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Epipogium roseum (D.Don) Lindl., an ephemeral, achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic, terrestrial orchid is reported as a new state record after its first collection from the Paderu hills of Andhra Pradesh, India. Detailed descriptions, information on the type, ecology, photographs, and details of voucher specimens are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Information Communication and Technology tools viz DLP (Distance Learning Projector) and Computer/Laptop in comparison with selected instructional media for teaching primary and secondary school pupils. It examined the effect of grade on the performance of the pupils taught with four instructional media. 100 pupils from 3 schools in Durg, Raipur and Rajnandgoan districts respectively from Chhatisgarh state, India, were taught three topics drawn from syllabus. The non-randomized quasi-pretest-posttest experimental design was used in finding out which of the pupils in the four experimental groups--DLP, Computer/laptop, Chart and Chalk Talk Method--performed best. The study revealed that the pupils taught with the DLP performed equally as well as those taught with Computer/laptop. The study concludes that ICT Tools were more effective than conventional methodologies in teaching school children learning issues. This confirms the claim of many researchers of the prospective of using ICT Tool as an instructional medium in teaching varying subjects to adults, youths and children in the formal school system. The advantages far overshadow the disadvantages. The four methods that can be used by the teacher were recommended. An organisational structure in each state and ICT equipment needed for effective take off of the ICT programme in schools in Chhatisgarh were suggested.

The demand for effective methods to augment precipitation over arid regions of India has been increasing over the past several decades as the changing climate brings warmer average temperatures. In the fourth phase of the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX IV), a scientific investigation was conducted over a rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats mountains in India. The primary objective was to investigate the efficacy of hygroscopic seeding in convective clouds and to develop a cloud seeding protocol. CAIPEEX IV followed the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommendations in a peer-reviewed report with physical, statistical, and numerical investigations. The initial results of the campaign in the monsoon period of 2018 and 2019 with two instrumented aircraft, a ground-based dual-polarization C-band radar, a network of rain gauges, radiosondes, and surface aerosol measurements are reported here. The hygroscopic seeding material was detected in cloud droplets and key cloud microphysical processes in the seeding hypothesis were tracked. The formidable challenges of assessing seeding impacts in convective clouds and the results from 150 seed and 122 no-seed samples of randomized experiments are illustrated. Over 5,000 cloud passes from the airborne campaign provided details about the convective cloud properties as the key indicators for a seeding strategy and the evaluation protocol. The experimental results suggest that cloud seeding can be approached scientifically to reduce uncertainty. The results from this study should interest the scientific community and policymakers concerned with climate change's impact on precipitation and how to mitigate rainfall deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is considered the gold standard blanket surgical procedure for all medically intractable cerebral oedema in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It's only proven fact is that it reduces Intra Cerebral Pressure (ICP) by providing space for the oedematous brain. Attempts are being made to find additional or alternative procedures to improve outcomes in TBI. Basal Cisternostomy is one such technique proposed to bring such a change in world literature.Aim: To analyse the validity of Basal Cisternostomy in TBI patients.Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients who underwent Basal Cisternostomy (BC) in TBI admitted in the senior author's unit between January 2016 and April 2019 were analysed retrospectively. All surgeries were performed by single surgeon with microsurgical expertise. Outcome was assessed according to Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Results were analysed using SPSS software.Results: In severe TBI, Basal Cisternostomy group showed 77.8% favourable outcome while Decompressive Craniectomy in addition to Basal Cisternostomy group showed 72.7% only. While favourable GOS was seen in 82% (33/40), the unfavourable outcome was noticed in 12.5% (5/40) and death in 5% (2/40) in this series. Hydrocephalus was seen in 12.5% (5/40). Patients operated earlier from the time of injury showed better results than those who got operated later irrespective of severity of neurological status. ICU stay and hospital stay duration and its validity could not be assessed.Conclusion: Basal Cisternostomy is an effective procedure in Traumatic Brain Injury patients that not only improves outcome but also reduces the need for Decompressive Craniectomy as a blanket procedure and thus avoiding its associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, from manual collection to electronic collection, drastic changes have been done at toll gates. The risks due to cash are high compared to digital money. The introduction of a digital payment system laid the foundation for the present toll collection system. In FASTAG, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used for toll collection at national highways. RFID tag plays a key role in the automated deduction of toll charges. FASTAG main objectives are traffic control and timesaving. But there are a few disadvantages, as FASTAG uses an RFID tag, which can be cloned, so there is a chance for misusing it, and it is also somewhat inconvenient to the user as they have to renew the tag every three years, for which they have to pay. In case of loss of FASTAG, the user has to wait for a whole day for a new tag and they have to pay for it. The paper implements toll collection using image processing technology, which does not require RFID scanning devices and RFID tags. The account details of the user are stored in the database using the user's vehicle number plate as a key. When a vehicle is passed through the toll gate, license plate details are retrieved using image processing. The transaction can be done by retrieving account details from database using the vehicle's number plate details. Using the Open Computer Vision (OCV) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), the system can extract characters from the captured vehicle image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elemental composition and phase analysis of fly ash collected from a thermal power plant in West Bengal, India was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry, neutron activation analysis (NAA). Further, the particle size and surface morphology of the particles were also examined. Zeolite-A was prepared by fusion followed by hydrothermal synthesis method and its formation was confirmed by XRD. Based on the composition analysis, the Si/Al ratio was found to be 1.51, which is a good proportion to synthesise low silica zeolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is a major producer of fly ash due to its coal-based thermal power plants. The elemental characterization of the fly ash facilitates its better utilization and safe disposal, which was accomplished using k0-based internal mono standard neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence techniques in the present study. The fly ash was mainly composed of useful elements such as Si, Al, Fe, K and Ca. The same was also found to contain the rare earth elements from minor to trace levels in the order of Ce > La > Nd > Sm > Yb > Eu > Tb > Lu and the heavy and toxic elements such as U, Th, As, Pb etc. in minor and trace level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the current status of science and technology in India, focusing on developments in agriculture, energy, medicine, space, basic sciences, and engineering. Indicates that although India has benefited in many fields from international collaboration during the last 30 years, the country's leaders have also placed particularly strong emphasis on self-reliance. (JN)

