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Mat-type nursery having uniform growth is a prerequisite for mechanized paddy transplanting. Generally, this type of nursery is sown manually in the open field or in trays. It requires several simultaneous operations and hence is laborious and time-consuming. The performance of tractor-operated mat-type nursery seeder was evaluated at the Research Farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab during 2019–20 with an objective to obtain the finest speed of operation to get the uniform seed and soil spread. Study was carried out on three different types of soil (sandy loam, loam and silt loam) for three different forward speeds (1.7, 2.2 and 2.7 km/h). Results have shown that the soil type had a non-significant effect on the performance of the machine, whereas forward speed had significant (P

Contains fulltext : 249977.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: It is important to evaluate whether a new treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) provides additive benefit to background foundational treatments. As such, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in patients with HFrEF in addition to baseline treatment with specific doses and combinations of disease-modifying therapies. METHODS: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the EMPEROR-Reduced randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial, which took place in 520 centres (hospitals and medical clinics) in 20 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification II-IV with an ejection fraction of 40% or less were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive the addition of either oral empagliflozin 10 mg per day or placebo to background therapy. The primary composite outcome was cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalisation; the secondary outcome was total heart failure hospital admissions. An extended composite outcome consisted of inpatient and outpatient HFrEF events was also evaluated. Outcomes were analysed according to background use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), as well as β blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) at less than 50% or 50% or more of target doses and in various combinations. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03057977. FINDINGS: In this post-hoc analysis of 3730 patients (mean age 66·8 years [SD 11·0], 893 [23·9%] women; 1863 [49·9%] in the empagliflozin group, 1867 [50·1%] in the placebo group) assessed between March 6, 2017, and May 28, 2020, empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary outcome (361 in 1863 participants in the empagliflozin group and 462 of 1867 in the placebo group; HR 0·75 [95% CI 0·65-0·86]) regardless of background therapy or its target doses for ACE inhibitors or ARBs at doses of less than 50% of the target dose (HR 0·85 [0·69-1·06]) and for doses of 50% or more of the target dose (HR 0·67 [0·52-0·88]; p(interaction)=0·18). A similar result was seen for β blockers at doses of less than 50% of the target dose (HR 0·66 [0·54-0·80]) and for doses of 50% or more of the target dose (HR 0·81 [0·66-1·00]; p(interaction)=0·15). Empagliflozin also reduced the risk of the primary outcome irrespective of background use of triple therapy with an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or ARNI plus β blocker plus MRA (given combination HR 0·73 [0·61-0·88]; not given combination HR 0·76 [0·62-0·94]; p(interaction)=0·77). Similar patterns of benefit were observed for the secondary and extended composite outcomes. Empagliflozin was well tolerated and rates of hypotension, symptomatic hypotension, and hyperkalaemia were similar across all subgroups. INTERPRETATION: Empagliflozin reduced serious heart failure outcomes across doses and combinations of disease-modifying therapies for HFrEF. Clinically, these data suggest that empagliflozin might be considered as a foundational therapy in patients with HFrEF regardless of their existing background therapy. FUNDING: Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company.

Objectives To assess the prevalence and determinants of cardiometabolic disease (CMD), and the factors associated with healthcare utilisation, among people with CMD. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 11,657 participants were recruited from randomly selected villages in 3 regions located in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh from 2014 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with CMD and healthcare utilisation (public or private). Results Thirty-four per cent (n = 3629) of participants reported having ≥1 CMD, including hypertension (21.6%), diabetes (11.6%), heart disease (5.0%) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) (1.6%). The prevalence of CMD was progressively greater in regions of greater socio-economic position (SEP), ranging from 19.1% to 40.9%. Among those with CMD 41% had sought any medical advice in the last month, with only 19% utilising public health facilities. Among people with CMD, those with health insurance utilised more healthcare (age-gender adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.31 (1.13, 1.51)) as did those who reported accessing private rather than public health services (1.43 (1.23, 1.66)). Discussion The prevalence of CMD is high in these regions of rural India and is positively associated with indices of SEP. The utilisation of outpatient health services, particularly public services, among those with CMD is low.

