Achievements of agricultural biotechnology: An initiative to double the farmer’s income through cutting edge technology

The population of the world is increasing nearly exponentially over time. To feed this population following the environment conservation protocol, it is essential to enhance the agricultural productivity even in the synchronizing agrarian land use pattern. To enhance the quality and productivity in agriculture sector, introducing the cutting edge technology is need of the hour.From ancient times, traditional approaches like selective breeding, adoption of agronomic management practices and application of indigenous technical knowledge have been used to attain resilience against various abiotic and biotic stresses. However, these traditional approaches are not sufficient to tackle the increasing repercussions of climate change and feed quality food to the expanding population. Therefore, in order to address these issues of climate change, population explosion and malnutrition, biotechnological interventions can be a promising approach. In the past, biotechnology based approaches have given successful products like Herbicide-resistant Soybean, Pusa Basmati 1, Bt Cotton, Bt Brinjal, Flavr-Savr tomato, a therapeutically significant product of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Panax ginseng. Besides that many more need based products are in pipeline which is under scrutiny of regulatory bodies, policymakers and environmentalists. It is profoundly expected that in the coming day’s agricultural biotechnology applications will bring revolutionary changes to existing agricultural scenario. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized the achievement of agricultural biotechnology that is assisting to enhance the agricultural produce to double the income of farmers. However, this much is not enough; hence full utilization of all the sustainable agricultural biotechnological tools must come into the existence that definitely will boost the agricultural productivity.

A Histomorphological Study of Nephrectomy Specimens in Rural Rajasthan- A Population Based Study.

Nephrectomy brings in relief to patients from various chronic and life threatening diseases and in some cases makes way for renal transplant. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all cancer deaths. Staging and grading remain the most useful indicators. Hence the present study was undertaken to become familiar with the morphological features and to explore, elucidate and document the kidney lesions at nephrectomy. We wanted to study the spectrum of renal lesions post nephrectomy, obtain the overall frequency, the age and sex incidence of various lesions at nephrectomy along with detailed histomorphology study of various lesions encountered in nephrectomy specimens and evaluate the histomorphological study of renal tumours including the classification of cell type, architectural pattern and grading. MethodsThis prospective study was done on 85 nephrectomy specimens received in the department of pathology, N.I.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur, over a period of three years (2016 to 2019). ResultsOf these 85 nephrectomy specimens, 44 cases (51.7%) were neoplastic and remaining 41 cases (48.2%) were non-neoplastic. ConclusionsThe youngest patient was 40 days and oldest was 75 years. Chronic pyelonephritis was the commonest non-neoplastic lesion. Renal cell carcinoma was the commonest tumour and was commoner in males with clear cell variant being the most frequent. Monophasic Wilms tumour was the commonest neoplastic lesion in the paediatric population.

Evaluation of micro-irrigation methods in pomegranate under semi-arid tropical climate of India

Aim: To evaluate different micro-irrigation systems against basin irrigation in terms of growth, yield, fruit quality, disease infestation and water use of pomegranate under semi-arid tropical climate of Central India. Methodology: A field experiment was conducted in newly planted pomegranate cv. Bhagwa orchard with four irrigation treatments, viz., drip (4 lph, 4 plant-1), microjet 180o (2 plant-1), microjet 360o (2 plant-1) and basin (double ring) irrigation replicated five times in a randomised block design (RBD) in heavy textured soil. Results: Basin irrigation is widely practiced method of irrigation which presently facilitate better soil moisture distribution, resulted in better root proliferation and higher leaf nutrient status (K 0.98%, Cu 105.4 ppm and Zn 35.9 ppm) followed by drip (N 2.12% and Mn 40.4 ppm) system of irrigation. Maximum fruit yield was obtained under basin and drip which was 376.7% and 242.8% higher than that obtained under microjet 180o irrigation system, respectively. Water use efficiency was highest in drip (0.526) than basin (0.499) system of irrigation. Disease incidence in the plants was less under drip while it was high under microjet system of irrigation. Interpretation: Experimental findings clearly indicate that the areas which had ample amount of irrigation, basin irrigation was the most efficient system in harnessing maximum yields, while drip irrigation resulted in higher water use efficiency under arid to semiarid tropical climate, micro-sprinkler irrigation system is not beneficial for pomegranate orchards.

