Search

Abstract What nutrient supply options can ensure maximum productivity and optimize the nutrient uptake of rice–wheat system (R-W system)? an experiment started in the year 1998 (19-year-old) to examine the impact of optimal nutrient supply (NS) strategies to maximize crop productivity and nutritional security in R-W system. To determine the best nutrient management strategies (BNMS), seven different NS methods were tested. These included (organic and mineral fertilizers), as well as combinations such as integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS), IPNS + B (berseem), and IPNS + C (cowpea), with the aim of enhancing the productivity and nutrient absorption of R-W system. Results showed that rice grain yield notably wide-ranging from 1.61 to 5.81 t ha−1 under different NS options and highest rice grain yield (mean of 19 years) was observed at IPNS + C (5.81 t ha−1), which was at par with IPNS (5.79 t ha−1), STCR (soil test crop response) (5.76 t ha−1) and IPNS + B (5.67 t ha−1) followed by 100% recommended dose fertilizer NPK (4.41 t ha−1), which equality with OF (organic farming) (4.04 t ha−1) and lowest was recorded in control plot (1.61 t ha−1). Wheat grain yield varied significantly from 1.43 to 5.86 t ha−1 under different NS options. The highest yield (mean of 19 years) was observed in treatments IPNS + B (5.86 t ha−1), IPNS (5.77 t ha−1), IPNS + C (5.48 t ha−1), and STCR (5.45 t ha−1), followed by OF at 4.49 t ha−1, NPK at 3.76 t ha−1, with the lowest in the control plot at 1.43 t ha−1. Additionally, total phosphorus and sulfur accumulation in rice (grain: 8.41 to 39.09 kg ha−1; straw: 6.02 to 23.54 kg ha−1) varied significantly across nutrient supply treatments. Overall, adoption of IPNS integration with legumes (IPNS + B and IPNS + C), can significantly improve productivity and nutrient accumulation in R-W systems. Incorporating legumes into farming practices is advised for sustained productivity and nutritional benefits.

Abstract We examine the effectiveness of green innovation on CO2 emissions in the top twelve polluting nations—China, the US, India, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Italy, Poland, and the UK—from 1996 to 2020. Using panel data fixed and random effect model and decision tree analysis, we found that industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth increase CO2 emissions, whereas green energy consumption and governance decrease CO2 emissions. In the panel data tree-based model, governance is in the second and third positions in the decision tree fixed, and random effect model. Green innovation is not statistically significant despite the expected negative sign. The findings suggest that policymakers should encourage investment in green energy production and governance to combat environmental degradation. Investment in green energy should be escalated to ensure energy efficiency in the long term.

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is being increasingly recognized as a risk factor for developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was planned to study the prevalence and evaluate any possible association between hypothyroidism and severity of NAFLD. Material and Methods: This case control study was conducted in the department of Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar among 50 hypothyroid patients and 50 age and sex matched control group. USG abdomen, and various biochemical parameters including TSH levels were done and NAFLD fibrosis score was calculated. Results: Out of the 50 hypothyroid cases, 42 (84%) showed fatty liver changes, whereas only 6 (12%) of controls demonstrated fatty liver changes on ultrasonography. A positive correlation was found among the various grades of NAFLD and TSH, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels (p0.05, r=0.064). Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD in hypothyroid patients excluding all other confounding risk factors in our study was 84%. A positive correlation was found between hypothyroidism and the NAFLD fibrosis score but not with ALT levels. A larger group of NAFLD subjects secondary to hypothyroidism is required to validate such association.

Background: Guselkumab (human monoclonal antibody) selectively inhibits the interleukin (IL)-23p19 subunit. Objectives: Assess the longer-term pharmacodynamic effects of guselkumab and explore associations between such effects and clinical responses in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Design: DISCOVER-2 randomized 739 biologic-naïve patients with active PsA (swollen/tender joint counts each ⩾5, C-reactive protein (CRP) ⩾0.6 mg/dL) to guselkumab (100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or at Weeks 0, 4, and then Q8W) or placebo. Guselkumab-randomized participants with available serum biomarker data (randomly selected to reflect demographic and disease characteristics of the DISCOVER-2 population) comprised inflammatory ( N = 100) and collagen ( N = 178) biomarker cohorts. Methods: Pharmacodynamic effects of guselkumab through 2 years on inflammatory and collagen biomarker levels (general linear model) and associations between biomarkers and improvements in composite measures of joint, skin, and overall disease activity (Spearman linear regression) through 2 years were assessed. The relationship between the pharmacodynamic effects of guselkumab and achieving ⩾50% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR50) was assessed using a general linear model. Results: With guselkumab, pharmacodynamic effects on inflammatory (CRP, IL-6, serum amyloid A (SAA), IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and beta-defensin 2 (BD-2)) and collagen (matrix metalloproteinase-degradation type I, III, IV, and VI collagen (C1M, C3M, C4M, and C6M)) biomarker levels were sustained or enhanced through Week 100. Throughout follow-up timepoints (Week 24/52/100), decreases in CRP, IL-6, C1M, and C6M levels correlated ( r = 0.26–0.30; p

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is being increasingly recognized as a risk factor for developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was planned to study the prevalence and evaluate any possible association between hypothyroidism and severity of NAFLD. Material and Methods: This case control study was conducted in the department of Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar among 50 hypothyroid patients and 50 age and sex matched control group. USG abdomen, and various biochemical parameters including TSH levels were done and NAFLD fibrosis score was calculated. Results: Out of the 50 hypothyroid cases, 42 (84%) showed fatty liver changes, whereas only 6 (12%) of controls demonstrated fatty liver changes on ultrasonography. A positive correlation was found among the various grades of NAFLD and TSH, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels (p0.05, r=0.064). Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD in hypothyroid patients excluding all other confounding risk factors in our study was 84%. A positive correlation was found between hypothyroidism and the NAFLD fibrosis score but not with ALT levels. A larger group of NAFLD subjects secondary to hypothyroidism is required to validate such association.

