Utility of nucleated RBCs in critical care patients in a tertiary care centre

Background: In healthy adults and older children, NRBCs are normally found only in the blood-building bone marrow where they mature. Their appearance in peripheral blood points to extramedullary erythropoiesis or disruption of the blood-bone marrow barrier. Aim of current study was to evaluate and compare the prognostic significance of NRBCs in the peripheral blood of intensive care patients (ICU) and non-intensive care patients (non-ICI) and to assess the morbidity and mortality risk associated with NRBCs among ICU and non-ICU patients. Methods: Relevant clinical details and investigations were collected from the Haematology nominal Register of the Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College. Blood samples were routinely drawn in the morning. The presence of NRBCs in the peripheral blood was detected with the help of an automated analyser (Sysmex XN 1000) and confirmed by a peripheral smear. Results: Among the NRBC-positive study population, mortality rate was 28% and was associated with ICU admission status, and death was predominantly due to cardiovascular causes. The highest NRBC value during the period of admission was significantly associated with deceased patients and ICU patients (p values of <0.001 and 0.002 respectively). The Pearson correlation of NRBC shows a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine and a negative correlation with platelets. Conclusions: The presence of NRBCs in the peripheral blood of critically ill adults is a significant prognostic marker of morbidity and mortality, laying down the emphasis on daily screening of peripheral smears for NRBCs

Evaluation of different traps for the invasive leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis in potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields of the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India

Potatoes are currently threatened by the pea leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard), an exotic, exceedingly polyphagous, and chemically resistant pest that attacks a wide range of crops, ornamental plants, and weeds. The present work was conducted to study the attractiveness of various traps to Liriomyza leaf miner, one of the invasive pests recently observed in potato fields of Kotagiri and Ooty in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. A trial was conducted at these two different locations, the Nilgiris district, in 2021. The results revealed that among different traps tested for their efficacy in attracting the leaf miner, L. huidobrensis, yellow sticky trap was found to be more efficient in attracting adult leaf miner flies with the mean trap catches of 40.49 and 36.64 adult flies/ 10 cm2 areas at Kotagiri and Ooty respectively. The peak population of leaf miners was recorded in the last week of April (45.67 adult flies/ 10 cm2 areas) at Ooty and during the 3rd week of June (52.33 adult flies/ 10 cm2 areas) at Kotagiri. The correlation study revealed a significant positive correlation of the trap catches with maximum temperature, diurnal variation (DV) and growing day degrees (GDD). Multiple regression equation was also developed, where the abiotic factors contributed 46.1% and 65.5% to the Liriomyza leaf miner population fluctuation in the potato ecosystem. The trappers may be used to determine the initial presence of a leaf miners’ population and in projecting their future population through pest management models and management decisions

Robust Rate control for Video Streaming in Heterogeneous Environment

The problem of scalable video streaming from a server to multinetwork clients over heterogeneous access networks, with the goal of minimizing the distortion of the received videos. This problem has numerous applications. They are: 1) mo-bile devices connecting to multiple licensed and ISM bands, and 2) Cognitive multiradio devices employing spectrum bonding. In this paper, we ascertain how to optimally determine which video packets to transmit over each access network. We present models to capture the network conditions and video characteristics and develop an integer program for deterministic packet scheduling. Solving the integer program exactly is typically not computationally tractable, so we develop heuristic algorithms for deterministic packet scheduling, as well as convex optimization problems for randomized packet scheduling. We carry out a thorough study of the tradeoff between performance and computational complexity and propose a convex programming-based algorithm that yields good performance while being suitable for real-time applications. We conduct extensive trace-driven simulations to evaluate the proposed algorithms using real network conditions and scalable video streams. The simulation results show that the proposed convex programmingbased algorithm: 1) outperforms the rate control algorithms defined in the Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (DCCP) by about 10-15 dB higher video quality 2) reduces average delivery delay by over 90% compared to DCCP; 3) results in higher average video quality of 4.47 and 1.92 dB than the two developed heuristics 4) runs efficiently, up to six times faster than the best-performing heuristi

Development and validation of integrated pest management modules against spotted pod borer Maruca vitrata Fabricius on garden bean Lablab purpureus var. typicus (L.)