Effectiveness and Performance of “Sexcel” - ABS Sexed Semen, in Dairy Heifers, Cows and Buffaloes in Field conditions in different Agro-Climatic Zones of India

To analyse the effect of sexed semen on different breeds used in artificial insemination following study was conducted using sexed semen from seven different breeds for artificial insemination in females. All bulls used for sexing by ABS India were genomically tested for Holstein and Jersey breeds. A total of 3034 inseminations with Sexcel were performed with 2589 inseminations in dairy cows and 445 in buffaloes. The conception rate of sexed semen using confirmative pregnancy diagnosis (using peri rectal examination) at 90 days post insemination both in cows and buffaloes was recorded. Sex of the calf was recorded after the birth in each case. The results of conception rate (CR) and pregnancy rate evaluation in different breeds were recorded. The results revealed the average conception rate of Sexcel semen is 49.1% (ranging from 45.1 to 55.3%) in cows and 42.7 % in buffaloes. These figures show a cumulative picture wherein sexed semen was used in animals of different parities (Both primiparous and pluriparous). The current study provides ample insights into the conception rate using sexed semen under various agro climatic conditions in different breeds. The study showed that sexed semen gives good conception in animals of one to three parities provided they are reproductively clean and possess good fertility

Knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception amongst married women

Background: Aim of current study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of contraceptives amongst married women of reproductive age group.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in obstetrics and gynaecology out door patient department (OPD) of SMGS hospital Jammu. 100 married women aged between 15-45 years were included in this study. Along with the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, their knowledge, attitude /86*and practices on contraception were evaluated with the help of predesigned questionnaire.Results: It was observed that out of 100 women, majority of them were Hindu (58%), higher secondary educated (21%), housewives (45%) and belonged to low socio economic status (36%). 88% females had knowledge about contraceptive methods that was mainly obtained from health workers (59%) followed by media (23.8%) and social circle (14,7%). 38% women were practicing contraceptive methods, out of which most of them were using condom (39.4%) followed by Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) (21.05%), intra uterine contraceptive device (15.7%) etc. Though most of the women had knowledge about contraceptive methods majority (62%) had negative attitude towards family planning.Conclusions: In spite of having good knowledge, utilization of contraceptives was less because of religious myths and beliefs, fear of side effects, cultural and political barriers.

Autonomic Function Tests in Asthmatics of Age 25-46 Years in Central India

Introduction: Increased parasympathetic drive in asthmatics is observed by many researchers. However, some have found increased sympathetic activity and others found it decreased.Materials and Methods: A case–control study was planned including 30 asthmatic patients and 30 age-matched non-asthmatics as controls. Spirometry and autonomic functions were tested, and results of the mean difference were compared using the Student t-test.Results: Out of 30 asthmatics, 76% were in mild-to-moderate grade of asthma on the basis of their forced expiratory volume in the first second % values. Rise in diastolic blood pressure with cold pressor test was significantly less in asthmatics than controls (5.66 ± 3.415 and 11.73 ± 4.49 mmHg; P < 0.001). The mean Valsalva ratio in asthmatics was significantly less than in controls (1.158 ± 0.116 and 1.418 ± 0.645; P < 0.05). Galvanic skin resistance in asthmatics was significantly more than in controls (589.8 ± 268.12 and 328.75 ± 165.07; P < 0.001).Conclusions: Thus, from our study, there was increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic drive in patients with bronchial asthma as compared to controls

Comparison Of Intravenous Tramadol And Intravenous Clonidine On Post Spinal Anaesthesia Shivering

