Seasonal variation in photosynthetic rates and satellite-based GPP estimation over mangrove forest.

In view of increasing anthropogenic influences and global changes, quantification of carbon assimilation through photosynthesis has gained tremendous significance. Precise estimation of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is essential for several ecosystem models and is typically done using coarser scale satellite data. The mangrove ecosystem, which offers significant protection to the coastal environment, is one of the critical habitats from a global change point of view. Light use efficiency (LUE) was measured using diurnal in situ photosynthetic rate observations for 13 dominant mangrove species for 3 seasons at each of the three mangrove dominant test-sites situated along the east and west coast of India. Variations in photosynthetic rates among these species were studied for 3 seasons that indicated varying responses of mangrove ecosystem at each site. Among all species, Rhizophora mucronata and Sonneratia apetala indicated higher values at two of the test-sites. IRS Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV datasets were used for the estimation of GPP. Mean GPP for all the sites varied from 1.2 to 7.7 g C m-2 day-1 with maximum value of 14.4 g C m-2 day-1. Mean values of GPP varied across the sites, based on its maximum LUE values and available photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The results provide GPP values at much better spatial resolution for a threatened habitat like mangroves that typically survive in a narrow habitat along the coasts.

Development and evaluation of retort pouch processed chhenapoda (cheese based baked sweet).

A study has been undertaken to optimize ingredient proportions for preparation of chhenapoda and the effect of retort processing on its quality and storability. Chhenapoda was prepared from cottage cheese with standard practices followed by confectioners using different levels of semolina (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 g) and sugar (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 g) per kg cheese and ingredient proportion was optimized based on sensory scores. Prepared chhenapoda sample of 200 g were packed in pre-fabricated 3 side seal multilayer laminated retortable pouches, hermetically sealed and retort processed at different temperatures (100, 110 and 120 °C) and time intervals (15, 30 and 45 min). It was found from Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique that addition of 18.5% sugar and 7.5% semolina with cottage cheese was optimum for chhenapoda preparation. Microbiological analysis showed that total plate count and yeast and mould count (YMC) decreased from 110 × 107 to 4 × 104 and YMC from 3 × 103 to 0 respectively during retort processing (30 min thermal processing in laminated pouch at 120 °C). From the storage study, it can be concluded that retort processing of chhenapoda in laminated pouch at 120 °C for 30 min resulted in microbiological safe and sensory acceptable product which could be stored up to 30 days under refrigerated condition.

Effect of refining on quality and composition of sunflower oil.

An experimental oil refining unit has been developed and tested for sunflower oil. Crude pressed sunflower oil obtained from a local oil mill was refined using chemical method by degumming, neutralization, bleaching and dewaxing. The quality and composition of crude and refined oil were analysed compared. Reduction in phosphorous content from 6.15 ppm to 0, FFA content from 1.1 to 0.24 % (oleic acid), peroxide value from 22.5 to 7.9 meq/kg, wax content from 1,420 to 200 ppm and colour absorbance value from 0.149 to 0.079 (in spectrophotometer at 460 nm) were observed from crude to refined oil. It was observed that refining did not have significant effect on fatty acid compositions as found in the percentage peak area in the GC-MS chromatogram. The percentage of unsaturated fatty acid in both the oils were recorded to be about 95 % containing 9-Octadecenoic acid (Oleic acid) and 11,14-Eicosadienoic acid (elongated form of linoleic acid). The research results will be useful to small entrepreneurs and farmers for refining of sunflower oil for better marketability.

Viral aetiology and clinico-epidemiological features of acute encephalitis syndrome in eastern India.

