Herbicidal Management of Cuscuta spp. in Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) Crop

Aims: To correlate the efficiency of herbicides towards control of Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) in green forage and seed yield of berseem crop.Study Design: Randomized block design (RBD).Place and Duration of Study: Research cum Instructional Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.) during the Rabi season of 2019-20.Methodology: The experiment consisted of three replications and ten treatments, in which oxyfluorfen was applied as pre-emergence herbicide and pendimethain was applied as pre-emergence and early post-emegence herbicide while imazethepyr, imazamox 35 % + imazethapyr 35 % (ready mix) and sodium acifluorfen 16.5 % + clodinafop-propargyl 8 % (ready mix) were applied as post-emergence herbicides in different proportion along with control.Results: No cuscuta infestation was observed during the experimentation period under any treatments (T1, T2, T3). Highest cuscuta length (41.20 cm), threads (3.00/m2), and dry weight (0.49 g/m2) were recorded just before 1st cutting with treatment (T7). Just before 2nd cutting, the highest cuscuta length (46.32 cm), threads (4.00/m2), and dry weight (0.74 g/m2) were recorded with treatment (T5) and before 3rd cutting, the highest cuscuta length (53.11 cm), threads (5.00/m2), and dry weight (1.06 g/m2) recorded under control (T10). No cuscuta infestation after herbicide application in all treatments. The significantly highest total green forage and seed yield of 60.12 ton/ha and 0.35 ton/ha were recorded under the pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 250 g/ha (T3) as compared to the rest of the treatments.Conclusion: The selective action of oxyflourfen, pendimethalin, and imazethapyr on berseem and non-selective control of weeds, including cuscuta spp., resulted in minimal weed competition during critical growth stages. This created a favourable environment for berseem, leading to improved growth, yield quality, and overall crop productivity. The effective herbicidal treatments played a vital role in enhancing berseem yield.

Are farmers aware of first aid measures for their injuries-a survey in rural Karnataka, India

Background: Agriculture, being the main source of livelihood in most parts of the country, has some hidden dangers to the farmers which get them injured or ill. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 months among farmers aged >18 years of age residing in rural Mysuru. A purposive sampling technique was used and the data was collected from 150 farmers through house-to-house interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Results: The survey took account of the farmer's opinion on first aid procedures; a vast majority of the practices weren’t supported by any scientific evidence. Ineffective first-aid procedures could worsen the problem. Thus, the farmers should receive sufficient first aid training and education, enabling them to take appropriate action for themselves and their communities in an emergency. Conclusions: The survey took account of the farmer's opinion on first aid procedures; a vast majority of the practices weren’t supported by any scientific evidence. Ineffective first-aid procedures could worsen the problem. Thus, the farmers should receive sufficient first aid training and education, enabling them to take appropriate action for themselves and their communities in an emergency.

A cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about COVID-19 following the 2nd wave among the residents of Mysuru city

Background: COVID-19 is an infectious disease which emerged at the end of 2019 in China and soon took over the world. Interventional measures such as lockdown and health education were provided to contain the spread of the infection. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the people of Mysuru and clarify any misconceptions regarding the disease or COVID-19 vaccination following the 2nd wave of the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2021 to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about the 2nd wave of COVID-19 among the people residing in Mysuru city. The aim was to correct any misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccination, black fungus and basic practices to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A sample size of 142 was interviewed with a questionnaire through a door-to-door survey. Results: Though awareness about black fungus and basic etiquette was present among the people, there was poor knowledge about the benefits and use of COVID-19 vaccination among the people. Conclusions: Providing health education is essential to provide knowledge to the public. However, clarifying their doubts and queries is also an essential component to ensure better attitude and widespread practice of the containment measures.

