Quality of symptom elicitation in an epidemiological survey on tuberculosis

The quality of symptom elicited by health workers in an epidemiological survey on tuberculosis was assessed by again subjecting a 10% random sample of the persons interviewed, by the supervisory staff, independently. Three thousand four hundred and forty nine persons were thus interviewed twice. The overall estimates for overdiagnosis and under-diagnosis in the elicitation of symptoms by health workers were to the extent of 16% and 8% respectively, with minimal yield of sputum positivity from the discordant groups of persons. The additional load of 16% for sputum examination can thus be considerably reduced if health workers are well trained in symptom-elicitationscreening of the population and their work is monitored through spot supervisory checks

Dendrimers as a Novel Carrier in Anti-HIV Therapy

The present treatments for HIV transfection include chemical agents and gene therapies. Although many chemical drugs, peptides and genes have been developed for HIV inhibition, a variety of non-ignorable drawbacks limited the efficiency of these materials. Dendrimers has ability to carrier of antiviral drugs due to some properties such as mono-dispersity, defined structure, amenability for functionalization using diverse ligands and its low-nanometer size. In this review, we discuss the application of dendrimers as both therapeutic agents and non-viral vectors of chemical agents and genes for HIV treatment. In one way, dendrimers with functional end groups combine with the gp120 of HIV and CD4 molecule of host cell to suppress the attachment of HIV to the host cell. In another way, dendrimers are also able to transfer chemical drugs and genes into the host cells, which increase the anti-HIV activity of these materials. Dendrimers as therapeutic tools provide a potential treatment for HIV infection. Keywords: Dendrimers, Drug release, Drug targeting, gp120, CD4, Antiviral dru

EXTRACTION, ISOLATION OF ACTIVE PRINCIPLES, ANTI-BACTERIAL AND WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF THE MARINE ALGAL SPECIES OEDOGONIUM GLOBOSUM AND OEDOGONIUM INTERMEDIUM

Objective: Algae is the undisputed treasures of the sea and are a valuable raw material, providing unlimited opportunities for new drug discoveries. Marine algal products are in demand in the international market in the form of standardized algal extracts or semi-finished products. Methods: Aqueous and methanolic extracts of Oedogonium globosum and Oedogonium intermedium species were obtained maceration and hot percolation. The active principles from O. intermedium were isolated, purified by column chromatography, and characterized by spectral studies IR, λmax, 1HNMR and MS. The extracts of Oedogonium species were screened for their anti-microbial effects, acute dermal irritation and wound-healing activity studies. Results: Comparing to Oedogonium intermedium (45 %, 90 %, 87 %), very low extractive yields were obtained for Oedogonium globosum (10.80 %, 37 %, 28 %). At phytochemical screening, Terpenoids, Flavanoids and, Glycans were found to be present in a significant amount and upon their isolation, it was found that a collection of fractions from cold extract with Rf value in the range 0.32-0.34 as Glycans and those from the hot extract with 0.40-0.72 as Flavanoids and those from methanolic extracts with 0.23, 0.44 and 0.71 as for Terpenoids. Anti-bacterial study revealed out the fact of Oedogonium species could give higher inhibition to gram-positive than for gram-negative bacteria at (10 μg/10μl/disc) concentration. No symptoms of systemic toxicity and mortality were observed. Silver sulfadiazine, more potent in wound closure, the effect of methanolic extracts of O. intermedium (87 %) was almost at par to the standard (95 %) in action and significantly greater than O. globosum (72 %, P<0.05). Conclusion: Admittedly, Oedogonium type algal species can be known as medicinal algae with a plethora of a wide range of pharmacological activities. Thus, this research work may be considered further for extensive innovative discoveries of new lead molecules and any other pharmacological activities, in the future

Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude And Purchasing Decision Making Behaviour Among Women Towards Gold Jewellery In Vellore City – An Assessment

Society is diversified in all aspects. We see this among consumers, marketers, producers and even among consumer behavior from theoretical aspects. A decade has elapsed since the onset of the millennium and there have been many changes occurring across global economics which has had its repercussions on the Indian economy. Since the time of the liberalization of our economy Indian market has been greatly influenced by the global economy and global markets. From prehistoric times people all over the world have exposed special interest in gold jewels either for ownership or prestige or status. Passion for jewels is renowned. It is reflected in numerous customary occasions where it is not only measured promising but mandatory to gift Jewels crafted in gold. The bride’s trousseau is incomplete without the gold Jewels. It is evident that people demand for gold even though the pricesarehigh,expectingforthefuture increase. This is due to the expectation of more returns at the time of resale. This research study helps to comprehend the preferences of women towards gold Jewels; awareness about branded jewellery; and which factor mainly influenced the women to buy gold Jewels. This study also helps jewellery marketers to explore the strategies to be adopted for uplifting the market to plan for launching new brands and suggests ways to stay in touch with customers. Therefore this research paper give more importance to study the knowledge, awareness, attitude and purchasing decision making behaviour among women towards Gold Jewellery in Vellore City

Identifying Promising Pearl Millet Hybrids Using AMMI and Clustering Models

A set of 27 pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] ) hybrids that newly developed using A1 cytoplasmic male-sterile lines, were evaluated over three (two wet and one dry) crop seasons (hereafter refer to as environments) in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two replications to predict genotype by environment (G × E) interaction for grain yield and its component traits, and to identify the high yielding stable hybrids through AMMI and cluster analysis method for possible adaption. Analysis of variance showed significant genetic variation for all studied traits exists. The Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis indicated that genotype, environment and G × E interaction highly significant for grain yield and other traits. However, G × E interaction component explained very low magnitude (3.87%) towards total genetic variation, while genotype alone contributed much higher magnitude (8.04%) in AMMI model and found TNBH 05 45 was an ideal hybrid for all three environments for grain yield (34% over best control). Diversity analysis showed seven diverse clusters following Euclidean distance coefficient of 0.91 and found TNBH 05 03 and TNBH 05 45 hybrids are promising. Based on these two models, TNBH 05 03, TNBH 39 and TNBH 05 45 were identified for stable performance per se in all the environments, and could be used for subsequent advanced testing and hybrid breeding programmes for possible release within regions

Implications and Ways to Enhance Nutrient Use Efficiency Under Changing Climate

Introduction of fertilizer and fertilizer responsive crop varieties paved way for green revolution and it was responsible for doubling the crop production to meet the food grain needs of ever growing global population. Over the four decades reduced use of organic manure and injudicious use of inorganic fertilizer led to declining trend of organic carbon and pose serious global warming threats to the environment as well as mankind. Among the mineral fertilizer, nitrogen fertilizer occupies a major share in the global scenario in terms of production and application, it is the important crop responsive fertilizer at the same time overdose and improper application may cause N2O emission and NO3 contamination in groundwater. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied in large quantity next to nitrogen. Continuous use of primary nutrients and negligence of secondary (Ca, Mg and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B, Cu, Mn and Mo) application exposed severe multi-nutrient defi ciency in the soil. Changing climate highly infl uence the crop phenology, physiology, root morphology and uptake mechanism. Th erefore it is inevitable to understand the climate change mediated changes in soil nutrient availability and plant nutrient uptake in diff erent ecosystem. In the past two decades decreasing trend of nutrients utilization effi ciency and defi ciency of micronutrients rendered the land barren under changing climate. But direct impact of climate change on nutrient availability and uptake mechanism has not been understood. In this context, developing or modifying the management strategies to enhance the use effi ciency of applied nutrients is of paramount importance. Climate smart management techniques such as appropriate timing of nutrient application, using effi cient irrigation practices, converting to nitrogen-fi xing plants as cover crops and crop rotation. Employing advanced fertilization techniques such as controlled-release fertilizers and nitrifi cation inhibitors enhances crop productivity in sustainable manner. All these management techniques need to be tested through diff erent quantitative measures of nutrient use effi ciency of crops under diff erent soil conditions. Development of smart fertilizer delivery system for all the crops in diff erent cropping system needs to be explored. Tailoring of higher nutrient use effi ciency cultivars of diff erent crops should to be accelerated using advanced breeding techniques to mitigate adverse infl uence of climate change on crop productivity improvement

Soil health to human and animal health through breeding biofortified cultivars and balanced nutrient management for nutrition revolution in India

India has larger prevalence of micronutrient malnutrition as 50% of children and women are suffering from one or more essential micronutrient deficiency. There is an urgent need for the country to address this issue of malnutrition holistically through addressing the issue of soil health to animal and human health. Widespread multi-nutrient deficiencies in soil are resulting in nutrient deficient food leads to malnutrition. Feeding the children with supplements to address the issue is good to fix the issue quickly. However, in long-term, to find a sustainable solution, we need to adopt holistic approach. Along with demonstrated soil health management, biofortification research at ICRISAT is focused on improving grain Fe and Zn density. Our approach is to provide a “proof of concept” to address the issue of malnutrition through soil health management and biofortification of staple food crops. To make impact, soil health mapping, balanced soil nutrient for increasing crop yields and quality are proposed. Government of India has taken up soil health mapping and issuing soil health cards to all the farmers. Further, integration of biofortified cultivars of crops like millets in the states and country strategy, would help to achieve future targets of biofortified cultivars to reach one billion people by 2030. Market is a key driver for long-term adoption of biofortified cultivars by farmers and consumers, and a recent initiative on Smart-foods on millets and pulses by ICRISAT is expected to enhance this uptake process in collaboration with food industries. Holistic approach starting with identifying the soil nutrient deficiencies, meeting the crop demands through balanced soil nutrient management and using biofortified cultivars, can have increased micronutrient uptake capacity as well as capacity to have nutrient dense grains and fodder by increased nutrientuse efficiency and would significantly contribute to improved nutrition by increasing the daily micronutrient intakes as evidenced by bioavailability studies in millets..

