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In 1984, nearly 500,000 inhabitants of Bhopal city, India, were exposed to toxic gases that leaked from a nearby pesticide manufacturing plant. In 1985, four cohorts were established to assess the long-term health impact of exposure, namely, mild, moderate, severely exposed and unexposed groups. The self-reported morbidity data of these cohorts were collected by follow-up cross-sectional surveys at regular intervals over the last 35 years. The present study aimed to analyse the long-term trend of chronic (duration of symptoms >3 months) respiratory morbidity in the four cohorts, stratified by age groups. The design of this study is a longitudinal analysis of cross-sectional respiratory morbidity data. Chronic respiratory morbidity data within the cohorts were analysed at 5-year intervals (first recorded data from 1986). Based on age at the time of exposure, subjects were stratified into four age groups: children (aged <10 years), teenagers (aged ≥10 to <20 years), younger adults (aged ≥20 to <40 years) and older adults (aged ≥40 years). During the first decade, after exposure to the toxic gases, chronic respiratory morbidity in children and teenagers was high (up to 9.1%), which declined thereafter. Progressively increasing chronic respiratory morbidity was observed in both the younger and older adult age groups within all cohorts during the initial 5–10 years after exposure. Respiratory morbidity in both the younger and older adult age groups remained high for 15–20 years and thereafter recorded a declining trend. The highest respiratory morbidity observed during this study in the younger and older adult age groups was 38.6% and 59.5%, respectively; these values were both recorded in the severely exposed cohort. Exposure to toxic gases released during the Bhopal gas disaster has resulted in chronic respiratory morbidity of the exposed population; this morbidity has continued over decades. The age of the individuals at the time of exposure and exposure severity were crucial determinants of the long-term trend of respiratory morbidity. • Individuals, from neonates to the elderly, were exposed to toxic gases during the Bhopal gas disaster. • Exposed and unexposed cohorts were assembled to assess the health effects. • The long-term trend of chronic respiratory morbidity of the cohorts was analysed. • Chronic respiratory morbidity of exposed cohorts continued over decades. • Exposure severities and age at the time of exposure influenced the trends in respiratory morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first documented meteorological research in India was carried out by the British in the eighteenth century. Who, then, was the first native Indian to publish a paper on meteorology in an Indian journal? A paper entitled Note on a whirlwind at Pundooah by Chunder Sikur Chatterjee, included in the Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1865, was probably the first paper published by a native Indian in an Indian journal, indicating that meteorology, as a subject of academic study, has deep roots in India. The paper was in the form of note reporting a tornado at Pundooah to the Surveyor General's Office of India. The note was unique in that it was supported by a sketch that meticulously depicted the path of a tornado and its direction of rotation, and detailed the horizontal extent of the suction vortex and tornado cyclone, which were determined from observations of the trail of destruction. The spatial and temporal scales of the tornado recorded in the note matched those given in papers published more than 100 years later by Orlansky and Fujita, and it is possible that it constitutes the first meteorological record in which the horizontal scale of a tornado and its suction spot were accurately evaluated. The paper was the first of its kind in which tornado dynamics were ascertained via observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strong demand of a separate time zone by northeast populace has been a matter of great debate for a very long period. However, no implementable solution to this genuine problem has yet been proposed. The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, CSIR-NPL (the National Measurement Institute, NMI, of India and custodian of Indian Standard Time, IST) proposes an implementable solution that puts the country in two time zones: (i) IST-I (UTC + 5 : 30 h, represented by longitude passing through 82°33′E) covering the regions falling between longitude 68°7′E and 89°52′E and (ii) IST-II (UTC + 6 : 30 h, represented by longitude passing through 97°30′E) encompassing the regions between 89°52′E and 97°25′E. The proposed demarcation line between IST-I and IST-II, falling at longitude 89°52′E, is derived from analyses of synchronizing the circadian clocks to normal office hours (9 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 30 p.m.). This demarcation line passes through the border of West Bengal and Assam and has a narrow spatial extension, which makes it easier to implement from the railways point of view. Once approved, the implementation would require establishment of a laboratory for 'Primary Time Ensemble - II' generating IST-II in any of the north-eastern states, which would be equivalent to the existing 'Primary Time Ensemble-I' at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The interannual variability of Indian summer monsoon rainfall ( ISMR) is largely dictated by the continental tropical convergence zone ( CTCZ), characterized by the frequent cyclogenetic tendency associated with the transitory low pressure systems ( LPS(s) or monsoon transients) such as lows, depressions, cyclonic storms etc. A good monsoon is characterized by more intense and sustainable transients having longer westward propagation in comparison with the LPS(s) during weak monsoon. Now the questions arise from the energetics aspects - how does the energy favour the CTCZ to be more cyclogenetic during the good monsoon years? From where the monsoon transients are gaining energy to intensify and to sustain for longer durations during good monsoons compared with those in weak monsoons? The non-linear scale interactions may possibly be the dynamical reason for the intensification and maintenance of LPS(s), but, the quantification of non-linear interactions among the seasonal mean, low frequency oscillations, and synoptic scales are not revealed so far in previous studies. First time, the scale interactive energy exchanges in frequency domain have been explored to unravel the causes of weak LPS(s) during droughts vis-à-vis good monsoon years. It may be inferred from this study that the seasonal mean may play a crucial role for the generation of low and high frequency oscillations through mean-wave interaction whereas the wave-wave interactions have a significant contribution in intensification as well as the maintenance of monsoon transients. The dominant transfer of kinetic energy from the low frequency oscillations to synoptic scale observed over the large region of CTCZ favours the synoptic systems to intensify, survive for longer duration over that region before dissipation causing CTCZ to be more cyclogenetic during the good monsoon period with respect to those in weak monsoons attributing to the rainfall variability over the Indian landmass in contrasting monsoon seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Obesity has been regarded as a single best predictor and major controllable contributor to hypertension. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between body compositional and nutritional parameters with blood pressure in rural Bengalee adults. Methods Anthropometric measures, blood pressure and nutritional parameters were measured in 522 rural Bengalee adults using standard protocols. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to identify cut-off values of body mass index ( BMI) and percentage of body fat ( BF%) as associated factors of hypertension and hypotension. Results Most of the subjects were normotensive. However, a notable percentage had hypertension (males: 21.86%; females: 15.27%), although the prevalence of hypotension was low (males: 10.53%; females: 8.73%). Obesity indicators were significantly higher in hypertensive individuals than hypotensive and normotensive individuals. All anthropometric parameters and obesity indicators were significantly correlated ( P < 0.001) with blood pressure. Blood pressure increased steadily from being underweight through to normal and then to overweight/obese individuals. There were significant differences in the percentage of hypertension and hypotension between nutritional categories. Blood pressure had significant positive correlation with energy, carbohydrate and fat intake, whereas protein and calcium were negatively associated with blood pressure. The suggested cut-off values of BMI and BF%, which were taken as associated factors of hypertension, were 21.86 kg m−2 and 20.31%, and those of hypotension were 18.18 kg m−2 and 13.3%, respectively. Conclusions In lean rural Bengalee populations, high BMI levels may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The cut-off values of BMI and BF% in the present study suggested associated factors for cardiovacular risk factors and these values may be of help with respect to reducing mean population blood pressure levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ensemble prediction system (EPS) is devised for the extended range prediction (ERP) of monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISO) of Indian summer monsoon (ISM) using National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System model version 2 at T126 horizontal resolution. The EPS is formulated by generating 11 member ensembles through the perturbation of atmospheric initial conditions. The hindcast experiments were conducted at every 5-day interval for 45 days lead time starting from 16th May to 28th September during 2001-2012. The general simulation of ISM characteristics and the ERP skill of the proposed EPS at pentad mean scale are evaluated in the present study. Though the EPS underestimates both the mean and variability of ISM rainfall, it simulates the northward propagation of MISO reasonably well. It is found that the signal-to-noise ratio of the forecasted rainfall becomes unity by about 18 days. The potential predictability error of the forecasted rainfall saturates by about 25 days. Though useful deterministic forecasts could be generated up to 2nd pentad lead, significant correlations are found even up to 4th pentad lead. The skill in predicting large-scale MISO, which is assessed by comparing the predicted and observed MISO indices, is found to be ~17 days. It is noted that the prediction skill of actual rainfall is closely related to the prediction of large-scale MISO amplitude as well as the initial conditions related to the different phases of MISO. An analysis of categorical prediction skills reveals that break is more skillfully predicted, followed by active and then normal. The categorical probability skill scores suggest that useful probabilistic forecasts could be generated even up to 4th pentad lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address some of the issues of project Year of Tropical Convection (YOTC) and the project ATHENA as ongoing international activities, an endeavor has been made for the first time to study the predictability of Indian summer monsoon in the backdrop of tropical predictability using 850 hPa atmospheric circulations with the high resolution (T1279) ECMWF model during the boreal summer of 2008 as one of the focus years of YOTC. The major findings obtained from the statistical forecast have been substantiated by the dynamical prediction in terms of the systematic error energy, its growth rate and the attribution of the dominant nonlinear dynamical processes to error growth. The systematic error energy of T1279 (16 km resolution) ECMWF model are generated in African landmass, India and its adjoining oceanic region, in near equatorial west Pacific and around the Madagascar region where the root mean square errors are observed and the zonal wind anomaly shows poor forecast skill. As far as the inadequate predictability of Indian summer monsoon by T1279 ECMWF model (revealed from the results of project ATHENA) is concerned, the systematic error energy and the error growth over Arabian Sea, in the eastern and western India due to the nonlinear convergence and divergence of error flux along with the erroneous Mascarene high may possibly be the determining factors for not showing any discernable improvement in Indian monsoon during the medium range forecast up to 240 h. This work suggests that the higher resolution of ECMWF model may not necessarily lead to the better forecast of Indian monsoon circulations during 2008 unless a methodology can be devised to isolate the errors due to the nonlinear processes that are inherent within the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of Simplified Arakawa Schubert (SAS) and Relax Arakawa Schubert (RAS) cumulus parameterization schemes on coupled Climate Forecast System version.1 (CFS-1, T62L64) retrospective forecasts over Indian monsoon region from an extended range forecast perspective. The forecast data sets comprise 45 days of model integrations based on 31 different initial conditions at pentad intervals starting from 1 May to 28 September for the years 2001 to 2007. It is found that mean climatological features of Indian summer monsoon months (JJAS) are reasonably simulated by both the versions (i.e. SAS and RAS) of the model; however strong cross equatorial flow and excess stratiform rainfall are noted in RAS compared to SAS. Both the versions of the model overestimated apparent heat source and moisture sink compared to NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. The prognosis evaluation of daily forecast climatology reveals robust systematic warming (moistening) in RAS and cooling (drying) biases in SAS particularly at the middle and upper troposphere of the model respectively. Using error energy/variance and root mean square error methodology it is also established that major contribution to the model total error is coming from the systematic component of the model error. It is also found that the forecast error growth of temperature in RAS is less than that of SAS; however, the scenario is reversed for moisture errors, although the difference of moisture errors between these two forecasts is not very large compared to that of temperature errors. Broadly, it is found that both the versions of the model are underestimating (overestimating) the rainfall area and amount over the Indian land region (and neighborhood oceanic region). The rainfall forecast results at pentad interval exhibited that, SAS and RAS have good prediction skills over the Indian monsoon core zone and Arabian Sea. There is less excess rainfall particularly over oceanic region in RAS up to 30 days of forecast duration compared to SAS. It is also evident that systematic errors in the coverage area of excess rainfall over the eastern foothills of the Himalayas remains unchanged irrespective of cumulus parameterization and initial conditions. It is revealed that due to stronger moisture transport in RAS there is a robust amplification of moist static energy facilitating intense convective instability within the model and boosting the moisture supply from surface to the upper levels through convergence. Concurrently, moisture detrainment from cloud to environment at multiple levels from the spectrum of clouds in the RAS, leads to a large accumulation of moisture in the middle and upper troposphere of the model. This abundant moisture leads to large scale condensational heating through a simple cloud microphysics scheme. This intense upper level heating contributes to the warm bias and considerably increases in stratiform rainfall in RAS compared to SAS. In a nutshell, concerted and sustained support of moisture supply from the bottom as well as from the top in RAS is the crucial factor for having a warm temperature bias in RAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of 2009 Leonid Meteor Shower upon the two VLF subionospheric transmitted signals and vertical electric potential gradient from the ground surface have been studied from Kolkata (Lat: 22.56°N, Long: 88.5°E) on November 17, 2009. The received signals showed their peak values when ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate) was highest. Some typical variations in the outcome of these measurements during the meteor showers will be presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of microwave pretreatment on the grindability of high-ash Indian coal was investigated. Scanning electron microscope analysis characterized the micro fractures in microwave treated coal samples, which may be due to the thermal stress cracking resulting from the microwave pretreatment. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the microwave treated coal had a higher peak compared to the untreated coal indicates that the crystallinity increased with the microwave exposure time. The calculation of the Hardgrove grindability index indicated an increase in the ease of grinding or an increase in the grindability index of the microwave treated coal. Bond grindability tests showed that the work index decreased 15.4% after a microwave exposure time of 120s. Grindability tests showed that the microwave treated coal ground much more rapidly initially than the untreated coal, with the specific rate of breakage (S1) increasing by an average of 15%. The results showed that the rates of breakage of both microwave untreated and treated coal samples were dependent on particle size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The detection of 2009 Leonid, Perseid and Geminid meteor showers over Agartala, Tripura, India (Lat: 23.0° N, Long: 91.4° E) will be reported here by using two VLF receivers tuned to subionospheric transmitted VLF signals at the frequency 16.4 kHz from Aldra Island, Norway (Lat: 66.42° N, Long: 13.13° E) and the other at 18.2 kHz from Vijayananarayanam, India (Lat: 8.4° N; Long: 77.7° E). The received signals exhibited their peak values on November 17, 2009 when ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate) was highest. Some typical variations which are observed in the records of amplitude during the 2009 Leonid, Perseid and Geminid meteor showers will be presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of the results of some analyses of electromagnetic emissions recorded by VLF receivers at 6 kHz and 9 kHz over Agartala, Tripura, the North-Eastern state of India (Lat. 23° N, Long. 91.4° E) during the large earthquake at Muzaffarabad (Lat. 34.53° N, Long. 73.58° E) at Kashmir under Pakistan have been presented here. Spiky variations in integrated field intensity of atmospherics (IFIA) at 6 and 9 kHz have been observed 10 days prior (from midnight of 28 September 2005) to the day of occurrence of the earthquake on 8 October 2005 and the effect continued, decayed gradually and eventually ceased on 16 October 2005. The spikes distinctly superimposed on the ambient level with mutual separation of 2-5 min. Occurrence number of spikes per hour and total duration of their occurrence have been found remarkably high on the day of occurrence of the earthquake. The spike heights are higher at 6 kHz than at 9 kHz. The results have been explained on the basis of generation of electromagnetic radiation associated with fracture of rocks, their subsequent penetration into the Earth's atmosphere and finally their propagation between Earth-ionosphere waveguide. The present observation shows that VLF anomaly is well-confined between 6 and 9 kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control of animal parasites could become a strong arm for Integrated Parasite Control in the very near future. Though various nematode-destroying fungi received attention, predominantly on academic interest, from the 18th Century in Scandinavian countries, work on their application to control animal parasites gathered momentum from 1990's. The philosophy behind biological control is to utilise one or more of the natural enemies of the nematodes, making it possible to reduce the infection on pasture to a level where grazing animals can avoid both clinical and subclinical effects of the parasitic nematodes. The important requirement is the presence of the fungi in the faecal pats where the development of the pre-parasitic larvae takes place. Therefore, to be effective, the fungi should pass through the gastrointestinal tract of the host without loss of viability. The fungi, Duddingtonia flagrans and Verticillium chlamydosporium, which can be isolated from organic environment of India produces thick walled chlamydospores, the stage responsible for their survival during passage through the gut of ruminants following oral administration. The results had indicated survival of the fungus during gastrointestinal transit in grazing animals and successful reduction of numbers of parasitic nematode larvae on pasture. The dose of fungal spores to be given to an animal and the time of administration for effective parasite control has been standardised. The fungus behaves in density dependent manner and appears to be environment-friendly. The challenge lies ahead in its field application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber production has been extended to many sub-optimal environments worldwide during late 1970s. Prominent among them are northeast India, highlands and coastal areas of Vietnam, southern China and southern plateau of Brazil. In addition to near-ideal growing conditions, these areas offer stresses like low temperature, higher altitude, diseases and wind. South China experiences all these stresses due to expanse of land mass and extremely diverse climate. A number of rubber clones are being evaluated along with derivation of new recombinants adaptable to these areas. Rubber clones are seen to exhibit specific adaptation in these areas. A negative relationship of yield with minimum temperature, wind velocity and evaporation is very distinct in all clones in Tripura (NE India). While RRIM 600 can be adjudged as a universally adapted clone with moderate yield under all these sub-optimal environments, specificity in yield adaptation goes in favor of PB 235, RRII 208, RRII 203 and HAIKEN 1 (India); RRIM 600, GT 1 (Vietnam); REYAN 8-333, PB 235 (China) and PB 235, FX-3864 (Brazil). Though PB 235 gave higher yield in these areas, recommendations for commercial cultivation are impeded as a result of high wind damage. Clonal specificity for adaptation is distinct. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Diagnosis of cancer in a child places considerable economic burden on families. The health expenditures are more catastrophic in resource limited countries like India where GDP spend on health is just over 1% and financing of treatment is usually out-of-pocket (OOP). Consequently parents may abandon their child's cancer treatment to ensure financial sustainability of the family. Research in this area is mostly from resource rich countries and OOP expenditure burden remains unknown in India. Aim: The objective of this study is to describe the OOP expenditure incurred by families of children (< 18 years age) with cancer being treated in India prior to and during cancer directed treatment. Methods: A prospective cost of illness study from a family household perspective was conducted in 14 centers (5 public, 5 private and 4 charitable trust sector) in 4 cities in India from 2016-2018. Baseline family demographic and socioeconomic data were collected followed by OOP expenditure incurred prior to start of treatment. For the duration of the child's treatment, a social worker contacted parents at regular intervals to record their expenditure on cancer directed treatment. Data collection was stopped when one of these happened - completion of treatment or death or progression/relapse or abandonment or transfer. Data were described descriptively and a univariate/multivariate analysis using logistic regression was done to detect factors associated with OOP expenditure. Results: 394 children (63% male, median age 5 years) with cancer (64% leukemia/lymphoma, 33% solid tumors, 3% CNS tumors) were enrolled from public (45%), charitable trust (28%) and private (27%) sector hospitals. They were symptomatic for a median duration of 6 weeks (range 0 to 104 weeks). 88% had no insurance and 73% were from families with monthly income of ≤ 10,000 rupees (≤ 159 US$). Mean OOP expenditure was Rs 209,500 (3325 US$) which is 195% of per capita income (1706 US$) of India. OOP expenditure from onset of symptoms to start of treatment was Rs 53,104 (843 US$) of which 77% was medical (15% laboratory tests, 11% medicines, 9% hospital bed costs) and 23% nonmedical (12% travel, 6% food, 3% lodging). OOP expenditure on cancer directed treatment was Rs 156,396 (2482 US$) of which 64% was medical (9% hospital bed costs, 9% supportive care drugs, 8% laboratory tests) and 36% nonmedical (19% food, 9% travel, 6% lodging). On univariate analysis age, gender, city, type of treatment facility, insurance, type of cancer, driving time and distance were significantly associated with OOP expenditure but only insurance and type of treatment facility were found significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Families of children with cancer incur significant OOP expenditure prior to and during cancer directed treatment, which includes a significant portion on nonmedical expenses. Expenditure varied significantly by insurance and type of treatment facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines the phase dependant temporal and spatial error evolution and prediction of active break spells of Indian summer monsoon rainfall in an ensemble prediction system (EPS) on a pentad time scale using climate forecast system (CFS). The EPS system shows systematic wet bias (overestimation) over west coast over the Arabian Sea and Myanmar coast and dry bias (underestimation) over Indian land mass even at pentad 1 lead and these biases consistently increase up to 4 pentad lead and saturate thereafter. Irrespective of the phases of the monsoon, the lower bound of predictability is 2 pentads, while upper bound of predictability for initial conditions starting from active phase saturates at 3 pentads and for break and transition phases predictability error saturates at a later stage at about 5 pentad. Initial conditions started from transition phase shows higher potential predictability followed by break phase and then active phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Wilson disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism caused due to mutations in the copper transporter ATP7B. There is often a striking variability of clinical manifestations among patients with ATP7B mutations, including in siblings. This phenomenon may be caused by individual differences in copper accumulation in hepatocytes and intolerance to copper toxicity as governed by genetic variations in copper metabolism genes acting as modifier loci to the disease., Objective: To elucidate the genetic basis of striking clinical heterogeneity among two siblings of two families with WD., Methods: The disease diagnosis and subsequent clinical examinations were performed by expert clinicians. The younger siblings in both families presented with early neurological manifestations at a younger age than their older siblings. Interestingly, only the younger siblings were reported to have had hepatic manifestations. Exome sequencing of all the four individuals was performed to understand their heterogeneous phenotypic outcomes., Results: Genetic screening revealed no difference in the ATP7B variant spectrum between the siblings of each family. However, the siblings of both the families were found to harbor mutually exclusive pathogenic variants in suspected modifier genes implicated in copper metabolism and/or other neurological and hepatic disorders having overlapping symptoms with WD, viz., CFTR, PPARG, ABCB11, ATP7A, CYP2D6, mTOR, TOR1A, and CP, which can potentially explain their differential clinical phenotypes., Conclusion: Clinical heterogeneity between siblings with WD with the same ATP7B mutation profile may be attributed to the presence of different pathogenic variants in potential modifier genes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome. We confirm that the manuscript has been read and approved by all named authors and that there are no other persons who satisfied the criteria for authorship but are not listed. We further confirm that the order of authors listed in the manuscript has been approved by all of us. We confirm that we have given due consideration to the protection of intellectual property associated with this work and that there are no impediments to publication, including the timing of publication, with respect to intellectual property. In so doing we confirm that we have followed the regulations of our institutions concerning intellectual property. We further confirm that any aspect of the work covered in this manuscript that has involved either experimental animals or human patients has been conducted with the ethical approval of all relevant bodies and that such approvals are acknowledged within the manuscript. We understand that the Corresponding Author is the sole contact for the editorial process (including Editorial Manager and direct communications with the office). He/she is responsible for communicating with the other authors about progress, submissions of revisions, and final approval of proofs. We confirm that we have provided a current, correct e-mail address, which is accessible by the., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The long-term isolation, endogamy practices, and environmental adaptations have shaped the enormous human diversity in India. The genetic and morphological variations in mainland Indians are well studied. However, the data on the Indian Himalayan populations are scattered. Thus, the present study attempts to understand variations in the selected parameter among four Tibeto-Burman speaking ethnic tribal populations from the Darjeeling Hill Region (DHR) in the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot region of India., Methods: A total of 178 healthy male individuals (Lepcha 98, Sherpa 31, Bhutia 27, and Tibetans 22) living at an altitudinal range of 1467-2258 m above the sea level were studied for the 10 parameters namely, weight (kg), height (cm), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m 2 ) systolic and diastolic pressure (mm of Hg), pulse rate (per minute), saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO 2 ) (%), hemoglobin (g/dl), hematocrit (HCT) (%), and blood glucose (mg/dl). The data was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression methods., Results: Our analysis revealed comparatively lower hemoglobin and HCT levels, and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the Sherpas followed by the Tibetans. This may be reflecting the persistence of high-altitude adaptation signatures even in lowlands. Interestingly, the Tibetans differed significantly from other populations in terms of their higher body weight, height, and BMI., Conclusion: Thus, our study showed the persistence of high altitude signatures in Tibetans and Sherpa inhabited the DHR. Additionally, we also observed significant differences in the anthropometric and physiological parameters among the Tibeto-Burman populations of the DHR., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The ecological variation in biological and adult life-table attributes of two populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from the desert (Jodhpur) and coastal (Kolkata) regions of India are assessed to understand the reproductive and survival strategies. The results showed that females lived longer than males in both strains. The desert strain was more r-strategist because of its higher intrinsic rate of increase (r m  = 0.23), finite rate of increase (λ = 1.25), lower life expectancy of males (7.9 days) and females (14.4 days), mean generation time (T = 19.2 days) and doubling time (DT = 3.0 days). However, there was no difference in net reproductive rate (R 0 ) between the desert and coastal strains. The coastal strain showed a longer female life expectancy (22.0 days) than the desert strain (14.4 days). However, the fecundity (eggs/female/day) was lower in the coastal strain (11.4) than in the desert strain (15.1). Conclusively, the desert (Jodhpur) strain is adapted to a better r-strategy than the coastal (Kolkata) strain of Ae. aegypti, which might be helpful to flourish in harsh environmental conditions. This study may provide accurate predictions of Ae. aegypti population dynamics for vector management., (© 2022 Royal Entomological Society.)

