Search

The delayed identification and management of musculoskeletal tuberculosis (MSTB) poses substantial health challenges and leads to significant morbidity. This study aimed to collate ten years of hospital data and provide valuable insights into the clinical, diagnostics, and outcomes of the patients diagnosed with MSTB. A retrospective study was undertaken to review clinic records from 2013 to 2022 for all individuals diagnosed with MSTB in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Over a decade, 400 cases of MSTB were diagnosed, revealing 57 % males and 43 % females with a mean age of 43.2 ± 18.9 years. Spinal TB constituted 72 % of cases, with the most common involvement of thoracic vertebrae (50.9 %). Extra-spinal MSTB accounted for 28 %, prevalent more in the pediatric age group (p < 0.05). Surgical intervention was required for 80 % of spinal TB cases and 58 % of extra-spinal MSTB cases. The average follow-up duration was two years, with 73 % completing treatment. Unfortunately, seven patients died, and three experienced relapse. Spinal TB is the most common type of MSTB and is predominant in young and middle-aged adults, while extra-spinal MSTB is more frequently observed in children. Where use of MRI facilitates early detection of spinal TB; histopathological and microbiological examination confirm the diagnosis. Combining anti-tubercular drugs with modern surgical approaches is essential for obtaining favorable outcomes and improving the quality of life of such patients. It is crucial to have advanced and affordable diagnostic facilities, along with increased public awareness, to reinforce tuberculosis control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advanced osteoarthritis of knees with varus deformity consists of attenuation of lateral structures with contracture of the posteromedial structures and formation of medial osteophytes. The conventional step-wise medial and posteromedial release with measured resection may sometimes hinder achievement of perfectly balanced flexion and extension gaps with maintenance of flexion stability, without the use of a constrained prosthesis. Medial femoral epicondylar sliding osteotomy tailors the balancing to the need of the kinematics of the native knee and precludes the use of a constrained implant. Methods: 15 patients with Ahlbäck Grades III through V osteoarthritic changes at Howrah Orthopaedic Hospital were included in a prospective cohort case series with a minimum period of follow-up being 12 months. Physical examination, clinical questionnaire and radiographic evaluation were done post-operatively for objectification by functional Knee Society and Oxford Knee Scores respectively. Results and Analysis: The mean post-operative femorotibial angulation ameliorated to a value of 3.73 ± 1.58° from 18.67 ± 4.2° in the pre-operative stage. The mean overall Range of Motion of operated knee was 109.87 ± 6.86° with no residual frontal laxity and/or laxity in the coronal plane. The mean amount of resection of tibial plateau in patients with severe varus deformity was kept to a minimum, 6.56 mm from the least deficient portion of the lateral condyle. There were no complications as regards component loosening and/or surgical-site infection. Conclusion: The main objective of balancing a severely varus-afflicted knee is to preserve as much of the Medial Collateral Ligament as possible, to retain its check rein function and not jeopardise the stability. This is ensured by distalisation and posteriorizing the medial epicondyle by an incomplete osteotomy in addition to modest tibial resection fetching a non-isometric point of knee flexion. All osteotomies united by bony union and restoration of kinematic alignment. The limitation of this study however includes the lack of long-term results, such as late instability and polyethylene wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eastern India, the tubers of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. are used by the ethnic communities for its wide range of medicinal and nutritional value, especially to rejuvenate livestock health and to treat helminthiasis. The study is aimed to evaluate the ethnoveterinary medicinal importance of P. tuberosa as anthelmintic, to verify its nontoxic nature and identify the most potent phytoconstituents aided by in silico molecular docking technique. Ethnomedicinal data collected from 185 informants were quantitatively analyzed employing eight quantitative indices to highlight the use diversity and most frequently used part of the plant. High scores of certain indices employed, such as Use Value (UV = 0.52), Fidelity Level (FL = 68.42%) and Tissue Importance Value (TIV = 1) clearly illustrate an ethnomedicinal lead regarding medico-nutritional benefits of the tuber part used against intestinal helminthic diseases of veterinary animals. Based on this ethno-guided lead, root tuber has been investigated for its chemical profiling by the estimation of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids, along with HPLC and GC-MS analyses. Anthelmintic property was evaluated with the tuber extracts by in vitro studies on some helminths of livestock and poultry birds, and it showed promising results against the tested parasites namely Cotylophoron cotylophorum, Raillietina tetragona and Setaria cervi. Toxicity assessments of tuber extract through in vitro and in vivo methods were performed using Vero cells and BALB/c mice. Nontoxic nature of the studied tuber extract was observed even in higher experimental doses. Out of 12 phytocompounds identified by GC-MS analysis, one compound [Morphinan-4,5-epoxy-3,6-di-ol,6- (7-nitrobenzofurazan-4-yl) amino-] exhibited the best binding conformations in cost of the lowest binding energy values with six target proteins that include one anti-inflammatory, one antioxidant, and four anthelmintic proteins. The findings of our study are found very encouraging to evaluate this tuber drug furthermore intensively towards the development of anthelmintic veterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracting gas from unconventional shale reservoirs with low permeability is challenging. To overcome this, hydraulic fracturing (HF) is employed. Despite enhancing shale gas production, HF has drawbacks like groundwater pollution and induced earthquakes. Such issues highlight the need for ongoing exploration of novel shale gas extraction methods such as in situ heating through combustion or pyrolysis to mitigate operational and environmental concerns. In this study, thermally immature shales of contrasting organic richness from Rajmahal Basin of India were heated to different temperatures (pyrolysis at 350, 500 and 650 °C) to assess the temperature protocols necessary for hydrocarbon liberation and investigate the evolution of pore structural facets with implications for CO2 sequestration in underground thermally treated shale horizons. Our results from low-pressure N2 adsorption reveal reduced adsorption capacity in the shale splits treated at 350 and 500 ºC, which can be attributed to structural reworking of the organic matter within the samples leading to formation of complex pore structures that limits the access of nitrogen at low experimental temperatures. Consequently, for both the studied samples BET SSA decreased by ∼58% and 72% at 350 °C, and ∼67% and 68% at 500 °C, whereas average pore diameter increased by ∼45% and 91% at 350 °C, and ∼100% and 94% at 500 °C compared to their untreated counterparts. CO2 adsorption results, unlike N2, revealed a pronounced rise in micropore properties (surface area and volume) at 500 and 650 ºC (∼30%–35% and ∼41%–63%, respectively for both samples), contradicting the N2 adsorption outcomes. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images complemented the findings, showing pore structures evolving from microcracks to collapsed pores with increasing thermal treatment. Analysis of the SEM images of both samples revealed a notable increase in average pore width (short axis): by ∼4 and 10 times at 350 °C, ∼5 and 12 times at 500 °C, and ∼10 and 28 times at 650 °C compared to the untreated samples. Rock-Eval analysis demonstrated the liberation of almost all pyrolyzable kerogen components in the shales heated to 650 °C. Additionally, the maximum micropore capacity, identified from CO2 gas adsorption analysis, indicated 650 °C as the ideal temperature for in situ conversion and CO2 sequestration. Nevertheless, project viability hinges on assessing other relevant aspects of shale gas development such as geomechanical stability and supercritical CO2 interactions in addition to thermal treatment. Highlights: Insitu thermal treatment of shales for liberation of hydrocarbons and CO2 sequestration. Significant changes in shale geochemistry and pore properties with increasing temperatures of treatment. Visualizing thermally induced pore evolution in shale: microcracks to collapsed pores. Limitations of N2 in accessing complex pore structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil leaves, fruits, and woods assigned to Rhamnaceae have been recorded from India, however, there are no previous reports of rhamnaceous fossil flowers from India. Here, we report the first fossil flowers in appreciable numbers from the early Eocene (Palana Formation) sedimentary sequences of Gurha Lignite Mine, Rajasthan, western India, and show that they are attributable to Rhamnaceae. We examined variation in flower morphology among extant and extinct rhamnaceous species as a basis for interpreting our fossil flowers. The specimens are small star‐like, pentamerous, actinomorphic, gamosepalous flowers with triangular, keeled sepals with acute apices, spathulate, short‐clawed petals alternating with sepals, shallow, five‐lobed nectary disc with prominent pentagonal outer margin, and a centrally placed globose ovary with stigma scar. The flowers co‐occur with ziziphoid leaves and are recognized as a new species Eopaliura indica Patel, Rana & Khan sp. nov. Because of aforesaid characteristics, fossil flowers are easily identifiable as Rhamnaceae and should provide a reliable means of documenting the evolutionary history of this family during the Cenozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional disability status of Indian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is unidentified. In this cross-sectional study functional capacity of 60 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients was assessed by the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire. A total of 60 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients aged ranges from 1 to 12 years were recruited from a teaching hospital in eastern India. A childhood health assessment questionnaire was used to assess the functional health of children. Pain, patient's/parent's global assessment of general well-being, and physician's global assessment were assessed. Childhood health assessment questionnaire disability index for oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis differed significantly from polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (P < 0.001), systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (P = 0.018) and undifferentiated juvenile idiopathic arthritis (P < 0.001). There was a good to a strong positive correlation between the childhood health assessment questionnaire disability index with pain score, patient's/parent's global assessment score, and physician global assessment score for the total juvenile idiopathic arthritis cohort. regarding juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes, significant correlations were noted between the childhood health assessment questionnaire disability index with the patient's/parent's global assessment and physician's global assessment (except for enthesitis-related arthritis). Assessment and documentation of the functional health status of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients will improve the management of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opening of Neo-Tethys within Gondwanaland during the Guadalupian (transition signified a pivotal transgressive event) in the Permian Period. Consequently, an attempt has been undertaken to elucidate the sequence stratigraphy and palaeodepositional settings of fluvial sedimentary deposits encompassing coal and shale sediments within the Godavari Valley Coalfield, South India. The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content across the examined samples exhibits a discernible range from 0.07 to 65.53 wt%, with reactive carbon, measured as Pyrolyzable Carbon (PC), displaying variations from 0.02 to 15.93 wt% and non-reactive carbon, characterized, as Residual Carbon (RC), spans a percentage range of 0–66.86 wt% within the selected samples. The predominant organic matter manifests as type III kerogen, except Sh-47, where type II kerogen is identified. The combination of Rock–Eval pyrolysis alongside palynofacies analysis facilitates the differentiation of significant system tracts arising from relative sea level fluctuations within the deposited terrestrial sequences. These tracts include swampy and flooded palaeomires settings. Terminologies denoting system tracts within the sequences are indicted as T-lst, T-hst, T-tst and T-mfs corresponding to the Low Stand System Tract (LST), High Stand System Tract (HST), Transgressive System Tract (TST) and Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) respectively. A noteworthy one and half cycles are discerned within the sequence, predicted on Amorphous Organic Matter (AOM), TOC, Hydrogen Index (HI), PC and Gelification Index (GI) values. In the initial cycle, T-mfs is identified based on the preponderance of fluorescent AOM, coupled with the highest value of HI and PC. The ratio of opaque/translucent phytoclasts serves as a discriminant in delineating the boundaries of T-lst, T-tst and T-hst within the sequences, corroborating the aforementioned observation. This research serves as a preliminary assessment of the system tracts within fluvial environments. A more intricate, high-resolution exploration of deeper sequences holds the potential to furnish comprehensive insights for subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the role of aerosol hygroscopicity (κ) on the formation of clouds and precipitation over the Western Ghats (WG) in India using various numerical model simulations (i.e., particle‐by‐particle‐based small‐scale, high‐resolution mesoscale model). For the diffusional growth of cloud droplets, the size‐dependent hygroscopicity is used in the κ‐Köhler equation of direct numerical simulation. The results of the small‐scale model reveal that the distribution of cloud drop size varies from the initial mixing state to the well‐mixed state due to variation in κ. The value of κ is obtained from Humidified Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA) instruments at the High Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory, India. The idealized and real simulations using the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model with the aerosol‐aware Thompson microphysics scheme are conducted by changing κ values. Depending on the type of clouds (shallow or deep), different κ values determine the mass and number of cloud and rain droplets. Low hygroscopicity (organics) simulates more and smaller drops, as well as uplifts below freezing level, resulting in more ice‐phase hydrometeors. Organic aerosols have a significant impact on the formation of more snow and graupel hydrometeors. As compared to high κ, low hygroscopicity weakens updrafts at the intermediate level and strengthens them at the upper level in the deep cloud region. The intensity of precipitation varies due to low and high κ. The findings indicate that aerosol composition has a significant impact on the activation of cloud condensation nuclei. This study suggests that aerosol hygroscopicity is essential in weather prediction models to integrate aerosol chemical compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant‐insect interactions play a crucial role in shaping terrestrial ecosystems, influencing abundance and distribution of plant species. In the present study, we investigated leaf‐mining patterns on fossil leaves from Pliocene strata of the Mahuadanr Valley, Jharkhand, eastern India, deposited under a seasonal tropical climate, and reported complex interactions between plants and insects. We identified 11 distinct mining morphotypes. These morphotypes were mainly found on Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae, and Moraceae; similar mining traces were also observed in the contemporary vegetation surrounding the fossil site. Although mining richness was relatively high, only 2.6% of all leaves in the fossil assemblage were mined. We compared mining richness and abundance values with previously reported values for galling. While richness was slightly lower for galling, almost 50% of all fossil leaves were galled. A literature survey on mining and galling patterns in modern vegetation suggests that there is no global explanation for richness of mining or gall‐inducing insects. Thus, low nutrient availability in the ancient forest, dominance of semideciduous leaves with hard texture, and different habitats in the same forest ecosystem, such as well‐drained forests and riparian stands, may all have favored different types of specialized plant–insect interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Polypodiaceae, the largest leptosporangiate fern family, is distributed mainly in the tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, New Zealand, and Malaysia. This family has a rich macrofossil record in the Cenozoic sediments of China, but no macrofossil of Polypodiaceae has been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of India to date. Here, we report for the first time the occurrence of fossil frond remains resembling morphologically those of the extant microsoroid wart fern genus Microsorum Link from the late Miocene Siwalik sediments exposed around Sarkaghat, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya, India. Methodology. The present frond fossils were revealed by careful removal of the overlying matrix and studied under light compound, stereo zoom, and inverted fluorescence microscopes. They are identified based on their detailed morphological (macro and micro) features and through the comparison with other modern Polypodiaceae genera as well as with earlier reported polypodiceous fern fossil species. Pivotal results. The fossil frond specimens are described here as a new species, namely, Palaeosorum siwalikum Kundu, Hazra et Khan sp. nov. The new Siwalik vascular cryptogam species is characterized by leaf shape (simple frond with entire margin), venation pattern (brochidodromous nature of secondary veins, tertiary and quaternary veins reticulate, anastomosing and forming a row of irregular or quadrangular-shaped areoles between two lateral secondary veins), and presence of free included veinlets (unbranched or forked, ending with club-shaped hydathodes). Conclusions. These new fossil materials confirm the existence of a Microsorum -like plant in the Siwalik Miocene forests of Himachal Pradesh. We review in detail the fossil record and highlight the phytogeographic history of Polypodiaceae. In addition, we also suggest probable migratory routes for this fern family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anemia in children is one of the major social health problems in India and in many parts of the world and prevalence rate of anemia is an important indicator of the nutritional status within the pediatric population. There is an estimate that 25% of the world population is affected by Iron Deficiency, the population groups most affected being infants aged between 4 and 24 months, school-age children, female adolescents, pregnant women and nurturing mothers. Infants and young children have a high risk for developing iron deficiency because they have a high demand for iron during the period of rapid growth. Iron deficiency leading to anemia will manifest itself as a Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia. Microcytosis develops either prior to or along with any reduction in hemoglobin levels. Hence the incidental detection of an isolated low Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) result could indicate early Iron Deficiency that has not yet resulted in anemia. Measurement of Serum Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) & Serum Ferritin has been adopted as a test for detecting Iron Deficiency. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among the pediatric age group (1-12 years) with due importance for assessing the Serum Ferritin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a tropical country like India, the warm and humid climate plays an important role in the increased incidence of superficial fungal infections. This is a study to identify the causative fungi of dermatophytosis and their in vitro antifungal susceptibility pattern among patients reporting to multiple tertiary care hospitals. Skin scrapping, nail clipping, and hair follicles were processed for microscopy, culture, and antifungal susceptibility testing as per standard guidelines. Antifungal susceptibility was performed as per published by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute for yeasts (M27–A3) and filamentous fungi (M38–A2). The study sample had a predominantly male population with the commonest age group being 21–30 years (39.57%) followed by 31–40 years (31.46%). Tinea corporis (57.30%) was the most common clinical presentation followed by tinea cruris (20.85%) and onychomycosis (14.73%). Microscopy positivity was 43.19%, while culture positivity was 23.97%. Dermatophytes accounted for the majority of isolates. All fungal isolates had high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to fluconazole, suggesting that dermatophytes are possibly resistant to this drug. Trichophyton mentagrophytes is confirmed as the dominant pathogen of dermatophytosis in all three tertiary care hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis (TB), are presently the major infectious diseases imposing a consequential public health threat and their coinfection has a significant impact on the outcome. Aims: To evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19-TB coinfected cases compared to solely COVID-19-infected cases. Settings and Design: A retrospective observational study was conducted between August 1, 2020, to February 28, 2022, at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, an equal number of gender-age-matched COVID-19 and TB coinfected patients and COVID-19 cases without TB were included using simple random sampling. Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analyzed using SPSS v 26. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and an independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was applied for the quantitative variables in the univariate analysis. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 27 patients were included in each group. Upper lobe involvement (44%) and pleural effusion (22%) were significantly more common in TB-COVID-19 cases when compared to the control group (7% and 4%, respectively; P < 0.05). Moreover, median levels of C-reactive protein and ferritin were significantly higher in TB-COVID-19 coinfection. Conclusions: Chest radiology and a higher level of certain biomarkers like C-reactive protein and ferritin can help to suspect TB in COVID-19 patients and vice-versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms belong to Phylum Annelida, Class Oligochaeta are truly coelomate animals and are known to be swell dwellers. They are exposed to pathogens in the soil. Global in distribution, they reveal biodiversity across India. We have studied the earthworm fauna of India and present here a total distribution of different species of earthworm from India, highlighting their biodiversity and ecology. The study of diversity and earthworm distribution across different states of India and different soil conditions, included under 20 agroeconomic zones (AEZ) of India including 14 families and 445 valid species is an intriguing study, being reported for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focused on occurrence, characterization, and analytical methods of microplastic (MP) pollution in the lentic environment mainly for the Indian scenario. To understand the flow of MP from plastic waste, a material flow diagram was developed using STAN, assigning the transfer coefficients based on existing scientific literature and primary survey from local recycling facilities and industries. The quantity, morphology, and polymers of MP in the water and sediments of the lentic environment were compared for various states from 2011 to 2022. The reasons for the geographical heterogeneity in microplastics may be the migratory routes of MPs in the ecosystems like commercial uses and wastewater characteristics which possibly discharged in lentic system. Factors like particle density, water surface area, water surface depth, wind speed and direction, and water flow size mainly affect MP concentrations in the lentic water body, and mainly PHI and PLI are keys to MP risk analysis. The surface characteristics of MPs reveal that it absorbs many toxic contaminants including heavy metals. The impacts of MP on ecosystem and human health were also discussed. The impacts of socioeconomic conditions on MP concentrations for different states in India were also added. Proposed methods for plastic waste generation control also included which will help for developing policy in future to prevent MP pollution in lentic environments and also motivate future researchers to establish new standardized methods of MP analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to a myriad of risk factors, epistaxis is a very frequent presentation to the emergency room (ER). This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of epistaxis in our population, risk factors, effectiveness of ER treatment, complications, and ER outcome.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study performed in the ER of a referral tertiary care center in south India. Data were categorized, coded, and analyzed to determine the objective of the study. Results: During the study's six-month duration, 188 (0.6%) patients presented with epistaxis. The mean age was 42.9 (SD: 16.49) years, with a male preponderance of 143 (76.1%). A majority of these patients (n: 156; 82.9%) were triaged as priority II, with hypertension (n: 53, 28.2%) as the commonest comorbidities. Trauma-related epistaxis (n: 107, 56.9%) was the most frequent cause. Anterior nasal packing was carried out for 85 (45.2%) patients, posterior nasal packing was carried out for one (0.5%) patient, and bleeding had spontaneously resolved in the majority (n: 102; 54.3%) patients. Seven (3.7%; p-value: 0.001) patients had recurrent epistaxis, and of those, three (1.6%) required urgent resuscitation with crystalloid fluid and blood products. Two of these patients had bleeding dyscrasias, four had history of trauma, and one patient presented with uncontrolled hypertension. Two (1.1%) patients came back to us with recurrent bleeding within 12 h of discharge. Majority (69.2%; 130) were discharged stable, (23.9%; 45) were admitted for observation and (6.9%; 13) were discharged against medical advice. There was no mortality among these study populations. Conclusion: Middle-young, aged males most commonly presented with epistaxis. Most of them were secondary to trauma. Anterior nasal bleeding was the most common source and hemostasis could be obtained by anterior nasal packing. Majority could be discharged stable from the ER. However, this cohort had seen patients in life-threatening conditions, so the severity cannot be overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ventilago Gaertn. (Rhamnaceae) is widely distributed in pantropical areas of Africa, Asia, and Australia. However, fossil records of this taxon are sparse, which limits understanding of the evolution and biogeographic history of the genus. In the present study, we report and describe two new fossil species of Ventilago, V. siwalika sp. nov. from the Miocene sediments of Himachal Pradesh, western Himalaya, and V. pliocenica sp. nov. from the Pliocene sediments of Jharkhand, eastern India based on single‐winged samaras. Ventilago pliocenica is characterized by a prominent midvein, obtuse to sub‐round apex with mucronate tip, longitudinal secondary veins extending the full length of the fruit, and reticulate nature of higher‐order veins, the presence of equatorial rim, the hypanthium, and short pedicel. On the other hand, V. siwalika is characterized by a prominent midvein, obtuse to sub‐round apex with mucronate tip, longitudinal secondary veins extending the full length of the fruit, and reticulate nature of higher‐order veins. Our discovery represents the first unambiguous fossil record of single‐winged samara of Ventilago from India and provides valuable insights into the evolution of this genus. In this paper, we also review its biogeographic history and add new information to understand its hypothetical migration route. Present and earlier records of Ventilago also suggest that this genus was a common forest element during Neogene (Miocene time) in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most common malignancy of the ovary is serous carcinoma, which can be classified as either Low-grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (LGSOC) or High-grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (HGSOC) and originates from the surface epithelium. However, the overall prognosis for both cancers is very poor. Immunohistochemical analysis of p53 and p16 expression is commonly used to detect mutations. Diffuse and strong mutations (mutant type) are almost always observed in cases of HGSOC, while focal expression (wild type) suggests the absence of mutations in HGSOC. LGSOCs are characterised by a low number or absence of genetic mutations. Aim: To investigate the association between p53 and p16 expression in different grades and stages of Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (SOC). Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 62 patients diagnosed with ovarian serous carcinoma. The study focused on examining the expressions of p53 and p16 using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the Department of Pathology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, over a period of one and a half years (February 2021 to July 2022). The study parameters included clinical features, histological findings, staging, The Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), grading, p53 and p16 expression by IHC in all cases, and the association between p53 and p16 expression with the grade and stage of the cancer. Statistical analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 62 cases were included in the study, with 55 cases (88.70%) classified as LGSOC and 7 cases (11.29%) as HGSOC. The mean age for LGSOC was 53.5 years, while for HGSOC it was 54 years. Among the HGSOC cases (n=55), 45 cases (81.80%) showed diffuse positive results (mutant type) for p53. In contrast, there was no diffuse p53 expression in LGSOC cases (n=7), with 5 cases (71.40%) showing focal positivity (wild type). The p-value for comparing p53 expression in both cases was significant (<0.00001). As for p16 expression, among the HGSOC cases (n=55), 31 cases (56.40%) showed diffuse positivity (mutant type), while among the LGSOC cases (n=7), most of the cases, 5 cases (71.40%), showed focal positivity (wild type). The p-value for comparing p16 expression in both cases was significant (<0.003794). Conclusion: In conclusion, p53 along with p16 are good markers for grading SOC, and p53 is highly effective in differentiating HGSOC from LGSOC based on the positivity pattern (diffuse and strong positive for high-grade/mutant type, and focal positive for low-grade cancers). Thus, p53 has become an attractive target for the development of moleculetargeted therapies for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Six fossil specimens of Ailanthus winged fruits are documented. • First-ever fossil record of Ailanthus confucii from India. • Ailanthus megafossil occurrences from the global geologic record are reviewed. • Suggest the possible migratory routes of Ailanthus. Even though it is now widespread in Asia and was widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere during the Cenozoic, fruits of the genus Ailanthus Desf. (Simaroubaceae) have not previously been documented from the Cenozoic of India. Here, we report the first Indian occurrence of fossil winged fruits corresponding to the modern genus Ailanthus having samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed from the latest Neogene sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. We determine their taxonomic position based on a detailed morphological comparison with similar modern and fossil specimens and discuss their palaeoclimatic significance. The fossil fruits are elongated, elliptic samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed and a marginal ventral vein starting from the seed extend to the base of the fruit. The fruits are 24–39 mm long and 11–16 mm wide. Based on the available morphological characters including locations of the stylar scar, main ventral vein, and the size of the samara, we assign these specimens to the fossil species Ailanthus confucii Unger. This species has a rich fossil record from the Cenozoic sediments of Europe, North America, and eastern Asia. However, this is the first report of A. confucii in India, which is significant for this species's biogeographic and evolutionary history. Based on morphological comparisons, A. confucii shows affinity to modern A. altissima. Here, we also review the biogeographic history of Ailanthus and suggest its possible migratory routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Basal ganglia hemorrhage (BGH) is a severe neurologic condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its optimal management remains a topic of debate. Our study assessed the surgical outcomes of BGH patients at the 3-month mark using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted over 10 years at an advanced neuro-specialty hospital in Eastern India, including patients who underwent decompressive craniotomy and hematoma evacuation. Variables were systematically coded and analyzed to evaluate the postoperative outcome with age (in years), preoperative motor (M) status, and hematoma volume. Results This study enrolled 2,989 patients with a mean age of 59.62 (standard deviation: 9.64) years, predominantly males (n = 2,427; 81.2%). Hypertension (1,612 cases) and diabetes mellitus (1,202 cases) were the most common comorbidities. Common clinical presentations included ipsilateral weakness (1,920 cases) and/or altered mental status (1,670 cases). At the 3-month mark postsurgery, 2,129 cases (71.2%) had a favorable outcome based on mRS, while 389 cases (13.0%) had an unfavorable outcome. The regression equation showed that age was inversely related to the percentage of individuals achieving a favorable outcome. It also revealed that the preoperative motor score was positively correlated with favorable outcomes. Hematomas smaller than 60 mL had better outcomes, with 1,311 cases (69.1%) classified as good outcomes and 337 cases (17.8%) as bad outcomes. Fatal outcomes related to the illness were observed in 471 patients (15.8%) within the study population. Conclusion Surgery for BGH showed a substantial improvement in outcomes, particularly in patients with M5/M4 motor status. The preoperative motor score (M status) emerged as a crucial predictor of favorable neurological outcomes. Age and hematoma volume, however, were found to be nondefinitive factors in determining good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace element pollution of soils surrounding coal-mining areas affects the health of local communities. The increasing coal-mining and associated activities in the Raniganj basin (east India) have led to increased soil concentration of certain trace elements. To quantify the elevated trace element (TE) concentrations in the soil surrounding coal-mining areas, 83 surface soil, coal, and shale samples were collected from open-cast mining areas of the eastern Raniganj basin. The soils present are sandy silt, silty sand, and silty in nature, but almost no clay. They are acidic (pH = 4.3) to slightly alkaline (pH = 7.9) with a mean electrical conductivity (EC) of 340.45 µS/cm and a mean total organic carbon (TOC) of 1.80%. The northern and western parts of the study area were found to be highly polluted by certain metallic trace elements. The relevant environmental indices, geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factors (CF), enrichment factors (EF), and pollution load index (PLI) were calculated and assessed. Analysis revealed that Cr was highly enriched in these soil samples, followed by Pb, Co, Cu, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, As, and Al. Geostatistical analyses (correlation coefficients and principal component analysis) indicated that the occurrence of some trace elements (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) is most likely linked to the various coal-mining operations in the study area. However, the anomalous Cr and Pb distributions are likely influenced by other anthropogenic, mainly industrial, inputs besides coal mining. These results justify the adoption of rigorous soil monitoring programs in the vicinity of coal-mining areas, to identify pollution hotspots and to develop strategies to reduce or mitigate such environmentally damaging pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency department (ED) revisits are an important measure of health-care quality provided by any medical center. This study analyzes the profile and outcome of patients revisiting the ED within 72 h at a tertiary care center in South India. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study done on all patients presenting to ED within 72 h of their first visit over 5 months. Unavoidable revisits and the factors associated with them were categorized, coded, and analyzed. Results: The ED revisit rate was 2.9% (900/30409). Based on standard triaging criteria, patients during their first visit were triaged as follows: 8.2% as priority 1, 32% as priority 2, and 58.2% as priority 3. During the revisit, they were triaged as follows: 12.9% (+3.7% increase) as priority 1, 36.9% (+4.9% increase) as priority 2 and 49.1% (-9.1% decrease) as priority 3. Approximately a quarter (27%) of the patients had to be prioritized higher on their revisit. Abdominal pain (18.3%), vomiting/diarrhea (11.7%), bleeding from the previous wound site (10.5%), and fever (9%) were the most common presenting complaints. Avoidable revisits included 13.4% (n = 121) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age >40 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-2.46; P: 0.031) and abdominal pain (adjusted OR: 2.07;95% CI: 1.40-3.08; P: <0.001) to be independent predictors of unavoidable ED revisits. In addition, age >40 years (adjusted OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 2.12-5.88; P: <0.001) and fever (adjusted OR: 0.57;95% CI: 0.37-0.90; P: 0.015) were found to be independent risk factors for patients revisiting as priority 1 versus other priorities. Among the revisiting patients, 15.4% required admission. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal symptoms and fever were found to be the most common symptoms that warranted a revisit. Abdominal pain and age >40 years were found to be associated with higher odds of an unavoidable revisit. In addition, age >40 years and fever were associated with sicker patients on revisits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of undesirable substances, including pesticides (xenobiotics) in betel leaf (Piper betel), is a great concern for consumers because it is chewed and consumed directly. To protect the consumer's health, a modified QuEChERS method for monitoring purposes and subsequent decontamination process has been developed. Objective: The goal of this work was to establish a multi-residue analytical method for monitoring nonpermitted organophosphorus pesticide residues in betel leaf, as well as cost-effective cleaning strategies. Method: The homogenized 15g samples (20 betel leaf samples collected in West Bengal, India) were extracted with a modified QuEChERSmethod using acetonitrile, reconstituted to acetone, and finally analyzed by GC-MS/MS. Possible decontamination techniques (such as tap water washing, 2% saltwater washing, and lukewarmwater washing) were evaluated. Results: The limit of detection ranged from 0.003 to 0.005mg/kg, and limit of quantification was 0.01mg/kg. Recoveries ranged from 80 to 120% with RSDr 9%. One sample was found to contain three pesticides 4 to 7 times higher than MRLs. Suggested decontamination methods allowed reducing toxic traces below European limits. Conclusions: The suggested approach is useful for determining pesticide residues in betel leaves quickly. Traditional techniques of processing betel leaves may reduce pesticide residues below regulatory limits. Highlights: A multi-residue method and decontamination of pesticides in betel leaf using QuEChERS-GC-MS/MS technology with satisfactory method performance was achieved. Domestic decontamination techniques have a high efficacy in reducing pesticide residues from betel leaves, making them safe for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from magmatic to solid-state deformation in granitic rocks is observed either in cases of shear-zone-controlled magma emplacement or in cases of magma-assisted shear-zone nucleation. In the latter case, pre-emplaced granitoid magmas that are later subjected to a dynamic regime with decreasing temperature accommodate stress that causes strain localization. Shear zones in this case are generally restricted to the contact zone between wall rock and granitoid magma, as it represents large viscosity discontinuities. In large granitic provinces (LGPs), however, rheological properties are mainly driven by the changes in physical parameters of granitic magmas, and thus, shear-zone nucleation in magmatic or sub-magmatic conditions cannot be attributed to the viscosity discontinuities caused by the presence of wall rock. Rather, in LGPs, it is only dependent on the rheological discontinuities within the granitic magmas, and thus, a detailed knowledge of the transition from magmatic to solid-state deformation can give important insights into the dynamic history of granitoid magmas in LGPs. The ~2.5 Ga old, voluminous granitoids of Bundelkhand Craton have been affected by multiple shear systems. Among these, the NE–SW and E–W shear systems are major systems that affected the granitoid microstructures. The NE–SW shear system transects the craton as multiple small- and large-scale shear zones, while the E–W shear system is mainly present in the central part of the Bundelkhand Craton. A petrographic study of a ~25 km long, NE–SW trending Baldeogarh shear zone and granite microstructures in associated areas show important magmatic and solid-state deformation features. Overprinting of solid-state deformation over sub-magmatic deformation confirms the progression of deformation with decreasing temperature. Contrary to this, E–W trending microstructures are primarily magmatic to sub-magmatic with rare small-scale solid-state deformation. This indicates that the E–W shear system is older in southern Bundelkhand and was followed by the NE–SW shear system in magmatic conditions. Therefore, the presence of a transition from magmatic to solid-state deformation along the NE–SW trending shear zone indicates that bulk cooling of the granitoid took place while the NE–SW shear system was active. Research Highlights: Transition from magmatic to solid-state deformation in Large Granitic Provinces. Magmatic to solid-state deformation along NE-SW shear zone. Overprinting textures of transition from sub-magmatic to solid-state deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the hydrocarbon-generating potential of buried organic matter in marine sediments is critical in offshore oil/gas exploration. Organic matter sources, total organic matter content (TOC), and maturity state play key roles in hydrocarbon generation when subjected to suitable temperature–pressure conditions. In the present study, we have characterized organic matter source and maturity to evaluate the hydrocarbon-generating potential of organic matter in the offshore Mahanadi Basin along the east coast of India. Although onshore hydrocarbon reservoirs, including coal, coalbed methane (CBM) and shale gas, are extensively explored in the Mahanadi Basin, a systematic characterization of the offshore buried organic matter is lacking. Towards this endeavour, we have adopted an integrated approach using TOC, (TOC/TN)m, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and bulk carbon isotopic analyses. Organic geochemical screening (Rock-Eval pyrolysis) reveals predominance of type III and IV kerogen, with TOC content ranging from 0.61 to 1.71 wt.%. The hydrogen index (HI) values (37–156 mg HC/gTOC) infer that the organic matter is prone to generate gaseous hydrocarbons (dry to wet gases). Bi-modal distribution pattern of the S2 peak observed in six samples suggests the presence of both labile and refractory organic matter. The (TOC/TN)m ratios and δ13CTOC values indicate that the organic matter is derived from both terrestrial and marine sources. Research Highlights: The organic matter in Mahanadi sediments implies a mixed marine (algal)-C3-C4 source. Presence of type-III and IV kerogen suggests the organic matter is prone to gaseous hydrocarbon generation. The bimodal distribution of the S2 peak indicates the presence of low mature (LM) and high mature (HM) kerogen fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how China's presence in the East African seaports has created a threat to the Indian Ocean's security. In particular, the research empirically analyses whether China's growing activities in the Western Indian Ocean along the East African coast have dismantled the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific. This paper aims to understand the responses of India and her allies in containing China's rise in the region. The paper has taken three East African ports, Dar es Salaam, Lamu, and Doraleh port of Djibouti, as a case study to examine how Chinese presence in these three ports could dismantle the security architecture of Indo-Pacific in the Western Indian Ocean region. The paper demonstrates that the present competition of power projection in the Indian Ocean is a power maximization strategy for the national security of each state. Using primary and secondary data available on China, India, and other states' policies and activities, the study finds that it is a policy failure of the Indo-Pacific, accelerating China's rise in the region. However, the Indo-Pacific partners are revamping their policies to check China's rise in the Indian Ocean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports Uranotaenia lowii (Theobald, 1901) as a new record from India. It was collected from Berhampur University Campus, District Ganjam, Odisha, India. This species is not considered to have medical importance, as it does not bite mammals and feeds upon the blood of reptiles and amphibians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for refractory Parkinson's disease (PD) is more of a modality of treatment that is empirical, for which a physiological explanation is being sought. This study was done to determine the outcome and complications of patients undergoing STN-DBS for PD. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in an advanced neuromedicine facility in eastern India for 9 years (August 2013–August 2022), which included all patients undergoing STN-DBS. Results A total of 53 patients were operated on during the study period. The mean age group of the study population was 60.5 (standard deviation [SD]: 8.2) years with a male (33 [62.3%]) predominance. The most common presenting complaints included rigidity and hypokinesia (27), severe dyskinesia (21), and tremors (17). During the postoperative period, rigidity and hypokinesia (21), severe dyskinesia (16), and tremors (12) improved significantly in a subset of the patients. The majority (45 [84.9%]) of these cases received bilateral monopolar simulation, whereas three patients (5.7%) had bilateral bipolar stimulation. Unilateral bipolar stimulation was used in five (9.4%) patients. In the immediate postoperative period, they were initiated on limb, speech, and swallowing therapy as indicated. Surgery-related complications were seen in five (9.4%) cases. At 6 months of follow-up, a significant improvement in the Unified PD rating scale component (mainly motor examination and complication of PD therapy) was noted in the majority (36 [67.9%]) of patients. One patient developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome and succumbed to his illness on the fourth postoperative day. Conclusion Given these findings, STN-DBS appears to be a good, safe, and effective treatment for a subset of medically refractory PD with an overall improvement in two-thirds of the study cohort and less than 10% risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the ecological studies on mine water have been done in riverine systems, although mine-fed waterways have also been thoroughly studied. Because lakes are thought to recuperate from degradation more slowly than riverine systems, the effects of mine water on lakes are also noteworthy. In India, coal mining first began in the Raniganj coalfield (RCF). There are multiple coal mine-generated pit lakes in the RCF, West Bengal, India; however, there is a fractured and inadequate knowledge of their biological state. Washing, cleaning, and farming are all done with pit lake water. Given their core food web location, zooplankton is a good bioindicator and can be used to access the ecological health of water bodies. The spatio-temporal variation and diversity of major zooplankton groups were studied in five selected pit lakes. Zooplankton, aquatic macrophytes, sediment samples and water samples were collected during three hydrological seasons (viz., pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). A total of 180 samples were collected (36 from each site, constituting six samples in different locations per site per season) between January 2018 and December 2019 in each pit lake. The spatio-temporal variation of the zooplankton community was found in the studied pit lakes. A total of 25 Rotifera, 7 Copepoda and 9 Cladocera were identified. Copepoda dominated the zooplankton communities in most of the studied pit lakes. Rotifera was more diverse in the Bonbedi Pit Lake, while Copepoda and Cladocera were dominant in the Dalmia Pit Lake. Canonical correspondence analysis (CAA) assesses the effect of some of the water quality, sediment parameters, and aquatic macrophytes on zooplankton density and diversity. Although pit lakes are ecologically unstable, they share some attributes with natural systems and play important roles. The finding adds to our understanding of zooplankton structure and diversity in pit lakes formed by coal mining. The existence and density of zooplankton were found to be related to the quality of their environment, and the zooplankton community delivers basic information about the ecological status of the pit lake, assisting in the formulation of appropriate planning for improved water quality management and could aid in making decisions about water reclamation strategies and conservation of pit lake ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new type of fossil margin galls arranged in a linear series on dicot leaf impressions from the latest Neogene (Pliocene) sediments of the Chotanagpur Plateau, Jharkhand, eastern India. We collected ca. 1500 impression and compression leaf fossils, of which 1080 