--Eleven tips for operational researchers working with health programmes: our experience based on implementing differentiated tuberculosis care in south India

Due to the workload and lack of a critical mass of trained operational researchers within their ranks, health systems and programmes may not be able to dedicate sufficient time to conducting operational research (OR). Hence, they may need the technical support of operational researchers from research/academic organisations. Additionally, there is a knowledge gap regarding implementing differentiated tuberculosis (TB) care in programme settings. In this 'how we did it' paper, we share our experience of implementing a differentiated TB care model along with an inbuilt OR component in Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India. This was a health system initiative through a collaboration of the State TB cell with the Indian Council of Medical Research institutes and the World Health Organisation country office in India. The learnings are in the form of eleven tips: four broad principles (OR on priority areas and make it a health system initiative, implement simple and holistic ideas, embed OR within routine programme settings, aim for long-term engagement), four related to strategic planning (big team of investigators, joint leadership, decentralised decision-making, working in advance) and three about implementation planning (conducting pilots, smart use of e-tools and operational research publications at frequent intervals). These may act as a guide for other Indian states, high TB burden countries that want to implement differentiated care, and for operational researchers in providing technical assistance for strengthening implementation and conducting OR in health systems and programmes (TB or other health programmes). Following these tips may increase the chances of i) an enriching engagement, ii) policy/practice change, and iii) sustainable implementation.

Mode of Progression in Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: A study of 406 patients

The approach to patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) varies among clinicians; while some advocate early intervention, others reserve treatment at progression to multiple myeloma (MM). We aimed to describe the myeloma-defining events (MDEs) and clinical presentations leading to MM diagnosis among SMM patients seen at our institution. We included 406 patients diagnosed with SMM between 2013-2022, seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. The 2018 Mayo 20/2/20 criteria were used for risk stratification. Median follow-up was 3.9 years. Among high-risk patients who did not receive treatment in the SMM phase (n=71), 51 progressed by last follow-up; the MDEs included: bone lesions(37%), anemia(35%), hypercalcemia(8%), and renal failure(6%); 24% met MM criteria based on marrow plasmacytosis (≥60%) and/or free light chain ratio (>100); 45% had clinically significant MDEs (hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, and/or bone lesions). MM diagnosis was made based on surveillance labs/imaging(45%), testing obtained due to provider suspicion for progression(14%), bone pain(20%), and hospitalization/ED presentations due to MM complications/symptoms(4%). The presentation was undocumented in 14%. A high proportion (45%) of patients with high-risk SMM on active surveillance develop end-organ damage at progression. About a quarter of patients who progress to MM are not diagnosed based on routine interval surveillance testing.

Effect of telehealth-based versus in-person nutritional and exercise intervention on type II diabetes mellitus improvement and efficiency of human resources utilization in patients with obesity

Aims

Telehealth became a patient necessity during the COVID pandemic and evolved into a patient preference in the post-COVID era. This study compared the % total body weight loss (%TBWL), HbA1c reduction, and resource utilization among patients with obesity and diabetes who participated in lifestyle interventions with or without telehealth.

Methods

A total of 150 patients with obesity and diabetes who were followed every 4-6 weeks either in-person (n = 83) or via telehealth (n = 67), were included. All patients were provided with an individualized nutritional plan that included a weight-based daily protein intake from protein supplements and food, an activity/sleep schedule-based meal times, and an aerobic exercise goal of a 2000-calorie burn/week, customized to patient's preferences, physical abilities, and comorbidities. The goal was to lose 10%TBWL. Telehealth-based follow-up required transmission via texting of weekly body composition measurements and any blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dl for medication adjustments. Weight, BMI, %TBWL, HbA1c (%), and medication effect score (MES) were compared. Patient no-show rates, number of visits, program duration, and drop-out rate were used to assess resource utilization based on cumulative staff and provider time spent (CSPTS), provider lost time (PLT) and patient spent time (PST).

Results

Mean age was 47.2 ± 10.6 years and 74.6% were women. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased from 44.1 ± 7.7-39.7 ± 6.7 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). Mean program duration was 189.4 ± 169.3 days. An HbA1c% unit decline of 1.3 ± 1.5 was achieved with a 10.1 ± 5.1%TBWL. Diabetes was cured in 16% (24/150) of patients. %TBWL was similar in regards to telehealth or in-person appointments (10.6% ± 5.1 vs. 9.6% ± 4.9, p = 0.14). Age, initial BMI, MES, %TBWL, and baseline HbA1c had a significant independent effect on HbA1c reduction (p < 0.0001). Program duration was longer for in-person follow-up (213.8 ± 194 vs. 159.3 ± 127, p = 0.019). The mean annual telehealth and in-person no-show rates were 2.7% and 11.2%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean number of visits (5.7 ± 3.0 vs. 8.6 ± 5.1) and drop-out rates (16.49% vs. 25.83%) were lower in telehealth group (p < 0.0001). The CSPTS (440.4 ± 267.5 min vs. 200.6 ± 110.8 min), PLT (28.9 ± 17.5 min vs. 3.1 ± 1.6 min), and PST (1033 ± 628 min vs. 113.7 ± 61.4 min) were significantly longer (p < 0.0001) for the in-person group.

Conclusions

Telehealth offered comparable %TBWL and HbA1c decline as in-person follow-up, but with a shorter follow-up, fewer appointments, and no-shows. If improved resource utilization is validated by other studies, telehealth should become the standard of care for the management of obesity and diabetes.

A novel study on the influence of graphene-based nanofluid concentrations on the response characteristics and surface-integrity of Hastelloy C-276 during minimum quantity lubrication

In present investigation, the impact of nanoparticle concentration on the machining accomplishment of Hastelloy C-276 has been examined in turning operation. The outputs like temperature, surface roughness, chip reduction coefficient (CRC), tool wear, and friction coefficient along with angle of shear have been estimated. The graphene nanoparticles (GnP) have been blended into soybean oil in distinct weight/volume ratio of 0.5, 1 and 1.5%. The experimental observations revealed that higher concentration of nanoparticles has enhanced the heat carrying capacity of amalgamation by 12.28%, surface roughness (27.88%), Temperature (16.8%), tool wear (22.5%), CRC (17.5%), coefficient of friction (46.36%) and shear angle (15%). Scanning electron microscopy identified nose wear, abrasion, adhesion and loss of tool coating. Further, lower tool wear has been noticed at 1.5% concentration, while the complete failure of insert has been reported during 116 m/min, 0.246 mm/rev having 0.5% concentration. ANOVA results exhibited that surface roughness is highly influenced by speed rate (41.66%) trailed by feed rate (28.16%) and then after concentration (13.68%). Temperature is dominated by cutting speed (69.31%), concentration (14.53%) and feed rate (13.25%). Likewise, tool wear was majorly altered by cutting speed (67.2%) accompanied by feed rate (23.90%) and thirdly concentration of GnP (5.03%).

