Combined effect of different plant nutrients of organic and inorganic sources on nutrient uptake and yield of groundnut crop

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of combined use of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers on uptake of available nutrients and yield of groundnut crop at Tamil Nadu Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during kharif season of 2008-2009. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (factorial) with two replications. Main pot treatments comprised of three types of manures viz, control ( M0 ), pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 ( M1 ), vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 ( M2 ), farmyard manure @12.5 t ha-1 ( M3 ) and sub pot treatment comprised of 4 levels of K viz, 0 (K0), 100 ( K1 ) , 75 ( K2 ) and 50 kg of K20 ha-1 ( K3 ) with a recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) respectively. The results revealed that highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake of 1.01, 0.96 and 0.80 g/pot was recorded in the treatment that received 75 kg K2O ha-1 and Pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 (K1M1) and in the pots which treatment received K1M1 showed the highest Haulm and pod yield of (28.25 and 24.5 g/pot) of groundnut crop respectively

Effectiveness of Humor Therapy upon Depression among the Elderly

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of humor therapy upon depression among elderly population at selected old age homes, Chennai. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out the prevalence of depression among elderly people in selected old homes. 2. To assess the effectiveness of humor therapy on depression among the elderly population. 3. To find out the association between the selected variables and the level of depression among elderly people. 4. To determine the level of satisfaction of humor therapy in the experimental group of elderly people. The study utilized the true experimental research design and the study was conducted at Anandham Home for the Aged, Kallikuppam and Little Drops Home for the Aged, Paraniputhur. Sixty elderly clients were selected and randomizations of the settings were done. Out of which, 30 clients were assigned to control group and 30 clients were assigned to experimental group. The depression scores were assessed for both the control and experimental group in both before and after therapy. Humor therapy was given in the experimental group for a period of two weeks, 1hr in a day. NULL HYPOTHESE: Ho1: There will be no significant difference in the depression scores in elderly people before and after humor therapy in control and experimental group. Ho2: There will be no association between the selected Demographic and clinical variables and the level of depression before and after humor therapy in the experimental and control group. The conceptual framework for this study is based on Roy’s adaptation model [1995] given by Sister Callista Roy with stimuli, adaptation mode, and behavior. An extensive review of literature and guidance by experts formed the foundations to the development of the tool. An experimental research approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The investigator used a Demographic variable proforma, Clinical variable proforma, Geriatric Depression Scale and a rating scale on the level of satisfaction of the humor therapy to collect the data. The data collection tools were validated and reliability was established. After the pilot study, the data for the main study was collected. The collected data was tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: Prevalence of depression among elderly people: The prevalence of depression among elderly people residing in the old age home was as follows as mild depression (46.62%) ,very depressed (18.91%) and overall as (65.53%). Demographic variables of the geriatrics with depression: A significant percentage of the elderly people in experimental and control were aged between 60-65 yrs (36.66%, 46.66%), females (73.3%, 66.6%), have studied up to secondary education (33.3%, 23.3%). Most of them were married in experimental group and control group (53.33%, 56.6%). Almost all of them (100%) were Hindus in the experimental group; whereas the majority of the participants in the control group were Christians (86.6%). The duration of stay in the old age home for majority of the elderly people were ≤ 1 year in experimental group (70%) and most of the elderly people in the control group (56.6%). Hypertension was the major illness present in both experimental and control group (20%, 23.3%) of the elderly people. Level of depression of geriatrics before and after humor therapy: Majority of geriatrics in the experimental and control group had mild depression (60%, 73.33%) and very depressed (40%, 26.66%) in the pre test. In the post test, 73.33% of the geriatrics in the experimental group has come to normal and 26.66% had mild depression. Where as in control group 70% had mild depression and 30% were very depressed. So the null hypothesis H01 is rejected. Mean and standard deviation of level of depression of elderly people before and after humor therapy: The depression score among experimental group in the pretest was high (M=16.33, SD=3.812) while comparing to the post test depression score (M=9.26, SD=1.712) which is high significant at p <0.001 level. Whereas in control group the depression score was almost the same (M=15.76, SD=2.639) in pretest and post test (M=15.13, SD=3.30) which is not significant (p<0.05). The study results showed that humor therapy reduced the level of depression among the geriatrics. Association between selected demographic variable and the level of depression of elderly people: Chi square test was done and association was tested. It was found that there was significant association between the selected variables (age, educational status, marital status and duration of stay in the old age home and medical illness) and the level of depression in both the experimental and control group. Hence the null hypothesis was rejected. There were no significant relationship between other selected variables and the level of depression, hence the null hypothesis was accepted. Level of satisfaction of humor therapy: The study results indicated that the geriatrics had high level of satisfaction on receiving humor therapy (86.66%). CONCLUSION: The findings of the study revealed that being in old age home and the feeling of loneliness were the causes of depression in the elderly people. Physical limitations and financial constraints added to their agony. Humor therapy is a non pharmacological psychosocial intervention for the treatment of depression

