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Background: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has a variable presentation. Gastrointestinal involvement is rare and portends a poor prognosis in LCH. Case report: Herein, we describe the presentation, progression, management, and outcome of an 11-month-old female infant with LCH. The patient presented with severe acute malnutrition, hepatosplenomegaly, and gastrointestinal involvement in the form of persistent vomiting. She was managed with chemotherapy initially and subsequently developed complete duodenal narrowing. She underwent Kimura's duodenojejunostomy and improved. Hence, chemotherapy was restarted. Two months later, she developed features of intestinal obstruction with intraoperative findings of ileal gangrene requiring adhesiolysis, ileal resection, and ileostomy. Subsequently, she succumbed to sepsis. Conclusion: This case report aims to highlight the atypical gastrointestinal manifestations of LCH and the challenges faced in managing such a case.

Background: Research on climatic parameters contributing to psychiatric disorder seasonality is limited, particularly in subtropical, arid climates like Rajasthan, necessitating investigation into seasonal variations in psychiatric disorder incidence in the region. This study investigates seasonal variations in psychiatric disorder prevalence over 2 years at a Rajasthan tertiary healthcare center, aiming to uncover links with climatic factors. Aims: To investigate seasonal variations in the utilization of outpatient psychiatry services and elucidate potential determinants contributing to these temporal variations. Settings and Design: This is a hospital-based study. A retrospective chart review of all new patients who utilized psychiatry outpatient services from July 2021 to July 2023 was conducted. Methods and Material: Data were gathered from psychiatric outpatient records of adults (July 2021 to July 2023), diagnosed using ICD-10. Seasons were categorized: winter (November–January), spring (February–April), summer (May–July), and rainy (August–October). Meteorological data, temperature, and day length were obtained. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and Chi-square fitness, assessed seasonal associations with psychiatric disorders. Results: A total of 29,164 patient records were observed. Depression correlated with temperature and photoperiod. Mania peaked in August, linked to day length. Schizophrenia showed seasonal variation without environmental correlation. Anxiety peaked in March with no statistical significance. Obsessive compulsive disorder cases spiked in June, moderately correlated with temperature and photoperiod. Alcohol-related disorders peaked in December, while opioid dependence remained steady. Cannabis-induced psychosis peaked in summer, strongly correlated with temperature and day length. Headaches surged in August, positively correlated with temperature and day length. Conclusions: This study reveals complex relationships between seasonality, environmental factors, and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing their importance in mental health research and practice.

The attributes of innovation encompass the qualities, traits or characteristics inherent in an object reflecting the relative benefits of a novel idea. Assessing these attributes during the early stages of innovation within farmer management practices can offer valuable insights to the scientific community, enabling the formulation of policies to expedite farmer adoption. This study examined the perceived attributes of Cation-based Mineral Supplement (C-bMS). The research findings indicated that C-bMS demonstrates a moderate relative advantage (82.49%) compared to other mineral supplements in mitigating ruminal acidosis. It is highly compatible (80.84%), easy to comprehend and utilize, readily trialable (73.75%) with observable effects of feeding (78.75%), and predictable benefits (87.92%) for dairy farmers. Feeding C-bMS helps alleviate negative energy balance, increasing feed intake which in turn boosts milk production, ultimately reducing production costs by preventing ruminal acidosis and potentially doubling dairy farmers’ income. Raising general awareness among dairy farmers about ruminal acidosis, the consequences of negative energy balance, and the advantages of feeding C-bMS can be achieved through effective extension methods such as demonstrations and exhibitions.

Agri-entrepreneurship being very important component of attracting youth to agriculture, the efforts made by different public agencies in India in this direction through various interventions and enterprises needed to be studied. Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production is one of the most popular enterprises promoted to pursue this objective throughout India. This study considered 2016–17 as the base year and 2020–21 as the assessment year. Mushroom production in India almost doubled during the assessment period (1.29 lakh tonnes in 2016–17 and 2.59 lakh tonnes in 2020–21) at a robust compound annual growth rate of 19.17%. The net agricultural income of the respondents at national level (other than mushroom income) was ₹1.25 lakh/annum during 2020–21 while their net income from mushroom cultivation was 2.48 lakh/annum. On an average 532 man-days of employment per unit was generated by the mushroom entrepreneurs at national level with considerable variation in income and employment generation across the states/UTs. Age of the entrepreneur was found having negative effect on employment generation, validating the relevance of attracting rural youth to agriculture in India. The lack of ability of resource centres for building capacity of the entrepreneurs for generating net income to the level of sizeable proportion of their annual expected livelihood was observed to be the strong reason for higher attrition rate in this enterprise. The insights suggest that redesigning of capacity building programs and institutional supports as per the current challenges in entrepreneurship development can better influence the ultimate outcomes.

An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2023 at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu to assess the effect of drone based herbicide application in greengram. Results showed that drones could be effectively used for spraying of pre-emergence herbicide to control weeds and increase the yield of greengram. Further, application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha with spray fluid of 60 litre/ha precisely through drones controlled the weeds effectively (WCE of 81.8%), increased grain yield, saved herbicide dose and spray fluid to the tune of 6.9%, 25% and 88% respectively than manual spray of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha with spray fluid of 500 litre/ ha. Thus, application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha with spray fluid of 60 litre/ha was considered as the optimum dosage and spray fluid for drone spray to control weeds, increase grain yield and profit in greengram, considering the reduced dose of herbicide as well as the labour scarce situation.

Planning how to use the land resources that are available for irrigation is crucial for reducing the problem of food security. Analytical hierarchy process methodologies were used to undertake an analysis of the appropriateness of land using the GIS approach. Each parameter's weight was assessed using a 6 × 6 pairwise comparison matrix because six parameters, including slope, distance to the nearest road, land use land cover, population density, soil texture and rainfall deficit, are taken into account. After all, the weighted overlay approach of the GIS application was used to create the ultimate land suitability map for irrigation. Using the natural break classification approach, the final map was divided into land suitability classes. Of the entire region, 12.9% fell into the highly suitable (S1) class, 85.14% fell into the moderately suitable (S2) class, and 2.57% fell into the least suitable (S3) class. The finding of the study will play a significant role in performing irrigation taking into account the input parameters and ultimately defining suitable land classes and lands that may be used in accordance with current irrigation technology. HIGHLIGHTS The study focuses on the importance of planning land use for irrigation to address food security challenges.; AHP and GIS methodologies were employed for land appropriateness analysis.; The final map was categorized into three classes: highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), and least suitable (S3), i.e., 12.9, 85.14, and 2.57%, respectively, of the entire study area.;

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gastric-persistent pathogen that can cause peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. This pathogen is commonly treated with antibiotic-based triple or quadruple therapy. However, antibiotic therapy could result in the bacterial resistance, imbalance of gut microbiota, and damage to the liver and kidneys, etc. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Interestingly, natural food resources, like vegetables, fruits, spices, and edible herbs, have potent inhibitory effects on H. pylori. In this review, we systematically summarized these foods with supporting evidence from both animal and clinical studies. The results have indicated that natural foods may possess temporary inhibition effect on H. pylori rather than durable eradication, and may help to reduce H. pylori colonization, enhance the effect of antibiotics and modulate the host’s immune response.

Abstract The important roles of plant microRNAs (miRNAs) in adaptation to nitrogen (N) deficiency in different crop species especially cereals (rice, wheat, maize) have been under discussion since last decade with little focus on potential wild relatives and landraces. Indian dwarf wheat (Triticum sphaerococcum Percival) is an important landrace native to the Indian subcontinent. Several unique features, especially high protein content and resistance to drought and yellow rust, make it a very potent landrace for breeding. Our aim in this study is to identify the contrasting Indian dwarf wheat genotypes based on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and nitrogen deficiency tolerance (NDT) traits and the associated miRNAs differentially expressed under N deficiency in selected genotypes. Eleven Indian dwarf wheat genotypes and a high NUE bread wheat genotype (for comparison) were evaluated for NUE under control and N deficit field conditions. Based on NUE, selected genotypes were further evaluated under hydroponics and miRNome was compared by miRNAseq under control and N deficit conditions. Among the identified, differentially expressed miRNAs in control and N starved seedlings, the target gene functions were associated with N metabolism, root development, secondary metabolism and cell-cycle associated pathways. The key findings on miRNA expression, changes in root architecture, root auxin abundance and changes in N metabolism reveal new information on the N deficiency response of Indian dwarf wheat and targets for genetic improvement of NUE.

The Indian Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea), is a climate-resilient crop noted for its wide adaptability, short growth cycle, high nutritional value and stress tolerance. The present study was conducted to assess the salt tolerance level of the barnyard millet mutants. Twenty-five barnyard millet mutants along with check (MDU1 and CO(KV)2) were subjected to varying concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ) salt stress under controlled conditions. Germination percentage, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight of seedlings were recorded, and stress tolerance indices were calculated. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among mutants in response to salt stress. Highly tolerant mutants exhibited improved germination percentages and maintained favourable water relations under stress. The Relative Salt Injury Rate (RSIR) increased with higher salt levels, indicating increased sensitivity. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between salt tolerance traits. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) helped to identify the main characteristics that caused variations among mutants. The significant contributors to this variation were Vigour Index (VI), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Relative Water Content (RWC), and RSIR. Cluster analysis categorized mutants into four clusters, clearly distinguishing highly tolerant mutants from susceptible ones. Based on the findings promising salt-tolerant mutants, such as ACM21022, ACM21016, ACM21017, ACM21024, and ACM21014, were identified with the potential to contribute to future millet breeding programs.

