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Minimally processed onion rings in different packages treated with gamma irradiation (0.5–2.5 kGy) were studied for shelf‐life extension under low temperature (Temp 4–5°C, RH 60%–70%). An untreated sample at 0 kGy was considered as the control sample. The quality, sensory, and microbial attributes of minimally processed onion rings were recorded at 5 days intervals for 30 days. Both gamma irradiation and packaging treatments significantly (p <.01) effect the firmness, color, physiological loss in weight, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, pyruvic acid, and total plate count. Losses in weight and texture were found to be higher in vacuum packaged onion rings and increased with an increase in storage duration. The TSSs content in onion rings increased with an increase in storage period with the highest increase in vacuum packages. The lowest microbial load in onion rings was maintained in polypropylene packages with perforations in all the gamma‐irradiation treatments but physio‐chemical quality decreased at the dose level of 2.5 kGy. Overall acceptability of onion rings irradiated at 1.5 kGy obtained the highest scores irrespective of packaging treatment. Thus, polypropylene packaging with perforations and a gamma dose of 1.5 kGy was found to be most suitable for maintaining the shelf life of minimally processed onion rings. Practical applications: Minimally processed onion rings packed in perforated polypropylene packs and treated with gamma irradiation is cost‐effective and safe and convenient to use as there is no application of chemical and preservatives. Besides, the shelf life of this product is maintained best for 20 days (with good overall acceptability) at refrigerated storage. These minimally processed onion rings could encourage several food industries to utilize them in various food products. This will also allow the onion processing industry to flourish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of microbiome research through metagenomics promise to generate microbiome manipulation strategies for improved larval survival in aquaculture. However, existing lacunae on the effects of sample preservation methods in metagenome profiles hinder the successful application of this technique. In this context, four preservation methods were scrutinized to identify reliable methods for fish larval microbiome research. The results showed that a total of ten metagenomics metrics, including DNA yield, taxonomic and functional microbiome profiles, and diversity measures, were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the preservation method. Activity ranking based on the performance and reproducibility showed that three methods, namely immediate direct freezing, room temperature preservation in absolute ethanol, and preservation at − 20 °C in lysis, storage, and transportation buffer, could be recommended for larval microbiome research. Furthermore, as there was an apparent deviation of the microbiome profiles of ethanol preserved samples at room temperature, the other methods are preferred. Detailed analysis showed that this deviation was due to the bias towards Vibrionales and Rhodobacterales. The microbial taxa responsible for the dissimilarity across different methods were identified. Altogether, the paper sheds light on the preservation protocols of fish larval microbiome research for the first time. The results can help in cross-comparison of future and past larval microbiome studies. Furthermore, this is the first report on the activity ranking of preservation methods based on metagenomics metrics. Apart from methodological perspectives, the paper provides for the first time certain insights into larval microbial profiles of Rachycentron canadum, a potential marine aquaculture species. Key points: • First report on effects of preservation methods on fish larval microbiome profiles. • First report on activity ranking of preservation methods based on metagenomics metrics. • Storage methods influenced DNA yield, taxonomic and functional microbiome profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A panel of fifty diverse genotypes of lentil were evaluated to assess the genetic diversity for 11 morpho-physiological attributes. The results revealed wide range of variability among the genotypes for the examined characteristics. The mean performance demonstrated that the best genotype for more than one trait viz., plot yield, yield/plant, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), biomass and plant height was LL1384. Traits association approximation witnessed a positive and significant relationship of seed yield with most of the studied traits. Cluster analysis distributed genotypes into seven distinct clusters. Cluster III happened to be the largest comprising of 20 genotypes, followed by Cluster VII comprising of 9 genotypes. The maximum inter-cluster distance was perceived between clusters II and IV which suggests the possibility of high heterotic effect if cross will be made between the individuals of these clusters. The principal component analysis developed 11 Eigen vectors and, of these three principal components had explained about 82.50% of variations. The characters that had the highest weight in component first were plot yield, yield/plant, pods/plant, CGR, biomass/ plant, LAI and plant height, which explained 57.03% of the total variance. The biplot results were in accordance with correlation estimation, indicating that indirect selection based on component traits would help in improving the seed yield in lentil. Hybridization among genetically diverse genotypes of different clusters would be helpful in broadening the genetic base as well as in the creation of desirable recombinants for developing new improved lentil varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cage farming of Asian seabass is a prospective aquaculture activity in India. Reports from India on betanodavirus-induced mortality in marine fish culture are not many. An outbreak of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy associated with red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) genotype of betanodavirus in Asian seabass juveniles reared in indoor tanks and sea cages is described in the present paper. Mortality was less severe in cages when compared to tanks. Sequence analysis of the coat protein gene indicated that the virus belonged to RGNNV genotype but found to be distinct from other reported RGNNV isolates. Virus was able to induce cytopathic effects in fish cell lines. Light microscopic features of the disease are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the first report of a disease epizootic caused by Photobacterium damselae supbspecies damselae in cage-farmed cobia, or Rachycentron canadum. The methods used in the isolation and characterization of the pathogenic strain of P. damselae supspecies damselae and the resultant mortality of the cage-reared cobia are described. The potential economic losses and health risks to humans are also considered.