Background: To improve the control of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries, we trialed a community-based group program co-designed with local policy makers to fit within the framework of India's health system. Trained accredited social health activists (ASHAs), delivered the program, in three economically and developmentally diverse settings in rural India. We evaluated the program's implementation and scalability.Methods: Our mixed methods process evaluation was guided by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council guidelines for complex interventions. Meeting attendance reports, as well as blood pressure and weight measures of attendees and adherence to meeting content and use of meeting tools were used to evaluate the implementation process. Thematic analysis of separate focus group discussions with participants and ASHAs as well as meeting reports and participant evaluation were used to investigate the mechanisms of impact.Results: Fifteen ASHAs led 32 community-based groups in three rural settings in the states of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, Southern India. Overall, the fidelity of intervention delivery was high. Six meetings were delivered over a 3-month period to each of the intervention groups. The mean number of meetings attended by participants at each site varied significantly, with participants in Rishi Valley attending fewer meetings [mean (SD) = 2.83 (1.68)] than participants in West Godavari (Tukeys test, p = 0.009) and Trivandrum (Tukeys test, p < 0.001) and participants in West Godavari [mean (SD) = 3.48 (1.72)] attending significantly fewer meetings than participants in Trivandrum [mean (SD) = 4.29 (1.76), Tukeys test, p < 0.001]. Culturally appropriate intervention resources and the training of ASHAs, and supportive supervision of them during the program were critical enablers to program implementation. Although highly motivated during the implementation of the program ASHA reported historical issues with timely remuneration and lack of supportive supervision.Conclusions: Culturally appropriate community-based group programs run by trained and supported ASHAs are a successful and potentially scalable model for improving the control of hypertension in rural India. However, consideration of issues related to unreliable/insufficient remuneration for ASHAs, supportive supervision and their formal role in the wider health workforce in India will be important to address in future program scale up.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India [CTRI/2016/02/006678, Registered prospectively].

Importance: Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Clinicians may find estimates of the projected long-term benefits of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors a helpful addition to clinical trial results when communicating the benefits of this class of drug to patients. Objective: To estimate the projected long-term treatment effects of dapagliflozin in patients with HFrEF over the duration of a patient’s lifetime. Design, Setting, and Participants: Exploratory analysis was performed of Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA-HF), a phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at 410 sites in 20 countries. Patients with an ejection fraction less than or equal to 40% in New York Heart Association functional classification II to IV and elevated plasma levels of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide were enrolled between February 15, 2017, and August 17, 2018, with final follow-up on June 6, 2019. Mean (SD) duration of follow-up was 17.6 (5.2) months. Interventions: Dapagliflozin, 10 mg, once daily vs placebo in addition to standard therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary composite outcome was time to first hospitalization for heart failure, urgent heart failure visit requiring intravenous therapy, or cardiovascular death. The trial results were extrapolated to estimate the projected long-term treatment effects of dapagliflozin over the duration of a patient’s lifetime for the primary outcome and the secondary outcome of death from any cause. Results: A total of 4744 patients (1109 women [23.4%]; 3635 men [76.6%]) were randomized in DAPA-HF, with a mean (SD) age of 66.3 (10.9) years. The extrapolated mean event-free survival for an individual aged 65 years from a primary composite end point event was 6.2 years for placebo and 8.3 years for dapagliflozin, representing an event-free survival time gain of 2.1 years (95% CI, 0.8-3.3 years; P = .002). When considering death from any cause, mean extrapolated life expectancy for an individual aged 65 years was 9.1 years for placebo and 10.8 years for dapagliflozin, with a gain in survival of 1.7 years (95% CI, 0.1-3.3; P = .03) with dapagliflozin. Similar results were seen when extrapolated across the age range studied. In analyses of subgroups of patients in DAPA-HF, consistent benefits were seen with dapagliflozin on both event-free and overall survival. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings indicate that dapagliflozin provides clinically meaningful gains in extrapolated event-free and overall survival. These findings may be helpful in communicating the benefits of this treatment to patients with HFrEF. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03036124.

Irrigation water, being a scarce resource, requires proper management for good quality aerobic basmati rice production. Field experiments were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evaluate the effect of different irrigation schedules on grain quality of direct seeded basmati rice ‘Pusa Basmati 1121’. Ten treatments comprising of conventional puddled transplanting and nine in direct seeding were tested in randomized block design with four replications. Direct seeding treatments comprised of combination of withholding first irrigation for 6, 9 or 12 days after sowing and follow up irrigations at 30, 50 or 70 mm cummulative pan evaporation (CPE). The milling quality characters of rice like brown, milled and head rice recoveries were highest in conventional transplanting (81.4, 70.9 and 52.4 %, respectively) statistically at par with irrigation schedule of withholding first irrigation for 6 days and subsequent irrigations at 30 mm CPE (80.3, 69.9 and 51.1 %,respectively) significantly better than rest of the treatments.The other quality characters like protein content, minimum cooking time, elongation ratio etc. were also significantly affected by different irrigation schedules at 5 % level of significance. The maximum values of protein content (7.26 %) and minimum cooking time (23.5 minutes) were obtained in irrigation schedule of withholding first irrigation for 6 days and subsequent irrigations at 30 mm CPE whereas elongation ratio was maximum in conventional transplanting (1.87). In Indian Punjab, good quality direct seeded basmati rice can be obtained by holding the first irrigation for 6 days and then irrigating at 30 mm CPE with yields comparable to transplanted rice.