Purpose: Cycloplegic refraction is mandatory for children to know the eye's refractive status. In this study, we compared cycloplegia induced by cyclopentolate 1% to that induced by atropine 1% by means of retinoscopy. Methods: In this parallel-designed interventional study, we included 67 children aged between 4 and 17 years. After the initial retinoscopy under cyclopentolate 1% (used twice in each eye), we repeated it a week later under atropine ointment 1% (used twice a day for 3 days); both were done by the same trained optometrist masked to the drug. Each eye's refraction was converted to spherical equivalents (SEs), and the values averaged between the two eyes of each child under each drug. We compared SE with paired t-test (JASP 16.4). In addition, we performed correlational analysis, and looked for agreement using the Bland–Altman plot. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Wherever possible, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are quoted. Results: The mean SE with atropine was +1.93 ± 2.0 D, compared to +1.75 ± 1.95 D under cyclopentolate. On average, atropine induced greater cycloplegia by a mere 0.18 D (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.29 D, P value 0.002). The two cycloplegic refractions correlated significantly (Pearson's r: 0.975, P < 0.001). The Bland–Altman plot revealed the limits of agreement as 1.06 and −0.71 D. Conclusion: Our study suggests that cyclopentolate works for the most part as well as atropine to attain cycloplegia. Atropine may be considered for children less than 15 years of age with greater than 5.0 D of hyperopia. Cycloplentolate, with its advantages of quick action and short duration, should form the first go-to topical cycloplegic in busy outpatient clinics.

Background: Progress of the Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDSP) is of utmost importance to ensure optimal performance in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The purpose of the study was to document the physical performance of the surveillance system on its core and support functions. Material and Methods: Mixed method study was conducted between September 2020 to October 2020. Quantitative data was collected from the district IDSP unit of the Chief Medical and Health Office (CMHO) for various blocks of Rajasthan using syndromic, presumptive, and laboratory-confirmed reporting formats. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee of AIIMS, Jodhpur. Results: Rajasthan reported outbreaks between 0.55 to 1.2% of the national average between 2015-2019. Acute respiratory infections, fever of unknown origin, and acute diarrhea were the leading diseases under the presumptive reporting format. Major syndromic cases reported were cough with/without fever (more than three weeks) and fever less than seven days with the rash. Laboratory-confirmed Dengue, Malaria, and hepatitis were reported more in urban Jodhpur. Conclusion: Despite some pitfalls, IDSP has made satisfactory improvements in its core and support functions in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The number of preventable morbidity and mortality cases associated with notifiable infectious diseases in our country can be effectively countered by strengthening the IDSP reporting system.

IntroductionThe mechanism underlying radiation-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis is undefined. This study examined the effect of radiation on the intestinal Paneth cell α-defensin expression and its impact on microbiota composition and mucosal tissue injury and evaluated the radio-mitigative effect of human α-defensin 5 (HD5).MethodsAdult mice were subjected to total body irradiation, and Paneth cell α-defensin expression was evaluated by measuring α-defensin mRNA by RT-PCR and α-defensin peptide levels by mass spectrometry. Vascular-to-luminal flux of FITC-inulin was measured to evaluate intestinal mucosal permeability and endotoxemia by measuring plasma lipopolysaccharide. HD5 was administered in a liquid diet 24 hours before or after irradiation. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Intestinal epithelial junctions were analyzed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and mucosal inflammatory response by cytokine expression. Systemic inflammation was evaluated by measuring plasma cytokine levels.ResultsIonizing radiation reduced the Paneth cell α-defensin expression and depleted α-defensin peptides in the intestinal lumen. α-Defensin down-regulation was associated with the time-dependent alteration of gut microbiota composition, increased gut permeability, and endotoxemia. Administration of human α-defensin 5 (HD5) in the diet 24 hours before irradiation (prophylactic) significantly blocked radiation-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, disruption of intestinal epithelial tight junction and adherens junction, mucosal barrier dysfunction, and mucosal inflammatory response. HD5, administered 24 hours after irradiation (treatment), reversed radiation-induced microbiota dysbiosis, tight junction and adherens junction disruption, and barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, HD5 treatment also prevents and reverses radiation-induced endotoxemia and systemic inflammation.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that radiation induces Paneth cell dysfunction in the intestine, and HD5 feeding prevents and mitigates radiation-induced intestinal mucosal injury, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation.

Present study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at the Agricultural Research Station of Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan to assess the effects of conventional and conservation tillage with organic and chemical management on growth, yield attributes, yields, economics and weed dynamics in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Vertisols. Five different crop-management practices, viz. conservation tillage with organic management (CAO), conservation tillage with chemical management (CAC), conventional tillage with chemical management (CTC), conventional tillage with organic management (OCT) and package of practice (PoPs) were studied in a randomized block design (RBD) with 4 replications. Pooled data revealed that significantly higher plant height (97.7 cm), dry matter accumulation (169.24 g/0.5 metre row length), number of tillers (47.05/0.5 meter row length), chlorophyll content of leaves (2.186 mg/g), number of effective tillers (43.15/0.5 meter row length), spike length (12.86 cm), weight per spike (2.49 g), test weight (45.61 g), grain yield (5214 kg/ha), straw yield (7941 kg/ha), and net returns (` 90891/ha) were recorded under CAC practice over CAO and OCT, although it was observed to be comparable to the PoPs and CTC management practices. Comparing conservation tillage with chemical management to other crop management techniques at 60 DAS, it was found to be the most successful practice for controlling total weeds (9.40/m2) and decreasing the buildup of weed dry matter (167.21 kg/ha).

In modern agriculture, reducing the carbon footprint and emission of greenhouse gases with greater energy efficiency are major issues for achieving the sustainability of agricultural production systems. To address this issue, a long-term field experiment was established from 2001 through 2016 with two contrasting tillage practices (ZT: zero tillage; CT: conventional tillage) and four irrigation schedules {I-1: pre-sowing (PS), I-2: PS + crown root initiation (CRI), I-3: PS + CRI + panicle initiation (PI)/flowering (FL), and I-4: PS + CRI + PI/FL + grain filling (GF)}. The grain yield of rice, wheat and the rice–wheat system was increased significantly by 23.6, 39.5 and 32.8%, respectively, with irrigation at four stages (I-4) compared to a single stage (I-1). Energy appraisal results exhibited that 17.2% higher energy was consumed under CT as compared to ZT (25,894 MJ ha−1). Fertilizer application consumed the highest energy (46.5–54.5%), followed by irrigation (8.83–19.5%), and the lowest energy consumption was associated with winnowing, packing and transport (2.07–2.43%) operations. The total energy output of the rice–wheat system did not change significantly among contrast tillage, but higher energy was obtained under CT (214,603 MJ ha−1) as compared to ZT (209,728 MJ ha−1). ZT practice improved the energy use efficiency (EUE), energy productivity (Ep) and energy profitability (Eprof) by 16.6, 21.0 and 16.6%, respectively, over CT. The EUE, SE (specific energy), Ep, net energy return (NER) and Eprof were enhanced by 17.1, 16.6, 21.0, 36.5 and 20.6%, respectively, with irrigation at four stages (I-4) compared to a single stage (I-1). Zero tillage plots reflected a 8.24% higher carbon use efficiency (CUE) and a 9.0% lower carbon footprint than CT plots. Among irrigation schedules, application of I-4 showed a 8.13% higher CUE and a 9.0% lower carbon footprint over single irrigation (I-1). This investigation indicated that ZT with irrigation at four stages (I-4) was the most sustainable option for improving the EUE and CUE with minimal GHGs emissions from the rice–wheat cropping system of Indian mid-Himalayan regions.

Magra sheep reared around the Bikaner area of Rajasthan, India is famous for producing lustrous fleece as compared to other wool-producing native sheep breeds. Three clips of Magra wool, namely, February, July, and October months of the year are showing variations in luster and gross appearance. Present work has been conducted to unravel seasonal variations, in transcript expression patterns in major type I and type II keratin genes, that occur in wool follicles of lustrous wool-producing Magra sheep. Wool samples randomly collected were graded in high and low luster by Gloss 60° values. Wool follicles of the sheep with low (gloss 60° values; < 2.5) and high (gloss 60° values; > 2.5) luster were used for the analysis of type I and type II keratin transcripts. The results of Quantitative PCR had shown up-regulated expression of keratin genes in high-lustrous sheep as compared to low-lustrous sheep. K32, K40, and K82 transcript expression differed significantly (P ≤ .05) between high- and low-lustrous sheep. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the K40 and K82 genes revealed five and four non-synonymous mutations, respectively. From the present study, it can be speculated that the higher amount of keratin protein may play a crucial role in determining the luster property of the wool.

Misrepresentation is providing false information about someone or something, often to deceive or gain an advantage. Fraudulent misrepresentation is one of the most serious forms of misrepresentation, which involves deliberate deceit and can result in the contract being voided and damages being sought. Barbara Kingsolver's novel Prodigal Summer challenges traditional misrepresentations by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings. With the metaphor 'Every quiet step is thunder to beetle life underfoot,' Kingsolver highlights the profound impact of seemingly insignificant human actions on the ecosystem. The first discussion concerns the novel's female characters, Deanna, Lusa, and Nannie, and how they redefine traditional farming instead of the men, who are often misrepresented as using harmful modern agricultural systems. The second discussion is about how men use the land for commercial purposes. Deanna actively protects natural wildlife, such as coyotes, and maintains domestic animals to support ecological balance. Lusa and Nannie are organic farmers who cultivate their vegetable and fruit land for the benefit of their families. Eddie used to hunt animals, especially coyotes, while Garnett preferred modern agricultural systems for economic gain. However, both actions have an impact on the environment and its beings. Kingsolver supports the natural environment and expresses this through her female characters, who resist the actions of men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is highly beneficial to the child. Unfortunately, it is frequently not practiced among women due to a lack of knowledge. Aims: The study aims to to find the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among children aged less than 2 years of age and to study the factors influencing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among the mothers of the study participants. Methods and Material: The design was a community-based cross-sectional study. Between January 2019 and January 2020, we enrolled 190 children aged less than 2 years of age and their mothers residing in a rural area of Delhi, India. We collected baseline sociodemographic data and details of feeding practices followed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. To measure association, the chi-square test or Fischer exact test was used. Statistical analysis used: Collected data was entered into MS-Excel and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences – 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 190 participants with complete information, 74 were under 6 months of age and it was found that 57 (77.0%) of those were exclusively breastfed till their present age. The remaining 116 children were aged between 6 and 23 months and the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in these children was found to be 55.2% (64). The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 5.75 ± 1.79 months. The age of the child was found to be statistically significant with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.01). Conclusions: The exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age was practiced only by approximately half of the mothers.

