Assessment of Livestock Production Technologies and Package of Practices through Multivariate Typology: A Case of Maharashtra, India

The study was carried out in four different agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra. A typology was developed applying multivariate statistical techniques i.e. Cluster analysis (CA) to classify groups of farm households with similar farm characteristics into four homogenous clusters, (i) households possessing small landholding, a larger high yielding dairy stock with small goat flock size (37.5%), (ii) households having small landholding with a small stock of high yielding dairy animal and small goat flock size (39%), (iii) households having large landholding with large high yielding dairy stock and small flock size (13.5%) and (iv) households possessing small landholding with small high yielding dairy stock and large flock size (10%). An assessment in terms of awareness, knowledge and adoption of dairy technologies and goat production practices were carried out across the clusters which was found significantly high within the household of cluster 3 and 4. The overall adoption index was found to be 65.16 per cent across the whole clusters. Multiple regression analysis revealed that total SAU, flock size, occupation, innovative proneness, scientific orientation, awareness of technology and knowledge of technology contribute positively (P<0.01, P<0.05) to the adoption of technology. The coefficient of determination was found (R2 =0.66) across the whole clusters

A prospective study assessing feasibility of performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy in chronic kidney disease patients - What factors affect the outcome?

ABSTRACT Objectives To primarily evaluate the functional outcomes of PCNL for bilateral renal calculi/calculi in solitary functioning kidney with Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD). To identify factors affecting the renal replacement therapy following PCNL. Materials and Methods Patients with bilateral renal calculi/calculi in solitary kidney and CKD (eGFR<60/s.creatinine>2) and Good Performance Status [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG): 0-2] were included in the study. Results A total of 60 patients with CKD who had bilateral renal calculi/calculi in solitary functioning kidney underwent PCNL. At 6 months, eGFR improved or stabilized in 45 (75%) patients, while in 15 (25%) patients eGFR deteriorated. A total of 5 (14.28%) and 2 (25%) patients of CKD stage 4 and 5 respectively had improvement in eGFR as well as CKD stage. Fourteen (82.35%), 21 (60%), 3 (37.5%) patients of CKD stage 3, 4, 5 had improvement in eGFR but not significant enough to cause stage migration. Again 3 (17.65%) , 9 ( 40%) and 3 (37.5%) patients of CKD stage 3, 4, 5 had reduction in eGFR but not significant enough to cause stage migration. None of the patients had worsening of CKD stage. Preoperative CKD stage and eGFR were compared with measurements made at the final follow up visit (6 months). Conclusion Our results indicate that most patients of renal calculi with CKD show improvement or stabilization of renal function with aggressive stone removal. Improvement is more in patients who have mild to moderate CKD. Aggressive management of comorbidities, peri-operative UTI and complications may delay or avoid progression of CKD status in such patients.

Characterization of glycolipid biosurfactant from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA 1 and its efficacy against Phytophtora infestans

Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to determine the effectiveness of biosurfactants (rhamnolipid) against P. infestans causing late blight of potato. Methodology: Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were isolated from soil samples and the potential strain PA 1, selected because of its antagonistic ability, was used to optimize anti-metabolite production and its characterization using HPLC-Mass spectrometry. Rhamnolipid based formulation was developed and its efficacy was tested against late blight disease. Results: The results revealed that four rhamnolipids congeners were identified, among them three were mono-rhamno-di-lipidic congeners and one was di-rhamno-di-lipdic congeners, abundantly present in the crude biosurfactant obtained from P. aeruginosa PA1. The mass spectra of mono-rhamno-di-lipidic Rha-C12-C14 peak value (m/z 584), Rha-C12.1-C10.CH3 peak value (m/z 545), Rha-C12-C-12-CH3 peak value (m/z 575) and di-rhamno-di-lipidic. Rha-Rha-C10-C10 peak value (m/z 651) were also detected. Rhamnolipid-based formulation was developed and evaluated at different concentration ranging from 0.012 and 0.3% in detached leaf test. Significant reduction in lesion area was recorded at 0.2% concentration (lesion area 0.06 cm2 as against 9.8 cm2 on 5th day of inoculation). Interpretation: Microbial produced rhamnolipid based formulation at 0.2% concentration was found effective against late blight of potato in detached leaf test. Further, it could be used in field study as green chemical which would help in replacing application of chemicals in agriculture.

