Phosphorus Determination in Forage and Manure using Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Support Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning

Phosphorus (P) runoff from agricultural fields is a major cause of water quality degradation problems. A P mass balance across the farm could maintain profitability and sustainability of animal-based farms and minimize water quality problems. Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs) require mineral composition, especially P, data on soil, forage, and manure samples for accurate planning. However, traditional wet chemical methods of P determination are costly, time-consuming, and generate hazardous waste. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) could overcome many of these disadvantages and allow rapid determination of P concentrations. Portable XRF (PXRF) units are Energy Dispersive (ED) systems with low power X-ray tubes (10-40W) in comparison to benchtop units (50-300W). They are light and convenient to use either in benchtop or field-analysis modes. When a sample is scanned, the resulting spectrum identifies the element (peak position or energy); area under the peak (intensity) is proportional to concentration. A few studies have indicated the possible use of PXRF for the analysis of plant tissue and compost samples. However, there is a lack of information for analysis of heterogeneous forage and manure samples, including optimal sample preparation (particle size and moisture content) and instrumental parameters (scan time). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of manure moisture content and forage particle size on elemental concentrations determination using PXRF in benchtop mode. Manure samples (n=40) were oven dried at 50 and ground to 0.5 mm size and adjusted to four gravimetric moisture ranges: 10-20%, 20-30%, 40-50%, and 60-70%. Dry hay samples (n=42) were oven dried (600C for 3 days) and ground into two particle sizes (0.25-0.5 mm and 1-2 mm). Prepared samples were scanned by PXRF using a vacuum (\u3c10 torr) and without a filter. Samples were placed in a sample cup over a thin proline X-ray film and scanned for 180s. Some forage samples (n=29) were also scanned for 60s and 120s for scan time analysis. Spectra for each analysis, photon counts (intensity) and P concentration were collected using the S1PXRF software. Reference standards were prepared by microwave digesting forage and manure samples in triplicate followed by elemental quantification through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP). Regression analysis, two sample t-test, matched paired t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis. ICP measured P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Cu were in close agreement with West Virginia Department of Agriculture-measured concentration in manure samples. Dried and ground manure samples produced a stronger relationship with ICP-determined P, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn (r 2\u3e 0.90) and Mg (r2=0.59). Presence of moisture negatively affected elemental determination in manure samples. The strength of the relationship decreased with increasing moisture content beyond 20%.;Comparison of PXRF concentration with ICP-determined value indicated that forage P, K, Ca, and Fe (r2\u3e0.88) could potentially be determined with portable XRF. The strength of the relationship increased with decreasing particle size in forage samples. The particle size of the sample was significant while the scan time and the interaction between scan time and particle size were not significant. There was no significant difference between ICP and PXRF measured concentration for 0.25-0.5 mm sample but significant difference between ICP and PXRF concentration for 1-2 mm samples. Likewise, there was a significant difference (p\u3c0.001) between PXRF concentration measured with the two particle size of the sample. Use of different scanning time (60s, 120s, and 180s) did not affect the relationship with ICP concentration for the samples of particle size. Thus, P, K, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn can be accurately be measured in manure samples and P, K, Ca, and Fe in forage samples using PXRF in benchtop mode. Additional work is needed to extend this to in-field analysis. This simplification of the elemental analytical method could expedite CNMP planning process and contribute to better whole-farm P management

Anger;it's impact on human body

Anger is one of our most powerful and vital emotions with behavioural manifestation. It is described as an intense feeling in response to frustration , hurt, disappointment, or threatening.The benefits of anger include overcoming fears and building confidence to counter dangerous phenomenon  or threats which leads to the fight or flight response while the disadvantages of anger consist of excess anger serving as a numbing agent emotionally, physically and cognitively.Physiologically, emotions is considered to commence  from  brain nucleus named as  amygdale , part of brain   responsible for identifying threats to our well-being, and  relaying out an alarm when threats are identified that result in taking steps to protect ourselves. It is important to recognize the physiological effects of anger especially with all the damage this emotion might produce to our body system.This review article examines the physiology, causes of anger and impact of anger on the body

Glycemic control in smokers and risk of type 2 diabetes

Chronic cigarette smoking seems to markedly aggravate insulin resistance that could be due to the increase in counter-regulatory hormones such as GH, cortisol and catecholamine's that elevates blood glucose, Weight gain usually follows the cessation of smoking and increasingly, fear of weight gain discourages many smokers from attempting to quit Yet, weight gain after quitting smoking has proved so unresponsive  to preventive attempt  as to suggest that weight control  might even be incompatible with successful smoking cessation . Innovative treatments that can prevent or minimize weight gain are badly needed to encourage quitting smoking. However recently featured review and research on smoking and diabetes concluded the evidence that smoking is associated with the preparation for development of type 2 diabetes in men and women Therefore, this review focuses in the possible features of smoking cessation on the glycemic control and risk of type 2 diabetes.key words: Hyperglycemia,Smokers, types 2 diabete

Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Rapid and Cost-Effective Determination of Elemental Composition of Ground Forage

