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Introduction: Gastric polyps are often incidentally detected during endoscopic evaluations, with a prevalence of approximately 5% in endoscopy cases. Their diagnosis and classification rely on histopathological examination to determine their nature and potential for malignancy. Common gastric polyps include hyperplastic polyps, fundic gland polyps, and adenomatous polyps. This study aims to evaluate the histopathological spectrum of gastric polyps in a tertiary care setting and document the associated clinical presentations. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2019 to February 2023 at a tertiary care centre in South India. A total of 124 patients with histopathologically confirmed gastric polyps were included. Patients with known gastric malignancies were excluded. Results: The study population showed a slight female predominance (53.2%). The most common clinical complaint was dyspepsia, reported by 61% of patients. Most patients were in the age group of 51–80 years. Hyperplastic polyps were the most frequently observed type (47.16%), followed by fundic gland polyps (40.65%). The body of the stomach was the most common site of polyp occurrence (47.15%). Conclusion: The findings suggest a predominance of fundic gland polyps in the studied South Indian population. Additionally, Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in more than 45% of hyperplastic polyps, emphasizing its potential role in polyp formation. Routine histopathological evaluation remains crucial for accurate classification and risk assessment of gastric polyps. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical implications and long-term outcomes of gastric polyp management.

Background: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) within non-Hodgkin lymphoma has several morphologic and clinicopathologic variants. DLBCL has two prognostically important subtypes, germinal center B cell (GCB) and nongerminal center (Non-GCB) with the non-GCB having an inferior outcome. Immunohistochemical co-expression of cellular myelocytomatosis (CMYC) and BCL2 in DLBCL has poor prognosis and is considered as double-expressor lymphoma (DEL). Aims and Objectives: This study was done to identify DEL using immunohistochemistry among GCB and non-GCB DLBCL and to assess their treatment response. Methods and Material: A retrospective analysis of 97 DLBCL cases received in our department was done. Formalin-fixed paraffin blocks were used to prepare Hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections, immunohistochemical subtyping (into GCB and non-GCB using CD10, BCL6, and MUM1) and further to identify DEL (using CMYC and BCL2). Statistical Analysis: Analysis was done using Chi-square test (Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18), and P

Background and Objectives: Craniovertebral instability and its surgical management require a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and dynamics of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Due to the wide range of mobility and proximity of vital neurovascular structures, these surgeries demand high technical skill and precision. It is very difficult to suggest a single good technique for CVJ stabilization as each procedure has got its own indications and benefits. Novel techniques and gadgets like neuro navigation and robotic arms help surgeons to minimize complications, thereby improving the overall functional outcome. In this study, we are analyzing the retrospective data of CVJ instabilities surgically managed by freehand technique in our institute. Materials and Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of 33 patients operated on for craniocervical junction instability for 7 years from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021. We analyzed the clinical and radiological presentations and postoperative outcomes at 3 weeks, 6 months, and after 1 year. The distribution of clinical presentation in terms of neck pain, myelopathy, restricted neck movements, and lower cranial nerve palsy was evaluated and correlated with the demographic parameters. The paired “t”-test was used to correlate the clinical and radiological outcomes after surgery. Results: The paired “t” value of the clinical improvement assessed with the preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) myelopathic scores was − 4.376 with P < 0.001, which indicates a significant clinical improvement 6 months after surgery. Among the 33 patients evaluated, only three patients developed a slight reduction in the JOA score after surgery, which was improved within 1 year. All the patients achieved satisfactory trabecular bone formation at the graft site and decorticated joint facets without any clinical or radiological evidence of implant failure. Among the C2 pedicle screws, 3 (7.5%) were having vertebral foraminal impingement, and 2 (5%) were having medial cortical violation and spinal canal impingement. All the patients with radiological evidence of implant malposition were clinically intact and did not show any deterioration of the studied myelopathic score (JOA). Conclusions: As the bony anatomy and the vascular course of the CVJ vary from patient to patient, thorough preoperative planning is mandatory for the surgical management of CVJ instability. In our study, the clinical and radiological improvement after surgical stabilization of craniovertebral instability by freehand technique is comparable with the available data. The overall risk of screw malposition and associated lethal complications may be minimized by adding modern technologies such as neuronavigation, robotic arms, and three-dimensional C-arm in the armamentarium.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour in paediatric patients present with a diagnostic dilemma because of its clinical, radiological and histopathological features overlapping with other mesenchymal tumours common in this age. Because of its rarity, the exact features are still unclear. Here, we are reporting clinical, radiological and histopathological appearances of two such cases. In both cases, the exact diagnosis was confirmed only after immunohistochemistry. There is a need for further detailed study to exactly determine the natural course and prognosis of these tumours.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of conventional and ultrasound assisted tube cystotomy techniques for obstructive urolithiasis in 12 cattle by allowing two groups. Group-I, animals were subjected to conventional tube cystotomy, whereas in group- II, ultrasound assisted tube cystotomy was performed using Foley’s catheter under deep sedation with xylazine hydrochloride and local infiltration anaesthesia. Clinically, all animals showed urethral pulsation, dribbling of urine, futile attempts, bellowing, congested mucous membrane, sunken eyes, dry muzzle and teeth grinding. Non-significant changes were observed in haematological and biochemical values, however neutrophilia and alkaline pH of urine was prominent. Ultrasound assisted tube cystotomy technique consumed less time (40.00±1.29 min) with small incision and minimal bleeding as compared to conventional tube cystotomy.

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.

