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Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is an important dye-yielding species harbouring huge variations in qualitative as well as quantitative traits. Identification of factors influencing bixin content and seed yield is an important breeding aspect, considering the economic importance of annatto for selection of elite genotypes based on morphological traits. Thirtyone trees plus were selected for the study, and sixteen quantitative traits were recorded for two years (2021 and 2022) to understand their association with bixin content and seed yield. Annatto has bivalve pods; however, trivalve pods were also observed during the study. A positive and significant association (r = 0.65) between bixin content and seed yield was observed from the correlation analysis. The study revealed that bixin content was highly correlated and influenced directly by the number of primary and secondary branches and hundred seed weight, while tree height, basal diameter, and the number of primary and secondary branches exhibit a significantly positive direct effect on seed yield, suggesting these traits as a reliable morphological marker for selecting highly productive genotypes. The thirtyone plus trees were grouped through hierarchical clustering into six clusters, with maximum bixin content and seed yield in Cluster I and Cluster III. The genotypes TNBi 0020, TNBi 0021, TNBi 0022, TNBi 0023, TNBi 0024 and TNBi 0037 can be utilized for mass multiplication and popularization for commercial cultivation of Bixa orellana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ample literature exists which time and over has established the association between overweight/underweight and fertility problems. Further in this context, it should be noted that there are very few studies in the Indian context regarding the effect of body mass index (BMI) on infertility in women. To evaluate the association of BMI with infertility among women in Tamil Nadu, India. An age-matched hospital-based case-control study was conducted including 204 women attending a tertiary care hospital in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. Of these, 102 women who had a clinical diagnosis of infertility were selected as cases. Hospital controls were defined as women who did not have a clinical diagnosis of infertility and were selected after matching for age and years of marriage (± 2 years). BMI was calculated from the height and weight measurements taken during the time of recruitment to the study. Basic socio-demographic data were also collected from all the study participants. Among cases, 17.6% were underweight, 25.5% were overweight and 5.9% were obese. Whereas, among controls, 7.8% were underweight, 47.1% were overweight and 11.8% were obese. Among the cases, 68% had primary infertility and 32% had secondary infertility. Overweight and obese women had 2.82 odds (95% CI, 1.48 - 5.38) and 3.06 odds (95% CI, 1.05 - 8.93) respectively of having infertility when compared to women who fell within the normal BMI range. Both overweight and obesity were observed to be significantly associated with infertility. The focus should be given to the prevention and control of both as an effective means of reducing the risk of infertility and other associated disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annatto is a commercially exploited plant species for its seed dye. Bixin is the carotenoid present in the seed arils of the plant. Twenty seed based progenies were raised from plus trees of Bixa orellana L. collected from various geographic locations of Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Significant variations were recorded in the growth performance under nursery. Genetic divergence studies revealed that 20 progenies were resolved into seven clusters. Higher cluster mean values were shown in cluster VII (TNBi 0012) and cluster VI (TNBi 008), as they are unique and genetically divergent. The clustering pattern revealed that there is no connection between genetic diversity and geographical nearness. Cluster IV reported maximum intra cluster distance. Maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster I and cluster IV. The progenies of cluster I (TNBi 003 and TNBi 005) and cluster IV (TNBi 002 and TNBi 0013) could be employed for further hybridization for the improvement of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To investigate a virtual assistance-based lifestyle intervention to reduce risk factors for Type 2 diabetes in young employees in the information technology industry in India. Methods LIMIT (Lifestyle Modification in Information Technology) was a parallel-group, partially blinded, randomized controlled trial. Employees in the information technology industry with ≥3 risk factors (family history of cardiometabolic disease, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, hypertriglyceridaemia, high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol) from two industries were randomized to a control or an intervention (1:1) group. After initial lifestyle advice, the intervention group additionally received reinforcement through mobile phone messages (three per week) and e-mails (two per week) for 1 year. The primary outcome was change in prevalence of overweight/obesity, analysed by intention to treat. Results Of 437 employees screened (mean age 36.2 ± 9.3 years; 74.8% men), 265 (61.0%) were eligible and randomized into control ( n=132) or intervention ( n=133) group. After 1 year, the prevalence of overweight/obesity reduced