SUMMARYCotton–wheat (CW) is an important cropping system in South Asia. Wheat yields under a conventional CW system are generally lower compared to a rice–wheat system due to delayed seeding. Relay seeding of wheat can help timely sowing, capturing residual soil moisture of last irrigation to cotton, and increase the productivity and profitability of CW system. The field experiment included two Bt-cotton genotypes having different canopy cover (RCH 776 and MRC 7017), two types of relay seeders (RSs) for cotton planted at 67.5-cm and 101-cm row spacing and four types of relay seeding methods (manual broadcast, strip rotor (SR) and zero-till double disc and conventional till). Relay planting of wheat allowed one additional boll picking, which increased seed cotton yield by 12% compared with conventional tillage wheat. Cotton genotypes and RSs had no effect on emergence and yield of wheat. The RSs with SR and zero till double disc furrow openers performed better in terms of wheat emergence and grain yield compared to zero-till tine openers. Under relay seeding, wheat sowing was advanced by 31 days, which increased grain yield by 18.8% compared with conventional tillage practice. Net returns from the CW system with relay seeding of wheat were higher by US$ 311 to 425 ha−1 compared with the conventional CW system.

Management practices need to be developed for successful cultivation of good quality aerobic basmati rice. Field experiments were conducted at Ludhiana, India during the summer seasons of 2011 and 2012 to ascertain the optimum irrigation schedule and dose and timings of nitrogen application to direct seeded basmati rice cultivar Pusa Basmati 1121. Three irrigation schedules (irrigations at 30, 50 and 70 mm CPE), three nitrogen levels (40, 60 and 80 kg N ha−1) and two modules of nitrogen splits (3 splits, i.e. application at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after sowing and 4 splits, i.e. application at 0, 3, 6 and 9 weeks after sowing) were tested in randomized block design with four replications on a loamy sand soil. The maximum grain yield, protein content, brown, milled and head rice recovery were obtained with irrigations at 30 mm CPE and these were significantly better than 50 and 70 mm CPE irrigation schedules. Among nitrogen levels, the significant increase in grain yield as well as quality parameters, viz. protein content, brown, milled and head rice recovery was recorded only up to a nitrogen dose of 60 kg ha−1. In Indian Punjab, good quality direct seeded basmati rice can be produced by following the irrigation schedule of 30 mm CPE and with the application of 60 kg N ha−1 applied in 3 splits (3, 6 and 9 weeks after sowing).

BACKGROUND: There is a direct relationship between bodyweight and risk of diabetes. Lorcaserin, a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist that suppresses appetite, has been shown to facilitate sustained weight loss in obese or overweight patients. We aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of lorcaserin on diabetes prevention and remission. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done in eight countries, we recruited overweight or obese patients (body-mass index ≥27 kg/m2) with or at high risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Eligible patients were aged 40 years or older; patients at high risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease had to be aged 50 years or older with diabetes and at least one other risk factor. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either lorcaserin (10 mg twice daily) or matching placebo. Additionally, all patients had access to a standardised weight management programme based on lifestyle modification. The prespecified primary metabolic efficacy endpoint of time to incident diabetes was assessed in patients with prediabetes at baseline. The prespecified secondary outcomes for efficacy were incident diabetes in all patients without diabetes, achievement of normoglycaemia in patients with prediabetes, and change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with diabetes. Hypoglycaemia was a prespecified safety outcome. Analysis was by intention to treat, using Cox proportional hazard models for time-to-event analyses. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02019264. FINDINGS: Between Feb 7, 2014, and Nov 20, 2015, 12 000 patients were randomly assigned to lorcaserin or placebo (6000 patients in each group) and followed up for a median of 3·3 years (IQR 3·0-3·5). At baseline, 6816 patients (56·8%) had diabetes, 3991 (33·3%) prediabetes, and 1193 (9·9%) normoglycaemia. At 1 year, patients treated with lorcaserin had a net weight loss beyond placebo of 2·6 kg (95% CI 2·3-2·9) for those with diabetes, 2·8 kg (2·5-3·2) for those with prediabetes, and 3·3 kg (2·6-4·0) for those with normoglycaemia (p

A lot of research work regarding irrigation scheduling in rice has been carried out at global level with the objective of increasing irrigation water productivity (IWP) and sustaining grain yield. Under natural conditions rain disturb the planned irrigation treatments. One way to overcome this problem is to use rain shelters which is a costly affair, crop growth simulation models offer a good scope to conduct such studies by excluding the effect of rain. Very limited studies are available where FAO’s AquaCrop model has been used to develop irrigation schedule for crops. Therefore, a study was conducted using FAO AquaCrop model to develop irrigation schedule for rice having higher IWP. The model was calibrated and validated using the experimental data of field experiments conducting during 2009 and 2010, respectively. The model underestimated the above ground dry biomass at 30 days after transplanting (DAT) in the range of 21.60 to 24.85 %. At the time of harvest the model overestimated the above ground dry biomass within the range 11.58 to 14.34 %. At harvest the values of normalized root mean square error (15.54%) suggested a good fit for the above ground dry biomass and an excellent agreement (3.34%) between observed and model predicted grain yield. The model suggested to irrigate rice transplanted in puddled loamy sand soil on every 5th day to get higher IWP coupled with statistically similar grain yield as obtained with daily irrigation schedule.