The recent development of portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (PXRF) has created new avenues for rapid plant elemental concentration determination at reduced cost while avoiding hazardous chemicals. A few studies have indicated the potential use of PXRF for homogenous plant tissue analysis. However, there is a lack of information for analysis of heterogeneous plant samples like livestock forage, which consists of a mixture of several species and plant parts, each varying in elemental concentration. Our objective was to evaluate PXRF for forage analysis, specifically the effect of forage particle size and scan time on important elements including P, K, Ca, and Fe determination. Hay samples (n = 42) were oven dried (60°C for 3 days) and ground into three particle sizes (≤0.5 mm, 0.25–0.5 mm and 1–2 mm). Prepared samples were scanned by PXRF using a vacuum (<10 torr) without a filter. Samples were placed in cups over thin prolene X-ray film and scanned for 180 s. A subset (n = 29) were also scanned for 60 and 120 s. PXRF counts for P, K, Ca, and Fe were compared with laboratory Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP) determinations, using regression models. Results indicated that these elements could potentially be determined with PXRF (r2 ≥ 0.70) in heterogeneous forage samples. Relationship strength increased with decreasing particle size, however, the relationship was still strong (r2 ≥ 0.57) at the largest particle size. Scanning time did not affect the relationship with ICP concentration for any of the particle sizes evaluated. This work demonstrated that with the right sample preparation PXRF can obtain results comparable to acid digestion and ICP regardless of sample composition, and suggests the potential for in situ determinations

CORONA VIRUS DISEASE-19 PANDEMIC - THERAPEUTICS AND NOVEL DEVELOPMENT

Every individual must follow the slogan of front line worker as “we stay at work for you, you stay at home,” This means to protect the healthcare worker who are working in the frontline to save life of the corona virus disease (COVID)-19 patient of the different phases, other should stay home safe and secured; however, if we could not protect them than the matter will be serious to everyone to control the situation of this pandemic and many life can be lost. Thus, it is suggested to the young asymptmatic people to remain quarantine and isolated until the incubation period be over, it could be as long as 41 days or as short as 6 days but average time necessary is 14 days. There are no drugs or other therapeutics presently working to knock out COVID-19 pandemic. However, drugs employed in the treatment of hospitalized patient are on the basis of previous exposure of congruent strain of virus; in addition, supportive care management such as supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation procedure is highly being used to the critical patient. This review highlights step to step treatment plan, employed therapeutics, mechanism, efficacy, and new development of the clinical trial results if any

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE - 19 – A SERIOUS THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH

The year 2020 is a public health emergency period declared globally by the WHO when on March 11, 2020, the deadly novel coronavirus-2019 causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) extended its stride in almost 150 countries commenced from Wuhan wet market, China led to declare globally as pandemic disease. Till date, more than 3 million are worldwide infected and the number is still in progression and nearly 200,000 people have succumbed, nearly 50,000 people only in United State died of this virus. Hence, this virus has brought global disaster. Therefore, this review is attempting to present a picture on coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in terms of epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis, treatment, on the basis of available literature after search from the renowned database, especially focusing on public health impact. Treatment strategy is most essential part to focus for public health management and to save more life from this pandemic. As of date, there are no specific drugs for its treatment only repurpose drugs are employed for the hospitalized patient in present scenario, for example, Remdesivir made for Ebola is being use now in Covid-19 which inhibit replicase enzyme and reduced viral load, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine an antimalarial drugs which prevent binding of S1 domain of Spike protein of SARS coronavirus 2 with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 receptor and prevent fusion by S2 subunit thus overall prevent entering into the human susceptible cells along with it increases endosomal unstability by increasing pH. In addition, supportive care management such as supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation procedure is highly supportive to the critical patient. There infected more than 10 million people with more than 0.5 million death, the observation of July 7, 2020

The Relationship of The Mandibular Canal to The Roots of Impacted Third Molars- The Root Factor: A Panoramic Radiographic Study.

Introduction: Third molar extractions are one of the most common reasons of injury to mandibular nerve and postoperative complications. Pre-operative assessment of pending doom is a must. In order to study the relations between change in Inferior Alveolar Canal (IAC) and Type, Class, and Level of impaction with radiographic root change of impacted third mandibular molar, we designed a study to assess the relationship of the mandibular canal to the roots of impacted third molar in reference to changes in roots and factors affecting it. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study wherein the panoramic radiographic records of subjects with impacted third molar were assessed for change in root and its correlation with change in IAC, Type, Class and Level of impacted mandibular third molar. Results: Roots of impacted third molar when in contact with IAC presented most often in our study subjects with the Darkening of roots in both sides {right side (16.79%) and left side (11.29%)} and both genders {males (right-14.29%, left-8.75%) and females (right-19.39%, left-13.94%)}. They were statistically significantly associated with interruption of white line of IAC, vertically impacted third molars and Pell and Gregory Class II, Level A of impaction. Conclusion: There is a need to properly identify radiographic risk predictor signs to avoid any surprises at the time of extraction and post operation complications following it

Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Rapid and Cost-Effective Determination of Elemental Composition of Ground Forage

The recent development of portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (PXRF) has created new avenues for rapid plant elemental concentration determination at reduced cost while avoiding hazardous chemicals. A few studies have indicated the potential use of PXRF for homogenous plant tissue analysis. However, there is a lack of information for analysis of heterogeneous plant samples like livestock forage, which consists of a mixture of several species and plant parts, each varying in elemental concentration. Our objective was to evaluate PXRF for forage analysis, specifically the effect of forage particle size and scan time on important elements including P, K, Ca, and Fe determination. Hay samples (n = 42) were oven dried (60◦C for 3 days) and ground into three particle sizes (≤0.5 mm, 0.25–0.5 mm and 1–2 mm). Prepared samples were scanned by PXRF using a vacuum (\u3c10 torr) without a filter. Samples were placed in cups over thin prolene X-ray film and scanned for 180 s. A subset (n = 29) were also scanned for 60 and 120 s. PXRF counts for P, K, Ca, and Fe were compared with laboratory Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP) determinations, using regression models. Results indicated that these elements could potentially be determined with PXRF (r 2 ≥ 0.70) in heterogeneous forage samples. Relationship strength increased with decreasing particle size, however, the relationship was still strong (r 2 ≥ 0.57) at the largest particle size. Scanning time did not affect the relationship with ICP concentration for any of the particle sizes evaluated. This work demonstrated that with the right sample preparation PXRF can obtain results comparable to acid digestion and ICP regardless of sample composition, and suggests the potential for in situ determination

Analysis of cardiac autonomic modulation in normotensive obese and eutrophic adults of Nepal

Background: Obese people have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, though unknown mechanism, supposed to be due to autonomic dysfunction which is still in controversy. This study aimed to assess and compare heart rate variability (HRV) between normotensive obese and adults.Methods: The study was conducted on 30 normotensive obese adults (mean age 32.07±7.25 years) with BMI>30 and 29 age- and sex-matched normal weight controls (mean age 30.48±8.01 years) with BMI: 18-24 Kg/m2. Short-term HRV variables were assessed using standard protocol. The data were compared between the groups using Mann Whitney ‘U’ test.Results: In obese group, there was significant increase in the mean heart rate [79.17±8.80 Vs 71.48±8.41 beats/min, p=0.001], systolic blood pressure [121.20±9.89 Vs 113.24±11.07, mmHg, p=0.004] and diastolic blood pressure [84.97±7.87 Vs 74.83±10.31 mmHg, p=0.000]. The HRV parasympathetic indicators were less [RMSSD {28.75(16.72-38.35) Vs 41.55(30.6-56.75) ms, p=0.018}, NN50 {15.5(2-39) Vs 83.5(32.75-116.25), p=0.010}], and sympathetic indicator LF/HF ratio [1.2(0.65-2.20) Vs 0.79(0.5-1.02), p=0.004] was more in obese group.Conclusions: Obese persons have increased sympathetic activity with a reduction in parasympathetic (vagal) tone indicating poor autonomic cardiac rhythm control. Moreover, the altered autonomic activity could be the reason for increased mean heart rate and blood pressures in normotensive obese persons

Beta-Lactamases in a Tertiary Care Hospital: "Biological Quake" Knocking at the Door

Background: Antimicrobial resistance due to the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC β-lactamases, and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) have emerged as a major health catastrophe limiting antibiotic treatment options. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the current level of ESBLs, AmpC β-lactamases, and MBLs- producing bacteria and their antibiotic susceptibility profile in a Nepalese hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among the inpatients of Medicare National Hospital, Kathmandu from April to September 2015. During the study period, a total of 589 specimens (urine, sputum, blood, pus, body fluids, throat swab, central venous catheter - CVC tip) collected aseptically from the admitted patients were selected in the study. The collected specimens were processed, and the isolated organisms were identified following the standard microbiological methods. ESBL was detected by standard combination disc method and double-disc synergy test.  Results: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans were the common microbial agents isolated from hospital-admitted patients. Among total 84 Gram-negative bacteria tested for ESBL-production, 23 (27.4%) isolates were ESBL-producers. ESBL production was seen in 32.3% of Escherichia coli and 28.6% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Similarly, MBL production was identified in 28.6% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 6.5% of Escherichia coli. Likewise, 3.2% of Escherichia coli were AmpC β-lactamase-producers. The ESBL-producing bacteria showed less susceptibility to different antibiotics as compared to non-ESBL-producers. Consistent results were found with different methods like combination disk method, MASTDISKSTM ID AmpC and ESBL disk, Ezy MICTM Strip (MIX+/MIX) method, and triple ESBL detection Ezy MICTM strips employed for the detection of ESBL and AmpC. Conclusions: ESBL was commonly seen in Escherichia coli while MBL in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Routine monitoring of these kinds of resistance phenotypes following appropriate methods is essential for the proper treatment of patients. Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Beta-lactamases, ESBL, Hospital-admitted patients, MB