Background: Anaemia has significant impact on health of the fetus as well as that of mother. Increased need of iron during pregnancy especially after 2nd trimester makes iron supplementation mandatory. Ferrous ascorbate is known to exist intact inside the gastrointestinal tract due to the stable chelation of iron with ascorbate. This compound does not dissociate due to any of the food inhibitors. The aim is to study the effectiveness of Ferrous Ascorbate and Ferrous sulphate in terms of compliance and cost effectiveness of management of anaemia in pregnancy. Methodology: Study design: Quasi Experimental study, Study area: District Vidisha, Study participants: Pregnant women of first trimester registered during the study period in the selected Anganwadis/ Gram Arogya Kendra (GAK), Sample size: 240 antenatal mothers. Results: Baseline mean haemoglobin was 11.31±1.05 gm/dl. The mean increase in Ferrous Sulphate was 0.55 gm/dl, and in Ferrous ascorbate was 1.27 gm/dl. Ferrous Sulphate was less compliant than Ferrous ascorbate, and has higher efficacy and lesser side effects. Only Rs. 10.2 additional cost per antenatal mothers for increase of ≥1gm% in Hb will be borne by government if Ferrous Sulphate is replaced by Ferrous Ascorbate. Conclusions: Study results show statistically significant difference in rise of haemoglobin amongst the antenatal mothers consuming Ferrous ascorbate over Ferrous Sulphate.

Coriander, fenugreek, nigella etc. are collectively known as seed spices. They are "High value and low volume crops" and considered cash crops for the growers of arid and semi-arid regions of India. Coriander, fenugreek and nigella are grown during the rabi season and take hardly 130-140 days to attain full maturity. In this context, farmers are not able to develop income from available arable land round the year, even though they have sufficient resources as well as manpower. Therefore, coriander, fenugreek and nigella-based cropping systems, four of each (total 12) were evaluated during 3 consecutive years (2019-20 to 2021-22) for their productivity, resource-use efficiency, economics and soil fertility. The results showed that among the seed spices-based cropping systems, maximum system productivity (5193 kg ha-1), production efficiency (18.81 kg ha-1 day-1), water-use efficiency (2.31 kg ha-1 mm-1), economic efficiency (11.85 US $ ha-1 day-1), net return (3270 US $ ha-1), benefit:cost ratio (3.27) and available N (165.6 kg ha-1) were observed under nigella-green coriander-mungbean cropping system. Hence, seed spices growers are recommended to adopt nigella-green coriander-mungbean cropping system in order to realize better productivity, resource-use efficiency, soil fertility and profitability.

IntroductionChronic stress is co-morbid with alcohol use disorder that feedback on one another, thus impeding recovery from both disorders. Stress and the stress hormone corticosterone aggravate alcohol-induced intestinal permeability and liver damage. However, the mechanisms involved in compounding tissue injury by stress/corticosterone and alcohol are poorly defined. Here we explored the involvement of the TRPV6 channel in stress (or corticosterone) 3and alcohol-induced intestinal epithelial permeability, microbiota dysbiosis, and systemic inflammation. MethodsChronic alcohol feeding was performed on adult wild-type and Trpv6-/- mice with or without corticosterone treatment or chronic restraint stress (CRS). The barrier function was determined by evaluating inulin permeability in vivo and assessing tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) integrity by immunofluorescence microscopy. The gut microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomic analyses. Systemic responses were assessed by evaluating endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and liver damage.ResultsCorticosterone and CRS disrupted TJ and AJ, increased intestinal mucosal permeability, and caused endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and liver damage in wild-type but not Trpv6-/- mice. Corticosterone and CRS synergistically potentiated the alcohol-induced breakdown of intestinal epithelial junctions, mucosal barrier impairment, endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and liver damage in wild-type but not Trpv6-/- mice. TRPV6 deficiency also blocked the effects of CRS and CRS-mediated potentiation of alcohol-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota. ConclusionsThese findings indicate an essential role of TRPV6 in stress, corticosterone, and alcohol-induced intestinal permeability, microbiota dysbiosis, endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and liver injury. This study identifies TRPV6 as a potential therapeutic target for developing treatment strategies for stress and alcohol-associated comorbidity.

The camel is practically symbolic for western arid region of Rajasthan. This animal has the immense contribution to livelihood of the Raika pastoral community who has a long relationship with this animal. Raikas followed their own traditional practices in all aspects of camel rearing including healthcare practices since time immemorial. Therefore, the present study was designed to document and appraise ethno-veterinary practices followed by the Raika pastoral community to cure important camel diseases like trypanosomiasis, camel pox and mange. A total 120 Raika pastoralists were interviewed from the six villages of Pali and Jodhpur district of Rajasthan on an open ended interview schedule to document the ethno-veterinary practices. Quantification of Indigenous Knowledge (QuIK) was applied for participatory assessment of the identified ethno-veterinary practices. The Raikas were using total 10 ethno-veterinary practices to cure the three diseases. Use of fruit of Withania coagulans (stock) Dunal was found to be most effective among the four identified practices to control camel trypanosomiasis (surra). Accordingly, use of neem leaves and; mixture of turmeric, butter and mustard oil were perceived as highly effective to cure camel pox and mange, respectively.

