A rapid assessment of stubble burning and air pollutants from satellite observations.

For the last several years, the air quality of India's capital Delhi and surrounding region (NCR) has been degrading to a very poor and severe category during the autumn season. In addition to the various sources of air pollutants within the NCR region, the stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana states contributes to the poor air quality in this region. The current study employs the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) active fire products and TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) products on carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations for spatio-temporal assessment of stubble burning and associated emissions. The analysis performed in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform indicated a nearly threefold rise in crop residue burning in November than in October, with 92.58% and 7.42% reported from Punjab and the Haryana states in November, respectively. The study highlights the availability of near-real-time remote sensing observations and the utility of the GEE platform for rapid assessment of stubble burning and emissions thereof, having the potential for developing mitigation strategies.

A novel approach for estimation of aboveground biomass of a carbon-rich mangrove site in India.

Mangroves can play a crucial part in climate change mitigation policies due to their high carbon-storing capacity. However, the carbon sequestration potential of Indian mangroves generally remained unexplored to date. In this study, multi-temporal Sentinel-1 and 2 data-derived variables were used to estimate the AGB of a tropical carbon-rich mangrove forest of India. Ensemble prediction of multiple machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosted Model (GBM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), were used for AGB prediction. The multi-temporal dataset was used in two different ways to find the most suitable method of using them. The results of the analysis showed that the modeling field measured AGB with individual date data values results in estimates with root mean square errors (RMSE) ranging from 149.242 t/ha for XGB to 151.149 t/ha for the RF. Modeling AGB with the average and percentile metrics of the multi-temporal image stack improves the prediction accuracy of AGB, with RMSE ranging from 81.882 t/ha for the XGB to 74.493 t/ha for the RF. The AGB modeling using ensemble prediction showed further improvement in accuracy with an RMSE of 72.864 t/ha and normalized RMSE of 11.38%. In this study, the intra-seasonal variation of Sentinel-1 and 2 data for mangrove ecosystems was explored for the first time. The variations in remotely sensed variables could be attributed mainly to soil moisture availability and rainfall in the mangrove ecosystem. The efficiency of Sentinel-1 and 2 data-derived variables and ensemble prediction of machine learning models for Indian mangroves were also explored for the first time. The methodologies established in this study can be used in the future for accurate prediction and repeated monitoring of AGB for mangrove ecosystems.

Evaluating the applicability of ESM (Ecotourism Sustainability Maximization) model to assess, monitor, and manage the ecotourism sustainability in mountain ecosystem (Mt. Kangchendzonga Base Camp Trek, India).

Ecotourism is the greener variant of tourism which advocates conservation of biodiversity and acts as a development strategy to build a self-sustainable system to help protect and further enhance the ecosystem through the income generated by ecotourism activities. There is a strong linkage between biodiversity conservation and ecotourism which has also been recognized by the UN and finds its place under the technical note on "Biodiversity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". But, are the stakeholders of the ecotourism destinations religiously following practices that will ensure biodiversity conservation at all times is something that needs continuous evaluation and validation. The authors have worked in the past on developing multi-stage methodology (ESA Framework, ESM Model and their validation) using Qualitative and Quantitative techniques and successfully developed Ecotourism Sustainability Assessment Method (ESAM) for such an appraisal. The present paper aims at devising a process which will show the applicability of ESM model in identifying the biodiversity related and other environmental factors, adversely impacting the ecotourism destination at present, or may impact it in times to come. In addition, it also offers the prescription to solve these issues and achieve the goal of ecotourism sustainability at the operational level. This proposed process initially will be defined with the help of a site-level case study of Mt. Kangchendzonga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim. Later, this would be extended to other ecologies and geographies so that in the future, a robust and useful model, applicable for most of the ecotourism destinations, can be developed.

Advances in terrestrial and ocean dynamics studies in India.

