Diversity of mosses in some selected regions of Nagaland (North-East India), India

During an investigation on mosses of some underexplored regions of Nagaland, 121 taxa of mosses belonging to 74 genera and 29 families have been identified. Atrichum crispulum Schimp. & Besch. and Plagiothecium neckeroideum var. niitakayamae (Toyama) Z. Iwats. are new records for India. Five taxa namely Fissidens crassinervis var. laxus (Sull & Lesq.) A. Eddy., Barbula inaequalifolia Taylor, Amblystegium saxatile Schimp., Dicranum orthophylloides Dixon and Fabronia madurensis Dixon & Vard. are reported for the first time from Eastern Himalaya, while 57 taxa are new additions to Nagaland

Etiological pattern of problems in an orthopaedics outpatient department of a tertiary care center

Background: Outpatient orthopaedics department of a tertiary care hospital sees large number of patients. However, the funds and resources are limited and have to be judiciously distributed. This study aims to study the etiological pattern of different patients that present to the outpatient department (OPD).Methods: Nine consecutive OPD’s data was studied for the etiology of the different diagnosis of new patients presenting to the OPD. Etiology of various diagnoses was studied as a percentage of the total patients.Results: Trauma of upper limb and lower limb formed a higher percentage of the total patients. Degenerative spine was more common than traumatic spine.Conclusions: Traumatic conditions of the lower and upper limb make up majority of the cases. Degenerative spine is more common than the traumatic etiology

Concentration Gradients of Ammonia, Methane, and Carbon Dioxide at the Outlet of a Naturally Ventilated Dairy Building

In natural ventilation system-enabled dairy buildings (NVDB), achieving accurate gas emission values is highly complicated. The external weather affects measurements of the gas concentration of pollutants () and volume flow rate (Q) due to the open-sided design. Previous research shows that increasing the number of sensors at the side opening is not cost-effective. However, accurate measurements can be achieved with fewer sensors if an optimal sampling position is identified. Therefore, this study attempted to calibrate the outlet of an NVDB for the direct emission measurement method. Our objective was to investigate the gradients, in particular, for ammonia (3), carbon dioxide (2), and methane (4) considering the wind speed (v) and their mixing ratios ([cCH4/cNH3]) at the outlet, and assess the effect of sampling height (H). The deviations in each at six vertical sampling points were recorded using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Additionally, wind direction and speed were recorded at the gable height (10 m) by an ultrasonic anemometer. The results indicated that, at varied heights, the average 3 (p < 0.001), 2 (p < 0.001), and (p < 0.001) were significantly different and mostly concentrated at the top (H = 2.7). Wind flow speed information revealed drastic deviations in , for example up to +105.1% higher 3 at the top (H = 2.7) compared to the baseline (H = 0.6), especially during low wind speed (v < 3 m s−1) events. Furthermore, [cCH4/cNH3] exhibited significant variation with height, demonstrating instability below 1.5 m, which aligns with the average height of a cow. In conclusion, the average 2, 4, and 3 measured at the barn’s outlet are spatially dispersed vertically which indicates a possibility of systematic error due to the sensor positioning effect. The outcomes of this study will be advantageous to locate a representative gas sampling position when measurements are limited to one constant height, for example using open-path lasers or low-cost devices

Questionnaire-based assessment on knowledge, attitude and practice of fixed-dose combination in medical undergraduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital, Kanpur

Background: Aim was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of second-year medical undergraduates towards FDC. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among second-year medical undergraduates of GSVM, medical college, Kanpur in the form of a pre-test, and after sensitizing the students about FDC, the same questionnaire was given as a post-test. Results: A total of 251 students, 157 students participated in the pre-test and 140 participated in the post-test. The percentage of male students in pre and post-test were more (58% and 61.4%) compared to female students (42% and 38.6%). After conducting a post-test survey, there is a significant improvement in knowledge and attitude toward FDC. Conclusions: The inclusion of FDC in the undergraduate curriculum is a good initiative by NMC but there is a need to conduct more CME, symposiums, and workshops in medical colleges to update the knowledge regarding FDC among medical undergraduates.