Identification of IgE-mediated food allergy and allergens in older children and adults with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Background and objective. Prevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated food allergy is primarily reported for certain pediatric populations and adults. The present study was aimed to investigate the relative prevalence of food allergy and allergens in older children and adults with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Methods. Patients (12-62 years) were screened using standard questionnaire and skin prick-test (SPT) with common foods and aeroallergens. Specific IgE level was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and allergy was established by blinded food challenges. Results. Of 1860 patients screened, 1097 (58.9%) gave history of food allergy. Of the history positive patients skin tested (n=470), 138 (29.3%) showed a marked positive reaction to food extracts. Rice elicited positive SPT reaction in maximum number of cases 29 (6.2%) followed by blackgram 28 (5.9%), lentil 26 (5.5%), citrus fruits 25 (5.3%), pea 18 (3.8%), maize 18 (3.8%) and banana 17 (3.6%). The SPT positive patients showed elevated specific IgE levels (range: 0.8-79 IU/mL) against respective food allergens than normal controls (0.73 IU/mL, mean±2SD). Food allergy was confirmed in 21/45 (46.6%) of the patients by blinded controlled food challenges. The prevalence of food allergy was estimated to be 4.5% (2.6%-6.34%) at 95% confidence interval (95% CI) in test population (n=470). Sensitisation to food was significantly associated with asthma (p=0.0065) while aeroallergens were strongly related to rhinitis (p<0.01). Conclusions. Food allergy is estimated to be 4.5% in adolescents and adults with asthma, rhinitis or both. Rice, citrus fruits, blackgram and banana are identified as major allergens for inducing allergic symptoms.

Immunotoxicity of carbaryl in chicken.

Effect of methyl carbonate pesticide, carbonyl, was studied on macrophage functions, lymphocyte proliferation and delayed type hypersensitivity response. Sixteen adult chicken, vaccinated against Newcaslte disease, were procured and randomly divided in two experimental groups. Chicken of group I served as control, while group II birds were given carbaryl at 20 ppm (No observable effect level, NOEL) in feed for 3 months. To measure the functional activity of phagocytic cells, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test was performed on peripheral blood leucocytes. Concanvalin A (Con-A) and lipopolysaccharide stimulated proliferation of T and B lymphocytes was assessed using MTT dye method. At the end of experiment, the phagocytic capacities of macrophages were significantly reduced in carbaryl treated group. Lymphocyte proliferation responses to Con-A and LPS were (23 and 28%, respectively lower) in chicken fed with carbaryl. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to tuberculin was reduced to 77% of control values indicating inhibition of cell mediated immune response. The present study suggested of immunosuppressive effect of (NOEL dose carbaryl) in chicken.

Prepatent detection of Fasciola gigantica infection in bovine calves using metacercarial antigen.

Metacercarial antigen of Fasciola gigantica was evaluated for early immunodiagnosis of experimental bovine fasciolosis using ELISA and Western blot. In ELISA, the experimental F. gigantica infection was detected as early as 2 weeks post-infection (WPI). The gradual increasing trend of antibody level was observed from 2 to 7 WPI, followed by a plateau, which was maintained up to 14 WPI. In Western blot, sera from experimentally infected calves recognized one distinct polypeptide of 21 kDa in fractionated metacercarial antigen as early as 10th day post infection. From 2 WPI, more polypeptide bands were reacting. Recognition of these protein bands persisted till the end of the experiment (14 WPI). Cattle sera collected from the field showed 34.5% seroprevalence of fasciolosis by ELISA using MAg. Comparative immunoblot studies of metacercarial antigen with anti-Gigantocotyle explanatum and anti-Paramphistomum epiclitum sera revealed that 21 and 25 kDa polypeptides of metacercarial antigen did not cross-react with any of these sera and appear to be unique to F. gigantica and having the desirable qualities of early and specific immunodiagnosis.

Genetic diversity and differentiation of Indian isolates of Phytophthora infestans as revealed by RAPD analysis.

Sixty-seven isolates of Phytophthora infestans collected from Himalayan hill regions and subtropical planes of India were characterized by RAPD markers to assess diversity and differentiation based on location of origin. Ten random decamer primers generated 161 polymorphic fragments. Association of P. infestans isolates on the dendrogram and PCO plot revealed two clear grouping based on geographical location of origin-hill isolates and plane isolates. Quantification of diversity by Shannon index of diversity analysis demonstrated that most of the diversity was present with a particular population (hill or plane) of P. infestans isolates, with 85% variation being within and 15% being between hill and plane isolates. Subtropical plane isolates of P. infestans exhibited higher variability compared to hill isolates and they were more dispersed on the PCO plot. No clear differentiation of isolates based on mating type was reflected on the dendrogram and PCO plot.

Comparative diagnostic potentiality of ELISA and dot-ELISA in prepatent diagnosis of experimental Fasciola gigantica infection in cattle.

A glycoprotein (27 kDa) was isolated from crude somatic antigen of Fasciola gigantica by two steps affinity chromatography and was used in early detection of experimental fasciolosis in cattle by indirect ELISA and in dot-ELISA formats. Although, anti-27 kDa antibodies could be detected after 3 weeks post infection (WPI) by dot - ELISA which was one week later than indirect ELISA. The test, dot-ELISA, was more convenient in field application. By the test (dot-ELISA) the infection could be equally detected in animals infected with 100, 200 and 300 metacercariae of F. gigantica with high sensitivity. Further, the antigen (27 kDa) was not found to react with goat sera infected with Paramphistomum epiclitum, which are giving strong reaction to homologous immature and mature fluke antigens of P. epiclitum.

A preliminary survey of patients' views on awareness, information, choices and expectations in women undergoing hysterectomy.