Background: The cultural and social norms in India stipulate that family and preferably children of the older person, provide the support and care that is needed. In recent years, we have witnessed an overall upsurge in interest in informal care from all countries in the developed world considering their ageing populations. The older people living alone group is, especially interesting in this matter, since it seems to deviate from the expectations of extended family living., Objective: The aim was to describe older persons' experiences of informal care when living alone in India., Methods: The study has a hermeneutic design, analysing interviews of older persons living alone in India., Results: Findings revealed informal care as the thematic patterns: Informal care as a fundamental human responsibility, an obligation and thereby a way to act in 'common sense'. It was a way of 'paying-back' care that they had received from others in their life history, motivated by governmental care was not presented as an option. Informal care also created safety by the provision of alert and actionable care by loved ones, including spatial safety. Most of the informants experienced themselves as informal caregivers assisting others in need even if they themselves were old and fragile. Providing self care was also seen as a part of informal care conducted by capable and worthy persons. They also pointed out their own obligation to seek informal care and even to listen to the suggestions of younger generations regarding the type and scope of care., Conclusions/implications for Practice: Informal care in India is not only dependent on having children who ensure that you receive the care you need. Extended family, neighbours and friends feel a basic human obligation to care for the older people in their environment. This responsibility is deeply rooted even within the older people who become fragile in old age., (© 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Older People Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) is the anthropophilic and day-biter mosquito, residing in peridomestic habitats and is responsible for vector-borne diseases, i.e., chikungunya and dengue. The knowledge of mosquito life demographics is very important to provide a foundation for a successful vector control program. In the present study, a comparative adult life table, survival, and fecundity parameters were evaluated on desert (Jodhpur, Rajasthan) and coastal (Kolkata, West Bengal) strains of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from India under the standard laboratory conditions. The results showed significant differences between these strains for the life expectancy of males, fecundity (total eggs/cohort and eggs/female life span), oviposition days, intrinsic rate of increase (r m ), finite rate of increase (λ), and doubling time (DT). Female mosquitoes lived longer than the males in both strains. Significant differences were observed in the net reproductive rate (R 0 ) between Kolkata and Jodhpur strains. The coastal (Kolkata) strain showed a longer male life expectancy (5.6 days) than the desert strain (4.0 days). However, the fecundity (eggs/female lifespan) was higher in Kolkata (360.2) than the Jodhpur strain (229.7). The Kolkata strain showed higher R 0 , r m , λ, and the lower T, DT than the Jodhpur strain. Conclusively, the results indicate that the coastal strain of Ae. albopictus is more r-strategist than the desert strain. This study may help in the precise prediction of Ae. albopictus population dynamics surviving in these geographical areas for vector management., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

