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Antibiotic resistance in animals is a significant and highly challenging threat among animals. Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli amongst all bacteria have been categorized by the WHO as the most critical AMR pathogen to human health and a major public health concern. In an effort to study the prevalence of ESBL producing coliforms among the ruminant species, phenotypic screening and confirmation by Kirby Bauer diffusion method followed by genotypic characterization of the isolates were carried out to ascertain the type of β-lactamase involved in conferring resistance. A total of 50 fecal swabs were collected from the cattle (n=26), buffalo (n=11), goat (n=10) and sheep (n=3) species. A total of 72 (26/50) % and 68 (34/50) % of the coliform isolates from the ruminant species were found to be phenotypically resistant to most of the β-lactam group of antibiotics and third generation cephalosporins, respectively. The isolates showing phenotypic resistance to third generation cephalosporins were genotypically confirmed by multiplex PCR to determine the types of β-lactamase coding for the resistance. The multiplex PCR for TEM, SHV and OXA type ESBLs revealed the presence of 713 and 564 bp amplicon indicating the predominance of serine β-lactamases, viz., SHV (Class A) and OXA (Class D) type ESBL in 85.7 % and 7.0 % of the coliform isolates of ruminants. This study confirms and emphasizes the prevalence of ESBL producing coliforms and the hidden threat underlying in healthy ruminant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent Tuberculosis patients contribute to a significant proportion of TB burden in India. A nationwide survey was conducted during 2019–2021 across India among adults to estimate the prevalence of TB. A total of 322480 individuals were screened and 1402 were having TB. Of this, 381 (27.1%) had recurrent TB. The crude prevalence (95% CI) of recurrent TB was 118 (107–131) per 100,000 population. The median duration between episodes of TB was 24 months. The proportion of drug resistant TB was 11.3% and 3.6% in the recurrent group and new TB patients respectively. Higher prevalence of recurrent TB was observed in elderly, males, malnourished, known diabetics, smokers, and alcohol users. (p<0.001). To prevent TB recurrence, all treated tuberculosis patients must be followed at least for 24 months, with screening for Chest X-ray, liquid culture every 6 months, smoking cessation, alcohol cessation, nutritional interventions and good diabetic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The increasing usage of smartphones across the globe has resulted in considerable changes in people's daily lives, especially in terms of personality traits among adults. Research shows that the Big Five personality traits influence Problematic Mobile Phone Use (PMPU). Aim: To estimate the prevalence of PMPU using the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-10) and to evaluate the personality predictors of PMPU using the Big Five Inventory (BFI) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 289 medical students at a rural tertiary care centre in Tamil Nadu, India from November 2021 to April 2022. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first section collected demographic characteristics, the second section included questions on the MPPUS-10, and the third section contained questions from the BFI questionnaire. Reliability analysis was conducted to assess the internal validity of the MPPUS-10 questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalisation was performed to measure the structural validity of the MPPUS-10 scale. A multiple linear regression model was applied to determine the relationship between PMPU and the personality domains. Results: The prevalence of PMPU among medical students was found to be 106 (36.7%). Spearman's rank correlation revealed a negative correlation between agreeableness personality (r=-0.307, p-value <0.001) and conscientiousness personality (r=-0.369, p-value <0.001) with PMPU. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between neurotic personality and PMPU (r=0.325, p-value <0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism significantly predicted 44.4% of the scores on the PMPU (F=23.276, p-value <0.001 at the 1% level). Therefore, individuals with lower levels of agreeableness, conscientiousness, and higher levels of neuroticism scored higher on the MPPUS-10 scale. Conclusion: The prevalence of PMPU among medical students was found to be high, requiring attention. Individuals with lower levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness, as well as higher levels of neuroticism, were more likely to exhibit PMPU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple organ systems are affected due to the metabolic dysregulation associated with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Altered lipoprotein metabolism and liver enzymes have been identified as independent risk factors for the development of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Routine screening of liver function and ultrasound imaging of the liver should be done at the time of diagnosis of type 2 DM and thereafter at regular intervals. Aim: To determine the association between liver function parameters and glycemic status in type 2 diabetics. Additionally, the study aimed to correlate liver enzymes and lipid profiles in Type 2 DM patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 23rd, 2021 to October 23rd, 2021 on 100 Type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic Outpatient Department of Biochemistry, at Annapoorana Medical College and Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. Fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL) were measured using the direct enzymatic method, while Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL) was calculated using Friedewald's formula. Total bilirubin, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin were analysed using the ERBA EM-200 auto analyser based-on the wet chemistry principle. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between variables. Results: Among the total of 100 type 2 diabetic patients who participated in present study, 59 were males and 41 were females. The mean±SD age of diabetic patients was 51.23±10.810 years, ranging between 35 and 76 years. The frequency of altered liver enzymes in the study sample was found to be 33, with 25 being males and 8 being females. The mean fasting blood sugar levels with normal liver function and abnormal liver function were observed to be 128.37±13.16 mg/dL and 133.79±15.68 mg/dL, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean values of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein with normal liver function were observed to be 137.18±34.44 mg/dL, 175.12±65.19 mg/dL, and 75.55±9.78 mg/dL, respectively, while with abnormal liver function, they were observed to be 196.05±52.67 mg/dL, 143.28±47.63 mg/dL, and 138.83±38.11 mg/dL, respectively, showing statistical significance. Conclusion: The present study found a strong association between deranged liver enzymes with fasting blood sugar and dyslipidaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In parts of the world, including many developing countries, climate variability impacts negatively on agricultural production and natural resource management. Workshops in applied climatology were held in Australia, India, Indonesia and Zimbabwe between 1999 and 2002 to provide farmers and agricultural and meteorological staff a better understanding of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon, associated climate variability, its forecast potential and its relevance to their local agriculture system. Most participants saw climate information skills as essential or useful in their work but few had good skills. Through discussions, learning outcomes were established and resource materials developed in Australia were adapted for use in the other countries. Educational course material was developed for workshops and for vocational and tertiary education. This material was developed in multimedia and print format suited to different learning styles. Workshops incorporated sessions on local climate, a climate analysis tool to assist forecasting, application of forecasts, communication and evaluation. Post-workshop surveys demonstrated improved knowledge and skills of participants with a need for further training in risk management strategies relating to agricultural systems. This was identified by a skills audit during the workshops and could form the basis for an advanced training programme. (Contains 4 tables.)

"Aged refuse" corresponds to municipal solid waste material dumped in land, for several years. This solid waste material is chosen as an adsorbent for the current study since it is available abundantly in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, and has not been used for any other applications. The current study was conducted to get rid of the element chromium (VI) from wastewater by using the adsorption process. The aged refuse was analytically tested through various processes such as BET, TGA, XRD, SEM, and FTIR to determine the surface morphology, functional groups, thermal stability, nature of the crystalline, and surface area. The researchers conducted the batch adsorption study to validate the influence exerted by different sorts of adsorption parameters like contact time (10-100 min), initial concentration of the pollutant (50 mg·L-1 to 250 mg·L-1), pH (1-7), and the dosage of the adsorbent (0.5 g·L-1-3.0 g·L-1). In the current study, the researchers achieved the maximum adsorption capacity of 195.54 mg·g-1. From the kinetic results, it can be understood that the pseudo-first-order model was the most suitable kinetic model. Further, the study outcomes confirm that the Langmuir isotherm model is the best fit by isotherm studies which indicate the monolayer adsorption process. This study indicated that the aged refuse can be potentially used in removing Cr (VI) from water environment under standard optimized conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Aseel and Kadaknath are indigenous chicken breeds in India. Due to their distinctiveness, these two breeds are becoming more important. Aseel has a reputation for cockfighting and having high-quality meat. The black flesh of Kadaknath is famous, and it is mostly raised for its meat and eggs. Both breeds have heat and disease tolerances. The chicken interferon-inducible transmembrane protein (chIFITM) genes function by preventing the entry of viruses into host cells, inhibiting viral replication, and controlling the viral load. This research was conducted to ascertain the level of chIFITM gene expression against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chicken embryo fibroblast cells of both breeds. There are five members of the chIFITM gene family: chIFITM1, chIFITM2, chIFITM3, chIFITM5, and chIFITM10. chIFITM1, 2, and 3 have immune-related activity; as a result, these three are referred to as immune-related IFITM (IR-IFITM). All the chIFITM genes were shown to be highly expressed in the CEF cells of both breeds during our investigation. The Kadaknath CEF cells had a significantly low viral load and a high quantity of mRNAs for the chIFITM genes when the breeds were compared. Aseel cells demonstrated an earlier onset of NDV-induced cytopathic changes compared to Kadaknath. Newcastle disease (ND) is highly contagious and usually causes severe illness that affects Aves all over the world, including domestic poultry. Depending on the virus's virulence, it can impact the nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems and cause up to 100% mortality. The chIFITM genes are activated in response to viral infection. The current study was conducted to quantify the mRNA of chIFITM genes in vitro in response to ND viral infection. It also examined its ability to inhibit ND virus replication in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells of the Aseel and Kadaknath breeds. Results from the study showed that the expression of all chIFITM genes was significantly upregulated throughout the period in the infected CEF cells of both breeds compared to uninfected CEF cells. In CEF cells of the Kadaknath breed, elevated levels of expression of the chIFITM3 gene dramatically reduced ND viral growth, and the viral load was 60% lower than in CEF cells of the Aseel breed. The expression level of the chIFITMs in Kadaknath ranged from 2.39 to 11.68 log2 folds higher than that of control CEFs and was consistently (p < 0.01) higher than Aseel CEFs. Similar to this, theIFN-γ gene expresses strongly quickly and peaks at 13.9 log2 fold at 48 hpi. Based on these cellular experiments, the Kadaknath breed exhibits the potential for greater disease tolerance than Aseel. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding of disease resistance mechanisms in chickens, further research involving in vivo investigations is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.) is an under-utilized legume grown in India. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. We screened 252 horse gram germplasm accessions for horse gram yellow mosaic virus resistance using the percent disease index and scaling techniques. The percentage values of highly resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible, susceptible, and highly susceptible were 0.34, 13.89, 38.89, 46.43, and 0.34, respectively. Repetitive trials confirmed the host-plant resistance levels, and yield loss was assessed. The present disease index ranged from 1.2 to 72.0 and 1.2 to 73.0 during the kharif and rabi seasons of 2018, respectively. The maximum percent yield loss was noticed in the HS (75.0 –89.4), while HR possessed the minimum (1.2–2.0). The methanolic leaf extracts of highly resistant and highly susceptible genotypes with essential controls were subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Differential accumulation of metabolites was noticed, and a total of 81 metabolites representing 26 functional groups were identified. Both highly resistant and susceptible genotypes harbored eight unique classes, while ten biomolecules were common. The hierarchical cluster analysis indicated a distinct metabolite profile. Fold change in the common metabolites revealed an enhanced accumulation of sugars, alkanes, and carboxylic acids in the highly resistant genotype. The principal component analysis plots explained 93.7% of the variation. The metabolite profile showed a significant accumulation of three anti-viral (octadecanoic acid, diphenyl sulfone, and 2-Aminooxazole), one insecticidal (9,10-Secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-triene-3,24,25-triol), one antifeedant (cucurbitacin B), and six metabolites with unknown biological function in the highly resistant genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early initiation of drug susceptibility testing (DST) guided anti-tuberculosis treatment benefits the patient in terms of better treatment outcomes and possibly reduces the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) disease in the community. To determine the status of universal DST (UDST) coverage in smear-positive pulmonary TB patients (PTB) initiated on treatment under the TB program in Greater Chennai Corporation. In addition, the barriers and facilitators for UDST were explored. Material and Methods: The data of PTB patients who were initiated on anti-TB treatment from July to December 2019 was abstracted from the NI-KSHAY database of TB Program. The barriers