Amaranth Genomic Resource Database: an integrated database resource of Amaranth genes and genomics

Amaranth (Amaranthus L.) is native to Mexico and North America, where it was cultivated thousands of years ago, but now amaranth is grown worldwide. Amaranth is one of the most promising food crops with high nutritional value and belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. The high-quality genome assembly of cultivated amaranth species (A. hypochondriacus, A. cruentus) and wild/weedy species (A. tuberculatus, A. hybridus, and A. palmeri) has already been reported; therefore, we developed an Amaranth Genomic Resource Database (AGRDB) to provide access to all the genomic information such as genes, SSRs, SNPs, TFs, miRNAs, and transporters in one place. The AGRDB database contains functionally annotated gene information with their sequence details, genic as well as genomic SSRs with their three sets of primers, transcription factors classified into different families with their sequence information and annotation details, putative miRNAs with their family, sequences, and targeted gene details, transporter genes with their superfamily, trans-membrane domain details, and details of genic as well as nongenic SNPs with 3' and 5' flanking sequence information of five amaranth species. A database search can be performed using the gene ID, sequence ID, sequence motif, motif repeat, family name, annotation keyword, scaffold or chromosome numbers, etc. This resource also includes some useful tools, including JBrowse for the visualization of genes, SSRs, SNPs, and TFs on the respective amaranth genomes and BLAST search to perform a BLAST search of the user's query sequence against the amaranth genome as well as protein sequences. The AGRDB database will serve as a potential platform for genetic improvement and characterization of this futuristic crop. The AGRDB database will be accessible via the link: http://www.nbpgr.ernet.in:8080/AmaranthGRD/.

Genetic dissection of thousand-seed weight in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) using multi-locus genome-wide association study

Flaxseed/linseed is an important oilseed crop having applications in the food, nutraceutical, and paint industry. Seed weight is one of the most crucial determinants of seed yield in linseed. Here, quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with thousand-seed weight (TSW) have been identified using multi-locus genome-wide association study (ML-GWAS). Field evaluation was carried out in five environments in multi-year-location trials. SNP genotyping information of the AM panel of 131 accessions comprising 68,925 SNPs was employed for ML-GWAS. From the six ML-GWAS methods employed, five methods helped identify a total of 84 unique significant QTNs for TSW. QTNs identified in ≥ 2 methods/environments were designated as stable QTNs. Accordingly, 30 stable QTNs have been identified for TSW accounting up to 38.65% trait variation. Alleles with positive effect on trait were analyzed for 12 strong QTNs with r ² ≥ 10.00%, which showed significant association of specific alleles with higher trait value in three or more environments. A total of 23 candidate genes have been identified for TSW, which included B3 domain-containing transcription factor, SUMO-activating enzyme, protein SCARECROW, shaggy-related protein kinase/BIN2, ANTIAUXIN-RESISTANT 3, RING-type E3 ubiquitin transferase E4, auxin response factors, WRKY transcription factor, and CBS domain-containing protein. In silico expression analysis of candidate genes was performed to validate their possible role in different stages of seed development process. The results from this study provide significant insight and elevate our understanding on genetic architecture of TSW trait in linseed.

AZ63/Ti/Zr Nanocomposite for Bone-Related Biomedical Applications

Considering the unique properties of magnesium and its alloy, it has a vast demand in biomedical applications, particularly the implant material in tissue engineering due to its biodegradability. But the fixing spares must hold such implants till the end of the biodegradation of implant material. The composite technology will offer the added benefits of altering the material properties to match the requirements of the desired applications. Hence, this experimental investigation is aimed at developing a composite material for manufacturing fixing spares like a screw for implants in biomedical applications. The matrix of AZ63 magnesium alloy is reinforced with nanoparticles of zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti) through the stir casting-type synthesis method. The samples were prepared with equal contributions of zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti) nanoparticles in the total reinforcement percentage (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%). The corrosive and tribological studies were done. In the corrosive study, the process parameters like NaCl concentration, pH value, and exposure time were varied at three levels. In the wear study, the applied Load, speed of sliding, and the distance of the slide were considered at four levels. Taguchi analysis was employed in this investigation to optimize the reinforcement and independent factors to minimize the wear and corrosive losses. The minimum wear rate was achieved in the 12% reinforced sample with the input factor levels of 60 N of load on the pin, 1 m/s of disc speed at a sliding distance was 1500 m, and the 12% reinforce samples also recorded a minimum corrosive rate of 0.0076 mm/year at the operating environment of 5% NaCl-concentrated solution with the pH value of 9 for 24 hrs of exposure. The prediction model was developed based on the experimental results.

The First Differentiated TB Care Model From India: Delays and Predictors of Losses in the Care Cascade

To reduce TB deaths in resource-limited settings, a differentiated care strategy can be used to triage patients with high risk of severe illness (i.e., those with very severe undernutrition, respiratory insufficiency, or inability to stand without support) at diagnosis and refer them for comprehensive assessment and inpatient care. Globally, there are few examples of implementing this type of strategy in routine program settings. Beginning in April 2022, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu implemented a differentiated care strategy called Tamil Nadu-Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TN-KET) for all adults aged 15 years and older with drug-susceptible TB notified by public facilities. Before evaluating the impact on TB deaths, we sought to understand the retention and delays in the care cascade as well as predictors of losses. During April-June 2022, 14,961 TB patients were notified and 11,599 (78%) were triaged. Of those triaged, 1,509 (13%) were at high risk of severe illness; of these, 1,128 (75%) were comprehensively assessed at a nodal inpatient care facility. Of 993 confirmed as severely ill, 909 (92%) were admitted, with 8% unfavorable admission outcomes (4% deaths). Median admission duration was 4 days. From diagnosis, the median delay in triaging and admission of severely ill patients was 1 day each. Likelihood of triaging decreased for people with extrapulmonary TB, those diagnosed in high-notification districts or teaching hospitals, and those transferred out of district. Predictors of not being comprehensively assessed included: aged 25-34 years, able to stand without support, and diagnosis at a primary or secondary-level facility. Inability to stand without support was a predictor of unfavorable admission outcomes. To conclude, the first quarter of implementation suggests that TN-KET was feasible to implement but could be improved by addressing predictors of losses in the care cascade and increasing admission duration.