Sociodemographic profile of patients and prescribing trend of drugs in organophosphate poisoning at tertiary care teaching hospital in Central India: a descriptive study

Background: India is an agrarian country, where pesticides are most widely used in farming. Monsoon dependent agricultural practices are common in India. In present study socioeconomic class and prescribing pattern of commonly used drugs in organophosphate poisoning in indoor setting at tertiary care hospital is evaluated. The aim of the study was to evaluate prescribing trend of drugs and socioeconomic class of patients in organophosphate poisoning in monsoon season.Methods: Prospective observational study was conducted at Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Medicine Wards for 4 months at 540 bedded tertiary care teaching hospital.Results: Total 64 diagnosed cases were enrolled and analyzed in present study (n=64). Maximum number of cases (57.81%) were male followed by female (42.18%). Most of the cases (37.50%) were from the age group of 21-30 years. 49 (76.56%) patients were of primary intentional poisoning followed by 15 (23.43%) patients of accidental poisoning. Most common drugs prescribed were atropine, pralidoxime, cefotaxime and ranitidine. The average amount of atropine and pralidoxime used per patient/day were 37.89±63.63 mg and 10.07±26.87 gm respectively.Conclusions: Present study revealed that young male adults with low socioeconomic class from rural background were prone for intentional organophosphate poisoning in central India.

Auditory Reaction Time, Visual Reaction Time and Whole Body Reaction Time in Athletes.

Speed of movement and quick reactions are prized qualities in athletics. Reaction time is often overlooked and usually under-estimated element in athletic selection. In sports and games, in which movements of a participant are conditioned by signals, by movements of opponents, or by motion of the ball, reaction time is of great importance. Present study was conducted in healthy controls and athletes between 18-25 years with 50 subjects in each group. Auditory reaction time for Beep tone and Click was determined using right and left hand. Visual reaction time for Red and Green light was determined using right and left hand. Whole body reaction time was determined in Right, Left, Front and Back direction. Statistical analysis was done using Z-test. There was significant decrease in auditory, visual and whole body reaction time in athletes as compared to healthy controls. Shorter reaction time in athletes could be due to improved concentration and alertness, better muscular coordination, improved performance in the speed and accuracy task. Reaction time in specific movements improves as a result of extensive practice of those concerned movements in athletic events. Therefore reaction time improving training sessions have to be held for athletes to develop fine motor skills.

Psychiatric Morbidity in Post Traumatic Orthopedically Handicapped Patients.

Objectives: Prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in trauma is high and it increases the overall management difficulty. The current study attempts to find out the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and factors affecting these disorders in post traumatic orthopedically handicapped patients. Method: This is a hospital based cross-sectional study which involves 85 post traumatic orthopedically handicapped inpatients and outpatients of orthopedics, rehabilitation unit and psychiatry. They were screened for psychiatric symptoms by SCL-90R (Symptoms Check List-90 Revised). All patients underwent detailed psychiatric assessment using ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease-10) criteria and further subjected to MADRS (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale) and HARS (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) to assess severity of the symptoms. Results: 67.6% patients had psychiatric symptoms. According to ICD-10, 38% had depressive disorder of which majority have mild to moderate depressive disorder. 26.8% patients had post traumatic stress disorder, 15.5% phobic anxiety disorder, 14% adjustment disorder, 12.7% somatoform disorder and 4.2% acute stress reaction. Conclusions: The psychiatric comorbidity was observed more in temporal association to traumatic injury, was higher in intensity and severity after more severe injury. The psychiatric co-morbidity following trauma needs to be addressed while we aim for holistic treatment of a patient.

Impact of Substance Dependence on Primary Caretaker in Rural Punjab.

Objectives: The study was planned to assess the impact of substance dependence and factors affecting it on PCT (Primary Care Taker) in rural area of Punjab. Methods: This is a systematic, randomized,cross sectional study which involves 83 PCT of patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of substance dependence in village Chhajli of Punjab. Details of substance useand sociodemographic attributes of dependence patients were taken on semi-structured proforma. All PCT underwent detailed assessment using Family Burden Interview Schedule. Results: Majority of PCT (77.5 percent) was found to have moderate burden especially in financial areas, disruption of routine activities, family leisure and family interaction. Higher proportion of burden was seen in PCT of illiterate patients of reproductive age group, of lower socioeconomic status, having multiple and longer duration of substance dependence and had relapsed many times. Conclusion:Burden on PCT was observed more in temporal association to the number of substance, type and duration of dependence. The impact of substance dependence on family members must be assessed at every stage of patient treatment for better quality of life.