The land, oceans, and atmosphere are tightly linked and form the most dynamic component of the climate system. Studies on terrestrial and ocean science enhance the understanding on the impacts of climate change. Across India and the world over, human-driven land use and climate changes are altering the structure, function, and extent of natural terrestrial ecosystems and in turn regional biogeochemical feedbacks. In this special issue, we present 29 manuscripts; those discuss wide-ranging aspects of terrestrial and oceanic characterization and dynamics. These contributions are based on selected presentations made at the 2nd International Workshop on Biodiversity and Climate Change (BDCC-2018) held on 24-27 February 2018 at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India. The manuscripts are arranged in five sections such as Ecological Assessment, Plant Invasion, Carbon Dynamics, Ecosystem Characterization, and Ocean Dynamics. We realized that the utility of satellite remote sensing data has been emerging as a dominant trend in environmental monitoring and assessment studies in India.

Developing quantifiable approaches for delineating suitable options for irrigating fallow areas during dry season-a case study from Eastern India.

Harvesting surface runoff during monsoon season for further utilization in crop production during the post-monsoon season is now becoming an effective solution to mitigate water scarcity problems. In this study, multi-criteria analysis-analytic hierarchy process (MCA-AHP)-based approach was envisaged for rainwater harvesting (RWH) zoning for a case study area, i.e., two districts of Odisha state situated in Eastern India. In spite of having a large irrigation network in the study area, major portion of these two densely populated and agriculture dominated districts remains fallow during dry seasons. Suitable locations for RWH structures such as farm pond, check dam, and percolation tanks were identified through Boolean conditions. RWH potential map was generated using different thematic layers namely land use/land cover (LU/LC), geomorphology, slope, stream density, soil type, and surface runoff. AHP-based MCA technique was used to integrate these thematic layers by assigning weights to the thematic layers and ranks to the individual theme features on 1-9 AHP Saaty's scale, considering their relative importance on RWH potential of the study area. The Natural Resources Conservation Service-Curve Number method was used to derive surface runoff using Climate Hazards Group Infra-Red Precipitation with Station rainfall data, satellite-derived LU/LC and FAO soil maps. In comparison to single cropped areas in 48% of the total study area, only 4% area was under double and triple cropped areas during 2016-2017. Moderate runoff was observed in > 50% of the study area dominated by agricultural landscape. Nearly 40%, 25.11%, and 32.45% of the study area indicated very high, high, and moderate RWH potentials, respectively. Particularly, very high RWH potential is observed in the eastern and central portion of the study area. The use of appropriate RWH structures in less irrigated areas will facilitate multiple cropping and will substitute the use of sub-surface water harvesting practices. In these two districts, 73 check dams and 153 percolation tanks are prescribed along the 2nd- and 3rd-order streams. In coarser textured soil, nearly 306 km2 and 608 km2 areas are identified as moderate and highly suitable zones for percolation tank construction on ground, while in fine soil, around 786 km2 area is identified as suitable for farm pond construction. Majority of the suitable zones for percolation tanks is found in Jajpur district, while suitability for adoption of farm pond and check dam is more in Bhadrak district. It is expected that implementation of the prescribed RWH structures can mitigate the threats of flood, drought, soil erosion, and enhance the soil moisture and cropping intensity significantly. The use of GIS platform with the spatial layers and the methodology adopted can be updated and replicated in larger regions in a shorter time. The spatially explicit maps are offering insights to different themes, providing useful information to the water resource managers, and may improve the decision-making process.

Studying land use dynamics using decadal satellite images and Dyna-CLUE model in the Mahanadi River basin, India.

Population growth rate indicates the proportional rate of settlement expansion and landscape modification in any river basin. The Mahanadi River basin (MRB), which is a densely populated, cropland and forest-dominated landscape, is selected as a case study area for studying the nature of built-up expansion and the corresponding land cover modifications. Satellite data-derived land use/land cover (LU/LC) maps for the years 1995, 2005, and 2015 were used for identification of landscape changes during the past three decades. One of the major LU/LC changes are observed in terms of increase in the water, which may be attributed to construction of new dams at the cost of the croplands and forest areas. Conversion of forest to cropland and expansion and densification of built-up areas in and around the existing built-up areas are also identified as a major LU/LC change. The geostatistical analysis was performed to identify the relationship between LU/LC classes with drivers, which showed that built-up areas were more in topographically flat terrain with higher soil depth, and expanded more around the existing built-up areas; cropland areas were more at lower elevation and less sloppy terrain, and forest areas were more at higher elevation. The LU/LC scenario of 2025 was projected using a spatially explicit dynamic conversion of land use and its effects (Dyna-CLUE) modeling platform with the LU/LC change trends of past 10 years (2005-2015) and 20 years (1995-2015). The major LU/LC changes observed during 2005-2015 were built-up expansion by 36.53% and deciduous forest and cropland reduction by 0.35% and 0.45%, respectively. Thus, the corresponding predicted change during 2015-2025 estimated built-up expansion by 25.70% and deciduous forest and croplands loss by 0.43% and 0.35%, respectively. On the other hand, during 1995 to 2015, the total built-up expansion and deciduous forest and cropland reduction were observed 50.79%, 0.45%, and 0.73%, respectively. Thus, the predicted changes during 2015-2025 were estimated as 18.48% built-up expansion and 0.22% and 0.21% deciduous forest and cropland loss. However, with the conditions of restricted deforestation and less landscape modification, the LU/LC projections show less built-up area expansion, reducing the cropland, fallow land, plantation, and waste land. The reduced numbers of land cover conversions types during 2005-2015 compared with 1995-2005 indicate more stabilized landscape. The input LU/LC maps and statistical analysis demonstrated the landscape modifications and causes observed in the basin. The model projected LU/LC maps are giving insights to possible changes under multiple pathways, which will help the agriculture, forest, urban, and water resource planners and managers in improved policy-making processes.

Annual and seasonal variations in gross primary productivity across the agro-climatic regions in India.

Gross primary productivity (GPP) is a vital ecosystem variable that is used as a proxy to study the functional behaviour of a terrestrial ecosystem and its ability to regulate atmospheric CO2 by working as a carbon pool. India, having the potential terrestrial ecosystem dynamics to absorb the atmospheric carbon dioxide to some extent, is one of the least-explored regions in terms of carbon monitoring studies. The current study evaluates the applicability of a newly developed, quantum yield-based, remote sensing data-driven diagnostic model called the Southampton Carbon Flux (SCARF). This model was used to estimate the annual and seasonal variability of the terrestrial GPP over the Indian region with a spatial resolution of 1 km during 2008. This modified version of the conventional production efficiency model successfully predicted GPP using meteorological variables (PAR, air temperature and dew point temperature), the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation and quantum yield of C3 and C4 plants as the key input parameters. The annual GPP values were in the range from 0 to 4147.55 g C m-2 year-1, with a mean value of 1507.32 g C m-2 year-1. The maximum and minimum GPP were during the summer monsoon and pre-monsoon, respectively. The seasonal and annual distributions of GPP over the study area obtained using the SCARF model, and the MODIS GPP product (MOD17A2H) were similar. However, MODIS was found to underestimate the GPP in all regions and an overestimation in eastern Himalaya region. The study reveals that environmental scalars, specifically water stress, are the pivotal controlling variables responsible for the variation of GPP in India. The estimates of the GPP in different regions of the study area were made using SCARF, and an eddy covariance technique was similar. The SCARF model can be used to estimate GPP on a global scale. SCARF appears to be a better model in terms of the simplicity of the algorithm, performance and resolution. Thus, it may give higher accuracy in carbon monitoring studies.

Remote sensing based deforestation analysis in Mahanadi and Brahmaputra river basin in India since 1985.