Gravity and magnetic surveys were carried out in southwestern part of Cuddapah basin (CB) covering an area of ~3660 km2. Southwestern part of CB gained lot of attention after discovery of second most important uranium province in India. Some non-metallic industrial minerals and base metal occurrence are also reported in the study area. Present study with high spatial resolution gravity-magnetic survey aims to decipher detail basin geometry, nature of sediments, along with possible mineral deposits in SW part of CB. The gravity survey comprising short and long wavelength anomalies brought out sedimentary characteristics and basement architecture underneath the sediments. The long wavelength features of the gravity map shows gneissic basement, which is characterized by both basic and acid magmatic intrusive. Residual gravity anomaly map shows good correspondence with the exposed high density basaltic rock units and also brought out occurrence of concealed high density litho-units, which have significance for mineral prospecting. The magnetic map shows that both sediments and underneath basement are non-magnetic in nature except SW part of the study area, where study suggests occurrence of concealed mafic lensoid body. Euler solutions and combined gravity-magnetic modelling further facilitated for understanding of structural feature and basement geometry. Based on the integrated gravity and magnetic study mineral prospecting zones have been delineated for further detailed study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the population of Cycas Sphaerica Roxb. or Cycadaceae found in Pinjarikonda Reserve Forest in Andhra Pradesh, India. The study involved the collection of Cycas, and the use of detailed survey and documentation of the native cycad taxa's geographical distribution. Results show that cycad habitat has offered extended geographical distribution of species in the Eastern Ghats of Andra Pradesh.