This study reports clinico-epidemiological features and viral agents causing acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in the eastern Indian region through hospital-based case enrolment during April 2011 to July 2012. Blood and CSF samples of 526 AES cases were investigated by serology and/or PCR. Viral aetiology was identified in 91 (17·2%) cases. Herpes simplex virus (HSV; types I or II) was most common (16·1%), followed by measles (2·6%), Japanese encephalitis virus (1·5%), dengue virus (0·57%), varicella zoster virus (0·38%) and enteroviruses (0·19%). Rash, paresis and cranial nerve palsies were significantly higher (P < 0·05) with viral AES. Case-fatality rates were 10·9% and 6·2% in AES cases with and without viral aetiology, respectively. Simultaneous infection of HSV I and measles was observed in seven cases. This report provides the first evidence on viral aetiology of AES viruses from eastern India showing dominance of HSV that will be useful in informing the public health system.

Standardization of process parameters for microwave assisted convective dehydration of ginger.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale, Cv. Suprava) slices (4 mm thick) were dehydrated at 25°, 40°, 50° and 60 °C with three different microwave power levels, viz. 120, 240, and 360 W in microwave assisted convective dryer up to 0.07 g moisture/g dry solid to observe the feasibility of microwave assisted convective drying for ginger. The samples were also dried without application of microwaves (0 W) at the above air temperatures. The final product quality was compared in terms of rehydration characteristics, oleoresin and volatile oil contents, hardness, color and organoleptic quality. The maximum rehydration ratio of 3.86 ± 0.06 was obtained at 50 °C without application of microwaves and was followed by 120 W-40 °C combination treatment (3.64 ± 0.15). The minimum rehydration ratio was 2.34 ± 0.20 for 360 W with 60 °C. The yield of oleoresin content was higher for 120 W as compared to other power levels, which ranged between 5.12 ± 0.85% and 6.34 ± 0.89%. The maximum retention of oleoresin was observed in case of 120 W-40 °C. The samples dried with microwave power level of 120 W also gave better yields of volatile oil as compared to other power levels. The best color was observed at 120 W-50 °C and 120 W-60 °C conditions with Hunter 'a' (redness) values at 0.50 ± 0.03 and 0.35 ± 0.03, respectively. The sensory analysis also indicated that drying at 120 W-50 °C and 240 W-50 °C combinations gave the most acceptable quality product. Drying ginger with 120 W-50 °C combination helped in a saving of 53% and 44% in drying time as compared to hot air drying at 50° and 60 °C, respectively. Drying at 240 W-50 °C also gave a reasonably acceptable quality product with a net saving of 91% and 89% in drying time as compared to hot air drying at 50° and 60 °C, respectively. However, on the basis of rehydration characteristics, the acceptable process conditions were hot air drying at 50° or 60 °C, or with the 120 W-40 °C combination.

Short-Term and Long-Term Stability of Medial Olivocochlear Reflex in Adults with Typical Hearing.

This study aimed to assess the stability of Medial Olivocochlear Reflex (MOCR) function in typical hearing adults with the use of Contralateral Suppression (CS) of Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs). This study included fifty-three (90 ears) participants between the ages of 18-30. Participants were divided into 3 groups (Group A-daily stability, Group B-short-term stability, and Group C- long-term stability). For each group, 4 measurements (30 × 4 = 120sessions) were taken. Group A measurements were taken daily, Group B measurements were taken weekly and Group C measurements were taken monthly. DPOAEs and Contralateral Suppression of DPOAEs were measured for each group. Analyses indicated that Medial Olivocochlear Reflex (MOCR) measured through contralateral suppression of DPOAE was unstable. This result indicates a DPOAE-based measure of the MOCR was not repeated across time. A great deal has been learned using CS of DPOAEs to study medial efferent activation, but several unresolved methodological issues that could impact the data to produce poor stability across time. Those methodological issues need to be explored and researched in the future.

Removal of hexavalent chromium by biosorption process in rotating packed bed.

Removal of hexavalent chromium ions from an aqueous solution by crude tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit shell was examined in a rotating packed bed contactor by continuously recirculating a given volume of solution through the bed. Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) within the biosorbent appeared to be the removal mechanism. Depletion rate of Cr(VI) from, and release of reduced Cr(III) ions into the aqueous phase, was influenced by mass transfer resistance besides pH and packing depth. A mathematical model considering the reduction reaction to be irreversible and incorporating intraparticle and external phase mass transfer resistances represented the experimental data adequately. The study indicated that the limitations of fixed bed contactor operating under terrestrial gravity in intensifying mass transfer rates for this system can be overcome with rotating packed bed due to liquid flow under centrifugal acceleration.

[Relapse after surgical treatment of mycobacterium ulcerans infection (buruli ulcer): study of risk factors in 84 patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]. / Rechutes après traitement chirurgical exclusif de l'infection à Mycobacterium ulcerans (ulcère de Buruli): étude des facteurs de risque chez 84 patients congolais.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for relapse after exclusively surgical treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer). METHODS: Study was carried out in 102 patients treated exclusively by surgery for Buruli ulcer at various care facilities in the Congo from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2005. RESULTS: Outcomes included relapse in 22 patients (21.5%), cure in 62 (60.7%), and unknown in 18 (17.6%). Statistical analysis identified the following variables as independent risk factors for relapse after exclusively surgical treatment: incomplete surgical excision (OR = 91.83; P = 0.0000; IC to 95%), age under 16 years (OR = 14.80; P = 0.0000; IC to 95%) and pre-ulcerative Buruli lesions (edema and plaque) (OR = 3.18; P = 0.0215; IC to 95%). CONCLUSION: Quality of excision, patient age, and clinical form of lesion are the main predictors of relapse after isolated surgical treatment of Buruli ulcer.

Do Maternal Vitamin D Levels Influence Vitamin D Levels in Preterm Neonates?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency/insufficiency in mothers of preterm neonates less than or equal to 32 weeks of gestation and determine if the current level of VitD supplementation used for preterm neonates is appropriate. DESIGN: Prospective study from 10th May 2015 to 1st November 2016. SETTING: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Canberra Hospital. PATIENTS: Mothers and their preterm neonates born less than or equal to 32 weeks gestation. INTERVENTIONS: Maternal VitD levels were obtained within 3-4 days following delivery. Neonatal VitD levels were obtained in the first 3-4 days of life, at 3-4 weeks of age, and at 6-8 weeks of age. Demographic data and data on VitD intake from parenteral nutrition, enteral feeds, and vitamin supplementation agents were collected. RESULTS: 70 neonates were enrolled into the study. Median gestation was 29 (27-30) weeks and median birth weight 1197 (971.2-1512.5) grams. Median maternal VitD level was 54.5 (36-70.7) nmol/L, median neonatal Vit D level at birth was 57 (42-70) nmol/L. Median Vit D level at 3 weeks and 6 weeks were 63.5 nmol/L (53-80.2) nmol/L and 103 (71.5-144) nmol/L respectively. 22/55 (40%) mothers were VitD deficient/insufficient. 25/70 (36%) neonates were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth. Of those neonates who were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth 5/25(10%) were deficient/insufficient at 6 weeks. The median intake of VitD at 6 weeks was 826.5 (577.5-939.5) IU/day. CONCLUSIONS: VitD deficiency/insufficiency in mothers of preterm neonates and in preterm neonates at birth is common. Routine screening of maternal VitD and their preterm neonates along with individualized supplementation regimens in mothers and preterm infants may optimize VitD status and reduce risk of ongoing VitD deficiency/insufficiency.

An Investigation on the Coinfection of Measles and HSV-1 in Hospitalized Acute Encephalitis Syndrome Patients in Eastern India.