CTX-M ESBL are widely found in animal and human infections. For better understanding of CTX-M variations and epidemiology, a total of 2210 CTX-M sequences were retrieved from NCBI as at 20 December 2020. The maximum incidences of CTX-M were reported in China (n = 508), USA (n = 354) and Japan (n = 180). Single amino acid substitution in the domain region of CTX-M ESBL lead to survival benefits to the bacteria. A total of 31 different variations were found of which D240G was the most common followed by A77V and V103I substitutions. The variations in CTX-M enzymes were explained continent-wise revealing the maximum variation reported in America followed by Asia and Europe of which D240G substitution was the most prevalent. India contained only three variations (E166A, P167S D240G) found in New Delhi, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The P167 and D240 were under strong positive selection with dN/dS calculation., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The association of BAX -248 G>A and BCL2 -938 C>A with different cancers created conflicts.  We studied the correlation and the effect of these polymorphisms in patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC).  Methods: PCR-RFLP and Sanger sequencing were used to detect polymorphisms. Statistical analysis including forest plot and Kaplan-Meier Log-rank test was conducted to investigate the association and effect of these SNPs on the NPC patients' survival. The computational study was performed to investigate the possible regulatory role between these polymorphisms and the poor survival of NPC patients. Meta-analysis was executed to check the tissue-specific association of these polymorphisms in the context of global cancer prognosis., Results: We observed an increased and significant association of BAX -248 G>A [GA:OR=5.29, 95%CI=1.67,16.67, P=0.004; GA+AA:OR=5.71, 95%CI=1.82,17.90, P =0.002; A:OR=5.33, 95%CI=1.76,16.13, P=0.003], and BCL2 -938 C>A [CA:OR=2.26, 95%CI=1.03,4.96, P=0.04; AA:OR=3.56, 95%CI=0.97,13.05, P=0.05; CA+AA:OR=3.10, 95%CI=1.51,6.35, P=0.002; A:OR=2.90, 95% CI=1.59,5.29, P=0.0005] with the risk of NPC. Also, these SNPs were strongly correlated with poor survival in NPC patients (lower estimated survival mean, lower estimated proportion surviving at 5 years with p <0.05). The computational study showed that these SNPs altered the binding affinity of transcription factors HIF1, SP1, PAX3, PAX9 and CREB towards promoter (Lower p indicates strong affinity). The meta-analysis revealed the tissue-specific association of these polymorphisms. BAX -248 G>A showed a significant correlation with carcinomas [A vs G:OR=1.60, 95%CI=1.09,2.34, P=0.01; AA vs GG:OR=2.61, 95%CI=1.68,4.06, p <0.001; AA+GA vs GG:OR=1.53,95%CI=1.04,2.25, P=0.02); AA vs GG+GA:OR=2.53, 95%CI=1.65,3.87, p <0.001], and BCL2 -938 C>A with other malignancies [A vs C:OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.26,1.66, p <0.001; AA vs CC:OR=2.07, 95%CI: 1.15,3.72, P=0.01; AA+CA vs CC:OR=1.42, 95%CI=1.18,1.72, p <0.001; AA vs CC+CA:OR=1.89, 95%CI=1.02,3.50, P=0.04]., Conclusions: BAX -248 G>A and BCL2 -938 C>A was associated with poor survival in NPC patients. It may increase cancer susceptibility through transcriptional regulation. Moreover, these SNPs' effects could be tissue-specific., .

The preferential form of living for the elderly in India is within the extended family. India is undergoing rapid economic development, an increase in mobility, and changes in gender norms due to an increase in women's labour force participation, which places challenges on traditional intergenerational relationships. Ageing and the well-being of the elderly is a rising concern, especially considering that their proportion of the population is expected to grow rapidly in coming decades. There is a lack of universal state provision for the elderly's basic needs, which is especially profound for elderly women, since most do not have an independent income. This leaves the elderly dependent upon the benevolence of their adult children's families or other relatives. This paper explores, with help of narrative analysis and critical contributions from capability theory, elderly women's agency freedoms and how this can be contextualised with their varying capability sets. With help of Spivak's notion of the silent subaltern, the paper anchors elderly women's abilities to voice to their agency freedom. The master narrative of the silent supportive wife and side-lined mother-in-law as well as three counter-narratives explore alternative agencies taken by elderly women.

Background: The increasing trend of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in becoming the third leading cause of deaths by 2020 is of great concern, globally as well as in India. Dysregulation of protease/anti-protease balance in COPD has been reported to cause tissue destruction, inflammation and airway remodelling; which are peculiar characteristics of COPD. Therefore, it is imperative to explore various serum proteases involved in COPD pathogenesis, as candidate biomarkers. COPD and Asthma often have overlapping symptoms and therefore involvement of certain proteases in their pathogenesis would render accurate diagnosis of COPD to be difficult., Methods: Serum samples from controls, COPD and Asthma patients were collected after requisite institutional ethics committee approvals. The preliminary analysis qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed various serum proteases by ELISA and mass spectrometry techniques. In order to identify a distinct biomarker of COPD, serum neutrophil elastase (NE) and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) from COPD and Asthma patients were compared; as these proteases tend to have overlapping activities in both the diseases. A quantitative analysis of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the serum of controls and COPD patients was also performed. Statistical analysis for estimation of p-values was performed using unpaired t-test with 95% confidence interval., Results: Amongst the significantly elevated proteases in COPD patients vs the controls- neutrophil elastase (NE) [P < 0.0241], caspase-7 [P < 0.0001] and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) [P < 0.0001] were observed, along with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [P < 0.0001]. The serum dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) [P < 0.0010) concentration was found to be decreased in COPD patients as compared to controls. Interestingly, a distinct elevation of MMP-2 was observed only in COPD patients, but not in Asthma, as compared to controls. Mass spectrometry analysis further identified significant alterations (fold-change) in various proteases (carboxy peptidase, MMP-2 and human leukocyte elastase), anti-proteases (Preg. zone protein, α-2 macroglobulin, peptidase inhibitor) and signalling mediators (cytokine suppressor- SOCS-3)., Conclusion: The preliminary study of various serum proteases in stable COPD patients distinctly identified elevated MMP-2 as a candidate biomarker for COPD, subject to its validation in large cohort studies.

