired lung function, which may be attenuated by gradual pressure release.

Under small and marginal farm conditions, allocation of land exclusively for forages is not possible. Hence, integration of forages in existing crop geometry can ensure production of grain and fodder, simultaneously under rainfed conditions. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different nutrient management practices on rice and fodder intercropping systems under rainfed conditions during 2015–2017. The intercropping system comprised (i) sole rice (R), (ii) rice and cowpea (5:2) (CP) and (iii) rice and ricebean (5:2) (RB) whereas the different nutrient management practices comprised (i) application of farm yard manure (FYM) at 5 t ha–1 (farmers’ practice) (N1), (ii) application of inorganic fertilizer (recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) of rice, 60:30:30 kg ha–1 of N:P2O5:K2O) (N2) and (iii) application of both FYM at 5 t ha–1 and 50% of RDF inorganic fertilizer (N3). The results of the experiment revealed that the growth attribute such as leaf area was influenced significantly when fodder crops were taken as intercrops because rice plant was getting more nitrogen from soil due to nitrogen fixation of leguminous fodder crops. Among the nutrient management practices, significant differences in leaf area were found beween N2 and N1, and between N3 and N1 treatments. However, regarding total number of effective tillers, significant differences were found neither between nutrient management practices nor between cropping systems. The rice equivalent yield (REY) based on price (REYP) was found to be significantly lower in CP (2 615 kg ha–1; –6.4%) and RB intercropping systems (2 571 kg ha–1; –8.0%) than in R monocropping system (2 794 kg ha–1). However, the REY based on energy (REYE) of CP (2 999 kg ha–1; +7.3%) and RB (2 960 kg ha–1; +5.9%) were found to be significantly higher than that of R (2 794 kg ha–1) irrespective of nutrient management practices. Between different nutrient management practices, the N3 treatment recorded the highest REYP and REYE which was at par with the N2 treatment and significantly higher than the N1 treatment irrespective of cropping systems. The combined application of both organic and inorganic sources of nutrients helped to supply nutrients throughout the growing season, which led to improved growth parameters and rice yield. The R monocropping system resulted in more income and rain water use efficiency (RWUE) closely followed by rice and fodder intercropping systems. However, the REYE and energy use efficiency (EUE) of rice and fodder intercropping systems were higher than those of R. Also, fodder helped to meet the requirement of cattle feeding in the off-season. Hence, the intercropping system is advocated in the study zone. Further study can be done on ecosystem services and carbon sequestration potential of the intercropping system, as well as the system’s coping ability in response to short drought through observing periodic soil moisture regime in root zone.

Brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is the most devastating pest of rice in Asia and causes significant yield loss annually. Around 37 BPH resistance genes have been identified so far in indica, African rice varieties along with wild germplasms such as Oryza officinalis, O. minuta, O. nivara, O. punctata, O. rufipogon and O. latifolia. Genes/QTLs involved in BPH resistance, including Bph1, bph2/BPH26, Bph3, Bph6, bph7, BPH9, Bph12, Bph14, Bph15, Bph17, BPH18, bph19, Bph20, Bph21(t), Bph27, Bph27(t), Bph28(t), BPH29, QBph3, QBph4, QBph4.2, Bph30, Bph32, Bph33, Bph35 and Bph36, have been fine-mapped by different researchers across the globe. The majority of genes/QTLs are located on rice chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 12. Rice plants respond to BPH attack by releasing various endogenous metabolites like proteinase inhibitors, callose, secondary metabolites (terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoid, etc.) and volatile compounds. Besides that, hormonal signal pathways mediating (antagonistic/synergistic) resistance responses in rice have been well studied. Marker-assisted breeding and genome editing techniques can also be adopted for improving resistance to novel BPH biotypes.

Gullele Botanical Garden (GBG) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is a joint venture of Addis Ababa government and the university. The garden has been built mainly to conserve the endemic plants and to advance the research on the endemic and non-endemic plants collected from different part of Ethiopia. Many traditional healers from the environs of GBG and different subcities of Addis Ababa depend on the garden for their practice of traditional medicine but there is no systematic documentation of the traditional medicinal knowledge of these healers. The main objective of the present study is to comprehensively document the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal information from the traditional healers of different ethnic and cultural groups depending on GBG and to create a database of the endemic plants used by these healers. The ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal data obtained from 60 traditional healers have been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 81 medicinal plants belonging to 47 families have been identified. Majority of the plants used belonged to Asteraceae (12) family. The most frequently used plant form and plant parts are herbs and leaves. The major method adopted by the healers for preparation and administration of traditional medicine is crushing and topical, respectively. Skin and general diseases are the most important ailments treated by the healers. The three most cited plants used to treat diseases are Echinops kebericho Mesfin (60), Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel (60) and Laggera tomentosa (A.Rich.) Sch.Bip. ex Oliv. & Hiern (58). The present study is the first systematic, qualitative, and quantitative ethnobotanical analysis and documentation done on the use of the medicinal plants from GBG for traditional medicine. In addition, our study reveals that E. kebericho is endemic and endangered plant and is highly used in traditional medicine. Therefore, GBG authorities should take steps for the propagation and restoration of this plant. Further it is suggested that the pharmacological properties of the roots and leaves of E. kebericho should be compared to find the possibility of use of leaves in place of roots for the preparation of traditional medicine which would help in conserving this endemic plant of Ethiopia.

High seed vigour ensures good quality seed and higher productivity. Early seedling growth parameters indicate seed vigour in rice. Seed vigour via physiological growth parameters is a complex trait controlled by many quantitative trait loci. A panel was prepared representing a population of 274 rice landraces by including genotypes from all the phenotypic groups of sixseedling stage physiological parameters including germination % for association mapping. Wide variations for the six studiedtraits were observed in the population. The population was classified into 3 genetic groups. Fixation indices indicated the presence of linkage disequilibrium in the population. The population was classified into subpopulations and each subpopulation showed correspondence with the 6 physiological traits. A total of 5 reported QTLs viz., qGP8.1 for germination % (GP); qSVII2.1, qSVII6.1 and qSVII6.2 for seed vigour index II (SVII), and qRSR11.1 for root-shoot ratio (RSR) were validated in this mapping population. In addition, 13 QTLs regulating the physiological parameters such as qSVI 11.1 for seed vigour index I; qSVI11.1 and qSVI12.1 for seed vigour index II; qRRG10.1, qRRG8.1, qRRG8.2, qRRG6.1 and qRRG4.1 for rate of root growth (RRG); qRSR2.1, qRSR3.1 and qRSR5.1 for root-shoot ratio (RSR) while qGP6.2 and qGP6.3 for germination %were identified. Additionally, co-localization or co-inheritance of QTLs, qGP8.1 and qSVI8.1 for GP and SVI-1; qGP6.2 and qRRG6.1 for GP and RRG, and qSVI11.1 and qRSR11.1 for SVI and RSR were detected. The QTLs identified in this study will be useful for improvement of seed vigour trait in rice.

Antioxidant-rich rice is a cheaper way to solve stress-related disorders and other health benefits for the global rice-eating population. Five antioxidant traits, namely, superoxide dismutase, flavonoids, anthocyanins, γ-oryzanol and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) activity were mapped using a representative panel population through association mapping. Potential landraces carrying multiple antioxidant compounds were identified from the population. The population represented four genetic groups and correspondence for presence of antioxidants traits in each group was noticed. The population showed linkage disequilibrium for the studied traits based on the Fst values. A total of 14 significant marker–trait associations were detected for these antioxidant traits. The study validated the QTLs, qANC3 and qPAC12-2 for anthocyanin content and qAC12 for ABTS activity will be useful in marker-assisted breeding. Eleven QTLs such as qTAC1.1 and qTAC5.1 controlling anthocyanin content, qSOD1.1, qSOD5.1 and qSOD10.1 for superoxide dismutase (SOD), qTFC6.1, qTFC11.1 and qTFC12.1 for total flavonoids content (TFC), qOZ8.1 and qOZ11.1 for γ-oryzanol (OZ) and qAC11.1 for ABTS activity were detected as novel loci. Chromosomal locations on 11 at 45.3 cM regulating GO, TFC and TAC, and on the chromosome 12 at 101.8 cM controlling TAC and ABTS activity, respectively, were detected as antioxidant hotspots.