Land use and land cover (LULC) change has been recognized as a key driver of global climate change by influencing land surface processes. Being in constant change, river basins are always subjected to LULC changes, especially decline in forest cover to give way for agricultural expansion, urbanization, industrialization etc. We used on-screen digital interpretation technique to derive LULC maps from Landsat images at three decadal intervals i.e., 1985, 1995 and 2005 of two major river basins of India. Rain-fed, Mahanadi river basin (MRB) attributed to 55% agricultural area wherein glacier-fed, Brahmaputra river basin (BRB) had only 16% area under agricultural land. Though conversion of forest land for agricultural activities was the major LULC changes in both the basins, the rate was higher for BRB than MRB. While water body increased in MRB could be primarily attributed to creation of reservoirs and aquaculture farms; snow and ice melting attributed to creation of more water bodies in BRB. Scrub land acted as an intermediate class for forest conversion to barren land in BRB, while direct conversion of scrub land to waste land and crop land was seen in MRB. While habitation contributed primarily to LULC changes in BRB, the proximity zones around habitat and other socio-economic drivers contributed to LULC change in MRB. Comparing the predicted result with actual LULC of 2005, we obtained >97% modelling accuracy; therefore it is expected that the Dyna-CLUE model has very well predicted the LULC for the year 2025. The predicted LULC of 2025 and corresponding LULC changes in these two basins acting as early warning, and with the past 2-decadal change analysis this study is believed to help the land use planners for improved regional planning to create balanced ecosystem, especially in a changing climate.

Use of satellite remote sensing as a monitoring tool for land and water resources development activities in an Indian tropical site.

With the availability of satellite data from free data domain, remote sensing has increasingly become a fast-hand tool for monitoring of land and water resources development activities with minimal cost and time. Here, we verified construction of check dams and implementation of plantation activities in two districts of Tripura state using Landsat and Sentinel-2 images for the years 2008 and 2016-2017, respectively. We applied spectral reflectance curves and index-based proxies to quantify these activities for two time periods. A subset of the total check dams and plantation sites was chosen on the basis of site condition, nature of check dams, and planted species for identification on satellite images, and another subset was randomly chosen to validate identification procedure. The normalized difference water index (NDWI) derived from Landsat and Senitnel-2 were used to quantify water area evolved, qualify the water quality, and influence of associated tree shadows. Three types of check dams were observed, i.e., full, partial, and fully soil exposed on the basis of the presence of grass or scrub on the check dams. Based on the nature of check dam and site characteristics, we classified the water bodies under 11-categories using six interpretation keys (size, shape, water depth, quality, shadow of associated trees, catchment area). The check dams constructed on existing narrow gullies totally covered by branches or associated plants were not identified without field verification. Further, use of EVI enabled us to approve the plantation activities and adjudge the corresponding increase in vegetation vigor. The plantation activities were established based on the presence and absence of existing vegetation. Clearing on the plantation sites for plantation shows differential increase in EVI values during the initial years. The 403 plantation sites were categorized into 12 major groups on the basis of presence of dominant species and site conditions. The dominant species were Areca catechu, Musa paradisiaca, Ananas comosus, Bambusa sp., and mix plantation of A. catechu and M. paradisiaca. However, the highest maximum increase in average EVI was observed for the pine apple plantation sites (0.11), followed by Bambussa sp. (0.10). These sites were fully covered with plantation without any exposed soil. The present study successfully demonstrates a satellite-based survey supplemented with ground information evaluating the changes in vegetation profile due to plantation activities, locations of check dams, extent of water bodies, downstream irrigation, and catchment area of water bodies.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: clinical, endoscopic, histological and anorectal manometry findings in north Indian patients.

BACKGROUND: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a chronic, benign defecation disorder often related to excessive straining. SRUS is diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, endoscopic and histological findings. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with SRUS by colonoscopy and confirmed by histopathology from October 2012 to August 2014 in the Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India, were included in the study. Out of 92 patients, thirty-four patients underwent anorectal manometry. Twenty age-matched healthy volunteers were also studied with anorectal manometry to serve as controls. RESULTS: Mean age of the group was 41 ± 19 years with age range of 10-82 years; males were 58 (63%) with male to female ratio of 1.7:1. Bleeding per rectum was present in 83%, constipation in 46.7%, abdominal pain in 27.2%, and diarrhea in 25% of the patients. On endoscopy, ulcerative lesions were seen in 83% patients of whom solitary and multiple lesions were present in 44% and 39%, respectively. Polypoidal lesions were reported in 17.4% whilst rectal polyps and erythematous mucosa were found in 5.4% and 2.2%, respectively. Histological examination revealed fibromuscular obliteration in 100% of patients, surface ulceration in 70.6% and crypt distortion in 20.65% of patients. Anal relaxation and balloon expulsion test was significantly abnormal in SRUS patients compared to healthy controls (53% vs. 20%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Rectal bleeding was the most common symptom and ulcerative lesions the most common endoscopic finding. Fecal evaluation disorder was more prevalent inpatients with SRUS.

Psycho-social health and quality of life among kidney donors following transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Living kidney donation is a complex psychological experience for donors. The present study examined the psychosocial impact of kidney donation on donors. METHODS: The retrospective study included 506 donors who donated a kidney between 2010 and 2018 at a transplant centre in India. These donors responded via a donor insight questionnaire about their hospital anxiety, and their possible level of depression. The information included socio-demographic form with multiple information. The health survey was used periodically evaluate the psychosocial impact among donors following donation, including the transplant outcomes. RESULTS: The majority of donors were females (79.4%). There was a significant improvement in the quality of life among donors (SF-36) following the donation of a kidney, especially among those donors who maintained good graft functions themselves as well as those who were informed about good kidney function in transplanted recipients. These donors showed a lesser degree of depressive and anxiety scores (HAD score 3.5 and BDI II 4.8) than donors who had problems themselves and/or whose donated kidneys did not function well. Most living donors (89.1%) felt that the act of donation had a positive impact on their lives and those donors would encourage others to donate a kidney. Overall, the graft outcomes impacted the donor's state of mind. CONCLUSION: The study showed a very positive impact of the acknowledgment of the donor by the recipient, especially those donors whose kidney transplants were well functioning. The state of depression, anxiety, and psycho-social outcomes correlated with the graft outcomes. Donors showed positive insight towards donation, with inner conscience still conclusively willing to donate and encourage others.

Early versus Late acute graft pyelonephritis: A retrospective analysis of graft and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN) is thought to affect graft and patient survival among renal transplant recipients. The objective was to compare outcomes among early AGPN (< 6 months from transplant) versus late AGPN (> 6 months from transplant). METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 150 patients with AGPN dividing them into early and late AGPN from 2008 to 2016. Predictors of graft loss and mortality were compared using logistic regression analysis. Graft survival and patient survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meyer survival plots. RESULTS: 55.3% (n = 83) had early AGPN and 44.7% (n = 67) had late AGPN. In early AGPN group, 13.3% had CMV disease on follow up compared to 3% in late AGPN group (p < 0.05). 26.5% had history of prolonged Foley's catheterization (> 5 days), 38.6% had prolonged DJ stent in-situ (> 2 weeks) following transplant surgery in the early AGPN compared to 7.5% and 19.4% respectively in the late AGPN group (p < 0.05). Recurrent GPN was more common in the late AGPN group - (35.8% versus 18.1%). Presence of renal abscess was predictive of graft loss in Univariate analysis (HR-6.12, p < 0.004). There was decreased death censored graft survival in the early AGPN group (p-0.035) with no significant difference in patient survival among the two groups. CONCLUSION: Occurrence of early AGPN had a significant impact on long term graft survival in renal transplant recipients with no significant effect on patient survival. This study underlines the paramount importance of the prevention of UTIs in renal transplant recipients.

Electricity generation in low cost microbial fuel cell made up of earthenware of different thickness.

