Mesoscopic simulation of abnormal grain growth

Grain growth is the process that takes place during annealing of polycrystalline materials; its major feature is a systematic increase in grain size. Two different types of grain growth can be distinguished: the normal and abnormal grain growth. During normal grain growth, the microstructure exhibits a uniform increase in grain size with time and the grain size distribution follows the log-normal distribution with the grain sizes ranging from 0 - 2.2 times the average grain size (R). On the contrary, when the abnormal grain growth is the dominant mechanism, there are certain grains (abnormal grains) in the microstructure that grow much faster than the majority of the grains and in the end consume the fine-grained matrix around them. There has been a lot of work done in the field of abnormal grain growth, but the actual mechanism of abnormal grain formation and development from a uniform grain size distribution is not fully understood. In this study, various aspects of abnormal grain growth are investigated using a mesoscopic simulation approach. Our investigation focuses on two possible venues that are, in general, considered as main sources promoting abnormal grain growth. The role of both the geometrical inhomogeneities (size effect) and grain boundary (GB) anisotropic properties are investigated. Simulations are done on various microstructures in which there are certain fraction of preexistent large grains (size greater than 2.2), as well as on microstructures in which a given fraction of grains has different GB properties (mobility and energy). Our simulation results indicate that the presence of some large grains in the initial microstructure does not promote the abnormal grain growth. However, when certain grains in the microstructure have grain boundary energies below a certain threshold or mobilities above a certain threshold value relative to the rest of the grains, the microstructure may evolve by abnormal grain growth

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF HYPERTENSIVE CHANGES IN ELDERLY PATIENTS OF ISOLATED SYSTOLIC HYPERTENSION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the echocardiographic changes and cardiovascular complications in patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study done in the Departments of General Medicine, Cardiology, and Radiodiagnosis of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India. Seventy patients above the age of 65 years with systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic BP <90 mm Hg, without any secondary causes of hypertension and antihypertensive drug therapy were selected for this study. Echocardiography and electrocardiography studies were implemented for demonstrating the development of cardiovascular complications. Results: Of 70 cases (41 males and 29 females), 64.3% were asymptomatic and 35.7% were symptomatic, with palpitation being the major symptom, 40% (28 cases) developed retinopathy, 45.71% developed increased left ventricular mass index (p=0.04), 18.57% had increased in LV volume (>90 ml/m2), 30% cases had regional wall motion abnormalities, 27.1% had reduced ejection fraction (<56%), and 52.66% showed LA enlargement in this study (p=0.048). Doppler measurements of diastolic filling were significant in patients with ISH with higher peak atrial velocity (A wave) of 79.71±11.79 cm/s and a lower ratio of peak early to atrial velocity of 0.82±0.29. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that elderly patients with ISH had a prevalence of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) which was found to be more in female patients than in male patients followed by left atrial enlargement

EVALUATION OF RENAL CHANGES IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN A REFERRAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN ODISHA

Objective: The objective of the study was to study various renal manifestations in sickle cell disease (SCD) and to establish a cause and effect relationship with the evaluation of risk factors. Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 82 SCD patients belonging to the age group of 15–50 years of both the genders over a period of 2 years from January 2019 to December 2020 in MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India. Eighty-two patients, 32 (39.02%) having sickle cell anemia (SCA) and 50 (60.98%) having sickle cell trait (SCT), admitted to medicine and nephrology wards of the hospital were included in this study. SCD patients with other hemolytic anemia and with renal congenital/structural abnormality and patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, and systemic lupus erythematosus were excluded from the study. Various laboratory investigations such as complete blood count, hemoglobin (Hb), serum sodium, serum potassium, serum urea, serum creatinine, fasting blood sugar, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver function test, urine routine, and microscopic test were carried out. Diagnosis of SCD patients was based on sickling test and high-performance liquid chromatography testing. Radiologic imaging (Sonography for renal changes) was done at radiodiagnosis department of the hospital. Results: Glomerular and tubular dysfunction was more in SCA (Hb SS) patients than SCT (Hb AS) patients and the abnormality was more in patients in crisis. Albuminuria in 78.12%, hematuria in 46.87%, cast and crystal in 28.12%, epithelial cell in 31.25%, and hyposthenuria in 56.25% were found in SCA patients. In SCT patients, albuminuria in 38%, hematuria in 16%, cast and crystal in 22%, epithelial cell in 12%, and hyposthenuria in 24% were found. All the above findings were more in percentages in crisis patients of both the groups. In SCA, 37.5% and in SCT, 2% were found to have chronic kidney disease. Conclusion: Renal involvement in the form of glomerular and tubular dysfunction occur in SCD and more in crisis patients, leading to renal complications, and end-stage renal disease

Cultivation of Black Goji Berry (Lycium Ruthenicum Murr.) in the Trans Himalayan Region Ladakh Agro Technique Harvest, Yield and Cost Benefit Analysis