NTRODUCTION:-Postanesthesiashiveringisvery unpleasant, uncomfortable to the patient as well as to the operating room personnel. It isspontaneous, involuntary, rhythmic, tremor- kemusclehyperactivitythatincreasesmetabolicheatproductionupto600%aftergeneralorregionalanesthesia.Therearevariousmethodsavailabletocontrolshiveringduringanaesthesia, whichincludenon-pharmacologicalmethodsandpharmacologicalmethodsusingdrugswhichhaveanti-shiveringproperties.WeconductedthisrandomisedstudytocomparetherelativeefficacyofTramadolandClonidineforcontrolofintraoperativeshiveringunderspinalanaesthesia.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:-Thepresentstudyisundertakentoclinicallycomparetheefficacy, haemodynamiceffects, complicationsandsideeffectsofClonidine&Tramadoloncontrolofpostspinalshivering.MATERIAL AND METHOD:-After obtaining written and informed consent, Weconductedarandomisedstudyin60patients (30 in each group)and comparedtheefficacyofTramadolandClonidineforcontrollingpostspinalshivering.Patients were given injection Tramadol(GroupT–I.V Tramadol1mg/kg)or injection Clonidine(GroupCI.V Clonidine1mcg/kg)when shivering of grade 2 to 4 was noted which lasted for minimum period of 2 minutes after institution of subarachnoid block.CONCLUSION:-BothTramadolandClonidineeffectivelytreatedpatientswithpostspinalshivering, buttimetakenforcompletecessationofshiveringwasearlierinTramadol. From our study we conclude that, I.VTramadol is a better alternative than I.VClonidine in treatment of postspinal anesthesia shivering with prophylactic administration of Ondansetron 4mg I.V to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections in Healthy Blood Donors in Specific Class of Kuppuswamy’s Socio-Economic Status Scale.

Background: Blood transfusion has profound role to play in specific illness, but still due to unsafe and careless practices the peril of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis and malaria prevails. Objective: To study the seroprevalence of TTIs in healthy blood donors in specific Kuppuswamy’s socio-economic scale at a Blood Bank of a tertiary care teaching hospital in north India, to enhance the awareness about transfusion related risks and to implement better strategic measures to prevent TTI, in high risk groups. Material and Method: Total 10,569 blood units were collected from Jan-2014 to Septmeber-2015. All donors were categorised according to the Kuppuswamy’s Socioeconomic Status Scale (KSESS) followed by screening of all sera samples for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to HCV, HIV types 1 and 2 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and for malaria antigen and Treponema pallidum by using immunochromatographic tests and Rapid Plasma Reagin test (RPR) respectively. All the samples found reactive for HIV, HBsAg, and HCV were again confirmed by second ELISA. Results: The overall seroprevalence was HCV 2.06 % (218/10569) > HBV 1.71% (181/10569) > HIV 0.03% (3/10569). No donor was found positive for Malaria and VDRL. The prevalence of transfusion transmissible diseases in specific socio economic class was as follows-:Upper lower class (IV) 248/2261 (10.96%) > Lower class (V) 34/483 (7.03%) > Lower Middle class (III) 97/5789 (1.67%) > Upper middle class (II) 22/1552 (1.42%) > Upper class (I) 1/484 (0.20%) and seroprevalence of transfusion transmissible diseases in each socio economic class, out of total donations was as follows-: Upper lower class (IV) 248/10569 (2.35%)> Lower middle class (III) 97/10569 (0.92%) >Lower class (V) 34/10569 (0.32%)> upper middle class (II) 22/10569 (0.21) >Upper class (I) 1/10569 (0.009%). Conclusion: Maximum positive TTIs had association with low socio-economic status people with increased medical and behavioral risk factors. Hence, we conclude that awareness among the high risk population group, strict and skillfulness selection of donors and use of effective laboratory screening tests is the prerequisite for the safe donation!!

Autonomic Functions In Raja-yoga Meditators.

Stress, an inevitable and constant feature throughout the lifetime, induces autonomic dysfunctions, for which meditation is considered to be an antidote. So the case control study was planned including 50 Raja-yoga meditators practicing meditation for 5 years and 50 age matched non-meditators. Autonomic function tests were performed and results were compared using the Student- t test. Mean values of resting HR, SBP and DBP were less in meditators. Galvanic Skin Response in meditators was significantly more (p<0.001). Mean increase BP response to Hand Grip Test and Cold Pressor Test was significantly less in meditators than non-meditators (p<0.001). Standing: Lying ratio, Valsalva ratio, Inspiration: Expiration ratio and 30:15 ratios were significantly increased in meditators than non-meditators. From the results, there was shifting of the autonomic balance to parasympathetic side in Raja-yoga meditators, which suggests its utility to combat the ill effects of stress.