Background: Scrub typhus is rampant in northern, eastern, and southern India. Central nervous system involvement in the form of meningitis or meningoencephalitis is common in scrub typhus. As specific laboratory methods remain inadequate or inaccessible in developing countries, prompt diagnosis is often difficult. Aim: The aim of this study was to characterize neurological complications in scrub typhus from northeastern region of India. Subjects and Methods: We did a prospective study of scrub meningoencephalitis at North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Medical Sciences among patients admitted to hospital between October 2009 and November 2011. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical pictures, presence of an eschar, and a positive Weil-Felix test (WFT) with a titer of >1:160 and if required a positive scrub IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lumbar puncture was performed in patients with headache, nuchal rigidity, altered sensorium or cranial nerve deficits, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain performed if needed. Results: Twenty-three patients of scrub typhus meningitis that were serologically confirmed were included in the study. There were 13 males and 10 females. Fever ≥1 week was the most common manifestation (39.1%).Interestingly, none had an eschar. Median cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count, lymphocyte percentage, CSF protein, CSF glucose/blood glucose, CSF ADA were 17 cells/μL, 90%, 86 mg/dL, 0.6605 and 3.6 U/mL, respectively. All patients were treated with doxycycline. There was no mortality in our study. Conclusions: Absence of Eschar does not rule out scrub typhus. Clinical features and CSF findings can mimic tuberculous meningitis so misdiagnosis may lead to unwarranted prolonged empirical antituberculous therapy in cases of lymphocytic meningoencephalitis. Delay in treatment can be potentially fatal. WFT still serves as a useful and affordable diagnostic tool for this disease in resource-poor countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilm (BF) of Vibrio alginolyticus was developed on chitin flakes. BF formation was studied at various nutrient concentrations and incubation time. Highest colony-forming units of BF cells were obtained with 0.15% trypticase soya broth and at 3 days of incubation. The BF cells could be completely inactivated at 80°C in 10 min and with 10% formalin in 24 h. SDS-PAGE profile of BF cells revealed repression of four proteins and expression of three new proteins compared to free cells (FC). The preliminary immune response studies showed that BF cells were superior to FC in stimulating the non-specific immune response of Penaeus monodon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 13 year adolescent boy presented with complaints of progressive loss of speech and seizure disorder for the past 1 year. The boy was developmently normal before the onset of illness. There was history of subtle trauma to head. He started communicating with signs followed by paucity of speech progressed to complete aphasia and abnormal behavior in the form of burst of aggressiveness and hyperactivity. Boy had partial, generalized tonic-clonic seizures occurred during sleep. Mental status examination revealed abnormal behaviour, attention deficits, auditory agnosia and aphasia (both expressive and receptive). All relevant investigations including BERA were normal.EEG showed repetitive spikes and wave activity in bilateral parietooccipital regions during nonrapid eye movement. Clinical features and EEG led to a diagnosis of Landau Kleffner Syndrome . He was started on Lamotrigine, steroid and speech therapy. The boy started showing improvement of symptoms in form of understanding of short sentences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of evaluating cabbage hybrids with high defense enzyme activity through heterosis breeding. Heterosis' magnitude and direction for superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), and catalase (CAT) activity were examined and potential parents and single cross-hybrids (SCHs) were identified. The study reported that the mean squares due to hybrids, parents, and parents versus hybrids were significant for all antioxidants, but parents versus hybrids for SOD.

