First record of a Leucosid crab<em> Paranursia abbreviata</em> Bell, 1855 from Devi estuary, Odisha Coast, India

117-119A leucosid crab Paranursia abbreviata Bell, 1855 is recorded for the first time from Odisha albeit from coastal waters of the Indian peninsula after half a century. Present study is an effort towards documentation of the species from Odisha, indicative of a range extension between the Coromandal coast and Gulf of Martaban, Myanmar

Evaluation of mustard genotypes [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] for quantitative traits and character association of seed yield and yield components at sub Himalayan region of West Bengal (India)

Brassica juncea is an important industrial and commercial oilseed crop grown primarily in India. This study aimed to assess 56 genotypes of Indian mustard to quantify genetic diversity, which aids the breeder in identifying genetically divergent parents to evaluate the proportional contributions of various components towards overall divergence. All the 56 Indian mustard genotypes were tested in RBD with three replications for 2 consecutive years i.e. 2016-17 and 2017-18 during the rabi season. Observations were recorded for 11 yield and its attributing traits. The findings revealed that height up to first branching, aphid count, penetration force and seed yield per plant had maximum PCV and GCV signifying that genetic factors have a greater impact on the inflow of these traits. Height up to first branching, secondary branches per plant, primary branches per plant, siliquae per plant, aphid count and 1000 seed weight had strong heritability combined with GA as % of mean. These indicate that the traits were controlled by additive gene action. Seed yield per plant was significantly correlated with penetration force and siliquae per plant. As a result, it's reasonable to predict that improving these traits by selection, could lead to significant yield gains. Four of the eleven PCs had eigen values greater than 1.0, accounting for 69.94% of the variance. PC I, which explained 30.31% of the overall variance. Mahalanobis D2 statistics revealed considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes. 56 genotypes were distributed into 7 clusters. This is anticipated that genotypes within a cluster are almost genetically related to one another. Cluster VII and II showed maximum inter-cluster divergence. From a breeding perspective, a divergence analysis revealed that genotypes like SKJM-05, RNWR-09-3, RW-351, B-85, DRMR-4001, RGN-386, TM52 276 and SKM-1313 can be selected as genetically divergent parents for hybridization to obtain desirable segregants

Hybrid Rice Research: Current Status and Prospects

Heterosis is a solitary means of exploiting hybrid vigor in crop plants. Given its yield advantage and economic importance, several hybrids in rice have been commercialized in more than 40 countries, which has created a huge seed industry worldwide. India has made commendable progress and commercialized 117 three-line indica hybrids for different ecology and duration (115–150 days), which accounted for 6.8% of total rice area in the country. Besides, several indigenous CMS lines developed in diversified genetic and cytoplasmic backgrounds are being utilized in hybrid rice breeding. NRRI, which has been pioneering to start with the technology, has developed three popular rice hybrids, viz., Ajay, Rajalaxmi, and CR Dhan 701 for irrigated-shallow lowland ecosystem. Biotechnological intervention has supplemented immensely in excavating desirable genomic regions and their deployment for further genetic enhancement and sustainability in rice hybrids. Besides, hybrid seed production creates additional job opportunity (100–105 more-man days) and comparatively more net income (70% more than production cost) than HYVs. Hence, this technology has great scope for further enhancement in per se rice productivity and livelihood of the nation

Differential nickel tolerance of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes in nutrient culture

Eight cultivars of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) were tested for their tolerance to different levels of nickel (Ni) (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 μM) in nutrient solution at pH 6.8. Seeds were germinated and grown in the presence of nickel under controlled environmental conditions. Standard growth parameters such as root length, shoot length, root/shoot dry biomass production and root/shoot tolerance index were used as markers of nickel toxicity. Measurements as early as 24 h after the beginning of treatment did not yield consistent results. However, root measurements 3, 6 and 9 days after the beginning of treatments yielded significant differences among cultivars which were similar to field performance in nickel-rich soils. The cultivars Dhauli and PDM-116 showed root growth while LGG-407, K-851, TARM-22 and TARM-1, TARM-21, TARM-26 exhibited a reverse trend in root growth in the presence of nickel (12 μM). The root tolerance index (RTI) and the shoot tolerance index (STI) with respect to Dhauli and PDM-116 were high indicating their tolerance to nickel; TARM-21 and TARM-26, however, showed a low RTI and STI. Based on the growth parameters eight cultivars of mung bean were ranked with respect to their tolerance to nickel: Dhauli > PDM-116 > LGG-407 > K-851 > TARM-22 > TARM-1 > TARM-21> TARM-26. Nickel induced greater G6PDH and GDH activity in Dhauli and PDM-116 as compared to LGG-407, K-851, TARM-22, TARM-1, TARM-21 and TARM-26. This method can be employed for quick screening of mung bean for nickel tolerance. (© Inra/Elsevier, Paris.)Tolérance au nickel de divers génotypes de haricot mungo (Vigna radiata L.) cultivés sur solution nutritive. On a testé la tolérance de huit cultivars de haricot mungo à divers niveaux de nickel (Ni) (0, 6, 12, 18 et 24 μM) présents dans une solution nutritive à pH 6,8. Les graines ont germé et se sont développées en présence de nickel en conditions de milieu contrôlées. Les paramètres standard de la croissance, tels que la longueur des racines, la longueur des pousses, la production de biomasse des racines et celle des pousses, l'indice de tolérance des racines et celui des pousses, ont été utilisés comme marqueurs de la toxicité du Ni. Les mesures faites 24 h après le début du traitement n'ont pas donné de résultats cohérents. La mesure des racines 3, 6 et 9 j après le début du traitement a donné des différences significatives entre cultivars qui avaient les mêmes performances au champ dans des sols riches en Ni. Les cultivars Dhauli et PDM-116 ont présenté une croissance racinaire en présence de Ni, tandis que la tendance était inverse pour LGG-407, K-851, TARM-22 et TARM-1, TARM-21 et TARM-26. L'indice de tolérance des racines (RTI) et celui des pousses (STI) indiquaient nettement une tolérance au Ni pour Dhauli et PDM-116 ; TARM-21 et TARM-26, en revanche, avaient un RTI et un STI faibles. La tolérance au Ni des huit cultivars, basée sur les paramètres de la croissance a donné le classement suivant : Dhauli > DDM-116 > LGG-407 > K-851 > TARM-22 > TARM-1 > TARM-21 > TARM-26. Le nickel a provoqué une plus grande activité enzymatique de la glucose-6-phosphate déshydrogénase et de la glutamate déshydrogénase chez Dhauli et PDM-116 comparé aux autres cultivars. Cette méthode peut être utilisée pour un criblage rapide du haricot mungo à la tolérance au nickel.(© Inra/Elsevier, Paris.