Water and energy optimization are needed for sustainable production of scented rice. The present study was, conducted to investigate the effect of transplanting methods and irrigation schedules on water productivity and energy use in this production system. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three methods of planting (Mechanical planting with 4 passes of puddling, mechanical planting with 2 passes of puddling and manual planting with 4 passes of puddling) in the main plots and combinations of two initial ponding durations (7 and 14 days) and four subsequent irrigation schedules (2, 3, 4, and 5 days after disappearance of ponded water) in sub-plots. The methods of transplanting with different levels of puddling did not exhibit any significant effect on grain yield and quality. However, mechanically and manually transplanted crop with 4 passes of puddling resulted in saving of 11.9 and 11.5 cm irrigation water with 6.7 and 3.3% higher apparent water productivity than mechanically transplanted crop with 2 passes of puddling, respectively. The energy productivity was higher in mechanically transplanted crop with 2 passes of puddling than in same system or the system of hand transplanting with 4 passes of puddling. Two weeks initial ponding after transplanting resulted in 15.9% higher grain yield with significantly superior brown and milled rice recoveries than one week of initial ponding. The energy input, energy productivity and net return of 2 weeks ponding were 9.6, 5.7 and 20.9% higher than one week ponding, respectively. Applying subsequent irrigation at 2 and 3 days after disappearance of ponded water resulted in 12.9 & 24.6, and 8.4 & 19.6% higher grain yield as compared to irrigation at 4 and 5 days after disappearance of ponded water, respectively. Irrigation at 2 days after disappearance of ponded water resulted in the highest water application (166.6 cm), which was 22.8, 31.0 and 46.3% higher than 3, 4 and 5 days after disappearance of ponded water, respectively. Apparent crop water productivity, energy use efficiency and energy productivity was higher under irrigation at 3 days after disappearance of ponded water while net returns and benefit:cost ratio (B:C) was higher under irrigation at 2 days after disappearance of ponded water. Thus, basmati rice can be transplanted either mechanically or manually with 4 passes of puddling for water saving. There must be 2 weeks initial ponding with subsequent irrigation application at 3 days after disappearance of ponded water to realize maximum productivity with quality grains.

A nine tyne tractor operated cultivator and spinner type fertilizer spreader were used to evaluate the efficiency of tractor. Tractor was operated without navigator and with navigator guidence to the operator to observe the missed area, overlapped area and actual productivity of the machines. Missing percentage was only 8.5% of total area cultivated in case of navigator assisted cultivator as comaperd to the 23.5% missed area without navigator guidence. For smaller field having area were 4.2 and 14% espectively of the total area under trials. But for larger area of 1.62 ha, on an average percentage missed area observed without and with navigator trials were 19.8 and 5.5% of the total area under trial. Overlapped area during cultivation without navigator was observed to be 0.042 or 18% as comaperd to the overlapped area of 0.006 ha or 3% by using navigator. Areas of overlap during fertilizer spreading for without and with navigator trials were observed to be 0.066 or 13.75% and 0.002 ha or 0.4% respectively for smaller fields. But for larger field, without navigator trial overlap of 0.027 ha which is 1.7% was obsereved and with navigator trial overlap was observed for area 0.048, which is 2.9% of total area of 1.62 ha. The actual productivity of the operation without navigator was 0.53 ha/h with 23.5% missing area as comapred to the actual productivity of cultivator with navigator i.e. 0.75 ha/h with 8.5% missing. It was concluded that actual productivity by using satellite navigator guided cultivator was 1.42 times more as compared to the actual productivity without navigator. During fertilizer spreading, the actual productivity of the spreader using navigator was 1.64 times more than the machine without naviagator. For larger field, satellite navigator guided fertilizer spreader was about having 1.37 times more productivity than spreader without navigator. Key words: Satellite navigator, global positioning system (GPS), overlapped area, missed area, machine productivity, precision farming.

In the present study, four methods of rice crop establishment, viz. conventional transplantation, bed transplantation (BT), furrow transplantation (FT) and puddled direct seeding (PDS), were evaluated during two wet seasons to determine their influence on the incidence of insect pests and grain yield. Observations were recorded starting from 40 days after transplanting (DAT) and seeding (DAS) to 110 DAT and DAS. The interaction between crop establishment methods and observation days was significant in the case of folded leaves by Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee), deadhearts by Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) and the Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) population. The number of folded leaves in the bed-transplanted crop (8.87%) and puddle direct seeded crop (10.62%) was significantly higher than that in crop grown using the other crop establishment methods. The incidence of deadheart damage was significantly higher in the PDS plots (5.85%), while that of whitehead damage was higher in the BT (5.89%) and PDS (6.54%) plots than in the plots managed by the other methods. The S. furcifera population build-up was significantly higher in the FT (1.98 hoppers/hill) and PDS (2.24 hoppers/hill) plots than in the plots managed by the other crop establishment methods. Paddy yield was significantly higher in the conventionally transplanted crops followed by the furrow- and bed-transplanted crops.