Optimised production of L-glutaminase: A tumour inhibitor from Aspergillus flavus cultured on agroindustrial residues

L-Glutaminase, an amidohydrolase enzyme has been a choice of interest in the treatment of lymphoblastic leukemia. This study investigates the production and optimization of extracellular glutaminase enzyme using several agro-industrial residues by Aspergillus flavus KUGF009 using SSF (solid state fermentation). Effect of process variables namely substrates, incubation period, temperature, moisture content, initial pH, supplementary carbon and nitrogen sources and metal ions on the production of L-glutaminase was studied and accordingly, optimum conditions were determined. A. flavus KUGF009 was cultured in tea dust to produce L-glutaminase. The organism produced high levels of glutaminase under optimized culture conditions on the 5th day of incubation at an optimum pH 4.0, temperature 30°C and moisture content 50% by SSF. Enhanced production occurred on the addition of dextrose, yeast extract and MgSO4 as nutritional factors.Key words: L-Glutaminase, anti-leukemic agent, Aspergillus flavus, solid state fermentation

EFFECT OF THE NITRATE FERTILIZER UREA ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE GILL OF FRESHWATER FISH CATLA

Ultrastructural study of the gill of Catla catla on exposure to 10% LC 50 sublethal concentration of nitrate fertilizer urea was carried out. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the lamellar cells in combination with epithelial lifting and edema were noticed. Necrosis of pillar system with lamella resulted in blood congestion and even an aneurism. Hyper secretion of mucous on the epithelium is to protect against environmental alteration was also determined. Infiltrated macrophages and leucocytes in the lamellar tissue were observed which was a compensatory repair response to tissue damages. Apoptotic condition of the cell is evident by clumping of chromatin, swelling of nucleus and mitochondria

Developmental regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis by c-Myc governs age- and tissue-specific sensitivity to cancer therapeutics

It is not understood why healthy tissues can exhibit varying levels of sensitivity to the same toxic stimuli. Using BH3 profiling, we find that mitochondria of many adult somatic tissues, including brain, heart, and kidneys, are profoundly refractory to pro-apoptotic signaling, leading to cellular resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapies and ionizing radiation. In contrast, mitochondria from these tissues in young mice and humans are primed for apoptosis, predisposing them to undergo cell death in response to genotoxic damage. While expression of the apoptotic protein machinery is nearly absent by adulthood, in young tissues its expression is driven by c-Myc, linking developmental growth to cell death. These differences may explain why pediatric cancer patients have a higher risk of developing treatment-associated toxicities

Evaluation of Effect of Yoga on Autonomic Functions and Adrenal Fatigue in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an emerging lifestyle endocrine disorder among the reproductive age group women. Many factors contributing to the development of PCOS are obesity, HPA axis disturbance, Insulin resistance and Hyperandrogenism, genetic factors environmental factors (like stress). Chronic stress indirectly contributes as an additional factor in the development of PCOS. Presence of distressing clinical features like obesity, Hirsutism also contributes to the stress impact in PCOS. It is also observed the presence of autonomic disturbances in PCOS. Presence of stress also alters the autonomic system. Even though many treatment modalities are available for the management of PCOS, Yoga therapy has gained clinical interest in the present day, found to have altered the basic aetiology and helps in the treatment of PCOS as well as prevention of complications of PCOS. Adrenal fatigue is a maladaptive state of adrenal gland (functional hypoadrenia) rather than a pathological damage which is due to the presence of chronic stress. When the person is exposed to stress, adrenals will go through different phases and finally for an exhaustion or fatigue state. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the effect of Yoga therapy on autonomic function and adrenal fatigue (salivary cortisol profile), perceived stress, psychological features like anxiety, depression in polycystic ovarian syndrome. MATERIALS & METHODOLOGY: The study included 30 newly diagnosed and a case of PCOS but not under treatment or Yoga or exercise. They were subjected to Yoga therapy (yoga specific for PCOS – designed by Yoga specialist) for 45- 60 mins /day 90 days with a break after every 6days. Before and after yoga therapy autonomic function tests, stress score (Cohen perceived stress scale), Anxiety (becks Anxiety scale), Depression (becks Depression scale), BMI, waist Hip Ratio, salivary cortisol levels (morning 8am, Noon 1pm, Evening 5pm, Midnight 11.30pm – 12Am) were performed. Yoga asana for PCOS: Om chanting Prayer(3-5mins), Surya Namaskar (12-15min) Sakthibandasana series (8-10mins), Titaliasana (1min), Baddhakonasana (1min), Paschimotanasana (1min), Shasankasana(1min), Vakrasana(1min), Bhujangasana (1min), Shalabasana (1min), Cooling Pranayama & Nadishodhana & ujjayi Pranayama,(10min), Hrudaya mudra& Savasana (8-10min). RESULTS: After 90 days of regular Yoga, results were analysed by using Paired T Test in SPSS version 21. Autonomic function tests were improved significantly (shift towards parasympathetic activity was observed) (P<0.001). Significant reduction in BMI, Waist Hip Ratio, Stress levels, Psychological parameters like anxiety and depression were noted. Mean salivary cortisol levels before intervention was at a higher basal level and after the yoga therapy salivary cortisol levels were significantly reduced. As salivary cortisol is the sensitive marker for the prediction of adrenal fatigue, according to the salivary cortisol levels (& stress score also considered) stage of adrenal fatigue was defined. Our study group are categorized under Repeated partial recovery followed by recurring Adrenal Fatigue before the intervention. After Yoga therapy, study population are improving from the state of Repeated partial recovery (pattern 3) and thus preventing from the entry into the final stage of exhaustion or Adrenal fatigue. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the regular yoga therapy helps in reduction of weight and improves the autonomic function and psychological parameters by improving the calmness of mind and reducing the stress. As the study group were defined in the stage of Repeated partial recovery followed by recurring Adrenal Fatigue because of stress, the novel stress reduction therapy, Yoga may prevent the further complications of stress in PCOS. Hence, yoga as a lifestyle intervention helps in the treatment of PCOS as well as prevention of further progression of the disease. It has the advantage of non-invasiveness, involves no medications and adverse effects