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a clinical condition that occurs due to infectious and noninfectious agents- however, viruses are considered to be the dominant pathogen. agents- however, viruses are considered to be the dominant pathogen. In this study, suspected AES cases were enrolled and tested for viral etiology through serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/reverse transcriptase PCR from August 2012-July 2013. During this period, 820 cases were investigated and 96 cases were diagnosed to have a viral etiology whereas 20 patients had IgM antibodies for measles in serum and HSV-1 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid. All 20 of the patients were children below 14 years of age. The median hospital stay was 15 days (IQR: 14.2-17 days) and median GCS score was 7(IQR: 6-8) and were significantly different with patients with co-infections when comapred with patients having HSV-1 infection only. It may be suspected that the measles infection may have a role in the pathogenesis and thus an impact on the prognosis of the AES when present with HSV-1.

Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the dengue strains circulating in Odisha, India.

Dengue has emerged as a major public health challenge in terms of both changing clinical pattern and epidemiological features. The state of Odisha reported first dengue epidemic in the year 2010 and this continued each year in epidemic form during post monsoon period gradually becoming an endemic phenomenon. Present study depicts the changing epidemiological and clinical pattern of dengue with reference to its serotypes and genotypes. The study included 5320 suspected dengue cases from different health facilities of the state during 2010-2017. Dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody was done through ELISA. Serotyping was done through RTPCR by amplifying a part of core-pre-membrane gene (CprM) followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Dengue IgM antibody in 17.7% cases and NS1 antigen in 53.20% cases was detected. Dengue serotype 2 (DEN-2) was the only serotype detected in 2010 and 2011 where as all four serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4 were detected in 2012-2017, DEN-2 being dominant but in 2017 DEN-3 was found to be dominant. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genotype IV of DEN-2 and genotype III of DEN-1 and DEN-3 circulating in this region. In 6 cases involvement of DEN-2 in clinically evident encephalitis cases is an important observation in this region and needs public health attention. High prevalence of dengue was observed without any previous reported outbreaks in the state with increased number of cases from 2010 to 2012 affecting both urban and rural areas. High incidence in 2012 was due to co-circulation of more than one serotype which continued in the following years. Severity in some cases was associated with mixed infection but in most cases it was mild indicating the endemic nature of the virus in most parts of Odisha.

Mild synthesis of a family of planar triazinium cations via proton-assisted cyclization of pyridyl containing azo compounds and studies on DNA intercalation.

An efficient synthesis of a family of heteroaromatic triazinium compounds, [2a]X-[2g]X (X = Cl, ClO4, NO3, and HSO4), from 2-(arylazo)pyridines via proton-catalyzed heterocyclization is described. Characterization of the compounds is made by different spectroscopic, electrochemical techniques, as well as single-crystal structure determination of the triflate salt of a representative compound, [2a]CF3SO3. The bond parameters indicate that the tricyclo compound, 2a(+), is planar and aromatic with a N-N bond length of 1.275(6) A. These exhibited fluorescence with an emission maximum in the range of 540-535 nm with moderate quantum yields. The triazinium salts can be reduced in two successive one-electron steps as probed by cyclic voltammetry and coulometry. The paramagnetic radical intermediate 2a(*) is distinguished by a sharp and intense EPR spectrum. Fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, cyclic voltammetry, viscosity measurements, together with DNA melting studies have been used to characterize the binding of 2a(+) with calf thymus DNA. The emission quenching of the compound by [Fe(CN)6](4-) decreased when bound to DNA. As determined by a MTT assay, 2a(+) exhibited significant cytotoxicity at a higher concentration range of 1 mg/mL to 1 microg/mL; however, the % survival ratio increased with dilution. Cellular uptake studies of the referenced compound were followed by FACS analysis.

HIV, hepatitis B and C infection status of the blood donors in a blood bank of a tertiary health care centre of Orissa.

A record based retrospective study was conducted at the blood bank of SCB Medical College, Cuttack. All the donors who had donated blood from June to December 2005 were considered. 91.7%of the donors were males and majority belonged to 21-30 years age group. 1.98% of the donors were positive for hepatitis C, 1.13% for hepatitis B and 0.35% for HIV. For HBV infection, majority belonged to 31-40 years age group. But for HCV and HIV infection more were in the 21-30 year age group. Significantly more number of exchange donors was positive for HBV and HCV in comparison to voluntary donors in blood bank and camp. No voluntary donors from the camp were HIV positive.

