Impact of perioperative period on disease-free survival among carcinoma ovary patients treated with the interval cyto-reductive surgery at a tertiary cancer centre in Kerala, India: a retrospective study

Background: Global incidence of ovarian malignancies is 300,000 as per GLOBOCAN 2018. The treatment protocol for advanced ovarian malignancies (stage IIIc and stage IV) includes neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Aims of the study was to determine the effect of duration of chemo interruption on disease free survival of ovarian malignancies treated by interval cytoreduction followed by surgery.Methods: A total 48 patients were studied for events such as recurrence, death, patient’s status on last follow up, peri-operative period between 3rd cycle of chemo therapy and 4th cycle of chemo therapy. Based on the median duration of peri operative period patients was classified as early or delayed receivers of adjuvant chemo therapy. Difference in duration of over-all survival and disease-free survival was analysed through Kaplan Meier survival analysis using log-rank test. Hazard ratio adjusted for background characteristics such as staging, performance status, grade of tumour were analysed using cox proportional hazard model.Results: The two peri operative period categories based on mean value (85 days) didn’t show any significant association to disease free interval (minimum-21days, maximum-146 days, Hr = 1.3, p-value = 0.52). Other established factors like stage, extent of resection, response to chemotherapy, also didn’t show any significant association. Serum marker level showed a significant negative correlation with disease free survival (minimum-9 days, maximum-30659, p-value =.04, Hr = 3.19).Conclusions: The study could not establish any correlation between peri operative period and median disease-free survival. The small sample size is a limiting factor, well controlled randomized trials may needed for further clarification

Assimilating socio-economic perspective in designing crop sector technology interventions: A farmer participatory study on coconut sector in Kerala

The economic viability of coconut farming in the state has witnessed a steady decline due to a complex interplay of several socio-economic, environmental and institutional factors. But the crop sustains the livelihood of a significant share of the population in the state. Equitable growth in agricultural sector of the state cannot be attained unless the fortunes of coconut farming sector are revived. A critical understanding of the production environment is very important in crafting appropriate strategies for the sector. This study is based on a detailed analysis of socio-economic profile of 180 coconut farmers in Kerala across five major agro-ecological units, collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. The study draws on trends in relevant socio-economic trends to examine the reasons for the vicious cycle of low investment-low profits -low productivity. The study identified structural agrarian changes like low dependence on farm income, High share of non-farm income, high cost and non-availability of skilled labour, etc., as contributing factors to the extant situation. Based on the socio-economic profile of the coconut farmer and technical studies, soil nutrient management centric strategy was identified as the key element in reorienting coconut farming. The intervention strategy was designed as an alternative approach for reviving the economic viability of coconut farming. The initial results on farmer perception on impact of technology intervention, with direct and indirect links to several biological and socio-economic limiting factors, indicate significant improvement across several parameters influencing crop productivity. Assimilating the lessons from the operation of the intervention strategy, the study also outlines a roadmap for multiple institutional involvements for scaling up this strategy across the state

SUPPORTIVE THERAPY: AN OPTION TO ENHANCE HOST IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID-19

The threat posed by COVID 19 outbreak, which is considered to be a global pandemic, is immeasurably affecting all the communities worldwide. COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease, which can affect birds, humans and, other animals. The emergence of this pandemic has been creating a tragic situation worldwide by affecting more people through human-human transmission. The burden (both healthwise and economic) placed by the disease is so huge that any measures to improve the current situation, to fasten up the recovery of already affected patients and, to reduce the risk of death and health deterioration should be considered. Vaccination, being the hope in the scenario, helps in preventing the condition to an extent, but in the absence of availability of a proper drug regimen to fight off COVID 19, the requirement of the need to find a system to control the severity of the infection is a necessity Nutritional supplementation helps in boosting up the immune system especially, vitamins like vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Omega 3 fatty acids, etc. They also exhibit established immunomodulatory, antiviral as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Pieces of evidence have also highlighted the importance of supportive therapy using nutrient supplements in covid patients as it helps in prominent decreasing of SARS CoV2 load of the virus and also significantly reduces the hospitalization period. Hence the nutritional levels of each of the infected person must be assessed before initiating the anti-viral therapy. The search criteria used were PubMed, Medscape, google scholar, etc. The keywords used to search were COVID 19 Supportive therapy, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Nutrient supplementation, Host immunity, etc. The range of years is between 1978 and 2021

Mitochondrial DNA sequences for forensic identification of the endangered whale shark, Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828): A Case study

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the ocean, has become susceptible to over-exploitation and has a global conservation status of ‘vulnerable to extinction’ as listed by World Conservation Union in the Red list of threatened species. The increase in demand for its meat, skin and fins in international trade is a severe threat to the animal and its indiscriminate capture will have to be taken seriously as they may have a major impact in the marine ecosystem. Rhincodon typus was nominated in Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in April 2000, to enable adequate regulation of trade of whale shark products

Frequent occurrence of nematode parasites in moontail bullseye

Nematodes infect various organs of fish such as stomach, intestine, liver, gonads, swim bladder, fins, orbits of the eye and brain. This parasitic infestation is known to cause growth retardation and impaired gonadal development in fishes. Bullseye belonging to the family Priacanthidae is a major demersal fishery resource in India and mainly caught by multiday trawlers operated at 20-150 m depths. Nematode parasites were found in moontail bullseye Priacanthus hamrur landed at Cochin Fisheries Harbour during May-September, 2017 period

Prospective nutritional, therapeutic, and dietary benefits of camel milk making it a viable option for human consumption: Current state of scientific knowledge

For over five thousand years, people in Asia and Africa have known about the health benefits of camel milk. Thus, it is used not only as a food source but also as a medicine. The similarities between camel milk and human milk have been scientifically proven. Camel milk is unique among ruminant milk because it is high in vitamins C and E and low in sugar and cholesterol. Still, it contains a wide variety of beneficial minerals (including sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium), besides being rich in several nutrients, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, serum albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, lysozyme and the hormone insulin. Because of these components, many medical professionals now recommend camel milk as a treatment for various human ailments. It has been demonstrated to be effective in treating gastrointestinal issues, Type 1 diabetes, and food allergies. As a bonus, camel milk has been utilized to cure autism, lower cholesterol, prevent psoriasis, heal inflammation, aid tuberculosis patients, boost the body's natural defences, and impede the spread of cancer cells. Those who have problems digesting lactose may still be able to tolerate it. Conversely, camel milk can also help reduce an excessively high bilirubin, globulin, and granulocyte count. Drinking camel milk does not affect the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin concentration, and leukocyte count. The proteins in camel milk have an adequate ratio of critical amino acids. Immunoglobulins, which fight disease, are contained inside, and their small size allows antigens to penetrate and boosts the immune system's efficacy. This article highlights the health benefits and medicinal uses of camel milk

Beneficial impacts of biochar as a potential feed additive in animal husbandry

In the last decade, biochar production and use have grown in popularity. Biochar is comparable to charcoal and activated charcoal because it is a pyrogenic carbonaceous matter made by pyrolyzing organic carbon-rich materials. There is a lack of research into the effects of adding biochar to animal feed. Based on the reviewed literature, including its impact on the adsorption of toxins, blood biochemistry, feed conversion rate, digestion, meat quality, and greenhouse gas emissions, adding biochar to the diet of farm animals is a good idea. This study compiles the most important research on biochar's potential as a supplement to the diets of ruminants (including cows and goats), swine, poultry, and aquatic organisms like fish. Biochar supplementation improves animal growth, haematological profiles, meat, milk and egg yield, resistance to illnesses (especially gut pathogenic bacteria), and reduced ruminant methane emission. Biochar's strong sorption capacity also helps efficiently remove contaminants and poisons from the animals' bodies and the farm surroundings where they are raised. Animal farmers are predicted to make greater use of biochar in the future. Biochar could potentially be of value in the healthcare and human health fields; hence research into this area is encouraged. The present review highlights the potential benefits of biochar as an additive to animal feed and demonstrates how, when combined with other environmentally friendly practices, biochar feeding can extend the longevity of animal husbandry

Soils of India: historical perspective, classification and recent advances

Derived from a wide range of rocks and minerals, a large variety of soils occur in the Indian subcontinent. Soil-forming factors like climate, vegetation and topography acting for varying periods on a range of rock formations and parent materials, have given rise to different kinds of soil. The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur has developed a database on soils with field and laboratory studies over the last 30 years. This has generated maps and soil information at different scales, showing area and distribution of various soil groups in different agroecological subregions. The 1 : 250,000 scale map shows a threshold soil variation index of 4–5 and 10–25 soil families per m ha for alluvial plains and black soil regions respectively. Progress in basic and fundamental research in Indian soils has been reviewed in terms of soils, their formation related to climate, relief, organisms, parent materials and time

GBS-based SNP map pinpoints the QTL associated with sorghum downy mildew resistance in maize (Zea mays L.)

Sorghum downy mildew (SDM), caused by the biotrophic fungi Peronosclerospora sorghi, threatens maize production worldwide, including India. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to SDM, we used a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between resistant inbred line UMI936 (w) and susceptible inbred line UMI79. The RIL population was phenotyped for SDM resistance in three environments [E1-field (Coimbatore), E2-greenhouse (Coimbatore), and E3-field (Mandya)] and also utilized to construct the genetic linkage map by genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach. The map comprises 1516 SNP markers in 10 linkage groups (LGs) with a total length of 6924.7 cM and an average marker distance of 4.57 cM. The QTL analysis with the phenotype and marker data detected nine QTL on chromosome 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 across three environments. Of these, QTL namely qDMR1.2, qDMR3.1, qDMR5.1, and qDMR6.1 were notable due to their high phenotypic variance. qDMR3.1 from chromosome 3 was detected in more than one environment (E1 and E2), explaining the 10.3% and 13.1% phenotypic variance. Three QTL, qDMR1.2, qDMR5.1, and qDMR6.1 from chromosomes 1, 5, and 6 were identified in either E1 or E3, explaining 15.2%–18% phenotypic variance. Moreover, genome mining on three QTL (qDMR3.1, qDMR5.1, and qDMR6.1) reveals the putative candidate genes related to SDM resistance. The information generated in this study will be helpful for map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection in maize breeding programs

DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Changes in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Psoriasis: Identification of Epigenetically Dysregulated Genes

Monozygotic (MZ) twins do not show complete concordance for many complex diseases; for example, discordance rates for autoimmune diseases are 20%–80%. MZ discordance indicates a role for epigenetic or environmental factors in disease. We used MZ twins discordant for psoriasis to search for genome-wide differences in DNA methylation and gene expression in CD4+ and CD8+ cells using Illumina's HumanMethylation27 and HT-12 expression assays, respectively. Analysis of these data revealed no differentially methylated or expressed genes between co-twins when analyzed separately, although we observed a substantial amount of small differences. However, combined analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression identified genes where differences in DNA methylation between unaffected and affected twins were correlated with differences in gene expression. Several of the top-ranked genes according to significance of the correlation in CD4+ cells are known to be associated with psoriasis. Further, gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed enrichment of biological processes associated with the immune response and clustering of genes in a biological pathway comprising cytokines and chemokines. These data suggest that DNA methylation is involved in an epigenetic dysregulation of biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This is the first study based on data from MZ twins discordant for psoriasis to detect epigenetic alterations that potentially contribute to development of the disease