Malaria and typhoid co-infections can be a serious public health issue in tropical countries leading to incorrect diagnosis due to overlapping clinical presentations of malaria and typhoid and hence, causing a delay in implementing the appropriate treatment regimen for these concurrent infections. This study reports a case of six-year-old female child co-infected with severe malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) and typhoid (Salmonella typhi) diagnosed by rapid malaria antigen test (RMAT) and blood culture respectively. Further, analysis of the chloroquine resistance gene Pfcrt for the falciparum demonstrated the presence of K76T mutant allele in pfcrt gene with high IC50 (150nM) for chloroquine (CQ) drug. The present case highlights the significance of timely identification and treatment of co-infections and also provides information about the circulating P. falciparum clinical strains.

Summary: Intestinal epithelial tight junction disruption is a primary contributing factor in alcohol-associated endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ damage. Ethanol and acetaldehyde disrupt tight junctions by elevating intracellular Ca2+. Here we identify TRPV6, a Ca2+-permeable channel, as responsible for alcohol-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Ethanol and acetaldehyde elicit TRPV6 ionic currents in Caco-2 cells. Studies in Caco-2 cell monolayers and mouse intestinal organoids show that TRPV6 deficiency or inhibition attenuates ethanol- and acetaldehyde-induced Ca2+ influx, tight junction disruption, and barrier dysfunction. Moreover, Trpv6−/− mice are resistant to alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Photoaffinity labeling of 3-azibutanol identifies a histidine as a potential alcohol-binding site in TRPV6. The substitution of this histidine, and a nearby arginine, reduces ethanol-activated currents. Our findings reveal that TRPV6 is required for alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Molecules that decrease TRPV6 function have the potential to attenuate alcohol-associated tissue injury.

Abstract Alcohol use disorders are associated with altered stress responses, but the impact of stress or stress hormones on alcohol-associated tissue injury remain unknown. We evaluated the effects of chronic restraint stress on alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and liver damage in mice. To determine whether corticosterone is the stress hormone associated with the stress-induced effects, we evaluated the effect of chronic corticosterone treatment on alcoholic tissue injury at the Gut-Liver-Brain (GLB) axis. Chronic restraint stress synergized alcohol-induced epithelial tight junction disruption and mucosal barrier dysfunction in the mouse intestine. These effects of stress on the gut were reproduced by corticosterone treatment. Corticosterone synergized alcohol-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the colonic mucosa, and it potentiated the alcohol-induced endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. Corticosterone also potentiated alcohol-induced liver damage and neuroinflammation. Metagenomic analyses of 16S RNA from fecal samples indicated that corticosterone modulates alcohol-induced changes in the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, corticosterone dose-dependently potentiated ethanol and acetaldehyde-induced tight junction disruption and barrier dysfunction. These data indicate that chronic stress and corticosterone exacerbate alcohol-induced mucosal barrier dysfunction, endotoxemia, and systemic alcohol responses. Corticosterone-mediated promotion of alcohol-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and modulation of gut microbiota may play a crucial role in the mechanism of stress-induced promotion of alcohol-associated tissue injury at the GLB axis.

Introduction: The high mental health treatment gap in India, necessitates mental health service delivery through the primary health care system. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) as frontline community health workers are a key member of the primary health care team. The ASHAs training needs related to mental health, require to be determined in order to accordingly tailor capacity-building programs. In this context, the present study aims to examine the ASHAs mental health orientation utilizing a factorially validated Indian tool. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 91 ASHAs from a taluk of Bengaluru Urban District, responded to the self-administered Orientation towards Mental Illness (OMI) scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics viz. frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The ASHAs reported an overall unfavourable mental health orientation and the specific OMI factors on which unfavourable orientation was observed were Psychosocial stress, Non-restrained behaviour, Weak cognitive control, Fidgety behaviour, Bizarre behaviour, Psychosocial manipulation, and Hypo-functioning. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that capacity-building programs for ASHAs will need to first examine their orientation to mental health and collaboratively address an unfavourable orientation when present, as it would have a bearing on ASHAs mental health service delivery in the community.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the most important rabi pulse crop of Rajasthan. The intervention of chickpea frontline demonstrations (FLDs) is one of the best ways to educate the conventional cultivators about productivity potential and profitability. The present study was carried out to determine the economic viability of technology transfer and adoption of chickpea in semi-arid region of North-West plain (NWP) zone of Rajasthan. Frontline demonstrations were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, S K Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, to enhance chickpea production and improve livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Total 260 demonstrations were conducted under 65 ha area in different villages of Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan during rabi season of 2012–13 to 2019–20. The seed of newly released chickpea varieties, viz. GNG-1581, GNG-1958, GNG-2144 and GNG-2171 were provided with other production and protection inputs. Results of the study revealed that the package and practices improved the seed yield of chickpea by 17.2%. The annual increase in the yield in different seasons ranged from 12.4% to 23.4%. The average technology gap (6.6 q/ha) and average extension gap (2.5 q/ha) suggested further improvement in the extension activities. The average benefit : cost ratio was significantly higher (2.81) under demonstrated plot as compared to farmers’ practice (2.48). Economic studies of individual years over eight years indicated that adoption of improved practices fetched more profit compared to farmers’ practices.