Histological and molecular insights in to in vitro regeneration pattern of Xanthosoma sagittifolium

A study on the effect of various phytohormonal combinations on in vitro propagation of Cocoyam [Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott] was conducted to develop an improved and efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for its mass multiplication. Histological analysis to understand the in vitro regeneration pattern and genetic fidelity assessment of regenerated plants were also carried out. Single shoots excised from in vitro established cultures of X. sagittifolium were used as explants. Among the 32 different phytohormonal combinations tested, indirect organogenesis with intervening callus phase was observed on majority of the media combinations. Meristematic clump formation was optimally achieved on all the tested media combinations with maximum 43.54 ± 0.51 shoot primordia on MS medium containing 0.2 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L NAA followed by 36.44 ± 0.76 shoot primordia on MS medium having 2.5 mg/L TDZ. Micro-morphological analysis of different morphogenetic structures revealed that the regeneration of cocoyam is well executed via meristematic nodules, shoot primordia formation that may evolve in to proper shoots. Adventitious shoots (> 2 cm) were successfully (100.00 ± 0.00%) rooted on the half-strength MS medium containing IBA (0.05-1.0 mg/L) and IAA (0.05-0.5 mg/L). The number of roots ranged from 0.78 ± 0.31 on the control half-strength MS medium to 13.94 ± 0.46 on half-strength MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA. Considering somaclonal variations as a potential restriction to in vitro multiplication of plants, genetic stability was assessed using 40 ISSR primers. The PCR amplification profiles obtained from all the tested propagules (calli, meristematic clumps, regenerated plantlets) were similar to the mother plants indicating the homogeneity of the individuals raised through the regeneration protocol reported here.

Environmental remediation at vegetable marketplaces through production of biowaste catalysts for biofuel generation

Large quantities of vegetable biowaste are generated at marketplaces, usually in highly populated locations. On the other hand, nearby markets, hotels, and street shops generate much cooking oil waste and dispose of them in the sewage. Environmental remediation is mandatory at these places. Hence, this experimental work concentrated on preparing biodiesel using green plant wastes and cooking oil. Biowaste catalysts were produced from vegetable wastes and biofuel generated from waste cooking oil using biowaste catalysts to support diesel demand and Environmental remediation. Other organic plant wastes such as bagasse, papaya stem, banana peduncle and moringa oleifera are used as heterogeneous catalysts of this research work. Initially, the plant wastes are independently considered for the catalyst for biodiesel production; secondary, all plant wastes are mixed to form a single catalyst and used to prepare the biodiesel. In the maximum biodiesel yield analysis, the calcination temperature, reaction temperature, methanol/oil ratio, catalyst loading and mixing speed were considered to control the biodiesel production. The results reveal that the catalyst loading of 4.5 wt% with mixed plant waste catalyst offered a maximum biodiesel yield of 95%.

Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets-based VIKOR and TOPSIS-based multi-criteria decision-making model for mitigating resource deletion attacks in WSNs

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), resource depletion attacks that focusses on the compromization of routing protocol layer is identified to facilitate a major influence over the network. These resource depletion attacks drain the batter power of the sensor nodes drastically with persistent network disruption. Several protocols were established for handling the impact of Denial of Service (DoS) attack, but majority of them was not able to handle it perfectly. In specific, thwarting resource depletion attack, a specific class of DoS attack was a herculean task. At this juncture, Multicriteria Decision Making Model (MCDM) is identified as the ideal candidate for evaluating the impact introduced by each energy depletion compromised sensor nodes towards the process of cooperation into the network. In this paper, A Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets-based VIKOR and TOPSIS-based multi-criteria decision-making model (PFSVT-MCDM) is proposed for counteracting with the impacts of resource depletion attacks to improve Quality of Service (QoS) in the network. This PFSVT-MCDM used the merits of Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets information for handling uncertainty and vagueness of information exchanged in the network during the process of data routing. It utilized VIKOR and TOPSIS for exploring the trust of each sensor nodes through the exploration of possible dimensions that aids in detecting resource depletion attacks. The experimental results of PFSVT-MCDM confirmed better throughput of 21.29%, enhanced packet delivery fraction of 22.38%, minimized energy consumptions 18.92%, and reduced end-to-end delay of 21.84%, compared to the comparative resource depletion attack thwarting strategies used for evaluation.

Analytical and Experimental Study on Cold-Formed Steel Built-Up Sections for Bending

In the construction of steel structures, the two most common types of structural members are hot-formed and cold-formed members. This paper mainly describes the analytical and experimental research on the strength and characteristics of CFS bolted built-up sigma sections having different structural arrangements under bending. The cross-sectional dimensions for the parametric study were selected by the sizes available in the market. In this paper, ANSYS workbench software was used to perform FE modeling and observe the local, flexural, and interaction of these buckling. Then, experimental study was performed by varying the arrangement of open section beams between face-to-face and back-to-back, connected using bolts or fasteners different spacings. Further, we conducted bending tests on cold-formed steel built-up members having simple edge stiffeners in the middle. Comparing both analytical and experimental studies, the results indicate that the back-to-back connected built-up beam section provides a flexural capacity higher than the face-to-face built-up section. Moreover, increasing the bolt spacing enhanced the load-carrying capacity of back-to-back sigma section built-up beams. It has also been discovered that the flexural strength of beams is primarily determined by bolt spacing or itsposition.

Effect of particle size and weight fraction of SiC on the mechanical, tribological, morphological, and structural properties of Al-5.6Zn-2.2Mg-1.3Cu composites using RSM: fabrication, characterization, and modelling

Stir-casting was employed to create Al-5.6Zn-2.2Mg-1.3Cu composites with particle sizes ranging from 30 to 90 μm and a weight fraction of 5-15 SiC articles. The mechanical and wear properties of the material have been assessed. The wear-behaviour of Al-5.6Zn-2.2Mg-1.3Cu composites was investigated using dry pin-on-disc wear testing. Various loads (20 N-60 N), speeds (2 m/s-6 m/s), and sliding-distances were used in the sliding wear experiments (2000 m-4000 m). In the experimental process, XRD, SEM, and EDX were used to characterize the microstructures and materials of diverse composites. Uniform dispersion of the SiC particles is clearly observed in the SEM image. The micro hardness of SiC particles increases by 13% when the weight percent of SiC particles is increased from 5% to 15%. SiC particles outperform tiny SiC particles in terms of wear-resistance. With increasing load, the particular wear-rate showed an increasing trend (20-60 N). The wear-rate of the composite lowers as the weight percentage reinforcement increases (wt. 5% to wt. 15%), and the wear-rate of the composite increases when the particle-size (30 μm-90 μm) increases. The results demonstrated that composites supplemented with coarse SiC particles outperform tiny SiC particles in terms of wear resistance.

