Phytosociological Assessment of Vegetation at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Campus at New Delhi

The paper aims to investigate the phytosociological attributes the vegetation of the managed campus area of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) situated at New Delhi in India. The purpose of the study was to understand the diversity pattern of vegetation for its characterization. The vegetation sampling and data analysis were undertaken by adopting universally standard procedures. The findings of the study demonstrated that the study area had a total of 116 species of plants which belonged to 28 different families. Out of which 55 species of trees, 29 species of shrubs and 32 species of herbs were taken on record. The most common plant species based on importance value in tree, shrub and herb layers were found to be Azadiracta indica (IVI-66.87), Matricaria chamomilla (RVI-51.89) and Cynodon dactylon (RVI- 106.11), respectively. Amongst families, Fabaceae was found to be the most dominant. Results reflect dominance of higher trees over ground floras. This study provides baseline information for future studies on the managed and natural forest patches exiting in the campus, and suggests that suitable conservation and management of biodiversity can improve the natural floral and faunal value of institutional campus

Comparative study of diclofenac, paracetamol infusion, or a combination in post-caesarean patients for pain management

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released fresh information showing that the number of caesarean sections performed worldwide has increased and now accounts for more than one in five (21%) deliveries. 89.8% of women experienced significant post-operative discomfort following a caesarean section and 84.2% reported to have moderate to severe pain. This study aimed to compare diclofenac, paracetamol infusion, and a combination of both in patients of post-caesarean for pain management. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a tertiary care hospital in a rural area of Panipat, Haryana. A total number of 102 women who underwent caesarean section were taken for the study. They were divided into 3 groups each having 34 women. The first group was given diclofenac, the second was given paracetamol infusion and the third was given a combination of both for pain management. Results: In our study we have done visual analog score (VAS) scoring at 0, 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours and we found that the mean VAS score in group 3 was highest when compared to other two groups. We also found that on comparing data of VAS score between the three groups the p value came out to significant that is p≤0.001. Conclusions: We found that combination therapy had good results in comparison to individual therapy and had fewer side effects

Immunological profiles in HIV positive patients following Haart initiation in Kigali, Rwanda

Background: Interleukin-10, IL-2 and IFN -γ are some of the crucial cytokines associated with HIV infection and pathogenesis. While IL-2 and IFN-γ play critical roles in host resistance to infection, IL-10 inhibits the synthesis IFN-γ, IL-2 at mRNA and protein level; exacerbating damage to immune system.Objective: To determine the levels of, changes in and correlation between CD4 count, viral load, IL-10, IL-2 and IFN-γ before HAART and at six months of HAART among HIV positive patients in Kigali; with a view to understand cytokine networks particularly in relation to HAART ; and to see whether they can be used as alternative markers of the disease progression.Design: Longitudinal study.Setting: Kagugu, Kimironko, Biryogo, Gitega Health Centres and Centre Medico-Social Cornum; all located in Kigali.Subjects: Thirty three (33) HAART initiation eligible HIV positive patients including 13 women and 20 men.Results: A drop in viral load (though only a small number of patients achieved an undetectable viraemia); a recovery of CD4+ cells, a decrease in IL-10 (though it remained high for many patients especially those with unchanged viraemia); and an increase in IL-2 and IFN-γ indicated a successful HAART . A negative correlation between CD4 count and viral load and between CD4 count and IL-10 (but r <-0.5) was observed. IL-10 correlated positively and strongly with viremia (r > 0.5 at both time points: p-values <0.05). There was no significant correlation between CD4 count, IL-2 and IFN-γ.Conclusion: Results demonstrated the down-regulatory effect of IL-10 on Th1 cytokines and that a shift from Th1 to Th2 cytokine is associated with HIV disease progression. A successful HAART results in CD4+ cells recovery, drop in viraemia and IL-10 with up-regulation of Th1 cytokines. Also, findings show potential usefulness of IL-10 as a marker of HIV disease progression

Genetic analysis of novel Alu insertion polymorphisms in selected Indian populations.

Indian subpopulations (Chenchu, Koya, and Lobana Sikh) were analyzed at the genetic level for 12 Alu polymorphisms. These markers were then utilized to establish levels of genetic identity between the Indian populations and more widely between the Indian populations and a European population.Previously collected blood samples were extracted using the phenol-chloroform method. The samples were utilized as templates for PCR using Alu specific primers and then analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis for the presence and absence of the approximately 300 bp insertions. Allele frequencies were calculated by the gene counting method and were tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, heterozygosities, inbreeding coefficient, and GST to assess the level of genetic differentiation.All of the Alu loci were polymorphic in the three Indian populations studied and their average observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.294 (Lobana Sikh) to 0.357 (Koya). Allele and genotype frequency variation at the 2b, 9a, and ACE loci led to statistically significant pairwise differences among the three study populations. Overall population heterogeneity was observed for 7 out of 12 Alu polymorphisms.The overall results show that these Indian samples, though displaying significant genetic variation and differences among themselves, form an Indian cluster, which as expected, is distinct from the European sample (Russian). As Alus are easily analyzed and quantified by standard and cost-effective methodologies, this finding further reinforces their utility as effective population genetic markers. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Genetic variant of TGF-ß associated with decreased renal function in type II diabetes mellitus patient: single center pilot study in Indonesia

The interaction between genetic factors, blood glucose and hypertension plays a role in the onset of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Genetic variation of TGF-ß1 is associated with renal complication in T2DM with varying results between ethnicities. The Jambi Malay ethnic, which is the majority ethnic in Jambi Province, is an area that reports an increased prevalence of T2DM with DKD as the most frequent microvascular complications. In addition, previous study reported controlling blood glucose not associated with DKD indicating genetic may have play a role in DKD in this population. Studies related to genetic variation and decreased kidney function in T2DM patients has never been performed in this ethnic group. This study aimed to investigate the role of TGF-ß genetic variation as risk factor for decreased renal function in T2DM patients from Jambi Malay ethnicity. We conducted a cross sectional study involving 70 patients with T2DM. The inclusion criteria for renal complication based on a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73. The genotyping method used was amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) for TGF-β1 rs1800470 T/C. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to analyze phenotype and genotype association. The result of bivariate analysis showed T2DM patients with genotype CT (p:0.006; OR:0.125; 95% CI:0.027-0.575) and CC (p:0.007; OR:0.104; 95% CI:0.020-0.546) or C allele carrier (p:0.003; OR:0.117; 95% CI:0.027-0.500) had lower risk for decreased renal function than TT genotype. Multivariate analysis that included blood pressure and age variables showed the same finding for CT (p:0.007; OR:0.086; 95% CI:0.014-0.508) and CC genotype (p:0.022; OR:0.115; 95% CI:0.018-0.731). It is concluded from this study that T2DM patients with genotype CT, CC and carrier allele C have a lower risk for suffering kidney complications than genotype TT

Impact of removal of rubber plantations for urbanization on CO2 mitigating capacity by the loss of carbon sink in Kerala state, India

Mitigating climate change and global warming through carbon sequestration by tree ecosystems is of prime importance since they are cost-effective, environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable. Urbanization is a part of development, and rubber plantations are usually removed for this purpose, especially in Kerala, the southern state of India. Besides latex, the economic produce, and the associated income, the rubber tree is a fairly good sink for carbon in its biomass, with an average carbon content of 42 per cent and substantial carbon stock in the soil. In the present study, an account of total carbon loss by the removal of rubber plantation for urbanization and developmental activities are given. The present popular clone (RRII 105) existing in major share (85%) of the total rubber cultivation in India accounts for carbon sink loss 57 t ha-1, 57.5 t ha-1, 43.2 t ha-1 for 23 years and 148 t ha-1, 75 t ha-1 and 62.1 t ha-1 for 30 years from biomass, litterfall and sheet rubber respectively. The recent clones RRII 414, RRII 429 and RRII 417 have higher growth rates and higher biomass (44-50 per cent) carbon sink loss compared to the existing popular clone RRII 105. The carbon sink loss in the form of stored carbon in soil is 56.5, with a soil carbon content between 1.2 to 2 per cent. Due to the growth variation in diverse environments with extreme climatic conditions, the clones recorded differences in carbon stock and carbon sink loss. The central region of Kerala showed a higher loss, and a lower loss was in the drought-affected northern region than the southern region. The total carbon sink losses for 23 and 30 years were 214.2 and 341.5 t ha-1, respectively. This study points out that the serious carbon sink loss due to the removal of rubber plantations results in disturbing the self-sustained, carbon-friendly and economically sound perennial rubber ecosystem. Vegetation having higher C-sequestration potential and trees with higher lignin content is essential to increase carbon capture for mitigating the impact of the removal of plantations. From the present study, it is clear that the removal of rubber plantations is affecting the carbon sink loss, thereby the CO2 mitigating capacity, and is a serious matter of concern

Effect of wheat straw and FYM on growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida during vermicomposting

Rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization has led to generation of large quantities of wastes. Major portion of organic waste is burned or dumped, creating huge amount of pollutants. The best possible alternative to reduce these pollutants is through vermicomposting. This experiment was done to investigate the effect of wheat straw and FYM (farm yard manure) in different combinations of 1:1, 1:1/2 and control on biological parameters viz., mean initial weight (mg/worm), maximum weight achieved (mg/worm), net weight gain (mg/worm), growth rate (mg/worm/day), duration of life cycle (in days), initiation of cocoon production (in days), total number of cocoons produced (in days), initiation of hatching (in days), hatching per cocoon, cocoons produced per worm, cocoons produced per day and period for vermicomposting along with physico-chemical parameters of vermicompost viz., pH,EC (dS m-1), nitrogen (kg/ha), phosphorous (kg/ha), potassium (kg/ha) and organic carbon (%). The study revealed that maximum period required for Eisenia fetida to complete its life cycle was 59.33±0.39 days in 1:1 combination (wheat straw: FYM), 62.33± 0.29 days in 1:1/2 combination (wheat straw: FYM) and 66±0.77days in control. Net weight gain and growth rate was higher in 1:1 combination. Initiation of cocoon production (23.66±0.14 ) and hatching (21±0.25) was recorded to be early in 1:1 combination. Total number of cocoons produced, cocoons produced per day and cocoons produced per worm was also higher in 1:1 combination. At the end, ready vermicompost showed decreased level of pH, EC, OC and increased level of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content. The maximum significant results were obtained in 1:1 combination. In 1:1 combination decrease in pH, EC and OC was 11.09 %, 41.45 % and 59.55 %, respectively and increase in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium was 250.84 %, 216.12 % and 168.75 %, respectively. Results indicate that E. fetida in 1:1 combination is more suitable for bioconversion of organic residues into useful manure due to its high growth, reproduction and nutritive potential

Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock of Trees within the Campus of IGNOU, New Delhi (India)

This study aims to assess the biomass and carbon stock of the trees within IGNOU campus situated at the Indian national capital, New Delhi for an enhanced understanding about the carbon sequestration potential of the university campuses in urban setting. The aim of the paper is centered on the need to assess terrestrial carbon pools within a campus situated in the semi-arid forests of India which is significant for building suitable action plans for the purpose of managing ecosystems amidst the threat of anthropogenic climate change occurring due to rapid urbanization. The assessment of the biomass and carbon stock of the trees of the selected species within the campus was done by non-destructive method using allometric equations used prominently in previous studies identifying a total of 20 species of the trees comprising 1260 individual trees belonging to 14 different families of the trees. Findings of this study on identified campus trees, which comprised 1,260 individual trees, demonstrated to have moderate maturity in terms of storing carbon in the form of their biomass with the average DBH 25.34 cm. The values of their estimated total biomass and carbon stock were 75.26446 t/tree  and 37.63223 tC/tree respectively. The maximum value of the total biomass 13.01 t/tree was of Ficus recemos, and of the carbon stock 6.50tC/tree was of Ficus recemosa. Azadirachta indica species were found to be the most dominant species and their sampled trees were found to be able to sequester 537.526 tons of carbon in their standing biomass. The Phyllanthus emblica had the lowest carbon sequestration potential with 10.9 tons. This paper offers valuable insight with respect to the carbon sequestration potential of university campus situated in urban settings of a semi-arid forest ecosystem of Delhi by assessing the above- and below ground carbon storage potential of the trees. The findings are of significance for different stakeholders including primarily future researchers, planners and decision-makers engaged in the process of urbanization. &nbsp

Attributes of pharmacy's educational activities according to good pharmacy practice standards from the perspective of patients with diabetes

According to the Good Pharmaceutical Practice (GPP) Standards of Quality of Pharmacy Services, pharmacists should participate in preventive measures to improve the health of the population and prevent disease. The problem of diabetes is becoming increasingly relevant due to its prevalence and a significant number of undiagnosed cases. Patients with diabetes are frequent visitors to pharmacies and have specific needs for treatment. The purpose of the study was to determine the attributes of pharmaceutical educational activities in pharmacies according to the standards of GPP from the perspective of patients with diabetes, as well as to compare the obtained results with similar ones in other countries. The objects of the study were information sources regarding the involvement of pharmacists in the strategy of preventing diabetes in other countries, using literature review and analytical methods. To study the perspective of patients with diabetes, a semi-structured in-depth interview of patients with diabetes who use insulin therapy was applied. Based on research using the semi-structured in-depth interview method, attributes of educational activities were identified in providing pharmaceutical care to patients with diabetes according to GPP standards: identifying individuals with risk factor of diabetes and people with undiagnosed diabetes; group training of diabetes patients in self-management control; and recommendations flu vaccination in the pre-epidemic period. The availability of diabetes risk factor detection and blood glucose testing in pharmacies contributes to early diagnosis and motivates patients to change their lifestyles. Training people with diabetes by qualified specialists are important for diabetes patients. The organasing of the «diabetes self management school» in pharmacies will increase the accessibility of training for diabetes patients and at the same time enhance the role of pharmacists in clinical practice and the social image of the pharmacy. To promote flu vaccination among patients with diabetes, pharmacists should be actively involved in providing information and promoting vaccination. The identified attributes of educational activities in providing pharmaceutical care according to GPP standards have already been implemented in many countries of the world and have demonstrated their high efficiency for the health care system