and facilitators for UDST were explored in 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) among the TB program healthcare workers (HCW). UDST coverage was based on the availability of Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification test (CBNAAT) results in the NI-KSHAY database. Results: The CBNAAT result was available for 1628 (82.6%) of the 1970 smear-positive PTB patients. Non-availability of CBNAAT results was significantly higher among the older age group (>50 years), in female PTB patients, and the Private Sector. Issues with sputum collection, transport of specimens, and receipt of results were highlighted by the HCWs for the non-availability of UDST results. Conclusion: Universal DST coverage in smear-positive PTB patients initiated on treatment in 2019 in Chennai was optimal as per National Strategic Plan for TB elimination UDST target of 80% for the year 2020 but with scope for improvement. The low UDST coverage in the private sector, among female patients and older age groups, needs to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horse gram is one of the lesser-known beans widely grown in India. One hundred and twenty-three homozygous horse gram mutants were screened for powdery mildew (PM) disease resistance using the grade 0 to 4. The mutants were grouped based on the disease level of 0 to 2 (resistant) and susceptible (3 to 4). The PM altered the chlorophyll fluorescence (a/b ratio), maturity duration, and yield attributing traits. The yield loss ranged from 4.55% to 72.66%. After affirming the resistance level, the resistant mutant (RM) with minimum yield loss (scale:0) and the susceptible mutant (SM) with maximum loss (scale:4) were used for metabolomic analysis through GC-MS. PM infection induced expression of 66 metabolites representing 32 functional classes. The number of unique classes in RM and SM was 13 and 11, respectively, while eight were common. A fold change in the common metabolites indicated an enhanced accumulation of amine, alcohol, and ester in RM. Along with pathogen-induced defensive metabolites, RM produced silane and fluorene, whose biological significance in disease resistance is unknown. Though SM expressed defence-related bio-molecules, it failed to yield better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were carried out during February-July, 2021 at the Department of Livestock Products Technology (Meat science), Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, India to assess the influence of heat on protein degradation, histology and eating quality indicators of chicken. Meat samples were taken from the broiler breast and cooked for the targeted end point temperature (75°C, 83°C, 89°C and 94°C) then assessed pH, colour, cooking loss, shear force value, protein degradation (SDS PAGE) and structure of muscle fibers. The heating temperature had a significant effect on pH and shear force value (p<0.01) at 94°C. Colour L* decreased significantly (p<0.01) and a* and b* value increased significantly (p<0.01) of cooked chicken breast at increasing end point cooking temperature. Progressive increasing (p<0.01) trends of cooking loss were noticed during the rising of end point cooking temperature. There were no significant differences between muscle fiber diameters. But significant (p<0.01) differences were observed in the sarcomere length of cooked chicken meat, showing decreasing trends during increasing temperature. Analysis of SDSPAGE showed that the intensity of the myofibrillar protein band gradually decreased during chicken meat cooking at a higher endpoint temperature and inferring that the meat protein had changed. The heating temperature had a significant effect on sensory quality of cooked chicken breast at increasing end point cooking temperature. This study revealed that meat cooking at high-end point temperatures affects the meat quality by degradation of muscle proteins and changes in muscle structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India began COVID-19 vaccination in January 2021, initially targeting healthcare and frontline workers. The vaccination strategy was expanded in a phased manner and currently covers all individuals aged 18 years and above. India experienced a severe second wave of COVID-19 during March-June 2021. We conducted a fourth nationwide serosurvey to estimate prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general population aged ≥6 years and healthcare workers (HCWs).Methods and Findings: We did a cross-sectional study between 14 June and 6 July 2021 in the same 70 districts across 20 states and 1 union territory where 3 previous rounds of serosurveys were conducted. From each district, 10 clusters (villages in rural areas and wards in urban areas) were selected by the probability proportional to population size method. From each district, a minimum of 400 individuals aged ≥6 years from the general population (40 individuals from each cluster) and 100 HCWs from the district public health facilities were included. The serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against S1-RBD and nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 using chemiluminescence immunoassay. We estimated the weighted and test-adjusted seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, along with 95% CIs, based on the presence of antibodies to S1-RBD and/or nucleocapsid protein. Of the 28,975 individuals who participated in the survey, 2,892 (10%) were aged 6-9 years, 5,798 (20%) were aged 10-17 years, and 20,285 (70%) were aged ≥18 years; 15,160 (52.3%) participants were female, and 21,794 (75.2%) resided in rural areas. The weighted and test-adjusted prevalence of IgG antibodies against S1-RBD and/or nucleocapsid protein among the general population aged ≥6 years was 67.6% (95% CI 66.4% to 68.7%). Seroprevalence increased with age (p < 0.001) and was not different in rural and urban areas (p = 0.822). Compared to unvaccinated adults (62.3%, 95% CI 60.9% to 63.7%), seroprevalence was significantly higher among individuals who had received 1 vaccine dose (81.0%, 95% CI 79.6% to 82.3%, p < 0.001) and 2 vaccine doses (89.8%, 95% CI 88.4% to 91.1%, p < 0.001). The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies among 7,252 HCWs was 85.2% (95% CI 83.5% to 86.7%). Important limitations of the study include the survey design, which was aimed to estimate seroprevalence at the national level and not at a sub-national level, and the non-participation of 19% of eligible individuals in the survey.Conclusions: Nearly two-thirds of individuals aged ≥6 years from the general population and 85% of HCWs had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by June-July 2021 in India. As one-third of the population is still seronegative, it is necessary to accelerate the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination among adults and continue adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) and many cases go undetected by current drug susceptibility tests (DSTs). This study was conducted to identify rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance associated genetic mutations undetected by current clinical diagnostics amongst persons with DR TB in Chennai, India. Retrospectively stored 166 DR TB isolates during 2013–2016 were retrieved and cultured in Löwenstein-Jensen medium. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and MGIT DST for RIF and INH were performed. Discordant genotypic and phenotypic sensitivity results were repeated for confirmation and the discrepant results considered final. Further, drug resistance-conferring mutations identified through WGS were analyzed for their presence as targets in current WHO-recommended molecular diagnostics. WGS detected additional mutations for rifampicin and isoniazid resistance than WHO-endorsed line probe assays. For RIF, WGS was able to identify an additional 10% (15/146) of rpoB mutant isolates associated with borderline rifampicin resistance compared to MGIT DST. WGS could detect additional DR TB cases than commercially available and WHO-endorsed molecular DST tests. WGS results reiterate the importance of the recent WHO revised critical concentrations of current MGIT DST to detect low-level resistance to rifampicin. WGS may help inform effective treatment selection for persons at risk of, or diagnosed with, DR TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reports of long-term survival of treated TB patients from endemic countries are sparse • This population-based cohort study compared 4022 TB patients with 12,243 matched controls • The excess standardized mortality ratio was 2.3 (95% CI: 1.7–3.1) in the TB cohort • Potential years of life lost was 6.15/1000 in the TB cohort versus 1.52/1000 in controls • Risk of death was significantly higher in the TB cohort until the fourth year than later years This study aimed to measure the mortality rate, potential years of life lost, and excess general mortality among individuals treated for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in a TB endemic country. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a population-based cohort study of 4022 TB patients and 12,243 gender-matched and age-matched controls from prevalence surveys conducted between 2000 and 2004 in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, South India. The mortality rate among TB patients was 59/1000 person-years. The excess standardized mortality ratio was 2.3 (95% CI: 1.7–3.1). The rate of potential years of life lost was 6.15/1000 (95% CI: 5.97–6.33) in the TB cohort compared to the general population of 1.52/1000 (95% CI: 1.46–1.60). Individuals aged >50 years, those underweight (<40 kg), with treatment failures, or lost to follow-up had higher mortality rates when compared with the rest of the TB cohort. The risk of death was significantly higher in the TB cohort until the end of the fourth year when compared with later years. Mortality in the TB cohort was 2.3 times higher than in the age-matched general population. Most deaths occurred in the first year after completing treatment. Post-treatment follow-ups and interventions for reducing comorbid conditions are necessary to prevent deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Household contacts (HHCs) of TB patients are at high risk of developing evidence of latent TB infection (LTBI) and active disease from the index patient. We estimated the age-specific prevalence of LTBI and the force of infection (FI), as a measure of recent transmission, among HHCs of active TB patients. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of HHCs of pulmonary TB patients enrolled in a prospective study, 'CTRIUMPh', was conducted at two sites in India. LTBI was defined as either a positive tuberculin skin test (induration ≥5 mm) or QuantiFERON–Gold in tube test (value ≥0.35 IU/ml) and was stratified by age. FI, which is a measure of recent transmission of infection and calculated using changes in age-specific prevalence rates at specific ages, was calculated. Factors associated with LTBI were determined by logistic regression models. Results Of 1020 HHCs of 441 adult pulmonary TB cases, there were 566 (55%) females and 289 (28%) children aged ≤15 y. While screening for the study 3% of HHC were diagnosed with active TB. LTBI prevalence among HHCs of pulmonary TB was 47% at <6 y, 53% between 6–14 y and 78% between 15–45 y. FI increased significantly with age, from 0.4 to 1.15 in the HHCs cohort (p=0.05). Conclusion This study observed an increased prevalence of LTBI and FI among older children and young adults recently exposed to infectious TB in the household. In addition to awareness of coughing etiquette and general hygiene, expanding access to TB preventive therapy to all HHCs, including older children, may be beneficial to achieve TB elimination by 2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the perception of people on the provision of water meters in houses can aid in the enhancement of water conservation strategies in a locality. In this study, the perception of the residents of the town of Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India was assessed using a questionnaire survey. Queries were related to the quality of the water, duration and frequency of water supply, need for water pricing, usage of filters, preference for implementation of water meter, water treatment, etc. The survey was analyzed based on four major parameters, namely; age, gender, locality and literacy of the people. A total of 78 residents from various locations in and around Pollachi were considered for this survey. The study indicates that frequency of supply of water to the residents of the town is not uniform in all locations and the residents within the town received water supply for a longer duration compared to those living away from the town. The quality of water is perceived to be good by majority of the residents. There was a mixed response from the males and females regarding boiling of water and usage of filters. Perception of people over the provision of water meter in the house is mixed and most of the males perceived that a water meter should be provided compared to the females. Women had more conviction of the fact that the provision of a water meter would solve the water shortage problem in their town, in comparison with the men. Thus, provision of water meter will definitely aid in water conservation as people would have to pay as per their usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burden, phenotype and risk-factors of lung function defects in successfully treated tuberculosis cases are unclear. Methods: We performed spirometry with bronchodilators in new drug-sensitive adult (≥18 years) pulmonary tuberculosis cases during the 12 months following successful treatment in India. Airflow obstruction was defined as pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<5th percentile of Global Lung Initiative mixed-ethnicity reference (lower limit of normal [LLN]). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC2 respectively. Airflow obstruction was detected in 42 (24%) participants; of whom 9 (21%) responded to short-acting bronchodilators and 25 (56%) had COPD; and was associated with duration of illness prior to treatment (aOR = 1.32 per 30-days, 95%CI 1.04–1.68, p = 0.02). A restrictive spirometry pattern was detected in 89 (52%) participants and was associated with female sex (aOR = 3.73, 95%CI 1.51–9.17, p = 0.004) and diabetes (aOR = 4.06, 95%CI 1.14–14.42, p = 0.03). Higher HbA1c at treatment initiation was associated with greater odds of a restrictive spirometry pattern (aOR = 1.29 per unit higher HbA1c, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.60, p = 0.02). Conclusion: We found a high burden of lung function defects and COPD in tuberculosis cases who successfully completed treatment. Screening for chronic lung diseases following treatment and linkage to respiratory health clinics should be included in the routine management plan of all tuberculosis cases in India, regardless of conventional COPD risk-factors such as older age and smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is one of the economically important diseases in India and diagnosis of brucellosis using single test is cumbersome due to variation in sensitivity and specificity among the different test. The present study was aimed to assess the suitability of serum as clinical specimen in molecular diagnosis and evaluate the serology and molecular assays as in diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. A total of 821 bovine sera samples were subjected to indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA) and serum based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. On serology 6.70 per cent positivity of brucellosis were reported and on PCR assay, 47 and 29 sera samples were positive for bcsp 31 genus specific and IS711 species specific PCR assay respectively with per cent positivity of 5.72 and 3.53. In comparison between serology and molecular test, 44 samples were positive for both assays and 11 and 3 samples were positive for serology and molecular assays individually. This study suggests that serum sample can be utilised as the choice of clinical specimen for both PCR assay and i-ELISA will be a future choice for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, a new care package consisting of (i) daily regimen with fixed-dose combination drugs, collected once-a-month and self-administered by the patient, (ii) 'one stop service' at antiretroviral treatment (ART) centre for both HIV and tuberculosis (TB) treatment and (iii) technology-enabled adherence support (99DOTS, which required patients to give a missed phone call after consuming drugs) was piloted for treatment of TB among HIV-infected TB patients. Conventional care included intermittent regimen (drugs consumed thrice-weekly) delivered under direct observation of treatment supporter and the patients needing to visit TB and HIV care facilities, separately for treatment. Objective: To assess the effect of new care package on TB treatment outcomes among HIV-TB patients registered during January–December 2016, as compared to conventional care and explore the implementation challenges. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in four districts of Karnataka, India where new care package was piloted in few ART centres while the rest provided conventional care. Quantitative component involved a secondary cohort analysis of routine programme data. Adjusted relative risk(aRR) was calculated using Poisson regression to measure association between new care package and unsuccessful treatment outcome. We conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and patients to understand the challenges. Results: Unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes (death, loss to follow-up and failure) were higher in new care package (n = 871) compared to conventional care (n = 961) (30.5% vs 23.4%; P value<0.001) and aRR was 1.3(95% CI: 1.1–1.7). Key challenges included patients' inability to give missed call, increased work load for ART staff, reduced patient–provider interaction, deficiencies in training and lack of role clarity among providers and reduced involvement of TB program staff. Conclusion: With new care package, TB treatment outcomes did not improve as expected and conversely declined compared to conventional care. TB and HIV programs need to address the operational challenges to improve the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is lack of information on the proportion of new smear—positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients treated with a 6-month thrice-weekly regimen under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) who develop recurrent TB after successful treatment outcome. Objective: To estimate TB recurrence among newly diagnosed PTB patients who have successfully completed treatment and to document endogenous reactivation or re-infection. Risk factors for unfavourable outcomes to treatment and TB recurrence were determined. Methodology: Adult (aged ≥ 18 yrs) new smear positive PTB patients initiated on treatment under RNTCP were enrolled from sites in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Those declared “treatment success” at the end of treatment were followed up with 2 sputum examinations each at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment completion. MIRU-VNTR genotyping was done to identify endogenous re-activation or exogenous re-infection at TB recurrence. TB recurrence was expressed as rate per 100 person-years (with 95% confidence interval [95%CI]). Regression models were used to identify the risk factors for unfavourable response to treatment and TB recurrence. Results: Of the1577 new smear positive PTB patients enrolled, 1565 were analysed. The overall cure rate was 77% (1207/1565) and treatment success was 77% (1210 /1565). The cure rate varied from 65% to 86%. There were 158 of 1210 patients who had TB recurrence after treatment success. The pooled TB recurrence estimate was 10.9% [95%CI: 0.2–21.6] and TB recurrence rate per 100 person–years was 12.7 [95% CI: 0.4–25]. TB recurrence per 100 person–years varied from 5.4 to 30.5. Endogenous reactivation was observed in 56 (93%) of 60 patients for whom genotyping was done. Male gender was associated with TB recurrence. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of new smear positive PTB patients successfully treated with 6 –month thrice-weekly regimen have TB recurrence under program settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and population growth resulted in severe deterioration of air quality in most of the major cities in India. Therefore, it is essential to ascertain the contribution of various sources of air pollution to enable us to determine effective control policies. The present work focuses on the holistic approach of combining factor analysis (FA), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and chemical mass balance (CMB) for receptor modeling in order to identify the sources and their contributions in air quality studies. Insight from the emission inventory was used to remove subjectivity in source identification. Each approach has its own limitations. Factor analysis can identify qualitatively a minimal set of important factors which can account for the variations in the measured data. This step uses information from emission inventory to qualitatively match source profiles with factor loadings. This signifies the identification of dominant sources through factors. PMF gives source profiles and source contributions from the entire receptor data matrix. The data from FA is applied for rank reduction in PMF. Whenever multiple solutions exist, emission inventory identifies source profiles uniquely, so that they have a physical relevance. CMB identifies the source contributions obtained from FA and PMF. The novel approach proposed here overcomes the limitations of the individual methods in a synergistic way. The adopted methodology is found valid for a synthetic data and also the data of field study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional reductionist approach to science has a tendency to create 'islands of knowledge in a sea of ignorance', with a much stronger focus on analysis of scientific inputs rather than synthesis of socially relevant outcomes. This might be the principal reason why intended end users of climate information generally fail to embrace what the climate science community has to offer. The translation of climate information into real-life action requires 3 essential components: salience (the perceived relevance of the information), credibility (the perceived technical quality of the information) and legitimacy (the perceived objectivity of the process by which the information is shared). We explore each of these components using 3 case studies focused on dryland cropping in Australia, India and Brazil. In regards to 'salience' we discuss the challenge for climate science to be 'policy-relevant', using Australian drought policy as an example. In a village in southern India 'credibility' was gained through engagement between scientists and risk managers with the aim of building social capital, achieved only at high cost to science institutions. Finally, in Brazil we found that 'legitimacy' is a fragile, yet renewable resource that needs to be part of the package for successful climate applications; legitimacy can be easily eroded but is difficult to recover. We conclude that climate risk management requires holistic solutions derived from cross-disciplinary and participatory, user-oriented research. Approaches that combine climate, agroecological and socioeconomic models provide the scientific capabilities for establishment of 'borderless' institutions without disciplinary constraints. Such institutions could provide the necessary support and flexibility to deliver the social benefits of climate science across diverse contexts. Our case studies show that this type of solution is already being applied, and suggest that the climate science community attempt to address existing institutional constraints, which still impede climate risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. In India. ∼1.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. Mutations in the MYOC gene located at the GLCIA locus on chromosome Iq21-q31 have been found in patients with juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (J-POAG).The purpose of the present study was to identify the genetic cause of glaucoma in a four-generation Indian family affected with J-POAG. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from individuals for genomic DNA isolation. To determine if this family was linked to the GLCIA locus, haplotyping analysis was carried out using microsatellite markers from the GLC1A candidate region. Exon-specific primers from exon 3 of the MYOC gene were used to amplify DNA samples from individuals. Mutation analysis was carried out using PCR-SSCP and DNA sequence analyses. Results: Pedigree analysis suggested that glaucoma in this family segregated as an autosomal dominant trait. Of six patients, five had J-POAG and one had adult-onset POAG (A-POAG). Haplotype analysis suggested linkage of this family to the GLC1A locus. Mutation and sequence analyses showed a novel missense mutation, c.821C > G (p.P274R), in the C-terminal olfactomedin domain coded by exon 3 of the MYOC gene. One patient was found to be homozygous for this mutation with a severe phenotype. Conclusions: This study reports a novel missense mutation in a four-generation Indian family with all but one member affected with J-POAG. The total number of mutations described so far in the MYOC gene, including the one reported here, is 59 with a clustering of 52 mutations, in exon 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of El Niñsouthern oscillation (ENSO) on Indian foodgrain production was analysed for the period 1950-99. The inverse relationship between sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies from June to August (JJA) over the NINO3 sector of the tropical Pacific Ocean and Indian foodgrain production anomalies (r = m0.50) was significant at the 1% level. During the warm ENSO phase, the total foodgrain production frequently decreased (12 out of 13 years) by 1 to 15%. In 10 out of 13 cold ENSO-phase years, the total foodgrain production increased from normal. The average drop in rice production during a warm ENSO-phase year was 3.4 million tonnes (7%). In a cold ENSO-phase year the average production increase was 1.3 million tones (3%). Wheat production was also influenced by ENSO, as it depends on the carryover soil water storage from the Kharif season. Sorghum and chickpea production are not significantly influenced by ENSO extremes. Inter-annual fluctuation of the gross value of Indian foodgrain production was very large, reducing up to US$2183 million in a warm ENSO year and increasing up to US$1251 million in a cold ENSO year. The cumulative probability distributions of foodgrain production anomalies during cold and warm ENSO phases are shifted positively or negatively, relative to the neutral distribution. The warm ENSO forcing significantly (1% level) reduced the probability of above-average production. The cold ENSO forcing moderately increased the above-average foodgrain production over the neutral ENSO phase (5% level). A simple conditional probability forecast based on annual and JJA NINO3 SST predicted the category of foodgrain production in 11 of the 14 years. The results demonstrated that the relationship between NINO3 ENSO index and foodgrain production could be used for agricultural applications and policy decisions on food security for the rapidly growing population in India.

Severe fatigue and excessive load transmissions on drill strings during rotary drilling may lead to unexpected drill string failure. And if the driller within the stipulated time-bound did not control these load forces, the situation might increase NPT. To achieve the same by driller in real-time, the structural integrity of the tubular was monitored with a workflow that estimates the overall stresses acting along the drill string. In actual operating conditions, the drill string is subjected to both internal and external pressures, and it can be well explained in terms of true tension and effective tension. The estimation of these tensional forces and other load forces acting on the drill string is important for efficient drilling operation and the selection of optimum operational parameters. In addition, these forces are further utilized to estimate the neutral point and load acting at the deadline. The conventional rigs are subjected to numerous uncertainties that affect the precision of the hookload measurement at the deadline. Therefore, the factors affecting the hookload measurement at the deadline are summed up to a quantifiable metric labeled as Rig Uncertainty Compensation (RUC) factor. Further, the estimated hookload is compared with the actual hookload to detect the upcoming complications and prevent it from aggravation. And, to confirm the upcoming anomaly, the wellbore secondary drilling parameters are monitored in the real-time drilling operation. Additionally, all the forces acting along the drill string were also determined and monitored dynamically such that stress exposure in all the sections of the drill string is below a threshold value. To determine the efficacy of the developed model, the model was integrated with a Decision Support System (DSS) tool and tested in the actual field conditions. The tool was able to detect the upcoming complication successfully, and a field case study was presented in brief. [Display omitted] • Effective tension and true tension are utilized to estimate the load acting at the deadline. • An analytical model to determine the total stresses acting along the length of the drill string. • The factors affecting the accuracy of the hookload measurement at the deadline were cumulatively labeled as "Rig Uncertainty Compensation" factor. • A case study of a directional well drilled in North-Eastern parts of India is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling is one of the expensive operations in oil and gas production. The cost of drilling exponentially increases with an increase in non-productive time (NPT). Extending the drill bit life, reducing the NPT (minimizing downhole complications, round trips or bit trips, circulation time, etc.), and the total expended specific energy would reduce drilling costs. It can be achieved by increasing the rate of penetration (ROP) and optimizing drilling efficiency. This paper presents a novel approach for optimum drilling parameters based on real-time optimization of drilling rates, drilling efficiency, and bit hydraulics. And this can be visually substantiated by the play-back methodology employed on an exploratory well. To determine the inefficient drilling zones for different lithology, drilling specific energy (DSE), mechanical specific energy (MSE) was estimated at all operating conditions. The result shows that utilization of optimal drilling parameters reduces input power by nearly 75%. Further, in this study, a new metric termed hydraulic drilling impact (HDI) is introduced to optimize the drilling performance during real-time rotary drilling operations. Monitoring the HDI in actual field conditions can help the driller evaluate the ongoing drilling operation's reliability. Fallouts from the comparison disclose that the excessive energy spent for the low ROP was due to inappropriate drilling parameters chosen for a particular formation. This work can contribute to the effective and accurate evaluation of operating parameters and conditions by utilizing surface readings alone where no downhole sensors/equipment were employed. The proposed model was validated in a directional well that was drilled in the north-eastern parts of India. [Display omitted] • The reverse-engineering technique and the input energy module are utilized to determine the optimal drilling parameters. • Surface measurements are adequate, avoiding the costly downhole sensors and equipment. • The hydraulic drilling impact (HDI) is proposed for real-time drilling evaluation. • The holistic approach can be implemented in directional wells that are driven by the potential of cost reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of downhole complications during drilling process is one of the essential tasks to reduce oil well drilling costs. It will be achieved by implementing an optimized drilling strategy such as optimal design of wellbore and real-time monitoring of drilling operations. In current practice, the torque and drag, drill string stresses are calculated during the well planning phase to predict and prevent complications that might be encountered during the drilling phase and also to optimize the well trajectory. In this study, the methodology and applicability of the modified 3-Dimensional friction model for estimation of real-time hookload were established. A bottom-up approach is employed, where real-time weight-on-bit is utilized to estimate the neutral point. Further, the neutral point is utilized to determine the load acting at the surface and deadline. Moreover, the factors affecting the position of hookload measurement at the deadline and throughout the rig structure were grouped to form a metric termed as ''Rig Uncertainty Compensation" (RUC) factor. Further, it is observed from the drilling data that the hookload is mainly dependent on the direction of block movement, global friction factor, sheave efficiency, weight parameter and RUC factor of rig structure. Therefore, the above-mentioned model parameters are tuned to improve the accuracy of the hookload prediction at the deadline. Additionally, the developed model is integrated with a Decision