by 6.0% in the intervention group and increased by 6.8% in the control group (risk difference 11.2%; 95% CI 1.2-21.1; P=0.042). There were also significant improvements in lifestyle measurements, waist circumference, and total and LDL cholesterol in the intervention group. The number-needed-to-treat to prevent one case of overweight/obesity in 1 year was 9 (95% CI 5-82), with an incremental cost of INR10665 (£112.30) per case treated/prevented. A total of 98% of participants found the intervention acceptable. Conclusions A virtual assistance-based lifestyle intervention was effective, cost-effective and acceptable in reducing risk factors for diabetes in young employees in the information technology industry, and is potentially scalable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whole plant of Hydrolea zeylanica (HZ) (Hydrophyllaceae family) was coarsely powdered and extracted with ethanol using soxhlet apparatus. The ethanol extract was then fractionated successively using various polarity ranges of solvents and screened for in-vivo antidiabetic activity using streptozotocin induced diabetic male wistar rats. The phytochemical investigation of all the fractions and powdered drug analysis was performed. Among the fractions evaluated, chloroform fraction showed highest decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol and serum triglyceride level as 75.11%, 59.77% and 35.98% respectively when treated at 50mg/mL concentration. As the chloroform fraction has shown better potency towards antidiabetic activity, was subjected to chromatographic separation and three compounds stigmasterol, kaempferol and p- coumaric acid were isolated and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The overall results tend to suggest the antidiabetic activity of HZ and principal source of presumed bioactive compounds which may be responsible for many of the pharmacological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamides have been prepared from 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylates under mild conditions. Efficient synthesis of amides directly from esters and amines is achieved under mild, neutral conditions with liberation of alcohol as by-product. Both primary and secondary aliphatic and aromatic amines can be utilized. This unprecedented, general, environmentally benign reaction proceeds in toluene under microwave conditions. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral and elemental analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A varied collection of scientific and engineering codes has been adapted and enhanced to take advantage of the IBM Blue GeneA/Q architecture and thus enable research that was previously out of reach. Computational research teams from a number of disciplines collaborated with the staff of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility to assess which of Blue Gene/Q's many novel features could be exploited for each application to equip it to tackle existing problem classes with greater fidelity and in some cases to address new phenomena. The quad floating-point units and the five-dimensional torus interconnect are among the features that were demonstrated to be effective for a number of important applications. Furthermore, data obtained from the hardware counters provided insights that were valuable in guiding the code modifications. Hardware features and programming techniques that were effective across multiple codes are documented as well. First, we have confirmed that there is no significant code rewrite needed to run today's production codes with good performance on Mira, an IBM Blue Gene/Q supercomputer. Performance improvements are already demonstrated, even though our measurements are all on pre-production software and hardware. The application domains included biology, materials science, combustion, chemistry, nuclear physics, and industrial-scale design of nuclear reactors, jet engines, and the efficiency of transportation systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grading is an important post-harvest operation where the seeds are homogenized based on size, weight and color to upgrade the quality of the seeds. Rice bean is one of the underutilized crops with hidden multipurpose utility. Hence, studies were carried out to upgrade the quality of seeds through sequential dual grading using size and color of the seeds. The seeds were size-graded using BSS 5 × 5, 6 × 6 and 7 × 7 wire mesh sieves and each of the size grades was further graded based on color as yellowish green, light brown and brown and were evaluated for the seed and seedling quality characters. The results revealed that the seeds size-graded using BSS 5 × 5 recorded the maximum seed quality characters in terms of germination and vigor, but it was on a par with BSS 6 × 6 which recorded the maximum recovery. Further, grading based on the color revealed that yellowish green seeds of both BSS 5 × 5 and 6 × 6 sieve recorded the highest germination of 90%, though the recovery was only 10 and 8%. Hence in rice bean, this type of dual grading could be adopted for nuclear and breeder seed production where seeds are to be with higher initial quality. But for commercial seed production both yellowish green and light brown seeds retained in grade BSS 6 × 6 (includes BSS 5 × 5 retained sieve) could be selected as the recovery of seed would be more than 80% combined with seed quality characters which were higher with these dual grading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dietary phenolic compound intake has been