The present study discusses the agro technique, harvesting, yield, and economics of less explored highly medicinal plant black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum). It was observed that black goji berries can be easily cultivated through seed, pencil-thickness hardwood stem cuttings, and rootstock. Black goji berry harvesting is a very difficult and tedious task for goji growing farmers as the berries get easily ruptured during harvesting and lose their content. To address these obstacles, DIHAR-DRDO, Leh conducted several goji berry harvesting trials deploying various techniques. Collecting fruits/berries to their full potential requires careful planning and tactics, which involves the use of an appropriate harvesting method that minimizes damage. After performing various method of harvesting, the best outcome was reported in cutting the fruit-bearing branch method as its less expensive with minimum fruit damage (5 %), time-saving, and retain the quality of fruit as compared to the other harvesting methods. An approximate cost production and net profit calculation were performed for 1011.71 square meters (02 Kanal) plantations of L. ruthenicum to their average yield of fruit production per plant. The average yield of three-year-old hardwood stem cutting and uprooted plant is 500-600 gm of fresh berry per plant on average. The economic relation to the cost production of L. ruthenicum is highly beneficial and it has all the capabilities of enhancing the socio-economy of the fragile ecosystem

Parenting Adolescence

Adolescence is derived from Latin word “Adolescere” meaning to grow in maturity.[1] World Health Organization (WHO) defines “adolescence” as a period between 10 to 19 years of age.[2] It is a period in which a person is no longer a child and not yet an adult. It is a phase of growth and development from childhood to adulthood and onset of puberty to reproductive maturity. There are estimated 1.2 billion (120 crores) adolescents in the world [3] and in India these constitute nearly 21.4% of population i.e. 243 millions.[4]Adolescence is life’s fascinating and perhaps one of the most complex stages of life. It is the time when young people take on responsibilities and experiences experiments with independence. During adolescence there is a rapid physical growth and development of physical, mental, social, psychological and sexual aspects. In addition to these changes some behavioral changes also occur like independency, intimacy, identity, intellect, peer group dependence. The process of rapid and multifaceted changes makes them vulnerable to many problems. About 40% of global burden of diseases falls on them.[3] For majority of the problems of adolescents the root cause is the lack of proper guidance and support by parents; providing which is a challenge

Heat stress tolerance in peas (Pisum sativum L.): Current status and way forward

In the era of climate change, the overall productivity of pea (Pisum sativum L.) is being threatened by several abiotic stresses including heat stress (HS). HS causes severe yield losses by adversely affecting several traits in peas. A reduction in pod yield has been reported from 11.1% to 17.5% when mean daily temperature increase from 1.4 to 2.2°C. High-temperature stress (30.5-33°C) especially during reproductive phase is known to drastically reduce both seed yield and germination. HS during germination and early vegetative stage resulted in poor emergence and stunted plant growth along with detrimental effects on physiological functions of the pea plant. To combat HS and continue its life cycle, plants use various defense strategies including heat escape, avoidance or tolerance mechanisms. Ironically, the threshold temperatures for pea plant and its responses are inconsistent and not yet clearly identified. Trait discovery through traditional breeding such as semi leaflessness (afila), upright growing habit, lodging tolerance, lower canopy temperature and small seeded nature has highlighted their utility for greater adaptation under HS in pea. Screening of crop gene pool and landraces for HS tolerance in a targeted environment is a simple approach to identify HS tolerant genotypes. Thus, precise phenotyping using modern phenomics tools could lead to increased breeding efficiency. The NGS (next generation sequencing) data can be associated to find the candidate genes responsible for the HS tolerance in pea. In addition, genomic selection, genome wide association studies (GWAS) and marker assisted selection (MAS) can be used for the development of HS tolerant pea genotypes. Additionally, development of transgenics could be an alternative strategy for the development of HS tolerant pea genotypes. This review comprehensively covers the various aspects of HS tolerance mechanisms in the pea plant, screening protocols, omic advances, and future challenges for the development of HS tolerant genotypes

Ground Water Pollution and Emerging Environmental Challenges of Industrial Effluent Irrigation: A Case Study of Mettupalayam Taluk, Tamilnadu

Industrial disposal of effluents on land and the subsequent pollution of groundwater and soil of surrounding farmlands – is a relatively new area of research. The environmental and socioeconomic aspects of industrial effluent irrigation have not been studied as extensively as domestic sewage based irrigation practices, at least for a developing country like India. The disposal of effluents on land has become a regular practice for some industries. Industries located in Mettupalayam Taluk, Tamil Nadu, dispose their effluents on land, and the farmers of the adjacent farmlands have complained that their shallow open wells get polluted and also the salt content of the soil has started building up slowly. This study attempts to capture the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of industrial effluent irrigation in different industrial locations at Mettupalayam Taluk, Tamil Nadu, through primary surveys and secondary information. This study found that the continuous disposal of industrial effluents on land, which has limited capacity to assimilate the pollution load, has led to groundwater pollution. The quality of groundwater in shallow open wells surrounding the industrial locations has deteriorated, and the application of polluted groundwater for irrigation has resulted in increased salt content of soils. In some locations drinking water wells (deep bore wells) also have a high concentration of salts. Since the farmers had already shifted their cropping pattern to salt-tolerant crops (like jasmine, curry leaf, tobacco, etc.) and substituted their irrigation source from shallow open wells to deep bore wells and/or river water, the impact of pollution on livelihoods was minimized. Since the local administration is supplying drinking water to households, the impact in the domestic sector has been minimized. It has also been noticed that in some locations industries are supplying drinking water to the affected households. However, if the pollution continues unabated it could pose serious problems in the future

Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND Regular, detailed reporting on population health by underlying cause of death is fundamental for public health decision making. Cause-specific estimates of mortality and the subsequent effects on life expectancy worldwide are valuable metrics to gauge progress in reducing mortality rates. These estimates are particularly important following large-scale mortality spikes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. When systematically analysed, mortality rates and life expectancy allow comparisons of the consequences of causes of death globally and over time, providing a nuanced understanding of the effect of these causes on global populations. METHODS The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 cause-of-death analysis estimated mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) from 288 causes of death by age-sex-location-year in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations for each year from 1990 until 2021. The analysis used 56 604 data sources, including data from vital registration and verbal autopsy as well as surveys, censuses, surveillance systems, and cancer registries, among others. As with previous GBD rounds, cause-specific death rates for most causes were estimated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model-a modelling tool developed for GBD to assess the out-of-sample predictive validity of different statistical models and covariate permutations and combine those results to produce cause-specific mortality estimates-with alternative strategies adapted to model causes with insufficient data, substantial changes in reporting over the study period, or unusual epidemiology. YLLs were computed as the product of the number of deaths for each cause-age-sex-location-year and the standard life expectancy at each age. As part of the modelling process, uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated using the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles from a 1000-draw distribution for each metric. We decomposed life expectancy by cause of death, location, and year to show cause-specific effects on life expectancy from 1990 to 2021. We also used the coefficient of variation and the fraction of population affected by 90% of deaths to highlight concentrations of mortality. Findings are reported in counts and age-standardised rates. Methodological improvements for cause-of-death estimates in GBD 2021 include the expansion of under-5-years age group to include four new age groups, enhanced methods to account for stochastic variation of sparse data, and the inclusion of COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality-which includes excess mortality associated with the pandemic, excluding COVID-19, lower respiratory infections, measles, malaria, and pertussis. For this analysis, 199 new country-years of vital registration cause-of-death data, 5 country-years of surveillance data, 21 country-years of verbal autopsy data, and 94 country-years of other data types were added to those used in previous GBD rounds. FINDINGS The leading causes of age-standardised deaths globally were the same in 2019 as they were in 1990; in descending order, these were, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections. In 2021, however, COVID-19 replaced stroke as the second-leading age-standardised cause of death, with 94·0 deaths (95% UI 89·2-100·0) per 100 000 population. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the rankings of the leading five causes, lowering stroke to the third-leading and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to the fourth-leading position. In 2021, the highest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (271·0 deaths [250·1-290·7] per 100 000 population) and Latin America and the Caribbean (195·4 deaths [182·1-211·4] per 100 000 population). The lowest age-standardised death rates from COVID-19 were in the high-income super-region (48·1 deaths [47·4-48·8] per 100 000 population) and southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (23·2 deaths [16·3-37·2] per 100 000 population). Globally, life expectancy steadily improved between 1990 and 2019 for 18 of the 22 investigated causes. Decomposition of global and regional life expectancy showed the positive effect that reductions in deaths from enteric infections, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and neonatal deaths, among others have contributed to improved survival over the study period. However, a net reduction of 1·6 years occurred in global life expectancy between 2019 and 2021, primarily due to increased death rates from COVID-19 and other pandemic-related mortality. Life expectancy was highly variable between super-regions over the study period, with southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania gaining 8·3 years (6·7-9·9) overall, while having the smallest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 (0·4 years). The largest reduction in life expectancy due to COVID-19 occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (3·6 years). Additionally, 53 of the 288 causes of death were highly concentrated in locations with less than 50% of the global population as of 2021, and these causes of death became progressively more concentrated since 1990, when only 44 causes showed this pattern. The concentration phenomenon is discussed heuristically with respect to enteric and lower respiratory infections, malaria, HIV/AIDS, neonatal disorders, tuberculosis, and measles. INTERPRETATION Long-standing gains in life expectancy and reductions in many of the leading causes of death have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects of which were spread unevenly among populations. Despite the pandemic, there has been continued progress in combatting several notable causes of death, leading to improved global life expectancy over the study period. Each of the seven GBD super-regions showed an overall improvement from 1990 and 2021, obscuring the negative effect in the years of the pandemic. Additionally, our findings regarding regional variation in causes of death driving increases in life expectancy hold clear policy utility. Analyses of shifting mortality trends reveal that several causes, once widespread globally, are now increasingly concentrated geographically. These changes in mortality concentration, alongside further investigation of changing risks, interventions, and relevant policy, present an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of mortality-reduction strategies. Examining patterns in mortality concentration might reveal areas where successful public health interventions have been implemented. Translating these successes to locations where certain causes of death remain entrenched can inform policies that work to improve life expectancy for people everywhere. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation