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Abstract We present a study on the dynamical variations of geoelectric fields E during the intense geomagnetic storm of April 23–24, 2023. The storm is caused by the interplanetary counterpart of a coronal mass ejection erupted from the Sun in association with an M1.7 X-ray flare. The GeoElectric Dynamic Mapping (GEDMap) code is applied to develop spatial E maps using magnetometer data from 29 observatories distributed across northern Europe. The code has been applied during local nighttime and morningtime intense substorms which occurred during the storm main phase. The maps show intensifications and strong variability of the E-fields during the substorm events. In particular, the morningtime event is associated with a significant variability in the E-field direction. Using the computed E-fields, we determined geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) at the sub-auroral station Mäntsälä. The modeled GIC values exhibit significant correlation (correlation coefficients $$r=0.73-0.76$$ r = 0.73 − 0.76 ) with the observed values. The performed E-field mapping provides a basis for the further determination of GICs in selected locations not covered by magnetometers and can be useful in understanding the GIC variability during magnetic storms and substorms.

Background: Infections attributable to Streptococcus are protean. These range from mild skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening conditions like meningitis, endocarditis and toxic shock syndrome. There appears to be a recent surge of invasive infections due to these organisms. Penicillin is drug of choice for majority of Streptococcal species. Objectives: Isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus species from various samples to revise hospital empirical therapy with regards to penicillin allergic patients in whom Streptococcus species is isolated. Methods: This is a prospective study over the past 2 ½ years (January 2020-August 2022) that includes all the Streptococcal species, isolated from clinical specimen. These were identified using ID GP card, Vitek-Compact 2. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed using AST 628 and ST03 cards. Results: There were 50 Streptococcal isolates from 50 patients. The ages ranged between 21 to 80 years; Males (61%) & Females(39%). The isolation of Streptococci from skin and soft tissue samples was high (55.3%) followed by respiratory samples (17%). Str.pyogenes (31.9%) and Str. agalactiae (25.5%) were predominantly isolated from skin and soft tissues, especially with lower limb cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis. Str.pneumoniae (27.6%) were isolated mainly from lower respiratory infections in elderly patients. Other isolates included Str.mitis (6.3%), Str.viridians (2.1%), Str.mutans (2.1%), Str.sanguis (2.1%) and Str.uberis (2.1%). Most of the isolates were susceptible to Penicillin & Ampicillin. Interestingly, susceptibility to macrolide and lincosamide was low. Conclusion: Str.pyogenes has emerged as an important cause of life-threatening skin and soft-tissue infections, especially necrotizing fasciitis. Using erythromycin or Clindamycin as empirical therapy in penicillin allergic patients should be cautioned due to low susceptibility at our hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gummy stem blight caused by Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum (syn. Didymella bryoniae) is one of the major disease in cucurbits. The goal of the study is to identify and characterize S. cucurbitacearum causing gummy stem blight in Coccinia grandis. The infected samples collected from the C. grandis growing fields, surface sterilized and inoculated on PDA medium. The morphology of the inciting pathogen was thoroughly studied. For further confirmation, the molecular characterization was done by using PCR amplified DNA product with specific ITS1 and ITS4 - rDNA primers and sequenced for further analysis. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using nBLAST data, which confirmed that the pathogen as S. cucurbitacearum. The isolate was deposited in the GenBank and accession number was obtained (OL774656, OL774657, and OL774658). The pathogenicity test was carried out on detached fruit assay on ivy gourd. The characteristic symptoms on fruits and re-isolation also confirmed presence of S. cucurbitacearum. In vitro evaluation of fungicides and plants extract against pathogen was carried out, the results showed that, Kavach (34.66±0.33 at 1.0 mg L-1), effectively inhibit the growth followed by Indofil, Aliette, Sectin, and Nativo. Likewise, the methanol extract of Neem and Ficus exhibits significant inhibitory activity. Therefore, this study revealed S. cucurbitacearum responsible for causing gummy stem blight disease in C. grandis host and this is the first report in Mysuru of Karnataka, India. Further the effective management is required to minimize the disease incidence and yield loss of this high nutritional vegetable crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This case drew national attention in 2018. About 100 people died and more than 300 hospitalized in a span of few years in a village of 1200 people in a tribal stretch in central India. Medical teams visiting the area reported severe renal failure and blamed the local eating and drinking habits as causative factors. This human health assessment based on geochemical investigations finds nitrate (NO3 −) and fluoride (F−) pollution as well in village’s groundwater. Both deterministic and probabilistic techniques are employed to decipher the contamination pathways and extent of contamination. Source apportionments of NO3 − and F− and their relationship with other ions in groundwater are carried out through chemometric modelling. Latent factors controlling the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater too are explored. While hazard quotients ( $$HQ$$ HQ ) of the chemical parameters ( $$HQ_{{{\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } }}$$ H Q NO 3 - and $$HQ_{{{\text{F}}^{ - } }}$$ H Q F - ) identify ingestion as the prominent pathway, the calculated risk certainty levels (RCL) of the hazard index (HI) values above unity are compared between the deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Deterministic model overestimates the HI values and magnify the contamination problems. Probabilistic model gives realistic results that stand at infants ( $$HI_{{{\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } }}$$ H I NO 3 - = 34.03%, $$HI_{{{\text{F}}^{ - } }}$$ H I F - = 24.17%) > children ( $$HI_{{{\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } }}$$ H I NO 3 - = 23.01%, $$HI_{{{\text{F}}^{ - } }}$$ H I F - = 10.56%) > teens ( $$HI_{{{\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } }}$$ H I NO 3 - = 13.17%, $$HI_{{{\text{F}}^{ - } }}$$ H I F - = 2.00%) > adults ( $$HI_{{{\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } }}$$ H I NO 3 - = 11.62%, $$HI_{{{\text{F}}^{ - } }}$$ H I F - = 1.25%). Geochemically, about 90% of the samples are controlled by rock-water interaction with Ca2+–Mg2+–HCO3 − (~ 56%) as the dominant hydrochemical facies. Chemometric modelling confirms Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3 −, F−, and SO4 2− to originate from geogenic sources, Cl− and NO3 − from anthropogenic inputs and Na+ and K+ from mixed factors. The area needs treated groundwater for human consumption.

IntroductionComposite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) and its further modifications have not incorporated all the combinations of malnutrition. We propose a new model incorporating all the forms of malnutrition among children under five years of age. However, the current models might misclassify a growing child as malnourished. Our objective is to develop a comprehensive scoring system using the three anthropometric Z-scores [height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) Z-scores] and demonstrate the proposed CIAF model using the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data from India.MethodsA new scoring system was developed using the WAZ, HAZ, and WHZ scores to determine the child’s nutritional status. We also proposed a new CIAF model by including all possible categories of malnutrition and practically demonstrated it using the NFHS-5 dataset after applying the new scoring system. Under-five children with heights, weights, and ages available were included in the analysis. The groups of malnutrition are presented as weighted proportions before and after applying the new score to the proposed model.ResultsOur final analysis included individual-level data of 198,802 children under five years of age (weighted N = 195,197). After applying the new scoring system to the proposed model, the prevalence of stunting has reduced to 11.8% (95% CI 11.66–11.94) from 13.2% (95% CI 13.09–13.39) and wasting prevalence has reduced to 4.9% (95% CI 4.85–5.04) from 6.4% (95% CI 6.29–6.51). The most common forms of anthropometric failures among Indian children by using the newly developed CIAF model are: “Stunting and underweight” (30,127; 15.4%), Stunting only (23,035; 11.8%), and “wasting and underweight” (14,698; 7.5%). We found a new category called “Stunting, underweight, and overweight” (stunting = HAZ < −2SD, underweight = WAZ < −2SD, overweight = WHZ > +2SD). It constituted 0.1% (220 children) of the total sample.ConclusionWhen the new scoring system is applied to the proposed CIAF model, it captures all forms and combinations of malnutrition among under-five children without overlap and prevents misclassifying a growing child as malnourished. The newly identified category shows that stunting (HAZ < −2SD), overweight (WHZ > +2SD) and underweight (WAZ < −2SD) can co-exist in the same child.

Objective When considering proposals to improve diets, it is important to understand how factors like price and income can affect saturated fat (SF) intake and demand. In this study, we examine and estimate the influence of price and income on intake across 160 countries, by age and sex, and derive sensitivity measures (price elasticities) that vary by age, sex and world region.Design We econometrically estimate intake responsiveness to income and prices across countries, accounting for differences by world region, age and sex. Intake data by age, sex and country were obtained from the 2018 Global Dietary Database. These data were then linked to global price data for select food groups from the World Bank International Comparison Programme and income data from the World Development Indicators Databank (World Bank).Results Intake differences due to price were highly significant, with a 1% increase in price associated with a lower SF intake (% energy/d) of about 4.3 percentage points. We also find significant differences across regions. In high-income countries, median (age 40) intake reductions were 1.4, 0.8 and 0.2 percentage points, given a 1% increase in the price of meat, dairy, and oils and fats, respectively. Price elasticities varied with age but not sex. Intake differences due to income were insignificant when regional binary variables were included in the analysis.Conclusion The results of this study show heterogeneous associations among prices and intake within and across countries. Policymakers should consider these heterogeneous effects as they address global nutrition and health challenges.

The current study was carried out to synthesize the silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Ipomoea obscura through green chemistry approach. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles were confirmed by the change in colour of reaction mixture from pale yellow to dark brown and absorption band obtained at 430 nm by UV-visible spectroscopic studies. Characterization of synthesized nanoparticles was carried out by XRD, DLS, FTIR, SEM and EDAX for their structure, size, possible functional groups, shape and elemental composition respectively. The XRD spectrum of the synthesized silver nanoparticles showed three distinct diffraction peaks at 2θ values 37.89°, 43.96° and 64.32° corresponding to lattice planes (111),(200) and (220) respectively confirming that the particles are face centred cubic in nature. The dynamic light scattering spectroscopic (DLS) analysis showed that the particles are 46nm in size. SEM images of nanoparticles revealed the cubic shape of particles and the Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) confirmed the significant presence of elemental silver. Synthesized silver nanoparticle showed good fungicidal activity against Didymella bryoniae, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus flavus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study botanical soil amendments, namely; botanical composts (obtained from Crotalaria trichotoma), enriched botanical compost (C. trichotoma compost enriched with Trichoderma viride), uncomposted botanical powder (C. trichotoma dried powder only) and enriched uncomposted botanical powder (C. trichotoma dried powder enriched with Trichoderma viride) tested for mangement of early blight of tomato. The inoculum of Alternaria solani mixed in soil potting media in the ratio of 99:0.5:0.5 w/w of soil:inoculum:each compost treatment. Splash irrigation done twice a day to incite disease in treated plants simulates natural condition. All the compost amendments at 0.5% rate were found highly effective in suppressing the disease, with enriched botanical compost, uncomposted botanical powder, enriched uncomposted botanical biomass, and botanical compost showing percent early blight index of 16.5%, 18.3%, 45.1% and 23.3% respectively as compared to 83.3% percent early blight index in negative control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Ocimum sanctum Linn (Labiatae) (OS), Zingiber officinale Rose (Zingiberaceae) (ZO), and Piper nigrum Linn (Piperaceae) (PN) are used in traditional medicine as immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and bioavailability enhancer agents. Objective Active phytoconstituents of OS, ZO, PN hydro-alcoholic extracts and their effects on gut microbiota, basal inflammation and lipid profile were investigated in rats. Materials and methods Active phytoconstituents of extracts were analysed using HPLC and GC-MS. SD rats were supplemented with individual/combined extracts (OS-850; ZO-500; PN-100 mg/kg Bw) and Fructooligosaccharide (standard prebiotic-5g/kg-Bw), orally for 30 days. Haematology, lipid profile, LPS, CRP, IL-6, insulin and histology of vital organs were analysed. Caecal bacterial levels were assessed by RT-PCR. Results High content of phenolic compounds luteolin-7-O-glucoside (430 ± 2.3 mg/100g), gallic acid (84.13 ± 1.2 mg/100 g) and flavones (88.18 ± 1.8 mg/100 g) were found in OS, ZO, and PN, respectively. Combined extract was rich in luteolin-7-O-glucoside (266.0 ± 1.80 mg/100 g). Essential oils including methyleugenol (13.96%), 6-shogaol (11.00%), piperine (18.26%), and cyclopentasiloxane (10.06%) were higher in OS, ZO, PN and combined extract. Higher levels of caecal Lactobacillus (1.7–3.4-fold), Bifidobacterium (5.89-28.4-fold), and lower levels of Firmicutes (0.04–0.91-fold), Bacteroides (0.69–0.88-fold) were noted among extracts and FOS supplemented rats. Significant (p

Introduction: The drug resistance caused by bacteria has complicated the fight against the infectious diseases and recovery of the patients from the diseases. Multiple mode of drug resistant mechanisms including epigenetic and enzymatic mode have been involved in the genesis of drug resistance leaving only fewer antibiotics for the treatment. Studies has shown the presence of 16S methyltransferase which is associated with carbapenem drug resistance. Early detection of different multimode of bacterial drug resistance helps in reducing the dissemination rate and treatment failures. Aim: To detect the genes related to the methylation mode of bacterial drug resistant mechanism including armA (aminoglycoside resistance methylase), rmtA, rmtB, rmtC and rmtD (rmt-RNA methyltrasferase) as well as genes OXA-48 (Oxacillinase), VIM (Verona intergron metallo-β lactamase) and KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase) in the production of carbapenemases and also to identify the co-expression of these genes in the gram negative bacterial isolates. Materials and Methods: Prospective study was conducted through application of multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for detection of 16S methyltransferase genes including armA, rmtA, rmtB, rmtC and rmtD and carbpenemase VIM, KPC and OXA-48 genes, respectively. A total of 200 multidrug resistant gram negative bacilli were evaluated for presence of these genes. The antibiotic sensitivity was evaluated using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: The gram negative bacteria which were isolated includes Acinetobacter spp. 20, E.coli-85, Klebsiella spp.-55 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-40 from several specimens such as urine, endotracheal tube-secretion, wound swab, sputum, pus etc. A total of 121 (61%) of the bacterial isolates were resistant to either gentamicin or amikacin and netilimycin and 50 (25%) bacterial isolates were resistant to either imipenem or carbapenem. A total of 48 (24%) isolates were resistant to both aminoglycosides and carbapenems. The 16S methyltransferase genes including armA gene was detected in 16 isolates, rmtB in 15 isolates, rmtC in 10 isolates and rmtD detected in 13 isolates The carbapenem genes detected including VIM in 20 isolates, OXA-48 in 25 isolates and KPC was detected in 13 bacterial isolates. Co-expression of both methyltransferase and carbapenemase were detected in nine isolates. Conclusion: The presence of multiple mode of bacterial drug resistance mechanisms including epigenetic and enzymatic modes have been found to be associated with resistance to different classes of antibiotics. The application of multiplex PCR helps in detection of multiple genes involved in bacterial drug resistance and helps in prevention of rapid spread of bacterial drug resistance and prevention of overuse of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent superstorm of 2024 May 10–11 is the second largest geomagnetic storm in the space age and the only one that has simultaneous interplanetary data (there were no interplanetary data for the 1989 March storm). The May superstorm was characterized by a sudden impulse (SI ^+ ) amplitude of +88 nT, followed by a three-step storm main-phase development, which had a total duration of ∼9 hr. The cause of the first storm main phase with a peak SYM-H intensity of −183 nT was a fast-forward interplanetary shock (magnetosonic Mach number M _ms ∼ 7.2) and an interplanetary sheath with a southward interplanetary magnetic field component B _s of ∼40 nT. The cause of the second storm's main phase with an SYM-H intensity of −354 nT was a deepening of the sheath B _s to ∼43 nT. A magnetosonic wave ( M _ms ∼ 0.6) compressed the sheath to a high magnetic field strength of ∼71 nT. Intensified B _s of ∼48 nT were the cause of the third and most intense storm main phase, with an SYM-H intensity of −518 nT. Three magnetic cloud events with B _s fields of ∼25–40 nT occurred in the storm recovery phase, lengthening the recovery to ∼2.8 days. At geosynchronous orbit, ∼76 keV to ∼1.5 MeV electrons exhibited ∼1–3 orders of magnitude flux decreases following the shock/sheath impingement onto the magnetosphere. The cosmic-ray decreases at Dome C, Antarctica (effective vertical cutoff rigidity