Background: A number of diabetic patients with diabetic neuropathy, in India, were treated with epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor. In this study, more than 2000 patients with diabetic neuropathy, who were treated with epalrestat for 3-12 months, were analyzed to assess the efficacy and the adverse reactions of the drug. Method: We analyzed the subjective symptoms (spontaneous pain, numbness, coldness and hypoesthesia) and the nerve function tests (motor nerve conduction velocity, sensory nerve conduction velocity and vibration threshold). Result: The improvement rate of the subjective symptoms was 75% (slightly improved or better) and that of the nerve function tests 36%. Adverse drug reactions were encountered in 52 (2.5%) of the 2190 patients, none of which was severe. Conclusion: Although data are limited, it is strongly suggested that epalrestat is a highly effective and safe agent for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the constraints of resources, thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is under evaluation in developing countries like India, especially in areas such as western Utter Pradesh, where it is overly crowded and there is poor affordability. Aim: This study was done to evaluate recombinant tissue plasminogen activator r-tpa in acute ischemic stroke in hyper acute phase, in selected patients of western Utter Pradesh, in terms of feasibility and effectivity. Design: Open, non randomized study. Materials and Methods: Thirty two patients were classified using Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke treatment (TOAST) criteria (large artery atherosclerotic = 8; cardio embolic = 6; small vessel occlusion = 14; other determined etiology = 2; undetermined etiology = 2). The mean time to reach the hospital was 2 h (1.15-3.0), the mean door to CT scan 20 min (10-40) and door to r-tpa injection was 30 min (24-68). The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores ranged from 11-22 (mean 15.5 +2.7). The dose of r-tpa administered was 0.9 mg/kg. Results: Twenty one patients (65.6%) showed significant improvement on the NIHSS score, at 48 h (4 points). (Mean change = 10; range = 4-17). At one month, 25 (78%) recorded improvement on the Barthel index (mean change = 45%). One developed frontal lobe hemorrhage and another developed recurrent stroke; one died of aspiration; and four showed no improvement. Modified Rankin score (m RS) was administered at the end of three months to 28 patients (90%); however, the rest could not be directly observed. The average modified Rankin Score was 1.2 (0-2). Conclusions: Hyperacute thrombolysis was found feasible and effective in selected patients with AIS from western Utter Pradesh and who had poor affordability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noninvasive, non-contact and in vivo monitoring of blood glucose is a long-needed pathology tool for saving patients from the recurring pain and hassle that can accompany conventional blood glucose testing methods. Optical coherence tomography known for its high axial resolution imaging modality is adopted in this article for monitoring glucose levels in tissue-like media, noninvasively. Making use of changes in reduced scattering coefficient due to refractive-index mismatch between the extracellular fluid and the cellular membranes and armed with a theoretical model, we establish a correlation between the glucose concentration and reduced scattering coefficient. The scattering coefficients are extracted from the deconvoluted interference signal using Monte Carlo simulation with valid approximations. A program code using NI LabVIEW™ has been developed for automation of the experiment, data acquisition and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new analytical solution is obtained for an ion-acoustic soliton, which is much closer to the exact solution than the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) solution. The case of a two-ion plasma is considered in detail, and the results are compared with those of the dressed soliton solution. The effect of multiple ionization of the ion species is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the KBM perturbation technique, the stability of oblique modulation of ion-acoustic waves in a two-ion plasma is studied. It is found that the presence of a small amount of lighter ion impurities significantly changes the instability domain in the ω-φ plane. The effect of the concentration and mass of impurity ions on the modulational instability is discussed in detail. The threshold amplitude for instability and nonlinear frequency shift of the wave are also calculated. The predictions of the theory are found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a catalyst‐free route for the reduction of carbon dioxide integrated with the formation of a carbon‐carbon bond at the air/water interface of negatively charged aqueous microdroplets, at ambient temperature. The reactions proceed through carbanion generation at the α‐carbon of a ketone followed by nucleophilic addition to CO2. Online mass spectrometry reveals that the product is an α‐ketoacid. Several factors, such as the concentration of the reagents, pressure