Flash flooding (FF) along with bacterial blight (BB) outbreak are very destructive for rice production in the rainfed shallow-lowland (RSL) ecosystem. The presence of dynamic Xoo races with varying levels of genetic diversity and virulence renders their management extremely challenging under RSL. In this context, the marker-assisted improvement of plant resistance/tolerance has been proven as one of the most promising strategies towards the development of sustainable cultivars. The present study demonstrates the marker-assisted introgression of the submergence tolerant (Sub1) and three bacterial blight resistant genes (Xa21 + xa13 + xa5) into the genetic background of Hasanta, a long duration popular rice variety in the eastern coastal region of India. The rice genotypes, Swarna Sub1 (carrying Sub1) and IRBB66 (carrying Xa21 + xa13 + Xa7 + xa5 + Xa4) had maximum genetic similarity (0.84 and 0.73, respectively) with Hasanta; recurrent parent (RP) was used as donor. The forward analysis of target genes in F1s, IC1F1s and backcross (BC) generations was performed by linked/genic markers (Sub1bc2; pTA248, xa13prom and RM122), whereas background recovery of RP in each BC and segregating generations was performed utilizing 108 hypervariable SSR markers. Intervened speed breeding (SB) strategy and intensive phenotyping could lead the development of near isogenic lines (NILs) as to the RP in all basic traits. The performance of the near isogenic lines (NILs, BC2F3 and BC2F4), HS 232-411-391-756-37, HS 232-411-391-809-8, HS 232-411-391-756-18, HS 110-224-197-10-36, HS 232-411-391-809-81, HS 110-224-197-10-41 and HS 232-411-391-809-63 establishes the utility of marker-assisted backcross-breeding (MAB) and SB in accelerated trait introgression. The introgressed lines carrying Sub1 + Xa21 + xa13 + xa5 showed 76% to 91% survival under 14 days of submergence and durable BB resistance (percent disease index-PDI of 2.68 ± 0.26 to 6.22 ± 1.08 and lesion length, LL of 1.29 ± 0.12 to 4.2 ± 0.64 cm). Physiological analysis revealed that improved NILs, carrying Sub1 gene conquered adaptive physiological modulations, had reduced the consumption of soluble sugar and the degradation of total chlorophyll contents (TCC), and an enhanced level of Alcohol Dehydrogenase activity (ADH) and proline accumulation in all submergence regimes. The pyramided lines attained complete product profile of RP, that will contribute to sustainable rice production under RSL, particularly in the coastal region that has substantial acreage under the variety Hasanta.

The rice variety ‘Swarna’ is highly popular in the eastern region of India. The farmers of eastern India cultivate mainly rainfed rice and face the adverse effects of climate change very frequently. Rice production in this region is not stable. Swarna variety is highly susceptible to bacterial blight (BB) disease and flash floods, which cause a heavy reduction in the yield. Transfer of five target genes/QTLs was targeted into the variety, Swarna by adopting marker-assisted backcross breeding approach. Direct markers for Sub1A, OsSPL14, and SCM2 QTLs and closely linked markers for xa5 and Xa21 BB resistance genes were screened in the backcross progenies. Swarna-Sub1, CR Dhan 800, and Swarna–Habataki near-isogenic lines (NILs) were used as donor parents in the breeding program. True multiple F1 plants were identified for backcrossing, and 796 BC1F1 seeds were generated. Foreground selection detected all the five target genes in six progenies in BC1F1 generation. The progeny containing all the target genes and more similar with the recipient parent was backcrossed, and a total of 446 BC2F1 seeds were produced. Foreground screening detected four BC2F1 plants carrying the five target genes. A total of 2,145 BC2F2 seeds were obtained from the best BC2F1 progeny. Screening of the progenies resulted in one plant with all five desirable genes, three plants with four, and another three progenies carrying three genes in homozygous conditions. The pyramided lines showed higher BB resistance and submergence tolerance than the recipient parent, Swarna. Culm strength of the pyramided lines showed higher breaking force than the recipient parent, Swarna. The pyramided line, SSBY-16-68-69 yielded the highest grain yield of 7.52 t/ha followed by the lines SSBY-16-68-511 (7.34 t/ha) and SSBY-16-68-1633 (7.02 t/ha). The best-pyramided line showed a yield advantage of 18% over the recipient parent and 6.8% over the yield component donor parent. Seven pyramided lines showed higher yield than the recipient parent, while five lines were better yielders than the yield component donor parent. The pyramided line SSBY-16-68-69 produced 365 grains/panicle, while the recipient had 152. The main morphologic and grain quality features of the recipient parent were retained in the pyramided lines.

An investigation was carried out at Rice Research Station, O.U.A.T., Bhubaneswar evaluating thirty-two genotypes with an objective to determine the degree of association between yield and it`s component characters and their direct, indirect effects on grain yield in slender grain rice. The results from the correlation studies showed that grain yield had the highest estimates of positive correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic level with the number of effective tillers/plant (rp=0.853, rg=0.997) followed by the number of filled grains/panicle (rp =0.816, rg =0.835). Path analysis studies reported that high direct contribution to yield was manifested by the number of filled grains per panicle (0.538) followed by the number of effective tillers/plant (0.513). The number of effective tillers/plant also exhibited the highest indirect effect on grain yield via the number of filled grains per panicle (0.275). This indicated that the simultaneous selection of these characters would be fruitful for yield improvement in slender grain rice.

Aim: To study the clinical presentation, radiological findings, and therapy responsiveness of patients with biopsy-proven immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related neurological disease. Methods: The study was conducted between January 2016 and March 2018 from the Department of Neurology and Pathology of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences. Patients with neurological symptoms and biopsy suggestive of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) were included. These patients were studied for their demographic pattern and clinical presentation. The presence of serological markers such as vasculitic profile and IgG4 levels was analyzed. Radiological findings were studied in detail. Therapeutic agents used and the response to therapy were assessed. Results: There were six cases with IgG4-related neurological disease which were all hypertrophic pachymeningitis. The age ranged from 35 to 64 (mean = 46) years. The clinical presentation was acute in one, subacute in two, and chronic in three patients. The most common presenting symptom was headache (4), followed by gait and/or urinary disturbances (2), paraparesis (1), and diplopia (1). IgG4 levels were elevated in 50% of them. Pseudotumor-like mass and sinovenous thrombosis, not described previously, were seen in one patient. All the patients were treated with oral or intravenous steroid. Rituximab was given in three patients; azathioprine was the steroid-sparing agent in one patient. Those with acute/subacute onset of presentation had an excellent response to steroids. All the patients with a chronic duration of their symptoms received empirical anti-tuberculous therapy before a definitive diagnosis of Ig G4-RD was made. Conclusions: The characterization of patients with IgG4-related neurological disease based on the understanding of the clinical spectrum increases the confidence in the clinician to resort to early immunosuppression, thereby having prognostic implications.

Background: The standard treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is represented by concomitant chemo-radiotherapy followed by consolidation with durvalumab that ensures a 5-year survival of 46%. However, the risk of radiotherapy-induced pneumonia (RIP) is almost 10–15%. Complete cardiological examination is also usually performed during the cardiopulmonary pre-treatment evaluation and pulmonary function testing is one of the most used tool to predict the risk of RIP development. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of Tc-99 macroaggregated albumin (MAA) lung perfusion scan with single photon emission-computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in the preliminary assessment of lung functions and its potential role for the optimization of the radiotherapy treatment planning. Methods: Descriptive and statistical analysis were performed on eight patients affected by unresectable stage III LA-NSCLC treated with chemo-radiotherapy. Before starting radiotherapy, patients underwent lung perfusion SPECT/CT. The SPECT/CT images were firstly co-registered with the simulation CT scan ones, then a specific region of interest (ROI) of lung volumes was created to represent the areas with a perfusion of at least 20% 40%, 60% and 80% of maximum perfusion, respectively. Finally, optimization of the standard treatment plan was performed with the aim of preserving the better perfused lung volumes. The dosimetric correlations of both plans were made comparing pulmonary V20 and V5, mean pulmonary, esophagus and heart dose. Results: From the DVH comparative analysis of the two treatment plans (standard one versus SPECT optimized one) obtained for each patient, the data confirmed an equal coverage of the target volume while respecting all lungs, heart and esophagus dose constraints. At the same time, SPECT-optimized plans allowed to reduce the average dose to the better perfused lung volumes. Conclusions: Lung perfusion scintigraphy could be considered a preliminary assessment tool to explore lung functions and stratify the risk of RIP development. SPECT/TC may also be proposed as a dose painting tool to optimize radiotherapy treatment plans. Only prospective analysis will be enable us to confirm the real reduction of RIP risk in lung areas with an optimal perfusion.

The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the fragility of food sovereignty in cities and confirmed the close connection urban dwellers have with food. Although the pandemic was not responsible for a systemic failure, it suggested how citizens would accept and indeed support a transition toward more localized food production systems. As this attitudinal shift is aligned with the sustainability literature, this work aims to explore the tools and actions needed for a policy framework transformation that recognizes the multiple benefits of food systems, while considering local needs and circumstances. This perspective paper reviews the trends in production and consumption, and systematizes several impacts emerged across European food systems in response to the first wave of pandemic emergency, with the final aim of identifying challenges and future strategies for research and innovation toward the creation of resilient and sustainable city/region food systems. The proposal does not support a return to traditional small-scale economies that might not cope with the growing global population. It instead stands to reconstruct and upscale such connections using a “think globally act locally” mind-set, engaging local communities, and making existing and future citizen-led food system initiatives more sustainable. The work outlines a set of recommended actions for policy-makers: support innovative and localized food production, training and use of information and communication technology for food production and distribution; promote cross-pollination among city/region food systems; empower schools as agents of change in food provision and education about food systems; and support the development of assessment methodologies and the application of policy tools to ensure that the different sustainability dimensions of the food chain are considered.

Background: Cannabis is one of the most consumed illicit drugs in India. Long term effects of cannabis smoking on the cardiovascular system are still not fully known. The present study explores cardiovascular abnormalities in asymptomatic cannabis smokers by comparing their electrocardiogram (ECG) with tobacco smokers and non-smokers. Methods: The study included 50 participants in each of the three groups: cannabis, tobacco and non-smokers, between the age group 18–40 years. ECG was recorded and the following parameters were compared: Age, Heart rate, RR-interval, P-wave, PR-interval, QRS-complex, QT-interval, QTc-interval, ST-segment and T-wave duration. Results: The mean age of cannabis smokers, tobacco smokers, and non-smokers were 26.44, 31.22 and 31.34, respectively. Cannabis smokers were younger than tobacco smokers and non-smokers. All the participants reported to us were males. The QRS complex duration was shortened in cannabis smokers compared to tobacco smokers. The ST-segment duration was shorter among tobacco smokers compared to non-smokers. Conclusions: The study proposes cannabis as a potential risk factor for adverse cardiac events as an acute and chronic effect. Clinicians could also use our findings to correlate cardiac complaints of a cannabis dependent patient. ECG could be a quick and affordable modality for investigating such patients. The subjects of the cannabis group had younger age than subjects of the other groups.

Because it is rich in antioxidant compounds, the staple food of rice provides many health benefits. Four antioxidant traits in rice grain, viz., catalase, CUPRAC, DPPH, FRAP and peroxidase, were mapped in a representative panel population containing 117 germplasm lines using 131 SSR markers through association mapping. Donor lines rich in multiple antioxidant properties were identified from the mapping population. The population was classified into three genetic groups and each group showed reasonable correspondence with the antioxidant traits. The presence of linkage disequilibrium in the population was confirmed from the estimated Fst values. A strong positive correlation of DPPH was established with TPC, FRAP and CUPRAC. A moderate to high mean gene diversity was observed in the panel population. Eleven significant marker-trait associations for antioxidant traits were mapped, namely, qACD2.1, qACD11.1 and qACD12.2 for DPPH; qCAT8.1 and qCAT11.1 for catalase; qFRAP11.1, qFRAP12.1 and qFRAP12.2 for FRAP; and qCUPRAC3.1, qCUPRAC11.1 and qCUPRA12.1 regulating CUPRAC. Co-localization of the QTLs for qACD11.1, qFRAP11.1 and qCUPRAC11.1 were detected, which may act as antioxidant hotspots regulating DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC activities, respectively, while qACD12.2 and qFRAP12.1 remained close on the chromosome 12. These detected QTLs will be useful in antioxidant improvement programs in rice.

