Hexacyanoferrate(III) as a Primary Standard for the Determination of Sb(III) in Bicarbonate Medium

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A malaria outbreak in Naxalbari, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India, 2005: weaknesses in disease control, important risk factors

An outbreak of malaria in Naxalbari, West Bengal, India, in 2005 was investigated to understand determinants and propose control measures. Malaria cases were slide-confirmed. Methods included calculation of annual blood examination rates (ABER, number of slides examined/population), collection of water specimens from potential vector-breeding sites, sorting of villages in categories depending on the number of abandoned wells within two kilometers radius and review of the DDT spray coverage. Cases were compared with matched neighbourhood controls in terms of personal protection using matched odds ratios (MOR). 7,303 cases and 17 deaths were reported between April 2005 and March 2006 with a peak during October rains (Attack rate: 50 per 1,000, case fatality: 0.2%). The attack rate increased according to the number of abandoned wells within 2 kilometres radius (P < 0.0001, Chi-square for trend). Abandoned wells were Anopheles breeding sites. Compared with controls, cases were more likely to sleep outdoors (MOR: 3.8) and less likely to use of mosquito nets and repellents (MOR: 0.3 and 0.1, respectively). DDT spray coverage and ABER were 39% and 3.5%, below the recommended 85% and 10%, respectively. Overall, this outbreak resulted from weaknesses in malaria control measures and a combination of factors, including vector breeding, low implementation of personal protection and weak case detection

Radiological manifestations of splenic tuberculosis: a 23-patient case series from India

Background &amp; Objective: Splenic tuberculosis (TB) is a less common but important manifestation of abdominal TB, especially in India and other developing countries. Its prevalence is increasing with the epidemic of HIV-TB co-infection and subsequent rise in extrapulmonary TB. The range of radiological manifestations of splenic TB is poorly described. Here, we review the ultrasonographic and computed tomographic (CT) images of 23 cases from two large tertiary care centers in India. Methods: Radiographic images, ultrasonographic in all cases and CT in selected cases, were retrospectively analyzed in a series of 23 patients presenting to two large tertiary care centers in India, with suspected TB and with splenomegaly on physical examination. Images were assessed at baseline and when available following anti-tuberculosis therapy. Results: The ultrasound and CT findings included, in order of most common: single or multiple hypoechoic focal lesions, splenic abscess, calcifications (on CT), and isolated splenomegaly. Five of the six patients with findings of isolated splenomegaly on ultrasound were found to have lesions on CT. Interpretation &amp; Conclusion: Ultrasonography of the spleen is an affordable, non-invasive imaging modality, which can be helpful in diagnosis of splenic TB and assessment of therapeutic response. Proper use of this imaging modality in splenic TB should help avoid unnecessary CT imaging or invasive procedures. However, this technique is operator-dependent, and, when extensive intraabdominal involvement is suspected, or the diagnosis is unclear, CT may be necessary

A Clinical Study on Vrana Shodhana Action of Gomutra Arka in Dushtavrana w.s.r. to Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Context: The diabetic foot ulcer, being chronic in nature involves various tissues, it can be considered as Dushtavrana in Ayurveda. Proper Care for diabetic foot with medication and procedures that has hastened the healing process with less complication is the need of the hour. Aim: To evaluate the Vrana Shodhana action of Gomutra Arka in Dushtavrana w.s.r. to diabetic foot ulcers. Settings and Design: It is a clinical study with pre-test and post-test design. Total number of patient’s taken for the study was 40 excluding dropouts. The patients selected for the study were divided in to 2 groups, Group-A and Group-B, consisting of 20 patients each. Materials and Methods: The wound is examined, exudates, debris, slough were removed, the surrounding area was cleaned and pad soaked in Gomutra Arka was placed and wound dressing was done once in a day. Duration of study was 45 days or till the formation of granulation tissue whichever is earlier, assessment was done every 7 days. For healing Jatyadi Taila was applied after the Shodhana Kriya with Gomutra Arka. Conclusion: Gomutra Arka was having good results in reducing burning sensation, itching, smell, size, depth, discharge, edge, floor and presence of granulation tissues compared to Betadine. Both drugs have equal effect in reducing pain. Both drugs have Shodhana, Lekhana properties, hastens the wound healing process which helps in reduction of wound size. It can be concluded that Gomutra Arka application is effective in all types of Diabetic foot ulcer by their faster, effective Shodhana, Lekhana, Vedana Shamaka, Kandu Shamaka, Daha Shamaka properties compared to Betadine

Varietal Evaluation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Kachchh, India

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the important fruit crops of semi-arid regions of the western border of India with Kachchh district of Gujarat comprising of the highest area and production. The majority of the plantations in this area are seed propagated, resulting in high variability and irregular orchards. For systematic planting, a variety of desired quality is required for which this experiment was laid out in 2007 to evaluate five promising varieties viz., Barhee, Halawy, Khunezi, Khalas and Selection-3 in an RBD design, replicated four times. Evaluation of all these varieties was done during 2016-18 when all the plants came into regular bearing. Observations with respect to vegetative characters, yield attributing characters, duration of fruit harvesting and fruit characters were recorded and finally varieties were compared with a scorecard to identify the best variety for commercial cultivation. After the evaluation, it was found that Barhee performed best among the cultivars compared and is suitable for commercial cultivation in the Gujarat state of India

