The red rain phenomenon of Kerala and its possible extraterrestrial origin

A red rain phenomenon occurred in Kerala, India starting from 25th July 2001, in which the rainwater appeared coloured in various localized places that are spread over a few hundred kilometers in Kerala. Maximum cases were reported during the first 10 days and isolated cases were found to occur for about 2 months. The striking red colouration of the rainwater was found to be due to the suspension of microscopic red particles having the appearance of biological cells. These particles have no similarity with usual desert dust. An estimated minimum quantity of 50,000 kg of red particles has fallen from the sky through red rain. An analysis of this strange phenomenon further shows that the conventional atmospheric transport processes like dust storms etc. cannot explain this phenomenon. The electron microscopic study of the red particles shows fine cell structure indicating their biological cell like nature. EDAX analysis shows that the major elements present in these cell like particles are carbon and oxygen. Strangely, a test for DNA using Ethidium Bromide dye fluorescence technique indicates absence of DNA in these cells. In the context of a suspected link between a meteor airburst event and the red rain, the possibility for the extraterrestrial origin of these particles from cometary fragments is discussed.Comment: 18 pages, 15 figures, accepted for publication in Astrophysics and Space Scienc

The genus Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae) in India

This paper provides a comprehensive taxonomic account of the genus Eugenia L. occurring in India. A total of 25 species and two varieties have been enumerated, of which 21 taxa are endemic to the Western Ghats. Eugenia macrosepala, an endemic species of the Western Ghats is reinstated here. Each species is provided with a short description, well known synonyms, types, distribution and phenology. An identification key is also provided

Trace elements analysis of Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. by EDXRF spectroscopy and its therapeutic role to diabetes mellitus

Minerals and trace elements have very important functions as they serve as structural components of tissues and also functions in cellular and basal metabolism. An important Ayurvedic medicinal plant, Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. was subjected to the analysis of its elemental contents in leaf and root through the EDXRF facility of UGC-DAE CSR, Kolkata centre, India, to develop a stronger basis for appreciating its nutritional and curative effects. The study is a new contribution. Various elements of biological importance for human metabolism were found to be present in different concentrations. The elements Ca, K, Si, Cl, P, and S were found in the highest concentration in leaf, in the descending order, but in the root, K took the leading position. The results have been discussed with reference to the established role of elements in physiology and pathology of human life. Special attention was given in revealing its role in bone building, controlling the sugar level and good wound healing capacity of the patients with diabetes mellitus

Trace elements analysis of Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. by EDXRF spectroscopy and its therapeutic role in diabetes mellitus

8-14Minerals and trace elements, as structural components of tissues, play vital role in cellular and basal metabolism. The Little Tree Plant, Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC., locally called Lajalu, is a well-known medicinal herb, traditionally considered as one of the 10 flowers used since ancient time for healthy life. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat various ailments viz., asthma, insomnia, convulsions, cramps, stomach ache, chest complaints, inflammation, tumours and skin disorders. In this study, we analyzed the elemental contents of its leaves and roots using EDXRF spectroscopy, and tried to find possible correlation with its nutritional and curative effects. The elements Ca, K, Si, Cl, P, and S were found in the highest concentration in leaf, in the descending order, but in the root, K took the leading position. The results have been discussed with reference to the established role of these elements in physiology and pathology of human life with special focus on its role in bone building, controlling the sugar level and wound healing capacity of patients with diabetes mellitus

Vrana Shopha - An Ayurvedic Perspective

Father of Surgery, Acharya Sushruta had complete knowledge of Vrana (wound) and their management along with its untimely and untreated complication. The Vrana Shopha is described as earlier phase of Vrana. Sushruta has mentioned in detail about Vrana Shopha. Vrana Shopha has 3 progressive stages. These are Amawastha (just early stage of inflammatory process), Pachyamanawastha (true inflammatory stage) and Pakwawastha (suppurative stage) respectively. Based on the vitiation of Dosha, Sushruta has described Vrana Shopha into 6 types: Vatika, Paittika, Kaphaja, Shonita, Sannipattaja and Agantuja. Acharya has differentiated them based on their Laxanas, such as colour, pain etc. Shatkriyakala was explained for the first time in this context by Sushruta. Sixty procedures for management of Vrana Shopha and Vrana was told by Sushruta. Out of these Apatarpana to Virechana were mentioned for Vrana Shopha and rest for Vrana. Knowledge about Vrana Shopha can prevent from further damage to the body

Role of volar plating in unstable distal radial fractures in elderly patients in tertiary teaching hospital

Background: Aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of volar locking plate fixation for unstable distal radical fractures DRFs in the elderly population (60 years old and older).Methods: An ethical committee approved the study protocol for research studies at NRI medical college. We included only unstable distal radial fractures in elderly patients between 60 to 70 years, and patients who consent to the study. We excluded patients with comorbid conditions and below 60 years and patients with vascular injuries. Results were evaluated by the DASH questionnaire and Gartland and Werley scores.Results: According to Gartland and Werley score, 30 patients (85.7%) had excellent and good results. According to the DASH score, 31 patients (88.5%) had excellent and good results, and four patients (11.4%) had fair results. The most commonly noted complications in our study were arthritis (2 cases 5.7%), extensor pollicis longus tendon irritation (1 case 2.9%), and Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (1 case 2.9 %).Conclusions: Locked compression plate in unstable distal radius fractures provides excellent results with an effective correction of distal radius anatomy. Early range of movements of joints leads to a good outcome and return to regular activity.

Machine Learning Based Method to Design a Facial Emotion Detection and Chat Bot System

One of the active areas of research trends is recognizing emotions in images. This project aims to identify facial emotions. The research concept in Emotion Recognition is included in the flow of our emotion recognition. These involve image acquisition, image pre-processing, face detection, feature extraction, and classification, with the machine being applied after the emotion have been classified.  Our framework relies on already-existing still images. This project aims to improve automated facial emotion recognition and build interaction between the system and the user (bot)