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Vaccines are vital for prevention and control of mycoplasma diseases. The exploration of a vaccine candidate for the development of a vaccine is imperative. The present study envisages the evaluation of immune and oxidative response against an adjuvanted, sonicated antigen of

Dysfunctions of metacognitive aspects of metamemory and metaconcentration are common in substance use. No questionnaire tool has been validated among substance users to assess these metacognitive abilities. Therefore, this study investigated the psychometric properties of a brief metamemory and metaconcentration scale (BMMS) in adults with substance use. Using a cross-section design, participants (n = 395, age = 18–45 years, 22.7 ± 2.4 kg/m2) were purposively selected from houses earmarked by simple random sampling in Mizan, south-west Ethiopia. Interviewer-administered BMMS, the severity of dependence on khat (SDS-khat), and a socio-demographics tool were employed. A two-factor model with correlated error terms was found valid based on adequate model fit and measurement invariance across gender groups. No major ceiling or floor effect was found in the BMMS scores. Good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83) and adequate internal homogeneity (moderate to strong item-total ISI score correlations; r ≥ 0.46) were found. Khat dependent and non-dependents differed significantly across BMMS total score, factor scores and all the item scores except three. The BMMS has adequate psychometric validity in the population with substance use.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their characteristic properties have a potential to treat osteoarthritis, one of the major growing joint problems. MSCs show differential ex vivo chondrogenic potential on the basis of source that remains to be validated under in vivo environment. This study compared chondrogenic potential of MSCs derived from two common sources, adipose tissue (AD) and bone marrow (BM) under ex vivo and in vivo environments. The randomized placebo controlled osteochondral defect (OCD) study divided n = 72 rabbits equally into Control, AD-MSCs and BM-MSCs groups. Ex vivo chondrogenic induction resulted in an increased aggrecan fold expression in BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs. The former cell type had significantly (p0.05) higher fold expression as compared to the latter. The cell treated OCDs had significantly reduced gene expression for inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) as compared to the control. In OCD study, radiography, MRI, gross observation, histopathology and SEM revealed that the cell treated defects were early filled by the tissue that had better surface architecture and matrices as compared to the control. BM-MSCs treated defects had better scores especially for gross and histopathology than the AD-MSCs. Gene expression for osteochondral regulation and cartilaginous matrices was higher in BM-MSCs group while only for matrices including the Col I in AD-MSCs as compared to the control. It was concluded that OCD in the cell treated groups are filled early with mostly a fibrocartilaginous to hyaline tissue. BM-MSCs may have an edge over AD-MSCs in OCD repair.

PurposePoor sleep and cognitive deficits are often associated with increased drug use. However, no study has addressed the relationship between poor sleep, substance dependence, and metacognitive deficit in polysubstance users.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with a simple random sampling involving community-dwelling polysubstance users (n = 326, age = 18–43 years) in Mizan, Ethiopia. Participants completed a brief sleep questionnaire, severity of dependence on khat (SDS-Khat), a brief meta-cognition questionnaire, and a socio-demographic survey.ResultsMajority (56.4%) of the polysubstance users had sleep disturbance. Chronic health conditions [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31–4.85], chronic conditions in the family (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.40–5.20), illiterate-primary level of educational status (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.30–4.04), higher SDS-Khat score (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.13–1.72), and lower meta-cognition score (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97) predicted poor sleep in the polysubstance users. Moreover, low metacognition score and high SDS score also predicted additional sleep disturbances like chronic sleep insufficiency, lethargy and restlessness after nighttime sleep, socio-occupational dysfunctions, and daytime disturbances in polysubstance users.ConclusionPoor sleep, severe khat dependence, and metacognitive deficits are common in community polysubstance users. Moreover, poor sleep is associated with higher khat dependence, lower metacognitive ability, lower educational status, and the presence of chronic conditions in polysubstance users or their families.

Purpose A wetland is a place of tourist attraction, and tourism values play a key role in economic development. Among various services provided by a wetland, recreational services are increasingly valuable in the tourism sector. This paper aims to unfold the potential recreational values of the Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Design/methodology/approach The study uses individual travel cost methods (TCMs) and assesses its impact on regional development in terms of income and employment generation. A sample of 200 tourists is selected through an on-site survey on Dal Lake, and the demand for recreational visits and its value is estimated by employing the truncated Poisson regression model (TPRM) and un-truncated Poisson regression model (UTPRM). The consumers' surplus is estimated and tourists' benefit to visiting the wetland is explored. Findings On average, estimated consumers' surplus per visitor is Rs 6,250 (US$96.15) and Rs 25,000 (US$384.61) from respective models. The annual total recreational value of the lake is accounted for Rs 1713m (US$ 26m). This high consumer surplus (CS) and recreational values of the lake indicate large demand for its recreational facilities. Originality/value The study is based on primary data and thus, is original. The paper has implications for the policymakers to formulate sustainable management plans for the proper use of Dal Lake and tourism development.

The study was aimed to evaluate and compare the healing potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from two common sources (iliac crest derived bone marrow and omental fat) in a full thickness skin wound model. Bone marrow derived MSCs clinical efficacy in the repair of cattle teat fistulae (cutaneous and muco-cutaneous wounds) was also evaluated. In a completely randomized placebo controlled experimental full thickness skin wound model, n=36 were randomly divided into three equal groups: groups I, II and III receiving Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), BM-MSCs and adipose tissue MSCs (AD-MSCs), respectively. Grossly early reduction in inflammation and enhanced epithelialization in the cell-treated groups as compared to the control was seen. Microscopy, ultramicroscopy, gene expression analysis and mechanical testing revealed better and early matrix formation with a reduced scar formation and a higher tensile strength in the cell-treated groups as compared to the control. An overall comparable healing in the cell treated groups was observed, although BM-MSCs had led to the better matrix formation tending to scarless healing while the AD-MSCs had led to the early wound closure with a good tissue strength. In the case controlled bovine clinical teat injuries study (n=17) repaired surgically, BM-MSCs (n=13) or PBS (n=4) was injected locally. In surgico-MSCs treated cases, 84.6% non-recurrence rate was observed as compared to the 50% seen in the control. It was concluded that MSCs irrespective of the donor tissue have potential to improve healing of full thickness cutaneous wounds and/ fistulae.

Vaccines are vital for prevention and control of mycoplasma diseases. The exploration of a vaccine candidate for the development of a vaccine is imperative. The present study envisages the evaluation of immune and oxidative response against an adjuvanted, sonicated antigen of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumonia in male Angora rabbits (1 year old, 2 kg) divided in four groups, each having six animals. Group 1 was the healthy control and received 1 mL PBS via subcutaneous route. Group 2 was administered 1 mL of saponin-adjuvanted and -sonicated antigen, Group 3 was given 1 mL of montanide ISA 50-adjuvanted and-sonicated antigen, and Group 4 was given 1 mL of standard vaccine via subcutaneous route. Animals were evaluated for cellular and humoral immune response and oxidative parameters at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of the study. Total leukocytic, neutrophilic, and basophilic counts showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in vaccinated groups compared to the healthy group on most of the intervals. TNF-α levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the Group 2 than the Group 1 at all the time intervals and more comparable to Group 4 than Group 3. IL-10 levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vaccinated groups compared to the healthy group on days 14, 21, and 28, but were lower in Group 3 than in Group 2 and Group 4. More hypersensitivity as inflammation and histopathological cellular infiltration in the ear was produced in Group 2 and Group 4 than in Group 3. IgG levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Group 2 and Group 4 than in Group 3 on days 14 and 21. Antibody titers were comparatively higher in Group 4, followed by Group 2 and 3, than Group 1. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher oxidant and lower antioxidant values were noted in Group 2 and 4 compared to Group 3 and Group 1 on most of the intervals. The TLC and antibody titer showed increasing trend throughout the trial, whereas TNF-α, IgG, L, M and E started decreasing from day 14, and IL-10, N and B started decreasing from day 21. This study concludes that the saponin-adjuvanted and-sonicated antigen induces comparatively higher immune response than montanide but is associated with oxidative and inflammatory reactions.

