Microbiological and enzymatic properties of diverse Jaivik Krishi inputs used in organic farming

Jaivik Krishi is a system of production and natural agriculture free from all fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and synthetic harmful substances. Organic Farming is a method which forbids the application of synthetic inputs (such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, feed additives, hormones, etc.) Jaivik krishi products (organic inputs) are organic formulations that boost the biological productivity of crops and the nutritional quality of vegetables and fruits. The use of Javik Krishi inputs helped in sustaining crop yields in organic nutrient management system. In the present study, various organic formulations were prepared from the various indigenous cow-products and plant based waste materials. Microbial count viz., total bacteria, fungus and actinomycetes count, and enzymatic activities viz., acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase were also evaluated in different organic liquid formulations. The average microbial count of Panchgavya (14.9x108, 5.8x105, 8x105 cfu/mL for total bacteria, fungus and actinomycetes count respectively) was highest among various Javik Krishi inputs studied followed by Dasparni. In present study, enzymatic activities of Javik Krishi inputs was directly related and corresponded to the microbial count. The enzyme activities of Panchgavya was highest (29.97, 52.10 and 66.64 μg/mL for acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase respectively) followed by Dasparni. These Javik Krishi inputs will benefit in enhancing the soil carbon content of soil and improving the soil fertility and micro-fauna

Why does currency denomination in external liabilities of small island developing states matter? Evidence from Fiji

The valuation effects on international investment position induced by the exchange rate volatility are not uniform or easily manageable in small and vulnerable economies when compared with larger developing or developed countries. To investigate the underlying dynamics, we developed a foreign currency exposure index over the period 2006–2019. The positive reading of the index suggests that though Fiji has a high net negative international investment position (90% of its GDP), it does not pose any serious risk. To ascertain determinants of Fijiʼs exposure index, we applied fully modified ordinary least square and autoregressive distributed lag bounds test. We have compared both estimates for consistency. Our findings suggest that the underlying determinants of Fijiʼs currency exposure are foreign debt, trade openness and exchange rate. This article bridges the gap in the literature on currency exposure risks in small island developing states and is the first study of its kind for the Pacific region

Risk factors for early mortality in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to the emergency room.

Abstract Background and objectives Mortality of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) admitted to emergency departments is high. This study was aimed at analysing the risk factors associated with early mortality and designing a risk score based on simple parameters. Methods This prospective case-control study enrolled patients admitted to the emergency department of a referral TB hospital. Clinical, radiological, biochemical and microbiological risk factors associated with death were compared among patients dying within one week from admission (cases) and those surviving (controls). Results Forty-nine of 250 patients (19.6%) experienced early mortality. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that oxygen saturation (SaO2) ≤90%, severe malnutrition, tachypnoea, tachycardia, hypotension, advanced disease at chest radiography, severe anaemia, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia and hypercapnia were independently and significantly associated with early mortality. A clinical scoring system was further designed to stratify the risk of death by selecting five simple parameters (SpO2 ≤ 90%, tachypnoea, hypotension, advanced disease at chest radiography and tachycardia). This model predicted early mortality with a positive predictive value of 94.88% and a negative predictive value of 19.90%. Conclusions The scoring system based on simple parameters may help to refer severely ill patients early to a higher level to reduce mortality, improve success rates, minimise the need for pulmonary rehabilitation and prevent post-treatment sequelae

Topical corticosteroid therapy: clobetasol propionate 0.025%

Topical corticosteroids have been the cornerstone of treatment over the last six decades for various dermatoses characterized by dry, scaly, crusted, or erythematous skin as well as those associated with inflammation and pruritus. The potency of a topical steroid depends on the specific molecule, the amount of drug reaching the target, absorption through the skin (0.25%–3%), and the formulation. Clobetasol propionate (CP) 0.025% cream formulation is a potent, fifth-generation topical corticosteroid. It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be applied twice daily for the treatment of moderate-to–severe psoriasis in adults. This case series covers the clinical experience of various dermatologists, including their expert opinion on the safety and efficacy of ImpoyzTM (CP) cream 0.025% in different skin disorders

Primary tubercular caecal perforation: a rare clinical entity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Intestinal tuberculosis is a common problem in endemic areas, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. An isolated primary caecal perforation of tubercular origin is exceptionally uncommon.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 39 year old male who presented with features of perforation peritonitis, which on laparotomy revealed a caecal perforation with a dusky appendix. A standard right hemicolectomy with ileostomy and peritoneal toileting was done. Histopathology revealed multiple transmural caseating granulomas with Langerhans-type giant cells and acid-fast bacilli, consistent with tuberculosis, present only in the caecum.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We report this extremely rare presentation of primary caecal tuberculosis to sensitize the medical fraternity to its rare occurrence, which will be of paramount importance owing to the increasing incidence of tuberculosis all over the world, especially among the developing countries.</p

Bacteria assisted green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles and their potential applications as antimicrobial agents and plant growth stimulants

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) have piqued the interest of agricultural researchers due to their potential application as fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers. The Serratia sp. ZTB29 strain, which has the NCBI accession number MK773873, was a novel isolate used in this investigation that produced CuO-NPs. This strain can survive concentrations of copper as high as 22.5 mM and can also remove copper by synthesizing pure CuO-NPs. UV-VIS spectroscopy, DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR, TEM, and XRD techniques were used to investigate the pure form of CuO-NPs. The synthesized CuO-NPs were crystalline in nature (average size of 22 nm) with a monoclinic phase according to the XRD pattern. CuO-NPs were found to be polydisperse, spherical, and agglomeration-free. According to TEM and DLS inspection, they ranged in size from 20 to 40 nm, with a typical particle size of 28 nm. CuO-NPs were extremely stable, as demonstrated by their zeta potential of −15.4 mV. The ester (C=O), carboxyl (C=O), amine (NH), thiol (S-H), hydroxyl (OH), alkyne (C-H), and aromatic amine (C-N) groups from bacterial secretion were primarily responsible for reduction and stabilization of CuO-NPs revealed in an FTIR analysis. CuO-NPs at concentrations of 50 μg mL−1 and 200 μg mL−1 displayed antibacterial and antifungal activity against the plant pathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas sp. and pathogenic fungus Alternaria sp., respectively. The results of this investigation support the claims that CuO-NPs can be used as an efficient antimicrobial agent and nano-fertilizer, since, compared to the control and higher concentrations of CuO-NPs (100 mg L−1) considerably improved the growth characteristics of maize plants

A bibliography of parasites and diseases of marine and freshwater fishes of India

With the increasing demand for fish as human food, aquaculture both in freshwater and salt water is rapidly developing over the world. In the developing countries, fishes are being raised as food. In many countries fish farming is a very important economic activity. The most recent branch, mariculture, has shown advances in raising fishes in brackish, estuarine and bay waters, in which marine, anadromous and catadromous fishes have successfully been grown and maintained