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Background: Peninsular India, being completely under the influence ofmonsoonal climate, suffers crop yield variability due to rainfall distribution-induced soil moisture constraints. Timely and appropriate assessment of this rainfall and soil moisture-induced crop yield variability serves as a key for exemplary relief assistance. Per cent available soil moisture (PASM) is one among several drought declaration indices followed by stakeholders in India for declaration of drought, needs re-evaluation as the existing criteria in unable to capture the yield loss due to ineffective classification of PASM categories. This study attempts to revise the agricultural drought classes by PASM based on relationships established between yield of major rainfed crops of the study region and PASM. Methods: Analysis of yield variability due to PASM was carried out based on long term observations in experiments conducted at five dry farming locations (Akola, Parbhani, Kovilpatti, Ananthapuramu and Bengaluru) of peninsular India. The average yield for each category of PASM was calculated and tabulated for regression analysis. The PASM versus yield in each group was correlated and regression equations were developed if significant positive correlations were established. Results: The range of available soil moisture to obtain at least 50 percent of optimum yield in cereals (maize: 26 and finger millet: 52.9 PASM), pulses (pigeon pea: 37.2 PASM), oilseeds (soybean: 26.8 to 30.5, groundnut: 53.8 to 61.7 PASM) and commercial crops (cotton: 26.3 PASM) was 26--61 percent. Conclusion: The revised PASM-based drought classes (0--50 severe; 51--75 mild and 76--100 no drought) would help in drought declaration and precise identification of drought-hit areas for meaningful relief assistance. However, there is further investigation is needed to include a soil component for further fine-tuning of the criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine astrovirus (PAstV) is an emerging pathogen detected from the feces of both healthy and diarrheic pigs with limited studies comparing the presence of PAstV and diarrhea in pigs. PAstV has been reported worldwide with a few reports from India. In addition, there are limited reports on variation in the amino acid sequence of the ORF2 region, which codes for viral capsid protein. The present study was aimed to study the presence of PAstV, association with diarrhea in pigs of various age groups and its molecular characterization from Haryana, a northern Indian state. Methods: A total of 176 rectal swabs of pigs were collected from different parts of Haryana. The samples were screened for PAstV by RT-PCR of the partial ORF1b/ORF2 genomic region. The positive samples were characterized by molecular typing and phylogenetic analysis. Result: In the present study, PAstV was detected in pigs in 16.47% of fecal samples, including 21/127 (16.53%) diarrheic and 8/49 (16.32%) non-diarrheic. The results indicated that weaning piglets were more susceptible to PAstV infection followed by suckling piglets. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of PAstV4 and PAstV2 lineages in Haryana. The study revealed endemic presence of virus in the region with high genetic diversity among the PAstV strains, suggesting a wide range of heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is one of the most accurate and extensively used laboratory procedures for diagnosing COVID-19. This molecular test has high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) and is considered as the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. During COVID-19 surge in India, rRT-PCR service was encouraged and supported by the government of India through existing healthcare setup at various levels of healthcare facilities. The primary purpose of this research was to determine the per-unit cost of providing COVID-19 rRT-PCR services at the national reference laboratory at ICMR-National Institute of Virology in Pune during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation, from the provider's perspective. The monthly cost for rRT-PCR testing as well as an estimated annual average unit cost for testing that takes account of peaks and troughs in pandemic were investigated. The time frame used to estimate unit cost was one year (July 2020-June 2021). For data collection on all resources spent during the early phase of pandemic, a conventional activity-based bottom-up costing technique was used. Capital costs were discounted and annualized over the estimated life of the item. Apportioning statistics were selected for cost heads like human resources, capital, and equipment based on time allocation, sharing of services, and utilization data. The data was also used to understand the breakdown of costs across inputs and over time and different levels of testing activity. During the initial phase of pandemic mitigation, the per unit cost of providing the COVID-19 rRT-PCR test was estimated to be ₹566 ($7.5) in the month of July 2020, where the total 56318 COVID-19 rRT-PCR tests was performed. The major proportion (87%) of funds was utilized for procuring laboratory consumables, followed by HR (10%), and it was least for stationary & allied items (0.02%). Unit cost was found to be the most sensitive to price variations in lab consumables (21.7%), followed by the number of samples tested (3.9%), salaries paid to HR (2.6%), price of equipment (0.23%), and building rental price (0.14%) in a univariate sensitivity analysis. The unit cost varies over the period of the pandemic in proportion with the prices of consumables and inversely proportional with number of tests performed. Our study would help the Government to understand the value for money they invested for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, budget allocation, integration and decentralization of laboratory services so as to help for achieving universal health coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatic heart disease is common in India. Severity of mitral stenosis is the key factor in deciding for mitral valve surgery. Mitral stenosis is found to be associated with tricuspid regurgitation(TR) depending on its severity. We studied the severity and incidence of TR in patient of mitral stenosis and was managed accordingly. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at G B Pant Hospital from June 2021 to May 2022 .Cases of Rheumatic heart disease with mitral stenosis were diagnosed clinically. 2D echocardiography was used to find severity of mitral stenosis. Data was entered into SPSS-17.0 and results were recorded and analysed. Pearson's two tailed correlation was used to find the correlation between presence of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with severe mitral stenosis, p was <0.05. All cases of severe mitral stenosis were selected for study. Patient having LA clot were excluded from study. Preoperative workup done. Results: A total 28 patients with pure mitral stenosis were included in study, out of which 13 were male and 15 were females. Mean age in males was 50±10 years while in females it was 30±15 years. Thirteen out of 28 (46.42%) patients had severe tricuspid regurgitation while ten out 28 (35.71%) had mild, 5 patient had no tricuspid regurgitation. Mean (MVA) mitral valve area in patients with tricuspid regurgitation was 0.8±0.3 cm2 while mean (MVA) mitral valve area in patients mild and without tricuspid regurgitation was 1.4±0.4 cm2. Mean left atrial (L.A) size was 42.50±1.5 mm2 in patients with tricuspid regurgitation, while it was 40.13±5.14 mm2 in patients without tricuspid regurgitation. Mean RSVP was 55mmHg in patients with tricuspid regurgitation while RSVP could not be calculated in patients without tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusions: It was concluded that tricuspid regurgitation was strongly associated with severe mitral stenosis as almost all patients with severe mitral stenosis had tricuspid regurgitation and none of the patients with mild mitral stenosis had tricuspid regurgitation. Those who had severe mitral stenosis with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, mitral valve replacement and de Vega tricuspid annuloplasty or tricuspid ring annuloplasty was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this paper, we introduce geographical information systems (GIS) as a tool to study trends in disease spread in time and space. Based on data gathered by the integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP), we can see where outbreaks of Chickenpox have occurred. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the trends in chickenpox diseases in India between January 2015 and April 2021 using GIS maps. Methods: For the collection of secondary data relating to chickenpox, a free app called collect 5 was used for collecting data weekly from the IDSP website and then storing them in an online server. In this project, variables that needed to be processed with QGIS were combined with table attributes of many shapefiles of India and presented as maps. Results: Between Jan 2015 and May 2021, 1269 chickenpox outbreaks (27,257 cases) have been recorded. Thirty-one deaths have been confirmed, with most occurring in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nineteen states did not report any deaths. According to the seasonally adjusted trend, the number of cases was highest during the months of January and March. Conclusion: In summary, geographic information systems have become an invaluable tool for mapping the hotspots of acute epidemics and planning public health interventions to prevent the spread of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Complete diagnostic autopsy (CDA) is considered to be the gold-standard procedure that aids in determination of cause of death in stillbirths and neonatal deaths. However, CDA is not routinely practiced in South Asian countries due to religious beliefs, lack of expertise, and lack of resources. Minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) has been recommended as a less mutilating and less expensive alternative to CDA for obtaining tissues for analysis. The present study aims to evaluate the yield of lung tissue and histological findings using MITS as part of a cause of death analysis for stillborns and preterm neonatal deaths. Methods Data were collected during an observational multicenter prospective study called the Project to Understand and Research Preterm birth and Stillbirth (PURPOSe) conducted in India and Pakistan. After obtaining written informed consent from parents, the eligible stillbirths and neonatal deaths were subjected to MITS using a standard protocol. The tissues were obtained from both lungs for histological and microbiological analysis. Results At both sites, a total of 453 stillbirths and 352 neonatal deaths underwent MITS. For stillbirths and neonatal deaths, the yield of lung tissue using MITS was high (92%). Intrauterine fetal distress and respiratory distress syndrome were the leading lung pathologies reported in stillbirths and neonatal deaths, respectively. Conclusions MITS appears to be a reasonable alternative to CDA in obtaining and evaluating lung tissue to inform accurate cause of death analysis in stillbirth and preterm deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine astrovirus (PAstV) is distributed worldwide and has been reported to cause diarrhea in pigs. PAstV belongs to the family Astroviridae and genus Mamastrovirus. PAstVs are divided into five diverse genotypes (PAstV1-PAstV5) on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of a part of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene and the capsid gene. However, knowledge regarding the clinical significance and molecular characteristics of PAstV in Haryana, India, is limited. In this study, we investigated the presence of PAstV by RT-PCR of the partial RdRp gene in 110 rectal swabs collected from diarrheic pigs in different parts of Haryana, India. Of these, 35 samples (31.8%) tested positive for PAstV, with the highest positivity observed among weaning piglets 3 to 9 weeks of age (47.7%, 21/44), followed by fattening pigs 9 to 24 weeks of age (28.5%, 8/28). Phylogenetic analysis of the partial RdRp gene revealed circulation of four different genotypes (PAstV1, PAstV2, PAstV4, and PAstV5) in Haryana, with PAstV1 being the predominant genotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of PAstV1 and PAstV5 in the pig population of India. The PAstV sequences revealed high genetic variability and genetic heterogeneity in a relatively confined area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Undergraduate curriculum of the medicine is created to ensure achievement of goal of "health for all" in India. In addition, it aspires graduates to meet or exceed global benchmark in knowledge, attitude, skills and communication (1). Objectives: 1) To assess undergraduates' knowledge regarding the types and correct usage of available Emergency Contraceptives. 2) To utilize the data base for capacity building by focusing on the Core Competency of Emergency Contraceptives. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 442 undergraduates of all the Profs in our college in September 2017 after approval from Institutional Ethical Committee (17/66) and informed verbal consent from the participants. This pretested, pre-designed and self-administered 11-questionnaire proforma in English was used as a tool of investigation. Results: Maximum participation was from 3rd and 4th year. 7.2 % had a very poor knowledge, attempted 3 or less questions correctly. Only 14.5% attempted 8 or more questions correctly. Conclusion: Young population of our country forms the broad base of the pyramid, they should be provided with correct knowledge about EC for improving their reproductive health. Since these graduates are going to serve the community, their knowledge and skill in this core competency is going to help the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malaria is one of the major life-threatening health problems in most of the tropical countries. Children are the most vulnerable group accounting for 67% of all malaria-associated deaths worldwide. Southern Haryana is typically endemic for malaria. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to describe the clinical presentation of complicated malaria and correlate clinical complications with malarial species. Materials and Methods: It was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Microbiology along with Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana. A total of 100 children with severe malaria admitted in the pediatric ward, confirmed by peripheral blood smear and rapid diagnostic test, were included. Results: Out of 100 cases admitted, majority were due to Plasmodium vivax (73%), followed by mixed (18%) and Plasmodium falciparum (9%) infection. Children below 5 years were more infected (57%). Male preponderance was seen (55%). Fever was the most common symptom observed (95%). Pallor was the most common sign observed (85%). Among severity parameters, the most common were severe anemia (41%), jaundice (17%), abnormal bleeding (17%), convulsions (15%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (7%). The case fatality rate was 3%. Conclusion: P. vivax was previously known to cause benign malaria. The present study found that P. vivax mono-infection can cause severe malaria in children and should no longer be considered as benign malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inequalities within tribal communities across India remain poorly understood. Accessibility to resources or health care is observed as a principle of primary health care. The accessibility factor has been least studied among the indigenous groups of country. Objective: To determine the correlation between accessibility of services and health indicators among tribal population of India using the indicators from National Family Health Survey report 2015-16. Methods: An ecological correlation using district reports of National Health and Family Survey-IV (2015-16) was conducted. The reports of tribal districts were used to select and analyze core health and nutrition indicators (dependent variables). Literacy, electricity, altitude, improved drinking water and sanitation facility were taken as accessibility to necessary indicators from the reports (independent variables). Results: Prevalence of diarrhea (r: -0.18, p: 0.80) and symptoms of acute respiratory illnesses (r:0.30, p:0.003) among children decreased with improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. Better literacy, water accessibility, electricity and sanitation were negatively correlated with prevalence of anemia and underweight among adults, however the prevalence of overweight, high blood sugar and high blood pressure increased. The increase in altitude was negatively correlated with nutritional indicators viz., prevalence of stunting (r: -0.34, p<0.001), wasting (r: -0.33, p<0.001) and underweight (r: -0.41, p<0.001) among children. Conclusion: The tribal districts with better accessibility to basic necessities fared better in terms of core health and nutrition indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the COVID-19 pandemic, patients who are older and residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) are at greatest risk of worse clinical outcomes. We reviewed discharge criteria for hospitalised COVID-19 patients from 10 countries with the highest incidence of