Pharmacological modulation of responses to injury is complicated by the need to deliver multiple drugs with spatiotemporal resolution. Here, a novel controlled delivery system containing three separate compartments with each releasing its contents over different timescales is fabricated. Core-shell electrospun fibers create two of the compartments in the system, while electrosprayed spheres create the third. Utility is demonstrated by targeting the foreign body response to implants because it is a dynamic process resulting in implant failure. Sequential delivery of a drug targeting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and an antifibrotic is characterized in in vitro experiments. Specifically, macrophage fusion and p65 nuclear translocation in the presence of releasate or with macrophages cultured on the surfaces of the constructs are evaluated. In addition, releasate from pirfenidone scaffolds is shown to reduce transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced pSMAD3 nuclear localization in fibroblasts. In vivo, drug eluting constructs successfully mitigate macrophage fusion at one week and fibrotic encapsulation in a dose-dependent manner at four weeks, demonstrating effective release of both drugs over different timescales. Future studies can employ this system to improve and prolong implant lifetimes, or load it with other drugs to modulate other dynamic processes.

Phenacoccus solenopsis, the cotton mealy bug, has emerged as a serious pest of cotton in India, necessitating basic studies on its development and survival at different temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) and relative humidities (RH) (65, 75 and 85 ± 1 %) levels to ascertain optimal population growth. A life table was constructed using temperature and humidity. The nymphal duration was 20.2 d at 35 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 1% RH, but lengthened to 26.6 days at 20 ± 1 °C and both RH combinations. Adult longevity was 16.4 days at 20 ± 1° C and 65% RH, but 10.8 days at 35 °C at the same RH; however it was 6.4 days at a temperature of 20 ± 1 °C and 75% RH. Fecundity was at its maximum (489 nymphs/female) at 35 ± 1 °C and 65% RH, with lower fecundity at 75% RH across all temperature levels. The net reproductive rate (Ro) and finite rate of increase (λ) were 141.3 females/female/generation and 1.24 fold per female per day, respectively at 35 ± 1 °C and 65% RH suggesting that the population would increase more t...

Early transplanting of rice during periods of high evaporative demand can result in mining of groundwater. In Indian Punjab, the water table is currently falling at 0.4–0.9 m per year. Hence, there is urgent need to adopt water saving practices to enhance grain yield and water productivity. The present study was run at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to investigate the effect of transplanting dates (June 15, June 25 and July 5) and seedling age (30, 45 and 60 days) on yield, quality and water productivity of two rice cultivars differing by their duration: 144 days for PAU 201, 156 days for PR 118. Delay in transplanting from June 15 to June 25 or July 5 did not show any influence on yield and quality of rice, but irrigation water saving were 4.6 and 14.0%, respectively. The corresponding increase were: apparent crop water productivity (ACWP): 7.1 and 14.5%: total crop water productivity (TCWP): 9.8 and 19.2%; real crop water productivity (RCWP): 9.4 and 13.3%. PAU 201 cultivar recorded 9.3% higher grain yield and 3.7% higher irrigation water saving than PR 118. Differences were also significant for ACWP, TCWP and RCWP. The positive relationship between transplanting time and ACWP, TCWP and RCWP were accentuated for the medium duration cultivar (PAU 201). The transplanting of 30 days old seedlings gave significantly higher grain yield, apparent, total and real water productivity over 60 days old seedlings. So the transplanting of medium duration cultivar PAU 201 may be delayed up to July 5 and that of long duration cultivar PR 118 up to June 25 for substantial saving of irrigation water without any disadvantage in yield or grain quality.

Rice germplasm comprising 66 lines/varieties was evaluated under field conditions for two wet seasons against a yellow stemborer, leaffolder and whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) at the vegetative and panicle initiation crop stages. Glasshouse screening of germplasm for WBPH resistance was done at the seedling stage. At the vegetative stage, over the 2 years, 18 lines/varieties showed leaffolder damage from 6.21 ± 0.33 to 9.99 ± 4.07%, while at the panicle initiation stage, six lines/varieties showed damage from 8.77 ± 1.25 to 12.25 ± 4.67%. A highly significant correlation between flag leaf width and per cent infested leaves at the vegetative (r = 0.88) and panicle initiation (r = 0.79) stages was recorded. No significant correlation was observed between plant height and leaffolder infestation at the vegetative stage; however, it was significant at the panicle initiation stage (r = 0.37). The dead heart (DH) damage at the vegetative stage over the years was less than 1% in six lines/varieties, while at the panicle initiation stage, seven lines/varieties showed whitehead (WH) damage ranging from 1.29 to 1.92%. A highly significant correlation was observed between plant height and per cent DH and WH at the vegetative (r = 0.73) and panicle initiation stages (r = 0.81). Such a relationship was not observed between leaf width and stemborer infestation at both stages. Two lines, viz. IR 59 547-235-3-3 and SPR 85 163-5-1-2-4, were resistant to the WBPH under glasshouse screening, whereas 20 lines were moderately resistant and the remaining lines were susceptible.

Food security and water resources in Indian Punjab are under threat and there is a need to produce more rice with less water. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Ludhiana, during summers of 2009 and 2010 to evaluate water saving techniques in rice cultivation. The experimental site had loamy sand soils and the seasonal reference ET was 765 and 680 mm while rainfall was 818 and 652 mm during 2009 and 2010, respectively. The experiment (split-plot), involved methods of planting (fresh bed and puddled flat) and nitrogen levels (75% of recommended N, recommended N 120 kg ha −1 and 125% of recommended N) in the main plots, and irrigation schedules (1 day, 2 days, 3 days after water disappearance and at soil suction of 150 ± 20 cm) in the sub plots, with three replications. The transplanting of rice seedlings on sides of freshly constructed beds resulted in 15% irrigation water saving and 13.5% higher mean irrigation water productivity (IWP) with non-significant reduction in grain yield as compared to conventional (flat) transplanting. Grain yield and IWP increased significantly only up to a N level of 120 kg ha −1 and further increase in N levels failed to produce significantly higher results. The highest grain yield was obtained with application of irrigation after 1 day of water disappearance and it was statistically at par with irrigation after 2 days of water disappearance and with soil suction based irrigation schedule. The IWP increased with the increase in interval between two successive irrigations. The interaction between methods of planting and irrigation schedules was found to be significant. The maximum grain yield was obtained in puddled flat irrigated after 1 day of water disappearance, which was statistically at par with all other treatment combinations except with beds irrigated after 3 days of water disappearance. The interaction was also found to be significant in case of IWP. The maximum IWP was observed in BI 3 . Thus, higher crop and water productivity in rice can be obtained by transplanting rice on the slopes of freshly constructed beds along with application of 120 kg N ha −1 and irrigation application after 2 days of water disappearance or at soil suction of 150 ± 20 cm.

We investigated the sub-lethal influences of spinosad, chlorpyriphos, endosulfan, acephate and cypermethrin on the oviposition responses of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) to cotton plants, under cage and laboratory conditions. The rank order of toxicity (LC50 values as a per cent) of test insecticides against third instar larvae using the leaf disc method was: spinosad > chlorpyriphos > endosulfan > acephate > cypermethrin. On whole plants, females laid more eggs on acephate LC50-, acephate LC30- and cypermethrin LC50-treated cotton plants than on the control. The chlorpyriphos-treated plants were least preferred for oviposition. When excised cotton leaves from different treatments were used in a multiple-choice test, cypermethrin LC50- and endosulfan LC30-treated leaves received more eggs than the control. The repeated application of sub-lethal concentrations of different insecticides reduced plant height in the case of acephate LC30 and cypermethrin LC50, while plant spread and upper canopy leaf area wer...

Background The rates reported for postoperative urinary retention following midurethral sling procedures are highly variable. Determining which patients have a higher likelihood of failing a voiding trial will help with preoperative counseling prior to a midurethral sling. Objective The objective of the study was to identify preoperative predictors for failed voiding trial following an isolated midurethral sling. Study Design A retrospective, multicenter, case-control study was performed by including all isolated midurethral sling procedures performed between Jan. 1, 2010 to June 30, 2015, at 6 academic centers. We collected demographics, medical and surgical histories, voiding symptoms, urodynamic evaluation, and intraoperative data from the medical record. We excluded patients not eligible for attempted voiding trial after surgery (eg, bladder perforation requiring catheterization). Cases failed a postoperative voiding trial and were discharged with an indwelling catheter or taught intermittent self-catheterization; controls passed a voiding trial. We also recorded any adverse events such as urinary tract infection or voiding dysfunction up to 6 weeks after surgery. Bivariate analyses were completed using Mann-Whitney and Pearson χ 2 tests as appropriate. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression was used to determine predictors of failing a voiding trial. Results A total of 464 patients had an isolated sling (70.9% retropubic, 28.4% transobturator, 0.6% single incision); 101 (21.8%) failed the initial voiding trial. At follow-up visits, 90.4% passed a second voiding trial, and 38.5% of the remainder passed on the third attempt. For the bivariate analyses, prior prolapse or incontinence surgery was similar in cases vs controls (31% vs 28%, P = .610) as were age, race, body mass index, and operative time. Significantly more of the cases (32%) than controls (22%) had a Charlson comorbidity index score of 1 or greater ( P = .039). Overactive bladder symptoms of urgency, frequency, and urgency incontinence were similar in both groups as was detrusor overactivity in those with a urodynamic evaluation (29% vs 22%, P = .136), but nocturia was reported more in the cases (50% vs 38%, P = .046). Mean (SD) bladder capacity was similar in both groups (406 [148] mL vs 388 [122] mL, P = .542) as was maximum flow rate with uroflowmetry and pressure flow studies. Cases were significantly more likely to have a voiding type other than detrusor contraction: 37% vs 25%, P = .027, odds ratio, 1.79 (95% confidence interval, 1.07–3.00). There was no difference in voiding trial failures between retropubic and transobturator routes (23.1% vs 18.9%, P = .329). Within 6 weeks of surgery, the frequency of urinary tract infection in cases was greater than controls (20% vs 6%, P P = .003; odds ratio, 4.00 [95% confidence interval, 1.61–9.92]). For multivariable analyses, increasing Charlson comorbidity index increased the risk of a voiding trial failure; apart from this, we did not identify other demographic information among the patients who did not undergo urodynamic evaluation that reliably forecasted a voiding trial failure. Conclusion The majority of women will pass a voiding trial on the first attempt after an isolated midurethral sling. Current medical comorbidities are predictive of a voiding trial failure, whereas other demographic/examination findings are not. Patients failing the initial voiding trial are at an increased risk of postoperative urinary tract infection or developing acute retention after passing a subsequent voiding trial.