AbstractA lot of energy is released during the cement manufacturing process, and a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) is discharged into the environment. Presently, researchers are focusing on reducing CO2 emissions by researching sustainable alternatives to traditional Portland cement-based materials. A comparative study on the material characterization of both calcined agro-based waste ash (calcined ash) and uncalcined agro-based waste ash (uncalcined ash) and its utilization as a binder along with granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in the alkali activation process is carried out in this paper. The study regarding calcined and uncalcined ash would help in better understanding the variation in the properties of the material and its behavior during the alkali activation process. The tests conducted on both calcined and uncalcined ash along with GGBS include specific gravity, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, reaction degree, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, particle size distribution, and the Puntke test for understanding its microstructural characteristics. Later, alkali-activated mortars are prepared using 30% weight of agro-based waste ash (both calcined and uncalcined) and 70% weight of GGBS. A comparison of the compressive strength of alkali-activated mortars prepared using calcined and uncalcined ash was studied, which showed a promising increase in the strength by 11.02% of mortar prepared using calcined ash (23.46 MPa) for 28 days when compared to mortar prepared using uncalcined ash (21.13 MPa). The major finding from this study indicates that calcined agro-based ash with GGBS shows better results compared to uncalcined agro-based ash with GGBS.

Objective: To determine how biochanin-A (BCA) affects high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced pathological changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetic rats were orally administered BCA (10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days to investigate its effects on lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers in the liver and kidney. In addition, the mRNA expression of antioxidant and lipid metabolism enzymes in the liver was examined. Results: BCA attenuated hyperlipidemia by regulating mRNA expressions of HMG-CoA reductase, fatty acid synthase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Additionally, BCA reduced high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation, improving superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels, and upregulating mRNA expressions of these enzymes. Conclusions: BCA may be a promising nutraceutical for the treatment of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress associated with diabetes.

Background: The military environment is characterized by unpredictable situations, intensive training, demanding workload, and job-associated stressors, which make it highly stressful. Mentorship and mental well-being training could be beneficial to both officers and the new adolescent recruits of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a multi-disciplinary structured training on mentoring and mental well-being among officers and instructors in the IAF. Methods: Seventy IAF officers/instructors underwent a week-long multi-disciplinary structured training program, which was conducted at a tertiary care neuro-psychiatric hospital in South India. A quasi-experimental design with a single-group pre- and post-test was adopted. Outcome measures included a) knowledge on mentorship and mental health and b) self-perceived competence in addressing mental health distress. Results: Post training, there was a statistically significant improvement in scores on mentorship/mental health knowledge and a significant increase in self-perceived competence in addressing mental distress. Conclusion: Mentorship and mental well-being training for officers and instructors in the IAF improved mental health knowledge and self-perceived competence. Therefore, administration of regular and in-depth structured mental health-related training interventions could be beneficial not only to the officers but also to the new recruits/mentees in the IAF.

Background & objectives: Mosquito-borne diseases are major threats to human health worldwide. Successful control of vector mosquitoes requires periodic updates on their response to the insecticides that are in use. Different classes of neurotoxic insecticides have been used in vector control programs. Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the primary vectors of dengue and have developed resistance to organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids that are used in vector control programs. Monitoring insecticide pressure and studying the underlying mechanisms of resistance in the field populations of Aedes aegypti are important to formulate resistant management strategies for their control programs. Methods: Aedes aegypti were collected from study sites Lawspet and Abishegapakkam and F1 progeny was subject to biochemical assays to determine the enzyme activity. Insecticide susceptibility tests were conducted to determine vector susceptibility/resistance to malathion and deltamethrin. Adult dried mosquitoes were subjected to multiplex PCR to detect point mutation in the VGSC gene. Results: Insecticide susceptibility test results revealed that Aedes aegypti is resistant to malathion and incipient resistance to deltamethrin has emerged. It was observed that β-esterase and monoxygense activity were significantly higher in Lawspet sample than the laboratory strain, whereas it was comparatively lower in Abishegapakkam sample than laboratory strain. Multiplex PCR assays showed no kdr mutation in all Ae. aegypti strains. Interpretation & conclusion: Monitoring insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti would help the local health authorities to implement a rationalized approach for insecticide use in vector control.

A two-year field study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi with the aim of examining the impacts of various methods of tillage, residue management and nitrogen (N) application on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency in terms of Partial Factor Productivity of Nitrogen (PFPN). The study utilized a split-split plot design with 3 replications, where the main plot consisted of two tillage systems [conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT)], the subplot comprised 2 residue levels [maize residue @5 t/ ha (R+) and no residue (R0)], and the sub-sub plot involved 3 N levels [60, 120, and 180 kg N/ha, representing 50% (N60 kg N/ha), 100% (N120 kg N/ha), and 150% (N180 kg N/ha)] respectively. The results indicated that both tillage and residue management considerably influenced the grain and biomass yield of wheat. Over the two years, NT exhibited a 7% higher WUE compared to CT, but the change was insignificant. However, in years with lower rainfall, crop residue mulching had a significant positive impact on WUE, while in years with higher rainfall; its effect on WUE was insignificant. Moreover, tillage practices had a considerable effect on the PFPN. In the year 2020–21, PFPN under NT was 3.59% higher than under CT, and in the year 2021–22, it was 2.06% higher. Furthermore, with an increase in N levels, WUE showed a substantial increase, while PFPN decreased.