of CO2 gas, and distance traveled by the droplets, control the kinetics of the reaction. Theoretical calculations suggest that water in the microdroplets facilitates this unusual chemistry. Furthermore, such a microdroplet strategy has been extended to seven different ketones. This work demonstrates a green pathway for the reduction of CO2 to useful carboxylated organic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) is among the most commonly domesticated and exported ornamental fish species from Kerala. The ornamental fish industry faces a significant challenge with the emergence of diseases caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria. In the present study, six isolates were resolved from the diseased Oscar fish showing haemorrhages, necrosis, and loss of pigmentation. After phenotypic and genotypic characterization, the bacteria were identified as Edwardsiella tarda, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Brevibacillus borstelensis, and Staphylococcus hominis. Experimental challenge studies in healthy Oscar fish showed that E. tarda caused 100% mortality within 240 h with 6.99 × 106 CFU/fish as LD50 and histopathology revealed the typical signs of infection. The pathogen was re-recovered from the moribund fish thereby confirming Koch’s postulates. E. tarda was confirmed through the positive amplification of tarda-specific gene and virulence genes viz., etfD and escB were also detected using PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility tests using disc diffusion displayed that the pathogen is multi-drug-resistant towards antibiotics belonging to aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and quinolones categories with a MAR index of 0.32, which implicated the antibiotic pressure in the farm. Plasmid curing studies showed a paradigm shift in the resistance pattern with MAR index of 0.04, highlighting the resistance genes are plasmid-borne except for the chromosome-borne tetracycline resistance gene (tetA). This study is the first of its kind in detecting mass mortality caused by E. tarda in Oscar fish. Vigilant surveillance and strategic actions are crucial for the precise detection of pathogens and AMR in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a catalyst‐free route for the reduction of carbon dioxide integrated with the formation of a carbon‐carbon bond at the air/water interface of negatively charged aqueous microdroplets, at ambient temperature. The reactions proceed through carbanion generation at the α‐carbon of a ketone followed by nucleophilic addition to CO2. Online mass spectrometry reveals that the product is an β‐ketoacid. Several factors, such as the concentration of the reagents, pressure of CO2 gas, and distance traveled by the droplets, control the kinetics of the reaction. Theoretical calculations suggest that water in the microdroplets facilitates this unusual chemistry. Furthermore, such a microdroplet strategy has been extended to seven different ketones. This work demonstrates a green pathway for the reduction of CO2 to useful carboxylated organic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although carbamazepine is the most common cause of Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) a new antiepileptic drug, oxcarbazepine which is structurally related to carbamazepine, has also been rarely shown to induce SJS. Here we report a case with SJS, which was induced by oxcarbazepine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, caused by cysticercosis. Nerve conduction studies revealed severe CTS. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested an inflammatory mass compressing the median nerve in carpal tunnel. The histological diagnosis was consistent with cysticercosis. The case resolved with conservative treatment. Such solitary presentation of entrapment median neuropathy as CTS caused by cysticercosis is extremely rare. To our knowledge, this is the only case of its kind reported in literature till date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical coherence tomography is used to demonstrate the modes of a semiconductor laser used in supermarkets. The experiment is low cost and can be adopted for an undergraduate or graduate physics laboratory. The results enable students to understand the voltage-current and optical power characteristics of a semiconductor laser, and provide insight into the nature of radiation below and above the lasing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture of Etroplus suratensis is being practised at various water salinities. In this investigation, morphological responses of gill tissue of E. suratensis to various osmotic changes induced by freshwater (0%) and sea water (36%) were studied. Ultra-structural studies revealed significant decrease in the density of type I Mitochondrial rich cells in the apical surface of gills at 18% and complete disappearance of these cells at 36%. Type III subtype density increased consistently from 0% to 36%. Variations in type II cells density were comparatively less in any of the experimental groups. Light microscopic changes included reduction in mucous cell number with increasing salinity. Haemorrhages, lamellar fusion, lamellar