reported inversely related to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this research was to understand the preventive effects of caffeic acid, a phenolic acid on lipids, lipoproteins and glycoprotein components in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. Rats were pretreated with caffeic acid (15mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 10days. After pretreatment, rats were induced myocardial infarction by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (100mg/kg body weight). Isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats showed significant (P <0.05) decreased levels of heart phospholipids and significant (P <0.05) increased levels of serum and heart cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and serum phospholipids. Isoproterenol also significantly (P <0.05) increased low density and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and significantly (P <0.05) decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The activity of liver 3-hydroxy-3methyl glutaryl-coenzyme-A-reductase was significantly (P <0.05) increased and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase activity was significantly (P <0.05) decreased in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. In addition, the levels of glycoprotein components in the serum and heart were significantly (P <0.05) increased in myocardial infarcted rats. Pretreatment with caffeic acid positively altered all the above mentioned biochemical parameters studied in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. In conclusion, caffeic acid protected the rat''s heart from the deleterious effects of lipids, lipoproteins and glycoproteins by its antilipidemic and antiglycative effects in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. A diet containing caffeic acid may be beneficial to myocardial infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this numerical study, the influence of chemistry models on the predictions of supersonic combustion in a model combustor is investigated. To this end, 3D, compressible, turbulent, reacting flow calculations with a detailed chemistry model (with 37 reactions and 9 species) and the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model have been carried out. These results are compared with earlier results obtained using single step chemistry. Hydrogen is used as the fuel and three fuel injection schemes, namely, strut, staged (i.e., strut and wall) and wall injection, are considered to evaluate the impact of the chemistry models on the flow field predictions. Predictions of the mass fractions of major species, minor species, dimensionless stagnation temperature, dimensionless static pressure rise and thrust percentage along the combustor length are presented and discussed. Overall performance metrics such as mixing efficiency and combustion efficiency are used to draw inferences on the nature (whether mixing- or kinetic-controlled) and the completeness of the combustion process. The predicted values of the dimensionless wall static pressure are compared with experimental data reported in the literature. The calculations show that multi step chemistry predicts higher and more wide spread heat release than what is predicted by single step chemistry. In addition, it is also shown that multi step chemistry predicts intricate details of the combustion process such as the ignition distance and induction distance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The accrued palynological data obtained from the subsurface sediments of South Kerala Sedimentary Basin have been found to be useful for identifying various ecological complexes and their environmental preferences. The occurrence and relative abundance of Cullenia exarillata pollen along with other wet evergreen forest members at certain intervals are of great significance as they indicate the prevalence of heavy rainfall during Early Holocene. This aspect is further complemented by the presence of a large number of fungal remains. In contrast, their scarcity and even absence at higher levels in boreholes point towards relatively dry climate during Late Holocene. Another significant aspect of the palynological record is the occurrence of reworked pollen of Eugeissona (Arecaceae) and Ctenolophon (Ctenolophonaceae) restricted to one or two intervals in the boreholes, as these forms are common in Miocene sediments of the Warkalli Formation. Increased organic matter in Late Quaternaries may be attributed to relatively higher rates of weathering and erosion of the hinterland as a result of enhanced SW monsoon during Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene. Diatoms and palynodebris, including nonpollen palynomorphs (NPP) observed in palynological preparations are also found to be important for interpretation of the Late Quaternary climate of southwest India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A hybrid-GA method, based on signal parameterization, has been reported here for the improved detection and sizing of surface cracks of small sizes/depths in thin sections. The method relies on parameterizing the composite reference from the defect into its individual components i.e., the crack tip diffracted echo and the corner trap echo and subsequently use the relative arrival time technique (RATT). The phased array ultrasonic technique was employed in the investigation. Both experimental and simulated signals were used in the study. It is shown through both simulations and experiments that the hybrid-GA is successful in parameterizing both