Role of AYUSH Therapies in Modern Medicine: A Qualitative Study to Explore the Awareness and Attitudes of Doctors Towards the Utilization of Alternate System of Medicine for Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To understand doctors' attitude to and awareness of AYUSH therapies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: This qualitative study, using a usage-and-attitude survey, was conducted in secondary centers across Mumbai, India. The study surveyed 77 physicians, including those specializing in diabetes. RESULTS: The majority of doctors were aware of Ayurveda (69%) and Homeopathy (52%). Some doctors were aware of Unani (34%) and Siddha (32%). Most doctors (60%) thought that Ayurveda was effective in some way. Almost all doctors (97%) thought that allopathic medicine was effective for DM. The majority of doctors (68%) had not recommended AYUSH therapies as an adjunct to modern medicines. Approximately half of the doctors (52%) believed that AYUSH therapies posed a safety concern for patients and 46% thought that AYUSH therapies could not be used to manage any form of DM. A large group of doctors thought that the main barrier preventing AYUSH therapies from being integrated into current allopathic management of DM was the lack of strong scientific evidence and clinical trials. CONCLUSION: The majority of doctors are aware to some degree of Ayurveda and homeopathic forms of treatment. The majority believe that AYUSH therapies pose a safety concern for patients and have no role in treatment for any form of DM. The most common barrier preventing AYUSH therapies from becoming a mainstream treatment option for DM is the lack of scientific evidence. From this sample, it seems that greater efforts are required to conduct research into the efficacy and safety of AYUSH therapies to ensure that doctors are able to provide holistic care for patients with DM

Far-Ultraviolet to Near-Infrared Observations of SN 2023ixf: A high energy explosion engulfed in complex circumstellar material

We present early-phase panchromatic photometric and spectroscopic coverage spanning far-ultraviolet (FUV) to the near-infrared (NIR) regime of the nearest hydrogen-rich core-collapse supernova in the last 25 years, SN~2023ixf. We observe early `flash' features in the optical spectra due to a confined dense circumstellar material (CSM). We observe high-ionization absorption lines Fe II, Mg II in the ultraviolet spectra from very early on. We also observe a multi-peaked emission profile of H-alpha in the spectrum beginning ~16 d, which indicates ongoing interaction of the SN ejecta with a pre-existing shell-shaped CSM having an inner radius of ~ 75 AU and an outer radius of ~140 AU. The shell-shaped CSM is likely a result of enhanced mass loss ~ 35 - 65 years before the explosion assuming a standard Red-Supergiant wind. Spectral modeling of the FUV, NUV, and the optical spectra during 9-12 d, using the radiative transfer spectrum synthesis code TARDIS indicates that the supernova ejecta could be well represented by a progenitor elemental composition greater than solar abundances. Based on early light curve models of Type II SNe, we infer that the nearby dense CSM confined to ~7+-3e14~cm(~45 AU) is a result of enhanced mass loss ~1e-(3.0+-0.5) Msol/yr two decades before the explosion.Comment: Submitted to AAS Journals, 4 figures, 2 table

Malaria elimination: situation analysis of cases in India, the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India, and district Mandla of Madhya Pradesh

India contributed approximately 66% of the malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia region in 2022. In India, approximately 44% of cases have been reported to be disproportionately contributed by approximately 27 districts.1 A comparative analysis of reported malaria cases between January 2017 and December 2022 was performed in Mandla district, which is the site of a model malaria elimination demonstration project (MEDP) in Madhya Pradesh (MP), India. Compared to 2017, the decrease in malaria cases in Mandla from 2018 to 2022 was higher than MP and the rest of the country. The reduction of cases was significant in 2018, 2019, and 2021 (p &lt; 0.01) (Mandla vs. MP) and was highly significant during 2018–2022 (p &lt; 0.001) (Mandla vs. India). Robust surveillance and real-time data-based decisions accompanied by appropriate management, operational controls, and independent reviews, all designed for resource optimisation, were the reasons for eliminating indigenous malaria in Mandla district. The increase in infection rates during the months immediately following rains suggests that surveillance, vector control, and case management efforts should be specifically intensified for eliminating imported and indigenous cases in the near-elimination districts to work towards achieving the national elimination goal of 2030

Science of malaria elimination: using knowledge of bottlenecks and enablers from the Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project in Central India for eliminating malaria in the Asia Pacific region

Malaria poses a major public health challenge in the Asia Pacific. Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project was conducted as a public-private partnership initiative in Mandla between State government, ICMR, and FDEC India. The project employed controls for efficient operational and management decisions. IEC campaigns found crucial in schools and communities. Capacity building of local workers emphasized for better diagnosis and treatment. SOCH mobile app launched for complete digitalization. Better supervision for Indoor Residual Sprays and optimized Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets distribution. Significant malaria cases reduction in Mandla. Insights from MEDP crucial for malaria elimination strategies in other endemic regions of the Asia Pacific