The present study was conceded to evaluate the mineral concentration of lymphoid organs of broiler chicken in commonly encountered immunosuppressive diseases like an infectious bursal disease, Newcastle disease, colibacillosis, and concurrent infections of IBD-ND and IBD-coccidiosis. A total of 500 broiler chickens from each outbreak were examined, which included the diseased and dead broiler chicken. The birds examined belonged to different age groups and were assigned the group number as per age. The outbreaks which occurred in the age groups of 18, 21, 23, 25, and 27 were selected and a total of five outbreaks from every disease, for each age group were taken into consideration for the study. From each age group, for every disease, representative samples of lymphoid organs from 10 birds were collected for mineral estimation and compared with those of 10 normal birds of the same age group, having no observable gross lesions. The samples of bursa of Fabricius, thymus, spleen, and cecal tonsils were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Model 4141). A positive correlation was observed between the age group and concentration of minerals viz.: copper, zinc, and manganese in the lymphoid organs of normal broiler chicken. However, the diseased birds’ mean level of copper was found decreased and differs significantly (P

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) in substance-using Ethiopian adults. A simple random sampling of houses and a purposive sampling selection was performed in Mizan city, Ethiopia (

The present study was aimed to investigate the clinical, haematological, and serum biochemical alterations in commercial broiler chickens affected with pulmonary hypertension syndrome. Clinical signs were recorded. Haematological indices were investigated using a MS-4 automatic haem-analyser (MELET Schloesing Laboratories, France). Serum biochemical indices were studied using diagnostic kits (Aspen Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Rapid Diagnostic Group of Companies, Karnal Road Industrial Area, Delhi, India) and semi-automatic blood chemistry analyser (model SFRI-BSA 3000, Lieu dit Berbanton, France) as per manufacturer’s literature. The specific clinical signs for pulmonary hypertension syndrome included potbelly with frog sitting posture, gasping, tortuous and distended blood vessels, prolonged bleeding, occasional diarrhoea, and cyanotic comb. Haematological profiling revealed significant increase in haemoglobin, haematocrit, TEC, MCH, and MCHC; and lymphocytic leukocytosis in clinically ascitic chicken as well as non-ascitic birds from ascitic flocks. Serum biochemical profiling showed significant increase in blood glucose, A:G ratio, serum bilirubin, AST, ALT, LDH, ALP, BUN, and creatinine levels; significant decrease in total protein, albumin, globulin, and HDL cholesterol levels; and non-significant changes in total cholesterol.

Adoption of modern varieties of maize, characterised by higher genetic potential, is desirable from the viewpoint of increasing the maize yield level. At present, there is no well-structured and organised system for documenting the popular crop varieties and their area coverage in India. The present study attempts to fill such knowledge gaps by documenting the major maize varieties and estimating the adoption rates under the same, using the expert elicitation methodology. The study finds that maize cultivation in the traditional growing states and tribal belts is mainly dominated by the cultivation of local varieties and composites with a low seed replacement rate, especially during kharif season. Most widely cultivated maize varieties in India were P-3501, NK-6240, P-3396 and N-K30. Among the public sector varieties JM-216, JVM-421, African Tall, Narmada Moti and GM-6 were widely cultivated. The private sector maize varieties are dominating in those states where maize is mainly cultivated for commercial purpose such as feed and other industries. General resistance to diseases, lodging tolerance, grain colour, high shelling recovery and good storage life are some of the preferred attributes of the popular varieties. Several promising varieties from the public sector have not reached the farmers’ fields due to non-availability of seed. On the other hand, private sector maize hybrids have successfully diffused to farmers’ fields owning to strong marketing initiatives. Public sector varieties need to be brought under an efficient seed production system along with an effective transfer of hybrid maize cultivation technology to boost the maize yield levels and production in India.

A total of 2100 sheep, slaughtered or spontaneously dead, from various areas of Kashmir valley were screened for the presence of hydatidosis. Out of 2100 cases, 85 were positive for hydatidosis. Histopathologicallly, the cyst wall consisted of the inner germinal, middle lamellated, and outer fibrous layer. Inflammatory reaction around the cyst was variable and was characterized by an inner zone of loosely arranged fibroblasts infiltrated with mononuclear cells and densely packed fibroblasts mixed with mononuclear cells; and an outer layer of concentrically packed fibrous connective tissue. Mast cell reaction was observed mainly in the bronchiolar, peribronchiolar, and inflammatory zones in the lungs; while in the liver, mast cells were noted in portal triads and bile ducts and were least evident in the vicinity of the cysts. Qualitative increase was observed for acid mucopolysaccharides in fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, and bronchial epithelium, especially hyperplastic epithelial cells. Masson’s trichrome revealed intense formation of collagen fibers in the pericystic connective tissue. The calcareous corpuscles of the protoscolices were distinct when stained with combined Alcian blue PAS and toluidine stains but were not visible when stained with H & E and Masson’s trichrome stains.

Fungicides are usually used in agriculture and often find their way in poultry feed. Therefore, a study was undertaken to study the in vivo effect of one such fungicide (ziram) induced intoxication on pathomorphology of broiler chicken. After 2 weeks of age the birds were given fungicide (Ziram) in feed as a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Out of 10 birds, 3 died due to ziram intoxication (30% mortality rate). Birds that died rapidly showed pronounced neurological signs like convulsions. The carcasses of ziram intoxicated birds appeared dehydrated and their mucous membrane was pale in colour. Marked vascular congestion was observed in brain on gross examination. The livers showed congestion and haemorrhages with necrotic foci. Kidneys and lungs had ecchymotic haemorrhages and heart revealed gelatinization of pericardium, distention and pericarditis. Atrophy of bursa of Fabricius and thymus; hypertrophy of thyroid was found. Histopathological examination revealed neuronal degeneration and necrosis associated with mild gliosis in brain. Lungs, pericardium and epicardium had severe congestion and there was degeneration with separation of myofibers. Glomeruli were congested and frequently revealed hypercellularity. There were sinusoidal congestion and varying degrees of hepatocellular degeneration. Bursa revealed mild depletion of lymphoid cells in few lobules while as thymus showed hypoplasia with depletion of lymphocytes. Thyroid had mild mononuclear cell infiltration and caecum showed marked necrosis and denudation of the mucosa. In conclusion, the depletion of lymphoid tissue from lymphoid organs was suggestive of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effects of ziram toxicity in broiler chicken.

Aims This investigation was undertaken to study the prevalence, enterotoxin gene profile and molecular epidemiology of Aeromonads from various sources of water (182) and fish (173). Methods and results A total of 116 Aeromonas sp. were isolated, of which 48 (26·37%) were from water and 68 (34·62%) were from fish samples collected from retail markets and fish farms. The Aeromonads were recovered from all types of water sources viz. drinking water (13%), surface waters (26%) and fish ponds (69%). The most prevalent species recovered from drinking water was A. hydrophila, from fish ponds it was A. caviae, from surface water sources A. hydrophila and A. caviae were recovered more frequently, and A. hydrophila and A. veronii bv. sobria were isolated predominantly from gills of fish samples. On multiplex PCR analysis for the detection of enterotoxin genes (act, alt, ast), the above mentioned Aeromonas species frequently contained enterotoxin genes, irrespective of their sources. From isolates across all the sources, act (63%) and alt (57%) genes were encountered more frequently than ast (6%). The enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences polymerase chain reaction was used for typing of isolates and most of the isolates from water and fish were related, owing to similar ecosystem. Conclusion A wide distribution of enterotoxin genes in Aeromonads from water and fish is a potential public health threat and molecular genotyping can be helpful to study epidemiology of the pathogen. Significance and impact of the study A high proportion of isolates recovered from diverse water sources, particularly potable drinking water and fish samples carried one or more enterotoxin genes thereby indicating a potential pathogenic nature of isolates from these sources. The genetic relatedness was detected amongst many isolates recovered from water sources and fish samples indicating circulation of familiar virulent clones in the aquatic environments.

Hydatidosis, an important parasitic zoonoses is a major public health as well as economic concern throughout the world. A total of 2100, sheep (2052) and goats (48), slaughtered or spontaneously dead, from various areas of Kashmir valley were screened for the presence of hydatidosis. Out of 2100 cases, 85 were positive for hydatidosis. The frequently infected organs were lungs and liver. The liver was observed to be the most frequently infected organ with relative prevalence of 61.17% followed by lungs (38.82%). The pulmonary cysts were more fertile (55%) compared to hepatic cysts (45%). Histopathologicallly, the cyst wall consisted of the inner germinal, middle lamellated/laminated, and outer fibrous layer. Inflammatory reaction around the cyst was variable and was characterized by an inner zone of loosely arranged fibroblasts infiltrated with mononuclear cells, followed by densely arranged fibroblasts along with mononuclear cells; and an outer layer of fibrous connective tissue. Fibroplasia and calcification were noted at places. In liver besides the cellular reaction against the expanding cyst, hepatocellular degeneration and cirrhosis were observed, the severity of which was inversely related to the distance from the cyst. The structural details of the protoscolices were clearly discernable.

Clinicopathological changes due to sodium bicarbonate induced gout in broiler chickens were investigated. Seven-day old broiler chickens were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12). Group I served as vehicle-treated control, Group II and III were given sodium bicarbonate @ 2.5% and 5% respectively, in drinking water. Clinical signs developed progressively from 4th day of the exposure. 25% and 58.33% mortality was recorded in Group II and III, respectively. Deposits of chalky white urates were prominently seen in kidneys, liver, heart and proventriculus. Histopathological lesions included severe degeneration and necrosis of renal tubules and heterophil infiltrations; large focal areas of coagulative necrosis, congestion of central vein, fatty change and periportal and paraportal lymphoid infiltrations in liver; degeneration of cardiac muscles; and congestion and serous exudate in parabronchi of lungs. Thymus revealed severe congestion, degeneration and necrosis of lymphoid tissue with serofibrinous exudate. Masson's Trichrome stain revealed fibrosis in kidneys, liver, heart and lung tissues, whereas De Galantha's stain showed urate deposits as tophi or amorphous material.

The present research was undertaken to study the gross and pathomorphological alterations due to infectious bursal disease virus infection in broilers. A total of 29 outbreaks were recorded from Srinagar and adjoining districts during the study period. Out of the 29 recorded outbreaks, 22 (75.86%) were clinical outbreaks and the rest 7 (24.13%) were subclinical outbreaks. The average size of the affected flocks ranged between 2500 to 6000 birds. The affected birds were mostly between 17 and 35 days of age. Among the affected flocks morbidity varied from 30% to 60%, however mortality varied from 9 % to 25%. On postmortem examination the carcasses were found to be emaciated, dehydrated with darkened discoloration and presence of petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages in thigh and breast muscles. Histopathological alterations mostly comprised of depletion of B- lymphocytes with RE cell hyperplasia. Indirect immunoperoxidase staining of the tissues revealed viral antigen in the form of coarsely brown deposits.

In the last decades, valuation of environmental resources become an emerging task for environmentalists, decision makers and technocrats as they often are being undervalued due to their non-marketable nature. Various studies demonstrated that most of the economies are paced with continuous huge unobserved monetary loss in terms of deteriorations of environmental assets. This would be unhygienic for economic development in the long run. This paper highlighted the range of possibilities of economic valuation methods, as an economic assessment tool and how they are associated with the concerned problems. The study also documented the various pros and cons of each method and seeks to explain how valuation should be conducted to counter the policy related questions.

This paper explores the incidence and causes of child labour in the carpet industry of Kashmir valley. An empirical study was conducted using structured questionnaire to determine the different reasons for child labour in carpet industry in Jammu and Kashmir (India). The survey data was collected in 2013 in District Baramulla of State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In the results, poverty, absence of adult wage earner, illiteracy and parent unemployment were found the main causes for the incidence of child labour in study area. About 68 percent of child labour in case study is caused by poverty, 27 percent and 10 percent by illiteracy and parent unemployment respectively. Results showed that families having larger in size may also be responsible for child labour. The study further enlightens about several laws and enactments about child rights and their working conditions. It further studies the extent to which labour laws in the state are in consonance with the core international labour standards. The study suggested that on one hand the main causes of child labour should be eradicated and on the other hand presents that the legislative framework for child welfare should be strictly implemented to overcome this social evil.

In this study, adoption rates of modern wheat varieties in India have been estimated using expert elicitation methodology. The study has found that the wheat varietal output has increased during the period 2010–2015. The most widely cultivated wheat varieties in the study states are HD 2967, PBW 343, PBW 550, Lok 1 and PBW 502. The temporal and spatial diversity indices have been calculated based on the perceived adoption rates. Wheat varietal turnover has been highest in Punjab (7.50 years) and lowest in Rajasthan (19.25 years). The Berger Parker index has shown that relative abundance of varieties was lowest in Punjab (1.76) and highest in Madhya Pradesh (7.10). The concentration of wheat area under dominant varieties was highest in Punjab and lowest in Rajasthan as indicated by the Marglef index. The cultivation of older varieties and dominance of a few varieties deprive the farmers of the advantages of productivity gains, genetic improvement, in addition to increasing crop vulnerability to pests and diseases. The study has concluded that besides varietal development, it is also important to focus on reducing the socioeconomic and institutional barriers to adoption of improved crop varieties. In this direction, it is important to create an enabling institutional environment for increasing the rate of varietal replacement, promote spatial heterogeneity in crop varieties cultivated, identify and effectively bring the potential varieties under the seed chain system and enhance the outreach of improved wheat varieties with an inclusive approach to reach even the resource-poor farmers.

This paper is an attempt to determine the causes and impact of child labour in the carpet industry in Kashmir Valley. A primary survey was conducted to investigate the relationship between socio-economic determinants of working child and their likelihood to be in school and at work. Various reasons given by working children, their parents and employers favouring child labours were analysed in this paper. Parents’ illiteracy and ignorance, poverty, absence of adult wage earners and unemployment opportunities were found the main causes of child labour in the case area. The study presents the negative correlation between percentage contribution of child labour and household's income, while as showed positive relationship to the parents illiteracy. The study also determined the various effects such as weak eye sightedness, backache, headache etc. of child labour in carpet industry. Results of the study suggested that child labour in carpet industry is hazardous for child health and thus needs protection.

RNAi is a potent method, requiring only a few molecules of dsRNA per cell to silence the expression. Long molecules of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) trigger the process. The dsRNA comes from virus and transposon activity in natural RNAi process, while it can be injected in the cells in experimental processes. The strand of the dsRNA that is identical in sequence to a region in target mRNA molecule is called the sense strand, and the other strand which is complimentary is termed the antisense strand. An enzyme complex called DICER thought to be similar to RNAase III then recognizes dsRNA, and cuts it into roughly 22- nucleotide long fragments. These fragments termed siRNAs for “small interfering RNAs” remain in double stranded duplexes with very short 3' overhangs. However, only one of the two strands, known as the guide strand or antisense strand binds the argonaute protein of RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and target the complementary mRNA resulting gene silencing. The other anti-guide strand or passenger strand is degraded as a RISC substrate during the process of RISC activation. This form of RNAi is termed as post transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS); other forms are also thought to operate at the genomic or transcriptional level in some organisms. In mammals dsRNA longer than 30 base pairs induces a nonspecific antiviral response. This so-called interferon response results in a nonspecific arrest in translation and induction of apoptosis. This cascade induces a global non-specific suppression of translation, which in turn triggers apoptosis. Interestingly, dsRNAs less than 30 nt in length do not activate the antiviral response and specifically switched off genes in human cells without initiating the acute phase response. Thus these siRNAs are suitable for gene target validation and therapeutic applications in many species, including humans.