Goat farming is a suitable option for revenue generation for small-scale farmers and tribal people as it requires meager investment. Goats can efficiently survive and sustain on sparse vegetation and extreme climatic conditions. Hence, a study was undertaken in the tribaldominated Banswara district of Rajasthan state to identify problems perceived by youths in goat rearing. A total of 73 tribal youth responded to the study. RBQ technique was employed to identify the problems in goat farming. Predators attack was identified as a major problem (87.67%), followed by lack of funding and unavailability of improved goat breeds (87.24%). So, this study recommended that to prevent goats from predators, proper housing is necessary. So, KVK should maintain follow-ups with participants and provide financial help to initiate venture after skill development. Therefore, youths’ migration from rural to urban area could be optimized intribal areas. In addition to the ARYA project, the integration of various government schemes would benefit scaling up this profitable venture for tribal youths.

Wool fibers consist of proteins with majority belongs to keratin family. Longitudinally arrayed keratin intermediate filaments constitute a matrix surrounded by keratin-associated proteins (KAPs). These KAPs play essential role in providing the physico-mechanical properties of the wool fiber. Real time PCR assay revealed that type 1 hair cortex keratin K33A (K1.2) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) upregulated in lustrous Magra wool follicles however other keratin and keratin associated protein (KAP) genes were found down regulated. Furthermore, nucleotide sequence analysis revealed 4, 30, and 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KAP6, KAP7, and KAP8 genes, respectively. The presence of differing amount of type I and type II keratin and hydrophobic high glycine-tyrosine proteins in wool might be partially responsible for different glass transitions exhibited by wool and consequently imparts different physical properties like wool luster.

This study was taken up to assess the chlorophyll spectrum induced by Sodium Azide mutagen in two rice cultivars- BPT 2231 and CO 51. The mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of Sodium Azide across the two genotypes were also observed. The chlorophyll spectrum observed in M2 generation of BPT 2231 is consisted of albino, xantha, chlorina, striata and xantha viridis. In CO 51, albino and xantha occupied the entire chlorophyll spectrum. Albino was predominant in both the varieties with 1.2 per cent in BPT 2231 and 1.15 per cent in CO 51 at 1mM concentration. The mutagenic frequency was higher in BPT 2231 (7.8) than CO 51 (4.0). Considering the efficiency of a mutagen based on lethality, seedling injury and pollen sterility, BPT 2231 recorded higher values 2.79, 1.10 and 0.26 respectively. Like mutagenic frequency, the mutation rate of Sodium Azide was higher in BPT 2231(0.90) than CO 51 (0.40).

Objective: To determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and find out the incidence of drug resistance using molecular diagnostic method. Line probe assay (LPA) is based on the principle of multiplex PCR is used to detect MTB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) complex as well as its sensitivity to rifampicin and isoniazid. Method: This is a hospital-based prospective observational study. The sputum of MDR-TB suspected patients was subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining and smear positive samples were analyzed by LPA. Decontamination and digestion of the samples was done using the NALC- NaOH method (as defined in RNTCP guidelines). DNA extraction was done from the decontaminated samples using Geno Lyse kit. After DNA extraction, detection of MTB complex and rifampicin and/or INH resistance was done with the help of line probe assay (LPA) using GenoType ® MTBDRplus version 2.0. Results: Out of the 156 smear-positive sputum samples, 140 samples had LPA valid results. The most common age group of positive TB samples in this study was 30-40 years (26.42%). Twenty-five samples (17.85%) were found to be rifampicin resistant and 22 (15.71%) samples were found resistant to isoniazid. Sixteen patients (11.42%) were detected MDR. Nine patients (6.42%) were monoresistant to rifampicin and six patients (4.28%) were monoresistant to isoniazid. “Sputum positive retreatment cases” had the highest detection rate for MDR TB. Conclusion: Line probe assay is an economical and time saving method for the detection of MDR-TB and serves as a lifesaving tool for early diagnosis and treatment. This calls for a widespread national use of this assay. The detection of around 10% ZN-positive patients, who were not showing MTB complex in LPA may be a hidden iceberg for non-tubercular mycobacteria.

