Mesoproterozoic diamondiferous ultramafic pipes at Majhgawan and Hinota, Panna area, central India: key to the nature of sub-continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Vindhyan basin

Amongst all the perceptible igneous manifestations (volcanic tuffs and agglomerates, minor rhyolitic flows and andesites, dolerite dykes and sills near the basin margins, etc.) in the Vindhyan basin, the two Mesoproterozoic diamondiferous ultramafic pipes intruding the Kaimur Group of sediments at Majhgawan and Hinota in the Panna area are not only the most conspicuous but also well-known and have relatively deeper mantle origin. Hence, these pipes constitute the only yet available ‘direct’ mantle samples from this region and their petrology, geochemistry and isotope systematics are of profound significance in understanding the nature of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Vindhyan basin. Their emplacement age (∼ 1100 Ma) also constitutes the only reliable minimum age constrain on the Lower Vindhyan Group of rocks. The Majhgawan and Hinota pipes share the petrological, geochemical and isotope characteristics of kimberlite, orangeite (Group II kimberlite) and lamproite and hence are recognised as belonging to a ‘transitional kimberlite-orangeite-lamproite’ rock type. The namemajhagwanite has been proposed by this author to distinguish them from other primary diamond source rocks. The parent magma of the Majhgawan and Hinota pipes is envisaged to have been derived by very small (<1%) degrees of partial melting of a phlogopite-garnet lherzolite source (rich in titanium and barium) that has been previously subjected to an episode of initial depletion (extensive melting during continent formation) and subsequent metasomatism (enrichment). There is absence of any subduction-related characteristics, such as large negative anomalies at Ta and Nb, and therefore, the source enrichment (metasomatism) of both these pipes is attributed to the volatile- and K-rich, extremely low-viscosity melts that leak continuously to semi-continuously from the asthenosphere and accumulate in the overlying lithosphere. Lithospheric/crustal extension, rather than decompression melting induced by a mantle plume, is favoured as the cause of melting of the source regions of Majhgawan and Hinota pipes. This paper is a review of the critical evaluation of the published work on these pipes based on contemporary knowledge derived from similar occurrences elsewhere

A lithospheric mantle source for the Proterozoic kimberlites and lamproites from the eastern Dharwar craton, India: evidence from rare earth element inversion modelling

Inversion of rare earth element (REE) concentrations of a Proterozoic kimberlite (Maddur) and lamproite (Ramannapeta) from the eastern Dharwar craton, India is carried out to discover the partial melt distribution with depth that could have been responsible for producing their REE distribution patterns. In order to reproduce the observed REE patterns, the source regions of these rocks need to undergo an extensive initial depletion event (similar to 20%) in the garnet stability field before being subjected to metasomatic enrichment and subsequent partial melting. The extensive initial depletion, probably represented by 'komatiitic type' melt extraction during the Archaean, necessitates the partial melting of the eastern Dharwar craton kimberlite and lamproite source regions to have taken place in lithospheric, but not convecting, mantle. This study rules out a 'transition zone' source recently invoked for such rock types from eastern Dharwar craton and elsewhere and therefore imposes important constraints as to the source regions of kimberlites and lamproites

Kimberlites, Lamproites, Lamprophyres, Carbonatites, other Alkaline Rocks, and Mafic Dykes from the Indian Shield: glimpses of research (2012-2016)

Major highlights of researches carried out on kimberlites, lamproites, lamprophyres, carbonatites, other alkaline rocks and mafic dykes from the Indian shield during 2012-2016 are presented. New findings involving field mapping, petrology, geochemistry (including high quality mineral based in situ isotopic studies) and geophysics have provided remarkable insights on the mode of their occurrence, timing of emplacement, mineralogy and bulk-rock composition, redox conditions, relative contribution of the lithosphere and asthenosphere, as well as their economic potential. Several large-scale geodynamic aspects such as plume-lithosphere interactions, ancient subduction events, layered structure of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle, spatial extent of the Precambrian large igneous provinces and supercontinent configurations could be unraveled from these studies on deep-mantle derived small-volume magmatic rocks

New report on the invasive Bondar's Nesting Whitefly (Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi) on oil palm in India

This communication is the new report of the neotropical invasive Bondar's Nesting Whitefly (BNW) , Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)incidence in oil palm in India. A typical feature of BNW infestation is the presence of woolly wax nests on the abaxial surface of oil palm leaflets. The nesting whitefly population was observed to increase phenomenally on oil palm and within a year ie., from 2021 to 2022, a 100 per cent palm infestation was observed. During this period the intensity per palm increased by 24.49 per cent and per leaf increased by 63.28 per cent. Analysis of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) sequences from adult specimens indicated 100% nucleotide identity with Bondar's Nesting Whitefly from coconut

Level of physical activity, determinants and barriers to motivate physical activities among south Indian diabetic patients: a prospective, questionnaire based study

Background: Several clinical trials have been reported that sedentary lifestyle modification including physical activity (PA) and weight loss significantly alters the sort-term as well as long-term incidence of diabetes. The present study explored the level of physical activity and its barriers among south Indian naïve patients who are attending the tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: A prospective observational, questionnaire-based study. Patients with diabetes (both Type-1 and 2) who were attended diabetic clinic in the Department of General Medicine, Maharaja Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Vijayanagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India was selected and recruited. Demographic data, clinical data were collected from the study participants. International Physical Activity questionnaire was used to determine each patient level of physical activity (PA). Physical activity is graded into low (3000 MET).Results: A total of 300 subjects were completed the entire study. Majority (62.7%) of the patients were suffering from Type-2 diabetes mellitus. Both male and female study subjects had low physical activity (70.5% and 74.1%) and moderate PA was seen in only one thirds of the patients. Patients with low physical activity had low glycaemic control compared to patients who were involved in moderate PA. Moderate PA patients had adequate glycaemic control (65.9 vs 34.1%, P <0.001). A total of 42.0% of subjects were suffering from one of the joint pains and friction joints, due to the following reason subjects were not involved in the PA.Conclusions: Low level of physical activity was observed in the study population, which is a risk factor for several micro-vascular complications over a period of time. It is very important to address the barriers of PA and vigorous counselling is needed which directs towards increasing PA