Does spending matters? Re-looking into various covariates associated with Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) and catastrophic spending on accidental injury from NSSO 71st round data

Abstract Background Accidental Injury is a traumatic event which not only influences physical, psychological, and social wellbeing of the households but also exerts extensive financial burden on them. Despite the devastating economic burden of injuries, in India, there is limited data available on injury epidemiology. This paper aims to, first, examine the socio-economic differentials in Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on accidental injury; second, to look into the level of Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) at different threshold levels; and last, to explore the adjusted effect of various socio-economic covariates on the level of CHE. Methods Data was extracted from the key indicators of social consumption in India: Health, National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), conducted by the Government of India during January–June-2014. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyse the various covariates of OOPE and CHE associated to accidental injury. Findings Binary Logistic analysis has demonstrated a significant association between socioeconomic status of the households and the level of OOPE and CHE on accidental injury care. People who used private health services incurred 16 times higher odds of CHE than those who availed public facilities. The result shows that if the person is covered via any type of insurance, the odd of CHE was lower by about 28% than the uninsured. Longer duration of stay and death due to accidental injury was positively associated with higher level of OOPE. Economic status, nature of healthcare facility availed and regional affiliation significantly influence the level of OOPE and CHE. Conclusion Despite numerous efforts by the Central and State governments to reduce the financial burden of healthcare, large number of households are still paying a significant amount from their own pockets. There are huge differentials in cost for the treatment among public and private healthcare providers for accidental injury. It is expected that the findings would provide insights into the prevailing magnitude of accidental injuries in India, the profile of the population affected, and the level of OOPE among households

Out of pocket expenditure on surgical and nonsurgical conditions in Odisha

Background: Out of pocket expenditure (OOPE) for any illness is still a major problem in India. Several evidence is available regarding growing OOPE and its impact on household poverty. However, limited evidence is there regarding OOPE on multiple disease conditions in public hospitals. Aim: To estimate the OOPE for various hospitalized conditions at the secondary level of care in Odisha and find out various financial coping mechanisms adopted by the patients. Methods: The primary survey was done in the secondary care hospitals in the two districts of Odisha using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were collected from 284 subjects (212 males, 72 females) in 2014 on the socioeconomic status and OOPE on multiple disease conditions. Descriptive statistics using Stata Version 11 were used to estimate the results. Results: The mean total OOPE was Indian Rupees (INR) 2107 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1788–2426) for single episode of hospitalization out of which medical expenditure was INR 1530 (95% CI: 1238–1821) and nonmedical expenditure was INR 577 (95% CI: 501–653). The OOPE on surgical conditions was 1.7 times more than the nonsurgical conditions. Drugs and diagnostics were the major components of hospital expenditure, whereas the share of transportation expenditure was more in the nonmedical expenditure. Further, most of the patients had to face hardship financing due to limited financial protection measures. Conclusions: With the growing debate on the rolling out of universal health insurance scheme in India, this study assumes significance by providing critical information for designing public financing strategies to protect the interest of the poor in public health care institutions

Prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy in India

Abstract Increase in the prevalence of hysterectomy among low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India has become a significant concern. Reports based on either a particular group or region show an increasing trend in hysterectomy, but there is a dearth of national-level data in this domain. Hence, there seems to be an urgent need to garner evidence on the prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy, which could pave the way for future programs and policies. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hysterectomy and assess its determinants using a nationally representative sample. An observational analysis was conducted using data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017–2018. 38,154 women aged > 18 years were included. A multivariable logistic regression, presented as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to predict the association between various socio-demographic characteristics and hysterectomy. A separate multivariable logistic regression model was executed to determine the association between selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and hysterectomy. Survey weights compensated the complex study design. The overall prevalence of hysterectomy was around 11.35%. Excessive menstrual bleeding followed by fibroids emerged as the leading causes of hysterectomy. The various determinants of hysterectomy were urban residents [AOR: 1.54 (1.21–1.96)], other backward class [AOR: 2.19 (1.72–2.78], working women [AOR: 1.19(1–1.42)] and the most affluent (rich) group [AOR: 2.06 (1.62–2.63)]. Hysterectomy was associated with cancer [AOR: 4.83 (2.51–9.29)], diabetes [AOR: 1.79 (1.25–2.57)], hypertension [AOR: 1.48 (1.27–1.71)] and joint diseases [AOR: 1.43 (1.09–1.88)]. Hysterectomy is considerably prevalent in India, which cannot be overlooked. Health promotion regarding hysterectomy and its implications is needed especially among urban residents, affluent groups and those with a higher body mass index. Health programmes aimed at women should follow a life course approach by prioritizing health and overall well-being even after reproductive years

Parametric Study of the Effect of Increased Magnetic Field Exposure on Microalgae <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> Growth and Bioactive Compound Production

This parametric study aimed to analyze the effects of increased magnetic field exposure (MFE) on the growth and production of the bioactive compounds of Chlorella (C.) vulgaris. With the intent of studying the effect of an increased MFE, the magnetic field typically experienced by life on Earth was amplified by an order of magnitude. In the increased-MFE environment, six treatments of C. vulgaris with two repetitions for each treatment were exposed to a magnetic field of 5 Gauss (500 µT) about each axis, which was generated in a state-of-the-art Helmholtz cage. The treatments and the control were characterized by the duration of exposure, which was varied from 0 min to 120 min with a step increment of 20 min. The treatments were repeated for six days (TR1) and twelve days (TR2) in two separate experiments. From the first day of the treatment, the specimens in both the experiments were propagated for twenty-one days. For parametric analysis, the overall growth, protein, and beta-carotene content were measured every three days for twenty-one days. For TR1 in general, the samples treated with the increased MFE demonstrated a higher growth rate than the control. Specifically, for the specimen treated with 40 min of the increased MFE, the growth on the 21st day was measured to be 38% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 120 min of the increased MFE, the protein content on the 15th day was measured to be 15.6% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 40 min of the increased MFE, the beta-carotene content on the 15th day was measured to be 20.4% higher than the control. For TR2 in general, the results were inferior compared to TR1 but showed higher production than the control specimen. Specifically, for the specimen treated with 80 min of the increased MFE, the protein content on the 21st day was measured to be 4.3% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 100 min of the increased MFE, the beta-carotene content on the 15th day was measured to be 17.1% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 100 min of the increased MFE, the growth on the 21st day was measured to be 5% higher than the control. Overall, the treated specimens in TR1 exhibited significantly higher production compared to the control specimen. The treated specimen in TR2 demonstrated some adverse impacts, but still exhibited higher production compared to the control specimen

Macrobenthic community of an anthropogenically influenced mangrove associated estuary on the East coast of India: An approach for ecological assessment

The Mahanadi Estuarine System (MES), with a complex network of freshwater channels, rivers, and mangroves, is a leading seaport in State Odisha on the east coast of India, but subjected to intense human activity in recent years. Such anthropic impingements are known to impact sediment-dwelling biota adversely. However, information on the macrobenthic community of the MES is not well documented yet. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study (February 2013-March 2017) were to address knowledge gaps on the macrobenthic community structure vis-à-vis local environmental conditions and to evaluate the extent of anthropogenic disturbances on macrobenthos. The results from 264 benthic grab samples (van Veen, 0.04 m2; 2 replicates × 12 GPS fixed locations × 3 seasons) revealed 73 taxa representing 64 genera and 48 families of macrobenthic fauna. The polychaetes (81.41%) and crustaceans (15.42%) were significant faunal groups that contributed mainly to the benthic population and diversity. Multivariate approaches using benthic community attributes and biotic indices (AMBI and M-AMBI) as proxy measures of environmental disturbances proved effective for appraisal. The correlations between the environmental parameters (temperature, pH, salinity) and community estimates were statistically significant. Hierarchical clustering analysis disclosed three major groups (Global R 0.70; p < 0.002) influenced by tolerant/opportunist species. The lower abundance, richness, diversity, and dominance of opportunistic species mark the signs of environmental stress. The community health status remained unbalanced, as indicated by AMBI scoring. M-AMBI analysis contributed best in differentiating areas exposed to diverse impacts and indicated polluted community health status with moderate ecological quality. Our results reiterate the effective use of macrobenthos as bioindicators for ecological status and monitoring. The findings could be utilized for future monitoring assessments, translated into valuable information, and designed into well-defined sustainable management strategies for the MES.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe