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Introduction: Fasting denotes abstinence from food or drink or both for well-being, ritualistic, and spiritual purposes. This study was conducted to explore the effect of Navratras fasting on anthropometric parameters, biochemical factors, and pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Materials and Methods: This study was a short-term longitudinal follow-up study conducted during Navratras (Oct 2020) in a residential medical college campus in western Maharashtra. Assessment of the participants based on anthropometry, biochemical, and pro-inflammatory markers was done at three-time points 7 days before the start of intermittent fasting (T1) (before the start of Navratras), at the end of intermittent fasting (the last day of the festival) (T2) (during Navratras), and 1 week after completion of intermittent fasting (T3) (after the end of Navratras). Results: A total of 50 subjects participated in the study, and the mean age of study participants was 33.6 ± 10 years. There was a significant reduction in body weight (P = 0.001), waist circumference (P = 0.001), and hip circumference (P = 0.05) during the intermittent fasting period (T2). Significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.01) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (P < 0.01) were observed in the T2 and T3 time points of sampling. However, a significant increase in TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 levels was observed during the T2 phase (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The current exploratory study evaluating the importance of intermittent fasting during Navratras showed a significant reduction in certain anthropometric as well as biochemical parameters. It is recommended that intermittent fasting may be considered by individuals who are overweight and need to improve overall health. However, it is important that like any other weight-loss program, intermittent fasting should also be undertaken under medical supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the reconstruction of multidimensional digital signals in multirate digital signal processing. We show that the composition of sampling operator and interpolation operator forms the frame operator of multivariate discrete time wavelet (MDTW) system of scale matrix . By taking a collection of M filters, we construct dual MDTW tight frames. Also, we discuss the existence and construction of MDTW Parseval frames in multidimensional sequence space. The necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of orthonormal basis of scale matrix is discussed. Using dual MDTW tight frame, we characterize biorthogonal pair of Riesz bases. Further, we define multivariate Parseval frame of weighted exponentials, dual multivariate tight frame of weighted exponentials of scale matrix in periodic space L 2 ([ 0 , 1) d). Finally, we give the applications of MDTW frames in the theory of frames of weighted exponentials of scale matrix in periodic space L 2 ([ 0 , 1) d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long term experiment was carried out in MAP Section (GPB), CCS HAU, Hisar from 2005-2019, beginning with evaluation of germplasm identification of superior parental lines, hybridization and selections as per the traditional pedigree method for development of high yielding varieties of Faba bean. In the present investigation, a number of germplasm lines were screened for seed yield and other related traits including a national check Vikrant during 2004-05. As a result, ten elite genotypes were identified. These selected genotypes were inter-mated to produce a series of F1 hybrids followed by raising of F² to F6 progenies for selection of superior recombinants during 2007-08 to 2011-12. This rigorous evaluation and selection process resulted in identification of 20 superior transgressive segregant progenies which could be used as new entries. During 2012-2013, these superior entries were evaluated at Hisar center against Vikrant and were found to be promising. Consequently, these 20 genotypes were evaluated in Small Scale Trial during 2013-14, Large Scale Trial during 2014-15 and Final Yield Trial during 2015-16. On the basis of the above evaluations, five genotypes i.e., HB12-8 (47.77 q/ha), HB12-42 (47.70 q/ha), HB12-15 (46.70 q/ha), HB12-34 (46.14 q/ha) and HB12-37 (45.31 q/ha) were found to be promising. These were further evaluated in multi-location trials for seed yield, quality and resistance against insect pest and disease in IVT and AVT during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. Out of these, HB 12-8 and HB12-34 exhibited yield superiority over national checks, Vikrant and HFB-1 and free from insect pest and disease as well as low vicine-convicine and high protein content. Therefore, HB 12-8 and HB 12-34 may be recommended for commercial cultivation in plain zone at national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, it is proved that under some conditions, wavelet packet basis of L 2 (ℝ) can be used as a tool for the uniform approximation of an M -times (M > 0) continuously differentiable and square integrable function f. Sufficient conditions which establish that the approximations of wavelet packet sequences of square integrable function f at lower levels are uniformly reliable and they uniformly approach zero as j → ∞ are given. Finally, a method based on wavelet packet expansion to find the definite integral of a function in L 2 (ℝ) is given and its error analysis has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A large number Indian troops are deployed in International Peacekeeping Missions Worldwide and are exposed to emerging and re-emerging vectors and diseases in unfamiliar terrain. This article describes the experience of a flea outbreak among Indian UN Peacekeepers in a remote part of South Sudan. Methods: Health visits to the area confirmed presence of dog fleas. Flea bites disrupted daily routine of the unit and many troopers reported to medical facilities with severe dermatitis. Death of a field rat in the immediate vicinity along with detection of rat fleas was cause for worry as Plague and other flea-borne diseases are known to occur in the country in sylvatic form. Result: Conventional vector control measures had limited impact and unconventional measures had to be devised due to limited capacity in the inaccessible area. Severity of the problem, potential to cause flea-borne diseases and unavailability of conventional insecticides prompted the author to use Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) for area spray in the UN base. Conclusion: Healthcare providers in fastevolving operational situations such as Peacekeeping Missions need to maintain high index of suspicion and often adopt innovative methods to ensure effective public health cover to troops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we give characterizations