A prospective study of maternal outcome of labor and perinatal outcome in premature rupture of membranes

Background: Premature rupture of membranes refers to rupture of fetal membranes prior to the onset of labor. PROM is of two types viz. term PROM and preterm PROM. The incidence of PROM is at an average of 10%. In 70% of the cases, it occurs in pregnancies at term.  Preterm PROM- defined as PROM prior to 37 weeks of gestation- complicates 2% to 4% of all singleton and 7% to 20% of twin pregnancies. It is the leading identifiable cause of premature birth and accounts for approximately 18% to 20% of perinatal deaths. Methods: This study was conducted in the tertiary care teaching institute in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. After taking an informed consent, a proforma was filled on subject history, examination and investigations. These subjects were followed until delivery and then neonates were also followed. Results: Incidence of PROM was 8.76% of which 54.7% were primigravida and 45.3% were multigravida. Most of the patients (70.4%) were term, only 29.6% were preterm with gestational age of <37 weeks. Incidence of PPH was 2.8%, puerperal pyrexia occurred in 9.8%. The incidence of RDS in neonates was 8.9% while the incidence of neonatal sepsis was 6.7%. There was 1.1% perinatal mortality. Conclusions: From this study it can be concluded that basic aim of obstetrician should be to identify the risk factors leading to PROM, to treat complications and implement strict aseptic precautions to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity

Standardization of Water Requirement in Almond cv. Shalimar

The present investigation was carried out at Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) Srinagar on eight year old almond plantation [Prunus dulcis (Mill.)] cv. Shalimar during 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. The study was undertaken to determine the effect of different irrigation levels vis-a-vis various phenological stages on vegetative development and yield parameters. The experiment carried out in RCBD with four replications, consisted of four different irrigation levels viz., 0% ETc (I0), 100% ETc (I1), 75% ETc (I2) and 50% ETc (I3), and four crop phenological stages viz., fruit growth stage (C1), kernel filling stage (C¬2), preharvest stage (C3) and throughout the season (C4). Irrigation applied at various phenological stages did not increase vegetative growth of almond in terms of trunk girth and leaf area during 2008. However a significant increase in trunk girth and leaf area was noticed with irrigation during 2009. Bloom intensity and fruit set significantly increased with irrigation during 1st year which further increased during the subsequent year. Maximum bloom intensity (40.97%) and (46.16%), and fruit set (36.02%) and (39.09%) were recorded with highest irrigation level when applied throughout the season (I1 C4) during the respective years. Nut weight, kernel weight and their size recorded a significant improvement with irrigation. Highest nut weight (3.0 and 3.15g) and kernel weight (1.55 and 1.63g) were recorded in I1C4 during 1st and 2nd year, respectively. Yield of almond improved significantly with irrigation. Maximum yield (2.68Kg/tree) was recorded with 100% ETc level, applied throughout the growth stage (I1C4) during 1st year which further improved during 2nd year to the tune of 3.10Kg/tree. Shelling percentage of almond also recorded a significant increase with irrigation in both the years. Shelling percentage of 52.49 and 53.55% were recorded in I1C4 during the respective years. It is pertinent to mention here that most of the flowering and yield attributes of almond recorded at100% ETc level were statistically at par with 75% ETc level of irrigation at C1 and C4 stages. The percentage of defective kernels in terms of shrivelled kernel were recorded highest in control trees while as irrigated trees recorded the lowest. The NPK content of almond leaves increased significantly with irrigation. Similarly, Leaf Relative Water Content (RWC) was significantly higher in trees receiving highest irrigation level as compared to control trees. The water use efficiency was lowest at highest irrigation level compared to all other treatments. Hence, for commercial production, this nut crop needs to be irrigated for its optimal growth and development during the growing season. Furthermore, irrigation is very necessary for enhancing the flowering and fruiting characteristics of mature almond plantation and for long term productivity. 75% ETc level seems to be the best irrigation level wherein highest yield potential besides a saving of 25% water is achieved. Moreover, the flowering stage and especially early fruit growth stages seem to be the critical stages of irrigation in almond wherein water stress conditions can adversely affect the growth and development of this nut crop and that the post harvest irrigation in almond may prove to be beneficial in increasing the subsequent year flowering and fruit set. The two months prior to harvest are relatively less sensitive to water stress, when the process of dry matter accumulation goes on and where we can use Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) strategies without adversely affecting the yield potential of this nut crop

Exploring 3D structure of gonadotropin hormone receptor using homology modeling, molecular dynamic simulation and docking studies in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Reproductive processes in fishes are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, much like in tetrapods. Within this system, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is released by the hypothalamus, binding to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland and stimulating the secretion of gonadotropin hormones. The current study aimed to analyze the GnRH receptor in Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) using a computational and structural biology approach. The GnRH receptor gene of O. mykiss comprises a nucleotide sequence of 1707 base pairs with an open reading frame of 1251 base pairs, which is responsible for encoding 416 amino acids. It was found that the GnRH receptor contains leucine (L) as the most abundant amino acid. The secondary structure revealed that alpha helices constitute the largest percentage (36 %) with 153 residues, followed by extended strands with 77 residues (17.51 %). The GnRH receptor contains 26 negatively charged and 37 positively charged amino acid residues. The highest hydrophilicity was observed for lysine (K) at position 310, with a value of −3.900, while the highest hydrophobicity was found for leucine (L) at position 290, with a value of 3.80. Molecular docking analysis showed that the most favorable binding energy was observed for Gestrinone (−7.8 kcal/mol). Gestrinone was found to form hydrogen bonds with MET160, LUE245, LUE62, TYR216, and GLN209 residues of GnRH. Moreover, molecular dynamics revealed that the complexes form robust and enduring connections, indicating their structural integrity throughout the simulation. The results of this study provide insights into the protein modeling, molecular docking, and virtual screening of antagonist ligands against the GnRH receptor. Additionally, they may significantly aid in the advancement and improvement of therapeutic strategies targeted at treating various fish reproductive dysfunctions

Effect of Crop Load on Yield and Quality Parameters in Apple cv. Gala Redlum

The present study was conducted at the experimental field of the Division of Fruit Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during the year 2021-2022. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of varying crop loads on the growth, yield, quality, and return bloom of Gala Redlum apples, with specific emphasis on trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA). The experimental design involved a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, utilizing 4-year-old Gala Redlum plants. The trees were subjected to manual thinning, resulting in crop loads of 4, 6, 8, 10 fruits per cm² of TCSA, with a non-thinned control group. Notably, the maximum fruit yield (18.52 kg/tree) was observed in the control group (no thinning), while the minimum yield (7.57 kg/tree) was recorded in the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA), followed by C3 (11.03 kg/tree). Furthermore, the impact of different TCSA ranges on fruit yield was statistically significant. The maximum fruit yield (14.45 kg/tree) was observed in the S2 group (10-12 cm² TCSA), while the minimum yield (12.16 kg/tree) was noted in the S1 group (8-10 cm² TCSA). Yield efficiency, measured as yield per unit of TCSA, reached its highest (1.838 kg/cm²) in the control group and is lowest (0.766 kg/cm²) in the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA). The results further revealed that the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA) exhibited the maximum Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content (14.73 °Brix), total sugars (11.62%), and TSS: Acid ratio (61.45). Similarly, the C3 group (6 fruits per cm² of TCSA) demonstrated elevated TSS (14.20 °Brix), total sugars (10.99%), and TSS: Acid ratio (54.66). Additionally, the S2 group (10-12 cm² TCSA) recorded the highest TSS (13.75 °Brix), total sugars (10.51%), and TSS: Acid ratio (50.53). The combination of C2S2 and C3S2 treatments exhibited superior results, with the highest TSS (14.82 °Brix), total sugars (11.77%), and TSS: Acid ratio (62.64). Fruit firmness (8.81 kg/cm²) and fruit acidity (0.327%) were maximized in the C1S1 treatment combination

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies in District Srinagar, northern India - A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPrevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection provides essential information for deciding disease prevention and mitigation measures. We estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies in District Srinagar.Methods2906 persons >18 years of age selected from hospital visitors across District Srinagar participated in the study. We tested samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-based serologic test.ResultsAge- and gender-standardized seroprevalence was 3.6% (95% CI 2.9% to 4.3%). Age 30-69 years, a recent history of symptoms of an influenza-like-illness, and a history of being placed under quarantine were significantly related to higher odds of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies. The estimated number of SARS-CoV-2 infections during the two weeks preceding the study, adjusted for test performance, was 32602 with an estimated (median) infection-to-known-case ratio of 46 (95% CI 36 to 57).ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies is low in the District. A large proportion of the population is still susceptible to the infection. A sizeable number of infections remain undetected, and a substantial proportion of people with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 are not tested

Data_Sheet_1_Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-spike IgM, IgG, and anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies during the second wave of the pandemic: A population-based cross-sectional survey across Kashmir, India.docx