samples bear arthropod damage referable to 37 different damage types (DT) in the 'GuidetoInsect(andOther)DamageTypesinCompressedPlantFossils'. A few leaf samples identified as Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae) have specific margin galls that do not match any galling DT previously described. This type of galling is characterized by small, linearly arranged, irregular, sessile, sub-globose, solitary, indehiscent, solid pouch-galls with irregular ostioles. The probable damage inducers of the present galling of the foliar margin might be members of Eriophyidae (Acari). The new type of gall suggests that marginal gall-inducing mites on leaves of Ipomoea did not change their host preference at the genus level since the Pliocene. The development of marginal leaf galling in Ipomoea is linked to extrafloral nectaries that do not offer protection against arthropod galling but indirectly protect the plant against herbivory from large mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of fossil whitefly, Praealeurolobus indicus gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on puparia found on leaves of a malvaceous plant from the Pliocene Rajdanda Formation in Eastern India. It is the first record of whitefly puparia on leaves from the Neogene deposits of Asia and the second taxon formally named and described from such adpression fossils. The cephalothorax of some of the puparia has a large, irregularly shaped hole with jagged edges, typical of the emergence holes of parasitoids of modern-day whiteflies and represents the earliest record of parasitism on whiteflies. This finding enriches our knowledge of the fossil record of Aleyrodidae in connection with allied fossils and provides new insight into the ecological interactions of the palaeobiota and taphonomy of fossils preserved in the Pliocene Rajdanda Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted comprising of four widely divergent genetic materials of tomato viz. BCT- 111 rin possessing specific mutant genes and CLN B, Patharkutchi, BCT-53 are normal lines without possessing specific genes in Central Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India during autumn-winter (2018‒19 to 2019‒20) aimed to evaluate genotype level variation due to rin gene in both homozygous and heterozygous condition for different characters. Three hybrids viz. BCT-111 rin×CLN B, BCT-111 rin×Patharkuchi, BCT-111 rin×BCT-53 were developed involving BCT-111 rin and normal 3 genotypes. The seven genotypes including the parental lines and hybrids exhibited wide range of variations in different traits namely, plant height (84.59‒106.94 cm), number of days to first flowering after transplanting (25.7‒41.26), number of flower clusters plant-1 (18.21‒25.69), number of flowers cluster-1 (5.73‒8.48), number of fruits plant-1 (49.22‒76.02), fruit weight (37.89‒97.50 g), equatorial diameter (24.71‒52.60 mm), polar diameter (26.00‒47.81 mm), locule number fruit-1 (2.48‒3.96), pericarp thickness (4.94‒6.84), fruit yield plant-1 (2.93‒4.07 kg), total soluble solids (3.95‒6.21° brix), total sugar content (1.43‒3.47%), reducing sugar (1.21%‒2.58%), titratable acidity (0.36%‒0.64%), ascorbic acid content (25.66‒34.76 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight), lycopene content (0.38‒4.16 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight) and β-carotene (0.24‒0.60 µg 100 g-1 fresh weight). In the genotype possessing the ripening inhibitor rin gene in homozygous condition, fruit did not ripe and lycopene biosynthesis was severely reduced. However, in heterozygous condition, lycopene biosynthesis was almost normal which amply justified the possibility of utilizing the genotype possessing ripening inhibitor rin gene for development of commercial hybrids of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belemnites were important Mesozoic marine organisms, and Cretaceous belemnite rostra are found worldwide, including the Cauvery Basin, south-eastern India. However, in the Cauvery Basin, belemnites of the families Belemnopseidae and Dimitobelidae are found only from the Albian-Cenomanian rocks but are absent in the overlying Turonian-Maastrichtian rocks. Although Belemnopseidae became globally extinct in the Cenomanian, Dimitobelidae was still thriving in the nearby Austral regions, so it is not clear why belemnites suddenly suffered local extinction. Moreover, in the post-Cenomanian interval, the newly evolved family Belemnitellidae was thriving globally but is absent in India. To understand the causes of this local extinction as well as the causes of the complete absence in the younger rocks, an analysis of different paleoecological-paleoenvironmental conditions was carried out of all Albian to Maastrichtian formations of the Cauvery Basin against the background of the global belemnite paleobiogeography and evolutionary patterns. The study reveals, during the end Cenomanian, shallowing of the basin caused the local extinction of the shelf-living Belemnopseidae and Dimitobelidae in this basin. In the younger intervals, since India was migrating towards the equator, the stenothermal Dimitobelidae did not survive the warmer water surrounding India and only thieved in the cooler Austral water. Perhaps for the same reason, Dimitobelidae never invaded India, even during the Late Cretaceous transgression. Moreover, during its northern voyage, India was surrounded by deep ocean, acting as a physical barrier for the shelf-dwelling Belemnitellidae of the Boreal Realm to invade India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Malvaceae, or the mallows, are well known from the Cenozoic sediments of Asia and are represented by many fossil leaves, woods, fruits, and pollen. Until now, no fossil flower of Malvaceae has been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of Asia. The present study addresses this lacuna and documents the evidence of mallow fossil flowers from Asia for the first time. Methodology. Fossil flowers similar to modern flowers of Bombax L. (Malvaceae) were recovered from the latest Neogene (Pliocene) sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, Jharkhand, eastern India. They were revealed by careful removal of the overlying matrix and studied under light microscopy. Pivotal results. The fossil flowers, characterized by irregularly lobed sepals, obovate-elliptic petals, numerous stamens bearing long filaments, and characteristic reniform anthers, are recognized as a new species, Bombax asiatica Hazra, Bera et Khan sp. nov. A morphological principal coordinates analysis and cladistic parsimony analysis based on floral morphological characters support this taxonomic assignment. Conclusions. This fossil evidence provides an important clue about the past diversity and paleobiogeography of the mallow family in the Indian Cenozoic. This finding and earlier reported Malvaceae fossils from the same locality also indicate the presence of tropical climate in Jharkhand, eastern India, during the time of deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of droughts and their intensity in recent times are affected by climatic variability and change, consequently affecting the agro-based economy of red and laterite zone (RLZ) India. In the present study, changing characteristics of meteorological droughts have been investigated over the sub-humid RLZ of West Bengal, India, using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). SPI and SPEI were computed over 1-, 3-, and 12-month time scales from monthly meteorological data from 1930 to 2019 to explore variations in drought frequency, intensity, duration, and spatial extent in the RLZ. It was observed that since the 1990s, the RLZ has been frequently affected by short-term extreme to severe drought, even in the wet-monsoon months. The frequency and intensity of droughts were observed to have increased in the recent period with a decrease in the duration. The Mann–Kendall test on the drought trend analysis of the region indicated a rising trend in monsoon months. The SPEI-monsoon was found to be more significantly correlated (r2 = 0.65) with the rainfed Kharif (monsoon)-rice production anomaly than the SPI. SPEI appeared to have a more pronounced impact on drought incidences in the region over the recent decades. Field surveys were conducted to validate the two recent drought occurrences and associated crop failure. A total of 95% of the farmers in the survey reported crop failure during the short-term meteorological droughts in monsoon months. It is therefore suggested to monitor changing patterns and extent of droughts, particularly in water-scarce RLZs, to design appropriate drought preparedness planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vitiligo is a common acquired pigmentary disorder with a worldwide incidence of 0.2-2% whereas in India it is 0.5-2.5%. Though having insignificant mortality, it causes heavy burden on the morbidity owing to its pycho-social impacts. Also, there is association with other autoimmune disorders like Type 1 diabetes Mellitus, thyroid disorder, pernicious anaemia, Inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata etc. There are several clinical variants like acrofacial, universalis, focal, segmental, mucosal etc. There are various treatment modalities both topical (steroids, calcineurin inhibitors psoralens) as well as systemic like steroids, psoralens, cyclosporine and JAK inhibitors like Tofacitinib. Methods This is a clinico-epidemiological study conducted over a period of 6 months. Study population comprised of 100 consecutive patients attending the OPD. Written consent was provided to the patients followed by history taking and clinical examination. Severely ill, pregnant patients and those unwilling to participate were excluded. Study variables included both epidemiological and clinical parameters like age, sex, occupation, morphological type, age of onset, associated autoimmune diseases etc. Data collected was tabulated, analysed and compared with existing literature. Results Out of 100 patients enrolled in our study, majority (48%) belonged to the age of adolescents and young adults (11-30 yrs.), mean age being 28.4. 54% were females. Majority (45%) had access to primary education but not completing secondary exam. Most (35%) had onset in childhood (<12 yrs.), while majority had duration of disease between 1-10 yrs. (58%). Only 3% had family history of vitiligo. Most of them (79%) had no obvious triggering factor while Half of the patients had stable disease for more than 1 year. 87% of the patients did not have any association with any other autoimmune disorders. Generalised vitiligo (41%) was the most common subtype while only 1 patient had vitiligo universalis. 64% of the patients had received a combination of systemic and topical treatment before. Conclusion Our study provides an inight into the prevalence, socio-demographic factors and the various clinical parameters of vitiligo as well as their association with other autoimmune disorders. This study has also been compared with other studies conducted previously which shows the results of increased female preponderance, and generalised vitiligo being the most common subtype. In our study only 3% patients had positive family history which is less compared to other studies done previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of biting midges, Dasyhelea (Dasyhelea) incisura sp. nov., D. (D.) quasifulcillata sp. nov., D. (D.) trigona sp. nov., D. (Sebessia) falxa sp. nov. and D. (S.) folia sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on adult males. The new species are compared and contrasted to their congeners; important morphological characters are displayed. All specimens were collected from the Deltaic Proper of Gangetic West Bengal, India. An illustrated key to the adult males of the subgenera Dasyhelea s.str. and Sebessia from India is presented. Short accounts on ecological notes of the midges are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women and girls constitute half of India's population. However, gender inequities continue to be a severe problem in India, affecting women's and girls' access to school, health care, and employment. According to the data, girls and boys are largely at par until adolescence. However, as girls enter puberty, their results start to differ, and their freedom of movement and mobility rights are further constrained. Even though India has over 355 million menstruating women and girls, many still face significant barriers to enjoying a respectable and comfortable period (MHM). In India, 70% of women say their families have trouble affording sanitary napkins. In 2012, 40% of all government schools lacked a standard functional toilet, not to speak of separate toilets for girls [Menstrual Health in India | Country Landscape Analysis, 2016]. Donors, the government, and businesses have all increased their efforts to address problems with menstruation health. Products and, more recently, boosting awareness, particularly among ladies, have received the majority of emphasis. In the present study, the Researcher tried to identify and assess the vulnerability status of menstrual hygiene behaviour and address the core issues prevalent in the Tribal areas of Ramgarh and Ranchi Districts of Jharkhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is primarily considered as a natural hazard which is a resultant phenomenon of less rainfall. When an agricultural area constantly received low rainfall during the sowing and growing season of crop, the soil moisture of the cropland goes down and the crop began to wilt, the situation is known as agricultural drought. Present study, used the multi-temporal Sentinel 1 SAR and Landsat optical data to assess the agricultural drought in the part of Odisha state. Initially, to establish the methodology, correlation between NDVI and SAR backscattering has been carried out for the demarcated agricultural landscape of MODIS images derived landcover map of 2019. The drought assessment has been carried out for the month of Jun-July of 2020 and 2021 which is the kharif crop growing season. Thereafter, the backscattering vale range has been identified as a threshold value to delineate the agricultural drought affected areas from other SAR images of various vintages. The study area was more affected by the drought in 2020 compared to 2021. In this study, it is observed that although the area is drought affected, received less rainfall, but due to location in coastal region this area is mostly under cloud cover, therefore, it is very difficult assess the agricultural drought using optical remote sensing data. SAR data is also sensitive to soil moisture condition; therefore, it can be potentially to be used for drought assessment for the coastal agricultural area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has enabled the Government of India to become a strategic purchaser of health care services from private providers. To generate base cost evidence for evidence-based policymaking the Costing of Health Services in India (CHSI) study was commissioned in 2018 for the price setting of health benefit packages. This paper reports the findings of a process evaluation of the cost data collection in the private hospitals. Methods: The process evaluation of health system costing in private hospitals was an exploratory survey with mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative). We used three approaches–an online survey using a semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and a review of monitoring data. The process of data collection was assessed in terms of time taken for different aspects, resources used, level and nature of difficulty encountered, challenges and solutions. Results: The mean time taken for data collection in a private hospital was 9.31 (± 1.0) person months including time for obtaining permissions, actual data collection and entry, and addressing queries for data completeness and quality. The longest time was taken to collect data on human resources (30%), while it took the least time for collecting information on building and space (5%). On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) difficulty levels, the data on human resources was the most difficult to collect. This included data on salaries (8), time allocation (5.5) and leaves (5). Discussion: Cost data from private hospitals is crucial for mixed health systems. Developing formal mechanisms of cost accounting data and data sharing as pre-requisites for empanelment under a national insurance scheme can significantly ease the process of cost data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of land suitability for rain-fed cultivation in undulating terrains of red and lateritic zones (RLZ) is essential to enhancing agricultural productivity, given the recurrent droughts that are taking place due to the ongoing climate change. In this study, a GIS-based multi-criterion decision-making approach characterized the agricultural land suitability in Kashipur and Chhatna blocks (RLZs) of West Bengal, India. The land suitability analysis included multiple factors like slope, land use/cover, soil moisture, erosion, depth, texture, pH, geology, the proximity of the surface, and groundwater. The analytic hierarchical process assigned the weights of multiple criteria. The relative importance of agricultural potentiality decided the ranks of the subcriteria. This study mapped the spatial distribution of four potential land types, viz., unsuitable (8.52%), marginally suitable (41.58%), moderately suitable (38.22%), and highly suitable (11.69%). An error matrix generated an accuracy of 85% (on comparing the agricultural land suitability map with the ground data), and the kappa coefficient was 0.8. The findings indicated that the present methodology using AHP with supplemented parameterization provided more persuasive consequences to assess agricultural land use. The present study would optimize the yield by conserving soil and water in different agricultural land to reduce drought risk in RLZs. Highlights: Agricultural land suitability has been evaluated using GIS and AHP-based multi-criteria decision-making process in existing agricultural land for enhancing production in a sustainable way. Results have been validated by rigorous field surveys. The superior accuracy of field verification recommended that the present methodology will perform as an important tool for small land holding farmers in drought-prone undulating RLZ of India. Systematic cropping practices and water harvest management based on agricultural land suitability were discussed, which can help reduce soil erosion and drought impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of predatory marks on fossil leaf remains provides a unique window into ecological and evolutionary associations of the past, but finding both damage and the phytophagous insects causing that damage pattern in the same fossil specimen is a very rare phenomenon. Normally, caterpillars have little fossilization potential because of their delicate structure, but here, we present the first fossil evidence of leaf‐feeding caterpillars, along with their characteristic feeding patterns, on the surface of diverse angiosperm leaf remains recovered from the latest Neogene (Pliocene, Rajdanda Formation) sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. This provides a rare direct insight into past plant‐insect interaction, allowing us to identify, with confidence, the relationship between leaf damage and the perpetrator. The present finding also reveals that caterpillar‐plant relationships and their feeding strategies seen today also existed during the Pliocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though presently indigenous to eastern Himalaya in India, no Engelhardioideae have been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of India till date. Here, we report the first Indian occurrence of a characteristic engelhardioid winged samaroid fruit having a tri‐lobed wing (oblong‐ovate median lobe and two lateral lobes) and a globose nut from the latest Neogene (Pliocene: Rajdanda Formation) sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. This is the first fossil evidence of relict family Juglandaceae from the Indian Cenozoic. We determine its taxonomic position on the basis of detailed macromorphological comparison with similar extant and fossil specimens and discuss its palaeoclimatic significance in terms of the present‐day distribution of modern analogous species. We assign this Pliocene winged fruit specimen to the morphogenus Palaeocarya sect. Monocosta Manchester and describe it as a new species, namely Palaeocarya indica Hazra, Hazra M & Khan sp. nov. Palaeocarya sect. Monocosta has rich fossil records from the Cenozoic sediments of Europe, North America, and eastern Asia (China, Korea), but the modern analog, Engelhardia, is presently native