High persistence of different types of noises in the environment is a challenging problem nowadays. Many natural fiber composite works have been introduced in this line to execute the efficiency with their own compositional properties to some extent. Luffa cylindrical fiber reinforced epoxy composite has significantly enriched this noise reduction property due to its unique and complex networking structure between each of its single fiber. When a number of multilayered luffa cylindrical fibers are reinforced with a high sensitive polymer matrix like epoxy, their structural configuration modifies to that extent where the composite can function as an effective shielding material for propagation of sound through them. Although the treatment of raw fiber with alcohol blended tartaric acid and alkalization enhances the mechanical strength, alkalization treatment decreases the sound absorption coefficient, which is found to be increased significantly with that of alcohol blended chemicals. The scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterizations of both untreated and treated luffa fibers confirm the surface modification, which enables the composites to be a good acoustic material. Furthermore, thermal and electrical insulation properties are well confirmed and support the attenuation of sound propagation through the material, which decreases the thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites.

Understanding the spatio-temporal evolution of streamflow droughts and their relationship with potential causative processes is critical for effective drought management. This study assesses spatial synchrony and temporal clustering of streamflow droughts in six major river basins of Peninsular India. The importance of baseflow, rainfall deficits, soil moisture deficits and high temperatures in triggering streamflow droughts is also investigated to identify the dominant driver during the period 1981–2015. Spatial synchrony of streamflow droughts is investigated using multivariate Ripley’s K function and temporal clustering is evaluated using univariate Ripley’s K at various timescales. The interactions of streamflow droughts with potential causative processes are investigated using event coincidence analysis. At regional scale, streamflow droughts in peninsular catchments show strong spatial synchrony even at longer timescales. However, at basin scale, droughts in the catchments show strong spatial synchrony only at smaller timescales, behave independently of each other and achieve asynchrony with time, especially at longer timescales. Streamflow droughts show the strongest temporal clustering at smaller timescales and the strength of clustering decreases after a 3 year timescale. Rainfall deficits primarily control streamflow droughts in Peninsular India at a range of lags, except just before the onset of drought events where baseflow dominates. In addition, trigger coincidence rates of baseflow are lower than rainfall deficits but higher than soil moisture deficits and high temperatures at longer time lags.

India faces significant air quality challenges, contributing to local health and global climate concerns. Despite a national ban on agricultural residue burning and various incentive schemes, farmers in northern India continue to face difficulties in curbing open-field burning. Using data from 1021 farming households in rural Punjab in India, we examine the patterns and drivers of the adoption of no-burn agriculture, particularly for farmers who mulch instead of burning crop residue. We find a growing trend in no-burn farming practices among farmers between 2015 and 2017, with the highest adoption rates among large farmers compared to medium and small farmers. Our findings suggest that access to equipment and learning opportunities may increase the likelihood of farmers using straw as mulch instead of burning it. Specifically, social learning appears to increase the likelihood of farmers embracing no-burn practices relative to learning from extension agencies. Furthermore, the form of learning depends on farm size. While large and medium farmers exhibit a variety of learning strategies, small farmers primarily self-learn. These results underscore the importance of a multiprong policy that provides sufficient access to equipment and a combination of learning platforms that enabling farmers from different land classes to adopt no-burn technologies.

The performance of state-of-the-art superconducting quantum devices is currently limited by microwave dielectric loss at different interfaces. α -tantalum is a superconductor that has proven effective in reducing dielectric loss and improving device performance due to its thin low-loss oxide. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of high-quality factor α -tantalum coplanar-waveguide resonators directly on pristine 300 mm silicon wafers over a variety of metal deposition conditions and perform a comprehensive material and electrical characterization study. Additionally, we apply a surface treatment based on hydrofluoric acid that allows us to modify different resonators surfaces, leading to a reduction in two-level system loss in the devices by a factor of three. This loss reduction can be entirely attributed to the removal of surface oxides. Our study indicates that large scale manufacturing of low-loss superconducting circuits should indeed be feasible and suggests a viable avenue to materials-driven advancements in superconducting circuit performance.

COVID has drastically impacted organ donation across the world, leading to untold misery for thousands of patients who have been waiting for organs. Early rules on the use of organs from COVID positive or affected donors were stringent due to the fear of spread of disease or thrombotic complications in patients who received these organs. However much has changed in the past two years. Most of our adult population has either been infected with COVID, or has received two doses of vaccine, or both. The current variant, despite being more infective, is associated with mild disease, especially in those who have been vaccinated Our armamentarium against severe COVID has improved dramatically in the past year- we have effective vaccines, monoclonal antibodies for treatment of mild COVID in high risk patients and post exposure and antiviral prophylaxis and treatment which can substantially reduce the risk of severe COVID requiring ICU admission. The risk of transmission of COVID infection has to be balanced against the risk of patients dying with end organ disease. We will have to learn to live with COVID- this also means investigating whether organs from donors who are, or have been COVID positive can be used with acceptable risk –benefit in selected patients with end stage organ failure. This document is a summary of evidence and information regarding donor screening for SARS-CoV-2 and considerations for organ acceptance from donors with a history of COVID-19.