Li3MxV22x(PO4)3/C (M=Fe, Co) composite cathodes with extended solubility limit and improved electrochemical behavior

A first attempt has been made to prepare Li3MxV22x(PO4)3/C (M=Fe, Co) composite solutions by adopting a novel oxalic dihyrazide assisted combustion (ODHAC) method. The pillaring effect of Fe in Li3FexV22x(PO4)3/C and the possible electrochemical activity of the Co3+/4+ redox couple of Li3CoxV22x(PO4)3/C at a 4.8 V limit increases the structural and cycling stability of the native Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode respectively, thereby ultimately improving the electrochemical behaviour of Li3MxV22x(PO4)3/C solid solutions. An extended solubility limit of x = 0.10 for Fe dopant has been achieved for the first time through the present study against the reported value of x = 0.05 in Li3FexV22x(PO4)3/C compounds. The study demonstrates the suitability of the ODHAC synthesis approach in preparing a wide variety of phase pure Li3MxV22x(PO4)3/C cathodes. Further, the superiority of Li3Co0.10V1.90(PO4)3/C in exhibiting the highest capacity (178 mAh g21) and negligible fade (4%) and the demonstrated cyclability under the influence of 10 C rate has been understood as a function of the synergistic effect of the ODHAC synthesis method and the optimum concentration of Co dopant chosen for the stud

Social Discrimination in Bhabani Bhattacharya’s So Many Hungers

This article offers an in-depth analysis of suffering and social discrimination as a central theme in Bhabani Bhattacharya’s So Many Hungers. The novel portrays different types of socio-gender discrimination and his characters seem to be at war with both the self and society. India must reorient her national life on a new social basis where woman has to sacrifice her comforts in the social rebirth of India. It emphasizes the author’s nuanced portrayal of the Indian society during the tumultuous period of the Bengal Famine and the Quit India movement against the backdrop of World War II. Bhattacharya’s narrative unveils the complex layers of discrimination present within the society, accentuated by the crisis. The article commences by explicating the socio-economic disparities highlighted in the novel, examining Bhattacharya’s critique of the British colonial government and the elite Indian class. Bhattacharya astutely intertwines these inequalities with the plight of the famine victims, illuminating the juxtaposition between excessive affluence and abject poverty. The author makes a minute scrutiny of the prevailing caste system, elucidating how it perpetuates the vicious cycle of discrimination. Bhattacharya’s female characters, often victims of societal norms and expectations, expose the prevalent gender biases. However, they also emerge as symbols of resilience, defying their ordained roles in an oppressive system. The article argues that Bhattacharya uses this setting to indicate that freedom from colonial rule must accompany freedom from socio-cultural biases for India to truly progress. The study also depicts how a woman plays a role of a bridge between culture, custom and conventions. It tries to pose a testimony to the lasting relevance and power of his writing in contemporary discussions on social equity and justice. The innocent preys of hunger grab the role of hunters and try to explore the different reactions and the changed attitude for the same. This paper traces out the cause of human suffering and their possible remedies through a sensitive understanding of the problem of the contemporary Indian society

Combustion synthesized nanocrystalline Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode for lithium-ion batteries

Nanocrystalline Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite synthesized using a novel corn assisted combustion method at 850 8C exhibits superior physical and electrochemical properties than the one synthesized at 800 8C. Despite the charge disproportionation of V4+ and a possible solid solution behavior of Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode upon insertion and extraction of Li+ ions, the structural stability of the same is appreciable, even with the extraction of third lithium at 4.6 V. An appreciable specific capacity of 174 mAh g�1 and better capacity retention upon high rate applications have been exhibited by Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode, thus demonstrating the suitability of the same for lithium-ion battery application

Detection of mycobacterial antibodies in serum samples by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

10.5897/AJB11.1302African Journal of Biotechnology107116012-1601