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Autonomic imbalance is attributed as key mechanism altering metabolic regulation in diabetes mellitus. In view of controversial reports on autonomic function in FDRD and prediabetes, we aimed to assess and compare the autonomic function across the complete glycaemic spectrum in Indian population. Short term heart rate variability and cardiac autonomic reactivity tests – blood pressure and heart rate response to orthostatic tolerance and deep breathing exercise, and diastolic response to isometric handgrip exercise were recorded in normoglycemic apparently healthy individual, normoglycemic first degree relatives of diabetes, prediabetes and diabetes individuals. Resting heart rate is significantly higher in FDRD, prediabetes and diabetes as compared to controls (control < FDRD = prediabetes = diabetes). Total power, LF power (control < FDRD < prediabetes = diabetes) and HF power (control < FDRD < prediabetes < diabetes) decreased along the glycaemic spectrum. Time-domain variables of HRV (SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, pNN50) were reduced as we move along the glycaemic spectrum (control < FDRD < prediabetes = diabetes). Cardiac autonomic function reactivity parameters such as 30:15 ratio and E:I ratio are decreased in prediabetes and diabetes group as compared to control and FDRD group (control = FDRD < prediabetes = diabetes). Diastolic response to isometric hand grip increases along the glycaemic spectrum starting from FDRD (control < FDRD < prediabetes = diabetes). Autonomic dysfunction is observed even in first degree relatives of diabetes. Autonomic dysfunction increases as we move along the glycaemic spectrum (control < FDRD < prediabetes < diabetes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of analyzing and taking action toward a low-carbon production, understanding the effect kind of farm management options is critical. Currently, a sustainable production system entails effective energy use with reduced environmental impact. Considering the quantum of inputs in coffee production, this study deals with the evaluation of energy flow and environmental footprints of coffee-pepper farms of Karnataka, India. The aim is to ensure the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of coffee-pepper production systems. The evaluation was made for 108 farms, categorized into conventional farming (CF), integrated production (IP), and organic farming (OF) systems, using both data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Life cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. A cradle-to-gate perspective was used to evaluate the life cycle environmental impacts. The functional unit is one ha of the cropping system, used for producing both crops (coffee and pepper). The energy analysis revealed higher energy use efficiency (2.3), net energy gain (18,890 MJ/ha), and farm autonomy (0.3) in the OF system. Higher energy consumption in CF and IP was attributed to the N fertilizer use (38% & 32%, respectively), followed by lime (20% & 17%, respectively). The DEA indicated that the average technical efficiency of the farming system was 0.82 for the CF and 0.76 for the IP. This implies farmers can save 18 and 24% of the resources in the CF and the IP systems, respectively. These farms performed more efficiently with a mean economic saving of 497 and 540 USD, respectively compared to the CF. The on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were the major contributor to the global warming potential; contributing 59%, 62%, and 62%, respectively in the CF, IP, and OF. The overall GHG emissions in the OF systems were 65% lower compared to the CF. The IP and OF systems showed better environmental and energy gains compared to the CF for most of the selected sustainability metrics. Hence, large-scale adoption of the OF practices or reducing the use of external inputs can help to achieve higher energy efficiency and to reduce environmental impacts associated with conventional farming systems. [Display omitted] • Coupled DEA + LCA approaches were used to assess energy flows & environmental impacts. • The organic system was energy efficient (2.3) with higher farm autonomy (0.3). • Enhancing EUE can save 18 & 24% of the resources in CF and IP systems, respectively. • Major contributor to the GWP were on-farm GHG emissions and fertilizer productions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]