Optimization of NaCl based spray corrosion test process parameters of heat treated hybrid metal matrix composites

ABSTRACT. Aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites (AHMMCs) have widely employed in aerospace, transportation, and automotive applications since for their excellent mechanical qualities and high corrosion resistance. In this research, Al8079 is selected as a matrix material. The titanium diboride (TiB2) is selected as hard reinforcement and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is used as soft reinforcement. The Al8079/15 wt.% TiB2/x wt.% MoS2 (x = 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5) HMMCs are fabricated by using stir casting. The composites are heat treated under T6 condition. The density and micro hardness tests are conducted. The optimization on NaCl based spray corrosion test process parameters is done using grey relational analysis (GRA). The selected input process parameters are Al8079/15 wt.% TiB2/wt.% MoS2 (x = 0, 2.5 and 5), pH value of NaCl solution (x = 6, 9 and 12), hang time (x = 24, 48, and 72 h) and pressure (x = 0.7, 0.9 and 1.1 kg/cm2). The selected response parameters are micro hardness, mass loss and wear loss. The L9 Taguchi design is used for optimization. The wear test is conducted at the constant speed of 0.5 m/s, loading rate of 20 N and the sliding distance of 1000 m. The percentage of improvement of GRG from initial setting to experimental is 10.4%.   KEY WORDS: Reinforcement, Stir casting, Optimization, GRA, NaCl Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 903-914.                                                         DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.15

Prospective Randomized Comparison of Linear Endostaplers During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

The development of Laparoscopic Linear Endostaplers (LLES) is crucial in minimally invasive approaches in bariatric surgery, but there have been very few published studies comparing 6-row LLES in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). The objective of this study was to compare two 6-row LLES in LSG.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients were prospectively randomized to undergo LSG with either Medtronic Endo GIA™ Tri-Staple technology (MTS) or AEON ™ Endostapler(Lexington Medical) LLES. The measured parameters included patient demographics, comorbidity indices, LLES and specimen characteristics, postoperative symptoms, hospital stay, and total adverse events (AEs). Intraoperative bleeding was evaluated using five laparoscopic and corresponding endoscopic images of staple line before clip application, compared with a 1-5 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), assessed by an independent bariatric surgeon who was blinded to the LLES used. Images of all cases were reviewed on the same day to increase test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Both groups were similar in patient demographics. Compared to MTS, AEON LLES group had significantly lower bleeding VAS scores in 4/5 laparoscopic images (pre-pyloric: 1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.36 ± 0.76, p = 0.0007, mid-sleeve: 1.46 ± 0.62 vs. 1.86 ± 0.68, p = 0.019, proximal sleeve: 1.6 ± 0.77 vs. 2.0 ± 0.83, p = 0.038, gastro-esophageal junction: 1.43 ± 0.67 vs. 1.86 ± 0.77, p = 0.014) and 3/5 endoscopic images (pre-pyloric: 1.56 ± 0.56 vs. 2.36 ± 0.76, p = 0.006, incisura: 1.66 ± 0.54 vs. 2.0 ± 0.52, p = 0.021, mid-sleeve: 1.63 ± 0.49 vs. 2.0 ± 0.45, p = 0.005). There was no statistical difference in other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Both devices were equally safe and effective in terms of LLES and specimen characteristics, patient symptoms, hospital stay, and AEs. Bleeding VAS scores were significantly lower, favoring the AEON LLES.

Identification of QTNs Associated With Flowering Time, Maturity, and Plant Height Traits in Linum usitatissimum L. Using Genome-Wide Association Study

Early flowering, maturity, and plant height are important traits for linseed to fit in rice fallows, for rainfed agriculture, and for economically viable cultivation. Here, Multi-Locus Genome-Wide Association Study (ML-GWAS) was undertaken in an association mapping panel of 131 accessions, genotyped using 68,925 SNPs identified by genotyping by sequencing approach. Phenotypic evaluation data of five environments comprising 3 years and two locations were used. GWAS was performed for three flowering time traits including days to 5%, 50%, and 95% flowering, days to maturity, and plant height by employing five ML-GWAS methods: FASTmrEMMA, FASTmrMLM, ISIS EM-BLASSO, mrMLM, and pLARmEB. A total of 335 unique QTNs have been identified for five traits across five environments. 109 QTNs were stable as observed in ≥2 methods and/or environments, explaining up to 36.6% phenotypic variance. For three flowering time traits, days to maturity, and plant height, 53, 30, and 27 stable QTNs, respectively, were identified. Candidate genes having roles in flower, pollen, embryo, seed and fruit development, and xylem/phloem histogenesis have been identified. Gene expression of candidate genes for flowering and plant height were studied using transcriptome of an early maturing variety Sharda (IC0523807). The present study unravels QTNs/candidate genes underlying complex flowering, days to maturity, and plant height traits in linseed.

Biomass-derived porous activated carbon from anacardium occidentale shell as electrode material for supercapacitors

Anacardium occidentale shell (AOS) biowaste was chemically activated using KOH at various temperatures to produce AC. Interestingly, this study also presents a novel strategy for achieving value-added usage of cashewnut shell in the energy storage field.

Processing of Aluminium-Silicon Alloy with Metal Carbide as Reinforcement through Powder-Based Additive Manufacturing: A Critical Study

Powder-based additive manufacturing (PAM) is a potential fabrication approach in advancing state-of-the-art research to produce intricate components with high precision and accuracy in near-net form. In PAM, the raw materials are used in powder form, deposited on the surface layer by layer, and fused to produce the final product. PAM composite fabrication for biomedical implants, aircraft structure panels, and automotive brake rotary components is gaining popularity. In PAM composite fabrication, the aluminium cast alloy is widely preferred as a metal matrix for its unique properties, and different reinforcements are employed in the form of oxides, carbides, and nitrides. However, for enhancing the mechanical properties, the carbide form is predominantly considered. This comprehensive study focuses on contemporary research and reveals the effect of metal carbide's (MCs) addition to the aluminium matrix processed through various PAM processes, challenges involved, and potential scopes to advance the research.

Alliumnegianum (Amaryllidaceae): a new species under subg. Rhizirideum from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

A new species, Alliumnegianum (Amaryllidaceae), belongs to the genus Alliumsubg.Rhizirideum, sect. Eduardia is described here from the Uttarakhand Himalayan region of India. This taxon grows in Malari region of Niti valley in Chamoli district and Dharma valley of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India. It is a narrowly distributed species and morphologically more closer to A.przewalskianum Regel but differentiated by its tunic color of bulb, umbel with lax flowers, peduncle length, perigone colour, size and shape and leaf anatomy. Taxonomic delineation and relationship analysis based on nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) region indicated that A.negianum is distinct and related to A.przewalskianum. This study provided a comprehensive description and comparison with A.przewalskianum, an identification key and notes on the distribution of the species.

Influence of Fiber Volume and Fiber Length on Thermal and Flexural Properties of a Hybrid Natural Polymer Composite Prepared with Banana Stem, Pineapple Leaf, and S-Glass

There is more demand for natural fiber-reinforced composites in the energy sector, and their impact on the environment is almost zero. Natural fiber has plenty of advantages, such as easy recycling and degrading property, low density, and low price. Natural fiber’s thermal properties and flexural properties are less than conventional fiber. This work deals with the changes in the thermal properties and mechanical properties of S-glass reinforced with a sodium hydroxide-treated pineapple leaf (PALF) and banana stem fibers. Banana stem and pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) were used at various volume fractions, i.e., 30%, 40%, and 50%, and various fiber lengths of 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm with S-glass, and their effects on the thermal and mechanical properties were studied, and their optimum values were found. It was evidenced that increasing the fiber volume and fiber length enhanced the flexural and thermal properties up to 40% of the fiber volume, and started to decrease at 50% of the fiber volume. The fiber length provides an affirmative effect on the flexural properties and a pessimistic effect on the thermal properties. The PALF S-glass combination of 40% fiber load and 40 cm fiber length provides maximum flexural strength, flexural modulus, storage modulus, and lowest loss modulus based on hybrid Taguchi grey relational optimization techniques. PALF S-glass hybrid composite has been found to have 7.80%, 3.44%, 1.17% higher flexural strength, flexural modulus, and loss modulus, respectively, and 15.74% lower storage modulus compared to banana S-glass hybrid composite.

Efficacy of hydrological investigation in Karumeniyar river basin, Southern Tamil Nadu, India using vertical electrical sounding technique: A case study

In the Karumeniyar river basin, the groundwater demand increases for irrigation, industrial and larger per capita needs, and the recent year's groundwater table is drastically falling due to both natural and anthropogenic activities. In this context, a study on geophysical vertical electrical sounding (VES) using Schlumberger configuration has been carried out across 72 locations in the Karumeniyar river basin to demarcate the subsurface geoelectrical parameters and to identify the groundwater potential zone along with aquifer protective capacity. The acquired data were inverted using the 1D (resistivity variation with respect to depth) inversion approach IPI2Win demonstrated the presence of three to six subsurface geoelectrical layers in the study area with H type sounding curve being dominant. Furthermore, the deciphered result from VES is cross-validated with lithology data of four wells in the study area. Based on the interpreted results the parameters such as longitudinal conductance, overburden thickness, reflection coefficient and basement resistivity were calculated. It revealed that 36 VES location signifies good to moderate aquifer protective capacity. According to the reflection coefficient value and overburden thickness, the basin was divided into four distinct groundwater potential zones as high (42%), medium (38%), low (15%) and very low (5%). The inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method is adopted to generate the spatial distribution maps in ArcGIS environment. The findings of the present study provide the vital geo-database for groundwater potential zones in the Karumeniyar river basin and have important implications for designing, intendance and management of sustainable groundwater resources.

• Vertical Electrical Sounding method is a noninvasive, low cost and effective method for locating groundwater potential zone.

• It measures the vertical wise variation of subsurface resistivity distribution based on surface measurement.

• This technique provides a quantitative evaluation of different subsurface layers.

Cryopreservation of pollen of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. subsp. moschatus as an aid to overcome asynchronous flowering for wide hybridization with cultivated Okra [A. esculentus (L.) Moench]

BACKGROUND

Asynchronous flowering is one of the major constraints for hybridization between Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. moschatus, a wild species closely related to cultivated okra [A. esculentus (L.) Moench]. Availability of viable pollen is a prerequisite to facilitate breeding in these species.

OBJECTIVES

Pollen cryopreservation was attempted in A. moschatus subsp. moschatus, to overcome the asynchronous flowering barrier during wide hybridization with A. esculentus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Viability of fresh pollen of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus was assessed using acetocarmine and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test and in vitro germination by sitting drop culture method. Pollen of 10 accessions were stored at four temperatures (25, 4, -20 and -196 degree C), in the dark and periodically monitored for viability. The standardized cryopreservation protocol was applied to 24 accessions of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus over three months. In vivo pollen germination of 24 accessions of cryopreserved pollen and its efficacy on fertilizing A. esculentus cv 'Pusa Sawani' were recorded and pollen was utilized for hybridization with A. esculentus.

RESULTS

Brewbaker and Kwack medium with 15% sucrose was optimal for in vitro pollen germination. Pollen viability assessed by in vitro germination (60-90 %) was more reliable compared to acetocarmine (90-99 %) and TTC (85-99 %) staining tests. Significant negative correlation was found between pollen germination, storage time and temperature (25, 4 and -20 degree C) in all the accessions. Cryopreserved (-196 degree C) pollen showed significantly higher viability compared to all the other storage conditions, without viability loss. Successful pollination, fruit and seed set was observed in four out of 24 cross combinations attempted.

CONCLUSION

The cryopreservation of pollen of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus and its fertilizing ability offers great potential for a successful wide hybridization programme in okra.

Investigation on NiWO4/PANI composite as an electrode material for energy storage devices

NiWO4/PANI was synthesized by an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization route. Incorporation of NiWO4 in a PANI matrix rendered high specific capacitance and salient morphological features.

Development of integrated microfluidic platform coupled with Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for diagnosis of COVID-19

Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has created an alarming situation across the globe. Varieties of diagnostic protocols are being developed for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Many of these diagnostic protocols however, have limitations such as for example unacceptable no of false-positive and false-negative cases, particularly during the early stages of infection. At present, the real-time (quantitative) reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is considered the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. However, RT-PCR based tests are complex, expensive, time consuming and involve pre-processing of samples. A swift, sensitive, inexpensive protocol for mass screening is urgently needed to contain this pandemic. There is urgent need to harness new powerful technologies for accurate detection not only of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but also combating the emergence of pandemics of new viruses as well. To overcome the current challenges, the authors propose a diagnostic protocol based on Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with microfluidic devices containing integrated microchannels functionalized either with vertically aligned Au/Ag coated carbon nanotubes or with disposable electrospun micro/nano-filter membranes. These devices have the potential to successfully trap viruses from diverse biological fluids/secretions including saliva, nasopharyngeal, tear etc. These can thus enrich the viral titre and enable accurate identification of the viruses from their respective Raman signatures. If the device is successfully developed and proven to detect target viruses, it would facilitate rapid screening of symptomatic as well as asymptomatic individuals of COVID-19. This would be a valuable diagnostic tool not only for mass screening of current COVID-19 pandemic but also in viral pandemic outbreaks of future.

Development of Sunlight-Driven Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)/CeO₂-CuO Nanofibrous Photocatalyst for Efficient Removal of Organic Dyes

A hybrid nanofibrous membrane photocatalysts was developed through electrospinningcarbonization method. In this work, the hybrid membrane with p-n hetero-structure consisting of CeO₂ and CuO metal-oxide nanoparticles was prepared by a hierarchical and facile approach through electrospun technique and stabilized by hydrothermal process. The obtained heterogeneous photocatalyst membrane was studied for its catalytic properties by performing several experiments using test solutions of anionic Congo red (CR) and cationic methylene blue (MB) dyes, respectively. The as-prepared Graphene-CeO₂/CuO intercalated polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous (GCPNs) membrane is characterized by using various analytical techniques and its photocatalytic degradation properties was studied by conducting batch studies and validated using the kinetics models. Furthermore, the functional group transformation, electronic transition state, binding energy values and chemical oxidation state of the GCPNs membrane before and after degradation was investigated by spectroscopic studies. The optical properties of the GCPNs membrane was further analysed by UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Also, the enhanced photo-degradation behaviour of the p-n hetero-structure due to the suppression of the recombination rate of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs was confirmed by photoluminescence studies (PL). These investigations implied that the developed photocatalyst GCPN membrane follows the pseudo first-order kinetics having higher reaction rate constant. Comprehensively, the GCPN has varying dye removal capacity of 90-98% for Congo red and 30-90% for Methylene blue in which the photocatalytic degradation capacity increases with increase in dye concentration and time. The reusability studies supported the sustainability and durability of the photocatalytic membrane for longer lifetime and practical value. Henceforth, nanotechnology-based cutting-edge technology offers novel hybrid nanomaterials having excellent properties that are pre-requisite for the development of sunlight mediated nano-photocatalytic reactors in the commercial applications.