The lack of strategic planning in stormwater management has made rapidly urbanizing cities more vulnerable to urban water issues than in the past. Low infiltration rates, increase in peak river discharge, and recurrence of urban floods and waterlogging are clear signs of unplanned rapid urbanization. As with many other low to middle-income countries, India depends on its conventional and centralized stormwater drains for managing stormwater runoff. However, in the absence of a robust stormwater management policy governed by the state, its impact trickles down to a municipal level and the negative outcome can be clearly observed through a failure of the drainage systems. This study examines the role of onsite and decentralized stormwater infiltration facilities, as successfully adopted by some higher income countries, under physical and social variability in the context of the metropolitan city of Lucknow, India. Considering the 2030 Master Plan of Lucknow city, this study investigated the physical viability of the infiltration facilities. Gridded ModClark rainfall-runoff modeling was carried out in Kukrail river basin, an important drainage basin of Lucknow city. The HEC-HMS model, inside the watershed modeling system (WMS), was used to simulate stormwater runoff for multiple scenarios of land use and rainfall intensities. With onsite infiltration facilities as part of land use measures, the peak discharge reduced in the range of 48% to 59%. Correlation analysis and multiple regression were applied to understand the rainfall-runoff relationship. Furthermore, the stormwater runoff drastically reduced with decentralized infiltration systems.

In this work, initially a non-destroyable surface grafting of acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) with biopolymer chitosan (CS) was carried out using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent via the controlled covalent deposition method which was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, BisGMA (bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate)-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend was prepared (50:50 wt%) by a simple sonication method. The CS grafted f-MWCNTs (CS/f-MWCNTs) were finally dispersed in BisGMA-PVP blend (BGP50) system in different compositions i.e. 0, 2, 5 and 7 wt% and pressed into molds for the fabrication of reinforced nanocomposites which were characterized by SEM. Nanocomposites reinforced with 2 wt% raw MWCNTs and acid f-MWCNTs were also fabricated and their properties were studied in detail. The results of comparative study report lower values of the investigated properties in nanocomposites with 2 wt% raw and f-MWCNTs than the one with 2 wt% CS/f-MWCNTs proving it to be a better reinforcing nanofiller. Further, the mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites with various CS/f-MWCNTs content showed a dramatic increase in Young’s Modulus, tensile strength, impact strength and hardness along with improved dynamic mechanical, thermal and electrical properties at 5 wt% content of CS/f-MWCNTs. The addition of CS/f-MWCNTs also resulted in reduced corrosion and swelling properties. Thus, the fabricated nanocomposites with optimum nanofiller content could serve as low cost and light weight structural, thermal and electrical materials compatible in various corrosive and solvent based environments.

Hemolysis-associated anemia is characteristic of diseases such as atherosclerosis, lupus, malaria, and leishmaniasis; the toxic effects of free hemoglobin (Hb) have been extensively described. This study was based on the premise that release of this sequestered, inflammatory molecule can result in deleterious immunological consequences, particularly in the context of pre-existing lupus. IgG anti-Hb responses were detected in the sera of lupus patients. Lupus-prone mice exhibited heightened plasma Hb levels, and ferric (Fe3+) Hb triggered preferential release of lupus-associated cytokines from splenocytes derived from aging lupus-prone mice. Anti-Hb B cell precursor frequencies were heightened in such mice, which also expressed increased titers of anti-Hb antibodies in serum and in kidney eluates. Fe3+ Hb preferentially increased the functional maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from lupus-prone mice, effects abrogated upon the inhibition of Stat3. Hb interacted with lupus-associated autoantigens extruded during apoptosis and coincubation of Hb and apoptotic blebs had additional maturation-inducing effects on lupus BMDCs. Immunization with Hb in lupus-prone mice induced antigen spreading to lupus-associated moieties; Hb-interacting autoantigens were preferentially targeted and increased complement deposition and glomerulosclerosis were observed. Hb therefore demonstrates both antigenicity and immunogenicity and triggers specific immuno-pathological effects in a lupus milieu.

