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Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of local injection of platelet rich plasma in management of patients with tennis elbow who failed to respond to conservative management. Methods: This was a prospective and cohort study in which 80 patients with lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow) were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic details were noted. Patients were treated by local injection of autologous platelet rich plasma. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Relief of pain as well as functional improvement was assessed by patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) score. SSPS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis and p

Soil microbes play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and their availability to plants, which is important for sustaining soil health and agricultural sustainability. In light of this, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) plays an important function. Hyphae of VAM can reach far beyond the plant root zone, allowing it to obtain nutrients from a considerably larger region of soil. Mycorrhiza improves plant nutrition by facilitating the uptake of minerals such as phosphorus and immobile trace elements such as zinc, cobalt, magnesium, iron, copper, molybdenum, and others. Mycorrhiza improves plant growth, productivity and yield by increasing the rate of photosynthesis. In the present study Glomus fasciculatum was tested on Capsicum annum plant with different inoculum levels (100, 150, 200 and 400 chlamydospores/kg soil) and found that Plant height, Root length, Dry weight of root and shoot, NPK content, per cent mycorrhizal colonization and sporocarp number were maximum when 400 spores were used for inoculation and minimum were found in untreated plants. SPAD chlorophyll content was highest at 90 DAT among all the observation periods.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of different levels of Glomus mosseae on plant growth parameters chlorophyll content, mycorrhizal colonization (%), sporocarp number and nutrient content of chilli. Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a complete randomized design (CRD). Study Area: To study the mycorrhizal effect on the chilli plants, observations were documented in Sceenhouse and laboratory conditions. Plant Pathology Laboratory, CCS HAU, Hisar was use for the laboratory work. The experiment was undertaken during crop season 2018 Methodology: Mycorrhizal fungi was raised and maintained on wheat and pearl millet in earthen pots. Further experiment was conducted and Plant height, Root length, Dry weight of root and shoot, Mycorrhizal colonization, Sporocarp number, SPAD chlorophyll content and NPK content was observed. Results: Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the root system of vascular plants. Mycorrhizal associations help the host plants to thrive in adverse soil conditions and drought situations by increasing the root surface area and nutrient uptake efficiency. In the present study Glomus mosseae was tested on chilli plant with different inoculum levels (100, 150, 200 and 400 chlamydospores/kg soil) and found that Plant height, Root length, Dry weight of root and shoot, SPAD chlorophyll content, per cent mycorrhizal colonization and sporocarp number were maximum when 400 spores were used for inoculation and minimum were found in untreated plants. Among all the four observation period i.e. 30, 45, 60 and 90 days after transplanting maximum NPK content was observed at 90 days after transplanting. Conclusion: Among All the inoculum levels (100, 150, 200 and 400 chlamydospores/kg soil) maximum plant growth parameters, NPK content and chlorophyll content was observed when 400 chlamydospores/kg soil were used.

From the early days of spaceflight to current missions, astronauts continue to be exposed to multiple hazards that affect human health, including low gravity, high radiation, isolation during long-duration missions, a closed environment and distance from Earth. Their effects can lead to adverse physiological changes and necessitate countermeasure development and/or longitudinal monitoring. A time-resolved analysis of biological signals can detect and better characterize potential adverse events during spaceflight, ideally preventing them and maintaining astronauts’ wellness. Here we provide a time-resolved assessment of the impact of spaceflight on multiple astronauts (n=27) by studying multiple biochemical and immune measurements before, during, and after long-duration orbital spaceflight. We reveal space-associated changes of astronauts’ physiology on both the individual level and across astronauts, including associations with bone resorption and kidney function, as well as immune-system dysregulation.

Background The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique and complex built environment with the ISS surface microbiome originating from crew and cargo or from life support recirculation in an almost entirely closed system. The Microbial Tracking 1 (MT-1) project was the first ISS environmental surface study to report on the metagenome profiles without using whole-genome amplification. The study surveyed the microbial communities from eight surfaces over a 14-month period. The Microbial Tracking 2 (MT-2) project aimed to continue the work of MT-1, sampling an additional four flights from the same locations, over another 14 months. Methods Eight surfaces across the ISS were sampled with sterile wipes and processed upon return to Earth. DNA extracted from the processed samples (and controls) were treated with propidium monoazide (PMA) to detect intact/viable cells or left untreated and to detect the total DNA population (free DNA/compromised cells/intact cells/viable cells). DNA extracted from PMA-treated and untreated samples were analyzed using shotgun metagenomics. Samples were cultured for bacteria and fungi to supplement the above results. Results Staphylococcus sp. and Malassezia sp. were the most represented bacterial and fungal species, respectively, on the ISS. Overall, the ISS surface microbiome was dominated by organisms associated with the human skin. Multi-dimensional scaling and differential abundance analysis showed significant temporal changes in the microbial population but no spatial differences. The ISS antimicrobial resistance gene profiles were however more stable over time, with no differences over the 5-year span of the MT-1 and MT-2 studies. Twenty-nine antimicrobial resistance genes were detected across all samples, with macrolide/lincosamide/streptogramin resistance being the most widespread. Metagenomic assembled genomes were reconstructed from the dataset, resulting in 82 MAGs. Functional assessment of the collective MAGs showed a propensity for amino acid utilization over carbohydrate metabolism. Co-occurrence analyses showed strong associations between bacterial and fungal genera. Culture analysis showed the microbial load to be on average 3.0 × 105 cfu/m2 Conclusions Utilizing various metagenomics analyses and culture methods, we provided a comprehensive analysis of the ISS surface microbiome, showing microbial burden, bacterial and fungal species prevalence, changes in the microbiome, and resistome over time and space, as well as the functional capabilities and microbial interactions of this unique built microbiome. Data from this study may help to inform policies for future space missions to ensure an ISS surface microbiome that promotes astronaut health and spacecraft integrity.

Objectives: Our study was aimed at finding a definitive treatment protocol for the management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and to study the prognostic factors affecting it. Methods: This randomized clinical study was conducted on a total of 150 patients. All patients older than 10 years and presenting within 15 days of experiencing the symptom of SSNHL and with no known etiology were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups. In group I patients, we administered systemic steroids (injection dexamethasone 3 days, followed by oral deflazacort for 6 days) with liquid glycerol; and in group II, we administered systemic steroids alone (injection dexamethasone 3 days, followed by oral deflazacort for 6 days). The total time for which the treatment was instituted was 9 days and patients were assessed on the basis of their pure tone audiogram and speech discrimination score done at days 0, 3, 7, 21, and 42. Results: There were 77 males and 73 females. Vertigo ( P value < .00) and diabetes mellitus ( P value < .001) had a negative prognostic influence on the recovery rate in both the groups. The comparison revealed that group I (DG) in which patients received injection dexamethasone with oral glycerol had a higher recovery rate of 86.7% as compared to group II (D) patients, in which patients received injection dexamethasone alone (recovery rate = 48%; P = .000 highly significant). Conclusions: Vertigo and diabetes mellitus play a negative role in the recovery of SSNHL. The novel treatment protocol we used in group I patients that is liquid glycerol and systemic steroids was significantly better and effective in treating SSNHL as compared to the group II treatment protocol of systemic steroids alone. Hence, we concluded that SSNHL is treatable that too with a good recovery rate.

Considering the significant impact of magnetically retrievable nanostructures, herein, Fe3O4 and Ce-doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles were employed as scaffolds for the removal of the Reactive Black 5 (RB5) azo dye. We synthesized the Ce-doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles via hydrothermal treatment at 120 °C for 10 h with varying cerium concentrations (1.5–3.5%) and characterized them using basic techniques such as FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopy, and XRD analysis. The retention of their magnetic behaviors even after cerium amalgamation was demonstrated and confirmed by the VSM results. FESEM and EDX were used for the morphological and purity analysis of the synthesized nanoabsorbents. XPS was carried out to determine the electronic configuration of the synthesized samples. The porosity of the magnetic nanoparticles was investigated by BET analysis, and subsequently, the most porous sample was further used in the adsorption studies for the cleanup of RB5 from wastewater. The dye adsorption studies were probed via UV-visible spectroscopy, which indicated the removal efficiency of 87%. The prepared Ce-doped Fe3O4 nanoabsorbent showed the high adsorption capacity of 84.58 mg g−1 towards RB5 in 40 min. This is attributed to the electrostatic interactions between the nanoabsorbent and the dye molecules and high porosity of the prepared sample. The adsorption mechanism was also analyzed. The kinetic data well-fitted the pseudo-first-order model, and the adsorption capability at different equilibrium concentrations of the dye solution indicated monolayer formation and chemisorption phenomena. Furthermore, the magnetic absorbent could be rapidly separated from the wastewater using an external magnetic field after adsorption.