A review: Gastroretentive drug delivery system (grdds)

One novel approach in this area is GRDDSs (Gastro Retentive Drug Delivery System). GRDDSs can improve the controlled delivery of drugs that have an absorption window by continuously releasing the drug for a prolonged period of time before it reaches its absorption site.The purpose of writing this review was to investigate, compile and present the recent as well as past literatures in more concise way with special focus on approaches which are currently utilized in the prolongation of gastric residence time. These includes floating system, swelling and expanding system, bio/mucoadhesive system, high density system and other delayed gastric emptying devices. The present review addresses briefly about the classification, formulation consideration for GRDDS, factors controlling gastric retention, merits, demerits and applications of gastroretentive drug delivery systems.

Laparoscopic Evaluation of Chronic Pelvic Pain.

The present study was undertaken to find out the role of laparoscopy in evaluation of chronic pelvic pain and to correlate laparoscopic findings with preoperative pelvic findings. Fifty-two women with pelvic pain of more than 6 months duration were included. They were examined clinically and then subjected to Transabdominal sonography and laparoscopy. Of 52 patient's enrolled for study, 51.92% of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years with equal number of cases from rural and urban areas. Abnormal menstrural cycle patterns were seen in 32.70% of patients with menorrhagia contributing 23.07%. 44.24% patients had abnormal pelvic findings on preoperative pelvic examination. Ultrasonography could detect abnormality in 32.70% of patients as compared to Laparoscopy which had abnormal findings in 75%. Most common pelvic pathology was PID in 26.92% followed by adhesions in 12.07% cases which could not be detected clinically and on sonography. Laparoscopy is a more sensitive and superior method for evaluation of chronic pelvic pain as compared to ultrasonography. Laparoscopy can establish a definitive diagnosis, modify and provide treatment without resorting to exploratory laparotomy .

Role of Emergency Hysterectomy in Modern Obstetrics.

A retrospective study was done to estimate prevlance, indications and complications of emergency hysterectomy done for various obstetric indications over two years was carried out. There were 37549 confinements during study period from April 2006 to Aug 2008. Out of this 27213 (72.4%) delivered vaginally and 10336 (27.5%) by Cesarean section. 80 emergency hysterectomies were done, incidence being 2.13 /1000 births. Mean age was 30.5 years. Majority (75%) were from rural areas. Maximum cases were para 2-4. Most common indication for emergency hysterectomy was uterine rupture (40%) followed by atonic PPH (28.75%). Placenta previa (9%). Secondary PPH (6.25%), broad ligament hematoma (6.2%) placenta accreta &increta (2%).fibroid with bleeding (3.7%). Couvelaire uterus (2.1%) and obstructed labour with septicemia (1.2%). Majority of uterine rupture cases were late referrals from rural areas. Out of 32 cases of rupture uterus 20 were with previous LSCS and 12 were multipara. Maternal mortality was 2.5% and the cause of death was related to irreversible shock and DIC. Identification of high risk cases, early referral and procedures like internal illiac artery ligation can reduce the incidence of Emergency Hysterectomy.

Sirenomelia: A Rare Entity

Sirenomelia also called as Mermaid Syndrome, is a rare congenital malformation of uncertain aetiology. It is characterised by fusion of the lower limbs and commonly associated with severe urogenital and gastrointestinal malformation. It should be suspected in antenatal period in cases presenting with severe oligohydramnios and intra-uterine growth retardation. Here, we report a case of sirenomelia in a 26th weeks foetus.

Sirenomelia: A Rare Entity.

Sirenomelia also called as Mermaid Syndrome, is a rare congenital malformation of uncertain aetiology. It is characterised by fusion of the lower limbs and commonly associated with severe urogenital and gastrointestinal malformation. It should be suspected in antenatal period in cases presenting with severe oligohydramnios and intra-uterine growth retardation. Here, we report a case of sirenomelia in a 26th weeks foetus.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XPN) is an variant of chronic pyelonephritis difficult to differentiate from renal malignancy on preoperative evaluation.We report an unusual case of XGP occurring in an immunocompetent patient in the absence of either urinary obstruction or nephrolithiasis, presenting as a diagnostic dilemma.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetic foot infections.