This paper is an attempt to examine India's water security in the present scenario of its fast dwindling water resources and aggressive posturing by China which plans to subvert Brahmaputra waters. This paper critically examines the treaties that India has so far entered into with its neighbors regarding the use of its transboundary river waters, their applicability to the water sharing conflict with China, various doctrines including the Helsinki Rules and the UN Convention of 1997, how they have been adhered to and used by different countries as well as how they can be invoked to meet India's water security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribal people of Andhra Pradesh are endowed with vast knowledge of medicinal plants and use them in curing various ailments. 22 plant species belonging to 20 genera under 16 families used as abortifacients are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotanical field survey was conducted in the primitive tribal groups of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. During the survey first hand information on medicinal plants was collected from the informants of Gadaba, Khond, Porja and Savaras groups. In this paper medicinal uses of 26 taxa of Fabaceae are reported along with their formulations for the treatment of various human ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty six plant species used by the primitive tribal groups of north-coastal Andhra Pradesh for curing jaundice are enumerated in this paper. Twenty seven new practices are reported, for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotanical studies of Visakhapatnam district in Andhra, India yielded 35 tuberous medicinal plant species used for a variety of ailments. They belong to 30 genera and 22 families. Most of the uses for these species by the tribal people are recorded for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which analyzes the effect of product patents on the growth and competency of Indian pharmaceutical industry after the implementation of Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). It involves the use of exploratory research to qualitatively analyze the data of the study. Results show that increased patent awareness help firms file patents in lucrative markets while international treaties can help Indian companies file multiple applications.

The affirmative action sanctioned by the Indian Constitution and implemented by various governments is called Reservation Policy. Reservation Policy is one of the constitutional means adopted by India to address the problems of centuries of discrimination inflicted on certain groups resulting in all types of inequalities. The old order was based on hierarchical social order in which each group occupied a place as the social ladder. In this particular order certain groups are believed to posses particular abilities and they too are hereditary. As a result ascription rather than merit became a rule of the day. Reservation Policy aims at doing away the centuries of historical wrongs in the Indian society. Though the policy has been in existence and implemented for more than half a century, it has been facing many difficulties as well as twists and turns. In the process a number of new contours are emerging. The artible studies and analyses the evolution of the policy and the difficulties in its implementation. It also discusses the new contours emerging in the recent times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal marine ecosystems in many parts of the world are under unrelenting stress caused by urban development, pollutants and other ecological impacts such as building of infrastructure, land reclamation for port and industrial development, habitat modification, tourism and recreational activities. The present work is a first extensive field study using the marine sponge, Sigmadocia fibulata as a bioindicator to detect metal pollution between inshore and offshore environment of the 'Gulf of Mannar', India. Samples of S. fibulata were collected from different places of inshore (0.1-0.5 km) and offshore (3-5 kms) locations. Metal concentrations in water and bioaccumulation in sponges were determined by ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry). Enrichment of metal contamination was more in the inshore, when compared to offshore environment. Higher concentrations of metals Fe, Al, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cr, Co, Ba, Zn, V, Pb and Cd in inshore waters (3-6.4 times than offshore) may be due to the discharge of monsoonal rains, carrying a discharge of industrial and agricultural wastes and sewage directly into the coast. This is substantiated by a highly significant positive correlation between concentrations of metals in the water and accumulation in sponges. The bioaccumulation of metals in sponge tissue were in order of Fe > Al > Ni > Mn > Cu > Cr > Co > Ba > Zn > V > Cd > Pb in both the inshore and offshore regions. Apparently, the macromolecule composition (sugars, proteins and lipids) was significantly reduced by the accumulation of metals in inshore sponges. The current findings indicated that the frequent monitoring is necessary to assess the eco-health of the marine environment by choosing bio-indicator species like S. fibulata, which provide accurate, reliable measurements of environmental quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the history of the early historic brick temples found at Paithan in Maharashtra, India. These temples have been discovered by explorer Syed Yusuf during his excavation in 1937. The detailed brick-by-brick plans and construction of the temples have been recorded using an archaeological drawing frame. These structures also offer a useful insight about the development of the temple architecture during this era which started as a simple shrine to larger and more complex structure.

Considers the prospects for growth, income distribution and the environment in India. Decline in poverty; Increase in savings rates; Role of the state in the economy; How employment and growth affects income distribution; Environmental degradation from economic expansion; Why the increase in growth in the 1980s in India.

Highlights the 43rd joint technological conference of the Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association, Bombay Textile Research Association, South India Textile Research Association and Northern India Textile Research Association of Technology in March 2002. Technical papers presented in the conference; Comparison of the productivity of the Indian garment industry with that of other exporting countries; Discussion of the operational aspects in the readymade garment industry.

Oil contamination causes serious geoenvironmental concern and adversely affects the soil environment due to the release of toxic by-products. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the influence of oil contamination on soil physical and chemical properties and phytoremediation as a treatment option based on field studies conducted for analyzing significant parameters. The sites selected were near National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Karnataka (site-1), and another is close to the oil refinery (Kuthethur, Karnataka, India, as site-2). Phytoremediation of oil-contaminated samples was carried out by Chromolaena odorata. The evaluation of soil physical and chemical properties includes field and laboratory tests. A pumping test was conducted to estimate aquifer parameters in the field. The hydraulic conductivity for field soil sample (unsaturated condition) is carried out by a filter paper test. Laboratory tests to evaluate physical and chemical parameters include total petroleum hydrocarbons of contaminated (crude oil varying from 0 to 10% at an interval of 2%) and uncontaminated samples and plant parameters. Characterization of contaminated and uncontaminated soil sample was performed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results obtained reveal that physical properties of soil (moisture content, liquid and plastic limit) got affected due to oil contamination. Relative hydraulic conductivity was established as 0.46 (uncontaminated) and 0.57 (contaminated) for soil samples and led to the conclusion that hydraulic conductivity was drop down by 10% due to oil contamination. Total petroleum hydrocarbon analysis reveals that the uptake/presence of hydrocarbons by showing increased concentration in contaminated soils (5% and 10%) by the plant species. This is further confirmed by FTIR results. The TPH concentrations in the contaminated soils were reduced up to 50–60% and also showed better plant growth after 7 weeks of transplantation. Hence, considered plant species possess high potential for degrading oil contaminated in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the pilot survey on "Status of Health among the Tribal Population in Attappady" conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Mysore. Topics discussed include the Health Camp programme that followed the survey, which was formed after media coverage highlighted malnutrition deaths in the tribal hamlet of Attappaddy. Also mentioned are the findings of the survey and the participants and activities of the camp.

The author reflects on the future of medical textiles manufacturing in India. The author suggests that the Indian textile industry occupies a unique place in the Indian economy by virtue of its contribution to the industrial output, employment and foreign exchange earnings of the country. The author argues that India needs to develop a strategy to encourage entrepreneurs to venture into the medical textiles manufacturing trade.

The article focuses on compulsory licensing in the pharmaceutical industry in India. Compulsory licensing is an aspect of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement that allows countries to use flexibility accorded under the agreement. This aspect affects the pharmaceutical industry as medicines are not available to the poor in various countries. In order to use the flexibility of compulsory license, the proposed user has to make necessary efforts to avail voluntary license from the patent holder.

The article presents the author's views on performance-based funding for encouraging the Indian youth who are in the field of any scientific research.

Information on the topics discussed at the medical education conference conducted by the AP Branch of Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) in India on July 9, 2008 is presented. Dr. Hemanth Kaukuntla presented the importance of homograft. Dr. S. P. Vivek Chandra Rao focused on the basic occupational health services.