curling, lifting of epithelium & hyperplasia are major histological responses to salinity shock. Observable clinical signs in fish exposed to increased salinity changes included agitated behaviour and respiratory distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Hot atoms', atoms in their excited states, transfer their energy to the surrounding atmosphere through collisions. This process (known as thermalization) plays a crucial role in various astrophysical and atmospheric processes. Thermalization of hot atoms is mainly governed by the amount of species present in the surrounding atmosphere and the collision cross-sections between the hot atoms and surrounding species. In this work, we investigated the elastic and inelastic collisions between hot oxygen atoms and neutral N2 molecules, relevant to oxygen gas escape from the Martian atmosphere and for characterizing the chemical reactions in hypersonic flows. We conducted a series of quantum scattering calculations between various isotopes of O(3 P) atoms and N2 molecules across a range of collision energies (0.3–4 eV), and computed both their differential and collision cross-sections using quantum time-independent coupled-channel approach. Our differential cross-section results indicate a strong preference for forward scattering over sideways or backward scattering, and this anisotropy in scattering is further pronounced at higher collision energies. By comparing the cross-sections of three oxygen isotopes, we find that the heavier isotopes consistently have larger collision cross-sections than the lighter isotopes. As a whole, this study contributes to a better understanding of the energy distribution and thermalization processes of hot atoms within atmospheric environments. Specifically, the cross-sectional data presented in this work is directly useful in improving the accuracy of energy relaxation modelling of O and N2 collisions over the Mars and Venus atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a 67-year-old man with peripheral symmetrical gangrene in meningitis. According to the authors, the man developed peripheral gangrene in the digits of his lower limb and ecchymotic skin rash over feet. The authors conclude that the man survived with prompt and appropriate antibiotic use and supportive care.

Hot springs are a valuable source of biologically significant chemicals due to their high microbial diversity. To investigate the possibilities for industrial uses of these bacteria, researchers collected water and sediment samples from variety of hot springs. Our investigation employed both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques, including 16S-based marker gene analysis of the microbiota from the hot springs of Surajkund, Jharkhand. In addition, we cultivated thermophilic isolates and screened for their ability to produce amylase, xylanase, and cellulase. After the optimized production of amylase the enzyme was partially purified and characterized using UPLC, DLS-ZP, and TGA. The retention time for the amylase was observed to be around 0.5 min. We confirmed the stability of the amylase at higher temperatures through observation of a steady thermo gravimetric profile at 400 °C. One of the thermophilic isolates obtained from the kund, demonstrated the potential to degrade lignocellulosic agricultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Farm, Sri Karan Narendra College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan, India during kharif, 2017. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with sixteen treatments replicated thrice. The treatments include organic manures (control, FYM @ 20 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 and poultry manure @ 8 t ha-1) with biofertilizers (control, Azospirillum, PSB and Azospirillum+PSB). The results showed that application of vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 significantly increased yield plant-1 (311.46 g), ha-1 (141.48 q) and picking-1 (6.11 kg) of okra. However, among the quality parameters the highest protein (1.97%) content and the lowest crude fiber content (1.54%) of fruit recorded under vermicompost which was at par with poultry manure. The highest nitrogen (0.315%), phosphorus (0.653%) and potassium (1.761%) content and uptake of nitrogen (45.81 kg ha-1), phosphorus (93.91 kg ha-1) and potassium (253.28 kg ha-1) also observed in vermicompost closely followed by poultry manure treatment. The maximum net returns (Rs 205928 ha-1) were obtained with vermicompost whereas poultry manure was superior in Benefit-cost ratio with the value 3.01. Among different biofertilizers combined use of Azospirillum+PSB recorded significantly higher yield (326.01 g plant-1, 134.91 q ha-1 and 5.83 kg picking-1) quality parameters (protein %); nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium content and uptake; net returns (207634 ha-1) and Benefitcost ratio (3.36) of okra and the lowest crude fibre. Whereas superior values regarding the yields observed in the treatment receiving the combination of vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 and Azospirillum+PSB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot springs are a valuable source of