Introduction: In India, there is a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, the impact of ART (antiretroviral therapy) on lipid profile and blood sugar may be significant. The study of potential implications of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-associated metabolic syndrome is critical to prevent cardiovascular diseases in the Indian population. Aims: This study was done to determine the prevalence of metabolic changes (dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance) among HIV patients on second-line ART. Settings and Design: A prospective cohort study. Methods and Materials: We enrolled 150 patients, who were started on second-line HAART. Patients were investigated for fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and insulin level at baseline and after 6 months. Statistical Analysis: The data were analysed using SPSS software (version 20; IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Student's t-test was used to compare numerical variables in the two groups. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: There was a significant increase in serum cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride in patients with protease inhibitors (PIs) containing regimens. LDL levels were increased from 65 to 80 mg/dL (P = < .003) after treatment. Triglycerides were increased from 138 to 152 mg/dL. (P = < 0.001). Median fasting blood sugar was increased from 85 to 96 mg/dL (P = < 0.002). HOMA-IR was also significantly increased in the PI group (1.54 vs. 2.1, P < .003). However, serum HDL did not change significantly. Conclusions: Appropriate drug selection with timely switching of ART is crucial to prevent metabolic complications in patients taking long-term PIs.

Climate change combined with human activities poses significant risks to people’s livelihood especially in developing countries. Adaptation at the community level is crucial in enabling them to respond to the direct and indirect effects of changes in climate. The present study was designed to assess the adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers. So, the study was purposively conducted at the Chilika lake region of Odisha as it is the breeding tract of Chilika buffalo. A total 150 Chilika buffalo rearers were selected randomly from the cluster villages of the adjacent districts of Chilika lake. Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) was used to develop Adaptive Capacity Assessment Index to measure the adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers. They were having better physical capital (0.55) possession followed by social capital (0.48), financial capital (0.47), human capital (0.45) and natural capital (0.35). The average adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers was found to be 0.46, which was quite unsatisfactory and majority of them (62.67%) were having a medium level of adaptive capacity to cope up with changing climatic scenario. Adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers were having a strong and significant relationship with its every component. Therefore, to strengthen the adaptive capacity of the Chilka buffalo rearers, status of each and every capital has to be improved significantly.

To ascertain the pollinator community of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) and the potential pollinators for quality seed production, a field experiment was conducted at ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan for two years. The pollinator community of ajwain was composed with 34 insect species in 7 orders and 14 families. Most of insect pollinators started their foraging at 9.00 hr and reached their respective peak activity between 12.00 to 14.00 hr and ceased at 18.00 hr. Three honeybee species Apis florea, A. mellifera and A. dorsata foraged for nectar and pollen, whereas butterfly species foraged for nectar and all Dipteran flies foraged either for nectar collection or for both nectar and pollen. Ten floral visitors (Hymenoptera-5 species, Diptera-4 species and Coleoptera-1 species) were identified as most important and potential pollinators of ajwain crop for semi-arid region performed higher foraging rate and visitation frequency. The higher seed yield of ajwain (1364.13 kg/ha) was recorded in bee pollination (BP) plots with slightly lower than sugar attractant and open pollination mode, whereas lowest yield was obtained without insect pollination (WIP)-control (844.43 kg/ha seed yield) plots. Bee pollination services increased the seed yield of ajwain by 61.54% over control and also enhanced the seed test weight and essential oil of seed in term of quality.

The nutrient management options have been contemplated to be sustainable strategies to sustain rice-wheat production systems and a conceivable option to maintain soil organic carbon (SOC) in soil systems. We hypothesized that carbon fraction could be a critical factor in improving carbon storage in cereal-based production systems. The results suggested that the adoption of IPNS legumes (berseem and cowpea), STCR, and OF improved SOC concentrations. It was observed that significantly higher (57%) contribution in carbon concentration very labile carbon (VLC) was trailed by the non-labile carbon (NLC, 23%), labile carbon (LC, 12%), and less labile carbon (LLC 8%) in the surface soil layer. Results showed that carbon stock varied from 11.73 to 18.39 and 9.95 to 11.75 t ha−1 in the surface and subsurface soil depths, respectively, and significantly higher carbon stock was maintained in OF in both soil depths over the other nutrient management practices. Results showed that for the surface layer C-stocks registered in the following order (0–15 cm soil depth) OF (18.39 t ha−1) > IPNS + C (17.54 t ha−1) > IPNS + B (17.26 t ha−1) > IPNS (16.86 t ha−1) > STCR (15.54 t ha−1) > NPK (15.32 t ha−1) and unfertilized control (11.73 t ha−1). Overall, results suggested that the adoption of IPNS options addition of legumes significantly enhanced all carbon pools.

The clinical presentation of celiac disease has evolved significantly over the last few decades. Previously defined as a malabsorption syndrome in pediatric patients, now it is considered an autoimmune disorder with diverse systemic manifestations among all age groups. We report a case of 56-year-old male presented with pedal edema and gradually progressive abdomen distention for the last 3 months. Serological evaluation and duodenal biopsy reports were suggestive of celiac disease. The patient was advised gluten-free diet, after 12 weeks, the patient became asymptomatic with the resolution of ascites and peripheral edema. According to the literature, there are few reports of protein-losing enteropathy as an initial presentation of celiac disease. The possibility of celiac disease should be considered even in the setting of atypical symptoms.