Background: Incisional hernia repair is one of the most common procedures performed in general surgery. Onlay and sublay mesh repair both are well established techniques for the locations of mesh placement, but with various benefits and drawbacks. Despite various studies, the debate continues regarding preferring one technique over the other. We aim to compare the outcome of hernia repair between these two techniques. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was done on patients who underwent open onlay/sublay hernia repair from February 2018 to March 2020 at our institute. 9–28 months of follow-up was done. Primary outcome was recurrence. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications including surgical site infection, hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, peri-operative pain, persistent seroma, readmission after 30 days and chronic pain. Results: A total of 87 patients underwent open ventral hernia repair during the study period. Of which, 41 had onlay and 46 had sublay repair (SR). Recurrence occurred in five patients (12.2%) with onlay repair and two patients in sublay group (4.3%) after a follow-up duration of up to 28 months (P = 0.247). Wound complications were more common in onlay group (46.3%) than the sublay group (19.5%) (P = 0.008). The mean standard deviation intraoperative blood loss (mL) was significantly higher in sublay group (156 [96]) than onlay group (123 [110]) (P < 0.0001). The postoperative drain output and the duration of placement were both greater in the onlay group (P < 0.0001). The median (range) of hospital stay was significantly longer in the onlay group (5[3–10] days) than the sublay group (4[2–6] days) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: SR seems to be the better technique taking into account the overall morbidity, although the need for multi-centric trials with patient-centered outcomes should be highlighted to settle the debate.

BackgroundDuring the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, the Ministry of Ayush conducted a community study to provide therapeutic care to patients with asymptomatic, mild, and moderate COVID-19 in home isolation based on the empirical evidence generated on the efficacy of AYUSH-64 in COVID-19.ObjectiveTo document disease characteristics, care-seeking behavior, and outcomes in patients with asymptomatic, mild, or moderate COVID-19 in home isolation who used AYUSH-64 for COVID-19.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of the data generated through a community study conducted in India from 08 May to 31 August 2021 was performed to study the disease characteristics, care-seeking behavior during home isolation, clinical outcomes, adverse events, and the association between various risk factors and clinical recovery during the study period. The data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, available in electronic data collection format at the baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days. A logistic regression was performed to explore the relationship between relevant variables and clinical recovery.ResultsData from 64,642 participants were analyzed for baseline assessment, and final analysis was done for 49,770 participants. The mean age of the enrolled participants was 38.8 ± 11.7 years, and 8.4% had co-morbidities. AYUSH-64 was utilized as an add-on to the standard care by 58.3% of participants. Comparable clinical outcomes were observed in participants utilizing AYUSH-64 either as a standalone or as an add-on to standard care, in terms of clinical recovery, disease progression, the requirement for oxygen supplementation, hospitalization, ICU admission, and need for ventilator support. Younger age, having no co-morbidities or substance abuse, and having been vaccinated were associated with early clinical recovery than those who were older and not vaccinated.ConclusionsThe study findings suggest that AYUSH-64 use, either standalone or as an adjunct to standard care, in asymptomatic, mild, or moderate COVID-19 is associated with good clinical outcomes. Ayush services and interventions can be effectively integrated into the mainstream public health architecture to serve public health goals.

Over decades, the total wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production of the country has been able to meet the domestic consumption and export considerable amount of it. APEDA reports the export of 2.26 lakh MT of wheat for the worth of `424.94 crores/60.55 USD Millions during 2018–19. Further increase in production is only possible through varietal replacement with varieties having higher productivity potential in the existing production area through horizontal spread. Two reputed wheat varieties of ICAR-IARI, viz. HD 2967 and HD 3086 with good nutrient content and resistance as well as tolerance to major fungal diseases were distributed among 572 farmers of two villages of Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh respectively, with predominant rice-wheat cropping cycle to assess their acceptance level over space and time among villagers through assessment trials from winter (rabi) season 2014–15 to 2019–20. In selected, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh villages the relative yield advantage of HD 2967 was 21.7% and 19.9%, respectively and of HD 3086 was 17.5% and 14.3%, respectively over the local check. HD 3086 additionally reported bold grain, less lodging and less quality loss in the situation of repeated rainfall in maturity stage. The popularity and acceptance of the varieties were evident by the horizontal spread for HD 2967 i.e. 468.2 ha (Haryana) and 383.2 ha (Uttar Pradesh) from 6 and 6.4 ha, respectively from the winter (rabi) season of 2014–15 to 2019–20. The study re-affirms the philosophy of Farmer-to-Farmers spread of modern technologies including the HYV seeds.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to create vision standards for various tasks performed by hairdressers and to assess the spectacle compliance and its impact at work. Methods: The observational cross-sectional study enrolled hairdressers in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was done in three phases: (i) Job profiling from visual task analysis, creating vision standards for various hairdressing tasks and arriving at test protocols; (ii) Comprehensive eye examination, and (iii) Assessment of spectacle compliance and its impact on work. Descriptive analysis using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21.0) was performed. Results: There were 305 participants with a mean age of 48 (SD ± 12) years. The visual acuity demand was found to be 6/18 and N15, for distance and near, respectively. Appropriate spectacles were prescribed for 203 (67%) hairdressers. Even with the best possible refractive correction, a few hairdressers did not meet the distance (13) and near (11) visual acuity standard. In all, 54 hairdressers were referred for further examination to a tertiary eye care center for lenticular changes, retinal abnormalities, and glaucoma screening. Among the subjects who were dispensed with spectacles, 181 (86%) were available for telephonic spectacle compliance assessment, and 164 (90%) were compliant with spectacle usage at work. Improved visual ability was reported by 133 (81%) hairdressers at work. Conclusion: This study provides vision standards for hairdressers. From the visual task analysis, hairdressing tasks were found to be visually demanding and hazardous. The study emphasizes that providing appropriate spectacle correction showed a clinically evident positive impact at work.