The protective bioactivity of punicalagin, a high molecular weight polyphenol isolated from pomegranate fruit pith and carpellary membrane, against oxidative damages to lipids, amino acids constituting the proteins, and guanosine as a model for DNA has been investigated. The ABTS*-, guanosine, and tryptophan radical generated pulse radiolytically were repaired by punicalagin, k = (0.9-15) x 10(7) dm3 mol-1 s-1. The results are rationalized on the basis of the scavenging activity of punicalagin against various one-electron oxidizing radicals, namely, .OH, N3., and NO2. . The formation of the transient species in these reactions and the rate constants of the scavenging reactions have been probed using a time-resolved kinetic spectrophotometric technique. The antioxidant action of punicalagin is expressed not only through its scavenging reactions but also by its ability to form metal chelates. Binding of punicalagin with bovine serum albumin and metal ions such as iron and copper revealed different binding affinities, whereas its binding with DNA was very weak and nonspecific. In vitro cytotoxic studies against three cell lines, namely, Vero (normal African green monkey kidney cell line), Hep-2 (human larynx epithelial cancer cell line), and A-549 (human small cell lung carcinoma cell line) showed that this polyphenol is toxic only at higher concentration.

At near neutral pH (approx. 5.5), the OH-adduct of chlorogenic acid (CGA), formed on pulse radiolysis of N2O-saturated aqueous CGA solutions (λ max = 400 and 450 nm) with k = 9 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1, rapidly eliminates water (k = 1 × 103 s−1) to give a resonance-stabilized phenoxyl type of radical. Oxygen rapidly adds to the OH-adduct of CGA (pH 5.5) to form a peroxyl type of radical (k = 6 × 107 dm3 mol−1 s−1). At pH 10.5, where both the hydroxyl groups of CGA are deprotonated, the rate of reaction of · OH radicals with CGA was essentially the same as at pH 5.5, although there was a marked shift in the absorption maximum to approx. 500 nm. The CGA phenoxyl radical formed with more specific one-electron oxidants, viz., Br 2 ·− and N 3 · radicals show an absorption maximum at 385 and 500 nm, k ranging from 1–5.5 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1. Reactions of other one-electron oxidants, viz., NO 2 · , NO· and CCl3OO· radicals, are also discussed. Repair rates of thymidine, cytidine and guanosine radicals generated pulse radiolytically at pH 9.5 by CGA are in the range of (0.7–3) × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1.

OBJECTIVE. The radiologist plays an important role in the workup and staging of bone tumors. The purpose of this article is to review that role and to discuss recent changes to the primary malignant bone tumor staging system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer.CONCLUSION. Knowledge of staging parameters for the diagnosis and management of bone tumors will help the radiologist to generate meaningful reports for the referring physician.

Pulse radiolysis of resveratrol was carried out in aqueous solutions at pH ranging from 6.5 to 10.5. The one-electron oxidized species formed by the N•3 radicals at pH 6.5 and 10.5 were essentially the same with λmax at 420 nm and rate constant varying marginally (k = (5−6.5) × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1). The nature of the transients formed by NO•2, NO• radical reaction at pH 10.5 was the same as that with N•3, due to the similarity in decay rates and the absorption maximum. Reaction of •OH radical with resveratrol at pH 7 gives an absorption maximum at 380 nm, attributed to the formation of carbon centered radical. The repair rates for the thymidine and guanosine radicals by resveratrol were approx. 1 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1, while the repair rate for tryptophan was lower by nearly an order of magnitude (k = 2 × 108 dm3 mol−1 s−1). The superoxide radical anion was scavenged by resveratrol, as well as by the Cu–resveratrol complex with k = 2 × 107 and 1.5 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1, respectively. Its reduction potential was also measured by cyclic voltammetry.

A solid breast mass that decreases in size over time without treatment is generally felt to be inconsistent with a diagnosis of malignancy. We describe a case where this dogma proves to be incorrect. Mammographic features of a mass, along with the patient's clinical hormonal status, need to be considered along with size characteristics.

The oxidation of flavonoids is of great interest because of their action as antioxidants with the ability to scavenge radicals by means of electron-transfer processes. The redox reactions of the flavonoid derivative troxerutin, (2-[3,4-bis-(2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl]-3[[6-deoxy-α-L-manno-pyranosyl)-β-(D-glucopyranosyl]-oxy]-5-hydroxy-7-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-4H-1-benzo-pyran-4-one), were investigated over a wide range of conditions, using pulse radiolysis and cyclic voltammetry. The oxidation mechanism proceeds in sequential steps. One-electron redox potentials for troxerutin were found to be +1.196, +0.846 and −0.634 V vs. NHE.

The reactivity of (SCN)˙−2, Br˙−2 and phenoxyl radicals in aqueous solution, generated by pulse radiolysis, was studied on gold and silver nanoparticle surfaces. The spectral changes associated with chemical interaction of radicals with metal nanoparticles were elucidated using time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. The resultant complexes of (SCN)˙−2 and Br˙−2 with Au nanoparticles have shown a strong absorption band at 390 nm and 260 nm, respectively. The stability of the particles after adsorption of SCN−, Br− and phenols was measured by steady-state absorption. It has been shown that the concentration of CTAB plays a significant role in the stabilization of particles in the presence of an adsorbate.

LaBan previously described the precipitous onset of lumbar radiculopathy in 12 patients who were receiving therapeutic, intermittent cervical traction for a primary complaint of cervical radiculopathy. Cranial-to-caudal traction of the intraspinal pia with cervical spine distraction was cited as the dynamic link believed to have provoked the lumbar radiculopathy. This present communication adds an additional case and describes an equal but opposite occurrence, a case of caudal-to-cranial dural distraction that provoked cervical radicular pain. In this instance, the complaint of elbow pain associated with a cervical radiculopathy could be attributed to caudal-to-cranial intraspinal pia traction acting on its intraforaminal thecal extension surrounding the C8 spinal root, previously sensitized by a herniated disc.

Pulse-radiolysis reactions were performed to study the effect of hydrogen bonding to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the oxidation of dihydroxy benzene and biphenyl diols to phenoxyl radicals. It was observed that with DMSO as the hydrogen-bond acceptor, the oxidation process proceeds via proton-coupled electron transfer in the case of hydroquinone. For resorcinol, DMSO acts in a similar way as in the case of hydroquinone. For other biphenols, viz., 2,2′- and 4,4′-biphenyl diols, it was found that DMSO had no effect on the electron transfer. The results are explained based on the ionization potential and structure of the phenol derivatives which probably depends on the rotation of the OH bond causing different electron distribution in the transient conformation.

Nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, forms semi-oxidized species (λmax = 350 nm) on reaction with N·3 and CCl3OO· in aqueous solution. Their oxidizing nature is confirmed by their ability to undergo an electron-transfer reaction with ABTS2-, the rate constant for the reaction k = 4.7 × 109 dm3 mol-1 s-1. ·OH-adduct constitutes about 94% of the species formed on reaction with ·OH radicals, the remaining 5-6% species are oxidizing in nature. The rate constant for the formation of ·OH-adduct, i.e. k(·OH + Nim-NO2) = 2.8 × 1010 dm3 mol-1 s-1. Oxygen adds to both e-aq and ·OH-adducts of nimesulide with rate constants of 9.5 × 106 dm3 mol-1 s-1 and 1.4 × 107 dm3 mol-1 s-1, respectively. In the presence of cyclodextrins the nature of the transient species formed is much the same. Binding constants of the drug with CDs are generally quite low in comparison to BSA and range between 37 and 390 dm3 mol-1. Hydrated electrons add on to nimesulide at the nitro group forming a semi-reduced species with λmax = 320 and 500 nm. The rate constant k for this reaction is 1.4 × 1010 dm3 mol-1 s-1. The transient species formed on reaction of e-aq or (CH3)·2COH radicals with nimesulide seem to be identical, as is seen from their decay rates. The reduction potential of nimesulide for the couple (Nim-NO2/Nim-NO·2-) is found to be -0.52 V vs. NHE at pH 7, by cyclic voltammetric and pulse radiolysis techniques.

Objective Neutrophil extravasation at post-capillary venules, consisting of EC, PC, and the shared ECM, increases following fibrotic remodeling in the lung, liver, and skin. The role of fibrotic pericyte-derived ECM in regulating EC activation and neutrophil recruitment remains unexplored. Methods To elucidate the role of human pericyte-derived ECM in EC activation, we characterized PC-derived ECM following transforming growth factor-β1, IL-1β, CCL2, or bleomycin activation, and examined surface adhesion molecule expression and neutrophil recruitment by EC cultured on PC-ECM. Results Pro-inflammatory activation of PC-induced deposition of compositionally distinct ECM compared with non-activated control. Bleomycin activation induced fibronectin-rich and collagen-poor ECM remodeling by PC, facilitating increased neutrophil transendothelial migration when compared with non-activated pericyte ECM (49.9 ± 3.4% versus 29.7 ± 1.4%). Increases in fibronectin compared to collagen I, are largely responsible for ECM-regulated neutrophil recruitment, as EC cultured on fibronectin supported increased neutrophil transmigration compared to collagen I (51.6 ± 6.2% versus 28.0 ± 4.8%). We attribute this difference to increased expression of ICAM-1 and its redistribution to EC borders. Conclusions This is the first demonstration of human pericyte sensitivity to inflammatory stimuli, inducing fibrotic matrix deposition that regulates EC adhesion molecule expression and neutrophil recruitment.