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Summary: Analysis of a soil sample from Aizawl district of Mizoram, India, led to the discovery of Mulveyellus aizawlensis sp. n. The new species is presented with female morphological data and molecular data of the D2-D3 expansion segment of 28S and 18S of rDNA, and phylogenetic analysis data based on these sequences. Mulveyellus aizawlensis sp. n. is morphologically characterised by a ventrally arcuate female body, presence of minute transverse striations on cuticle, a barrel-shaped buccal cavity, a dorsal tooth at anterior half of the buccal cavity, toothless subventral wall, distinct cup-shaped amphids located at the level of the dorsal tooth, a tuberculate pharyngo-intestinal junction, bean-shaped pars refrigens vaginae , a didelphic-amphidelphic reproductive system, a conoid ventrally-arcuate tail, and absence of caudal glands and spinneret. This study presents molecular data of the genus Mulveyellus for the first time and revealed a close phylogenetic relationship of this genus with Prionchulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexican beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleptera: Chrysomelidae) is a potential weed control biocontrol agent in Australia, India and other countries. Its grubs and adults feed on the leaves of parthenium weed, Parthenium hysterophorus and check the further growth of the plant. Experiments were conducted to understand host plant-mediated effects of elevated temperature and elevated CO2 on biocontrol agent Z. bicolorata. Food consumption, utilization, ecological efficiency and life-table parameters of Z. bicolorata were studied in grubs and adults stage up to diapause. Reduction of leaf nitrogen in parthenium weed foliage with a significant increase in carbon and C:N ratio was recorded at elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 and temperature had no effect on adult longevity before diapausing. Duration of egg's hatching, specific stages of grub and pupa of Z. bicolorata were significantly longer when beetles fed on leaves grown under elevated CO2 but these parameters decreased significantly on leaves grown under elevated temperature. Significantly high consumption rates with low growth and digestion conversions were observed under elevated CO2 and/or in coupled with elevated temperature. Elevated CO2 and temperature-grown parthenium weed foliage also had a significant effect on Z. bicolorata intrinsic rate of increase (R), finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T), and gross reproductive rate. Changed quality of parthenium weed leaves in elevated CO2 and temperature levels resulted in the increase of consumption, slower food conversion rates, increase in developmental period with reduced reproduction efficiency of Z. bicolorata. Our results indicate that the reproduction efficiency of Z. bicolorata is likely to be reduced as the climate changes, despite increased feeding rates exhibited by grubs and adult beetles on parthenium weed foliage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is considered globally as one of the most troublesome weeds, which has invaded non-cropped as well as cropped lands in many tropical and sub-tropical countries including India. Biological control using the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister) among other agents, has been considered most successful in India. In the present study, models were developed using climatic indices (minimum temperature, maximum temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) as independent variables to determine the suitable sites for the establishment of Z. bicolorata. Regression approach for model building revealed 79.6% concordance, 20.0% discordance, and 0.4% tie between predicted probabilities and observed responses whereas, decision tree using J48 algorithm classified 81.7% instances correctly which helped to frame the rules for predicting the establishment of Z. bicolorata. Based on these rules, it was concluded that a site experiencing climate with indices values of average minimum temperature 24.2–26.2 °C and rainfall 191.2–257.3 mm during July to October would be highly suitable for setting up the Z. bicolorata population in the region. These models might be useful to decide the most suitable sites for release and establishment of Z. bicolorata in India as well as in other parts of the world with similar climatic conditions. • Parthenium hysterophorus L. is one of the most troublesome weeds globally. • Biological control of P. hysterophorus using Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister has been considered most successful in India. • Regression approach and decision tree using J48 algorithm were used to model the establishment of beetle using climatic variables. •. Minimum temperature and its interaction with rainfall and relative humidity were found to be important climatic variables • These models might be useful for the selection of most suitable sites for release and establishment of Z. bicolorata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an emerging epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) among children and adolescents due to increased prevalence of obesity. Indians have a genetic phenotype characterized by low body mass index (BMI), high upper body adiposity, and high body fat percentage (BF%) leading to an increased prevalence of metabolic perturbations and DM. Aims & Objective: To determine the effect of body fat mass on the blood glucose level of Gujarati Indian adolescents during early, middle, and late adolescence. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 468 Gujarati Indian adolescents of age group 13-20 years. Adiposity was assessed using BMI, BF%, fat mass, fat mass index (FMI), and waist circumference (WC). The blood glucose level was measured in the fasting state. Pearson's correlation coefficient was determined to assess the correlation of adiposity markers with fasting blood glucose level. Results: During early adolescence, in boys, BF% and FMI and in girls, BMI has the strongest positive correlation with fasting blood sugar (FBS), whereas during late adolescence WC shows the strongest significant positive correlation as compared to other parameters in both genders. Conclusion: This study indicates that central adiposity influences the blood glucose level more strongly than total adiposity in late adolescent phase in Gujarati Indian adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most of the parts of neem tree were studied in details by many researchers but neem root bark was not screened for antidiabetic effect. To evaluate antidiabetic effect of neem root bark this study was conducted. Aims & Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the 70% alcoholic neem root bark extract (NRE) in diabetes. Materials and Methods: Basal blood sugar levels were estimated in overnight fasted wistar albino rats of either sex. To evaluate antihyperglycemic action of Neem root bark extract (NRE) OGTT was done by giving glucose orally 60 minutes after giving standard drug (Glibenclamide),Test drug (NRE) in the dose of 