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is pathognomonic of glucagonoma syndrome associated with pancreatic neoplasm. Pseudoglucagonoma syndrome, which is extremely rare, refers to NME without a glucagon-secreting tumor. We describe a rare case of NME in a 45-year-old female who presented with a skin rash associated with scaling, cheilitis, glossitis, hair loss, and weight loss. Serum glucagon and serum zinc levels were normal. Skin biopsy was suggestive of necrolytic erythema migrans. Ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed chronic pancreatitis. Resolution of lesions was observed with topical steroids, emollients, intravenous (IV) protein infusions, and other supplements.

Scrub typhus, an age old disease, is caused by the intracellular bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. It has reemerged in recent years due to factors like climatic changes and human encroachment because of rampant urbanization. The disease is endemic in the area known as the ‘tsutsugamushi triangle’ and has recently spread its fangs into various other continents like South America and Africa. Although the disease is endemic in India, there is a lack of appropriate sero-epidemiology in community settings. It is one of the essential causes of acute undifferentiated fever in tropical locations and, if untreated, can cause mortality ranging from 2-30% of cases. Early diagnosis is an important parameter in administering the non beta-lactam regimen to prevent complications and mortality. Yet, there is a lack of accurate and rapid methods for diagnosis in the early stage of the disease, more so in rural areas where the disease is supposed to be predominant. The gold standard diagnostic test has its problems. Recently, there have been reports of drug resistance to the standard scrub typhus regimen. There is a gap of a decade in the research into this entity. Thus, a new look into the disease, its epidemiology and the challenges in its diagnostic scenario is an apt topic for discussion.

Abstract Sediment contamination jeopardizes wetlands by harming aquatic organisms, disrupting food webs, and reducing biodiversity. Carcinogenic substances like heavy metals bioaccumulate in sediments and expose consumers to a greater risk of cancer. This study reports Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn levels in sediments from eight wetlands in India. The Pb (51.25 ± 4.46 µg/g) and Cr (266 ± 6.95 µg/g) concentrations were highest in Hirakud, Cu (34.27 ± 2.2 µg/g) in Bhadrak, and Zn (55.45 ± 2.93 µg/g) in Koraput. The mean Pb, Cr, and Cu values in sediments exceeded the toxicity reference value. The contamination factor for Cr was the highest of the four metals studied at Hirakud (CF = 7.60) and Talcher (CF = 6.97). Furthermore, high and moderate positive correlations were observed between Cu and Zn (r = 0.77) and Pb and Cr (r = 0.36), respectively, across all sites. Cancer patients were found to be more concentrated in areas with higher concentrations of Pb and Cr, which are more carcinogenic. The link between heavy metals in wetland sediments and human cancer could be used to make policies that limit people's exposure to heavy metals and protect their health.

Introduction: Serum vitamin D levels has been hypothesized to influence the progress of diabetes and its various complications. The role of Vitamin D in diabetic peripheral neuropathy have been debated. Aim of the Study: This study was conducted to compare serum vitamin D levels in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without neuropathy, as well as to assess any possible association between serum vitamin D levels and severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Subjects and Methods: This is a case-control study involving 100 cases and 100 controls in which serum vitamin D levels and severity of neuropathy were assessed using Vibration perception threshold (VPT). Results: The levels of Vitamin D were significantly lower in cases (patients with diabetes with peripheral neuropathy) compared to controls (patients with diabetes but without peripheral neuropathy). The mean serum levels of 25(OH)D in cases was 14.1± 3.2 ng/ml and in controls was 22.3 ± 3.8 ng/ml which was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). The mean serum vitamin D levels in cases with mild neuropathy (VPT 20-24 mV) was 16.8 ± 3.2 ng/ml, moderate neuropathy (VPT 25-39 mV) was 14.5 ± 1.4 ng/ml, and in those with severe neuropathy (VPT >39 mV) was 11.6 ± 2.1 ng/ml (p=0.004). A significant negative correlation was observed between Serum Vitamin D levels and VPT (r = -0.65, p

Diabetic muscle infarction (DMI) or diabetic myonecrosis (DMN) is a rarely reported and commonly underdiagnosed microvascular complication of longstanding uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The authors report a case of elderly male with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in his mid-fifties who presented with complaints of acute onset, sharp and persistent pain in lateral aspect of the left thigh associated with marked tenderness. The routine laboratory investigation is often nonspecific and do not provide much value in diagnosis of DMI. Magnetic resonance imaging in combination with a proper history can help in diagnosis. Muscle biopsy can help in diagnosis but is usually not recommended as it prolongs the disease process and delays recovery. Treatment is rest, analgesics, and maintenance of optimal glycaemic control.

The influence of modified clay mineral and red mud on biological yield and arsenic bioavailability to mustard were investigated. The total biomass of the mustard was increased by application of clay mineral and red mud products. At higher doses (5.00 g/kg), Fe-bentonite treated soil recorded the highest total plant biomass (11.2 g/pot). DMSO-bentonite (1.23 mg/kg) and Fe-bentonite (1.28 mg/kg) were proved to be most effective in reducing the extractable arsenic concentration in soil at the rate of 5.00 g/kg doses. These products also help in lowering the hazard quotient (0.20–0.08) values for human consumption of arsenic through mustard leaf. This means that modified types of bentonites and red mud boost mustard productivity by reducing arsenic concentration.

A 28-year-old female presented with a history of 'on and off' low-grade fever for last 2 months, asymmetrical small and large joint involvement with oral ulcers and flagellate dermatosis and pigmentation over arms. Peripheral smear revealed anaemia and leukopenia and urine examination revealed proteinuria and haematuria. ANA profile was positive for anti-ds DNA, anti-Histone, and anti-Nucleosome antibody suggestive of active Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patient was treated with injectable steroids following which the rashes and symptoms subsided. We report here probably the second case report of flagellate dermatosis as one of the rare initial dermatological manifestations of SLE.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but fatal complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 40-year-old male presented with high-grade intermittent fever, abdominal pain & painless oral ulcers. Investigations revealed features suggestive of AP and coexistent SLE. Based on the H score and bone marrow aspiration findings, the diagnosis of secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS)/autoimmune associated HPS (AAHS)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) was made. Autoimmune-associated HPS, we report a 40-year-old male case of SLE who presented with features suggesting AP, developed macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) on day 7 of admission.