BackgroundWithin Kashmir, which is one of the topographically distinct areas in the Himalayan belt of India, a total of 2,236 cumulative deaths occurred by the end of the second wave. We aimed to conduct this population-based study in the age group of 7 years and above to estimate the seropositivity and its attributes in Kashmir valley.MethodsWe conducted a community-based household-level cross-sectional study, with a multistage, population-stratified, probability-proportionate-to-size, cluster sampling method to select 400 participants from each of the 10 districts of Kashmir. We also selected a quota of healthcare workers, police personnel, and antenatal women from each of the districts. Households were selected from each cluster and all family members with age 7 years or more were invited to participate. Information was collected through a standardized questionnaire and entered into Epicollect 5 software. Trained healthcare personnel were assigned for collecting venous blood samples from each of the participants which were transferred and processed for immunological testing. Testing was done for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-spike IgM, IgG antibodies, and anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies. Weighted seropositivity was estimated along with the adjustment done for the sensitivity and specificity of the test used.FindingsThe data were collected from a total of 4,229 participants from the general population within the 10 districts of Kashmir. Our results showed that 84.84% (95% CI 84.51–85.18%) of the participants were seropositive in the weighted imputed data among the general population. In multiple logistic regression, the variables significantly affecting the seroprevalence were the age group 45–59 years (odds ratio of 0.73; 95% CI 0.67–0.78), self-reported history of comorbidity (odds ratio of 1.47; 95% CI 1.33–1.61), and positive vaccination history (odds ratio of 0.85; 95% CI 0.79–0.90) for anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies. The entire assessed variables showed a significant role during multiple logistic regression analysis for affecting IgM anti-spike antibodies with an odds ratio of 1.45 (95% CI 1.32–1.57) for age more than 60 years, 1.21 (95% CI 1.15–1.27) for the female gender, 0.87 (95% CI 0.82–0.92) for urban residents, 0.86 (95% CI 0.76–0.92) for self-reported comorbidity, and an odds ratio of 1.16 (95% CI 1.08–1.24) for a positive history of vaccination. The estimated infection fatality ratio was 0.033% (95% CI: 0.034–0.032%) between 22 May and 31 July 2021 against the seropositivity for IgM antibodies.InterpretationDuring the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, 84.84% (95% CI 84.51–85.18%) of participants from this population-based cross-sectional sample were seropositive against SARS-CoV-2. Despite a comparatively lower number of cases reported and lower vaccination coverage in the region, our study found such high seropositivity across all age groups, which indicates the higher number of subclinical and less severe unnoticed caseload in the community.</p

Proceedings of International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable Planet

This proceeding contains articles of the various research ideas of the academic community and practitioners accepted at the "International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable Planet (ICCESP 2021)". ICCESP 2021 is being Organized by the Habilete Learning Solutions, Kollam in Collaboration with American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India. Conference Title: International Web Conference in Civil Engineering for a Sustainable PlanetConference Acronym: ICCESP 2021Conference Date: 05–06 March 2021Conference Location: Online (Virtual Mode)Conference Organizer: Habilete Learning Solutions, Kollam, Kerala, IndiaCollaborators: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, India

Global attitudes in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic: ACIE Appy Study

Background: Surgical strategies are being adapted to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations on the management of acute appendicitis have been based on expert opinion, but very little evidence is available. This study addressed that dearth with a snapshot of worldwide approaches to appendicitis. Methods: The Association of Italian Surgeons in Europe designed an online survey to assess the current attitude of surgeons globally regarding the management of patients with acute appendicitis during the pandemic. Questions were divided into baseline information, hospital organization and screening, personal protective equipment, management and surgical approach, and patient presentation before versus during the pandemic. Results: Of 744 answers, 709 (from 66 countries) were complete and were included in the analysis. Most hospitals were treating both patients with and those without COVID. There was variation in screening indications and modality used, with chest X-ray plus molecular testing (PCR) being the commonest (19\ub78 per cent). Conservative management of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis was used by 6\ub76 and 2\ub74 per cent respectively before, but 23\ub77 and 5\ub73 per cent, during the pandemic (both P < 0\ub7001). One-third changed their approach from laparoscopic to open surgery owing to the popular (but evidence-lacking) advice from expert groups during the initial phase of the pandemic. No agreement on how to filter surgical smoke plume during laparoscopy was identified. There was an overall reduction in the number of patients admitted with appendicitis and one-third felt that patients who did present had more severe appendicitis than they usually observe. Conclusion: Conservative management of mild appendicitis has been possible during the pandemic. The fact that some surgeons switched to open appendicectomy may reflect the poor guidelines that emanated in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2