of retro Banach frames in Banach spaces. The notion of almost exact retro Banach frame is defined and a characterization of retro Banach frame has been given. Also results exhibiting relationship between frames, almost exact retro Banach frames and Riesz bases has been proved. Finally, we give some perturbation results of retro Banach frames and an almost exact retro Banach frames for Banach spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schauder frames were introduced by Han and Larson [9] and further studied by Casazza, Dilworth, Odell, Schlumprecht and Zsak [2]. In this paper, we have introduced approximative Schauder frames as a generalization of Schauder frames and a characterization for approximative Schauder frames in Banach spaces in terms of sequence of non-zero endomorphism of finite rank has been given. Further, weak* and weak approximative Schauder frames in Banach spaces have been defined. Finally, it has been proved that E has a weak approximative Schauder frame if and only if E* has a weak* approximative Schauder frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost orthogonal frames have been introduced and studied. It has been proved that a bounded almost orthogonal frame satisfies Feichtinger conjecture. Also, we prove that a bounded almost orthogonal frame contains a Riesz basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Enlarged left atrium predicts outcomes in patients with heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke. Left atrial volume especially when corrected for body size, is a more accurate representation of true LA size. Aims and Objectives: To study left atrial volume index in elderly patients with left ventricle anterior infarction and correlate LAVi with left ventricle ejection fraction and transmitral Doppler flow. Materials and Methods: Control group consisted of 25 healthy elderly subjects Study group consisted of age and sex matched patients with LV anterior infarction with history of characteristic ischaemic chest pain. Patients with valve lesions, large shunts and rythum disturbances were excluded. On transthoracic echocardiography biplane method of disks was used to calculate LA volume. LAVi was calculated by dividing LA volume by body surface area of subjects. Observation and Results: LAVi was significantly raised in elderly patients who suffered from AMI (P<0.005). We also found significant negative correlation of LAVi with LVEF, E wave peak velocity and deacceleration time. Conclusion: Patients with advanced left venticular systolic and diastolic dysfunction had a significantly larger LAVi than healthy subjects. LAVi is useful for risk stratification and for guiding therapy in such patients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stronger version of the notion of frame in Banach space called Strong Retro Banach frame (SRBF) is defined and studied. It has been proved that if χ is a Banach space such that χ* has a SRBF, then χ has a Bi-Banach frame with some geometric property. Also, it has been proved that if a Banach space χ has an approximative Schauder frame, then χ* has a SRBF. Finally, the existence of a non-linear SRBF in the conjugate of a separable Banach space has been proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The change in serological status of community may be used as input for guiding the public health policy. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine change in seroprevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs)., Methods: From the baseline multicentric study sample, a subsample was followed up, and a seroepidemiological study was conducted among them between 6 and 22 weeks after the second dose of the vaccination. Multistage population proportion to size sampling was performed for the selection of subsample of HCWs. The serosurvey was conducted using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based IgG antibody test (COVID KAVACH)., Results: Follow-up serological testing was done in subsample of 1122 participants of original 3253 participants. The mean age of the participants was 34.6 (8.13) years. A total of 300 (26.7%) participants were females. The seroprevalence was 78.52, (95%CI:76-80.1). Among those who were seronegative at initial test, 708 (77.04%) were seroconverted. Those who were not seroconverted (241 (21.5%)) have longer duration from the second dose of the vaccination (93 (31.4) vs. 56 (38.4); p value < 0.001). The COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with seropositive status and being a medical staff was associated with remaining seronegative on follow-up. The higher age (≥50 years) was found to be significantly associated with seroreversion., Conclusion: Four in five HCWs had detectable antibodies. Seroepidemiological studies carry vital information to control the public health response in the course of the pandemic. The study can also further help as a platform to study the seroconversion and effect of vaccination among HCWs for newer variants of SARS-CoV-2., (© 2022 Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India Pvt. Ltd.)

Background: Despite having an effective COVID-19 vaccine, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and the delta variant continues to cause havoc across several continents. The present study was conducted to analyze and describe the occurrence of COVID-19 cases among completely vaccinated individuals., Methods: In an educational institute in Western Maharashtra, we analyzed a cluster of RTPCR positive COVID-19 cases among fully vaccinated students which occurred in 12 days. The cases were linked to a series of curricular and co-curricular events in the institute. A detailed epidemiological investigation and genome sequencing of cases were conducted. IgG antibodies against S1 protein of novel SARS-CoV-2 were estimated for cases and age, sex, and vaccination status matched controls., Results: All 37 identified cases were mild COVID. 188 high risk (HR) contacts of the cases were identified. The overall secondary attack was 9.5%. Out of 31 cases and 50 controls, 09 (29%) cases and 08 (16%) controls were found to have IgG antibodies against S1 protein of novel SARS-CoV-2 titer of more than 60 U/ml. Whole-genome sequencing of 15 samples of the cluster showed the presence of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. No correlation was observed between Ct value and IgG S1 antibody titers., Conclusion: The study provides significant evidence that only vaccination alone does not completely protect against SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant infection. An all-encompassing multicomponent strategy involving implementation of NPIs, robust contact tracing, early identification and isolation of cases, and high vaccination coverage is the way forward for the prevention of COVID-19., Competing Interests: The authors have none to declare., (© 2022 Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India Pvt. Ltd.)