only to India and neighboring Southeast Asia. We discuss the possible causes of disappearance of Engelhardia from the present‐day vegetation of Chotanagpur Plateau. Its disappearance may be related to the gradual intensification of monsoonal rainfall seasonality since the Pliocene. Here, we also review in detail the biogeographic history of Palaeocarya sect. Monocosta and suggest its possible migration routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peltophorum (Caesalpinioideae: Fabaceae) is a well-known extant legume genus characterized by marginally bi-winged fruits. No reliable fossils of Peltophorum have been reported previously. Here, we report for the first time well-substantiated fossil fruits of Peltophorum exhibiting an oblong to narrowly elliptic fruit body with longitudinal wings along both margins. The fossils originated from upper Neogene (Pliocene: Rajdanda Formation) sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau in eastern India. Our findings add a new fossil member, Peltophorum asiatica, to this pantropical genus and enrich our knowledge of its past diversity and evolution. We discuss the paleoclimatic significance of recovery of P. asiatica in eastern India by making inferences from extant Peltophorum. Our discovery adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the Pliocene climate of eastern India was warm, humid and tropical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports Coquillettidia xanthogaster (Edwards, 1924) for the first time from India. It was collected from Berhampur University Campus, District Ganjam, Odisha. This species is considered to have medical importance, as it can carry pathogens like viruses and protozoans and can act as a potential vector. This new record adds to the understanding of its distribution and zoogeography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased occurrence of mucormycosis during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021 in India prompted us to undertake a multi-site case-control investigation. The objectives were to examine the monthly trend of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) cases among in-patients and to identify factors associated with development of CAM.Methods: Eleven study sites were involved across India; archived records since 1st January 2021 till 30th September 2021 were used for trend analysis. The cases and controls were enrolled during 15th June 2021 to 30th September 2021. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Among 1211 enrolled participants, 336 were CAM cases and 875 were COVID-19 positive non-mucormycosis controls.Results: CAM-case admissions reached their peak in May 2021 like a satellite epidemic after a month of in-patient admission peak recorded due to COVID-19. The odds of developing CAM increased with the history of working in a dusty environment (adjusted odds ratio; aOR 3.24, 95% CI 1.34, 7.82), diabetes mellitus (aOR: 31.83, 95% CI 13.96, 72.63), longer duration of hospital stay (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11) and use of methylprednisolone (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI 1.37, 5.37) following adjustment for age, gender, occupation, education, type of houses used for living, requirement of ventilatory support and route of steroid administration. Higher proportion of CAM cases required supplemental oxygen compared to the controls; use of non-rebreather mask (NRBM) was associated as a protective factor against mucormycosis compared to face masks (aOR: 0.18, 95% CI 0.08, 0.41). Genomic sequencing of archived respiratory samples revealed similar occurrences of Delta and Delta derivates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in both cases and controls.Conclusions: Appropriate management of hyperglycemia, judicious use of steroids and use of NRBM during oxygen supplementation among COVID-19 patients have the potential to reduce the risk of occurrence of mucormycosis. Avoiding exposure to dusty environment would add to such prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries and coastal waters are generally significant emitters of CO2 to the atmosphere. Globally, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is a significant driver of inorganic carbon dynamics and the partial pressure of CO2 in water [pCO2(water)] in estuaries and coastal waters. However, there are few studies of CO2 emission and SGD in large tropical estuaries. To investigate the drivers of pCO2(water) dynamics in two large tropical estuaries in India, the Hooghly and Matla estuaries, we conducted coupled radon and pCO2(water) surveys of groundwater and surface waters. We also collected high‐temporal‐resolution (1 min) data of related biogeochemical parameters. Using radon‐222 (222Rn) as a proxy for SGD, we found significant regulation of pCO2(water) by SGD in both studied estuaries. This observation can be considered direct evidence of the influence of SGD on pCO2(water) and consequent air–water CO2 fluxes in these two previously poorly studied estuaries. Our finding that total alkalinity (TAlk) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were also significantly higher in the groundwater than in the estuarine surface waters also supports a substantial contribution of SGD to the inorganic carbon dynamics of these estuaries. However, high groundwater TAlk to DIC ratios (> 1) indicate that SGD also enhances the carbonate buffering capacity in these estuaries. By contributing to an improved understanding of the role of SGD in inorganic carbon cycling in tropical estuaries and coastal oceans, this study will contribute to efforts to upscale regional‐scale coastal carbon budgets to a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection which has dramatically increased in post-COVID patients. There is a paucity of safety data on amphotericin B (amphoB) used for mucormycosis treatment. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this prospective, observational, active safety surveillance study was to evaluate the safety profile of amphoB in a cohort of hospitalized patients who were on the drug for suspected mucormycosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in hospitalized mucormycosis patients who had received amphoB were analyzed. The nature, severity, outcome of the ADRs were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients enrolled, 70% had documented history of prior COVID-19 infection. 96% had comorbidities, the most common being diabetes. Majority received conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate formulation. 97% experienced at least one suspected ADR and the median ADR/patient was 3. Out of 214 ADRs, 91 were serious but there were no ADR-related deaths. The most common ADRs were hypokalemia (31.78%), infusion-related reactions (22.43%), and anemia (17.29%). Thirty-three patients had serum potassium <2.5 mEq/L, while 11 had serum magnesium <1.25 mg/dL. Doubling of pretreatment creatinine level was noted in 15 patients. Seventy percent ADRs were of "possible" category as per the World Health Organization Uppsala Monitoring Centre categorization. CONCLUSION: AmphoB deoxycholate use in mucormycosis patients was associated with a high incidence of electrolyte abnormalities and infusion-related reactions. All ADRs subsided with medical management and none were fatal. The safety data generated from this study may be useful in resource-limited settings where the far more expensive liposomal formulation is not being used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating the burden of COVID-19 in India is difficult because the extent to which cases and deaths have been undercounted is hard to assess. Here, we use a 9-component, age-stratified, contact-structured epidemiological compartmental model, which we call the INDSCI-SIM model, to analyse the first wave of COVID-19 spread in India. We use INDSCI-SIM, together with Bayesian methods, to obtain optimal fits to daily reported cases and deaths across the span of the first wave of the Indian pandemic, over the period Jan 30, 2020 to Feb 15, 2021. We account for lock-downs and other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), an overall increase in testing as a function of time, the under-counting of cases and deaths, and a range of age-specific infection-fatality ratios. We first use our model to describe data from all individual districts of the state of Karnataka, benchmarking our calculations using data from serological surveys. We then extend this approach to aggregated data for Karnataka state. We model the progress of the pandemic across the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai, and then for India as a whole. We estimate that deaths were undercounted by a factor between 2 and 5 across the span of the first wave, converging on 2.2 as a representative multiplier that accounts for the urban-rural gradient. We also estimate an overall under-counting of cases by a factor of between 20 and 25 towards the end of the first wave. Our estimates of the infection fatality ratio (IFR) are in the range 0.05—0.15, broadly consistent with previous estimates but substantially lower than values that have been estimated for other LMIC countries. We find that approximately 35% of India had been infected overall by the end of the first wave, results broadly consistent with those from serosurveys. These results contribute to the understanding of the long-term trajectory of COVID-19 in India. Author summary: Making sense of publicly available epidemiological data for the COVID-19 pandemic in India presents multiple challenges, largely to do with the quality of the data. Here, we describe ways of addressing these questions by studying the data using a well-parameterised, detailed compartmental model together with Bayesian methods, alongside information derived from pan-India serological surveys. We focus on the first wave of the Indian pandemic, across the interval Jan 30, 2020 to Feb 15, 2021. We estimate that deaths were under-counted by a factor between 2 and 5 across the span of the first wave and that cases were under-counted by a factor of between 20 and 25 towards its end. We estimate an infection fatality ratio (IFR) in the range 0.05—0.15. We find that approximately 35% of India had been infected overall by the end of the first wave, a number that helps us better understand the context in which the second and later waves unfolded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]