Implication of Micronutrients in Agriculture and Health with Special Reference to Iron and Zinc

The green revolution fulfilled the food demand of crowded millions. From the time of green revolution to till date high yielding and fertilizer responsive varieties have evolved to increase the production per unit area. To improve the productivity only major nutrients are concentrated almost in all crops. Though the importance of micronutrient realized during past decades in most of the crops but it is not effectively materialized in general crop cultivation practices. The micronutrient deficiencies in soil are not only hamper crop productivity but also deteriorating the produce quality. World health organization (WHO) has estimated that over 3 billion people in the globe suffer from the micronutrient malnutrition and about 2 billion people of these have iron deficiency. Iron is one of the 16 essential elements needed for plant growth. Iron is used for the synthesis of chlorophyll and is essential for the function of chloroplasts. Zinc is involved in membrane integrity, enzyme activation, and gene expression. Rice, sorghum and corn are Zn sensitive and sorghum, sugarcane, groundnut, soyabean, beans, grapes, vegetables and citrus are highly Fe sensitive crops. To overcome these problems foliar spray is being recommended but it is not crop specific or soil specific recommendation. Keeping these problems in the view, recently development of micronutrient efficient genotypes, creating awareness of micronutrient dose, crop specific micronutrient uptake and accumulation are vital to improve productivity and to address human health problems. In this paper we discussed the importance of iron and zinc in agriculture and their role in crop plants and ways to improve the crop productivity as well as human health

Light interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE) in maize (Zea mays. L) intercropping with greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

Intercropping is growing two or more crop species simultaneously, different canopy architectures by row configuration, changing light interception, radiation utilisation, and increased yield. The present study aimed to evaluate different intercropping systems affected light interception per cent and radiation use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping with greengram (Vigna radiata L.) different ratios. Field experiments were conducted for Kharif 2022 and Rabi 2022-2023 seasons, which were laid out in a split-plot design and replicated three times. Three Nitrogen levels viz., N1 - 75 % RDN (Recommended dose of Nitrogen), N2 – 100% RDN, N3-125% RDN had taken as the main plot and three intercropping treatments were taken as subplot viz., M2G2- replacement series (two row of maize and two row of Greengram), M4G2- replacement series (four rows of maize and two row of Greengram), M2G3-paired row system (two rows of maize and three rows of Greengram), and sole maize. Both light interception and radiation use efficiency were significantly affected by intercropping systems. Light interception per cent of the main crop (maize) was significantly higher (69.0, 75.5 and 71.0 % during Kharif and 60.1, 78.1 and 76.6 during rabi) at vegetative, flowering and maturity phases, respectively. The Kharif 2022 and Rabi 2022-2023 maximum Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) of Maize intercropping with green gram (maize + greengram) was higher in T12 (M2G3 paired row with 125 % Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) recorded as 2.46 (Kharif) and 1.43 (rabi). The outcome might be utilised to optimise the row configuration of intercropping design, explain the mechanism of intercropping on light utilisation, and improve radiation use efficiency

Zinc deficiency in Indian soils with special focus to enrich zinc in peanut

In India, zinc (Zn) is now considered as fourth most important yield limiting nutrient in agricultural crops. Zn deficiency in Indian soils is likely to increase from 49 to 63% by 2025. India is leading in groundnut acreage but behind the China in production due to less productivity. Apart from raindependant cultivation and mineral nutrition play a vital role in groundnut productivity. Among the nutrients, Zn deficiency cause yield loss to the maximum of 40% in groundnut. The average response of groundnut to zinc fertilization ranged from 210 to 470 kg ha-1. Hence, it is ideal to follow suitable crop improvement and agronomic management strategies to enhance the uptake and availability of Zn in peanut. There are reports emerging that genetic variability exists among the peanut genotypes for zinc response and accumulation in kernel. This implies that high zinc dense confectionary peanut genotypes can be exploited for the further breeding programmes. In addition, Zn fertilization strategies viz., soil application of enriched Zn, seed coating and foliar application can be suitably adapted with available sources of Zn fertilizer to enhance Zn availability and uptake by peanut under changing climate. This article attempts to examine the status of Zn deficiency in semiarid tropics and approaches to enhance Zn content in peanut kernel through crop improvement and agronomic manipulation