non-overlapping and overlapping echoes encountered in thin sections. It is additionally shown that the hybrid-GA improves the signal to noise ratio and correct for under-sampling of data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) are organic-walled microfossils that one frequently come across in palynological preparations during pollen analysis. Like pollen and spores they are more resistant to corrosion, and as such they too get preserved but not destroyed during maceration using HF and other strong acids. They provide an alternative source of palaeo-information where there is scarcity of pollen and spores in the sediments. Records of NPP in the Late Quaternary sediments form a valuable addition to the pollen-spore data of the lagoonal sediments of Kerala and the pollen pauper deposits of Gujarat coast, as not much palynological data are available from the west coast of India. The occurrence of Botryococcus, Pediastrum and colonies of Rivularia (cyanobacteria) in the Holocene sequence has considerable significance to ascertain the hydrological changes associated with the evolution of lagoons of the Kerala basin. Glomus cf. fasciculatum and thecamoebians are useful in the interpretation of soil conditions associated with aridity/stressed environment along the Gujarat coast. The abundance of microscopic charcoal and charred epidermal fragments of Poaceae (grasses and like forms) is related to fire-associated events, including that of human impact. Thus, the palaeoenvironmental indicator value of NPP is evident from the Late Quaternary deposits of the west coast of India. Study of these non-pollen microfossils has helped develop a new database on them. Further, a combined approach of pollen and NPP allows for better understanding of palaeoecological changes and also to assess the relative importance of climate change during the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have shown that a baby's birthweight correlates with the birthweight and adult size of both its parents, but more strongly with those of its mother, suggesting that both the ‘maternal environment’ and inherited genes influence size at birth. There are no previous such intergenerational data from India. Holdsworth Memorial Hospital (HMH), Mysore, South India, has preserved birth records containing the birthweight, length and head circumference of all newborns since 1934. We identified 468 mother-offspring and 341 father-offspring pairs born in the hospital. Daughters and sons (born 1990–95) were heavier at birth than their mothers and fathers, respectively, with a mean (SD) increase in birthweight of 121 g (24 g) between the two generations. The birthweight of both parents predicted offspring birthweight equally (mother: regression slope β = 255 g/kg; father β = 251 g/kg; P < 0.001 for both). Paternal birth length had a stronger effect than maternal birth length on off- spring birth length. The mother's adult body mass index (BMI) had a greater effect than paternal BMI on offspring birthweight (mother: 18 g/kg/m2 P < 0.001; father: 15 g/kg/m2 P = 0.04). In a regression model including data for both parents (available for 57 children) this difference was greater (mother: 46 g/kg/m2 P < 0.001; father: -10 g/kg/m2 ns). In contrast, paternal height had stronger effects than maternal height on offspring birth length (mother: 0.8 mm/cm; ns; father: 1.5 mm/cm; P < 0.001). In conclusion, size at birth is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Both maternal and paternal birthweight correlate with offspring size at birth. Maternal nutritional status (BMI) influences birthweight. Paternal factors appear to contribute to neonatal skeletal size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) in India are rising, and are now similar to those in Western countries. The prevalence of conventional CHD risk factors such as hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, smoking and obesity, tend to be lower in Indian than Western populations, and fail to explain these high rates of disease. Increased left ventricular (LV) mass and decreased arterial compliance predict a higher risk of CHD in Western populations, but there are no published data from India. We have measured LV mass and arterial compliance, and examined their relation to CHD and other known risk factors, in men and women living in Mysore, South India. Methods: We examined 435 men and women born in Mysore during 1934–1953. LV mass was measured by echocardiography and arterial compliance (derived from pulse wave velocity, PWV) was measured by a non-invasive optical method in three arterial segments. Results: The mean LV mass was 149 g (S.D. 37) in men and 125 g (S.D. 32) in women. The mean PWV was 4.14 m/s in the aorto-radial, 3.28 m/s in the aorto-femoral and 13.59 m/s in the femoro-popliteal-posterior tibial segments. LV mass and PWV were positively correlated with each other and with systolic and diastolic blood pressures, non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, proinsulin concentrations and serum triglyceride concentrations (p<0.05 for all), independently of age, sex and body size. In addition, LV mass correlated negatively with fasting serum HDL-cholesterol (p=0.02). Higher LV mass was associated with an increased risk of CHD (p=0.05). Conclusions: The mean LV mass in this Indian population is low compared with Western populations, though as in the West, increased LV mass is associated with an increased risk of CHD. Greater LV mass and reduced arterial compliance are associated with higher levels of many known CHD risk factors especially with those which form the Insulin Resistance Syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plant gums and mucilage are being used in Pharmaceuticals and in other various industries due to their abundance in nature, safety and low cost. Binding agents are used to impart the structural strength required during the processing, handling and packaging of tablets. In view of the importance of binders in pharmaceuticals for the manufacture of tablets and capsules, gum isolated from the stem of Moringa oleifera have been evaluated for its binding properties in the formulation of conventional Paracetamol tablet (500mg) containing 8%, 10% and 12% binding concentration. The binding property of gum was evaluated in relation to conventional binder like gelatin at different parameter like percentage of fines, tablet hardness, disintegration time, dissolution and friability. Studies showed that increase in binding concentration of M.oleifera gum from 8% to 12% decreases the percentage of fine, increases the hardness, increases the disintegration time, decreases the percentage of friability and decreases % cumulative release. The binder-excipients interaction study was also carried out by using FTIR i.e. by KBr pellet method which showed that M.oleifera gum is compatible with drug and all excipients in the formulation. It may be concluded from the studies that increase in binding concentration decreases drug release hence this gum can be used to formulate sustained/controlled release tablet formulation, since it shows better tabletting characteristics have high potential for the substitution of expensive binder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at evaluating the genetic variability of different germplasms and comparative effectiveness of morphological descriptors, floral and reproductive biology of three CPTs of annatto viz.,Tamil Nadu (green fruited), Kerala (red fruited), Karnataka (dark red fruited) at department of Forest Biology and Tree improvement, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam during 2017-19. A record on sequence of flowering ascends along the latitudes. The sequence of flowering is top to bottom (basipetal) that is the development, maturation or opening from the apex towards the base in the sequence. It commenced from the southern side to the south eastern side. The colour of the flower is whitish pink in Tamil Nadu, moderate pink in Karnataka and dark pink in Kerala and this floral colour polymorphism suggests that pollinators (mainly bumble bees and ants) are the primary selective agents which influence flower colour. The stain I-KI showed 95 % pollen viability and it is found that the viability of the pollen grains decreased after four hours from pollen dehiscence and tricolporate pollen was observed in annatto. The observation on fruit set indicated that bixa plant can have both self- and cross-pollination. Fruit maturity takes place 80 -- 95 days counting from the day of pollination to fruit dehiscence. The shape of the fruit resembles rounded oblong pyriform. Maximum seed production was recorded in the red fruited (collected from Karnataka) (113.12 g) plant followed by the dark red fruited plant (Kerala) and the green fruited variant (TN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common biliary tumor and a dreaded complication of choledochal cyst. However, the development of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in choledochal cyst is very rare due to the paucity of Kulchitsky cells. Here, we are presenting a case report on primary NET in choledochal cyst. To date, only four case reports have been published globally and all of them were diagnosed postsurgically; this is the first case diagnosed prior. A 45-year-old female presented with abdominal pain. Imaging showed dilated common hepatic duct and proximal common bile duct with soft-tissue mass lesion in the lateral wall, infiltrating the liver with liver metastasis (suspected as cholangiocarcinoma). As the patient was inoperable, palliative care was planned. To have tissue diagnosis, we proceeded with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and brush cytology, but no malignant cells were detected. Image-guided biopsy was done, and surprisingly, the report came to be NET. To rule out occult metastasis elsewhere, positron emission tomography–computed tomography (DOTANOC) scan was done, which was suggestive of a primary bile duct growth with multiple liver metastases. Because of slow growth, nonfunctional nature, and clinical and radiological resemblance with cholangiocarcinoma, biliary tract NETs are very difficult to diagnose preoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by the authors to a commentary on their Pune Maternal Nutrition Study which indicates a lack of association between neonatal birth size and maternal high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels is presented. They address the claim that the results of their study are unusual. They also discuss the significance of conducting large-scale studies of the influence of maternal lipids on newborn size in different populations and ethnicities.

