Diversity of fungal endophytes at different maturity levels of Cryptolepis buchanani leaves

A study on endophytic microflora diversity at each level and portion of the leaves of Cryptolepis buchanani, a medicinal plant used by tribals of Madhya Pradesh, India was carried out in the present investigation. As many as 383 isolates from 360 discs of leaves belonging to 17 fungal species and 9 isolates, which did not show any sporulation (sterile), were recovered. Among the 17 identified species, hyphomycetes is the dominant class and Aspergillus, Colletotrichum and Khuskia are the dominant genera. Colonization frequency (CF) was higher in mature leaves (78.3%) and comparatively lower in younger leaves (51.1%) and there was a marginal decrease in CF from the base of the leaf (66.7%) towards the leaf apex (62%). Statistical analysis revealed that level of the leaf had a significant effect on CF and diversity of fungal endophytes, while as leaf sub-parts had little influence.  Biochemical characterization of the endophyte revealed the production of various enzymes viz. protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, xylanase and pectinase. These fungal enzymes can be tapped for food, pharma, beverages, textiles, confectionaries, and leather industries. These bioactive natural products are easy to process as they are usually more stable than products obtained from other sources. The enzymatic activities also help to get a better insight into the host-endophyte relationship. However, the world of fungal endophytes needs to be researched extensively for production of plant based novel eco-friendly biomolecules in cost-effective manner

Design and Simulation of a semi-transparent photovoltaic thermal (PVT) indirect solar dryer integrated with kitchen chimney using ANN technique

633-639In the proposed research, an effort has been made to develop a thermal model for a semi-transparent PVT solar dryer integrated with a kitchen chimney for faster drying of agricultural produce to enhance their shelf life. The thermal model is based on energy balance equations derived based on the design of the dryer and different climatic parameters for April month in New Delhi. It has been observed that there is an increase of 8oC in the drying chamber for the initial kitchen chimney outlet temperature of 72oC with a packing factor of 0.83 for the semi-transparent solar cells, which has also been validated by the ANN model. An exhaust fan placed between the PVT air collector and drying chamber is operated using electrical energy generated from the PVT air collector, making the entire set up self-sustainable

Diversity in the Enteric Viruses Detected in Outbreaks of Gastroenteritis from Mumbai, Western India

Faecal specimens collected from two outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis that occurred in southern Mumbai, India in March and October, 2006 were tested for seven different enteric viruses. Among the 218 specimens tested, 95 (43.6%) were positive, 73 (76.8%) for a single virus and 22 (23.2%) for multiple viruses. Single viral infections in both, March and October showed predominance of enterovirus (EV, 33.3% and 40%) and rotavirus A (RVA, 33.3% and 25%). The other viruses detected in these months were norovirus (NoV, 12.1% and 10%), rotavirus B (RVB, 12.1% and 10%), enteric adenovirus (AdV, 6.1% and 7.5%), Aichivirus (AiV, 3% and 7.5%) and human astrovirus (HAstV, 3% and 0%). Mixed viral infections were largely represented by two viruses (84.6% and 88.9%), a small proportion showed presence of three (7.7% and 11%) and four (7.7% and 0%) viruses in the two outbreaks. Genotyping of the viruses revealed predominance of RVA G2P[4], RVB G2 (Indian Bangladeshi lineage), NoV GII.4, AdV-40, HAstV-8 and AiV B types. VP1/2A junction region based genotyping showed presence of 11 different serotypes of EVs. Although no virus was detected in the tested water samples, examination of both water and sewage pipelines in gastroenteritis affected localities indicated leakages and possibility of contamination of drinking water with sewage water. Coexistence of multiple enteric viruses during the two outbreaks of gastroenteritis emphasizes the need to expand such investigations to other parts of India

Ethnobotanicals used by tribals of Mizoram for furniture and household equipments

134-137Results of ethnobotanical studies carried out in the state of Mizoram are presented. The usage of wild plants by the native people for furniture, household equipments and fuel is described. A Mizo hut is invariably raised on wooden post. Uses of 39 plant species along with their local names have been enumerated. Similarly, 6 plant species, which are used as fuel wood having excellent energy output with less smoke have been identified

Ethnomedicinal plants used by the tribals of Mizoram to cure cuts & wounds

75-80Results of ethnobotanical studies carried out in the state of Mizoram are presented. The usage of wild plants by the native people for the cure of cuts and wounds is described. The use of 17 species, belonging to 14 families together with their local names and other uses have been enumerated. The plants not only contain antiseptic value but also have regenerative and healing properties. Sticking property of paste of bark was also observed in Laki tree. In addition, blood-clotting properties of some plants has also been reported

To compare the efficacy of plasma glucose level, finger capillary blood, and gingival crevicular blood to measure blood glucose level in chronic periodontitis patients

Background: A high number of patients with Periodontitis may have undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes is an associated risk factor for chronic periodontitis and has several other oral symptoms including dry mouth and oral infection. Expanding the role of the dentist may prove to be an efficient method of early detection and management of diabetes. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether blood oozing from gingival crevice during routine periodontal examinztion can be used for determining glucose levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 male/female patients with Chronic Periodontitis in the age group of 30 years and above were selected and divided into three groups i.e. Control Group (Plasma glucose level), Test Group 1 (Finger capillary blood) and Test Group 2 (Gingival crevicular blood). Blood glucose measurements were made using gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood using glucose self monitoring device (Accu-Chek Active) and at the same time venous blood was collected for measurement of serum (plasma) glucose. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using Paired t-test (p), and Pearson's correlation test (r). Results: The results revealed a strong correlation between (a) gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood (r = 0.999; P < 0.133); and also (b) between GCB and Plasma glucose level (r =0.984; P < 0.230). Conclusion: The data from this study has shown that gingival crevicular blood collected during diagnostic periodontal examination can be an excellent source of blood for glucometric analysis. GCB can be used as a marker for blood glucose estimation using glucometer. The technique described is safe, easy to perform and helps to increase the frequency of diabetes screening in dental office

Biotechnological tools in the propagation and conservation of threatened species: An overview

217-235Plant diversity is crucial for the balanced functioning of the environment, as humans are highly dependent on them since plants provide sustenance and services like regulation of climate and protection from natural hazards. At present, 20,360 plant species are threatened (critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable), 165 species are extinct and extinct in the wild, due to several factors as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) data and their conservation is of utmost importance. The in vitro methodology has become one of the promising tools of biotechnology in the conservation of threatened plants. The technique ensures propagation of taxa with limited explant source, seed dormancy, self-incompatibility, inbreeding depression, etc. resulting in lower seed production. In vitro methods along with the ex situ and in situ methods have been extensively used in the conservation of plants. This review highlights a compilation of several biotechnological tools i.e., micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, callus induction, organogenesis, cryopreservation, micrografting, employed in the conservation of over a hundred threatened species. Furthermore, the present review sheds light on the importance of genetic homogeneity assessment based on frequently used molecular markers amongst in vitro raised and the donor mother plants. The review will help other researchers to employ various tissue culture methods in conservation programs of threatened and rare plants

Design and Simulation of a semi-transparent photovoltaic thermal (PVT) indirect solar dryer integrated with kitchen chimney using ANN technique

In the proposed research, an effort has been made to develop a thermal model for a semi-transparent PVT solar dryer integrated with a kitchen chimney for faster drying of agricultural produce to enhance their shelf life. The thermal model is based on energy balance equations derived based on the design of the dryer and different climatic parameters for April month in New Delhi. It has been observed that there is an increase of 8oC in the drying chamber for the initial kitchen chimney outlet temperature of 72oC with a packing factor of 0.83 for the semi-transparent solar cells, which has also been validated by the ANN model. An exhaust fan placed between the PVT air collector and drying chamber is operated using electrical energy generated from the PVT air collector, making the entire set up self-sustainable

Determinants of immunization coverage among 12-23 months children: A study from Haryana

Background: Immunization is safe, powerful and proven tool for elimination and controlling various highly infectious diseases and in spite of every possible effort put by the Government still there is a big gap between reported and evaluated coverage. Aims &amp; Objectives: To find out the immunization coverage and its determinants among children in the age group 12 – 23 months in urban and rural area of district Ambala. Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional study carried out by WHO recommended 30 by 7 cluster survey technique. Results: It was observed that overall 83.1% children were fully immunized, 14% were partially immunized and 2.9% were unimmunized. In present study Educational status of mothers, Occupation of mothers, Religion, Sex, Monthly Family Income and Caste were found to be significantly associated with immunization coverage. “Fear of side effects” of vaccination was found to be the main reason for failure to fully immunize the child. Conclusion: To conclude, immunization coverage was found to be reasonably but still there is a lot of scope for improvement

An Overview of COVID-19 PAN India

COVID -19 is a highly contagious viral disease that affects human populations very differently ranging from mild-to-moderate flu-like symptoms to serious complications involving mainly the respiratory system. The causative pathogen is a new virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. The viral disease gripped millions of lives in a short span, due to which World Health Organization announced it as pandemic on March 11, 2020. Various measures were adopted at local and global levels to stop immediate escalation of the viral infection. A complete lockdown was imposed, movement was restricted, industries were shut down, vehicles were prohibited to ply; only the production and supply of essential services were permitted. On one hand, the fatal disease posed a serious threat to life and quarantine caused loneliness but on the other hand, such unprecedented crisis had a positive impact on overall healing of nature. The economy and health infrastructure of various countries collapsed in fighting the pandemic. To revive, switching over to green economy may be the most viable option and it will also be a climate-conscious approach. The current review article gives an insight about COVID-19 pandemic and fight against it from India’s perspective