Human alpha herpesviruses herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) establish latency in various cranial nerve ganglia and often reactivate in response to stress-associated immune system dysregulation. Reactivation of Epstein Barr virus (EBV), VZV, HSV-1, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) is typically asymptomatic during spaceflight, though live/infectious virus has been recovered and the shedding rate increases with mission duration. The risk of clinical disease, therefore, may increase for astronauts assigned to extended missions (>180 days). Here, we report, for the first time, a case of HSV-1 skin rash (dermatitis) occurring during long-duration spaceflight. The astronaut reported persistent dermatitis during flight, which was treated onboard with oral antihistamines and topical/oral steroids. No HSV-1 DNA was detected in 6-month pre-mission saliva samples, but on flight day 82, a saliva and rash swab both yielded 4.8 copies/ng DNA and 5.3 × 104 copies/ng DNA, respectively. Post-mission saliva samples continued to have a high infectious HSV-1 load (1.67 × 107 copies/ng DNA). HSV-1 from both rash and saliva samples had 99.9% genotype homology. Additional physiological monitoring, including stress biomarkers (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and salivary amylase), immune markers (adaptive regulatory and inflammatory plasma cytokines), and biochemical profile markers, including vitamin/mineral status and bone metabolism, are also presented for this case. These data highlight an atypical presentation of HSV-1 during spaceflight and underscore the importance of viral screening during clinical evaluations of in-flight dermatitis to determine viral etiology and guide treatment.

Introduction: Union of fracture is a complex process involving many systemic as well as local factors. Disturbance in any of these factors may lead to failure of process of union. This non-union is associated with increased morbidity, pain and functional disability. Autologous platelet injection at local site has been reported to be one of the effective measures in managing the cases of fracture of long bones complicated by non-union. We conducted this prospective study to know the effectiveness of autologous platelet injection at the fracture site in cases of fracture of long bones complicated by non-union. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective interventional study comprising of 30 cases of fracture of long bones complicated by non-union. The patients were included in this study on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients with established nonunion after fracture femur, tibia, humerus, radius and ulna were included in this study. Patients who were treated either by, by internal fixation, bone grafting or conservatively were added in this study. Imaging was done by X-rays and if needed by computerized tomography. Imaging was done till definite evidence of union was obtained. Results: Out of 30 cases there were 18 males and 12 females with a M:F ratio of 0.66. The most common bones involved were femur (60%), tibia (16.67%) and humerus (16.67%). Combined fractures of Radius and Ulna were seen in 3 (10 %) patients. The mechanism of injury was Road traffic accidents (66.66%) followed by direct blow and fall from height. All patients initially were treated conservatively or by surgery depending upon type of fractures. Non-union of fractures were treated by autologous platelet injection. All fractures showed radiological evidence of union within 4 months of treatment. Conclusion: Autologous platelet injection at local site is an effective management strategy in patients of fracture of long bones complicated by non-union. A non-infected site is the pre-requisite of this treatment.

Coblation is a novel technology and has a wide application in the field of otorhinolaryngology. We conducted a randomized, noncontrolled study to compare the effectiveness of 2 types of wands used for turbinoplasty for nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Reflex Ultra and Turbinator wands were compared on a total of 150 patients. These patients were divided into a group of 75 patients each in a randomized manner. Results were compared based on the visual analog scale, and objective assessment was done on the basis of endoscopic assessment, that is, Nasal Endoscopic Score (NES). Assessment was done on postoperative day 7, first month, third month, and first year. Both groups demonstrated significant and similar results in long term, but an immediate improvement at 1 week was seen in the Turbinator group. Hence, we conclude that coblation turbinoplasty is an effective technique for turbinate reduction and both wands are equally effective in long term. However, Reflex Ultra has the advantage of mucosal preservation and minimal morbidity, and Turbinator has the advantage of immediate relief in nasal symptoms.

Indian government's plan to make Electric vehicles (EVs) the main mode of transportation by the year 2030 is an initiative towards creating a cleaner environment in urban areas and to significantly minimize dependence on imported crude oil. This paper gives a projection of the areas of technology which need to be broad based as a preparation for the intended major transition. The fine points with regard to adoption of specific technology options are presented covering the areas of battery, battery charging, motors and motor controllers. The focus areas for research and development that will need emphasis are indicated along with actionable points

India has taken a policy decision to move over to electric vehicles as the major mode of transportation in the country by the year 2030. This paper presents a review of the areas which the planning for introducing EVs on a large scale needs to cover. Specific aspects relating to the different areas like power generation, distribution, manufacturing, service, recycling, human resource training, financing is covered in brief. Possible initiatives to be taken bythe government to meet the planned objectives are also indicated.

The goal of this study is sustainable development of energy resources by gradual shift from fossil fuel based transportation system to electrically operated transportation system. India is currently ranked 2nd in population index hence requirement of any resource is huge if we consider the size of the population. There is a need for preservation of non-renewable energy resources. India currently ranks number 3 in list of oil importing countries only behind US and China and it is the single most reason for deficit of balance of payment account. It is evident we cannot stop the usage of these resources but can bring substitutes so that the pressure on these resources can be released. This paper critically analyzes the challenges which can be faced in India on transition from fossil fuel based to EV's it also throws light on possible solutions to the challenges along with the role of Indian government in this matter.

Summary Recent experimental data indicate a pathogenic role of complement activation in congestive heart failure (CHF). The aim of this study was to evaluate contact and complement systems activation in patients hospitalized for an acute episode of CHF. Forty-two of 80 consecutive patients admitted at our hospital with confirmed diagnosis of acute CHF were enrolled. They underwent blood sampling within 24 h from admission (T0) and at clinical stability (T1). Patients were stratified for ejection fraction (EF) based on echocardiographic test. We measured plasma levels of C3, C4, sC5b-9 and cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (contact activation marker). At T1, C3 levels increased significantly compared to T0 (97 ± 2 versus 104 ± 3% of total pooled plasma, P < 0·01). Classifying patients according to EF, only patients with preserved EF presented a significant increase of C3 from T0 to T1 (99 ± 3 versus 108 ± 4%, P = 0·03). When the sample was stratified according to clinical outcome, C3 (98 ± 3 versus 104 ± 4%, P = 0·03) and sC5b-9 levels (204 ± 10 versus 230 ± 11 ng/ml, P = 0·03) were increased in patients who had positive outcome after hospitalization. CHF patients with preserved EF and positive outcome after hospitalization showed higher levels of sC5b-9 in the T1 period compared with T0 (211 ± 14 versus 243 ± 14 ng/ml, P = 0·04). Our results suggest that the complement system reacts differently if CHF occurs with preserved or reduced EF. This finding is interesting if we consider the difference in epidemiology, pathogenesis and possible therapeutic approaches of these two clinical entities.

Manubhai Dahyabhai Tailor, popularly known as “Manu,” moved to UK from Eldoret, Kenya, in 1955 and from 1957 to 1962 he read medicine at the University of Birmingham Medical School. After completing his houseman’s training year at the United Birmingham Teaching Hospitals, Manu returned to his native Eldoret to pursue a career in general practice. In 1983 he returned to the UK and, after working in a city practice in Worcester …

Spaceflight, a unique environment characterized by stress, microgravity, isolation, circadian misalignment, and radiation exposure, impacts immune health. This analysis compares various aspects of immune dysregulation in astronauts during long-duration orbital spaceflight to ground-analog populations, including hypoxic and normoxic Antarctic winterover. Astronaut data were also compared to a clinical immunodeficiency population, shingles patients, to help interpret clinical risks during deep space missions. A comprehensive evaluation was performed across all platforms which included plasma and mitogen stimulated cytokine profiles, T cell function, and peripheral leukocyte distribution. A cross platform analysis was then performed to define in-flight immune alterations, determine analog appropriateness, and interpret clinical risk. Astronauts manifest a distinct pattern of immune alterations, including unaltered leukocyte distribution, reduced T/NK cell function, and increases in plasma cytokines leading to the reactivation of latent herpesviruses. The pattern is similar to that observed in shingles patients, but reduced in magnitude. Immune alterations during interior Antarctic winterover were dissimilar from spaceflight, likely due to hypobaric hypoxia. Normoxic winterover, to date only cytokine data exist, appears more homologous to spaceflight. Stress induced reductions in immunity can lead to clinical disease. This phenomenon may represent a continuum, where alterations in astronauts may represent more subtle variations which precede the development of disease. Antarctica data, at a magnitude between flight and disease, suggest that stress and circadian issues may be a primary contributor.

We present a case of confusing white foreign body in the nasal cavity detected during Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) in a 35-yr-old male which turned out to be a malposition of classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Although malposition of LMA is a known entity to the anesthesiologist, if ventilation is adequate, back folded LMA in nasal cavity might not be recognized by the surgeon and lead to catastrophic consequences during endoscopic sinus surgery. In principle, misfolding and malpositioning can be reduced by pre usage testing, using appropriate sizes, minimizing cuff volume, and early identification and correction of malposition.

A novel method for the preparation of hitherto unknown symmetrical bis(2-halo-3-pyridyl) dichalcogenides (E = S, Se and Te) by the oxidation of intermediate 2-halo-3-pyridyl chalcogenolate, prepared by lithiation of 2-halo pyridines using lithium diisopropylamine is being reported. All the newly synthesized compounds have been characterized through elemental analysis employing various spectroscopic techniques, namely, NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (77)Se), infrared, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystal structures in representative cases.

The role of protein and energy malnutrition in the pathogenesis of isoniazid (INH)-rifampicin (RMP) induced hepatic injury was investigated. Status of oxidative/antioxidative profile was the mechanistic approach to enumerate the nature of injury. Weanling rats were fed with ad-libitum quantity of isocaloric diets containing 5% casein based proteins for the production protein and energy malnutrition. INH and RMP (50 mg/kg of each) were injected intraperitonially for a period of two weeks. Analysis of serum transaminases and histopathological observations revealed hepatic injury. Hepatic thiols and blood glutathione were decreased significantly in INH and RMP treated groups. Among antioxidative enzymes, hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferases (against CDNB and DCNB substrates) showed significant decline of activities in INH and RMP treated groups. The activities of hepatic glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase (against EA substrate) and lipid peroxidation observed significant elevation. A careful comparison of protein and energy restriction revealed a greater degree of oxidative-stress of INH-RMP in protein-restriction.

1 Rifampicin (RMP) induced hepatic injury was investi gated in growing rats. The interaction of moderate and severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) was also investigated. 2 Status of oxidative/antioxidative profile was studied by the mechanistic approach, to enumerate the nature of injury. 3 Successful hepatic injury in rats was produced by giving intraperitoneal injection of RMP (50 mg/kg/ day). 4 Hepatic lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in all the RMP treated rats. 5 Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione per oxidase activities in the hepatic tissue decreased with RMP treatment. 6 Hepatic thiols represented as total and protein-bound thiols, showed significant elevation, whereas the non protein thiols remain unchanged with RMP treatment. 7 Glutathione-S-transferases also showed significant elevation against 1,2-dichloro-4 nitrobenzene (DCNB) and ethacrynic acid (EA) as substrates. 8 The oxidative/antioxidative profile was observed to be more severely affected with coexistence of malnutri tion. 9 Histopathological correlation showed an additional fatty infiltration of hepatocytes with coexistence of malnutrition. 10 Thus, in conclusion, it can be speculated that an altered oxidative/antioxidative profile is the closely associated with production of RMP induced hepatic injury.

The role of oxidative-stress as a mechanism of hepatotoxicity caused by combination of isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RMP) was investigated in young growing rats. A successful model of hepatotoxicity was produced by giving 50 mg/kg/day each of INH and RMP in two weeks. Liver showed type II hepatocellular changes (microvesicular fat deposition) with mild portal triaditis. The glutathione and related thiols were significantly decreased in both blood and liver tissues with combination of INH and RMP treatment. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferases with CDNB and DCNB as substrates were decreased in the combination treated group. Glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase with ethacrynic acid as substrate and lipid peroxidation exhibited a significant increase with treatment. The altered profile of antioxidant enzymes with increased lipid peroxidation indicated the enhanced oxidative-stress in combination of INH and RMP treatment. All the findings are faithfully reflected in the blood tissue except superoxide dismutase which showed significant enhancement in this tissue. INH and RMP hepatotoxicity is thus appeared to be mediated through oxidative-stress.

Acid-reducing drugs can cause increased growth of microbes, including fungus, because of high gastric pH. Our purpose was to evaluate the occurrence of mycotic infection in patients with duodenal ulcer on anti-ulcer therapy and to compare the effects of cimetidine, famotidine, and omeprazole. Eighty patients with duodenal ulcer (62 males and 18 female patients, 16-65 years old) were evaluated for mycotic infection before and after 6 weeks of therapy (cimetidine, 20 patients; famotidine, 40 patients; omeprazole, 20 patients). Mycotic infection was diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy from the ulcer edge subjected to smear, culture, and histopathology and by endoscopic brush samples and gastric aspirate. On the basis of these studies, patients were categorized as having no fungal growth, saprophytic growth, or significant fungal growth. Thirty-five (43.8%) patients had evidence of fungus before ulcer therapy, and 16 of the 35 (20%) had significant fungal growth. The fungal isolation rate was higher in older patients (and = 45 years of age) and in those with an ulcer sizeand = 2 cm. While there was no significant increase in the total number of patients with evidence of fungus after therapy (n = 36), there was a significant increase in those with significant growth (n = 27, p0.05) compared with pretreatment status. We found that posttreatment gastric pH ofand = 4 was associated with a higher fungal positivity rate (59.4%) than pH values4 (32.4%, p0.05). However, neither the type of drug used nor the response in terms of ulcer healing correlated with the presence of fungus. Regardless of the type of drug used, acid-reducing therapy is associated with increased significant fungal growth.

The role of oxidative stress as a mechanism of hepatic injury caused by isoniazid (INH) was investigated in young growing rats. The interaction of moderate and severe degree of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) was also investigated. Hepatic injury was produced by giving 50 mg/kg/day of INH for 2 weeks. Liver showed kupffer cell hyperplasia along with patchy sinusoidal congestion in hematoxylin (H) and eosin (E) staining. However, diffuse microglobules of oil red O′ positive fat globules could be demonstrated in frozen sections stained with oil red O′. The concomitant elevation of serum ALT/AST added support to the histopathologic injury. Electronmicroscopic analysis revealed the proliferation of rough endoplasmic reticulum in INH-treated groups. The glutathione and related thiols were decreased significantly by INH both in blood and liver tissues, indicating a decrease in protective mechanism. Glutathione reductase activity was elevated concomitantly in both the tissues. A significant decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and catalase is again indicative of diminished capacity to handle the disposal of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxides. All these alterations indicated that the damage to the liver cell could well be operating through the inefficient disposal of superoxides (O−2) and H2O2. A profound decrease in the protective mechanism further aggravated the picture in moderate and severe PEM, which was observed with INH alone. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

People are now talking of organic agricultural inputs for sustainable agriculture. The poor production/stagnant production with poor soil health is because of low application of organic manures and crop residues. To mitigate these harmful effects, the concept of organic farming has emerged. It is a production system, which favours maximum use of organic materials like crop residues, FYM, compost, green manure, oil cakes to improve soil health. The analysis indicated that knowledge percentage about organic manures and crop residues was found 65.57 per cent. Knowledge of farmers among various organic manures and crop residues aspects, the ‘time and quantity of farm yard manure required’ ranked first.

Watershed programme is an integrated one that addresses the problems in rain fed areas. It addresses the environmental and ecological problems like deforestation, over-utilization of water and most important point is that it seeks to convert unsustainable agriculture to sustainable agriculture. Among all the beneficiaries, the most benefited under watershed programme are the farmers. The study was conducted in purposively selected two districts Bhiwani and Yamunanagar of Haryana state. Bhaganwala and Sawad villages from Bhiwani and Dhanauraand Salapur villages from Yamunanagar were selected randomly as the watershed villages. The study revealed thatlow level of awareness regarding programme benefits, lack of clear understanding of project objectives, irregularity in payment of wages, decision made at higher level without consulting people and lack of demonstration were the major constraints perceived by the respondents in the implementation of Integrated Watershed Management Programme.

A 7-year-old child had unusual manifestation of cryptococcosis; liver and lymph node involvement predominated. There was evidence of cryptococcal hepatitis, extrahepatic biliary obstruction, and subsequent cirrhosis of the liver. Despite widespread dissemination, underlying immune disturbance was not evident. The patient was treated with two courses of amphotericin and 5-flucytosine.

The effect of severe malnutrition has been reported by some workers, but there is a paucity of information on milder forms even though 85% of pre-school children show evidence of mild to moderate malnutrition in India.Mild to moderate protein energy malnutrition was induced in 12 monkeys, and 12 were kept as controls. After a 30-40% reduction in body weight as compared with their controls, the animals were killed, and brush border membrane vesicles were prepared from three small parts of the small intestine. Purified vesicles were used for the assay of lactase, sucrase, maltase and glucose uptake in vitro.The activity of lactase, sucrase, and maltase, and uptake of (U-14C)-D-glucose was decreased in all three parts of small intestine, and the lactose tolerance test result was also abnormal in the protein energy-malnourished group. On nutritional rehabilitation, the disaccharidase activities recovered completely.This study indicates that even mild to moderate malnutrition decreases the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates throughout the small intestine, and it should not be ignored during the developing stage.

Surfactants are the amphiphilic molecules that tend to alter the interfacial and surface tension. The fundamental property related to the structure of surfactant molecules is their self-aggregation resulting in the formation of association colloids. Apart from the packing of these molecules into closed structures, the structural network also results in formation of extended bilayers, which are thermodynamically stable and lead to existence of biological membranes and vesicles. From biological point of view the development of new knowledge and techniques in the area of vesicles, bilayers and multiplayer membranes and their polymerizable analogue provide new opportunities for research in the respective area. ‘Green Surfactants’ or the biologically compatible surfactants are in demand to replace some of the existing surfactants and thereby reduce the environmental impact, in general caused by classic surfactants. In this context, the term ‘natural surfactants or biosurfactants’ is often used to indicate the natural origin of the surfactant molecules. Most important aspect of biosurfactants is their environmental acceptability, because they are readily biodegradable and have low toxicity than synthetic surfactants. Some of the major applications of biosurfactants in pollution and environmental control are microbial enhanced oil recovery, hydrocarbon degradation, hexa-chloro cyclohexane (HCH) degradation and heavy-metal removal from contaminated soil. In this chapter, we tried to make a hierarchy from vital surfactant molecules toward understanding their behavioral aspects and application potential thereby ending into the higher class of broad spectrum ‘biosurfactants’. Pertaining to the budding promise offered by these molecules, the selection of the type and size of each structural moiety enables a delicate balance between surface activity and biological function and this represents the most effective approach of harnessing the power of molecular self-assembly.

We have evaluated 169 patients with portal hypertension receiving endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy in order to assess the predisposing factors, clinical profile, and treatment response of sclerotherapy-induced esophageal strictures. Of the 129 patients included in the final analysis, 20 (15.5%) developed persistent esophageal stricture. No significant difference was found with respect to age, nature of sclerosant (absolute alcohol, ethanolamine oleate, or sodium tetradecyl sulfate), etiology of portal hypertension, Child's class, initial variceal score, or intensity of sclerotherapy schedule between the patients who developed strictures and those who did not. However, female sex (P less than 0.01) and persistent esophageal ulceration (P less than 0.05) did predispose to stricture formation. Sclerotherapy-induced strictures presented with a variable grade of dysphagia, were always solitary, and were localized to the lower end of esophagus. Most of these could be dilated rapidly using Eder-Puestow metal olives (3.15 +/- 0.80 dilatation sessions per patient). Stricture formation did interrupt an effective sclerotherapy program but only temporarily, and successful variceal obliteration could be obtained after stricture dilatation.

Ten patients with tropical sprue (TS) and 10 with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as controls were studied to characterize the immunocytes in the jejunal mucosa. IgA cells numbered 516,155 +/- 48,715 cells/mm3 in TS and 729,308 +/- 146,011/mm3 in the IBS patients. IgG cell counts were 28,885 +/- 8,081/mm3 in TS and 10,615 +/- 4,100/mm3 in IBS; IgM counts were 170,729 +/- 25,015/mm3 in TS and 169,253 +/- 45,353/mm3 in IBS. A positive correlation was present between IgM-bearing plasma cells and corresponding serum immunoglobulins (r = +0.71; p less than 0.05). No correlation was evident between the different immunocytes (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and the duration of illness, serum albumin, and tests for absorption of fat, B-12, and D-xylose (p greater than 0.05). The gut immunocytes expressed in absolute numbers were higher in our controls and TS patients than reported in Western populations.