The influence of three nitrogen fixing tree (NFT) species viz., Faidherbia albida, Acacia ferruginea, Albizia lebbeck and four nitrogen levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha-1) on intercropped rainfed sorghum was investigated at Hyderabad, India. The trees were established in shallow alfisols during 1985 with a spacing of 4 x 4 m. Intercropping was done in 1993 and 1994. The effect of trees on radiation interception, soil moisture, crop growth, yield components and yield of sorghum was examined. Association of tree species reduced grain and dryfodderyields of sorghum to an extent of 12 to 40% compared to sole crop situation. The reduction was maximum under A. lebbeck, minimum with F. albida and moderate under A. ferruginea. Application of 40 kg N ha-1 resulted in increased grain and dryfodder yields over other levels. Crop growth in terms of LAI and drymatter had similar response. The receipt of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was low under NFTscompared to open situation. The relative PAR intercepted under the trees was in the order: F. albida > A. ferruginea > A. lebbeck. Soil moisture status was more favourable under F. albida than under the other tree species. Soil moisture at all stages of crop growth was more in sole crop situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The sponge Dysidea herbacea was collected from the Mandapam Coast, Tamilnadu, India. Isolated gram quantities of hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ether (HO-PBDE) and semi-synthesized a series of new PBDEs derivatives and tested them for antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leather processing has been an important industrial activity, which has gained significant economic relevance in India. The recent practices of leather manufacture cause difficulties with regard to environmental challenges. The conventional method for making the skins ready for tanning and the tanning by itself employs a wide variety of chemicals which result in an increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorides, sulfates and chromium in the tannery effluent. In this study, an integrated chemo-enzymatic methodology has been explored which would minimize or to some extent eradicate the unsafe chemicals involved in the process to provide a clean environment. The sequence involves an enzymatic dehairing, NaOH based fibre opening and a pickle-less chrome tanning. The modified process results in decrease in COD and TS (total solids) loads by 67 and 78%, respectively, as compared with control process. The process explored appears to be economically viable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been shown to increase the uptake of HIV testing and help achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. This study assessed the acceptability, usability (ease of use and result interpretation) and the willingness to pay for HIVST kits distributed through three distribution models, namely the community-based, PLHIV network-led and private practitioners models, in India., Methods: This cross-sectional study was implemented across 14 states in India between September 2021 and June 2022. All participants could choose between blood-based or oral-fluid-based test kits. Participants were shown a test-kit usage demonstration video, and pre- and post-test counselling was provided for all. Participants were followed-up after testing, and if reported reactive, were further supported for linkage to confirmatory testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation., Results: Among the 90,605 participants found eligible, 88,080 (97%) accepted an HIVST kit. Among the 87,976 who reported using an HIVST kit, 45,207 (51%) preferred a blood-based kit, and 42,120 (48%) reported testing for the first time. For future testing, 77,064 (88%) reported preferring HIVST over other HIV testing methods. Among those who used the kit, 83,308 (95%) found the kit easy to use, and 83,237 (95%) reported that the test results were easy to interpret. Among those who preferred HIVST for future use, 52,136 (69%) were willing to pay for the kit, with 35,854 (69%) of those willing to pay less than US$ 1.20. Only one instance of social harm was reported, with a participant reporting suicidal tendencies due to discord with their partner. Out of 328 participants (0.4%) who tested reactive with HIVST, 291 (89%) were linked to confirmatory testing; of these, 254 were confirmed HIV positive, and 216 (85%) successfully initiated ART., Conclusions: Overall, we report that nearly all participants were willing to accept HIVST, found the test kits easy to use and interpret, and about two-thirds were willing to pay for HIVST. Given the high levels of acceptance and the ability to reach a large proportion of first-time testers, HIVST in India could contribute to achieving the UNAIDS first 95 and ending the HIV epidemic., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the International AIDS Society published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International AIDS Society.)

Gene and cell therapies for a variety of life-limiting illnesses are under investigation, and a small number of commercial products have successfully obtained regulatory approval. The cost of treatment is high, and clinical studies evaluating safety and efficacy are performed predominately in high-income countries. We reviewed the current status of gene and cell therapies in low- and middle-income countries and highlighted the need and current barriers to access. The state of product development in Brazil, South Africa, and India is discussed, including lessons learned from American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT)-sponsored virtual symposia in each of these countries., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is limited data on hypertension prevalence in India. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among Indian adults., Methods: A national level survey was conducted with fixed one-day blood pressure measurement camps across 24 states and union territories of India. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or on treatment for hypertension. The prevalence was age- and gender-standardized according to the 2011 census population of India., Results: Blood pressure was recorded for 180,335 participants (33.2% women; mean age 40.6 ± 14.9 years). Among them, 8,898 (4.9%), 99,791 (55.3%), 35,694 (11.9%), 23,084 (12.8%), 9,989 (5.5%), and 2,878 (1.6%) participants were of the age group 18-19, 20-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥ 75 years, respectively. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 30.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.5, 30.9) and the prevalence among women was 23.7% (95% CI: 23.3, 24). Prevalence adjusted for 2011 census population and the WHO reference population was 29.7% and 32.8%, respectively., Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of hypertension, with almost one in every three Indian adult affected., (Copyright © 2019 Cardiological Society of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bio-activity directed investigation of hexane extract from the leaves of Premna tomentosa led to the isolation of three new clerodane diterpenes (1-3) along with four known compounds (4-7). The structures of new compounds were established using IR, MS, 1D, and 2D NMR techniques. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the crude hexane extract and the isolated compounds were evaluated against seven human cancer cell lines and results indicated that compounds 2 and 4 depicted significant cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

Background: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vaccine-preventable acute disease. We report the results of a phase 2/3 trial of JENVAC, a Vero cell-derived vaccine developed using an Indian strain of JE virus (JEV)., Methods: JENVAC was administered in 2 doses 28 days apart, and immunogenicity was compared to that from a single dose of SA-14-14-2, the only approved JE vaccine and regimen at the time in India., Results: After both the doses, seroconversion and seroprotection were >90% for JENVAC. For SA-14-14-2, seroconversion and seroprotection were 57.69% and 77.56%, respectively, on day 28 and 39.74% and 60.26%, respectively, on day 56. The geometric mean titers at day 28 and day 56 were 145.04 and 460.53, respectively, for JENVAC and 38.56 and 25.29, respectively, for SA-14-14-2. With a single dose of JENVAC, seroprotection titers lasted at least 12 months in >80% of the subjects. Following receipt of 2 doses, 61.17% of subjects retained seroprotection titers at 24 months, and immunogenicity criteria were higher than that for SA-14-14-2 at 12, 18, and 24 months each. Sera from JENVAC subjects neutralized JEV genotypes I, II, III, and IV equally well. Adverse events were not significantly different between the 2 vaccines., Conclusions: JENVAC elicits long-lasting, broadly protective immunity., Clinical Trials Registration: CTRI/2011/07/001855., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is the major health concern in the Indian subcontinent. A genome-wide association study carried out with non-diabetic Indians showed association of MTNR1B variants with fasting glucose. MTNR1B mediates the effect of melatonin on insulin secretion. In light of the growing importance of MTNR1B in the etiology of T2D, we sought to test its association with the disease in the south Indian type 2 diabetics. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms of MTNR1B (rs10830962, rs10830963, rs3847554, rs1387153 and rs2166706) were genotyped in 346 T2D patients and 341 non-diabetic controls. None of the SNPs differed significantly between patients and controls with respect to allele and genotype frequencies. Linear regression analysis after adjustment for age, sex and BMI showed a significant positive association of rs3847554 with fasting glucose under recessive model (β=14.98, p=0.012). Haplotypes constituted by minor alleles of rs3847554, rs1387153, rs2166706, rs10830963 and major allele of rs10830962 showed significant positive correlation with fasting glucose (p<0.05). Though the results obtained are suggestive of MTNR1B role in T2D etiology, they need to be confirmed with much larger sample sizes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in children aged <5 years globally, with an estimated 25 million outpatient visits and 2 million hospitalizations attributable to rotavirus infections each year. The aim of this hospital-based surveillance was to summarize the local epidemiological and virological features of rotavirus and to estimate the disease burden in the population under surveillance in India., Methods: During the 16 months surveillance period from April 2011 through July 2012, a total of 4711 children under the age of 5 years were admitted with acute diarrhea at 12 medical centers attached to medical schools throughout India. Stool samples were randomly collected from 2051 (43.5%) subjects and were analyzed for rotavirus positivity using commercial enzyme immunoassay kit (Premier Rotaclone Qualitative Elisa) at the respective study centers. Rotavirus positive samples were genotyped for VP7 and VP4 by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at a central laboratory., Results: During the study period, maximum number of rotavirus related hospitalizations were reported from December 2011 through February 2012. Out of the 2051 stool samples tested for rotavirus, overall 541 (26.4%) samples were positive for rotavirus VP6 antigen in stool. The highest positivity was observed in the month of December, 2011 (52.5%) and lowest in the month of May, 2011 (10.3%). We found that majority of the rotavirus positive cases (69.7%) were in children <24 months of age. The most common genotypes reported were G1 (38%), G2 (18%), G9 (18%), G12 (9%) and mixed strains (17%)., Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the significant burden of acute rotavirus gastroenteritis as a cause of hospitalizations in under five children in India., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