To reduce the detrimental effect of insecticides, an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module is necessary for the eco-friendly management of Maruca vitrata in garden bean ecosystem. Two field trials were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticides and botanicals against M. vitrata on Lablab purpureus var. typicus. Two seasons field evaluation of insecticides revealed that chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC  was the most effective treatment to control the pest recorded 0.11 and 0.36 larva/plant in two seasons, respectively after two rounds of spray followed by flubendiamide 20 WG (0.46 and 0.92 larva/ plant) and emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.50 and 0.95 larva/plant). Among botanicals tested, commercial neem formulation and 5% Ageratina adenophora recorded the least larval count of 1.64 & 1.05 larva/plant and 2.24 & 1.45 larva/plant in two seasons, respectively. IPM modules were developed with three effective insecticides (chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, flubendiamide 20 WG and emamectin benzoate 5 SG), two effective botanicals (commercial neem formulation 1500 ppm and 5% A. adenophora) along with the pheromone trap for validation. All the IPM modules were equally effective in managing M. vitrata population on L. purpureus and recorded a significantly (at 5 %) lower larval population than the farmer’s practice. The residues of chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide and emamectin benzoate reached below the detectable level at the time of harvest. The population reduction of predatory coccinellids and spiders was also lower in IPM modules than in farmer’s practice. An increased benefit cost (1.95 to 1.99) ratio was observed in IPM modules. 

Effect of Emblica officinalis fruits against metallic-lead induced biochemical and hematological alterations in Wistar rats

Lead toxicity and related health issues have become global concern due to increased use of lead-based products in the modern world. Though attempts are being made to tackle this malady through many ways, the use of naturally occurring materials that are available locally is a subtle approach. In this investigation, the fruits of E. officinalis (EO) were studied for their potential in overcoming biochemical and hematological alterations caused by metallic lead in rat model. Four groups of rats, each containing six animals, were considered for the study. Group I served as normal control while to other groups (II– IV), metallic lead powder (100 ppm/rat) was orally administrated for 30 consecutive days. From day 31, the animals in groups III and IV were treated with EO in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (p. o.), respectively, for the following seven days. Group II served as lead-treated control. On day 38, the animals in all groups were sacrificed and the blood was collected and serum separated. The changes in biochemical (aspartate aminotrasferase, alanine aminotrasferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltrasferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine and calcium) and hematological (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume and platelet count) parameters were estimated. Lead treated animals in Group - II showed appreciable changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. Treatment with EO (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly restored the changes in the above parameters to near normal values implying that the fruit of E. officinalis is an effective natural material to overcome widespread lead toxicity. This observation is further supported by histopathological studies of liver and kidney tissues wherein the distorted architecture, degeneration and other changes found in lead-treated animals were brought back to near normal stages by the treatment of EO

Moringa oleifera seeds attenuate benzene-induced alterations in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney tissues of Wistar rats

Benzene is a notorious toxicant that is responsible for a host of diseases including leukemia. Its concentration in the environment is increasing day-by-day due to excessive automobile use, accelerated industrial activities and cigarette smoke. The awareness on the harmful effects of benzene on health is limited and no antidote has been reported yet. In this study, an attempt has been made to find out a suitable remedy to overcome benzene toxicity in a living organism from a natural source with the seeds of the plant Moringa oleifera (MO). Thirty six Wistar rats were considered for the study and divided into six groups (n=6). While group I remained as control with normal animals, those in groups II – VI received benzene by oral route (800 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. On day 29, the benzene-treated animals in groups III – VI received respectively the standard drug ascorbic acid (AA, 25 mg/kg body weight) and MO (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for the following 7 days. Group II rats that received only benzene served as negative control without any treatment. On day 36, all the animals were sacrificed and vital organs liver and kidney were removed for studying lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant markers [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Total reduced glutathione (TRG), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (CAT)] in addition to histopathological changes in the tissues. The results of the study revealed that significant changes occurred in the above parameters due to benzene dosing to animals were reverted to near normal values on MO administration in the liver and kidney tissues as compared to untreated animals, suggesting MO’s pro-active role in attenuating benzene toxicity

Course Manual on Marine Fisheries & Mariculture Prepared for the Training programme for B.F.Sc students of Central Agricultural University (CAU), Tripura

The undergraduate Fisheries Science students are required to know about the inland and marine fisheries. The students from landlocked area are getting rare opportunity to understand the marine fisheries and mariculture activities. Hence, based on the request of the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Tripura as a part of their academic activities, the Director, ICAR-CMFRI, has kindly approved a 10 days in-plant training for B.F.Sc. final year students at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Mandapam Regional Centre. The training was organized in collaboration with Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi. A total of 27 B.F.Sc students and a faculty of Central Agricultural University (CAU), Tripura participated in the training programme during 17th to 26th January, 2020. The training emphasized on the skill development of students through hands on training on mariculture activities and field visits to fish landing centres. A course manual was prepared covering the major topics on marine capture fisheries and mariculture. I congratulate all those who have put in their sincere efforts to bring out this manual

A two-domain elevator mechanism for sodium/proton antiport

Sodium/proton (Na+/H+) antiporters, located at the plasma membrane in every cell, are vital for cell homeostasis1. In humans, their dysfunction has been linked to diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure and epilepsy, and they are well-established drug targets2. The best understood model system for Na+/H+ antiport is NhaA from Escherichia coli1, 3, for which both electron microscopy and crystal structures are available4, 5, 6. NhaA is made up of two distinct domains: a core domain and a dimerization domain. In the NhaA crystal structure a cavity is located between the two domains, providing access to the ion-binding site from the inward-facing surface of the protein1, 4. Like many Na+/H+ antiporters, the activity of NhaA is regulated by pH, only becoming active above pH 6.5, at which point a conformational change is thought to occur7. The only reported NhaA crystal structure so far is of the low pH inactivated form4. Here we describe the active-state structure of a Na+/H+ antiporter, NapA from Thermus thermophilus, at 3 Å resolution, solved from crystals grown at pH 7.8. In the NapA structure, the core and dimerization domains are in different positions to those seen in NhaA, and a negatively charged cavity has now opened to the outside. The extracellular cavity allows access to a strictly conserved aspartate residue thought to coordinate ion binding1, 8, 9 directly, a role supported here by molecular dynamics simulations. To alternate access to this ion-binding site, however, requires a surprisingly large rotation of the core domain, some 20° against the dimerization interface. We conclude that despite their fast transport rates of up to 1,500 ions per second3, Na+/H+ antiporters operate by a two-domain rocking bundle model, revealing themes relevant to secondary-active transporters in general

Cryo-EM structures of complex I from mouse heart mitochondria in two biochemically defined states.

Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) uses the reducing potential of NADH to drive protons across the energy-transducing inner membrane and power oxidative phosphorylation in mammalian mitochondria. Recent cryo-EM analyses have produced near-complete models of all 45 subunits in the bovine, ovine and porcine complexes and have identified two states relevant to complex I in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Here, we describe the 3.3-Å structure of complex I from mouse heart mitochondria, a biomedically relevant model system, in the 'active' state. We reveal a nucleotide bound in subunit NDUFA10, a nucleoside kinase homolog, and define mechanistically critical elements in the mammalian enzyme. By comparisons with a 3.9-Å structure of the 'deactive' state and with known bacterial structures, we identify differences in helical geometry in the membrane domain that occur upon activation or that alter the positions of catalytically important charged residues. Our results demonstrate the capability of cryo-EM analyses to challenge and develop mechanistic models for mammalian complex I

Bycatch in Indian trawl fisheries and some suggestions for trawl bycatch mitigation

Globally, trawl is the major fishing gear used in marine fisheries and in India, it contributes to more than onethird of the marine fish production. Trawl fishing has been critically evaluated from a sustainability perspective, especially analysing its bycatch composition. Most of the bycatch from trawlers contains valuable edible species with high market demand. However, a portion of the bycatch which does not have such demand in the edible fish market, known as low-value bycatch (LVB), continues to be a matter of concern from an ecological and economic perspective. During 2017–19, 30–60% of trawl landing in India was constituted by LVB, which was mainly used for fishmeal preparation. To enhance the value and utility of LVB, this study explores the possibility of converting waste from LVB into edible resources using pufferfish and triggerfish. It also highlights the positive impact of efforts by different Government agencies for bycatch mitigation like the implementation of minimum legal size in reducing the juvenile component in bycatch, with a social survey-based account of fisher’s perceptions and suggestions on successful bycatch mitigation