Performance of four microbial fuel cells (MFC-1, MFC-2, MFC-3 and MFC-4) made up of earthen pots with wall thicknesses of 3, 5, 7 and 8.5 mm, respectively, was evaluated. The MFCs were operated in fed batch mode with synthetic wastewater having sucrose as the carbon source. The power generation decreased with increase in the thickness of the earthen pot which was used to make the anode chamber. MFC-1 generated highest sustainable power density of 24.32 mW/m(2) and volumetric power of 1.04 W/m(3) (1.91 mA, 0.191 V) at 100 Ω external resistance. The maximum Coulombic efficiencies obtained in MFC-1, MFC-2, MFC-3 and MFC-4 were 7.7, 7.1, 6.8 and 6.1%, respectively. The oxygen mass transfer and oxygen diffusion coefficients measured for earthen plate of 3 mm thickness were 1.79 × 10(-5) and 5.38 × 10(-6) cm(2)/s, respectively, which implies that earthen plate is permeable to oxygen as other polymeric membranes. The internal resistance increased with increase in thickness of the earthen pot MFCs. The thickness of the earthen material affected the overall performance of MFCs.

Effect of operating temperature on performance of microbial fuel cell.

The performance of dual chambered mediator-less microbial fuel cell (MFC) operated under batch mode was evaluated under different operating temperatures, ranging between 20 and 55 degrees C, with step increase in temperature of 5 degrees C. Synthetic wastewater with sucrose as carbon source having chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 519-555 mg/L was used in the study. Temperature was a crucial factor in the performance of MFCs for both COD removal and electricity production. The MFC demonstrated highest COD removal efficiency of 84% and power density normalized to the anode surface area of 34.38 mW/m2 at operating temperature of 40 degrees C. Higher VSS to SS ratio was observed at the operating temperature between 35 and 45 degrees C. Under different operating temperatures the observed sludge yield was in the range of 0.05 to 0.14 g VSS/g COD removed. The maximum Coulombic and energy efficiencies were obtained at 40 degrees C, with values of 7.39 and 13.14%, respectively. Internal resistance of the MFC decreased with increase in operating temperature. Maximum internal resistance of 1,150 omega was observed when the MFC was operated at 20 degrees C; whereas the minimum internal resistance (552 omega) was observed at 55 degrees C.

Acquired diaphragmatic hernia in a preterm low birth weight neonate.

Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia is rare in children and we report a preterm low birth weight neonate with a presumably acquired diaphragmatic hernia due to trauma caused by treatment following pneumothorax.

Optimization of Treatment Modality in Elderly End-stage Renal Disease Population: Peritoneal Dialysis versus Transplant.

Despite kidney transplantation (KT) being considered as the best treatment modality for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), patient and graft survival in the elderly population is poorer than younger individuals. Many authors argue that prolonged life expectancy outweighs the risk of remaining on dialysis, but few studies had compared the treatment modalities, especially with peritoneal dialysis (PD). A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care institute to compare outcome of elderly ESRD patients, who received KT with those continued on PD; and to evaluate the predictors of patient survival. Patient survival at 1 year was (76.2% vs. 91.1%); 5 years (53.7% vs. 21.8%); and 10 years (35.6% vs. 0.00%) among KT and PD population, respectively. Infection was the most common cause of death among KT group (35 [41.2%] vs. 34 [28.2%]) while cardiovascular mortality in PD group (55 [46.2%] vs. 7 [8.2%]). Technique survival at 1, 5, and 10 years in PD group was 92.8%, 58.5%, and 0%, respectively. Similarly, graft survival at 1, 5, and 10 years in KT group was 98.7%, 90.2%, and 90.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed body mass index (BMI) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-0.93, p < 0.001), and albumin (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37-0.80, p = 0.002) were significant predictors of survival. In the 1st year, patient survival was better in PD than KT, but after adjustment for BMI and albumin, both short-term and long-term survival in elderly KT group was better than that of PD. Hence, elderly ESRD patients should not be barred from KT just because of age.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin: As a Predictor of Early Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

This study was carried out to look for diagnostic and prognostic role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in early diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetes individuals. NGAL was measured in both urinary and serum sample of 144 type 2 diabetes individuals stratified into three categories based on urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and 54 control populations with estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and serum creatinine <1.2 mg/dl. The serum NGAL (sNGAL), urine NGAL (uNGAL), and uNGAL/urine creatinine were significantly higher in diabetic individuals than in the control populations with significant difference in between the groups (P < 0.05). Difference of above values between control value and normoalbuminuria was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). Again, sNGAL and uNGAL correlate positively with albuminuria (P < 0.05). Tubular injury may precede glomerular injury in diabetic individuals, and NGAL can be used as a biomarker to diagnose DN even earlier to incipient nephropathy. Both sNGAL and uNGAL can predict albuminuria and be used as a noninvasive tool for diagnosis, staging, and progression of DN.