AIMS: Diabetic foot lesions are a major medical, social, and economic problem and are the leading cause of hospitalization for patients with diabetes, worldwide. ESBL-producing bacteria may not be detectable by routine disc diffusion susceptibility test, leading to inappropriate use of antibiotics and treatment failure. There is not much information on ESBL-producing organisms causing diabetic foot infection. An attempt was therefore made to study the ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetic foot patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 134 isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae were obtained from tissue, pus swab, and wound swab samples from diabetic foot ulcers submitted for routine microbiological analysis during the period January to December 2005 from patients with diabetic foot infections who had type 2 diabetes mellitus, attending S. L. Raheja Hospital. The above isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion technique according to clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines. The screening for ESBL production was done by phenotypic confirmatory test using ceftazidime disc in the presence and absence of clavulanic acid as recommended by CLSI. RESULTS: Among the 134 isolates, 54 (40.29%) were E. coli and 80 (59.70%) were K. pneumoniae; among which, ESBL production was detected in 31 (23.13%) isolates. Of these 31, 15 (48.38%) were E. coli and 16 (51.61%) were K. pneumoniae. All the ESBL-producing isolates were found to be 100% sensitive to carbapenem (imipenem and meropenem). Mortality was found to be 3.22%, the cause of death being septicemia leading to multiple organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBLs among members of Enterobacteriaceae constitutes a serious threat to the current beta-lactam therapy, leading to treatment failure and consequent escalation of costs. There is an urgent need to emphasize rational use of drugs to minimize the misuse of available antimicrobials.

Incidence of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in diabetes and cancer patients.

Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains have been reported to be an important cause of nosocomial infections. There is not enough information from India regarding their prevalence in diabetic and cancer patients. The present study was undertaken over a period of one year from January to December 2006 to study the incidence of MBL P. aeruginosa and the clinical outcome in diabetes and cancer patients admitted to S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai. Two hundred and thirty isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from different samples of patients. These isolates were subjected to susceptibility testing to anti-pseudomonal drugs as per CLSI guidelines. They were further screened for the production of MBL by disc potentiation testing using EDTA-impregnated imipenem and meropenem discs. Of the 230 isolates of P. aeruginosa, 60 (26%) isolates were found resistant to carbapenems (both imipenem and meropenem) and 33 (14.3%) were found to be MBL producers. Of the 33 MBL-producing isolates, 24 (72.7%) were diabetic patients, six (18.1%) were cancer patients and three (9%) patients had both diabetes and cancer. Five (15.1%) patients responded to the combination therapy of colistin, piperacillin with tazobactam and amikacin, while 28 (84.8%) patients responded to the combination therapy of amikacin, piperacillin with tazobactam and gatifloxacin. Thus, the rapid dissemination of MBL producers is worrisome and necessitates the implementation of not just surveillance studies but also proper and judicious selection of antibiotics, especially carbapenems.

Incidence of metallo beta lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ICU patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Metallo beta lactamase (MBL) producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been reported to be important cause of nosocomial infections. The appearance of MBL genes and their spread among bacterial pathogens is a matter of concern with regard to the future of antimicrobial therapy. The present study was undertaken to determine the incidence of MBL producing P. aeruginosa in patients with diabetes and cancer admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in western India and to assess the clinical outcome after antimicrobial treatment. METHODS: A total of 240 isolates of P. aeruginosa from various specimens between January and December 2005 were subjected to susceptibility testing against various antibiotics by disc diffusion test as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Imipenem and meropenem resistant isolates were selected for the detection of MBL production by disc potentiation test. Enhancement of inhibition zone around imipenem and meropenem discs impregnated with EDTA as compared to those without EDTA confirmed MBL production. RESULTS: Of the 240 P. aeruginosa isolates, 60 (25%) were found to be carbapenem resistant and 50 (20.8%) were found to be MBL producers. Of the 50 MBL producing isolates, 38 (76%) were from diabetes patients and 12 (24%) from cancer patients. Overall, 36 per cent patients responded to gatifloxacin, 42 per cent responded to piperacillin/tazobactam while 14 per cent responded to combination of gatifloxacin and piperacillin/tazobactum. Due to this nosocomial pathogen, the average hospital stay was 32 days and was associated with 20 per cent mortality due to septicaemia. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that there is a need to do surveillance to detect MBL producers, judiciously use carbapenems to prevent their spread and use effective antibiotics, such as gatifloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactum, after sensitivity testing for treatment.