Psoriasis is a chronic disabling complex inflammatory disorder prevalent worldwide with environmental and genetic components that involve predominantly skin in addition to nails and joints associated with various systemic comorbidities having periods of exacerbations and remissions. Psoriasis is characterized by hyper-proliferation as well as abnormal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and lymphocyte infiltration (mainly T cells) with resultant inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Immunological and genetic studies over the last decade have identified genetic susceptibility risk alleles, molecular, cellular and immunological mechanisms involved in immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. The current disease model emphasizes the role of aberrant Th1 and Th17 responses regulated by a complex network of different cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-23; signal transduction pathways downstream to the cytokine receptors; and various activated transcription factors, including NF-κB, interferon regulatory factors and signal transducer and activator of transcriptions. Cytokines targeting biologics (IL-17, IL-23 and TNFα) therapies have revolutionized the management of severe skin disease having beneficial effects on joints and systemic inflammation of psoriasis as well. Further better understanding of immunopathogenesis of psoriasis will pave way for precision medicine based on specific immunopathogenic targets in a given phenotype of disease. Complex interplay of psoriasis with associated comorbidities is also a future area of research for overall better patient management and to improve their quality of life.

Objective Describe the population of babies who do and do not receive postnatal corticosteroids for prevention or treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Design Retrospective cohort study using data held in the National Neonatal Research Database.Setting National Health Service neonatal units in England and Wales.Patients Babies born less than 32 weeks gestation and admitted to neonatal units from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019.Main outcomes Proportion of babies given postnatal corticosteroid; type of corticosteroid; age at initiation and duration, trends over time.Secondary outcomes Survival to discharge, treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, BPD, brain injury, severe necrotising enterocolitis, gastrointestinal perforation.Results 8% (4713/62019) of babies born

The present study focuses on the stress response of a filamentous, AT-rich, heterocystous cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus UU774, isolated from a hot spring, Taptapani, located in the eastern part of India. The genome of UU774 contains an indispensable fragment, scaffold_38, of unknown origin that is implicated during severe nitrogen and nutrition stress. Prolonged exposure to nitrogen compounds during starvation has profound adverse effects on UU774, leading to loss of mobility, loss of ability to fight pathogens, reduced cell division, decreased nitrogen-fixing ability, reduced ability to form biofilms, reduced photosynthetic and light-sensing ability, and reduced production of secreted effectors and chromosomal toxin genes, among others. Among genes showing extreme downregulation when grown in a medium supplemented with nitrogen with the fold change > 5 are transcriptional regulator gene WalR, carbonic anhydrases, RNA Polymerase Sigma F factor, fimbrial protein, and twitching mobility protein. The reduced expression of key enzymes involved in the uptake of phosphate and enzymes protecting oxygen-sensitive nitrogenases is significant during the presence of nitrogen. UU774 is presumed to withstand heat by overexpressing peptidases that may be degrading abnormally folded proteins produced during heat. The absence of a key gene responsible for heterocyst pattern formation, patS, and an aberrant hetN without a functional motif probably lead to the formation of a chaotic heterocyst pattern in UU774. We suggest that UU774 has diverged from Fischerella sp. PCC 9339, another hot spring species isolated in the United States.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic disorder elicited by the ingestion of gluten. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines published in 2012 suggested a no-biopsy pathway (NBP) for symptomatic children with IgA tissue transglutaminase (TGA-IgA) ≥10x upper limit of normal (ULN). Biopsy confirmation remained mandatory for other cases. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case note study was aimed at evaluating the adherence to the ESPGHAN 2012 guidelines for diagnosing CD in our unit. METHODS: Forty-three cases with positive TGA-IgA were identified by a laboratory database search from January 2013 to December 2019. 6 of 43 patients were not referred for a confirmation of CD diagnosis. Data was collected on the diagnostic pathways followed, and appropriateness of adherence was compared with the existing ESPGHAN guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 37 cases were included with 35 children diagnosed with CD. 29/35 (83%) were diagnosed via the NBP;15/29 (52%) children did not meet all the criteria required for NBP, but were diagnosed and managed as having CD. 20/35 (57%) children were diagnosed with CD in adherence to the 2012 guidelines. CONCLUSION: The recommended diagnostic guidelines were frequently not implemented; adherence to the guidelines may improve following regular educational sessions. The revised 2020 ESPGHAN guidelines which exclude HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing would address the issue of diagnosis for the 10/15 NBP cases (with TGA-IgA >10xULN) in our study who did not have HLA testing and were therefore non-adherent to the 2012 diagnostic guidelines. NBP, with the reduced need for endoscopy may be beneficial in resource limited settings.

Abstract Background Habitat heterogeneity clearly distinguished in terms of availability of food and habitat resources and landscape features (natural or human-modified) play a crucial role in the avian species composition and population structure. To examine this, a study was carried out in Bhubaneswar, India, to understand the ecological niche distinction in birds based on habitat heterogeneity. Regular sampling was conducted in 30 sampling sites covering six different habitat types in a predominantly urban landscape of Bhubaneswar for understanding the ecological niche in birds. The birds were classified into 11 types of foraging guilds. Results The insectivorous guild had the highest bird species richness (181 species) and the omnivorous guild had the lowest (11 species). The piscivorous guild and wetland habitat had the strongest linkage, followed by the insectivorous guild and agricultural land. The frugivorous guild was significantly correlated with forest habitats (r = 0.386, p < 0.01) and park and garden habitats (r = 0.281, p < 0.01). This urban area hosted a higher number of bird species in certain habitat types, viz., agricultural lands (52%, 115 species) and forest patches (50%, 111 species). Conclusion The present study highlights the importance of agricultural lands, forest patches, parks and gardens, and wetlands inside the cityscape for supporting avifauna. It is therefore suggested that such habitats should be conserved inside an urban area to protect native avifauna. Thus, the city development plan must invariably include strategies for conserving the forest patches inside the urban area. Measures must be taken to restrain the degradation of agricultural lands and reduce their utilization for non-agricultural purposes, which will help in further reducing the bird population decline in the urban landscape.

Birds are considered as ecological indicators and most sensitive health indicators of an ecosystem. Wetlands are used by birds for various purposes such as breeding, nesting, roosting, and foraging. This study was designed to fulfill this research gap on avian diversity comparison of different wetlands in various habitats. The objective of the study was to generate information on avian diversity with seasonal variability of different wetlands of various habitats. Sampling was done in eight different wetlands from different districts of Odisha. The study was carried out during October 2015 to September 2018, and the point count method was used. A total number of 109 species of birds covering 16 order and 42 families were recorded. Maximum waterbird richness was found at Chilika (62%, N=68) and minimum species richness (15%, N=17) found at Talcher. Six species were recorded under Near Threatened category according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 2020). The reason behind this occurrence of more numbers species in Chilika, Hirakud, and Koraput may be because of the habitat suitability and low anthropogenic pressure. The Talcher sampling site had the lowest species richness because of the highly polluted mining area with high anthropogenic pressure. Conservation of these small wetlands is also required to conserve the declining native avifauna.

Groundwater arsenic (As) pollution is a naturally occurring phenomenon posing serious threats to human health. To mitigate this issue, we synthesized a novel bentonite-based engineered nano zero-valent iron (nZVI-Bento) material to remove As from contaminated soil and water. Sorption isotherm and kinetics models were employed to understand the mechanisms governing As removal. Experimental and model predicted values of adsorption capacity (qe or qt) were compared to evaluate the adequacy of the models, substantiated by error function analysis, and the best-fit model was selected based on corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc). The non-linear regression fitting of both adsorption isotherm and kinetic models revealed lower values of error and lower AICc values than the linear regression models. The pseudo-second-order (non-linear) fit was the best fit among kinetic models with the lowest AICc values, at 57.5 (nZVI-Bare) and 71.9 (nZVI-Bento), while the Freundlich equation was the best fit among the isotherm models, showing the lowest AICc values, at 105.5 (nZVI-Bare) and 105.1 (nZVI-Bento). The adsorption maxima (qmax) predicted by the non-linear Langmuir adsorption isotherm were 354.3 and 198.5 mg g−1 for nZVI-Bare and nZVI-Bento, respectively. The nZVI-Bento successfully reduced As in water (initial As concentration = 5 mg L−1; adsorbent dose = 0.5 g L−1) to below permissible limits for drinking water (10 µg L−1). The nZVI-Bento @ 1% (w/w) could stabilize As in soils by increasing the amorphous Fe bound fraction and significantly diminish the non-specific and specifically bound fraction of As in soil. Considering the enhanced stability of the novel nZVI-Bento (upto 60 days) as compared to the unmodified product, it is envisaged that the synthesized product could be effectively used for removing As from water to make it safe for human consumption.

We investigated the effect of practically realizable doses of silicate on arsenic (As) uptake by differential-As-accumulating rice cultivars grown on geogenically As-polluted soil. The possible health risk from the dietary ingestion of As through rice was also assessed. In addition, a solution culture experiment was conducted to examine the role of root-secreted weak acids in differential As acquisition by rice cultivars. When grown without silicate, Badshabhog accumulated a much smaller amount of As in grain (0.11 mg kg−1) when compared to the other three varieties. Satabdi, IR-36, and Khitish accumulated As in grain beyond the permissible limit (0.2 mg kg−1) for human consumption. The application of silicate effectively reduced the As content in the grain, husk, and straw of all of the cultivars. The grain As content fell to 17.2 and 27.6% with the addition of sodium metasilicate at the rates of 250 and 500 mg kg−1, respectively. In the case of Khitish, the grain As content was brought down within permissible limits by the applied silicate (500 mg kg−1). The integrated use of low-As-accumulating cultivars and silicate has great potential to reduce the public health risks associated with As. A positive correlation between root-secreted total weak acid and grain As content could explain the different rice cultivars’ differential As acquisition capacity.

Objective To describe temporal changes in inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use in English neonatal units between 2010 and 2015.Design Retrospective analysis using data extracted from the National Neonatal Research Database.Setting All National Health Service neonatal units in England.Patients Infants of all gestational ages born 2010–2015 admitted to a neonatal unit and received intensive care.Main outcome measures Proportion of infants who received iNO; age at initiation and duration of iNO use.Results 4.9% (6346/129 883) of infants received iNO; 31% (1959/6346) were born 34 weeks of gestation. Between epoch 1 (2010–2011) and epoch 3 (2014–2015), there was (1) an increase in the proportion of infants receiving iNO: 34 weeks (4.5% vs 5.0%), (2) increase in postnatal age at iNO initiation:

Chilika a shallow brackish lagoon, India, is shrinking for sediment surplus budget. South Mahanadi deltaic branches i.e. Daya and Bhargavi terminate at the southwest swamps of the Lagoon. The annual average salinity of the lake was depleted from 22.31ppt (1957-58) to 8.5 ppt. (1999-2000) as the mixing process of saline and fresh water was influenced from 1995. Trepidation of conversion of Chilika to a atrophied fresh water lake due to blooming population and their hydrologic interventions like Kolleru lake in (India), Aral Lake (Uzbekistan) was apprehended by 1950’s and was alarming by 1999 when the shallow inlet(s) shifted extreme north. The shallow mud flats of lean salinity were reclaimed further for agriculture. The ecology and biodiversity degraded with substantial pecuniary loss to the lagoon dependents. Anthropogenic interventions like, Hirakud dam (1956), dredging of Sipakuda Inlet (2000), Naraj barrage at delta head (2004), Gobardhanpur barrages (1998) and Gabkund cut with weir (2014) were made to the hydraulic system. The deteriorating health, perturbed biodiversity and declined ecosystem of the lagoon has forced to have a comparative study of the various morphologic changes passed over the Chilika with time. The meteorological, hydrologic and the salinity study of the lagoon area for the period 1990 to 2016 have shown changes. Topographic study using GIS is developed by collecting data from Glovis Classic (Google) and the interpretation is done using ERDAS 9.2 software for various geomorphic features (1984 and 2017) before and after the current anthropogenic interventions and compared with previous studies.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, papulosquamous disorder with a variable clinical spectrum. Although it affects population of all age groups, the significance and negative impact of childhood psoriasis is often neglected worldwide. In nearly one-third of the psoriatic population, psoriasis appears during the childhood. In this article, we have focused on different issues and challenges faced during the management of childhood psoriasis. In addition to the varied clinical spectrum and associated comorbidities, in this article, we have given emphasis on the following real needs for childhood psoriasis: (i) psychological and social effects on the affected children, (ii) impact on their family members, and (iii) early diagnosis and management of psoriasis on children with psoriasis. We have concluded the article with the “concept of total care,” which is a third dimension for the management of psoriasis.

Over the past decade, scientific studies have increasingly concentrated on the effects of global phosphorus (P) scarcity on food security. A comprehensive strategy that considers demand reduction and recycling possibilities is needed to address the global P scarcity. Reduced tillage along with crop residue retention could decrease fixation of P in soil, improve labile P content and enhance organic-P (Po) buildup and its mineralization by phosphatases; this could be an extra benefit of conservation agriculture (CA) in soils. To study the impact of long-term CA on soil organic and inorganic P fractions and their distribution, a long-term field trial was conducted under a maize-based cropping system with different tillage (zero tillage (ZT), permanent bed (PB) and conventional till (CT) and cropping system (maize–wheat–mungbean (MWMb), maize–chickpea–sesbania (MCS), maize–mustard–mungbean (MMuMb) and maize–maize–sesbania (MMS)). Phosphorus dynamics were studied through sequential fractionation (organic and inorganic P) at 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depth. The findings showed that a higher amount of soluble and loosely bound P (SL-P) was detected in ZT among the inorganic P fractions, whereas iron-bound P (Fe-P), aluminum-bound P (Al-P), reductant soluble P (RES-P) and calcium-bound P (Ca-P) were found higher in CT in both soil depths. Among Organic-P fractions, moderately labile and non-labile Po was found higher in PB and ZT but, in the case of labile Po, it was found insignificant with respect to tillage operations. Significant synergistic effects of winter legume (chickpea) with summer legumes (sesbania and mungbean) in crop rotation were observed on SL-P, Labile Po, Humic acid-Po, Alkaline phosphatase and MBP at 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depths. Given the potential relevance of understanding P dynamics for efficient P management in long-term conservation agriculture practices, our findings offers critical new insight for the P management for sustainable development.

An attempt has been made in assessing variability of macronutrient content in sludge as affected by sources and seasons at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. For this purpose, sludge samples were collected from eight different sewage treatment plants (STPs) located in and around Delhi (CP: Coronation Pillar, DG: Delhi Gate Nalla, KSP: Keshopur, NIL: Narella, NLT: Nilothi, OKH: Okhla, PPK: Pappankallan and RTL: Rithala) in 2018-19. Results indicated that sludge samples collected from different sources were acidic in nature and varied from 6.34 to 6.65 with mean of 6.44, and electrical conductivity of sludge ranged from 2.95 to 5.74 dS/m with mean of 4.17 dS/m. Sludge generated at different (STPs) of Delhi were rich in total carbon (TC) (10.5-35.1%) and macronutrients, viz. nitrogen (N) (1.21-2.64%) and phosphorus (P) (0.95-1.84%); but the potassium (K) content (0.16-0.32%) was much lower. The corresponding mean values of TC, N, P and K in sludge samples across the sources and seasons were 20.4, 1.98, 1.35 and 0.24%, respectively. Seasonal occurrence pattern of macronutrient, i.e. N, P, and K were higher in sludge collected during summer followed by winter and rainy season. Sludge can be a potential source of plant nutrients, particularly in the face of rise in the price of NPK fertilizers.

Utilization of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) to solubilize the fixed P pool in soil is a promising method considering the shrinking availability of raw material (rock phosphate) of phosphatic fertilizer production in one hand and global food security on the other. An incubation study was carried out for 90 days to assess the ability of the two PSMs, namely Enterobacter sp. and Aspergillus niger in mediating the release of P from fixed pool in an alluvial soil (pH= 8.30) of IARI farm, New Delhi. On an average, both the microorganisms significantly increased the release of P into solution from fixed P pool of soil. However, Enterobacter sp. treated soil showed better P release (0.52 mg/kg) than that of Aspergillus niger treated soil (0.44 mg/kg) over uninoculated control (0.42 mg/kg). Enterobacter sp. was capable in mediating P release into soil solution during the whole period of incubation. Soil treated with Enterobacter sp. showed almost similar level of solution P concentration from 2nd week to 6th week of incubation and after that, there was a decrease. Whereas, A. niger was able to mediate P release into soil solution only up to 28 days of incubation, after that solution P concentration of treated soil became statistically at par with untreated control. Thus, Enterobacter sp. performed better than A. niger in utilizing native P in alluvial soil.

West Bengal is the largest rice (Oryza sativa L) producing state of India. In spite of leading the world in rice production, India lags behind in terms of rice productivity. In view of limited information, a pot experiment was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during kharif, 2018-19 to evaluate the response of important rice cultivars to applied silicate. The experiment was conducted with four rice cultivars (one indigenous aromatic and rest three HYVs) and three doses of sodium metasilicate (0, 250 and 500 mg/kg) using an alluvial Inceptisol collected from West Bengal. Results indicated that the grain and straw yield was increased up to 40.7 and 18.1%, respectively, due to application of silicate. Rice cultivars, on the basis of grain yield, can be arranged in the order: Khitish (20.8 g/ pot)> Satabdi (17.6 g/pot) > IR-36 (15.4 g/pot) >Badshabhog (3.72 g/pot). The highest and the lowest straw yield was recorded with Badshabhog (70.1 g/pot) and IR-36 (14.6 g/pot), respectively. Rice cultivars showed differential responses in terms of yield to applied silicate. It can be concluded that application of sodium metasilicate can be one of the effective options for enhancing rice yield in the alluvial Inceptisol of West Bengal.