Background: The development of post-harvest equipment or machinery is vital for agricultural productivity. Bixin, a natural colourant derived from annatto seeds, is still separated manually, which may result in pigment loss. The engineering properties of annatto fruits and seeds must be analyzed in this note for the development of a mechanical seed separator. Methods: The fruits were collected from Forest College and Research Institute, TNAU, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu. Engineering properties such as physical, gravimetric and frictional properties, colour and bixin content were determined for two dried annatto fruit and seed varieties (A1 and A2). The Z-test and t-test (p<0.05) were used to statistically analyze the data. Result: The morphological characteristics of annatto fruits A1 and A2 differed noticeably and significantly. The surface area and volume of the A1 fruit were higher. The fruit and seed were merely spherical and conical. The lowest static friction was observed for stainless steel in both fruit and seeds. The mean bixin content of the A1 and A2 seeds was 1.5±0.4% and 1.84±0.57%, respectively. These engineering properties will be used to design a mechanical separator without much loss of pigment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Indian babies are characterised by the 'thin-fat phenotype' which comprises a 'muscle-thin but adipose' body composition compared with European babies. This body phenotype is of concern because it is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We examined whether the 'thin-fat phenotype' persists through early childhood, comparing Indian children with white Caucasians in the UK at birth, infancy and childhood, using comparable measurement protocols. Methods We used data from two cohorts, the Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (N=631) and the Southampton Women's Survey (N=2643). Measurements of weight, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, height, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were compared at birth, 1, 2, 3 and 6 years of age. SD scores were generated for the Pune children, using the Southampton children as a reference. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine the changes in SD scores across the children's ages. Results The Indian children were smaller at birth in all body measurements than the Southampton children and became relatively even smaller from birth to 2 years, before 'catching up' to some extent at 3 years, and more so by 6 years. The deficit for both skinfolds was markedly less than for other measurements at all ages; triceps skinfold showed the least difference between the two cohorts at birth, and subscapular skinfold at all ages after birth. Conclusions The 'thin-fat phenotype' previously found in Indian newborns, remains through infancy and early childhood. Despite being shorter and lighter than UK children, Indian children are relatively adipose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal fluid management of preterm babies with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is frequently challenging for neonatal care physician because of paucity of clinical trials. There is wide variation in practice across neonatal units, resulting in significant impact on outcomes in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) babies with hemodynamically significant PDA. A delicate balance is required in fluid management to reduce mortality and morbidity in this population. The purpose of this review is to lay out the current understanding about fluid and electrolyte management in ELBW babies with hemodynamically significant PDA and highlight areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies from high-income countries report associations of preeclampsia (PE) with reduced cognitive function and adverse behavioural outcomes in children. We examined these associations in Indian children aged 5-7 years. Children of mothers with PE (n=74) and without PE (non-PE; n=234) were recruited at delivery at Bharati Hospital, Pune, India. The cognitive performance was assessed using 3 core tests from the Kaufman Assessment Battery and additional tests including Verbal fluency, Kohs block design, and Coding A (from Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children). The parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess children's behavioral characteristics. Scores were compared between children from PE and non-PE groups, and associations analyzed further using regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. After adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status and maternal education, children of PE mothers had lower Kohs block design scores (adjusted odds ratio per score category 0.57, [95% CI 0.34-0.96] p=0.034; 0.62 [95%CI (0.36, 1.07), p=0.09 on further adjustment for birth weight and gestation) compared to children of mothers without PE. In the SDQ, there was a lower prevalence of abnormal 'conduct problem' scores in PE group than non-PE group (OR=0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.83, p=0.018, in the fully adjusted model); there were no differences for other behavioral domains. This preliminary study in Indian children suggests that fetal exposure to maternal PE may have an adverse impact on visuo-spatial performance but does not adversely affect behavior. Further studies with larger sample sizes are essential to understand effects of maternal PE on cognitive/behavioral outcomes in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies formulated with grain amaranth cv. suvarna to trace the duration and stage of physiological maturation by observing the developmental changes with tagged inflorescences revealed that the seeds attained physiological maturation 30 days after 50% anthesis with the physical indices of maximization of spike length, dry weight of spike and seed. The moisture content of seed at the time of maturation was 20.3%, while the dry weight