Microbial insight into rhizosphere of arecanut palms of Wayanad using metagenomics

The rhizosphere bacterial diversity of a plant is considered to play an essential role in mediating plant as well as soil health. An attempt to explore the bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of arecanut palms in Wayanad was done to obtain an understanding of dominant bacterial phylotypes and the status of nutrient concentrations in rhizosphere soil and plants. Since arecanut production in Wayanad is facing a decline, a study to understand the rhizosphere conditions of healthy palms essentially provided insight into what strategies needed to be adopted for improvement of arecanut cultivation. The nutrient imbalance involving increased iron in soil and deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and boron in the Arecanut rhizosphere was found to be an evident reason for the decline in production. Apart from that, the biological activities in the rhizosphere by the diversity of microorganisms were studied to understand the dominant bacterial phyla and genera present in the Arecanut rhizosphere. The presence of various important bacterial phyla like Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes revealed the presence of various beneficial soil microorganisms and emphasized the need to enhance or augment the population of native microflora for efficient nutrient cycling by increasing the organic content of the soil. Since organic carbon is an essential requirement to support bacterial diversity, proper management practice that encompasses organic carbon amendment along with proper nutritional management could enhance bacterial diversity as well as health of the arecanut palms. The study indicated that the dominant bacterial phyla contained various beneficial microorganisms that can be exploited for improving nutrient recycling in the arecanut rhizosphere

Breeding French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for Resistance to Rust (Uromyces phaseoli Reben Wint.)

French bean is an important legume vegetable grown for its tender, green pods for both fresh consumption and processing. Rust, caused by Uromyces phaseoli, limits successful cultivation of this crop. Popular varieties like Contender, Pant Anupama, Pusa Parvathi, Arka Komal, Arka Suvidha, etc., are susceptible to this disease. The french bean variety, Arka Bold, having resistance to rust was used in hybridization with Arka Komal, a popular bush variety with high yield and slender, long green pods but susceptible to rust. Inheritance studies indicated that resistance to rust was controlled by a single, dominant gene. Pedigree method of breeding was followed for incorporating rust resistance in to commercially cultivated varieties. Breeding lines with resistance to rust were selected to F2 generation onwards. These were advanced up to F7, wherein, a promising line, (Arka Bold x Arka Komal) 99-17-2-1-4-12-3, with resistance to rust with high pod yield and good pod quality was selected and named Arka Anoop and released for commercial cultivation

16S rRNA gene taxonomic profiling of endophytic bacteria associated with phylaenopsis roots

Orchids are one of the main groups of ornamental plants commercially exploited. In the present study, we analyzed the diversity of bacterial community in Phalaenopsis root using metagenomic approach. The diversity of bacterial taxonomic category was assessed at different Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) levels using Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) pipeline and MG-RAST. At phylum level, Proteobacteria (61.34%) was the most dominant group followed by unclassified derived from bacteria (24.74%) and Actinobacteria (12.52%). Genus level analysis revealed the abundance of Rubrobacter, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. The study revealed that of the total species detected 50.83 per cent were unclassified, stressing the importance of metagenomics to assess the diversity of endophytes associated with orchid roots

Unlocking India’s Potential in Managing Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): Importance, Challenges, and Opportunities

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a prime concern for the environment and health globally. Research shows that in developing countries such as India both the environment and human populations are severely exposed to EDCs and consequently experience rising incidents of adverse health effects such as diabetes and cancers. In this paper, we discuss the current EDC management approach in India, critically assess its limitations, and describe opportunities for potential improvements. Foremost, current EDC management actions and interventions in India are fragmented and outdated, and far behind the modern and comprehensive approaches adopted in the European Union and other developed countries. Strong and well-planned actions are required on various fronts of science, policy, commerce, and public engagement. These actions include the adoption of a dedicated and modern regulatory framework for managing EDCs, enhancing capacity and infrastructure for EDC monitoring in the environment and human population, employing public–private partnership programs for not only managing EDCs but also in the sectors that indirectly contribute toward the mismanagement of EDCs in the country, and raising awareness on EDCs and promoting health-preserving consumption habits among the public. As India hosts a large proportion of the global human population and biodiversity, the success or failure of its actions will substantially affect the direction of global efforts to manage EDCs and set an example for other developing countries.publishedVersio

A comprehensive assessment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in an Indian food basket: Levels, dietary intakes, and comparison with

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in diet are a health concern and their monitoring in food has been introduced in the European Union. In developing countries, EDC dietary exposure data are scarce, especially from areas perceived as pollution hotspots, including industrialized countries like India. Several persistent organic pollutants (POPs) act as EDCs and pose a pressure to human health mainly through dietary exposure. In the present study, a range of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dioxins and furans were measured in several food items collected from Indian urban (Delhi) and peri-urban (Dehradun) areas. Food basket contamination data were used to estimate EDC dietary exposure and compare it with that of the average European population estimated from available monitoring data. All the target contaminants were found in most food items, especially in dairies and meat products. OCPs were the main contributers to the measured EDC contamination. Food supplied to Delhi's markets had higher EDC contamination than that supplied to the peri-urban market in Dehradun. Despite lax compliance and control measures, Indian dietary exposure of OCPs and PBDEs were comparable with that of Europe and were lower for PCBs and dioxins. Higher meat consumption in Europe only partly explained this pattern which was driven also by the higher EDC residues in some European food items. A substantial part of endocrine disrupting potential in the diet derives from food and animal feeds internationally traded between developed and developing countries. With increasingly globalized food systems, internationally harmonized policies on EDC content in food can lead to better protection of health in both these contexts

Bronchiectasis in India:results from the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC) and Respiratory Research Network of India Registry

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a common but neglected chronic lung disease. Most epidemiological data are limited to cohorts from Europe and the USA, with few data from low-income and middle-income countries. We therefore aimed to describe the characteristics, severity of disease, microbiology, and treatment of patients with bronchiectasis in India. METHODS: The Indian bronchiectasis registry is a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study. Adult patients ( 6518 years) with CT-confirmed bronchiectasis were enrolled from 31 centres across India. Patients with bronchiectasis due to cystic fibrosis or traction bronchiectasis associated with another respiratory disorder were excluded. Data were collected at baseline (recruitment) with follow-up visits taking place once per year. Comprehensive clinical data were collected through the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration registry platform. Underlying aetiology of bronchiectasis, as well as treatment and risk factors for bronchiectasis were analysed in the Indian bronchiectasis registry. Comparisons of demographics were made with published European and US registries, and quality of care was benchmarked against the 2017 European Respiratory Society guidelines. FINDINGS: From June 1, 2015, to Sept 1, 2017, 2195 patients were enrolled. Marked differences were observed between India, Europe, and the USA. Patients in India were younger (median age 56 years [IQR 41-66] vs the European and US registries; p<0\ub70001]) and more likely to be men (1249 [56\ub79%] of 2195). Previous tuberculosis (780 [35\ub75%] of 2195) was the most frequent underlying cause of bronchiectasis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common organism in sputum culture (301 [13\ub77%]) in India. Risk factors for exacerbations included being of the male sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1\ub717, 95% CI 1\ub703-1\ub732; p=0\ub7015), P aeruginosa infection (1\ub729, 1\ub710-1\ub750; p=0\ub7001), a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (1\ub720, 1\ub707-1\ub734; p=0\ub7002), modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea score (1\ub732, 1\ub725-1\ub739; p<0\ub70001), daily sputum production (1\ub716, 1\ub703-1\ub730; p=0\ub7013), and radiological severity of disease (1\ub703, 1\ub701-1\ub704; p<0\ub70001). Low adherence to guideline-recommended care was observed; only 388 patients were tested for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and 82 patients had been tested for immunoglobulins. INTERPRETATION: Patients with bronchiectasis in India have more severe disease and have distinct characteristics from those reported in other countries. This study provides a benchmark to improve quality of care for patients with bronchiectasis in India. FUNDING: EU/European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations Innovative Medicines Initiative inhaled Antibiotics in Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis Consortium, European Respiratory Society, and the British Lung Foundation

Estimation of Aerodynamic Derivatives of Missiles from Range and Simulated Data Using Nonlinear Maximum Likelihood Method.

This document contains the results of estimation of aerodynamic derivatives of (i) the AGARD standard ballistic model HB-2 from supersonic free flight data and (ii) a Trishul full scale model from 6-DOF simulation data. A hybrid type of formulation for the 6-DOF non linear equations of motion is employed wherein aerodynamic force and moment representations are in wind-axis and body axis coordinate systems respectively for the AGARD model. For the simulated data, the equations of motion are solved in fin-axis system with various transformations required between fin and body axis systems. Estimation results generated are based on non linear Maximum Likelihood method of Identification. The results for both the longitudinal and lateral stability derivatives of the AGARD model and the Trishul model, demonstrate the suitability and power of the model and the functional adequacy of the mathematical models used

Implementation of the Minamata Convention to manage mercury pollution in India: challenges and opportunities

The Minamata Convention (MC), a multilateral environmental agreement (MEA), aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and its compounds. The success of the MC essentially depends on its effective implementation in developing regions especially those where the contribution to global mercury emissions is large. We assess the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the MC’s implementation in India, which is among the top mercury emitters in the world. We examine the influence of existing Indian regulations on several aspects of the MC and highlight those areas that should be prioritized in future actions combating mercury pollution in India. India has elaborate regulations on several important aspects of the MC, yet their implementation and enforcement remain weak. To change the current situation, it is necessary to develop programs that systematically track mercury consumption, within-country trade, and emissions, monitor environment and human exposure to mercury, and reconcile the mercury management agenda and actions with national development plans in India. India needs to prepare, and timely provide to the secretariat of the convention, the National Action Plan (NAP) with a special focus on managing mercury emissions and releases as described in the Articles 8 and 9 of the MC. Overall, effectively implementing the MC in India will result not only in curbing mercury pollution, but also help in progress towards related Sustainable Development Goals.ISSN:2190-4715ISSN:2190-470

Variations in the prevalence of caesarean section deliveries in India between 2016 and 2021 – an analysis of Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh

Abstract Background The prevalence of C-sections in India increased from 17.2% in 2016 to 21.5% in 2021. This study examines the variations in C-section prevalence and the factors correlating to these variations in Tamil Nadu (TN) and Chhattisgarh (CG). Methods Delivery by C-section as the outcome variable and several demographic, socio-economic, and clinical variables were considered as explanatory variables to draw inferences from unit-level data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4; 2015-16 and NFHS-5; 2019-21). Descriptive statistics, bivariate percentage distribution, Pearson’s Chi-square test, and multivariate binary logistic regression models were employed. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Concentration Index (CIX) were used to analyse absolute and relative inequality in C-section rates across wealth quintiles in public- and private-sector institutions. Results The prevalence of C-sections increased across India, TN and CG despite a decrease in pregnancy complications among the study participants. The odds of caesarean deliveries among overweight women were twice (OR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.95–2.29; NFHS-5) those for underweight women. Women aged 35–49 were also twice (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.92–2.29; NFHS-5) as likely as those aged 15–24 to have C-sections. In India, women delivering in private health facilities had nearly four times higher odds (OR = 3.90; 95% CI 3.74–4.06; NFHS-5) of having a C-section; in CG, the odds were nearly ten-fold (OR = 9.57; 95% CI:7.51,12.20; NFHS-5); and in TN, nearly three-fold (OR = 2.65; 95% CI-2.27-3.10; NFHS-5) compared to those delivering in public facilities. In public facilities, absolute inequality by wealth quintile in C-section prevalence across India and in CG increased in the five years until 2021, indicating that the rich increasingly delivered via C-sections. In private facilities, the gap in C-section prevalence between the poor (the bottom two quintiles) and the non-poor narrowed across India. In TN, the pattern was inverted in 2021, with an alarming 73% of the poor delivering via C-sections compared to 64% of those classified as non-poor. Conclusion The type of health facility (public or private) had the most impact on whether delivery was by C-section. In India and CG, the rich are more likely to have C-sections, both in the private and in the public sector. In TN, a state with good health indicators overall, the poor are surprisingly more likely to have C-sections in the private sector. While the reasons for this inversion are not immediately evident, the implications are worrisome and pose public health policy challenges