In view of limited information, an attempt has been made to work out the distribution pattern of arsenic (As) between root and shoot of high and low grain-As accumulating rice cultivars (HAC and LAC, respectively). For this purpose, a solution culture experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during kharif 2018-19 with two doses of As (@ 0 and 100 µg/L) and four rice cultivars comprising one HAC (IR-36) and three LACs (Khitish, Satabdi and Badshabhog). Results indicated that the biomass yields were not affected either by As or by cultivars. The highest root As content was recorded with Khitish (4.64 mg/kg), whereas, IR-36 showed the lowest value (2.00 mg/kg) but shoot As content did not vary with cultivars. Cultivars followed almost similar trends for As uptake. The highest translocation coefficient of As from root to shoot ranged from 0.52 (IR-36) to 0.31 (Khitish). It is clear from the study that LACs are more efficient in storing As in root, even though they uptake higher amount of As at the initial phase of growth, whereas, As is mobilized from root to above ground parts more efficiently in case of HACs. Thus, partitioning of As between root and shoot appears to be an important characteristic of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars responsible for differential accumulation of As.

Owing to the COVID-19 induced lockdown in India, most people’s internet activity surged, leading to an expected increase in the rate of cybercrimes. This research focuses on analyzing whether the factors significant in cyberbullying susceptibility changed with the lockdown. The study was conducted by surveying 256 students before the pandemic, in October 2019, and 118 students during the lockdown, in June 2020. This included questions about the respondents’ demographics, online presence, experience with offline bullying, perception of other’s opinions, and the instances of cyberbullying that apply to them. The results showed factors important in both timespans, namely (i) experience with offline bullying; (ii) individuals’ perceptiveness to others’ opinions; (iii) frequency of social media posts. Additionally, in the period before lockdown, factors namely (i) tendency to interact with strangers online; (ii) whether they’ve started a relationship online (iii) hours spent on social media; were found significant. Conversely, during the lockdown, additional distinct factors namely (i) being opinionated on public platforms; (ii) preference of Instagram; (iii) preferred gaming platform; (iv) number of games played; (v) sexual orientation; (vi) age were significant. With the change in variables in the two timespans, we can conclude that the pandemic has affected our susceptibility to cyberbullying.

Ion channels have recently attracted attention as potential mediators of skin disease. Here, we explored the consequences of genetically encoded induction of the cell volume-regulating Ca2+-activated KCa3.1 channel (Kcnn4) for murine epidermal homeostasis. Doxycycline-treated mice harboring the KCa3.1+-transgene under the control of the reverse tetracycline-sensitive transactivator (rtTA) showed 800-fold channel overexpression above basal levels in the skin and solid KCa3.1-currents in keratinocytes. This overexpression resulted in epidermal spongiosis, progressive epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis, itch and ulcers. The condition was accompanied by production of the pro-proliferative and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-β1 (60-fold), IL-6 (33-fold), and TNFα (26-fold) in the skin. Treatment of mice with the KCa3.1-selective blocker, Senicapoc, significantly suppressed spongiosis and hyperplasia, as well as induction of IL-β1 (-88%) and IL-6 (-90%). In conclusion, KCa3.1-induction in the epidermis caused expression of pro-proliferative cytokines leading to spongiosis, hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. This skin condition resembles pathological features of eczematous dermatitis and identifies KCa3.1 as a regulator of epidermal homeostasis and spongiosis, and as a potential therapeutic target.

COVID-19—a severe acute respiratory syndrome disease caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—has recently attracted global attention, due to its devastating impact, to the point of being declared a pandemic. The search for new natural therapeutic drugs is mandatory, as the screening of already-known antiviral drugs so far has led to poor results. Several species of marine algae have been reported as sources of bioactive metabolites with potential antiviral and immunomodulatory activities, among others. Some of these bioactive metabolites might be able to act as antimicrobial drugs and also against viral infections by inhibiting their replication. Moreover, they could also trigger immunity against viral infection in humans and could be used as protective agents against COVID-In this context, this article reviews the main antiviral activities of bioactive metabolites from marine algae and their potential exploitation as anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

A 12 year female child with hepatic encephalopathy. A triple-lumen CVC was inserted via right subclavian vein through the right infraclavicular route. The position was confirmed by adequate backflow of blood and free flow of saline. But the check X ray chest revealed catheter tip was in the ipsilateral IJV It was pulled back up to the 5-cm mark and replaced. Repeat X-ray chest was done to confirm the correct position.

Pemphigus and pemphigoid are the prototypical immunobullous diseases. Although it has been well established that they are caused by deposition of autoreactive antibodies directed against adherence proteins within the skin, the specific genetic and environmental factors leading to development of these diseases continue to be an area of investigation. Herein, we discuss several of the potential environmental triggers that may induce patients to develop immunobullous diseases including medications, viral infections, UV exposure or other radiation injury and dietary factors. In addition, the potential genetic and immunologic mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of pemphigus and pemphigoid will be reviewed. The multifactorial nature of these diseases contributes to their complexity and highlights the importance of a detailed personal and family history when caring for these patients.

Solubility of metal in contaminated soils is a key factor which controls the phytoavailability and toxic effects of metals on soil environment. The chemical equilibria of metal ions between soil solution and solid phases govern the solubility of metals in soil. Hence, an attempt was made to identify the probable solid phases (minerals), which govern the solubility of Zn2+ and Cd2+ in zinc smelter effluent-irrigated soils. Estimation of free ion activities of Zn2+ (pZn2+) and Cd2+ (pCd2+) by Baker soil test indicated that metal ion activities were higher in smelter effluent-irrigated soils as compared to that in tubewell water-irrigated soils. Identification of solid phases further reveals that free ion activity of Zn2+ and Cd2+ in soil highly contaminated with Zn and Cd due to long-term irrigation with zinc smelter effluent is limited by the solubility of willemite (Zn2SiO4) in equilibrium with quartz and octavite (CdCO3), respectively. However, in case of tubewell water-irrigated soil, franklinite (ZnFe2O4) in equilibrium with soil-Fe and exchangeable Cd are likely to govern the activity of Zn2+ and Cd2+ in soil solution, respectively. Formation of highly soluble minerals namely, willemite and octavite indicates the potential ecological risk of Zn and Cd, respectively in smelter effluent irrigated soil.

The present paradigm of psoriasis pathogenesis revolves around the IL-23/IL-17A axis. Dual-secreting Th17 T cells presumably are the predominant sources of the psoriasis phenotype-driving cytokines, IL-17A and IL-22. We thus conducted a meta-analysis of independently acquired RNA-seq psoriasis datasets to explore the relationship between the expression of IL17A and IL22. This analysis failed to support the existence of dual secreting IL-17A/IL-22 Th17 cells as a major source of these cytokines. However, variable relationships amongst the expression of psoriasis susceptibility genes and of IL17A, IL22, and IL23A were identified. Additionally, to shed light on gene expression relationships in psoriasis, we applied a machine learning nonlinear dimensionality reduction strategy (t-SNE) to display the entire psoriasis transcriptome as a 2-dimensonal image. This analysis revealed a variety of gene clusters, relevant to psoriasis pathophysiology but failed to support a relationship between IL17A and IL22. These results support existing theories on alternative sources of IL-17A and IL-22 in psoriasis such as a Th22 cells and non-T cell populations.

Introduction: Clinical history, signs and symptoms along with non-invasive imaging help in diagnosis and management of Heart Failure (HF). Limited data exists in evaluating the role of cardiac biomarkers in diagnostic and prognostic work up in cases with clinical evidence of HF in an Indian setup. Aim: The aim was to find out if first week N-Terminal -pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) levels can be used as a prognostic indicator and to correlate with duration of hospital stay and mortality during the course of treatment and followup. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study was carried out for a period of two years and 160 patients with clinical evidence of HF according to Framingham’s criteria irrespective of aetiology and ejection fraction were included in the study. NT-proBNP were estimated at admission, at one-week interval and at discharge. NTproBNP levels were correlated with duration of hospital stay and mortality during the course of treatment and follow-up. Results: Patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) had the highest mean NT-proBNP levels even with higher ejection fractions. Mean NT-proBNP levels in patients with Cor-pulmonale were significantly lower (3634.8 pg/dL) than patients of HF with non-pulmonary cause (8418 pg/dL). Patients with NT-proBNP levels more than 15,000 pg/dL invariably stayed for more than two weeks. The decline of NT-proBNP levels more than 90% of the initial values in one week follow up were prognostic marker for recovery (p

Background:. Subspecialty fellowship directors are essential to the selection and mentorship of trainees. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the gender and racial/ethnic diversity of fellowship directors across fellowship programs in plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS). Methods:. In December 2023, listings of fellowship programs/directors were surveyed from respective professional society websites across the 5 primary PRS fellowships: hand (American Society for Surgery of the Hand), craniofacial (American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons), microsurgery (American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery), aesthetic (The Aesthetic Society), and burn (American Burn Association). Fellowship director demographics from each program were researched and identified. Results:. In total, 248 fellowship directors were identified: 94 hand, 34 craniofacial, 62 microsurgery, 38 aesthetic, and 20 burn. There was a significantly greater percentage of male versus female directors across all fellowships (87.5% versus 12.5%; P < 0.01). Men were noted to have a significantly higher average h-index score (20.4 versus 15.0; P = 0.045) but constituted a lower proportion of assistant professorships (32.3% versus 12.9%; P < 0.01). Relative to directors from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, White directors constituted a significantly greater percentage of fellowship directors (72.9% versus 27.1%; P < 0.01) and had a greater number of years passed since completing their most recent training (21.7 versus 17.1; P = 0.030). Conclusions:. Across PRS fellowship programs, women and racial/ethnic minorities are disproportionately underrepresented in leadership. Targeted initiatives to promote diversity in PRS fellowship directors should be considered as medicine works toward a surgical workforce more reflective of the patient population.

The haematological abnormalities associated with active pulmonary tuberculosis were known to human beings since decades but Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis have been reported only in a couple of instances. We report a 27 year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital with fever, shortness of breath, haematuria, epistaxis and generalized petechiae. The sputum positivity for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) and chest X-ray reports were suggestive of active pulmonary tuberculosis in our patient. Clinical and laboratory parameters including bone marrow aspiration cytology diagnosed the case to be ITP. Patient was put on Directly Observed Treatment and Short course (DOTS) category-1 Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy (ATT) and prednisone following which thrombocytopenia was corrected and there was complete recovery of the patient without recurrence of thrombocytopenia.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis along with deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis have occasionally been reported as a complication in the active phase of UC being attributed to its pro-thrombotic state. This paper depicts a 38-year-old female with a history of UC in remission who developed sudden onset headache, blurring of vision and seizures. Subsequent diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was made with MRI venography and treated with low molecular weight heparin with complete resolution of symptoms. The highlights of this case underscore the importance of evaluating cerebral venous sinus thrombosis as a cause of acute onset neurological deterioration in a setting of inflammatory bowel disease. It also emphasizes on the hypothesis that the risk of venous thrombosis or other hypercoagulable states have no direct relationship with the disease activity or flare-up.

Cryoglobulins are monoclonal or polyclonal immunoglobulins that undergo reversible precipitation at low temperatures. Cryoglobulinemia is associated with HCV infection in more than 90% cases, the remaining 10% being called as Essential Cryoglobulinemia which is generally associated with a severe course and suboptimal response to conventional therapies. As the digital vessels are more prone to colder temperatures, hyperviscosity in those vessels can initiate local thrombosis and may manifest as ischemic ulceration and gangrene. We report here a very unusual case of HCV negative cryoglobulinemic vasculitis presenting as symmetrical peripheral gangrene of fingers and toes.

Muscle inflammation and weakness are the key features of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). In addition IIMs are frequently associated with cutaneous and pulmonary involvement. In clinical practice the three common inflammatory myopathies we come across are polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM) and inclusion body myositis (IBM). The Bohan and Peter criteria combine clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features to define PM and DM. They did not recognize inclusion body myositis (IBM) or other inflammatory myopathies, such as granulomatous and eosinophilic myositis. Thus the disease spectrum is wide and IIMs are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders. To address these issues in this article we have discussed the currently developing newer classifications of IIMs.

BACKGROUND:Increasing evidence points to a role for the extra-neuronal nerve growth factor (NGF) in acquired immune responses. However, very little information is available about its role and underlying mechanism in innate immunity. The role of innate immunity in autoimmune diseases is becoming increasingly important. In this study, we explored the contribution of pleiotropic NGF in the innate immune response along with its underlying molecular mechanism with respect to IL-1β secretion. METHODS:Human monocytes, null and NLRP3 deficient THP-1 cell lines were used for this purpose. We determined the effect of NGF on secretion of IL-1β at the protein and mRNA levels. To determine the underlying molecular mechanism, the effect of NGF on NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes and its downstream key protein, activated caspase-1, were evaluated by ELISA, immunoflorescence, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR. RESULTS:In human monocytes and null THP-1 cell line, NGF significantly upregulates IL-1β at protein and mRNA levels in a caspase-1 dependent manner through its receptor, TrkA. Furthermore, we observed that NGF induces caspase-1 activation through NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes, and it is dependent on the master transcription factor, NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS:To best of our knowledge, this is the first report shedding light on the mechanistic aspect of a neuroregulatory molecule, NGF, in innate immune response, and thus enriches our understanding regarding its pathogenic role in inflammation. These observations add further evidence in favor of anti-NGF therapy in autoimmune diseases and also unlock a new area of research about the role of NGF in IL-1β mediated diseases.

Neurofibroma is a localized discrete mass of benign nerve sheath tumour in the peripheral nervous system. Mostly present as skin lesions. Solitary neurofibroma may occur in deep soft tissue or subcutaneous plane in rare cases associated with syndromes like NF1. The neurofibroma most commonly present as skin lesions as isolated soft papules or nodules arising in any cutaneous site. Present case depicts unusual presentation of a neurofibroma as a vascular hamartoma post an iatrogenic intervention.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab, bind to TNF-α and thereby act as anti-inflammatory agents. This group of drugs has been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spodylitis, Crohn disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We describe a 56-year-old woman who developed an erythematous pruritic rash on both arms-diagnosed as granuloma annulare by skin biopsy-approximately 22 months after initiating adalimumab for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. On stopping adalimumab there was total clearance of the skin lesions, but a similar rash developed again when her treatment was switched to another anti-TNF agent (etanercept). This clinical observation supports a link between TNF inhibition and the development of granuloma annulare.

The modern world corporate management and corporate governance is dominated by the theories and practices of American Management System, Japanese Management System and European Management System. Japanese Management techniques and practices are the champion concepts for any organization to follow in the context of quality management, production efficiency management, market competition management and above all human capital management etc. Japanese have established the dynamics of human capital and knowledge management as the best practices for any organization. The soundness of Japanese Management is derived from its treasure through revival of the Samurai System and traditional knowledge banks. European and American Management System are known for their contributions in the industrialization process of the world in the 19th and 20th century in the pre and post colonialism era. Indian oriental texts, gospels, practices, concepts, doctrines and arguments through logic are the sources of many Japanese management philosophies. India is a store house of pragmatic management and flawless applications in its ancient history phases. Oriental management texts and concepts need revival and rediscovery of the principles and system of applied management for use in the modern corporate world. Indian oriental system can and will create a system of its own as (IMS) Indian Management System like the Japanese. Proved and applied management of Chanakya during the Maurya Dynasty is historically evident as the best ever management practices India followed. Arthasastra and Chanakya Sutras are the two gospels of Indian management, enough to establish IMS the Indian management system for the modern corporate world of 21st century. These gospels applications are examined in the contemporary context for corporate use.

Background : Hematology and plasma biochemistry parameters are useful in the assessment and management of snake physiological status. Although reference ranges are readily available for many snake species, they are lacking for most venomous ophidians. We determined hematology and plasma biochemistry reference ranges for the wild-caught Indian cobra, Naja naja.Results : Blood samples, taken from the ventral tail vein, were assessed for erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, considering the sex of snakes. Results revealed the erythrocyte numbers (male, 390000 ± 12503.33/mm3 and female, 347500 ± 7505.55/mm3), shapes and the centrally located oval nuclei. Leukocytes were round, circular or disk-shaped, and the mean size was larger in male than female snakes. The maximum number of leukocytes was found to be 11700 ± 100/mm3 in male and 12100 ±200/mm3 in female snakes, and mean values of differential leukocyte count differed statistically between male and female snakes. The total leukocyte levels were found to be higher in female snakes, but the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV values were higher in male snakes. However, the MCH and MCHC values remained higher in female snakes throughout the study period. Mean protein and cholesterol contents differed significantly between male (45.32 ± 1.76 and 3.76 ± 0.06 mg/mL) and female (12.47 ± 0.82 and 4.72 ± 0.2 mg/mL) snakes.Conclusions : In conclusion, monitoring snake hematological and biochemical parameters can serve as a means to evaluate the physiological and health status of N. najapopulations, which may be a useful indicator of their environmental status.

The lack of a standard anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) has greatly hindered their applications. Herein, we show that a novel phase of carbon, namely Q-carbon, is an effective anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The Q-carbon, which is a metastable phase of carbon consisting of about 80% sp3- and 20% sp2-bonded carbon, is synthesized by nonequilibrium pulsed laser annealing and arc-discharge methods. Two types of Q-carbons, Q1 and Q2, were evaluated as anode material for SIBs. Q1 had a slow quench and was used as the control, whereas Q2 was Q-carbon with a rapid quenching. Q1 exhibits a high initial columbic efficiency of 81% and a low-capacity retention of less than 60%, whereas Q2 has a low initial columbic efficiency of 58% and a high-capacity retention of 81%. Q2 exhibits a stable capacity of 168 mAh·g−1 at a cycling rate of C/3 (124 mA·g−1), which is comparable to other hard carbon anodes reported in the literature. This unique synthesis method opens a pathway for the further tuning of Q-carbon with higher trapping/charging of Na+ ions in improved SIBs.