A cross-sectional study was conducted using 150 blood samples collected from apparently normal / healthy crossbred cattle of Northern Kerala, South India, for detection of haemoprotozoan infections using staining techniques (Giemsa and Acridine Orange) and specific PCR. Theileria like piroplasms and Babesia bigemina were the only protozoan organisms detected in blood smears. Polymerase chain reaction using specific primers revealed amplification of products specific for Trypanosoma evansi (34.6%), Theileria sp. other than T. annulata (16%) and B. bigemina (0.6%). The higher prevalence rate of Trypanosoma evansi indicated that the subclinical parasitism can be due to higher prevalence of tabanid flies. The study also revealed the presence of a theilerial piroplasm other than T. annulata in North Kerala, which needs further investigation.

Purpose: To assess the Quality of speech and the incidence of post operative fistula in each technique after 6 months follow up study., Methods: This prospective study consists of 24 patients in the age group of 18 to 36 months, male 12 and female 12. All the patients were divided into two groups-Group I-12 patients for two layer closure, Group II-12 patients for three layer closure. Exclusion criteria was submucous clefts, any identified syndrome and patients with hearing loss. All the patients have undergone pre-operative speech assessment by the speech therapist. At end of 6 months, speech analysis was done based on three parameters, i.e. nasality (A), Articulation (B) and intelligibility (C)., Results: Patients with radical muscle dissection (three layer) group had statistically significant (P=0.023) improvement in nasal resonance compared to the conservative technique (two layer) in the younger age group. But there was no statistically significant difference in the articulation and the intelligibility of speech., Conclusion: Radical dissection and palatal muscle reconstruction confers better functional results regarding nasal resonanace, especially in younger age group. Quality of speech in the elder group, patients 25-36 months old in both the technique groups was almost the same. The incidence of fistula was slightly more in the radical dissection group.

EPR spectral investigations have been carried out on four edible leafy vegetables of India, which are used as dietary component in day to day life. In Rumex vesicarius leaf sample, EPR spectral investigations at different temperatures indicate the presence of anti-ferromagnetically coupled Mn(IV)-Mn(IV) complexes. EPR spectra of Trigonella foenum graecum show the presence of Mn ions in multivalent state and Fe(3+) ions in rhombic symmetry. EPR spectra of Basella rubra indicate the presence of Mn(IV)-O-Mn(IV) type complexes. The EPR spectra of Basella rubra have been studied at different temperatures. It is found that the spin population for the resonance signal at g=2.06 obeys the Boltzmann distribution law. The EPR spectra of Moringa oliefera leaves show the presence of Mn(2+) ions. Radiation induced changes in free radical of this sample have also been studied. The FT-IR spectra of Basella rubra and Moringa oliefera leaves show the evidences for the protein matrix bands and those corresponding to carboxylic CO bonds.

The results of the present research study indicate that the heavy metal accumulation in the marine sponges provide evidence as an excellent bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal pollution between near and offshore environments of Mandapam coast of "Gulf of Mannar (GoM), India". The heavy metal concentrations in sea water and accumulation in the tissues of Haliclona tenuiramosa were analyzed by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry). The concentrations of metals in the coastal waters of nearshore (< 0.5 km from shore) were always higher than those in the offshore waters (2-5 km away from shore). Likewise, sponges living in the nearshore accumulated greater concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Ni) ranging from 2 to 17 times higher concentration than the sponges located away from the shore. A positive correlation between concentration levels in water and bioaccumulation in tissues was observed. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in sponge tissue were in order of Fe > Mn > Ni > Cu > As > Co > Cd in both the near and offshore stations. The present results justified that a more comprehensive monitoring of presence of heavy metals in H. tenuiramosa of surrounding GoM, is necessary to help a better mitigation of the problem.

Cryptosporidiosis is an important and established cause of calfhood morbidity in bovines. The present communication reports the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among juvenile and adult cattle (6-24 months old) in India based on examination of faecal samples collected from 350 animals across three different agro-climatic regions of the country and further confirmation by a two-step nested PCR assay targeting 18S ssu rRNA gene. A total of 45 samples were positive for Cryptosoridium species by nested PCR assay. The PCR products were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using SspI and VspI restriction enzymes for species differentiation. The results showed that the species involved in all the samples found positive was Cryptosporidium andersoni. The overall prevalence rate was 12.85%, with highest occurrence in the northern states (14.37%) of the country. The animals between age group of 6-12 months were mostly affected (21.67%) and the season wise prevalence of infection was more during the hot and humid monsoon season (20.16%). The results clearly demonstrated that C. andersoni is the major Cryptosporidium species affecting juvenile and adult cattle in three agro-climatically different geographical regions of India. This is the first report on prevalence of C. andersoni in bovines from India the confirmation of which is based on application of nested PCR and PCR-RFLP based molecular tools.

Two new isomeric acylated oleanane-type triterpenoids along with three known compounds were isolated from the MeOH extract of the dried fruits of Barringtonia racemosa. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, with special emphasis on 1D and 2D NMR techniques as well as chemical methods, the structures were characterized as racemosol A (1) [22alpha-acetoxy-3beta,15alpha,16alpha,21beta-tetrahydroxy-28-(2-methylbutyryl)olean-12-ene] and isoracemosol A (2) [21beta-acetoxy-3beta,15alpha,16alpha,28-tetrahydroxy-22alpha-(2-methylbutyryl)olean-12-ene]. The isolated compounds (1-5) were not active against HeLa and P388 D1 carcinoma cell lines.

An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and slide enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (SELISA) were standardized for the detection of antibodies specific to Babesia bigemina in experimentally infected bovine calves and subsequently used for the screening of naturally infected bovine and bubaline sera. In experimentally infected calves positive reactivity was detected in sera at the earliest on day 7 by both the tests. Serological studies for detection of B. bigemina specific antibodies in 180 cow and 120 buffalo serum samples procured from endemic zones of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab revealed 56.11% and 23.33% seropositivity, respectively, both by SELISA and IFAT. Variation in the reactivity pattern between these tests was found to be non significant. The sensitivity of SELISA was determined to be 94.85% whereas the specificity was 90.85% in comparison to IFAT. The agreement between the two tests by kappa statistics at 95% confidence interval revealed kappa- value of 0.853 that depicts almost a perfect degree of agreement. The findings employing experimental as well as test sera from cattle and buffalo from some of the tick infested zones of India suggested that SELISA could be a useful tool for seroprevalence studies on babesiosis, as the test is less cost intensive with high levels of sensitivity and specificity.

A community based cross sectional survey was carried out to study the prevalence of the risk factors for CHD and identify the high-risk groups in the rural community. 924 subjects of 30 years and above were investigated using structured, pre-tested schedule. Coronary risk factors were assessed. Statistical analysis was done by using Chi square test for prevalence of coronary risk factors in the age and sex groups. The prevalence of coronary risk factors ranged from 5.4 to 41.3%. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, truncal obesity and sedentary life style were significantly prevalent among males. Whereas truncal obesity and hypertension among females. Behaviour change communication strategies targeting these high risk factors need to be emphasized to lower CHD related morbidity burden in the community.

EPR spectral investigations of some commonly available vegetables in south India, which are of global importance like Daucus carota (carrot), Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (cluster beans), Coccinia indica (little gourd) and Beta vulgaris (beet root) have been carried out. In all the vegetable samples a free radical corresponding to cellulose radical is observed. Almost all the samples under investigation exhibit Mn ions in different oxidation states. The temperature variation EPR studies are done and are discussed in view of the paramagnetic oxidation states. The radiation-induced defects have also been assessed by using the EPR spectra of such irradiated food products.

A survey based on PCR assay of 18S SSU rRNA gene revealed a 30.2% infection with Cryptosporidium spp., out of 457 faecal samples collected from neonatal bovine calves across three different regions of India. The PCR-RFLP pattern of the gene in all the positive cases established the species as Cryptosporidium parvum. Highest prevalence was recorded in the monsoon months (37.3%) and in the calves showing acute diarrhoea (32.3%). The calves below 15 days of age were mostly affected (45.1%). The infection was more prevalent in the northern parts (35.4%) of the country than in the eastern or southern parts. Results indicated that C. parvum was the only species of Cryptosporidium prevalent in bovine calves in three different geographical regions of India.