Biomolecular changes during in vitro organogenesis of Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees--a medicinal herb.

High frequency plant regeneration in A. longifolia (L.) was achieved from leaf explant implanted on MS basal medium supplemented with NAA (0.5 mg/l) + BA (2.0 mg/l) through intervening callus phase. Well-developed shoots (>3cm) were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1 mg/l). Protein and total soluble sugar contents were maximum during organogenesis and multiple shoot induction phase compared with non-organogenic callus and root induction phase. Esterase and catalase activities were maximum during organogenic differentiation, while activities were minimum at non-differentiated callus stages. Peroxidase activities were higher during rhizogenesis. Contradiction to peroxidase activity, acid phosphatase activities were high during organogenesis and declined during rhizogenesis. SDS-PAGE analysis of total soluble proteins revealed expression of non-organogenic callus (97.9 kDa), organogenic callus (77.2, 74.1, 21.9 kDa), multiple shoot induction phase (106.6, 26.9, 11.6 kDa) and root induction phase (15.9 kDa) specific polypeptides. Esterase zymogram revealed one band (Rm 0.204) appeared in both organogenic callus and multiple shoot induction phase. Peroxidase zymogram detected two stage specific bands, one band (Rm 0.42) was specific to root induction phase, while another (Rm 0.761) was specific to multiple shoot induction. Catalase and acid phosphatase zymogram resolved one band (Rm 0.752 and 0.435, respectively) in differentiated stages including both multiple shoot induction phase and root induction phase, but absent in undifferentiated phases.

Ischemic stroke following mild head injury is it the cause.

Recognition of childhood stroke is difficult. Newer diagnostic modalities like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have made this task much easier. Head trauma usually causes hemorrhage. We are presenting seven cases of mild head injury presenting as ischamic stroke. Neuroimaging suggested infarct involving left basal ganglia and internal capsule in five and bilateral involvement in two cases. MRA done in three was normal.

Left ventricular dysfunction in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and its reversibility after hormone therapy.

AIM: To ascertain the presence of LV dysfunction in patients of subclinical hypothyroidism and its reversibility after hormone therapy. METHODS AND METERIAL: Thirty two patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) were included in the study, along with thirty two age and sex matched individuals serving as controls. The patients with SH had normal serum T3 and T4 with an elevated TSH value. All patients and the controls were subjected to detailed echocardiographic examination for assessment of LV systolic and diastolic function before and one year after hormone (thyroxine) therapy. RESULTS: The systolic function of LV was normal in patients with SH. There was significant diastolic dysfunction in the SH patients as compared with controls. There was prolongation of deceleration above time (169 +/- 6.1 msec. vs. 148.1 +/- 5.4 msec in controls, p < 0.05), isovolumic relaxation time (89.1 +/- 7.3 msec vs. 79.4 +/- 5.9 msec., p<0.05), increased A wave (0.63 +/- 0.6 m/sec. vs. 0.54 +/- 0.05 m/sec) and reduced E/A ratio (0.7 +/- 0.09 vs. 1.4 +/- 0.3, p < 0.05). Echocardiography at the end of one year of hormone therapy revealed considerable improvement in diastolic function of the LV. There was significant improvement in DT (from 169 +/- 6.1 msec. to 151 +/- 5.2 msec, p < 0.05), IVRT (from 89.1 +/- 7.3 msec. to 80.2 +/- 6.5 msec, p < 0.05) and increased E/A ratio (from 0.7 +/- 0.09 to 1.3 +/- 0.1, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypothyroidism, even in subclinical stage, can cause diastolic dysfunction of the LV. These abnormalities in diastolic function can be reversed by thyroxine therapy.