Sensor Network Deployment For Agronomical Data Gathering in Semi-Arid Regions

We share our experience in planning, designing and deploying a wireless sensor network of one square kilometre area. Environmental data such as soil moisture, temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity are collected in this area situated in the semi-arid region of Karnataka, India. It is a hope that information derived from this data will benefit the marginal farmer towards improving his farming practices. Soon after establishing the need for such a project, we begin by showing the big picture of such a data gathering network, the software architecture we have used, the range measurements needed for determining the sensor density, and the packaging issues that seem to play a crucial role in field deployments. Our field deployment experiences include designing with intermittent grid power, enhancing software tools to aid quicker and effective deployment, and flash memory corruption. The first results on data gathering look encouragin

Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus producing Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin in Trinidad & Tobago: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Certain <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>strains produce Panton-Valentine leukocidin, a toxin that lyses white blood cells causing extensive tissue necrosis and chronic, recurrent or severe infection. This report documents a confirmed case of methicillin-sensitive <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>strain harboring Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes from Trinidad and Tobago. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a case has been identified and reported from this country.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 13-year-old Trinidadian boy of African descent presented with upper respiratory symptoms and gastroenteritis-like syptoms. About two weeks later he was re-admitted to our hospital complaining of pain and weakness affecting his left leg, where he had received an intramuscular injection of an anti-emetic drug. He deteriorated and developed septic arthritis, necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock with acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to death within 48 hours of admission despite intensive care treatment. The infection was caused by <it>S. aureus</it>. Bacterial isolates from specimens recovered from our patient before and after his death were analyzed using microarray DNA analysis and <it>spa </it>typing, and the results revealed that the <it>S. aureus </it>isolates belonged to clonal complex 8, were methicillin-susceptible and positive for Panton-Valentine leukocidin. An autopsy revealed multi-organ failure and histological tissue stains of several organs were also performed and showed involvement of his lungs, liver, kidneys and thymus, which showed Hassal's corpuscles.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Rapid identification of Panton-Valentine leukocidin in methicillin-sensitive <it>S. aureus </it>isolates causing severe infections is necessary so as not to miss their potentially devastating consequences. Early feedback from the clinical laboratories is crucial.</p

Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus producing Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin in Trinidad & Tobago: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Certain <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>strains produce Panton-Valentine leukocidin, a toxin that lyses white blood cells causing extensive tissue necrosis and chronic, recurrent or severe infection. This report documents a confirmed case of methicillin-sensitive <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>strain harboring Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes from Trinidad and Tobago. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a case has been identified and reported from this country.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 13-year-old Trinidadian boy of African descent presented with upper respiratory symptoms and gastroenteritis-like syptoms. About two weeks later he was re-admitted to our hospital complaining of pain and weakness affecting his left leg, where he had received an intramuscular injection of an anti-emetic drug. He deteriorated and developed septic arthritis, necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock with acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to death within 48 hours of admission despite intensive care treatment. The infection was caused by <it>S. aureus</it>. Bacterial isolates from specimens recovered from our patient before and after his death were analyzed using microarray DNA analysis and <it>spa </it>typing, and the results revealed that the <it>S. aureus </it>isolates belonged to clonal complex 8, were methicillin-susceptible and positive for Panton-Valentine leukocidin. An autopsy revealed multi-organ failure and histological tissue stains of several organs were also performed and showed involvement of his lungs, liver, kidneys and thymus, which showed Hassal's corpuscles.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Rapid identification of Panton-Valentine leukocidin in methicillin-sensitive <it>S. aureus </it>isolates causing severe infections is necessary so as not to miss their potentially devastating consequences. Early feedback from the clinical laboratories is crucial.</p

Chelima Dykes, Cuddapah Basin, Southern India: a review of the age, petrology, geochemistry and petrogenesis of world's oldest lamproties

Chelima dykes represent an important phase of igneous activity in the Palaeo- to Meso-Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin of southern India. These dykes are also widely regarded as a source of nearby alluvial diamonds. Recently, questions have been raised regarding their petrological status as lamproites and on the possibility of crustal contamination influencing their geochemistry. One of the objectives of the present review is to address these issues. Petrology and geochemistry are indeed consistent with their nomenclature as lamproites. Crustal contamination is shown to be minimal in influencing their geochemistry. Available geochronological data make them the oldest yet recorded lamproites (ca.1400 Ma) in the world. Chelima dykes were derived from an ancient and anomalously enriched melt source region with lower-time integrated Sm/Nd ratios than Bulk Earth and evolved in isolation from the convecting mantle. Petrogenetic modelling reveal that their source regions have been strongly depleted in the garnet stability field followed by enrichment by a metasomatic melt rich in LREE and other incompatible elements before final partial melting. Despite their geographical proximity the Chelima dykes (along with those at Zangamarajupalle) are considered to be temporally as well as genetically unrelated to the (i) other igneous activities in the Cuddapah sediments and (ii) adjoining kimberlites in the Wajrakarur area towards the western margin of the Cuddapah Basin. Chelima dykes occur in an altogether different geodynamic setting compared to the deformed and metamorphosed alkaline rocks of the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt which are recently opined to have been located in an ancient suture zone