Context: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-19 has had a devastating effect on the common man's life. Aim: To study whether the fear of contracting covid19 infection deter the patients from seeking medical help? Setting and Design: Retrospective study from hospital data were obtained from the medical record departments of four major hospitals. Materials and methods: Number of admissions for eight serious illnesses in the month of April in 2020 compared to 3 preceding years. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed by applying multiple measures ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Results: There was a significant decrease in the number of admissions in each of the eight listed illnesses during April 2020 compared to the same period in the previous 3 years. There was no significant change in the number of deaths reported in the district during this period, as suggested by the government data. Conclusion: From the observed results, it is evident that there was a marked decline in the hospitalization for serious illnesses during the lockdown period in south India. This result is in agreement with the data from similar studies, published from hospitals worldwide.

Inhalational route is the cornerstone for drug delivery in asthma. Dry powder inhalers efficiently deliver drug particles to lungs depending on patients' breath actuation and without using propellants. Drug delivery in lungs is dependent primarily on particle size distribution of the formulation. Several studies have proved that drug particles 1–3 μm in size provide optimum efficacy with minimum adverse events. Particles >3 μm are deposited in the oropharynx and those

An experiment was carried out at ICAR-NRC on Yak farm using 20 male yak calves of uniform age (12–13 months) and body weight (130.7 kg). The animals were randomly divided into four groups, viz. G1, G2, G3 and G4 each having five calves. Group G1 was fed CFBs comprising 50% concentrate and 50% paddy straws [as per NRC (1989) requirements of dairy cattle] and 50% paddy straw of this ration was replaced with maar, blemkar and salix tree leaves and was fed to groups G2, G3 and G4, respectively. All the animals were allowed to feed individually for 120 days and at the last part of the feeding, a digestibility trial of 6 days was carried out.Standard managemental practices were applied for each animal and were treated for both ecto and endo parasitic infestation before the start of the experiment. At the end of 120 days, the average DMI/100 kg body weight and per kg metabolic body weights (W0.75) ranged from 1.90±0.22 to 1.79±0.14 kg, and 63.05±3.88 to 66.97±5.13 g indicating comparatively higher dry matter intake in G1 group; however, the values were statistically non-significant amongst the groups. Further, average daily gain in body weight and feed efficiency of the animals ranged from 392.44±19.04 to 402.99±4.88 g and 6.84±0.21 to 7.18±0.38, respectively with highest gain and feed efficiency observed in Group G4.

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka. Analysis of fatty acid composition in blood vessels is important in understanding the development of atherosclerosis. Here, analyses of fatty acid profiles in major arteries which are commonly used in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG) were subjected to investigation. Patients (n = 27) undergoing elective CABG were enrolled in the study. A small biopsy segment of the saphenous vein (SV), radial artery (RA), and left internal mammary artery (LIMA) of patients was obtained during the surgery. The fatty acid (FA) profile of tissue samples was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS). Among the different arteries tested, palmitic acid and stearic acid were the predominant fatty acids. As far as monounsaturated FA (MUFA) are concerned, oleic acid was found to be the most abundant MUFA in vessels. The FA profile of LIMA samples had a higher SFA percentage and lower unsaturated FA percentage compared to other vessels. Furthermore, the vessel samples of RA indicated the highest percentage of pro-inflammatory ω -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as well as a higher percentage ratio between ω -6: ω -3 PUFA. The fatty acid composition and ω -6: ω -3 PUFA ratio suggests that LIMA graft is preferred for CABG over RA and SV.

ObjectiveTo determine the benefit of sequential cochlear implantation after a long inter-implantation interval in children with bilateral deafness receiving their second implant between 5 and 18 years of age.Study designProspective cohort-study.SettingTertiary multicenter.Patients85 children with bilateral deafness and unilateral implantation receiving a contralateral cochlear implant at the age of 5 to 18 years.MethodThe primary outcomes were speech recognition in quiet and noise (CVC) scores. The secondary outcomes were language outcomes and subjective hearing abilities, all measured before and 12 months after sequential bilateral cochlear implantation. Medians of the paired data were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Univariable linear regression analyses was used to analyze associations between variables and performance outcomes.ResultsA significant benefit was found for speech recognition in quiet (96% [89-98] vs 91% [85-96]; p < 0.01) and noise (65% [57-75] vs 54% [47-71]; p = 0.01) in the bilateral CI condition compared to unilateral (n = 75, excluded 10 non-users). No benefit was seen for language outcomes. The subjective sound quality score was statistically significant higher in bilateral compared to the unilateral CI condition. Pre-operative residual hearing level in the ear of the second implant, the inter-implant interval and age at time of second implantation was not significantly associated with performance scores.ConclusionAfter 12 months of use, sequential bilateral cochlear implantation showed improved speech perception in quiet and noise and improved subjective sound quality outcomes in children despite a great inter-implantation interval (median of 8 years [range 1-16 years]).

Transgender women globally are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Co-occurring epidemics of adverse psychosocial exposures accelerate HIV sexual risk, including among transgender women; however, studies using additive models fail to examine synergies among psychosocial conditions that define a syndemic. We examined the impact of synergistic interactions among 4 psychosocial exposures on condomless anal sex (CAS) among transgender women in India. A national probability-based sample of 4,607 HIV-negative transgender women completed the Indian Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance survey, 2014-2015. We used linear probability regression and logistic regression to assess 2-, 3-, and 4-way interactions among 4 psychosocial exposures (physical violence, sexual violence, drug use, and alcohol use) on CAS. Overall, 27.3% reported physical and 22.3% sexual violence victimization (39.2% either physical or sexual violence), one-third (33.9%) reported frequent alcohol use and 11.5% illicit drug use. Physical violence was associated with twofold higher odds of CAS in the main effects model. Statistically significant two- and three-way interactions were identified, on both the multiplicative and the additive scales, between physical violence and drug use; physical and sexual violence; physical violence, sexual violence, and alcohol use; and physical violence, alcohol use and drug use. Physical and sexual violence victimization, and alcohol and drug use are highly prevalent and synergistically interact to increase CAS among HIV-negative transgender women in India. Targeted and integrated multilevel initiatives to improve the assessment of psychosocial comorbidities, to combat systemic transphobic violence, and to provide tailored, trauma-informed alcohol and substance use treatment services may reduce HIV risk among transgender women.

The third generation Al-Li alloy AA2050-T84 is widely used in aircraft applications due to its lightweight and significant mechanical properties. The anisotropic variations of tensile and compression properties of this alloy at various temperatures are substantial. In this work, the variations of the J-integral, CTOD, and Plastic Zone Size (PZS) due to anisotropy of a 4-inch thick AA2050-T84 plate at ambient and cryogenic temperatures were studied numerically by using Compact Tension (C(T)) specimen. The material anisotropy resulted in fracture and constraint parameter variation for Mode-I constant load. Numerical results indicated a decrease in crack driving forces and a constraint parameter with the decrease in temperature at the plate surface and central location. Plate surface locations appear to be isotropic for both temperatures under elastic-plastic fracture analyses as crack driving forces were almost identical. The temperature effect is more on constraint as the normalized PZS values at ambient temperature have been twice that of cryogenic temperature. The isotropic behavior of a plate under sub-zero temperature makes the plate suitable for cryogenic temperature applications.

Gender equity is connected to modern energy services in many ways, but quantitative empirical work on these connections is limited. We examine the relationship between a multi-dimensional measure of women’s empowerment and access to improved cookstoves, clean fuels, and electricity. We use the World Bank Multi-Tier Framework survey datasets from seven countries that include almost 25 000 households in Africa and Asia. First, we apply principal component analysis to construct a household level empowerment index, using data on women’s education, credit access, social capital, mobility, and employment. Then, we use simple regression analysis to study the correlation between empowerment and energy access at the household level. We find a positive association between the women’s empowerment index and energy access variables, though this household pattern does not hold across all countries and contexts. While we do not claim that these relationships are causal, to our knowledge this is a fresh analysis of how the empowerment of women is differentially correlated with household energy access across geographies and technologies. Thus, our analysis provides a first step to further work aimed at clarifying gender-energy linkages.

The present study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the usefulness of DHN-6 and CO-4 fodders in terms of chemical composition, fodder intake and other parameters. The green fodder samples of both fodders were collected on 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 days of plantation and chemical composition was analysed accordingly. Green fodder intake of DHN-6 and CO-4 was recorded for 20 days in Deoni cows. Moisture level in chaffed fodder was evaluated upto 9 h of chaffing of green fodder. The chemical composition of DHN-6 fodder was found better than the CO-4 fodder. DHN-6 fodder has more juiciness, sweetness; high green fodder intake, high moisture-holding capacity and more green fodder yield as compared to CO-4 fodder variety whereas CO-4 green fodder was found easy for harvesting and chewing to animals. No difference was found in the greenishness of both of the fodders. Overall it can be concluded that DHN-6 fodder is superior for feeding to animals as compared to CO-4 fodder and harvesting of these grasses should be carried out at 50 to 70 days of plantation to provide better nutrition to animals.

Context: Dental fear is a common and imperative emotion that develop as a response to the stressful situation, which raises children's anxiety level and resulting in avoidance behavior. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the tell-show-do technique with and without the aid of a virtual tool in the management of pediatric dental patients. Settings and Design: Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, nonrandomized clinical trial. Subjects and Methods: A total of 90 children of the age group of 6–9 years who were in the need of restorative treatment without using local anesthesia were assigned into two groups: Control group, where tell-show-do was applied as behavior management technique and intervention group in which tell-show-do with the aid of a virtual tool was applied. Child anxiety level was assessed using a combination of anxiety rating parameters before and after the procedure. Three physiological parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate) and two behavioral parameters (Wright's modification of Frankl' behavior Rating Scale and Facial Image Scale) were recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: Physiological parameters were analyzed using the independent sample t-test and behavioral parameters using the Mann–Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). Results: A significant difference in all five parameters was observed between the control group and intervention group. Conclusions: Virtual tool offers a new concept of virtual distraction aid in pediatric dentistry, and it was found to be very effective in managing anxious pediatric patients. This promising method diminishes the unpleasantness often associated with dental procedures and offers a relaxed state in children.

It is a well-known fact that microorganisms are developing resistance to antimicrobial drugs present in the market that is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This resistance in microbes is a great matter of concern among the scientific fraternity. This review article focuses on antibiotics and their respective resistant microbes, factors that cause resistance among microbes, and consequences of AMR at global as well as Indian scenario. This article would be a helpful resource in nutshell for making the ground for discovery of new antibiotics that will be more effective toward microbes.

The year 2019 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Sociology Department of the Saint-Petersburg State University. During all this period, there was the City Sociological Workshop with the meetings held several times in the academic semester to discuss the most relevant controversial issues related to both theoretical sociology (especially new approaches) and the Russian society social life. The initial idea of the Workshop was to ensure communication between scientists and researchers, and the development of intellectual activity, exchange of ideas and solidarity of sociologists of Saint Petersburg. Then the scope of discussions widened and covered a broader Russian context and even international topics. Thus, speakers of the Workshop today are from different Russian cities and other countries. Despite the changed format, the Workshop kept its name - City Sociological Workshop - as a well-known and recognizable brand for the sociological community. Today, there are several forms of its activities: methodological workshops, presentations, meetings and schools. As a small organizational form the Workshop has many advantages described by R. Collins. In particular, the analysis of the ‘network maps’ of interpersonal relationship allowed Collins to argue that the creation of ‘small groups of direct contact’ ensures a social space in which new ideas are developed and accumulated, and intellectual rituals, ‘rivalry for the space of attention’ and other basic elements of the evolution of the scientific thought are formed [1]. Despite different difficulties of thirty years under the changing social and technological realities of the information society, the City Sociological Workshop proves its necessity and importance at the beginning of the third decade of the twenty-first century.

Objective: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used to treat diabetic foot ulcerations (DFUs). Its action on the molecular level, however, is only partially understood. Some earlier data suggested NPWT may be mediated th rough modification of local gene expression. As methylation is a key epigenetic regulatory mechanism of gene expression, we assessed the effect of NPWT on its profile in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and neuropathic non-infected DFUs. Methods: Of 36 included patients, 23 were assigned to NPWT and 13 to standard therapy. Due to ethical concerns, the assignment was non-randomized and based on wound characteristics. Tissue samples were obtained before and 8 ± 1 days after therapy initiation. DNA methylation patterns were checked by Illumina Methylation EPIC kit. Results: In terms of clinical characteristics, the groups presented typical features of T2DM; however, the NPWT group had significantly greater wound ar ea: 16.8 cm2 vs 1.4 cm2 (P = 0.0003). Initially only one region at chromosome 5 was differentially methylated. After treatment, 57 differentially methylated genes were found, mainly located on chromosomes 6 (chr6p21) and 20 (chr20p13); they were associated with DNA repair and autocrine signaling via retinoic acid receptor. We performed differential analyses pre treatment and post treatment. The analysis reveale d 426 differentially methylated regions in the NPWT group, but none in the control group. The enrichment analysis showed 11 processes significantly associated with NPWT, of which 4 were linked with complement system activation. All but one were hypermethylated after NPWT. Conclusion: The NPWT effect on DFUs may be mediated through epigenetic chan ges resulting in the inhibition of complement system activation.

In this study, the effects of integrated farming system on residue recycling and soil quality in rice-based integrated farming systems have been examined. The effective nutrient budget for nitrogen was found higher with rice-fishpoultry- cowpea and the negative values were obtained for rice-chili and rice-baby corn systems. However, the effective budgets for phosphorus and potassium were negative in all these cropping systems. The results indicated that, about ten tonnes of organic matter was recycled, and the major share was from the dairy unit (~52%) in the form of dung and cow urine. Total internal nutrient supply due to recycling was estimated at 55 kg of nitrogen, 17 kg phosphorus and 76 kg of potassium, which is equivalent to 118 kg urea, 106 kg single super phosphate and 126 kg muriate of potash, thus reduction in cost of inputs. In the rice+fish+poultry-cowpea system, the indices of soil quality showed higher values, which indicated the improvement in soil fertility due to availability of poultry manure, plankton production, and the continuous fish activity. The current study confirmed that available N, DHA, Zn, B and Fe as the key indicators of soil quality under humid tropics of west coast India, which greatly influence the soil functions and soil productivity. The study conclusively reveals that integration of dairy, fishery, poultry components with diversified cropping systems in coastal lowland ecosystem is essential to improve the nutrient use efficiency and for enrichment of soil fertility.

In the present study, pathological changes due to experimental infection with four isolates of T. evansi were studied in rats to know the pathogenicity. Male Wistar albino rats (140) were divided in five groups of 28 rats each (4 isolate groups and 1 control group). Each rat was infected with 1×105 T. evansi from buffalo, dog, leopard and lion isolates and normal saline in control group by intraperitoneal route. Four rats were sacrificed on Day 1 (D1) to D7 post infection in each group and collected blood was for microscopic examination and tissues for pathology. Blood smear examination revealed presence of trypanosomes on D3, D4, D5 and D5 in buffalo, dog, leopard and lion isolates, respectively. All the T. evansi infected rats showed hypoglycaemia and increased blood urea nitrogen in serum. Rats showed clinical signs with dullness, lethargy and hunched back on D7. Liver showed vacuolar degeneration, congestion of blood vessels and infiltration of mononuclear cells on D7 in buffalo, dog, lion isolates, and no changes in leopard isolate infected rats. Kidney, spleen, lung and testis revealed pathological changes in buffalo and dog isolates. Trypanosomes were present in the endocardium of heart in buffalo isolate infected rats. Immunohistopathology revealed presence of trypanosome antigens in the blood vessels of liver, and spleen. Thus, based on trypanosome counts, serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen and pathological changes, there was variation between these isolates and revealed pathogenicity in ascending order as leopard, lion, dog and buffalo isolates in rats.

Partnership among institutions have been globally recognised as useful tool for effective extension for development of agriculture and rural dwellers. This have been proved through a national level public-private partnership-based technology dissemination extension model that was executed across 15 states of India categorized into six regions for the period from 2009-10 to 2015-16. There were 13 public institutions (9 SAUs and 4 ICAR institutes) and 41 voluntary organizations involved in this project with ICAR-IARI, New Delhi as the nucleus institution from where the multi-disciplinary integrated technology and packages were disseminated. The programme was monitored and evaluated through a well-structured inbuilt mechanism of annual review workshop, project area visits; monthly, six monthly and annual progress reporting and contingency field level workshop. During the period of six years, 21211 on-farm technology demonstrations were conducted which covered 6565 ha of area. About 30000 farmers across 15 selected states were directly and indirectly benefitted from different interventions of the project.The farmer level feedback helped to evolve two new varieties of paddy and participatory on-farm seed production ensured self-sufficiency by way of generating the quality seed pool for paddy (4526 q), wheat (7965 q) and vegetables (15 q). Based on the experiences, expected potential of the outcome have been implicated.

Adequate numbers of progeny tested bulls are not available in India and whatever small number of bulls are progeny tested, they have low repeatability as the progeny tests are based on small number of daughters mostly reared at the institutional farms. But extending the progeny testing programmes to the farmer's herds will sort out the issue of less number of progeny per bull. The first lactation records of 4,782 crossbred cows which were daughters of 121 bulls and calved over a period of 12 years from 1996 to 2008 were used to determine the genetic worth of HF crossbred bulls under different agro-climatic conditions and to assess their ranking. The average first lactation milk yield in field HF crossbred cows was 2806.51±56.06 kg. In this evaluation average number of progeny per bull was 39.5. The breeding value of bulls was estimated as 2,920.59 kg for 1st ranked bull and 2662.58 kg for 121st ranked bull. A total of 47 bulls (38%) showed higher breeding values ranging from 2,807.91 to 2,920.59 kg over and above the herd average. Among the fixed effects, the centre of field progeny testing programme and year of calving had significant effect on first lactation milk yield of daughters. The increasing trend of first lactation milk yield over years is a clear indication of a successful large scale progeny testing programme under field conditions.

In this review we analyzed the guidelines for diagnosis and management of celiac disease, as well as the recent studies published on this issue. Capsule endoscopy could be used in patients unwilling or unable to undergo conventional endoscopy, in patients who have discordant results between serological and histopathological investigation, in patients with nonresponsive or refractory celiac disease.

Aims: The purpose of our study is to assess the role of high-resolution real-time gray-scale ultrasonography with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in detecting malignant nodules in the thyroid gland. Settings and Design: It is a retrospective study of 25 patients (aged 16–63 years) who underwent high-resolution ultrasound (HRUSG) of the thyroid gland and ultrasound-guided FNAC from February 2017 till November 31, 2017. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 patients with thyroid nodules detected at ultrasound were included in this study. The characteristics of each nodule were determined. The results were then compared with FNAC (ultrasound-guided) findings. Statistical Analysis Used: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were used. Results: Of the 25 nodules examined, 5 (20%) were found to be malignant on cytology. Conclusions: Gray-scale ultrasound features of thyroid nodules are useful to distinguish malignant thyroid nodules from those with benign nodules. From our study, it is obvious that the HRUSG findings of hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, and poorly defined margins have high diagnostic accuracy for identifying malignant thyroid nodules.

Background and Objective: Tuberculosis (TB), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality by a single infectious agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is still a major health problem in the world. To date, many studies have shown evidence of association between host genetic polymorphisms and TB susceptibility, including chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2)/monocyte chemoattractant protein1 (MCP-1), natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP-1)/solute carrier protein 11A1 (SLC11A1), Immunity-related GTPase family M protein (IRGMI), interleukin (IL)-8, toll-like receptor (TLR), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing protein-2 (NOD-2) genes. Most of these genes participate in immune response, and their polymorphism can alter immunity and lead to genetic susceptibility to TB. Materials and Methods: This is a special article compiled with reference to various case-control studies, meta-analysis, and other research work on different genes and TB. The genes selected and a number of studies from different countries and ethnic groups for this article are shown below. The genes selected for the study are: NRAMP-1 (SLC11 A1), Vitamin D receptor, low molecular weight polypeptide/transporter with antigen processing, CCL-2/MCP-1, IRGM-1, IL-1, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TLR, NOD-2, human leukocyte antigen, mannose-binding lectin, major histocompatibility complex, tumor necrosis factor, P2X 7, epiregulin, SP110, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Results: Genetic polymorphisms in different genes showed variable levels of significance in relation to TB. All these were proved by the researchers using appropriate statistical methods and tools. Conclusions: Based on different research works across the world, there is sufficient evidence to prove that TB is a genetically primed and determined infectious disease caused by M. tuberculosis and the genetic polymorphism is the mechanism that leads to progression from infection to TB disease. Why only 10–15% of the people infected with M. tuberculosis progress toward TB disease has continued to be an unresolved debate. Hence, for provoking thoughts and encouraging more research in the field of genetics and TB I formulated hypothesis and algorithms, and theory. Genetic susceptibility to TB has been substantiated based on the extensive literature review and the research findings that are well narrated.

Eosinophilic lung diseases are a diverse group of pulmonary disorders which may result from different etiologies, including drug treatment. Dapsone, a sulfone drug useful for treating wide variety of infectious and inflammatory dermatological conditions including leprosy, has been described as a possible cause of eosinophilic lung diseases. We report a 40 year old female patient with leprosy who presented with respiratory symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates and was diagnosed as suffering from eosinophilic pneumonia which was managed successfully.

Adoption research has a well-defined position in the development studies of all the scientific disciplines. In this study an attempt has been made for comparative visualisation of extent of adoption and economic impact of different NARS rice varieties among the adopters in Indo-Gangetic Plains. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal were selected purposively in the study. From each of the selected states, four districts and from each district two adopted and one non adopted village were selected randomly. Further from each village 30 respondents were selected. Total 1170 respondents were selected for the study. Extent of adoption and economic impact has been analysed for improved NARS rice varieties over the years with primary cross-sectional data collected (during 2016) for the previous five years (2010-11 to 2014-15).