Study of Flexibility, Agility and Reaction Time in Handball Players.

Handball is a very versatile game which is played very rarely and recently in India. The study was carried out in 30 male handball players aged between 15 to 25 yrs and 30 age matched controls. Flexibility was assessed using Sit and Reach test and Goniometry; Agility using Burpee’s squat test, Side Step test, Quadrant Jump test and Reaction time using electronic instruments. Data was analyzed using Unpaired T Test. It was observed that flexibility, agility was significantly more and reaction time was significantly less in handball players as compared to their age matched controls. However, these handball players lag far behind when compared with international handball players. So it was concluded that players with more flexibility, agility and less reaction time are at advantage for handball.

Gender differences in the prevalence of electrocardiogram abnormalities in the elderly: a population survey in India

The health transition in India reflects the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases. It is well-known that there are significant and meaningful differences in the measured electrocardiogram [ECG] parameters between females and males. Specific to ECG diagnosis and ischemia, reports have indicated a higher number of false positive results in female patients than in male patients. This study was aimed at examining gender difference in the prevalence of ECG abnormality in older people who were free of coronary heart disease [CHD] and its associated risk factors. This study was conducted in Solapur city using 400 apparently healthy asymptomatic subjects with an age range of 45 to 74 years. A resting 12-lead ECG was recorded in supine position in accordance with classical recommendations. The various ECG abnormalities were defined according to Minnesota code. The findings were analyzed using Chi Square test at P<0.05. Out of 400 ECGs recorded, 152 showed abnormalities. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities was significantly [P<0.001] more in males than in females. Major prevalence of ECG abnormalities in males observed were LAD, LVH, sinus bradycardia, LBBB and Q/QS patterns. There was no significant gender difference in the prevalence of other ECG abnormalities. This study has outlined the overall prevalence of ECG abnormalities in males as well as in females in Solapur city. We found highly significant [P<0.001] increase in the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in males as compare to females

How effective is sun salutation in improving muscle strength, general body endurance and body composition?

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate effects of regular practice of sun salutation on muscle strength, general body endurance and body composition. Subjects [49 male and 30 female] performed 24 cycles of sun salutation, 6 days a week for 24 weeks. Upper body muscle strength was determined by 1 repetition maximum [1RM] for bench press and shoulder press technique. Back and leg dynamometry was used to assess strength of back and leg muscles. General body endurance was evaluated by push-up and sit-up tests. Body composition was assessed by noting% body fat by using bioelectric impedance analysis. Perceived intensity of exercise by subjects was noted by Borg scale. Muscle strength by bench press showed significant increase in male [29.49 +/- 9.70 to 36.12 +/- 9.09 Kg, P<0.001] and female [10.5 +/- 4.42 to 13.16|/-4.44 Kg, P<0.001] subjects. Strength by shoulder press also increased [males; 22.96 +/- 9.57 Kg to 26.53 +/- 11.05 Kg, P<0.001, females; 6.83 +/- 2.78 to 8.83 +/- 3.87, P<0.001]. Endurance by push-ups and sit-ups showed similar findings in male [19.0 +/- 9.58 to 21.98 +/- 8.98, P<0.001 and 24.92 +/- 10.41 to 29.84 +/- 12.64, P<0.001 respectively] and female [14.66 +/- 6.80 to 18.56 +/- 6.97 and 13.16 +/- 7.75 to 19.23 +/- 8.25, P<0.001 respectively] subjects. A significant decrease in body fat percent was observed only in female [27.68 +/- 5.46 to 25.76 +/- 4.72, P<0.001] but not in male subjects. BMI significantly decreased in both the groups [z=4.37, P<001 and t=5.41, P<0.00l respectively]. From our observations we conclude that sun salutation can be an ideal exercise to keep oneself in optimum level of fitness