Goat milk, a choice of substitution to mother's milk for its composition, fulfils nutritional requirement of infants, pregnant mothers and older people. The present study was carried out to unravel the milk proteome profiles from geographically and genetically diverse goat breeds by gel based 2DE and nLC-MS/MS. A total of 1307 functional proteins comprising casein and other low abundance proteins were identified. Gene annotations revealed that the majority of the proteins were involved in binding function, catalytic activity and structural molecules and localised in nucleus and membrane. The distinguished proteins were involved in 144 KEGG pathways in information processing, metabolism, cellular process, organismal systems and diseases. The large number of proteins and peptides including bioactive peptides were reported from goat milk from diverse agro-climatic regions of India indicating their significant potential for human health applications. SIGNIFICANCE: Goat milk in India is used in various Ayurvedic formulations to treat a number of ailments and allergies as well as for nutraceutical formulations. The study identifies milk protein variants both at protein and DNA level and subsequent identification of proteins by 2DE and nLC-MS/MS resulting in a proteome comprising of 1307 proteins. The specific proteins and peptides having significant role in immune regulation, disease pathways, cellular growth and metabolism have been identified. The results contribute to goat milk protein and peptide database which is very limited. We identified proteins for specific functional categories and associated them with different pathways for studying functional diversity of goat milk proteins. The proteins and peptides identified can be used for multiple human health application., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The present study was aimed to compare the respiratory impedance of children residing in areas with different ambient air pollution (AAP)., Methods: A comparative cross-sectional pilot study was carried out in healthy school children of two cities in India i.e. Agra and Bhopal. Agra is one of the most polluted cities of India and AAP of Agra is much higher as compared to Bhopal, the reference city in the present study. The respiratory impedance was measured at 5, 11, and 19 Hz by forced oscillation technique (FOT). The anthropometric parameters, respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R5), small airway resistance (R 5-19 ), and reparatory reactance at 5 Hz (X5) of children from above two cities were compared by Student's t-test., Results: A total 114 children (57 boys) from Agra and 151 children (76 boys) from Bhopal aged 9-16 years were recruited. The children from Agra were younger (11.9 ± 1.9 yr vs. 13.1 ± 2.2 yr, p < 0.001) as compared to Bhopal, though their anthropometric parameters were comparable. The magnitude of R5 (5.53 ± 1.81 cmH 2 0/L/s vs. 5.10 ± 1.77 cmH 2 0/L/s, p = 0.05), X5 (-1.46 ± 0.65 cmH 2 0/L/s vs. -1.17 ± 0.63 cmH 2 0/L/s, p < 0.001), and R 5-19 (0.79 ± 0.79 cmH 2 0/L/s vs. 0.56 ± 0.78 cmH 2 0/L/s, p = 0.023) in children of Agra were higher as compared to children of Bhopal. The differences in impedance were significantly higher between boys, but not between girls., Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a higher magnitude of small airway dysfunction in children exposed to high AAP. A future study involving larger samples and longitudinal measurements of respiratory impedance will provide better insights., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To develop regression equations of within and whole-breath respiratory impedance for Indian children aged 5 to 17 y., Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 to 17 y old school children of Bhopal, India. Healthy children were identified by physical examination and by administering questionnaire. The respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) were measured at frequency of 5, 11, and 19 Hz by forced oscillation technique (FOT). The regression equations of within and whole-breath Rrs and Xrs were developed separately for boys and girls by multiple linear regression models., Results: Total 336 children were recruited and data of 320 healthy children (boys - 159), standing height of 146.1 ± 16.6 cm and body mass index of 17.2 ± 2.9 kg/m 2 were included in the analysis. The mean respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (R5) and respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz (X5) of the children, irrespective of gender were 5.46 ± 2.10 cmH 2 O/L/s and - 1.43 ± 0.85 cmH 2 O/L/s respectively. Boys of age 16 y and older had significantly smaller Rrs as compared to girls of corresponding age (p < 0.05). The standing height of children had the highest predictive power, followed by age in the regression model. With an increase in standing height, the magnitude of both Rrs and Xrs values of children decrease. The bodyweight of children had a negligible contribution to the regression models., Conclusions: The regression equations of within- and whole-breath Rrs and Xrs of Indian children aged 5 to 17 y are presented for the first time. The R5 values of Indian children were comparable to children of other ethnicities.

A new genus and species of Euryrhynchidae is described from Kerala, India. This freshwater shrimp family was previously only known from northern South America and West Africa. Although the inclusion of the genus in Euryrhynchidae is unequivocal (e.g. shape of the accessory ramus of the antennular flagellum, frontal margin of the carapace, telson ornamentation), the presence of a number of unique characters makes the relative placement of the genus within the family unclear, but likely basal to the other genera. The new genus can be easily distinguished from all others within the family by these characters, e.g. the upper antennular flagellum and its accessory ramus being joined over three divisions, the presence of a reduced carpo-propodal brush and a well-developed branchiostegal groove.

The present study was aimed to evaluate physiological strain among women cultivators engaged in potato cultivation. The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 150 women participants in different districts of West Bengal State, India. The physiological strain was evaluated by working heart rate, blood lactate and oxygen consumption. The average working heart rate was 109.97 ± 9.94 beats/min when all tasks were considered together. According to the working heart rate, oxygen consumption and energy cost, the potato cultivation job was categorized as a moderate work category. Whereas, according to cardiovascular stress index (CSI), all tasks of potato cultivation were categorized into a stressful category. The more experienced workers were more productive than their less experienced counterparts, and this increased productivity appeared to be a combination of greater efficiency and greater physical exertion. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses revealed that work pace and work experience had significant association with all the indices of physiological strain. Work pace had strongest significant impact on these indices even after controlling the effect of age, work experience and efficiency. It was concluded that during performing potato cultivation tasks the workers had a great extent of physiological strain.

Haloferax mediterranei has potential for economical industrial-scale production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as it can utilize cheap carbon sources, has capacity for nonsterile cultivation and allows simple product recovery. Molasses-based Indian distilleries are converting themselves to cereal-based distilleries. Waste stillage (14 l) of rice-based ethanol industry was used for the production of PHA by H. mediterranei in the simple plug-flow reactor configuration of the activated sludge process. Cells utilized stillage and accumulated 63 ± 3 % PHA of dry cell weight and produced 13.12 ± 0.05 g PHA/l. The product yield coefficient was 0.27 while 0.14 g/l h volumetric productivity was reached. Simultaneous lowering of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand values of stillage by 82 % was attained. The biopolymer was characterized as poly-3-(hydroxybutyrate-co-17.9 mol%-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Directional properties of decanoic acid jointly with temperature-dependent water solubility in decanoic acid were employed for two-step desalination of the spent stillage medium in a cylindrical baffled-tank with an immersed heater and a stirrer holding axial and radial impellers. 99.3 % of the medium salts were recovered and re-used for PHA production. The cost of PHBV was estimated as US$2.05/kg when the annual production was simulated as 1890 tons. Desalination contributed maximally to the overall cost. Technology and cost-analysis demonstrate that PHA production integrated with ethanol manufacture is feasible in India. This study could be the basis for construction of a pilot plant.

Presently, most of world electricity and other energy services are catered by fossil fuel resources. This is unsustainable in the long run both with respect to energy security and climate change problems. Fuel switching, specifically using biomass may partially address this problem. Polygeneration is an efficient way of delivering multiple utility outputs with one or more inputs. Decentralized small or large scale polygeneration using alternative fuels may be a future sustainable solution. In this paper, a techno-economic evaluation of a polygeneration with four utility outputs and rice straw as input has been reported. Results of the simulation and real-life data as inputs are used for the techno-economic analysis. The analysis is specific for a district in the state of West Bengal of India. Results show that such a plant has strong potential to qualify in techno-economic performance in addition to higher efficiency and lower CO2 emission., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) are innate immune receptors that recognize bacterial cell wall components and initiate host immune response. Structure and function of NLRs have been well studied in human and mice, but little information exists on genetic composition and role of these receptors in innate immune system of water buffalo--a species known for its exceptional disease resistance. Here, a comparative study on the functional domains of NOD1 and NOD2 was performed across different species. The NOD mediated in-vitro cellular responses were studied in buffalo peripheral blood mononuclear cells, resident macrophages, mammary epithelial, and fibroblast cells. Buffalo NOD1 (buNOD1) and buNOD2 showed conserved domain architectures as found in other mammals. The domains of buNOD1 and buNOD2 showed analogy in secondary and tertiary conformations. Constitutive expressions of NODs were ubiquitous in different tissues. Following treatment with NOD agonists, peripheral lymphocytes showed an IFN-γ response along-with production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Alveolar macrophages and mammary epithelial cells showed NOD mediated in-vitro immune response through NF-κB dependent pathway. Fibroblasts showed pro-inflammatory cytokine response following agonist treatment. Our study demonstrates that both immune and non-immune cells could generate NOD-mediated responses to pathogens though the type and magnitude of response depend on the cell types. The structural basis of ligand recognition by buffalo NODs and knowledge of immune response by different cell types could be useful for development of non-infective innate immune modulators and next generation anti-inflammatory compounds.

Arsenic pollution in groundwater is a worldwide concern due to its chronic effects on human health. Numerous studies have been carried out to obtain cost-effective arsenic removal method. Adsorption using natural materials or its treated forms is found to be cost-effective technology. Raw laterite (RL) or its treated form (TL) is studied recently as arsenic adsorbent for aqueous system. Laterite composition varies with geographical location and extent of lateritization. The study on effects of arsenic adsorption with varying composition of laterite is not explored yet. Four laterite samples with different compositions are examined to remove arsenic from water. These laterite samples are activated using an optimized acid followed by base treatment method in order to determine the effects of RL composition on arsenic adsorption behavior of TL. Higher iron and aluminum containing RL samples show higher arsenic adsorption behavior. Similarly, TL obtained from higher iron and aluminum containing RL sample shows the higher specific surface area (130-180 m(2) g(-1)) and pore volume (0.28-0.35 mL g(-1)). Two household filters using TL are deployed in arsenic affected area of Barasat, 24 Parganas (N), West Bengal, India and their performance is monitored for about a year., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Context and Objective: Chinese men in Singapore have a higher incidence of hip fractures than Malay and Indian men. We investigated whether there were corresponding ethnic differences in peak bone mineral density (BMD) in young men and whether differences in body composition influenced peak BMD., Design and Setting: This was a cross-sectional study of healthy volunteers in a tertiary medical center., Participants: A total of 100 Chinese, 82 Malay, and 80 Indian men aged 21 to 40 years, with body mass index between 18 and 30 kg/m(2) underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess BMD, lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM), and magnetic resonance imaging to quantify abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Multiple linear regression models, with adjustment for age and height (as a proxy for skeletal size), were used., Results: Malay and Indian men had significantly higher BMD than Chinese men at the lumbar spine (Malay: B, 0.06 ± 0.02, P = .001; Indian: B, 0.03 ± 0.02, P = .049), femoral neck (Malay: B 0.04 ± 0.02, P = .034; Indian: B, 0.04 ± 0.02, P = .041), hip (Malay: B, 0.05 ± 0.02, P = .016; Indian: B, 0.06 ± 0.02, P = .001), and ultradistal radius (Malay: B, 0.03 ± 0.01, P < .001; Indian: B, 0.02 ± 0.01, P = .029), and this difference was retained after adjustment for LM and FM, except in Malay men at the femoral neck and in Indian men at the ultradistal radius. LM was an important independent determinant of BMD at all sites, whereas FM, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and visceral adipose tissue were not significantly associated with BMD at any site., Conclusions: Lower peak BMD in Chinese men may partly explain the higher fracture incidence in this ethnic group. Further studies are needed to elucidate the reasons for these ethnic differences in bone accumulation.

The study aimed at characterization of buffalo β-casein gene and its promoter by PCR-SSCP analysis. Complete β-casein exon VII region analysis revealed two SSCP band patterns, with pattern-I representing predominant allele B (85%) present in homozygous (genotype BB) condition and pattern-II representing a rare allele A1 present in heterozygous condition (genotype A1B). Sequencing of two patterns revealed three nucleotide substitutions at codon 68, 151 and 193 of exon VII. The cDNA sequence of buffalo β-casein gene indicated three further nucleotide substitutions between allele A1 and B at codon 10, 39, and 41. Analysis of β-casein proximal promoter region (-350 upstream to +32) revealed four SSCP band patterns. These SSCP patterns corresponded to nucleotide substitutions at seven locations within 382 bp 5' UTR region of β-casein gene. Haplotype analysis suggested pattern-I of exon VII (wild type) was associated with three types of promoters and pattern-II of exon VII (rare type) corresponded to one exclusive type of promoter. The study suggested two haplotypes of exon VII and four haplotypes of promoter for buffalo β-casein., (© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Cervical spinal cord injury is a major cause of fatality among trauma victims. Unlike developed countries, national spinal cord injury database is not maintained in India. Paucity of data hampers the understanding of epidemiology of the event in India. So, this study was conducted to ascertain the epidemiological pattern of death due to cervical spinal cord injury and to identify the risk factors; also to find the association of vertebral injuries with various epidemiological parameters., Methods: Among autopsies conducted in Burdwan Medical College and Hospital from 2000 to 2010, cases with autopsy report mentioning "death due to cervical spinal cord injury" either primary or secondary were included in the study. It was a retrospective observational study based on autopsy report., Results: 536 cases met the inclusion criteria. Among them 89.4% were male and 10.6% were female; 63.8% victims were young adults (20-39 years). Mean (plus or minus S.D.) age was 33.5 years (plus or minus 12.8). All, apart from 5.4%, suffered from single segment injury with commonest site being C3-C4 (37.3%). Highest number of trauma occurred between 6 am to 9 am, 56.6% of the victims died before hospitalisation. Commonest mode of injury was road traffic accident (52.2%) followed by fall from height (25.0%); 53.7% cases had vertebral fracture with dislocation, 34.3% had only vertebral fracture. Only dislocation was significantly high up to 19 years age (p<0.001) and among females (p=0.029). All elderly suffered from fracture., Conclusions: This study revealed an unusually high male:female ratio with much representation of the younger age groups in the injuries in comparison to other parts of world. In absence of national database, this result can be used as a surrogate data.

Objective: To determine whether the OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Assay (OraSure Technologies, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, USA) in sputum is a valid tool for HIV surveillance among TB patients., Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on sputa of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis. Sputa were tested for antibodies to HIV using OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Assay (OraSure Technologies, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, USA). The results were compared with results of serum ELISA., Results: Compared to serum ELISA, the OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Assay in sputum specimens reported 90% sensitivity (9/10) and 100% specificity (307/307), with a positive predictive value of 100% (95%CI: 66.37%-100.00%) and a negative predictive value of 99.68% (95%CI: 98.20%-99.99%)., Conclusions: This testing method may provide a useful strategy for conducting HIV surveillance in possible co-infected TB patients at peripheral centres. Since there is no investment on infrastructure, it may be possible for paramedical health professionals to carry out the test, particularly in areas with low HIV endemicity., (Copyright © 2013 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Epidemics of dengue outbreak are frequent in south-east Asian countries. Dengue is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this region. This prospective observational study was done at Dr BC Roy Memorial for Children during the outbreak in 2005 in Kolkata to know the clinical pattern of dengue cases and to find the possible markers of development of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Two hundred and eighty seropositive cases of dengue were included in the study. Among paediatric population, 5 to 10 years age group was most commonly affected. One-sixth of the cases were from villages indicating the extension of the epidemic in rural areas. Abrupt onset of high fever, non-purulent conjunctival injection, erythematous lips, flushed appearance, myalgia, arthralgia, headache and thrombocytopenia were the predominant features. Rhinitis and pharyngitis were rarely found. Prolonged fever more than 7 days, flushed appearance, pharyngeal congestion, shock evidence, serous effusion, bleeding manifestations, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes and elevated PCV were associated with development of dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

The authors studied the prevalence of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I gene in 136 (85 male, 51 female) India-born schizophrenia patients residing in and around the Siliguri subdivision of West Bengal by the PCR-SSP method. The control group consisted of 150 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals from the same ethnic group as the patients. Increased frequency of HLA A*03 as well as decreased frequencies of HLA A*31 and HLA B*51, was noted. The study suggests the possible existence of a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia within the HLA region., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study was designed for screening polymorphism of known fecundity genes in prolific Indian Bonpala sheep. Employing tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR, 11-point mutations of BMP1B, BMP15, and GDF9 genes of 97 Bonpala ewes were genotyped. The FecB locus of the BMPR1B gene and two loci (G1 and G4) of GDF9 gene were found to be polymorphic. In FecB locus, three genotypes, namely, wild type (Fec++, 0.02), heterozygous (FecB+, 0.23), and mutant (FecBB, 0.75) were detected. At G1 locus of GDF9 gene, three genotypes, namely, wild type (GG, 0.89), heterozygous (GA, 0.10), and mutant (AA, 0.01) were detected. At G4 locus of GDF9 gene, three genotypes, namely, wild type (AA, 0.01), heterozygous (AG, 0.14), and mutant (GG, 0.85) were detected. Statistically no significant correlation of polymorphism of FecB, G1, and G4 loci and litter size was found in this breed. All five loci of BMP15 and three loci of GDF 9 genes were monomorphic. This study reports Bonpala sheep as the first sheep breed where concurrent polymorphism at three important loci (FecB, G1, and G4) of two different fecundity genes (BMPR1B and GDF9) has been found., (Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC)

This study evaluated the existence of different genotypes of Haemonchus contortus prevailing among goats in West Bengal, India. These parasites were isolated from the abomasum of goat intestine and the molecular characterization was performed by comparing variation of nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene region. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of ITS-1 amplified product showed the presence of three distinct conformations both in male and female parasites. The sequence analysis of conformations showed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in male parasites at nucleotide positions 106 and 107 and one SNP was detected in female parasites at nucleotide position 157. These nucleotide variations in different isolates did not alter the interior loop structure of the predicted secondary RNA, therefore we believe these variations may not be responsible for any evolutionary changes among conformations.

Screening of women of child bearing age among the tribal and rural population of different north eastern and eastern states of India was performed. More than 50% of women in some areas were found to have anemia. As part of the study nutritional supplementation was given to a proportion of the anemic population, comparing the effects of Spirulina, a compound containing vitamins and micronutrients and an iron-folic acid-B12 supplement. Follow-up of the cases was done over a period of one year and the impact of supplementation and a comparison of the two compounds made.

Background: Psychological impairment is a significant co-morbid condition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). No studies from India have been conducted to assess the prevalence of depression in COPD., Methods: We investigated the prevalence of depression in 100 consecutive stable COPD patients during their routine outpatient department visits. Patients diagnosed to have depression or chronic systemic diseases were excluded. Severity of the COPD was classified according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Hindi translations of patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered and severity of depression was assessed at each stage of the COPD., Results: All subjects were males with a mean age of 61.7 +/- 9.6 years. Six patients in stage I, 32 patients in stage II, 40 patients in stage III and 22 patients in stage IV of the COPD were enrolled. The cumulative prevalence of depression in the study population was 72 percent., Conclusions: Symptoms of depression were observed at all stages of COPD and its severity increased with an increase in severity of the COPD. High prevalence of depressive symptoms in Indian patients with COPD may be due to various confounding factors. Screening for symptoms of depression in patients with COPD by simple and quick validated questionnaires during their out-patient visits will be helpful in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment or referral.

The metacestode stage of Echinococcus granulosus is of zoonotic importance. In general, the 14-3-3 protein is involved in multiplication and survival of eukaryotes. Therefore, this communication presents succinct information on relative expression of the 14-3-3 protein in six different morphotypes of cysts of E. granulosus. All isolated E. granulosus belonged to the common sheep strain (G1). Relative expression of the 14-3-3 protein was higher in fertile cysts when compared to sterile cysts. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 14-3-3 protein was closely clustered with zeta-type isoforms 1 and 2 of the 14-3-3 protein. In addition, the present study demonstrates the presence of the 14-3-3 protein which until now had not been detected in the germinal layer. Our findings indicate that the expression of this biomolecule in the germinal layer of sterile organisms may contribute to the development and survival of the parasite in the host. The uniform expression of actin II conclusively proves the survivability of the harvested organisms.