biologically significant chemicals due to their high microbial diversity. To investigate the possibilities for industrial uses of these bacteria, researchers collected water and sediment samples from variety of hot springs. Our investigation employed both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques, including 16S-based marker gene analysis of the microbiota from the hot springs of Surajkund, Jharkhand. In addition, we cultivated thermophilic isolates and screened for their ability to produce amylase, xylanase, and cellulase. After the optimized production of amylase the enzyme was partially purified and characterized using UPLC, DLS-ZP, and TGA. The retention time for the amylase was observed to be around 0.5 min. We confirmed the stability of the amylase at higher temperatures through observation of a steady thermo gravimetric profile at 400 °C. One of the thermophilic isolates obtained from the kund, demonstrated the potential to degrade lignocellulosic agricultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The main goals of this investigation were to i) assess the population structure and genetic diversity and ii) determine the efficiency of the ongoing breeding program in a closed flock of Angora rabbits through pedigree analysis. Methods: The pedigree records of 6,145 animals, born between 1996 to 2020 at NTRS, ICAR-CSWRI, Garsa were analyzed using ENDOG version 4.8 software package. The genealogical information, genetic conservation index and parameters based on gene origin probabilities were estimated. Results: Analysis revealed that, 99.09% of the kits had both parents recorded in the whole dataset. The completeness levels for the whole pedigree were 99.12%, 97.12%, 90.66%, 82.49%, and 74.11% for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations, respectively, reflecting well-maintained pedigree records. The maximum inbreeding, average inbreeding and relatedness were 36.96%, 8.07%, and 15.82%, respectively. The mean maximum, mean equivalent and mean completed generations were 10.28, 7.91, and 5.51 with 0.85%, 1.19%, and 1.85% increase in inbreeding, respectively. The effective population size estimated from maximum, equivalent and complete generations were 58.50, 27.05, and 42.08, respectively. Only 1.51% of total mating was highly inbred. The effective population size computed via the individual increase in inbreeding was 42.83. The effective numbers of founders (fe), ancestors (fa), founder genomes (fg) and non-founder genomes (fng) were 18, 16, 6.22, and 9.50, respectively. The fe/fa ratio was 1.12, indicating occasional bottlenecks had occurred in the population. The six most influential ancestors explained 50% of genes contributed to the gene pool. The average generation interval was 1.51 years and was longer for the sireoffspring pathway. The population lost 8% genetic diversity over time, however, considerable genetic variability still existed in the closed Angora population. Conclusion: This study provides important and practical insights to manage and maintain the genetic variability within the individual flock and the entire population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In sheep, Escherichia coli infection can occur as asymptomatic entity to septicaemic episode. Chiefly, it causes heavy mortality in lambs and devastates the farm economy. With an objective of documenting the salient epidemiological and clinicopathological observations in this naturally occurred outbreak of septicaemic colibacillosis, this communication is made herewith. Methods: In February 2019, sudden death in lambs was observed in three flocks of sheep. Carcasses were subjected for necropsy and histopathological examination. Swab samples from heart, abomasum, intestines, liver and lung were examined for bacteriological and molecular confirmation. Result: The mean (±SE) age of lambs that were affected was 11.00±0.49 days (n=404). Lambs of native Malpura breed (87.5%) and other two crossbred sheep were affected. Overall mortality of lambs was 23.76%. Gross pathological observations were pulmonary edema, ecchymotic lesions in lungs, congestion in kidney and liver and presence soil-mixed ingesta in abomasum. From the morbid materials including stomach and intestinal swabs, 45 E. coli isolates were identified and they were also confirmed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Consequently, virulence genes for shiga toxin (stx2) and intimin (eae) were identified from the isolates. Although antibiotics were administered, only probiotics could control the new infection rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the effect of strong spin orbit coupling inducing electronic topological and semiconductor to metal transitions on the thermoelectric material AgBiSe2 at high pressures. The synchrotron X-ray diffraction and the Raman scattering measurement provide evidence for a pressure induced structural transition from hexagonal (α-AgBiSe2) to rhombohedral (β-AgBiSe2) at a relatively very low pressure of around 0.7GPa. The sudden drop in the electrical resistivity and clear anomalous changes in the Raman line width of the A1g and Eg (1) modes around 2.8GPa was observed suggesting a pressure induced electronic