Growth response of sterculia setigera del. to different types of fertilizers and watering regimes in the nursery

Growth response of Sterculia setigera to NPK (15:15:15) and Urea (46:0:0) at different levels of application and watering regimes were examined. A total of 160 seeds of Sterculia setigera were sown. After germination, 72 seedlings of good health and vigour were selected for the study. The fertilizers were applied at four different levels. 0.00g, 0.67g, 1.33g and 2.0g of NPK fertilizer and 0.00kg, 0.22kg, 0.44kg and 0.66kg of Urea with three replicates each. The second treatment was watering regimes; this was applied at three different levels, e.g. daily watering, watering at three days interval and watering at five days internal. The growth parameters which include total height, collar diameter, and number of leaves were measured for a period of twelve weeks. Biomass production was also evaluated. Assessment of the growth parameters reveals that when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea were applied under daily watering regime, the highest mean height of 23.82 and 24.39 cm were recorded. The highest mean diameter growth (collar) of 0.32 and 0.44cm were equally observed when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea fertilizer were applied under daily watering regime. Also, the highest mean number of leaves was produced (6.12 and 6.72) when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea were applied. Biomass analysis from the study also indicates that 0.2g NPK and 0.66kg Urea gave the highest dry matter yield. Therefore, for optima production of Sterculia setigera in the nursery, 0.20g of NPK, 0.66kg of Urea and daily watering regime are recommended

Heterogeneously catalyzed lignin depolymerization

Biomass offers a unique resource for the sustainable production of bio-derived chemical and fuels as drop-in replacements for the current fossil fuel products. Lignin represents a major component of lignocellulosic biomass, but is particularly recalcitrant for valorization by existing chemical technologies due to its complex cross-linking polymeric network. Here, we highlight a range of catalytic approaches to lignin depolymerisation for the production of aromatic bio-oil and monomeric oxygenates

Prevalence and Predictors of Tuberculosis Coinfection among HIV-Seropositive Patients Attending the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Northern Nigeria

Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been accompanied by a severe epidemic of tuberculosis (TB), although the prevalence of coinfection is largely unknown, especially in developing countries, including Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of TB coinfection among HIV-seropositive Nigerians. Methods: The case files of HIV/AIDS patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from January to December 2006 were reviewed. Results: A total of 1320 HIV/AIDS patients had complete records and were reviewed, among which 138 (10.5%) were coinfected with TB (95% CI, 8.9% to 12.2%). Pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 103 (74.6%) patients, among whom only 18 (17.5%) were sputum-positive. Fifty (36.2%) coinfected patients had some type of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB); 15 had both pulmonary TB and EPTB. Among the 35 patients with EPTB only, 20 (57.1%) had abdominal TB, 5 (14.3%) had TB adenitis, 5 (14.3%) had spinal TB, 3 (8.6%) were being monitored for tuberculous meningitis, and 1 (2.9%) each had renal TB and tuberculous adrenalitis. The highest prevalence of TB, 13.7% (n = 28), was seen among patients aged 41–50 years. TB coinfection was significantly associated with marital status, WHO clinical stage, and CD4 count. Marital status (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.28–3.59; P = 0.04), WHO clinical stage at presentation (4.81; 1.42–8.34; P = 0.001), and baseline CD4 count (2.71; 1.51–6.21; P = 0.02) remained significant predictors after adjustment for confounding. Conclusions: The moderately high prevalence of TB among HIV-seropositive patients underscores the urgent need for strategies that lead to rapid identification and treatment of coinfection with active or latent TB

Notes for genera: basal clades of Fungi (including Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota)

Compared to the higher fungi (Dikarya), taxonomic and evolutionary studies on the basal clades of fungi are fewer in number. Thus, the generic boundaries and higher ranks in the basal clades of fungi are poorly known. Recent DNA based taxonomic studies have provided reliable and accurate information. It is therefore necessary to compile all available information since basal clades genera lack updated checklists or outlines. Recently, Tedersoo et al. (MycoKeys 13:1--20, 2016) accepted Aphelidiomycota and Rozellomycota in Fungal clade. Thus, we regard both these phyla as members in Kingdom Fungi. We accept 16 phyla in basal clades viz. Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota. Thus, 611 genera in 153 families, 43 orders and 18 classes are provided with details of classification, synonyms, life modes, distribution, recent literature and genomic data. Moreover, Catenariaceae Couch is proposed to be conserved, Cladochytriales Mozl.-Standr. is emended and the family Nephridiophagaceae is introduced

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

Background Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications. Methods We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC). Findings In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683–0·717]). Interpretation In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required. Funding British Journal of Surgery Society

Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Indigenous Wild Edible Fruits Used by the Kattunaikka Tribe of Wayanad District, Kerala, India: Research Article

Wayanad district, located in the northeastern part of Kerala state, features hilly terrain within the southern Western Ghats. The district boasts impressive ethnic diversity, with ten different tribal groups. Among these, the Kattunaikka tribe is particularly significant for their conservation and consumption of wild edible fruits. Fruit crops have been a part of our culture for centuries. Ethnic people all over the world have relied on a variety of wild food plants to meet their nutritional and dietary needs. Fruits have a significant role in human diets. They meaningfully contribute to human well-being in terms of nutrition because of their great nutritional value. Seasonal surpluses of perishable fruits are readily available. Among the wild foodstuff, wild edible fruits form a major part of diet supplements, especially for rural people. Large quantities of agricultural produce go to waste in specific locations during particular seasons due to a combination of factors, including ignorance and a lack of management skills in distribution, marketing, and storage. To spread the word about nutritional and therapeutic benefits of these fruits, present investigation has been carried out. The selected wild edible fruits, such as Tamilnadia uliginosa, Diplocyclos palmatus, Momordica dioica, Physalis minima and Syzygium caryophyllatum were collected from different hamlets of Kattunaikk tribes of Wayanad District,  northern Kerala  at the time of ripening. Several factors were similar, including how moisture, dry matter, carotenoids and carbohydrates were assessed. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase were thoroughly analyzed. Important metabolites like reducing sugar, starch, and soluble sugar are estimated with standard procedure. Selected five wild fruits are considered edible and commonly used by rural people in Northern Kerala

Comparitive evaluation of different systems of medicines and the present scenario of chikungunya in Kerala

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the chikungunya outbreaks in both indoor and outdoor patients in some selected hospitals in our locality and the burden and magnitude of the disease, to compare different system of medicines (allopathic, Ayurvedic, homeopathy etc) and to explore the knowledge, attitude and practices of pharmacists and other health care professionals in the treatment of chikungunya.MethodsA six-month study was carried out. Detailed history was taken from the case history, personal interview of doctors and suspected cases. Personal data such as name age, sex, location, date of onset of illness, medical history, general/systemic examination features, drugs used (allopathy, Ayurveda, homeopathy, or traditional) for the treatment, etc. were noted down. A simple questionnaire was prepared and distributed to various doctors practicing various systems of medicines.ResultsA total of 209 suspected cases were identified from July to December, 2009. People in the age group of 20–40 years were more affected. The study revealed that females were more affected than males. The Grade-III (58.73%) population was more prone to chikungunya than Grade-II (38.75%) and Grade-I (2.87%). It showed that fever, pain in muscles, and sleeping disturbances were the intense symptoms of chikungunya. Myocarditis and arthritis were concomitant diseases which worsened chikungunya symptoms. It also indicated the effective medicine for compliance is nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).ConclusionsFrom our study we found that in some places there is no proper documentation, even though there are proper guidelines framed by the relevant authorities. It can be concluded from the study that all the systems of medicine are equally important for the management of chikungunya. Additional effort in promoting the guidelines at local level and proper documentation helps to achieve the goal of curbing the chikungunya. It is high time to increase our effort and promote these messages at grassroot level which benefits the society/community as a whole

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Not AvailableThe mid-water multiday trawl fishery along the north-west coast of India generally targets adult largehead hairtail, Trichiurus lepturus. Bycatch landed by the commercial mid-water multiday trawlers operated from Veraval harbor during August 2017–December 2019 was investigated by analyzing catch composition with respect to its spatial and temporal patterns. A total of 834 bycatch sample observa- tions from mid-water trawl fishery were examined. Bycatch comprises of 123 species and account for 53.36% of the total catch. Highest composition in bycatch comprises of teleosts (62.09%), cephalopods (35.88%), crustaceans (1.47%) and elasmobranchs (0.56%) respectively. Uroteuthis duvaucelii, Sepia elliptica, Nemipterus japonicus, Otolithes cuvieri, S. pharaonis, Priacanthus hamrur, Sepiella inermis and Saurida tumbil were the dominant species with high annual average catches; and together contributed 50.30% of total bycatch. Discards formed 6.32% of total catch and consisted of 62 species belonging to 29 families. The most common discards were juveniles of S. tumbil, N. japonicus, Platycephalus indicus, O. cuvieri, Johnius glaucus and T. lepturus. CPUE of bycatch differed significantly between the seasons with the lowest being in summer and highest in post-monsoon period. Minimum bycatch rates were observed in the offshore waters than inshore waters. Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species listed in CITES as well as IUCN were also observed. The present study revealed that quantities of bycatch landed off northwest coast of India in the Arabian Sea were relatively higher than that landed by mid-water trawlers operating in other parts of the world. Hence the mid-water trawl fishery operating in north-west coast of India and targeting largehead hairtail needs to be closely monitored to mitigate and reduce the quantity of bycatch landed by them.Not Availabl