A bile acid-induced apoptosis assay for colon cancer risk and associated quality control studies.

Bile acids are important in the etiology of colorectal cancer. Bile acids induce apoptosis in colonic goblet cells at concentrations comparable to those found in fecal water after high-fat meals. Preliminary evidence indicated that cells of the normal-appearing (nontumorous) portion of the colon epithelium of colon cancer patients are more resistant to bile salt-induced apoptosis than are cells from normal individuals. In the present study, 68 patients were examined, and biopsies were taken at 20 cm from the anal verge, cecum, and descending colon. The patients included 17 individuals with a history of colorectal cancer, 37 individuals with adenomas, and 14 individuals who were neoplasia free. The mean bile salt-induced apoptotic index among normal individuals was 57.6 +/- 3.47 (SE), which differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the mean value of 36.41 +/- 3.12 in individuals with a history of colon cancer. The correlation between independent observers was 0.89 (P < 0.001), indicating good interobserver reliability. Components of variance comparing interindividual versus intraindividual sources of variation suggested that site-to-site variability, both between regions of the colon and for adjacent biopsies, was larger than the interpatient variability for individuals with a history of neoplasia. Therefore, there was "patchiness" of the susceptibility of regions of the colon to bile acid-induced apoptosis in individuals with a history of neoplasia (a patchy field effect). There was no obvious correlation of low-apoptotic index regions with regions in which previous neoplasias had been found and removed. On the other hand, for normal, i.e., neoplasia-free, individuals, there was relatively less intraindividual variation compared to interindividual variation. Our assay shows an association between resistance to bile acid-induced apoptosis, measured at 20 cm from the anal verge, and colon cancer risk. Thus, this assay may prove useful as a biomarker of colon cancer risk.

Non-Volatile Flash Memory Characteristics of Tetralayer Nickel-Germanide Nanocrystals Embedded Structure.

Formation of tetralayer memory structure having nickel-germanide nanocrystals using a Ge/Ni multilayers is proposed. X-ray diffraction study shows the NiGe (002) phase formation after proper annealing. Cross sectional HRTEM clearly shows the sharpness and the size (~4-6 nm) of the stacked nanocrystals embedded in the oxide matrix. A large anti-clockwise hysteresis memory win- dow of 13.4 Volt at ± 15 Volt is observed for the optimized samples. This large memory window indicates for the MLC applications. Frequency independent C-V curve confirms about the charge storage in the nanocrystals. A good charge retention and endurance characteristics are exhibited upto 125 °C for the nonvolatile memory application.

Bayesian analysis of two diagnostic methods for paediatric ringworm infections in a teaching hospital.

Quantitatively, conventional methods of diagnosis of tinea capitis or paediatric ringworm, microscopic and culture tests were evaluated with Bayes rule. This analysis would help in quantifying the pervasive errors in each diagnostic method, particularly the microscopic method, as a long-term treatment would be involved to eradicate the infection by the use of a particular antifungal chemotherapy. Secondly, the analysis of clinical data would help in obtaining digitally the fallible standard of the microscopic test method, as the culture test method is taken as gold standard. Test results of 51 paediatric patients were of 4 categories: 21 samples were true positive (both tests positive), and 13 were true negative; the rest samples comprised both 14 false positive (microscopic test positivity with culture test negativity) and 3 false negative (microscopic test negativity with culture test positivity) samples. The prevalence of tinea infection was 47.01% in the population of 51 children. The microscopic test of a sample was efficient by 87.5%, in arriving at a positive result on diagnosis, when its culture test was positive; and, this test was efficient by 76.4%, in arriving at a negative result, when its culture test was negative. But, the post-test probability value of a sample with both microscopic and culture tests would be correct in distinguishing a sample from a sick or a healthy child with a chance of 71.5%. However, since the sensitivity of the analysis is 87.5%, the microscopic test positivity would be easier to detect in the presence of infection. In conclusion, it could be stated that Trychophyton rubrum was the most prevalent species; sensitivity and specificity of treating the infection, by antifungal therapy before ascertaining by the culture method remain as 0.8751 and 0.7642, respectively. A correct/coveted diagnostic method of fungal infection would be could be achieved by modern molecular methods (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry or fluorescence in situ hybridization or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] or restriction fragment length polymorphism or DNA/RNA probes of known fungal taxa) in advanced laboratories.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in Banaraja fowls reared in semi-intensive system of management in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

AIM: Studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infection in Banaraja fowls of three blocks (Chandua, Shamakhunta and Bangriposi) of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha with respect to semi-intensive system of rearing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 Banaraja birds (30 males and 130 females) belonging to two age groups (below 1 month age and above 1 month) were examined for the presence of different species of gastrointestinal helminth infection over a period of 1-year. The method of investigation included collection of fecal sample and gastrointestinal tracts, examination of fecal sample of birds, collection of parasites from different part of gastrointestinal tract, counting of parasites, and examination of the collected parasites by standard parasitological techniques followed by morphological identification as far as possible up to the species level. RESULTS: Overall, 58.75% birds were found infected with various gastrointestinal helminths. Total five species of parasites were detected that included Ascaridia galli (25.63%), Heterakis gallinarum (33.75%), Raillietina tetragona (46.25%), Raillietina echinobothrida (11.87%), and Echinostoma revolutum (1.87%). Both single (19.15%) as well as mixed (80.85%) infection were observed. Highest incidence of infection was observed during rainy season (68.88%) followed by winter (66.66%) and least in summer season (41.81%). Sex-wise incidence revealed slightly higher occurrence among females (59.23%) than males (56.67%). Age-wise prevalence revealed that chicks were more susceptible (77.77%) than adults (51.30%) to gastrointestinal helminths infection. CONCLUSIONS: Present study revealed that mixed infection with gastrointestinal helminths of different species was more common than infection with single species and season-wise prevalence was higher in rainy season followed by winter and summer. Chicks were found to be more prone to this parasitic infection and a slight higher prevalence among female birds was observed.

Cytochrome c folds through a smooth funnel.

A dominant feature of folding of cytochrome c is the presence of nonnative His-heme kinetic traps, which either pre-exist in the unfolded protein or are formed soon after initiation of folding. The kinetically trapped species can constitute the majority of folding species, and their breakdown limits the rate of folding to the native state. A temperature jump (T-jump) relaxation technique has been used to compare the unfolding/folding kinetics of yeast iso-2 cytochrome c and a genetically engineered double mutant that lacks His-heme kinetic traps, H33N,H39K iso-2. The results show that the thermodynamic properties of the transition states are very similar. A single relaxation time tau(obs) is observed for both proteins by absorbance changes at 287 nm, a measure of solvent exclusion from aromatic residues. At temperatures near Tm, the midpoint of the thermal unfolding transitions, tau(obs) is four to eight times faster for H33N,H39K iso-2 (tau(obs) approximately 4-10 ms) than for iso-2 (tau(obs) approximately 20-30 ms). T-jumps show that there are no kinetically unresolved (tau < 1-3 micros T-jump dead time) "burst" phases for either protein. Using a two-state model, the folding (k(f)) and unfolding (k(u)) rate constants and the thermodynamic activation parameters standard deltaGf, standard deltaGu, standard deltaHf, standard deltaHu, standard deltaSf, standard deltaSu are evaluated by fitting the data to a function describing the temperature dependence of the apparent rate constant k(obs) (= tau(obs)(-1)) = k(f) + k(u). The results show that there is a small activation enthalpy for folding, suggesting that the barrier to folding is largely entropic. In the "new view," a purely entropic kinetic barrier to folding is consistent with a smooth funnel folding landscape.