COVID-19 cases as of 26 July 2020. Five countries (Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Iran) had no discharge criteria; the remaining five (USA, India, Russia, South Africa and the UK) had discharge guidelines with large inter-country variability. India and Russia recommend discharge for a clinically recovered patient with two negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests 24 h apart; the USA offers either a symptom based strategy—clinical recovery and 10 days after symptom onset, or the same test-based strategy. The UK suggests that patients can be discharged when patients have clinically recovered; South Africa recommends discharge 14 days after symptom onset if clinically stable. We recommend a unified, simpler discharge criteria, based on current studies which suggest that most SARS-CoV-2 loses its infectivity by 10 days post-symptom onset. In asymptomatic cases, this can be taken as 10 days after the first positive PCR result. Additional days of isolation beyond this should be left to the discretion of individual clinician. This represents a practical compromise between unnecessarily prolonged admissions and returning highly infectious patients back to their care facilities, and is of particular importance in older patients discharged to LTCFs, residents of which may be at greatest risk of transmission and worse clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic along with the measure to control it like complete lockdown has affected the health-care delivery in multiple ways. Resources in the health setup were earmarked for COVID-19. All routine and nonurgent procedures were deferred. There was an overall decrease in the number of patients visiting the emergency department. However, in India, there was no major study conducted on emergency hospital admission at the time of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a zonal hospital as a before-and-after record-based observational study. The hospital admission data for all causes of emergency 2 months prior (i.e., from January 25, 2020, to March 24, 2020) and 2 months into the lockdown (March 25, 2020–May 24, 2020) were studied. The emergency admission during the last 2-year period in the same period was taken as a control for the study. Results: The number of emergencies reported during the year 2018, 2019 and 2020 in January 25 to March 24 were 92, 101, and 119 respectively and in March 25 to May 24 were 93, 107, and 82 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among age, sex, and socioeconomic status of persons reported as emergencies during the studied period. There was a significant reduction by 31% in emergency hospital admissions two months before and two months after period of lockdown in the year 2020 and it varied as per subject specialty with highest reduction in emergency hospital admissions was found in orthopedic cases by 93% and no reduction in obstetric and newborn emergencies. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown in India had a significant impact on the frequency as well as types of emergency admission to a large zonal hospital. The provisioning of hospital resources may need to be aligned with changing patient workload in view of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the adverse outcomes of cancer and its treatment. Despite its high prevalence; the data are scarce from the Indian population on the prevalence of CRF and its predictors in advanced cancer patients. Hence, we aim to find the prevalence of the fatigue, its impact of fatigue on quality of life (QOL), and possible predictors. Methods: This study was conducted after approval of the ethical committee in adult patients of advanced cancer receiving palliative care. The data collected included demographic details, nutritional status, any comorbidities involving cardiorespiratory, renal, pulmonary, and neurological system, type and stage of cancer, site of metastasis, any previous or ongoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, history of drug intake, hemoglobin, and albumin. The study parameters included assessment of fatigue, QOL, and symptom assessment as per the validated tools. The primary objective of the study was to find the prevalence of fatigue in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care. The secondary objectives were to find predictive factors of fatigue, its impact on QOL of patients, and the relation between the fatigue and QOL receiving palliative care. The correlation between fatigue score and QOL was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for identifying the predictors of CRF. Results: The fatigue was observed in all 110 patients in this study. Of these, severe fatigue was seen in 97 patients (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy [FACIT]-F < 30). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) FACIT-F score was 14 (8-23). The median (IQR) of the overall QOL was 16.66 (16.6-50).The correlation between the fatigue (FACIT-F) and QOL was + 0.64 (P < 0.001). The predictors of fatigue included pain, physical functioning, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, tiredness, and the level of albumin. Conclusion: We conclude that the prevalence of fatigue in Indian patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care was high and it has a negative impact on QOL. Pain, physical functioning, performance status, and albumin were found to be independent predictors of CRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kufri Thar-1 is a medium maturing, main season, high yielding water-use efficient, table potato variety suitable for cultivation in low water availability areas. It is a clonal selection from the cross between Kufri Bahar, having high water use efficiency and CP 1785, identified with a high transpiration rate and better water mining capacity. Its plants are tall and vigorous with field resistance to late blight. Its tubers are white, ovoid with shallow to medium eyes, creamy flesh and having good keeping quality. It is fertilizer responsive and capable of yielding 30-35 t/ha under low water (= 20%) availability in middle Gangetic plains. Besides, it is also suitable as an early maturing variety (60-75 days) with 16 t/ha under water deficit conditions in the East-coast plains and hills region in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Himachal Pradesh is a hill state in North India in the Western Himalayas. β-thalassemia is a genetic disorder of hemoglobin inherited in an autosomal recessive manner that results in defective globin production leading to the early destruction of red blood cells. β-thalassemia has long been neglected in Himachal Pradesh due to popular belief that it runs along "Lahore-Gujarat-Punjab" belt in India. Therefore, there is no β-thalassemia testing facility currently in the state. Methods: To estimate the prevalence of β-thalassemia carriers, we calculated the sample size based on probability proportional to size self-weighing design. In each of 20 selected colleges, 111 students having an age of 18–25 were tested for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and complete blood count. Some were further tested for the mutations. We computed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value, and receiver operating characteristic curve for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) red cell parameters. Results: Of the 2220 students, 57 were found to be β-thalassemia carrier by HPLC. The overall prevalence rate was 2.6% which translates to probable 180,000 β-thalassemia carriers in Himachal Pradesh. Six districts bordering highly endemic Punjab had a higher prevalence. Hemoglobin D-Punjab, Heterozygous-Iran Trait, and raised fetal hemoglobin were found. Thalassemia major and sickle cell disease were not found. Anemic status or MCV/MCH parameters were not found to be reliable predictors of thalassemia carrier status among the healthy populations of HP. The predominant mutation found was IVS 1–5 G > C. Conclusion: Popular ongoing strategy for screening with MCV and MCH has low-PPV and can miss upto 37% of true thalassemia carriers. HPLC is better strategy for screening carriers and reduces further spread of thalassemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, 17 million children under 5 years of age are affected with severe malnutrition. Severe wasting is a key contributor (12.6%) to child deaths due to nutritional deficiencies and is responsible for several morbid conditions. Objective: The purpose of this paper was to assess the impact of nutritional counseling intervention on severe malnutrition among rural under-five children in Northern India. Method: Nine villages in an ongoing project were included in the study to include all the under-five children (N=573) from these villages. Nutritional assessment was performed as per World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards. Based on their z-scores of malnourishment indicators, children affected with severe malnutrition were included for customized health promoting nutritional intervention, other than the regular nutrition counseling sessions for all malnourished under-five children. Post nutrition counseling changes in anthropometric measurements were recorded at an interval of 6 months. Results: Significant changes were observed in mean z-scores before and after nutrition intervention that declined from -3.05 to -1.81 and -3.16 to -2.25 for weight for height (WHZ) and weight for age (WAZ), respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the intervention was effective in community-based management of severe malnutrition among children in rural Northern India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India and China are two big neighbours by all respects, may it be geography, military might, natural resources, leading international engagements, armed forces in terms of quality, aspirations for global dominance, vibrant economy, plausible market and above all nuclear weapons states. India since its inception has not been under normal strategic relations with China. The international border between India and China has yet to be formalized and thus still termed as Line of Actual Control (LAC). In May 2020, the two sides had a face-off in Ladakh area having potential of spiralling up to uncontrollable limits, if not immediately, in future for sure. India under its hardliner nationalist political leadership is looking for regional hegemony with due American political, military and diplomatic support. India by strengthening its military infrastructure at Ladakh in Western Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) is suspected to build a jump-off point to check China-Pakistan Economic Corridor moving through Pakistani Gilgit Baltistan (GB) area. The tactical level Indo-China stand-off in Ladakh has strategic implications for South Asian peace and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's unilateral action of seizing Kashmiri's identity on Israeli model, has set ablaze the peace and stability in the South Asian region. Kashmiris have been robbed of their autonomy by Indian Prime Minister Modi and his hawkish government. The unilateral action by the Indian side is unprecedented, and demonstrates Indian stubbornness towards its neighbours in particular and world in general besides ridiculing the international institutions responsible for peace and security such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Needless to remind, that Kashmir has been a bone of contention between Pakistan and India since their Independence in 1947. The Indian action of annexing Kashmir without taking into consideration sensitivities attached to it is likely to affect the contemporary world order, besides further strengthening realpolitik assumptions. The two neighbours, who are nuclear rivals, have already fought three full-fledged conventional wars over their tangent claims on Kashmiri territory, besides a limited war i.e. Kargil Conflict. If the Kashmir issue is not addressed in time, it may actualize yet another war between Pakistan and India which, if initiated, could spiral up into a 3rd World War having likely exchange of nuclear devices that might be the end of world due to the devastation attached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One health approach for rabies prevention in humans can be done only by targeting the animal source of the virus. Animal bite is the most common mode of transmission of virus to human being. Objective: to describe the epidemiology of animal bite among those attending the animal bite clinic of a tertiary care center of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Methods: This hospital based descriptive study was carried out from March 2015 through February 2016 at Animal Bite Clinic of Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. A pre-designed and pre-tested closed ended questionnaire was used. World Health Organization's category of animal bite was used to categorize the patients. Results: Males outnumbered females and around 30% were below 20 years of age followed by third decade. Majority of victims were students (31%) and in 61.1% the wound was localized in the lower extremities. Dog bite was reported in 86% cases. Stray animal bite resulted in 94.2% of category III bites. More than half of the victims were aware of local remedy to be done after bite and practiced it within 30 minutes of bite. Conclusions: Agent, host and environmental factor of animal bite studied in this study indicate that vaccination of animal, abolishing environment favorable for stray animals and awareness of early management of animal bite cases can lead to goal of elimination of rabies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debate about probability of outer space militarization and weaponization is getting traction. International political system is transforming from uni-polarity to the multipolarity. The United States (US), which had been enjoying the sole super power status, is at the verge of sharing its power pie with rising China and resurging Russia. Besides Russia and China, India is also striving hard to secure its place in the world power politics with help of the US. For achieving the power status at global level, outer space has been in the limelight for extension and projection of power aspirant states. Outer space militarization and its subsequent weaponization are being debated. Arms controllers foresee it as a nightmare to their efforts for bringing peace and stability. India, in this regard is no different which has a matured space program with an experience of over fifty years. Being one of the major space faring nation, there are tangible indicators that India would not hesitate to join the club of states with space weapons capability. Indian probable space weaponization capability would be detrimental to the deterrence stability in South Asia which houses two nuclear weapons states with border contiguity. Issue of space weaponization in South Asian context needs to be pre-empted less it is too late. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is huge demand for high quality potato seed in India, however, availability is limited due to low multiplication rate. Aeroponics technology is used for fast multiplication of basic seed stocks from in vitro plantlets. To make better use of expensive aeroponics facility, two production cycles of consecutive crops per year were tried. Experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar, Punjab, on three varieties and two hardening mediums before planting to aeroponic system for two consecutive crops. Observations were recorded on per cent survival, days taken to tuber initiation, plant height at final harvest, number of minitubers, minitubers weight, haulm fresh and dry weight and root fresh and dry weight on per plant basis. All the three varieties performed well during main season but Kufri Surya emerged as the best performing variety under aeroponics during second consecutive season. Liquid hardening is better for improved plant establishment as well as early initiation of tubers. Therefore, two crops of potato minitubers production are possible with selection of suitable hardening medium and variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity severely impacts agricultural productivity and quality in arid and semi–arid regions. Specific elicitors like plant growth regulators (PGRs) and bio–stimulants as well as deficit irrigation (DI) practices have been put forward to alleviate the effect of resultant water stress and enhance crop productivity. Hence, a field experiment was conducted for two years (2020–2022) to elucidate the effects of PGRs and bio–stimulants of organic and chemical origins under variable deficit irrigation levels on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), a major crop grown in the semi–arid region of peninsular India. Treatments included combinations of the foliar sprays with PGRs i.e. irradiated chitosan (IC, 5 ml L–1), sea weed extracts (SWE, 5 ml L–1), thio–urea (TU, 600 ppm), salicylic acid (SA, 20 µM), bacterial biopolymer (BP, 5 ml L–1) along with control (no PGR) and DI levels i.e. equalling 100 %, 75 %, 50 % and 25 % of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Irrigation levels were maintained using line source sprinkler (LSS) system. Reductions in pod yield (PY) and above ground biomass (AGB) ranged between 12 and 83 and 20–79 % with DI of 0.75–0.25 ETc. Exogenous foliar application of PGRs improved plant growth, physiological traits and thereby increased PY by 6.1–19.2 %. Beneficial role of PGRs for mitigating water stress was associated with cooler canopy temperatures, maintenance of higher leaf relative water content by modulating stomatal conductance, enhanced plant vigour and photosynthetically active surface. The lower values of yield response factors viz., K SWE ≤ 1 with SWE further indicated increased tolerance of okra to water stress. The maximum crop water productivity (CWP) was 3.43–3.79 kg m–3 with PGRs as compared with 3.32 kg m–3 without PGR. Especially PGRs of organic origin (SWE and IC) were more effective under medium to severe water stress conditions. The response to BP, bio-stimulant of bacterial origin was almost at par with SA. DI reduced physical quality attributes such as mean pod weight and pod length but firmness and seed/peel ratio got improved; the maximum being with 75 % ETc. Improved rehydration quality and higher accumulation of total soluble solids, dry matter, protein, total phenolics, and flavonoids that potentially affect enzymatic activity were monitored with PGRs. It is concluded that the exogenous foliar application of PGRs from organic origins such as SWE and IC in combination with low to moderate DI (50–75 % ETc) is optimal for improving production and post–harvest quality of okra grown in water–scarce areas of peninsular India. [Display omitted] • Okra responses to PGRs of organic and chemical origins and DI were elucidated. • Exogenous foliar PGRs enhanced the okra growth and pod yield (6.1–19.2 %) • PGRs lowered yield response factors (Ky), indicating increased water stress tolerance in okra. • PGRs improved water productivity (3.4–3.8 kg m−3) and upregulated pod quality. • Organic PGRs such as sea weed extracts (SWE) and irradiated chitosan (IC) were found effective for mitigating water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large areas in arid and semi-arid regions remain barren due to lack of irrigation. The underground aquifers in these regions are either saline or sodic. Groundwater surveys indicate that poor-quality water is used to irrigate arable crops in 25-84 % of the total groundwater development areas in north-western states of India. The present long-term study assessed the performance of low-water-requiring, salt-tolerant fruit-based ( Carissa carandas, Emblica officinalis, Aegle marmelos) agroforestry systems with saline irrigation under sem-iarid conditions. The companion crops such as Hordeum vulgare for malt, Brassica juncea, a seed oil (winter), and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba for gum and Pennisetum typhoides, a coarse grain/fodder (summer), were grown in inter-row spaces. The fruit trees were successfully established in the sill of furrows using low (EC 4-5 dS m) salinity water. Subsequently, all the systems were irrigated with water of low and high (8.5-10.0 dS m) salinity and their alternate use as per treatments. Fruit yields under alternate and high saline irrigation reduced by 18-27.5 % in Carissa, 41.6 % in Emblica and 31.7-54.8 % in Aegle, respectively. There was no significant reduction in grain yields of Pennisetum and Hordeum. However, in subsequent years, the seed yields of Cyamopsis and Brassica reduced with saline water and more so when intercropped with Aegle. Carissa with Pennisetum and Hordeum performed best with saline water. The study shows that saline water (ECiw up to 10 dS m) could be used sustainably for these fruit-based agroforestry systems without significant salinity build-up in sandy loam calcareous soils. Thus, such fruit-based agroforestry systems could be a viable option for the areas with only saline groundwater available for irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of water stress on yield formation is essential for planning irrigation and other mitigation strategies in arid and semiarid regions. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted for 3 years to evaluate the impact of irrigation regimes and plant bio-regulators (PBR’s) on grain yield and water productivity of spring wheat ( Triticum aeastivum L). PBR’s applied through exogenous sprays included: 10 mM thiourea (TU), 10 μM salicylic acid (SA), 15 g L −1 potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ), 25 ppm gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), 8 ppm ortho -silicic acid (OSA) at crown root initiation (CRI), flag leaf and seed milking stages and control (no PBR). Seven irrigation levels were generated through a line source sprinkler system (LSS) viz., application of irrigation water (IW) equalling 1.0, 0.85, 0.70, 0.55, 0.40, 0.25 and 0.10 times the CPE (cumulative open pan evaporation). The maximum yield obtained with PBR’s varied between 4.11–4.46 Mg ha −1 at IW:CPE 0.85 against 4.09 Mg ha −1 without PBR. While the yield decline equalled 0.35–0.42 Mg ha −1 for every 0.1 IW:CPE for PBR’s against 0.43 Mg ha −1 without PBR. The overall improvement in grain yield and total biomass with PBR’s ranged between 5.9–20.6% and 4.8–15.3%, respectively. Specifically TU and SA showed a major role under medium (IW:CPE 0.40–0.69) and severe (0.10–0.39) stress conditions in terms of maintenance of leaf water content, modulating the stomatal opening and better water usage and thereby improved yield by 0.41–0.88 Mg ha −1 . The maximum water productivity ranged between 1.20–1.35 kg m −3 with different PBR’s while it was 1.18 kg m −3 without PBR and the latter could be achieved with 19–56% lesser irrigation water with PBR’s. Overall conclusions are that the effects of deficit irrigation could be substantially enhanced in terms of grain yield and water productivity when used conjunctively with PBR’s like TU and SA. Thus for integrating PBR’s with supplemental irrigation, large scale testing is required for defining their economic spray schedules under water scarcity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to validate the use of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system in pediatric population in predicting the risk of mortality and to compare the predicted death rate (using APACHE II) with the actual death rate of the patients. Design: Hospital-based prospective study. Setting: Tertiary care Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU) in Western Rajasthan, India. Methods: A total of 100 critically ill children between 1 and 18years of age admitted to PICU and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. APACHE II score was calculated in each patient on the day of admission. The predicted mortality was calculated on the basis of this score. Results: The mean APACHE II score was 21.35 ± 5.76. Mean APACHE II score among the survivors was 16.60 ± 6.12, and mean APACHE II score among the nonsurvivors was 26. 11 ± 5.41, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.00).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for APACHE II score was found to be 0.889 (P = 0.008) indicating good discrimination. Conclusion: APACHE II scoring system has a good discrimination and calibration when applied to a pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 1.4% of the population in South Asia but very few have access to any form of health care service. The objective of this study was to explore the beliefs and practices related to the care of children with ASD to inform strategies for intervention. In Pakistan, primary data were collected through in-depth interviews of parents (N = 15), while in India a narrative review of existing studies was conducted. The results show that the burden of care is almost entirely on the mother, leading to high levels of stress. Poor awareness of the condition in both family members and front-line health-providers leads to delay in recognition and appropriate management. There is considerable stigma and discrimination affecting children with autism and their families. Specialist services are rare, concentrated in urban areas, and inaccessible to the majority. Strategies for intervention should include building community and family support networks to provide respite to the main carer. In the absence of specialists, community members such as community health workers, traditional practitioners and even motivated family members could be trained in recognizing and providing evidence-based interventions. Such task-shifting strategies should be accompanied by campaigns to raise awareness so greater inclusivity can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, has become a major pest of soybean (Glycine max) throughout its Indian range. With a changing climate, there is the potential for this insect to become an increasingly severe pest in certain regions due to increased habitat suitability. To examine this possibility, we developed temperature-based phenology model for S. litura, by constructing thermal reaction norms for cohorts of single life stages, at both constant and fluctuating temperatures within the ecologically relevant range (15–38°C) for its development. Life table parameters were estimated stochastically using cohort updating and rate summation approach. The model was implemented in the geographic information system to examine the potential future pest status of S. litura using temperature change projections from SRES A1B climate change scenario for the year 2050. The changes were visualized by means of three spatial indices demonstrating the risks for establishment, number of generations per year and pest abundance according to the temperature conditions. The results revealed that the development rate as a function of temperature increased linearly for all the immature stages of S. litura until approximately 34–36°C, after which it became non-linear. The extreme temperature of 38°C was found lethal to larval and pupal stages of S. litura wherein no development to the next stage occurred. Females could lay no eggs at the extreme low (15°C) and high (> 35°C) test temperatures, demonstrating the importance of optimum temperature in determining the suitability of climate for the mating and reproduction in S. litura. The risk mapping predicts that due to temperature increase under future climate change, much of the soybean areas in Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, will become suitable for S. litura establishment and increased pest activity, indicating the expansion of the suitable and favourable areas over time. This has serious implication in terms of soybean production since these areas produce approximately 95% of the total soybeans in India. As the present model results are based on temperature only, and the effects of other abiotic and biotic factors determining the pest population dynamics were excluded, it presents only the potential population growth parameters for S. litura. However, if combined with the field observations, the model results could certainly contribute to gaining insight into the field dynamics of S. litura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) play crucial role in cellular thermotolerance and heat stress response. In the present work, Allele specific PCR (AS-PCR) was standardized to detect the nucleotide polymorphism within theHSP90AB1gene (SNP g.4338T>C) in Indian breeds of dairy cattle. The identified genotypes were associated with relative thermotolerance in terms of physiological parameters and milk production traits. The results of the experiments revealed that the genotype frequency of CC, CT, and TT for Sahiwal were 0.05, 0.78, and 0.17, respectively, and in Frieswal, the frequencies were 0.20, 0.70, and 0.10, respectively. The average rectal temperature (ART) and average respiration rates (ARR) were recorded during peak summer stress and heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) was calculated. The association studies indicated that TT genotypes had significantly (P < 0.01) higher HTC and lower ARR values than CT and CC in both the breeds. The TT genotype animals also had better production parameter in terms of total milk yield (TMY) (P < 0.01). These findings may partly suggest the role ofHSP90AB1polymorphisms in the regulation of heat stress response and consequent effect on production traits. Nevertheless, involvement of other regulatory mechanisms cannot be overruled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caregiving to bedridden patients in India is set to become a major problem in future. Objective: To ascertain the profile of caregivers for the adult bedridden patients in Chandigarh, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 purposively selected bedridden people. The Katz Index of the activities of daily living was used to ascertain their degree of disability. Patients and families were interviewed about the patterns of care provision. Results: The mean age of subjects was 69 years. A majority (68%) of them lived in joint families. All of them required assistance in bathing, dressing, toileting, and transfer. In 54% of the cases someone was hired to look after the subjects. A majority of the caregivers (82%) were family members. All caregivers were untrained. In 35% of the cases unqualified practitioners were consulted, while in 59% of the casesgovernment hospitals were consulted. Most patients (78) were given medicines on time. Complications like urinary tract infection (39%) and pressure ulcers (54%) were reported; 57% of the patients reported satisfaction with the care provided. Conclusion: The main source of caregivers for the bedridden was the family. Bedridden people had high rates of medical complications. There is a need for formal training for the caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of hormone receptors as a prognostic and therapeutic tool in breast cancer is widely accepted. The frequency of nonreactivity of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer patients of India is much more common than in the West. This study was conducted with the aim of analysis of steroid receptor status in breast cancer with clinico-pathological characteristics from the northern hilly state of Himachal Pradesh, India located in the region of the Western Himalayas. Fifty five consecutive patients with the diagnosis of breast cancer were included in this study. Detailed clinical and histopathologic data was recorded in all cases. Estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor status was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. On immunohistochemical staining, 34.5% cases proved to be estrogen receptor positive and 36.4% cases progesterone receptor positive. The results in the present study documented low estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positivity in breast cancer from this region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial samples of surface and ground water collected from land disposal site of dye waste mixed sewage effluents at Binjhole, in Haryana, India were analyzed to evaluate its effect on quality of pond, hand pumps and ground waters for human health and irrigation purposes. It was found that average COD and TDS of dye houses discharge (310 and 3,920 mg/L) and treated sewage (428 and 1,470 mg/L) on mixing acquired the values of 245 and 1,780 mg/L and only Pb (0.24 μg/L) was above the permissible limit for irrigation purpose. Disposal of this mixed water to village pond changes the COD and TDS to 428 and 1,470 mg/L, respectively. COD and TDS of hand pump water samples were 264 and 1,190 mg/L, where as in tube well water these values were 151 and 900 mg/L. Though the ground water contamination seemed to decrease with the increasing distance from the pond but COD, TDS and BOD values continued to be quite high in water samples drawn from the hand pumps up to a distance of 500 m from pond. However, the major cause of the concern in these waters was Pb (0.11–0.45 ppm). Crops grown with this water shows accumulation of heavy metals like Pb,Cd, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn but in few crops they (Zn, Pb and Cd) exceed the safe limits. Regular consumption of these crop products may lead heavy metal toxicity. It was concluded from this study that the deep seepage of effluents led to deterioration of ground water quality for drinking purposes and the well waters rendered unfit for irrigation purposes within a span of 2 years. This warrants appropriate disposal measures for sewage and dye industry effluents in order to prevent deterioration of ground water and health of human and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at characterizing the soil–water resource degradation in the rural areas of Gurgaon and Mewat districts, the two economically contrasting areas in policy zones-II and III of the National Capital Region (NCR), and assessing the impact of the study area’s local conditions on the type and extent of resource degradation. This involved generation of detailed spatial information on the land use, cropping pattern, farming practices, soils and surface/ground waters of Gurgaon and Mewat districts through actual resource surveys, standard laboratory methods and GIS/remote sensing techniques... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground water table (g.w.t.) levels were measured twice a month for 2 years in 50 observation wells installed inside and outside the two 18-year-old and 350 m apart plantations of Eucalyptus tereticornis (Mysure gum) at Dhob-Bhali research plot located in Rohtak district of Haryana state (north-west India). Throughout the study, the g.w.t. underneath the plantations remained lower than the g.w.t. in the adjacent fields. The average g.w.t. in the plantations was 4.95 m and the average g.w.t. in the control located in adjacent fields was 4.04 m. Interestingly, the spatial extent of lowering of g.w.t. in the adjacent fields was up to a distance of more than 730 m from the edge of a plantation. Drawdown in the g.w.t. developed due to the effect of a plantation was similar to the cone of depression of a pumping well and the drawdown in the g.w.t. developed due to the joint effect of both the plantations was similar to the combined cone of depression of two pumping wells. There was no correlation between soil salinity and the g.w.t. The fluctuations in g.w.t. caused fluctuations in g.w.t. salinity in the plantation as well as in the adjacent fields, but there was no net increase in g.w.t. salinity underneath the plantation. Sinker roots of Eucalyptus tree reached the zone of capillary fringe up to a depth of 4.40 m, indicating that the Eucalyptus trees were absorbing capillary water of the g.w.t. Thus, in shallow g.w.t. areas of semi-arid regions with alluvial sandy loam soils, the plantations of E. tereticornis act as bio-pumps and therefore, we recommend closely spaced parallel strip plantations of this species for the reclamation of waterlogged areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like the problem of salt-affected soils afflicting many other countries with arid and semi-arid climates, these lands occupy about 8.6M ha in India out of which 3.5 M ha are in canal commands, commonly referred to as man made or wet deserts. Starting from the early systematic work of Dr. Leather about a century ago, real impetus to development and application of reclamation technologies has occurred in the post independence period, especially the seventies. Salt-affected soils are grouped into saline and alkali/sodic soils on the considerations of soil management and crop responses. Out of the 3.4Mha of alkali lands in Indo-Gangetic Plains, about 1.0Mha has been reclaimed by the hydro-chemical technology. Application of amendments like gypsum, equivalent to 50% gypsum requirement, to the surface 15-cm soil only was enough to start cropping with rice. Light and frequent irrigation are ideal for upland crops. Application of higher doses of nitrogen in splits to compensate for volatilization losses, organic matter additions through green manure to increase reclaiming action, skipping phosphorus application in the initial years and the application of zinc to each crop were some of the emerging recommendations. Application of low-grade pyrites also gave encouraging results in calcareous soils. Feasibility of drainage has been successfully demonstrated in 1980s for the quicker rehabilitation of saline and waterlogged soils. Provision for subsurface drains at 1.5-2.0 m depth and 50-75 m spacing in alluvial soils and 12-24 m interval in vertisol was sufficient for facilitating growing crops within 2-3 years on lands lying barren for considerable period. However, technological, economic, social, and political considerations are the major bottlenecks for large-scale amelioration of saline soils, in addition to the safer disposal of drainage waters. Strategies worked out for successful crop production on saline soils after drainage include initial leaching management (minimizing water requirement for leaching by synchronizing with monsoon rains, etc.), proper selection of crops/cultivars, irrigation (method, controlled frequency for enhancing water-table contribution, canal water use during the initial stages including presowing for conjunctive use with drainage waters) and cultural practices (furrow planting, increasing seed rate and fertility management). Some of the future issues for combating salinity and also preventing further land degradations in India are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a commonly encountered disease entity in pediatric population in India. Malignant small round cell tumors (MSRCT),are common malignant tumour seen frequently in pediatric age group, that are characterised by small, round, relatively undifferentiated cells. It is difficult to make a differential diagnosis due to their undifferentiated or primitive character. Immunohistochemical staining and chromosomal study is useful to categorize these tumors. Differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors is particularly difficult due to their undifferentiated or primitive character. Since these are undifferentiated tumors, treatment protocols are not well established. While combined treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) is currently being applied, the tumor still has a poor prognosis. Since both CSOM and MSCRT are common in pediatric age group and have similar clinical presentations, possibility of MSCRT must be kept in mind while dealing with cases of CSOM in pediatric population. We present to you a rare case of malignant small round cell tumour of temporal bone in three years old child who presented with unsafe CSOM right ear for which Modified Radical mastoidectomy was done. But patient presented again after one month with fifth, sixth and seventh cranial nerve involvement presented with facial palsy and gradenigo syndrome of right side and nasal bleed from same side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the food consumption behavior of households covered during a consumer expenditure survey in India in 1983. Comparison of the incidence of hunger obtained from the analysis of the food intake behavior with corresponding estimates obtained with the use of nutritional norm; Analysis of household expenditure on food; Evaluation of the reported consumption and simple meal adjusted consumption distributions.

Understanding and mitigating the adverse impacts of water stress on agriculture production have become global concern in water scarce environments. Particularly, Deccan plateau, the largest semi-arid zone of peninsular India, is confronted with severe water resources conflicts and extensive pressure for food production under climate change scenario. For sustainable agriculture, it is critical to quantify the impact of water stress on major crops like winter onion (Allium cepa L.) which is grown under diverse water management practices on shallow basaltic soils of this region. We conducted a field experiment during two growing seasons (2017–18 and 2018–19) for evaluating responses of different cultivars of red (B. Raj, B. Kiran, B. Super, B. Red and Local-Fursangi) and white (B. Shubra, B. Sweta and B. Safed) onion to variable water stress created using a line source sprinkler (LSS) system. There was a 1.1, 1.6, 3.9, 9.2 fold decline in total bulb yields (TBY) with increasing water deficit i.e. when depth of irrigation water (IW) applied equalled 0.60, 0.40, 0.20 and 0.00 times the cumulative open pan evaporation (CPE) as compared with the recommended practice (IW:CPE 0.80). The TBY increased between 86.2 and 106.6 Mg ha−1 in red cultivars when irrigation was scheduled at excess to optimum water regimes (IW: CPE 0.80–1.00), while it was improved by 5.0–20.4% for white cultivars under medium (0.40–0.59) to severe (0.0–0.39) water deficit stress. Further, highest (4.3–16.2%) improvement in TBY of Local cultivar was reported irrespective to different water stress levels. Local and white cultivars could have better tolerance to water stress by keeping cooler canopy temperatures, higher leaf relative water content and modulating the stomatal opening. Lower yield losses due to rotting (0.30–1.81%) and splitting (4.4–6.5%) of bulbs were observed in red and white cultivars. This study further endorses the appropriate selection of onion cultivars reduces water requirements by 37.5–61% to attain similar water productivity (16.0 kg m−3) as with recommended irrigation level. Increased in water stress levels though reduced quality of physical traits of harvested bulbs viz., mean weight, average dia., shape index (SI), harvest index (HI) and firmness, these improved the storage quality. Water deficit also increased accumulation of soluble solids, total phenolics, protein, dry matter and elevated the pH and rehydration quality besides potentially affecting the enzymatic activity (SOD and POD) of onion cultivars. It was concluded that white onion cultivars like B. Shubra with higher WP under medium and severe water deficit stress and 'Local' red cultivar should be preferred for efficient utilisation of water resources both in terms of the productivity and post-harvest quality of onion under drought prone and shallow basaltic regions of Deccan plateau. [Display omitted] • Onion cultivars responses to water stress in Deccan plateau, India was investigated. • White cultivars improved bulb yields (5.0–20.4%) and water productivity (12.1–20.2 kg m−3) in water deficit. • Maximum bulb yields and minimum rotting losses found in red cultivars under excess water. • Identified 'Local' red and 