Reduction in seed cotton yield corresponding with symptom severity grades of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Not AvailableCotton leaf curl disease is the major constraint in cotton production in the Indian subcontinent. A field study (2012-2017) was conducted to assess seed cotton yield on Bt cotton cultivars analogous to the symptom rating scales (DRS) of CLCuD. The DRS is used to derive the percent disease intensity (PDI). Presently, percent disease index (PDI) for resistance screening ranges between 0.1 to 50%, corresponding to the DRS 1 to 6, which is lower than the mathematical midpoint value ranging between 8.4 to 91.8% and breeding material with good yield potential may be ignored during screening. The average yield loss corresponding to the DRS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 was 15, 28, 38.6, 49.1, 59.1 and 72.1%. Hence, the newly proposed disease response scale would be much more justifiable and reliable for decision-making and determining the level of resistance or susceptibility in the genotypes, because the estimated severity may be much lower than the actual severityNot Availabl

The role of dairy in healthy and sustainable food systems: community voices from India

This is the final version. Available on open access from BMC via the DOI in this recordAvailability of data and materials: The data are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.Background Managing the role of dairy foods in healthy and sustainable food systems is challenging. Milk production is associated with greenhouse gas emissions and milk-based processed foods can be high in fat, sugar and salt; yet, milk production provides income generating opportunities for farmers and dairy foods provide essential nutrients to young children, with a cultural significance in many communities. This is particularly relevant to India, the world’s largest producer of milk. The aim of this study was to use Photovoice, a participatory research method, to explore the experiences and perceptions of communities in India on the role of dairy products in local sustainable and healthy food systems. Methods Purposive sampling recruited two women’s self-help groups in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: one in a rural area and one in an urban area. A total of 31 participants (10–17 urban group and 12–14 rural group), produced photographs with captions to represent their views on how dairy was produced, sold, and consumed in their community. A discussion workshop was held in each area, with prompts to consider health and the environment. Workshop transcripts, photographs and captions were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Results A range of experiences and perceptions were discussed by the two women’s self help groups. Participants had an awareness of their local food system and how stages of dairy food supply chains were non-linear and inherently interconnected. Three main themes were identified: 1) Quality and value matters to producers and consumers; 2) The need to adapt to sustain dairy farmer livelihoods in water scarce areas; 3) It’s not only about health. Conclusions Moderate milk-producing states such as Andhra Pradesh will continue to develop their dairy industry through policy actions. Including communities in policy discussions through innovative methods like Photovoice can help to maximise the positive and minimise the negative role of dairy in evolving local food systems.Wellcome Trus

Star Formation Activity in the Galactic HII Complex S255-S257

We present results on the star-formation activity of an optically obscured region containing an embedded cluster (S255-IR) and molecular gas between two evolved HII regions S255 and S257. We have studied the complex using optical, near-infrared (NIR) imaging, optical spectroscopy and radio continnum mapping at 15 GHz, along with Spitzer-IRAC results. It is found that the main exciting sources of the evolved HII regions S255 and S257 and the compact HII regions associated with S255-IR are of O9.5 - B3 V nature, consistent with previous observations. Our NIR observations reveal 109 likely young stellar object (YSO) candidates in an area of ~ 4'.9 x 4'.9 centered on S255-IR, which include 69 new YSO candidates. Our observations increased the number of previously identified YSOs in this region by 32%. To see the global star formation, we constructed the V-I/V diagram for 51 optically identified IRAC YSOs in an area of ~ 13' x 13' centered on S255-IR. We suggest that these YSOs have an approximate age between 0.1 - 4 Myr, indicating a non-coeval star formation. Using spectral energy distribution models, we constrained physical properties and evolutionary status of 31 and 16 YSO candidates outside and inside the gas ridge, respectively. The models suggest that the sources associated within the gas ridge are of younger population (mean age ~ 1.2 Myr) than the sources outside the gas ridge (mean age ~ 2.5 Myr). The positions of the young sources inside the gas ridge at the interface of the HII regions S255 and S257, favor a site of induced star formation.Comment: 46 pages, 14 figures, 5 tables. Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa

Creating Scientific Temperament through Children’s Science Congress in Uttarakhand, India

Science and Technology provide hands-on guidance in every field such as agriculture, medical sciences, health care, innovations, public utility services, internal and external security, education, entertainment; information and technology, etc. The awareness related to science through informing, educating, and sharing knowledge for promoting sustainable development is known as science communication. The basic aim of science popularization is to expose the society and upcoming generations to the virtues of scientific development and to help them understand the science in their daily life and surroundings as well. Motivating school children towards science is an important aim of science communication at the school level. The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi has been organizing the “Children’s Science Congress (CSC)” as one of the mega flagship programmes at the block, district, state, and the national level throughout the country since the last 27 years. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to compile the experiences of three consecutive years (2017, 2018, and 2019) of Children’s Science Congress organized by the State Council for Science and Technology. It was categorized under seven themes in 2017, while two themes were merged in 2018 and 2019. A total of 11 districts of Uttarakhand participated in the 25th Children’s Science Congress during 2017, while in 2018 and 2019, all (thirteen) districts participated in the Children’s Science Congress. The total number of child scientists from different districts were found to be diverse – 107, 142, and 138 during the 25th, 26th and 27th Children’s Science Congress of Uttarakhand held in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. In the present paper an attempt has been made to understand the impact of Children’s Science Congress (CSC) for creating scientific temper among child scientists and mentors