200,400 and 800 mg/kg and blood sugar levels were estimated every half hourly up to 4 hours. To evaluate hypoglycemic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats similar doses once daily for 15 days. Blood sugar levels were estimated by using glucometer. Results: For glucose tolerance test Glibenclamide significant (p< 0.01) reduction in blood sugar levels. The NRE showed statistically significant results in only 800 mg/kg dose. In comparison to glibenclamide it did not show. In alloxan induced diabetes Glibenclamide showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in blood sugar levels. The NRE showed statistically significant results in only 800 mg/kg dose. Conclusion: Neem root has antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity. It is not as significant as glibenclmide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Augmentative release of biocontrol agents has been largely successful for the management of insect pests but it has not been a common approach for weed management. Augmentation methods need to be developed for weed management, especially for pernicious weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus L., commonly known as pathenium or carrot weed. The leaf beetle Zygogramma bicolorata is a potential biocontrol agent of P. hysterophorus. Initial release of biocontrol agents is subject to uncertainties as to whether timely population built-up will take place in sufficient numbers. Several augmentative releases may be required to ensure early establishment of the biocontrol agents, for successful biological control of noxious weeds including pathenium. We made augmentative releases of larvae or adults of Z. bicolorata each to three sites, severely infested with pathenium at Jabalpur, India consecutively for a period of three years. Initially 10 larvae or adults per sq m were released in each plot, followed by a second, third and fourth release of 3, 1.5 and 1.5 larvae or adults per sq m at an intervals of 3, 7 and 14 days after the first augmentation. The pathenium at augmented sites were completely defoliated in 45 and 60 days by larvae and adults respectively. There was also a reduction in the pathenium density and plant height in the augmented sites as compared to the non-augmented sites. Over a period of 3 years augmentation resulted in a noteworthy negative effect on the weed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To evaluate antiinflammatory activity of 70% alcoholic extract of neem root. Materials and Methods: The 70% of alcoholic extract of neem root (NRE) was given in the dose of 200,400,800 mg/kg in wistar albino rats of either sex in test group and for comparison Aspirin was given in the dose of 100 mg/kg in standard group. These animals were tested in carrageenan induced rat paw edema(for 24 hours) and cotton pellet granuloma(7 days) Results : NRE in the dose of 800 mg/kg showed significant (p<0.05)in carrageenan induced rat paw edema model.NRE in the dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg showed significant (P<0.05 and p<0.01) in cotton pellet granuloma.But in both models it was less significant than Aspirin Conclusion: NRE has antiinflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on "ABC of Research," a program within the Indian undergraduate medical curriculum which focuses on teaching research methodology to first year students. It goes on to cover the success of the program in increasing academic achievement levels as well as feedback from students who reported satisfaction with the course.

Occurrences of small base metal deposits are reported along the western margin of Aravalli Belt in India. Surface manifestation of one such deposit is found to occur as gossan zone within the host rock of amphibolite in Kalabar area of Rajasthan State. Assessment of this occurrence through drilling technology is a time-consuming exercise, more expensive and requires huge manpower. In the present study, an attempt has been made to rediscover the mineral deposit in Kalabar area using remote sensing and High-resolution Electrical Resistivity Tomography (HERT) techniques. Spectral data analysis with Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) sensor shows the characteristic mineral constituents of the gossan zone. 2D electrical resistivity tomograms helped in identifying a narrow vertical zone with low resistivity but high chargeability value up to a depth of 127.9 m. Geospatial analysis of the resistivity data provides the size of the sub-surface deposits. Several exploratory drillings confirm the existence of such deposit up to a depth of 180 m due to presence of highly conductive metallic ore body (Zn, Pb, Cu). Thus, a unique approach is adopted in mineral exploration technology through integrated analysis of surface to sub-surface information. HERT technique is found to be a cost-effective geophysical survey for identifying the geometry and type of shallow base metal deposits. • ASTER spectral data analysis has great potential in characterizing gossan zone. • HERT tomograms show narrow vertical zone of shallow base metal deposit upto 127.9 m. • GIS analysis of resistivity data used for estimation of the geometry of the ore body. • Validation of resistivity tomograms with drilling data and geochemical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There is growing body of evidence that use of computers can adversely affect the visual health. Considering the rising number of computer users in India, computer-related asthenopia might take an epidemic form. In view of that, this study was undertaken to find out the magnitude of asthenopia in computer operators and its relationship with various personal and workplace factors., Aims: To study the prevalence of asthenopia among computer operators and its association with various epidemiological factors., Settings and Design: Community-based cross-sectional study of 419 subjects who work on computer for varying period of time., Materials and Methods: Four hundred forty computer operators working in different institutes were selected randomly. Twenty-one did not participate in the study, making the nonresponse rate 4.8%. Rest of the subjects (n = 419) were asked to fill a pre-tested questionnaire, after obtaining their verbal consent. Other relevant information was obtained by personal interview and inspection of workstation., Statistical Analysis Used: Simple proportions and Chi-square test., Results: Among the 419 subjects studied, 194 (46.3%) suffered from asthenopia during or after work on computer. Marginally higher proportion of asthenopia was noted in females compared to males. Occurrence of asthenopia was significantly associated with age of starting use of computer, presence of refractive error, viewing distance, level of top of the computer screen with respect to eyes, use of antiglare screen and adjustment of contrast and brightness of monitor screen., Conclusions: Prevalence of asthenopia was noted to be quite high among computer operators, particularly in those who started its use at an early age. Individual as well as work-related factors were found to be predictive of asthenopia.