'B. Shubra" white cultivars founds tolerant to excess and deficit stress and reduce the water use by 49.5% and 60.7%. • Medium water stress upregulated the marketable, biochemical and functional quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficit irrigation (DI) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) have strategic role for sustaining crop productivity and mitigating water stress in drought prone areas. However, their impacts are yet to be quantified for eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), a popular drought tolerant vegetable crop grown in water scarce Deccan Plateau of India. We conducted field experiments during 2016–17 and 2017–18 in a drought prone region of Deccan Plateau, India to evaluate the interactive effect of PGRs viz., 1.38 mg L−1 salicylic acid (SA), 1.5% potassium nitrate (PN), 500 ppm thio-urea (TU) and 100 ml L−1 bio-stimulant (BS) and varied levels of DI generated using line source sprinkler system. The marketable fruit yields were reduced to 86, 74, 50, 30, 12 and 8% with increased level of DI i.e. when the applied irrigation water (IW) equalled 0.00, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75 times the cumulative open pan evaporation (CPE) against the recommended irrigation practice (IW:CPE 0.90). Application of PGRs improved fruit yields by 7.3–22.7% and their role to alleviate water stress was indicated by lower canopy temperatures, maintaining higher leaf relative water content, modulation of stomatal opening and higher consumptive use of water. Particularly SA and TU were superior under low to medium water stress (IW:CPE 0.45–0.75) whereas PN was effective in severe water stress (IW:CPE 0.0–0.44) while the effect of BS was almost similar with PGRs like TU under medium stress conditions. The maximum water productivity (WP) varied between 5.50 and 6.77 kg m−3 for different PGRs and it was 5.16 kg m−3 without PGRs indicating water savings to the order of 28.8–57.4% with the former. The fruit quality attributes such as mean diameter, sphericity, fruit weight and firmness traits declined with water stress while these were considerably rectified with PGRs. Higher accumulation of dry matter, sugar, protein, total phenolics, flavonoids and improved rehydration quality as well as potentially affecting enzymatic activity were monitored with PGRs. It is concluded that exogenous application of PGRs like SA and PN along with medium levels of DI can help in rational utilization of water resources and could effectively improve yield and post-harvest quality of eggplant fruits especially under water scarce environment of Deccan Plateau. Image 10186 • Eggplant responses to PGRs and DI practices in water scarce environment were investigated. • PGRs improved fruit yield (7.3–22.7%) and water productivity (5.50–6.77 kg m−3). • Salicylic acid (SA) and potassium nitrate (PN) were found effective in alleviating water stress. • PGRs with medium DI upregulated marketable and physicochemical fruit quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic predisposition to ACL tears has received tremendous interest in the past few years with many SNPs of different genes being linked to ACL tear. Study Objectives: To examine if specific sequence variants in COL12A1 gene are associated with ACL tears in Indian population. Study design: Case-control study. Materials and methods: 50 patients with surgically diagnosed ACL tear and 52 healthy, agematched controls without any ligament/tendon injuries were genotyped for rs970547 and rs240736 SNPs using real time PCR method. Results: The AG and GG genotypes were significantly under-represented in study group patients in rs970547 region (p=0.0361). However, there was no significant difference in genotype/allele frequencies in the rs240736 region. Conclusions: The COL12A1 rs970547 SNP is associated with ACL tears in the Indian population. However, these results need to be validated further so that predisposed individuals can be screened in the future for counselling and intervention. Level of evidence: III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a highly invasive and polyphagous pest of global incidence. The fundamental hypothesis of the present study was that the temperature variations due to global climate change may affect seriously the future distribution and abundance of P. solenopsis, which might further aggravate the crop yield losses. We employed a temperature-based phenology model of P. solenopsis in a geographic information system for mapping population growth potentials of P. solenopsis. The three risk indices viz., establishment risk index, generation index and activity index were computed using interpolated temperature data from worldclim database for current (2000) and future (2050) climatic conditions. The daily minimum and maximum temperature data from four selected weather stations in India were used for analysing within-year variation of pest population. A linear relationship was established between the activity indices and yield losses at various locations reported in literatures for predicting the future trend of yield loss due to climate change. The results revealed that, under current temperature conditions P. solenopsis can complete >4.0 generations per year on ~80% of the global cotton production areas. Economic losses are likely to occur in areas where at least 8.0 generations can develop in a year; under current climate ~40% areas fall under this category. The increased geographical suitability at higher latitudes in cotton production areas, additional 2.0 generations per year, and 4.0 fold increase of population abundance of P. solenopsis are expected in tropical and sub-tropical cotton areas of Brazil, South Africa, Pakistan and India due to predicted climate change. Analysis of within year population increase at various selected locations in India revealed that, P. solenopsis attained maximum potential population increase during the major cotton growing season (May-June to October-November). On the other hand, the innate ability of P. solenopsis population to increase reduced considerably during off season and cooler winter months. The increased pest activity of P. solenopsis due to climate change may intensify the losses in cotton yield, with forecasted losses in India to increase from existing losses of million US$ 1217.10 to future losses of million US$ 1764.85 by the year 2050. Here, we illustrate the possible impact of climate change on future P. solenopsis exacerbation based on temperature-driven population studies, which will help in undertaking agro-ecoregion specific management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Gangavati, Karnataka, India to study the effect of tree species on bioamelioration of saline Vertisols. Six tree species, namely, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sissoo, Azardirachta indica, Sesbania grandiflora and Hardwickia binata were chosen for the experiment. Reduction in soil salinity, calcium carbonate and soil soluble sodium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate and sodium adsorption ratio was observed under all the tree species apart from improvement in organic carbon. Tree species such as A. nilotica and C. equisetifolia with higher biomass production exhibited greater bioamelioration potential in saline Vertisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-based interventions for autism spectrum disorders evaluated in high-income countries typically require highly specialised manpower, which is a scarce resource in most low- and middle-income settings. This resource limitation results in most children not having access to evidence-based interventions., Objective: This paper reports on the systematic adaptation of an evidence-based intervention, the Preschool Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) evaluated in a large trial in the United Kingdom for delivery in a low-resource setting through the process of task-shifting., Design: The adaptation process used the Medical Research Council framework for the development and adaptation of complex interventions, focusing on qualitative methods and case series and was conducted simultaneously in India and Pakistan., Results: The original intervention delivered by speech and language therapists in a high-resource setting required adaptation in some aspects of its content and delivery to enhance contextual acceptability and to enable the intervention to be delivered by non-specialists., Conclusions: The resulting intervention, the Parent-mediated intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in South Asia (PASS), shares the core theoretical foundations of the original PACT but is adapted in several respects to enhance its acceptability, feasibility, and scalability in low-resource settings.