topological transition. On further increasing the pressure, anomalous pressure dependence of phonon (A1g and Eg (1)) frequencies and line widths along with the observed temperature dependent electrical resistivity show a pressure induced semiconductor to metal transition above 7.0GPa in β-AgBiSe2. First principles theoretical calculations reveal that the metallic character of β-AgBiSe2 is induced mainly due to redistributions of the density of states (p orbitals of Bi and Se) near to the Fermi level. Based on its pressure induced multiple electronic transitions, we propose that AgBiSe2 is a potential candidate for the good thermoelectric performance and pressure switches at high pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the recommended oral dose for FFC in aquaculture is 10-15 mg/kg biomass/day for 10 days (USFDA, 2008), the therapeutic dose was fixed as 15 mg/kg/day. Keywords: antimicrobials; bacterial diseases; marine aquaculture; medicated feed; therapeutic dose EN antimicrobials bacterial diseases marine aquaculture medicated feed therapeutic dose 4887 4891 5 08/10/22 20220901 NES 220901 INTRODUCTION Bacterial diseases cause severe economic losses in aquaculture. The treatment resulted in the clearance of viable pathogen from infected fish, whereas the non-treated fish remained carriers. Antimicrobial resistance and virulence characteristics of Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi from natural disease outbreaks of marine/estuarine fishes. [Extracted from the article]

Cooperative supramolecular polymerization is important for the synthesis of functional supramolecular homo and block‐copolymers of π‐systems. Current strategies indicate the need of strong hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding) and/or dipolar interactions in the π‐systems to achieve cooperativity. In sharp contrast, here we report the cooperative supramolecular polymerization in alkyl chain substituted perylene diimides (alkyl PDIs) driven by dispersive interactions with molecular level understanding. Moreover, alkyl PDIs follow cooperative mechanism with cooperativity similar to the strong H‐bonded π‐systems (σ ∼10−5) despite the lack of strong H‐bonding and dipolar interactions. Computer simulations show that this surprising phenomenon in alkyl PDIs is driven by the efficient dispersive interactions among the alkyl chains and π‐cores due to their zigzag arrangement in the supramolecular polymer. Importantly, alkyl PDIs display cooperative supramolecular polymerization in both polar and non‐polar solvents which is difficult for H‐bonded/dipolar π‐systems thus highlighting the advantages of dispersive interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2006 at farmer's field, Ghatolia (Kalakh), Jobner. The soil was loamy sand, having pH 8.15 0.90 dS/m electrical conductivity, 0.13% organic carbon, 130.6 kg/ha available nitrogen, 20.5 kg/ha available phosphorus and 149.6 kg/ha available potassium. The application of 25 kg N+ 50 kg P-2O5 + 40 kg K2O ha-1 along with Rhizobium,VAM and PSB recorded significantly higher available nitrogen 164.1 kg ha-1 and available phosphorus 26.6 kg ha-1 whereas minimum were noted with the application of RDF- NPK alone. However, this treatment also provided significantly higher NPK uptake by the crop and crop yields (pod, kernel and haulm) over rest of the treatments. The minimum yields were noted with the application of alone RDF, poultry manure, vermicompost and their mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green mussel farming as a small-holder-friendly, livelihood-enabling supplementary activity along the backwaters in the southwest coast of India is analyzed in this paper covering various phases of its adoption and growth. Though a benign enterprise that does not demand significant establishment cost and labor-intensive culture activities, green mussel production is presently at a crossroads, facing severe challenges at its very cradle, owing to various biotic and abiotic constraints. The main underlying factors are analyzed, physical and economic losses estimated, and policy options suggested to enable a steadfast revival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, we report the synthesis and characterization of three novel nickel(II) [Ni(L)2] (1) and copper(II) [Cu(L)2] (2a) and [Cu(L)2] (2b) complexes, which are made through the coordination of (E)-1-(2-methoxybenzylidine)-4-phenylethiosemicarbazone (HL) as bidentate N,S-ligand. Several modern techniques including experimental electronic and fluorescence spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, molecular docking and BSA-binding are used to characterize the isolated coordination compounds. X-ray crystallography, FT-IR and UV–visible spectra agree with the observed crystal structures. The crystallographic and spectroscopic studies confirmed that these complexes display four-coordinate square-planar trans-[MN2S2] coordination geometry, whose central metal(II) atom lies on the center of symmetry. Complexes 1 and 2a crystallized in the orthorhombic system of the space group Pbca whereas 2b crystallized in the monoclinic system of P21/c. The binding affinity of complexes towards bovine serum albumin (BSA) was determined by UV–visible and fluorescence spectrophotometric methods. The cytotoxic/antiproliferative potential of the synthesized compounds on human cell lines was also investigated by MTT assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes [Ni(L)2] (1) and [Cu(L)2].H2O (2) was synthesized using a Schiff base (HL) ligand which was formed by 5-bromosalicylaldehyde with 2-methoxybenzeneamine. The crystal structure of the ligand and its complexes were determined through crystal X-ray diffraction. The most plausible geometry for the 1:2 complexes appeared to be distorted octahedral. The TG-DTA analysis of complex (1) and (2) exhibits an exothermic peaks at around 367-393 °C. Their inhibition studies was performed on urease. Complex (1) and (2) can inhibit urease activity, with IC50 values of 2.10 ± 0.06 and 2.10 ± 0.10 µmol L−1, respectively. Their DFT study were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary study was conducted where mature french beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) of 'Falguni' variety, were collected from small holder farmers in 2 growing seasons and data was collected with a view to know the effect of storage for prediction of the relationship between storage conditions, physical and nutritional quality under low density polythene bag, high density polythene bag and laminated aluminium packaging. The individual quick freezing of the French beans was done. Half of the samples were packed separately and placed in refrigerater at -18oC for two hours. while the other half was stored in deep freezer at -20oC and observations made for 4 months. It was observed that the higher the temperature, the higher the weight loss although the loss was higher in low density polythene bags in all the storage temperatures. There was a slower loss of protein content in samples stored in Laminated aluminium polythene bags; however, the samples stored in both temperatures had the greatest loss by 4th month. The results show that packaging in laminated aluminium polythene bags has to becoupled with low temperature storage in order to receive a desirable shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a histopathological findings which reveals the innate response of white spot disease (WSD) among penaeus monodon shrimps under a semi-intenseive culture. It outlines the health damages of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) including encapsulation, cell agglutination and nodule formation among crustaceans. It highlights the molecular information on the presence of clotting mechanism in shrimp cause by WSSV during the infection.

Standard test methods such as those published in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)/Institute of Petroleum/Universal Oil Product are often used to characterize the fuel's properties. However, these chemical/physical characterization methods are not only expensive and protracted but also require a large quantity of samples. Every flammable liquid has vapor pressure, which is a function of its boiling point. The distillation and flash point are volatility-dependent characteristics; therefore, these properties are temperature dependent. Most researchers have derived the correlation of flash point with boiling point and vapor pressure for pure organic compounds. The present study proposes a user-friendly empirical model with a correlation technique to predict flash point using ASTM distillation data of middle distillates. In this study, 47 middle distillate samples were taken to predict the flash point with 5 and 10% volume recovery temperature of ASTM D-86 and volume average boiling point (VABP) separately. It was observed that the most appropriate prediction of flash point was with 5% recovery temperature of ASTM D-86 with an R2 0.997. This correlation model was compared with different models and found to be comparatively better and user friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Variability and association of different seed and plant characters affecting germination in sunflower was studied in three different environments. The environments were created by sowing the experiment in three different months i.e. January 19th (E1), February 4th (E2), and March 2nd (E3). The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for different characters under different environments. The results revealed that day temperatures (36.1°C to 42.8 °C) and night temperatures ranging from 14.5-25.0°C during the reproductive stage of the crop are the critical factors for determining seed yield and its component characters in sunflower. In E1 medium duration parental lines with larger head diameter and higher 1000-seed weight produced seed with better germination. In E2, short duration parental lines with medium height and large head diameter having high protein and high linoleic acid exhibited high percent germination. In E3, lines having larger head diameter, bolder seeds with high oleic acid and low protein content gave better germination of the seed produced. Large head diameter was the only character showing positive association with genninability of the seed produced in all the three environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]