La literatura feminista sobre migración sugiere que las migraciones pueden ser emancipadoras para las mujeres, es decir, que la migración puede llevar a la construcción de relaciones de género más igualitarias. La evidencia, por otro lado, indica que este potencial emancipador es temporal, fragmentado y limitado. Este artículo toma una perspectiva transnacional para argumentar que en origen, la migración conlleva algunos cambios en las relaciones de género, pero que estos son temporales. En destino, el tipo de trabajos llevados a cabo por los migrantes cuestiona si se puede entender la experiencia migratoria como emancipadora. Además, estos trabajos representan un subsidio directo desde países más pobres hacia los más ricos, que al mismo tiempo, permite la reproducción de las familias europeas, sin requerir una reorganización substancial de las relaciones de género.

La literatura feminista sobre migración sugiere que las migraciones pueden ser emancipadoras para las mujeres, es decir, que la migración puede llevar a la construcción de relaciones de género más igualitarias. La evidencia, por otro lado, indica que este potencial emancipador es temporal, fragmentado y limitado. Este artículo toma una perspectiva transnacional para argumentar que en origen, la migración conlleva algunos cambios en las relaciones de género, pero que estos son temporales. En destino, el tipo de trabajos llevados a cabo por los migrantes cuestiona si se puede entender la experiencia migratoria como emancipadora. Además, estos trabajos representan un subsidio directo desde países más pobres hacia los más ricos, que al mismo tiempo, permite la reproducción de las familias europeas, sin requerir una reorganización substancial de las relaciones de género.

In this study, the antibacterial activity of crude (aqueous and alcoholic) extracts of the bark and leaf of Croton roxburghii Balak. (Euphorbiaceae) was tested against enteric pathogens causing urinary tract infection (UTI) using the agar cup method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), time kill kinetics and synergy study. The ethanol extract exhibited a significant and broad spectrum of inhibition as compared to the aqueous extract of both the bark and leaf. The highest antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus followed by enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The diameter of inhibition zones varied from 10 to 18 mm for both aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The MIC value ranged from 356 to 625 μg/ml. This could justify the traditional use of this plant in dysentery and other infections.

The global competition sees for effective internal control systems ability to face risks and to pursue business performances with a correct balance between economic and financial conditions in the long term. Management of the complexity following globalization increases the need of adequate internal control systems. From a more evolved perspective, the responsibility for adequate internal control systems is associated with the top of the organization.

This paper presents a study on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical characterization of a new class of low cost multiphase nanocomposites consisting of Vinylester resin/epoxy (VER/EP) blend (40 : 60 w/w) reinforced with amine functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs). Five different sets of VER/EP nanocomposites are fabricated with addition of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt.% of f-MWCNTs. A detailed investigation of mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength, Young’s modulus, and hardness, thermal properties like thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal conductivity, electrical properties like dielectric strength, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity, and corrosive and swelling properties of the nanocomposites has been carried out. Here, we report significant improvement in all the above properties of the fabricated nanocomposites with nanofiller (f-MWCNTs) addition compared to the virgin blend (0 wt. nanofiller loading). The properties are best observed in case of 5 wt.% nanofiller loading with gradual deterioration thereafter which may be due to the nucleating tendency of the nanofiller particles. Thus the above nanocomposites could be a preferable candidate for a wide range of structural, thermal, electrical, and solvent based applications.

It is a principle recognized by our as well as by other legal systems that ignorance of the law is no excuse for violating it. The rule is also expressed in the form of a legal presumption that everyone knows the law. It is the duty of every man to know that part of it which concerns him. A doctor, in particular, is conclusively presumed to know the law, and is dealt with as if he did know it, because in general he can and ought to know it. In the matter of professional liability, the medical profession differs from other occupations for the reason that the former operates in spheres where success cannot be achieved in every case and very often success or failure depends upon factors beyond a medical man’s control. Due to the increasing awareness of the rights of a patient in present day society, a medical man has become more vulnerable to being sued by a litigation suit of any kind, civil or criminal. The basis of a medical negligence suit is still alien to the majority of the practicing doctors in our country. Hence, the present article aims at discussing the various aspects of negligence, like the meaning and types of negligence, and the concept of duty of care, degree of care, and standard. Keywords: degree of care, duty of care, medical negligence, standard of care.