A novel leaf rust resistance gene introgressed from Aegilops markgrafii maps on chromosome arm 2AS of wheat

A novel leaf rust resistance gene, LrM, introgressed from Aegilops markgrafii and mapped on chromosome 2AS using SSR- and SNP-based PCR markers will aid in broadening the genetic base of rust resistance in wheat. A new leaf rust resistance gene tentatively named LrM was introgressed from the diploid non-progenitor species Ae. markgrafii (2n = 2x = 14, genome CC) into common wheat using the nulli-5B mechanism. The introgression line ER9-700 showed a high degree of resistance against a wide spectrum of Puccinia triticina pathotypes. Genetic analysis was performed using the F₁, F₂, F_2:3 and BC₁F₁ generations derived from the cross ER9-700/Agra Local. The results showed a single dominant gene for leaf rust resistance. The resistance gene LrM was mapped on chromosome arm 2AS using SSR- and SNP-based PCR markers. Preliminary mapping with SSR markers in the F_2:3 population from the cross ER9-700/Agra Local identified two SSR markers flanking the LrM. SNPs were identified in the genomic region flanked by SSR markers, and SNP-based PCR markers were developed to construct the final map. Three SNP-based PCR markers co-segregated and mapped closest to the resistance gene at a distance of 2 cM. The gene LrM was distinguished from all the other genes designated and mapped on chromosome arm 2AS by molecular markers and rust reaction. All five markers used in the mapping amplified identical alleles in the donor Ae. markgrafii accession and introgression line ER9-700. The chromosomal location and rust reaction suggest that LrM is a novel leaf rust resistance gene that may be useful in broadening the genetic base of leaf rust resistance in wheat.

Plant genetic resources in India: management and utilization

Plant genetic resources (PGR) are the foundation of agriculture as well as food and nutritional security. The ICAR-NBPGR is the nodal institution at national level for management of PGR in India under the umbrella of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. India being one of the gene-rich countries faces a unique challenge of protecting its natural heritage while evolving mutually beneficial strategies for germplasm exchange with other countries. The Bureaus activities include PGR exploration, collection, exchange, characterization, evaluation, conservation and documentation. It also has the responsibility to carry out quarantine of all imported PGR including transgenics meant for research purposes. The multifarious activities are carried out from ICAR-NBPGR headquarters and its 10 regional stations located in different agro-climatic zones of India. It has linkages with international organizations of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and national crop-based institutes to accomplish its mandated activities. NBPGR collects and acquires germplasm from various sources, conserves it in the Genebank, characterizes and evaluates it for different traits and provides ready material for breeders to develop varieties for farmers. ICAR-NBPGR encompasses the National Genebank Network and at present, the National Genebank conserves more than 0.40 million accessions. NBPGR works in service-mode for effective utilization of PGR in crop improvement programmes which depends mainly on its systematic characterization and evaluation, and identification of potentially useful germplasm. NBPGR is responsible for identifying trait-specific pre-adapted climate resilient genotypes, promising material with disease resistance and quality traits which the breeders use for various crop improvement programmes. The system has contributed immensely towards safeguarding the indigenous and introducing useful exotic PGR for enhancing the agricultural production. Presently, our focus is on characterization of ex situ conserved germplasm and detailed evaluation of prioritized crops for enhanced utilization; assessment of impact of on-farm conservation practices on genetic diversity; genome-wide association mapping for identification of novel genes and alleles for enhanced utilization of PGR; identification and deployment of germplasm/landraces using climate analog data; validation of trait-specific introduced germplasm for enhanced utilization. Key words: plant genetic resources; gene banks; wild relatives; biotic and abiotic stresses; marker-assisted selection.

Groundwater quality and vertical electrical sounding data of the Valliyar River Basin, South West Coast of Tamil Nadu, India

The present study was carried out to assess the drinking water quality and aquifer characteristics of the Valliyar river basin in Kanyakumari district. 71 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed to understand the quality of water based on the index parameters. 23 vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted to understand the subsurface characteristics and their impact on the quality of water. The VES data suggested that the subsurface lithology consist of three distinct layers. The water quality index (WQI) showed that 25% of the samples falling under excellent water and 51% of the samples were classified as good water and another 24% belong in the poor water category.

Development of Improved Software Intelligent System for Audiological Solutions

Of late, there has been an increase in hearing impairment cases and to provide the most advantageous solutions to them is an uphill task for audiologists. Significant difficulty faced by the audiologists is in effective programming of hearing aids to provide enhanced satisfaction to the users. The main aim of our study was to develop a software intelligent system (SIS): (i) to perform the required audiological investigations for finding the degree and type of hearing loss, and (ii) to suggest appropriate values of hearing aid parameters for enhancing the speech intelligibility and the satisfaction level among the hearing aid users. In this paper, we present a Neuro-Fuzzy based SIS to automatically predict and suggest the hearing-aid parameters such as gain values, compression ratio and threshold knee point, which are needed to be fixed for different octave frequencies of sound inputs during the hearing-aid trial. The test signals for audiological investigations are generated through the standard hardware present in a personal computer system and with the aid of a software algorithm. The proposed system was validated with 243 subjects' data collected at the Government General Hospital, Chennai, India. The calculated sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the proposed audiometer incorporated in the SIS were 98.6%, 96.4 and 98.2%, respectively, by comparing its interpretations with those of the 'gold standard' audiometers. Furthermore, 91% (221 of 243) of the hearing impaired subjects attained satisfaction in the first hearing aid trials itself with the gain values as recommended by the improved SIS. The proposed system reduced around 75% of the 'trial and error' time spent by audiologists for enhancing satisfactory usage of the hearing aid. Hence, the proposed SIS could be used to find the degree and type of hearing loss and to recommend hearing aid parameters to provide optimal solutions to the hearing aid users.

Evaluating the association of bone morphogenetic protein 4-V152A and SIX homeobox 6-H141N polymorphisms with congenital cataract and microphthalmia in Western Indian population

Background:

Congenital cataract and microphthalmia are highly heterogeneous congenital eye disorders that affect normal vision. Although mutation in several genes has been shown to cause congenital cataract and microphthalmia, genetic studies associating single-nucleotide polymorphisms with these conditions is scarce. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the association of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)-V152A (rs17563), and SIX homeobox 6 (SIX6)-H141N (rs33912345) polymorphisms with congenital cataract and microphthalmia in Western Indian cohorts.

Materials and Methods:

BMP4-V152A and SIX6-H141N were genotyped in 561 participants comprising of 242 congenital cataracts, 52 microphthalmia, and 267 controls using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO)-PCR method, respectively.

Results:

The frequency of BMP4- 152A was found to be significantly different between the cases and controls (Odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4 [1.03–1.76], P = 0.0275). The frequency of BMP4- 152AA genotype was found to be significantly higher in congenital cataract cases as compared to controls (OR [95% CI] = 2.1 [1.14–3.67], P = 0.0154. The V-N haplotype of BMP4-V152A and SIX6-H141N was found to have a protective effect toward congenital cataract (OR [95% CI] = 0.72 [0.56–0.94], P = 0.0163) and microphthalmia (OR [95% CI] = 0.63 [0.40–1.01, P = 0.0541).

Conclusions:

The BMP4- 152AA genotype might play role in the causation of congenital cataract, whereas BMP4-SIX6 V-N haplotype might play a protective role toward the development of congenital cataract and microphthalmia.

Cost effective synthesis of a copper-1H-imidazole@activated carbon metal organic framework as an electrode material for supercapacitor applications

A simple and sonochemically synthesized Cu-IC MOF exhibits good supercapacitive behaviour.

Risk Factors of Clinical and Immunological Failure in South Indian Cohort on Generic Antiretroviral Therapy

BACKGROUND

Since the time of NACO Antiretroviral (ART) roll-out, generic ART has been the mainstay of therapy. There are many studies documenting the efficacy of generic ART but with the passage of time, failure of therapy is on the rise. As institution of second line ART has significant financial implications both for a program and for an individual it is imperative that we determine factors which contribute towards treatment failure in a cohort of patients on generic antiretroviral therapy.

METHODOLOGY

This was a nested matched case-control study assessing the predictors for treatment failure in our cohort who had been on Anti-retroviral therapy for at least a year. We identified 42 patients (Cases) with documented treatment failure out of our cohort of 823 patients and 42 sex, age and duration of therapy-matched controls. Using a structured proforma, we collected information from the out-patient and in-patient charts of the Infectious Diseases clinic Cohort in CMC, Vellore. A set of predetermined variables were studied as potential risk factors for treatment failure on ART.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed significant association with 1) Self-reported nonadherence<95% [OR 12.81 (95%CI 1.54-281.45)]. 2) Treatment interruptions in adherent cases (OR 9.56 (95% CI 1.11-213.35)]. 3) Past inappropriate therapies [OR 9.65 (95% CI 1.12-215.94)]. 4) Diarrhoea [OR 16.40 (95% CI 2.02-3.55.960]. 5) GI opportunistic infections (OR 11.06 (95% CI 1.31 -244.27)] and 6) Drug Toxicity [OR 3.69 (95% CI 1.15-12.35).In multiple logistic regression analysis, we found independent risk factors of treatment failure to be: Self-reported non-adherence (<95%) with OR 15.46(95%CI 1.55 - 154.08), drug toxicity - OR 4.13(95%CI 1.095 - 15.534) and history of diarrhoea - OR 23.446(95%CI 2.572 - 213.70).

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that besides adherence to therapy, presence of diarrhoea and occurrence of drug toxicity are significant risk factors associated with failure of anti-retroviral therapy. There is a need for further prospective studies to assess their role in development of treatment failure on ART and thus help development of targeted interventions.

Establishment of cell line with NK/NKT phenotype from myeloid NK cell acute leukemia

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the most common malignancy in adults with a 5-year survival rate of 27% of the total affected population. For effective treatment and new drug discovery, cell lines are considered as a very important tool. Here we report an establishment of a continuous human cell line AML-004 with a hypo-diploid chromosome 44 and presence of both NK/NKT phenotypes. The cell line was isolated from the blood sample of myeloid NK cell acute leukemia patients and extensively characterized by flow cytometery, morphology, and cytogentic analysis. Cytotoxicity by standard chemotherapeutic drugs was also examined. As characterized by Giemsa staining, the predominant cell type in the culture had high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. Cytogenetic analysis revealed high chromosome instability and structural abnormalities confirming the source of cell line from a patient with AML. The karyotype of the isolated cells did not alter up to around 40 passages. These AML-004 cells lacked specific markers for B and T lymphoid cells, but expressed surface receptors for lymphoid/NK cells. Cells also lacked the presence of early progenitors. The proliferation of the isolated cells was inversely proportional to the IL-2 concentration confirming presence of NK phenotype. AML-004 was resistant against standard chemotherapeutic drugs excluding cisplatin. Thus, AML-004 cells provide a continuous source of human cells for designing novel therapies for patients with T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma.

Fertility sparing management of large cell neuroendocrine tumour of cervix: A case report & review of literature

Large cell neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare and aggressive cancer that tends to spread and recur early despite intensive multimodal treatment. Conventional treatment strategies for early stage neuroendocrine tumour (NET) include radical hysterectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. There are only 2 reported cases of fertility sparing treatment for NET. We report on the first case of successful conception and delivery at term following radical trachelectomy for early stage LCNEC.

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First reported case of delivery at term following radical trachelectomy for LCNEC

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3 year recurrence free survival following radical trachelectomy in LCNEC

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Continue data collection on both oncologic and fertility outcomes in LCNEC

Renal tubular dysfunction associated with tenofovir therapy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the i ncidence a nd cha racteristics of Tenofovir (TDF) induced nephrotoxicity among people living with HIV AIDS (PLHA) receiving TDF based anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at Christian Medical College, Vellore.

METHOD

Medical record review of all the PLHA who is being enrolled and followed up at the ART clinic at CMC, Vellore.

RESULTS

From 2006-11, a total of 274 PLHA have been initiated on TDF based ART. 10 (3.6%) patients developed TDF induced renal dysfunction after a mean duration of 42.6 (SD 19.5) months. 5 patients were female. At the time of initiation of TDF, the mean age was 41.2 (SD 6.1) years and CD4 T-cell count was 281.2 (SD 241.3) cells/μL. 9 patients were started on an NNRTI-based regimen, while only 1 was on a Pl/r-based regimen. 5 patients were asymptomatic. Out of the 5 symptomatic patients, 3 patients complained of anorexia and tiredness only; 1 patient had bone pains and proximal pelvic girdle muscle weakness only while 1 patient had both anorexia and proximal pelvic girdle muscle weakness. Urine examination of 8 patients (all symptomatic and 4 asymptomatic patients) revealed proteinuria on urine dip stick assay (1+ to 3+) without active sediments. 9 patients had decline in the estimated creatinine clearance from mean of 84.1 (SD 21.0) to 62.1 (SD 26.3) mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean plasma phosphate level was 2.08 (SD 0.45) mg/ dL. The mean alkaline phosphatase level increased from 130.7 to 290.8 U/L. Seven patients had features of Fanconi syndrome. All symptomatic patients showed clinical improvement within 2-7 months of discontinuation ofTDF and supplementation of phosphate and calcium.

CONCLUSION

TDF-associated renal dysfunction has a long incubation period during which the patients are largely asymptomatic and reversible. Hence laboratory confirmation is essential with creatinine clearance, urine examination, and phosphate levels. Prompt change of TDF leads to almost complete resolution of the tubular dysfunction.

Risk factors for mortality in a south Indian population on generic antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs from low-income countries utilizing standardized ART regimens, simplified approaches to clinical decision making and basic lab monitoring have reported high mortality rates. We determined the risk factors for mortality among HIV-infected adults following the initiation of ART from a single center in south India.

METHODS

ART-naive HIV-infected south Indian adults attending the Infectious Diseases clinic in a 2000-bed academic medical center in south India who were initiated on ART (generic, fixed-dose combinations) as per the national guidelines were followed up. Cases (32 patients who died) were compared with age and sex matched controls.

RESULTS

Eight-hundred and twenty-two patients were started on ART from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2008. The cumulative mortality was 6.8% (56/822). Among the cases mean age was 44 years, 18% were women and mean CD4 counts was 107 cells/microl. Among the controls mean age was 41 years, 18% were women and mean CD4 counts were 113 cells/microl. Stavudine based ART was predominant 62.5% in the cases vs 37.5% in the controls, followed by zidovudine based therapy in 31.2% of cases and 43.7% in the controls. Tenofovir based therapy was used in 6.2% of cases vs 18.7% in the controls. The commonest causes of death were drug toxicity 19%, advanced Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in 37%, Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) in 16%, non AIDS related deaths in 22% and malignancies 6%. In a univariate analysis, absolute lymphocyte count <1200 cells/cmm (p=0.03), development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) (p=0.000) and mean CD4 cell count increase <75 cells/microl after 1 year of ART (p=0.001) were significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality among our patients was comparable to that reported from other low-income countries. Earlier initiation of ART may reduce the high mortality rates observed.

Plant growth promoting potential and soil enzyme production of the most abundant Streptomyces spp. from wheat rhizosphere

AIM

To evaluate the plant growth promotion (PGP) potential and soil enzyme production under solid state fermentation (SSF) by most abundant Streptomyces spp. isolated from the wheat rhizosphere and to evaluate their effect on plant growth parameters.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Actinomycetes were isolated from wheat rhizosphere and screened for PGP activities. Three actinomycete isolates having significantly higher PGP activities (Streptomyces rochei IDWR19, Streptomyces carpinensis IDWR53, Streptomyces thermolilacinus IDWR81) were selected. The soil enzymes production potential of these isolates using soil extract and wheat straw under ssf was assessed. Utilization of soil extract as a fermentation medium for soil enzyme production by Actinomycetes has been reported first time in this study. Maximum chitinase (S. rochei IDWR19 12·2 U mg(-1) protein) and phytase activity (S. carpinensis IDWR53 5·2 U mg(-1) protein) was produced on 7th day of incubation, whereas maximum alkaline protease (S. rochei IDWR19 3·2 U mg(-1) protein) was produced on 6th day of incubation. For cellulase (S. rochei IDWR19 7·4 U mg(-1) protein) and invertase (S. carpinensis IDWR53 451 U mg(-1) protein) maximum activity was observed on 4th as well as 5th day of incubation. On the basis of PGP activity and enzyme production, two actinomycete isolates (S. rochei IDWR19 and S. thermolilacinus IDRWR81) were selected for plant growth experiment. An increase of 12·2 and 24·5% in shoot length of plants inoculated with S. rochei IDWR19 and S. thermolilacinus IDWR81 was observed, respectively. A similar increase in biomass of 1·8- and 2·3-fold was also recorded for the two isolates, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

It could be concluded that Streptomyces sp. with high PGP activities and soil enzyme production capability significantly improved growth and development of wheat cv.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The abundant Actinomycetes obtained in this study (S. rochei IDWR19 and S. thermolilacinus IDWR81) are rhizosphere competent and effective strains.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit shell carbon: A calcium-rich promising adsorbent for fluoride removal from groundwater

Tamarindus indica fruit shells (TIFSs) are naturally calcium rich compounds. They were impregnated with ammonium carbonate and then carbonized, leading to ammonium carbonate activated ACA-TIFS carbon. The resulting materials and carbon arising from virgin fruit shells V-TIFS were characterized and assayed as adsorbent for the removal of fluoride anions from groundwater. The fluoride scavenging ability of TIFS carbons was due to naturally dispersed calcium compounds. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that TIFS carbon contained a mixture of calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate. Batch studies on the fluoride removal efficiency of TIFS carbons with respect to contact time, pH, initial fluoride concentration, and co-ion interference were conducted. Applicability of various kinetic models (viz., pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion and Elovich) and sorption isotherms were tested for batch techniques. The fluoride removal capacity of TIFS carbons was found to be 91% and 83% at a pH of 7.05 for V-TIFS and ACA-TIFS carbons, respectively. The practical applicability of TIFS carbons using groundwater samples was approved. The fluoride removal was greater in groundwater without hydrogen carbonate ions than those containing these ions. The characterizations of fluoride unloaded and loaded TIFS carbons were done by SEM and XRD studies.

Vascular plants, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

In the present study, we provide a checklist of the vascular plants of Kinnaur district situated in the Himachal Pradesh state of India in the western Himalaya. This checklist includes 893 taxa (viz., species, subspecies and varieties) belonging to 881 species of angiosperms and gymnosperms distributed among 102 families and 433 genera, and 30 species of pteridophytes. Information about the growth habit, threat and endemicity status is also provided. Our results show that family Compositae is by far the most species rich family with 122 species, followed by Poaceae (69), Rosaceae (58), Leguminosae (49) and Lamiaceae (38). Among the genera, Artemisia is the most diverse genus with 19 species, followed by Potentilla (14), Saussurea (13), Polygonum (11), Astragalus (10), Lonicera (10) and Nepeta (10). Similar to other regions in the western Himalayan range, family-to-genera ratio was 1:4.25 and the genera-to-species ratio was 1:2.04. Out of 893 taxa, our checklist includes 606 herb species, 63 trees, 108 shrubs, 28 climbers, 67 graminoids and 21 sedges and rushes. Of all the species recorded, 108 (12.2%) are endemic to western Himalaya and 27 (3%) are placed under IUCN threatened categories. The present checklist on the flora of Kinnaur provides an important baseline data for further quantitative studies on the characteristics of plant communities in this region and will help in the identification of priority conservation areas.