Support System (DSS) that provides support to the driller in real-time. The methodology will minimize the potential downhole drilling hazards by employing a DSS through analysing the dynamic predictions of hookload and neutral point. The proposed hookload model is validated for both vertical and directional wells during the rotary drilling operation using standard drilling data. • An enhanced 3-Dimensional friction model that would predict the hook load at the deadline is proposed. • An overall uncertainty compensation factor termed as "Rig Uncertainty Compensation" factor is introduced. • Structural integrity of the drill string is precisely monitored dynamically by estimating the neutral point. • The model was integrated with a DSS and real-time field study was conducted on an exploratory well drilled in North-East India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Jersey crossbred cow was reported with the history of dystocia. A dead calf was removed by forced traction. The calf had polydactylism in the left forelimb and also brachygnathism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Population-based seroepidemiological studies measure the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a country. We report the findings of the first round of a national serosurvey, conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adult population of India. Methods: From May 11 to June 4, 2020, a randomly sampled, community-based survey was conducted in 700 villages/wards, selected from the 70 districts of the 21 States of India, categorized into four strata based on the incidence of reported COVID-19 cases. Four hundred adults per district were enrolled from 10 clusters with one adult per household. Serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies using COVID Kavach ELISA kit. All positive serum samples were re-tested using Euroimmun SARS-CoV-2 ELISA. Adjusting for survey design and serial test performance, weighted seroprevalence, number of infections, infection to case ratio (ICR) and infection fatality ratio (IFR) were calculated. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with IgG positivity. Results: Total of 30,283 households were visited and 28,000 individuals were enrolled. Population-weighted seroprevalence after adjusting for test performance was 0.73 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-1.13]. Males, living in urban slums and occupation with high risk of exposure to potentially infected persons were associated with seropositivity. A cumulative 6,468,388 adult infections (95% CI: 3,829,029-11,199,423) were estimated in India by the early May. The overall ICR was between 81.6 (95% CI: 48.3-141.4) and 130.1 (95% CI: 77.0-225.2) with May 11 and May 3, 2020 as plausible reference points for reported cases. The IFR in the surveyed districts from high stratum, where death reporting was more robust, was 11.72 (95% CI: 7.21-19.19) to 15.04 (9.26-24.62) per 10,000 adults, using May 24 and June 1, 2020 as plausible reference points for reported deaths. Interpretation & conclusions: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was low among the adult population in India around the beginning of May 2020. Further national and local serosurveys are recommended to better inform the public health strategy for containment and mitigation of the epidemic in various parts of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a one and a half years old Large White Yorkshire gilt in its first full term pregnancy brought to the Obstetrics unit of Veterinary College and Research Institute Hospital, Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, India with the history of restless, straining and difficulty in parturition. After the vaginal examination, it was reported a case of dystocia. It highlights how the gilt was treated by caesarean operation and other treatment procedure.

The article presents a case study of a Jersey crossbred cow in its fifth lactation that was brought to the gynaecology unit of Veterinary College and Research Institute hospital, Namakkal in Madhya Pradesh, India for artificial insemination. During rectal examination, cystic Bartholin's gland protruded through the vulva was found. It further highlights how the cow was treated.

• By December 2020, 24.1% of the general population in India had been exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). • For every case of coronavirus disease 2019 detected, there were 27 infections. • Seroprevalence was higher in urban areas compared with rural areas. • By December 2020, 25.6% healthcare workers had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Earlier serosurveys in India revealed seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) of 0.73% in May–June 2020 and 7.1% in August–September 2020. A third serosurvey was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) in India. The third serosurvey was conducted in the same 70 districts as the first and second serosurveys. For each district, at least 400 individuals aged ≥10 years from the general population and 100 HCWs from subdistrict-level health facilities were enrolled. Serum samples from the general population were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S1-RBD) proteins of SARS-CoV-2, whereas serum samples from HCWs were tested for anti-S1-RBD. Weighted seroprevalence adjusted for assay characteristics was estimated. Of the 28,598 serum samples from the general population, 4585 (16%) had IgG antibodies against the N protein, 6647 (23.2%) had IgG antibodies against the S1-RBD protein, and 7436 (26%) had IgG antibodies against either the N protein or the S1-RBD protein. Weighted and assay-characteristic-adjusted seroprevalence against either of the antibodies was 24.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.0–25.3%]. Among 7385 HCWs, the seroprevalence of anti-S1-RBD IgG antibodies was 25.6% (95% CI 23.5–27.8%). Nearly one in four individuals aged ≥10 years from the general population as well as HCWs in India had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by December 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]