of seed was 90 mg/100 seeds and the germination was 94%. The visual indices for maturation were the turning of spike to white group 155C color and the seed to orange white group 159B. The delayed harvest of spike, 5 days after physiological maturation (35 days after 50% anthesis) leads to shattering of seeds up to 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two endemic species of Crinum L. (Amaryllidaceae) viz., Crinum brachynema Herb. and Crinum woodrowii Baker have been studied from taxonomic, palynological and distribution viewpoints. These two species have been recollected after a gap of about a century. Considering their narrow range of distribution and rarity of occurrence in the Western Ghats of India, these little lmown taxa have far reaching floristic and taxonomic implications. The animal-plant interaction and phenological aspects have also been briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoralea corylifolia is the most important medicinal plant which has various secondary metabolites and its leaves are broadly used in many sectors due to its antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to find the bio-active compounds of chloroform extract of P. corylifolia leaves using Perkin-Elmer Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of GC-MS compounds in the chloroform extract was appropriate to the database of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). GC -MS analysis of chloroform extract of P. corylifolia leaves reveal the presence of bioactive compounds as Hexadecanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-, methyl ester, Hydroxylamine, O-decyl-, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol) Cubenol, Neophytadiene, Phytol, Linoleic acid ethyl esterand 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)-). These bio-active compounds are mainly responsible for various biological activities. Hence, this study will make a good way for the production of various products for curing various disease-causing pathogens by using P. corylifolia leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adolescent diet, physical activity and nutritional status are generally known to be sub-optimal. This is an introduction to a special issue of papers devoted to exploring factors affecting diet and physical activity in adolescents, including food insecure and vulnerable groups. Setting: Eight settings including urban, peri-urban and rural across sites from five different low- and middle-income countries. Design: Focus groups with adolescents and caregivers carried out by trained researchers. Results: Our results show that adolescents, even in poor settings, know about healthy diet and lifestyles. They want to have energy, feel happy, look good and live longer, but their desire for autonomy, a need to 'belong' in their peer group, plus vulnerability to marketing exploiting their aspirations, leads them to make unhealthy choices. They describe significant gender, culture and context-specific barriers. For example, urban adolescents had easy access to energy dense, unhealthy foods bought outside the home, whereas junk foods were only beginning to permeate rural sites. Among adolescents in Indian sites, pressure to excel in exams meant that academic studies were squeezing out physical activity time. Conclusions: Interventions to improve adolescents' diets and physical activity levels must therefore address structural and environmental issues and influences in their homes and schools, since it is clear that their food and activity choices are the product of an interacting complex of factors. In the next phase of work, the Transforming Adolescent Lives through Nutrition consortium will employ groups of adolescents, caregivers and local stakeholders in each site to develop interventions to improve adolescent nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increases vulnerability to externalising disorders such as substance misuse. The study aims to determine the prevalence of ACEs and its association with substance misuse.Methods: Data from the Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalising Disorders and Addictions (cVEDA) in India was used (n = 9010). ACEs were evaluated using the World Health Organisation (WHO) Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire whilst substance misuse was assessed using the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. A random-effects, two-stage individual patient data meta-analysis explained the associations between ACEs and substance misuse with adjustments for confounders such as sex and family structure.Results: 1 in 2 participants reported child maltreatment ACEs and family level ACEs. Except for sexual abuse, males report more of every individual childhood adversity and are more likely to report misusing substances compared with females (87.3% vs. 12.7%). In adolescents, family level ACEs (adj OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5-11.7) and collective level ACEs (adj OR 6.6, 95% CI 1.4-31.1) show associations with substance misuse whilst in young adults, child level ACEs such as maltreatment show similar strong associations (adj OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.5).Conclusion: ACEs such as abuse and domestic violence are strongly associated with substance misuse, most commonly tobacco, in adolescent and young adult males in India. The results suggest enhancing current ACE resilience programmes and 'trauma-informed' approaches to tackling longer-term impact of ACEs in India.Funding: Newton Bhabha Grant jointly funded by the Medical Research Council, UK (MR/N000390/1) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR/MRC-UK/3/M/2015-NCD-I). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: There is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of Heart transplantation in children from the Indian subcontinent. The data of patients under the age of 18 undergoing an isolated heart transplantation was analyzed for patient clinical profiles and risk factors for early and medium-term mortality. Hospital mortality was defined as death within 90 days of transplantation and medium-term survival as follow up of up to 6 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 patients operated between March 2014 and October 2019 were included in this study.Data was collected about their INTERMACS status, pulmonary vascular resistance, donor heart ischemic times, donor age, donor to recipient weight ratio and creatinine levels. Results: The age range was from 1 to 18 with a mean of 10.6 ± 4.6 years. 67 % patients were in INTERMACS category 3 or less.12 children were on mechanical circulatory support at the time of transplant. The 90 day survival was 89 %.The risk factors for hospital mortality was lower INTERMACS category (odd's ratio 0.2143, P = 0.026), elevated creatinine (odd's ratio 5.42, P = 0.076) and elevated right atrial pressure (odd's ratio 1.19, P = 0.015).Ischemic time, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and PVR index (PVRI) had no effect on 90 day survival. Kaplan Meier estimates for 5 year survival was 73 %.The medium term survival was affected by INTERMACS category (Hazard ratio 0.7, P =.078) , donor age > 25 (Hazard ratio 1.6, P = 0.26) and raised serum creatinine values.(Hazard ratio 2.7, P = 0.012). All the survivors are in good functional class. Conclusions: Excellent outcomes are possible after heart transplantation in a pediatric population even in a resource constrained environment of a developing economy. More efforts are needed to promote pediatric organ donation and patients need to be referred in better INTERMACS category for optimal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Boltzmann transformation method is used to determine the liquid water diffusivity from moisture content profiles as measured in a capillary water absorption experiment. An inter-laboratory comparison for analyzing the reliability of the determination method showed that the inaccuracy in the liquid water diffusivity is caused by scatter in the transformed data and by uncertainty in the boundary conditions at the intake surface and ahead of the steep moisture front. A methodology is proposed based on (1) the evaluation of the validity of the diffusion approach, (2) a simplified handling of the boundary conditions, (3) smoothing of the scattered data and (4) the evaluation of the quality of the determined liquid water diffusivity. For HAM (Heat-Air-Moisture transport) calculations values of the liquid water diffusivity for moisture contents higher than the capillary moisture content are disregarded. The liquid water diffusivity can be described by an exponential function limited at a lower moisture content bound. To describe the moisture diffusivity including liquid water and water vapour transports, a new parametric description of the moisture diffusivity is presented, which shows sufficient flexibility both in the hygroscopic and overhygroscopic ranges. When permeability is calculated from diffusivity, the permeability should monotonically increase with decreasing capillary pressure. In the hygroscopic region it should coincide with the measured water vapour permeabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary objective The cardiovascular risk factors which comprise the metabolic syndrome are associated with increased hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPAA) activity in some Caucasian populations. South Asians have high rates of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. We have investigated the relationships between HPAA activity, adiposity and the metabolic syndrome in a South Asian population. design Cross-sectional cohort study. participants A total of 509 men and women born at the Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, South India between 1934 and 1954 and still living in the area. measurements Fasting 09·00 h cortisol and corticosteroid-binding globulin. The cohort had previously been investigated for features of the metabolic syndrome. results At 09·00 h, cortisol concentration was strongly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0·25 and r = 0·24, respectively; P < 0·001), fasting glucose concentration (r = 0·26; P < 0·001), insulin resistance (r = 0·20; P < 0·001) and fasting triglyceride concentration (r = 0·17; P < 0·001). In general, higher cortisol concentrations added to the effect of adiposity in increasing cardiovascular risk factors, but there was evidence of an interaction between cortisol and adiposity in determining fasting glucose concentration (P = 0·045) and insulin resistance (P = 0·006). conclusions Associations between 09·00 h cortisol concentration and cardiovascular risk factors in this South Asian cohort were stronger than those previously shown in Caucasian populations, despite similar mean cortisol concentrations, and were amplified by adiposity. This suggests that increased glucocorticoid action may contribute to ethnic differences in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, particularly among men and women with a higher body mass index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]