A questionnaire-study was undertaken among 50 women to take note of their views on awareness, information, choices and expectations on various aspects of hysterectomy performed on them. Most women (92%) did not know the type of hysterectomy and none of them was offered the alternative treatment, various types of hysterectomy done, type of anaesthesia used and hormone replacement therapy. A total of 96% wanted the surgeon to spend time with them explaining to them about various aspects of surgery and 46% thought the staff was sympathetic to them. A total of 26 women (52%) preferred to solve their problems with self-help groups (association of women with similar problems) and 84% wanted a leaflet to be distributed to them about various aspects of hysterectomy. This study concluded that Indian women to be involved in the decision making about their healthcare.

Primary ectopic meningioma.

Primary ectopic meningiomas are rare. A case of a 16-year-old male who presented with a large mass in temporofrontal region is reported. X-ray skull showed soft tissue shadow with hyperostosis of frontal and temporal bone. CT scan of brain demonstrated a markedly enhancing lesion and bony hyperostosis with no intracranial component. Total excision of tumour with hyperostotic bone was done. Patient is well without any evidence of recurrence two years after surgery. Relevant literature is reviewed.

Role of satellite RNA of an Indian isolate of cucumber mosaic virus in inducing lethal necrosis of tobacco plants.

Lethal necrosis or systemic stem necrosis followed by death of Nicotiana benthamiana, severe leaf deformations of N. tabacum cv. white burley and blister formations on N. tabacum cv. samsun NN symptoms were induced by experimental inoculations of CMV RNA preparations containing satellite RNA (sat-RNA). Inoculations of RNA preparations without sat-RNA did not induce that severe symptoms on these plants, only late mild mosaic was observed. It is suggested that sat-RNA of CMV isolate has a certain role for enhancing severity of symptoms in tobacco plants. Local and systemic lethal necrosis of N. benthamiana is due to sat-RNA present with genome of CMV isolate. It is the first report of lethal necrosis induced in N. benthamiana by CMV satellite.

Detection of plant viruses--biotechnological and molecular advances.

Recent advances in biotechnology and molecular biology have played a significant role in development of rapid, specific and sensitive assays for detection of plant viruses. Production of monospecific polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies have enabled to group isolates of viruses and distinction of closely related strains. In cDNA hybridization applications, there is an increasing interest to employ non-radioactive probes for detection of nucleic acids. Detection limit of nucleic acid is remarkably comparable to those of radioactive labelled probes. Application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has made it possible to amplify the low numbers of viral RNA/DNA molecules and their subsequent detection. Underlying principles, their advantages and disadvantages for application of monospecific polyclonal antibodies, hybridoma technology, molecular hybridization and PCR technology with reference to detection of plant viruses have been discussed in this review.

Some Indian strains of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) lacking satellite RNA.

Virus strains isolated from Ocimum sanctum and Zinnia elegans were identified as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) strains on the basis of non-persistant aphid transmission, 28 nm particles, 26 kDa coat protein subunits and serological relationships with CMV and chrysanthemum aspermy virus. The strains showed some biological, serological and satellite RNA based differentiation with other CMV strains isolated earlier from chrysanthemum, petunia and tobacco.

Association of geminivirus infection with yellow green mosaic disease of Cucumis sativus: diagnosis by nucleic acid probes.

Geminivirus association with yellow mosaic disease of C. sativus has been investigated by dot/slot blot hybridization tests using nucleic acid probe derived from DNA-B of Indian Tomato Leaf Curl geminivirus. The disease was transmitted experimentally on C. sativus by whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. Some weeds were also found to harbour geminivirus infection in dot/slot blot hybridization tests.

Association of a cucumber mosaic virus strain with mosaic disease of banana, Musa paradisiaca--an evidence using immuno/nucleic acid probe.

Virus causing severe chlorosis/mosaic disease of banana was identified as a strain of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Association of CMV with the disease was established by Western immunoblot using polyclonal antibodies to CMV-T and slot blot hybridization with nucleic acid probe of CMV-P genome.

Postoperative pulmonary complications and serial pulmonary functions and arterial blood gases in patients undergoing oesophagectomy with or without a thoracotomy.

Transthoracic (TT) (n = 12) and transhiatal oesophagectomy (THE) (n = 14) were performed in 26 patients (19 males and 7 females) suffering from benign or malignant strictures of oesophagus. Nine of these patients were smokers. Preoperatively, various parameters of pulmonary functions did not differ significantly in two groups of patients. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second FEV1 (L) and forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of vital capacity (FEF 25-75%) showed a decline at second/third, seventh and 6 weeks in the postoperative period compared to preoperative values. Decrease in FVC was significant at all times. The change in FEV1 and FEF25-75% was not statistically significant at 6 weeks. The decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), maximal breathing capacity (MBC), maximal inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory (PEmax) pressures in the postoperative period was significant at second/third and seventh postoperative days. Three of 26 patients died. Of these two had TT while the third one had THE procedure. Twenty-one patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Patients who developed PPCs had significantly different MBC, FEF25-75%, PEmax and FEV1 compared to those who did not have PPCs. Long-term studies involving a larger number of patients are required to document changes occurring in pulmonary functions, arterial blood gases and nutritional status of these patients.

A study on antigenic and allergenic changes during storage in three different biological extracts.

The stability of three allergens common in tropical countries was evaluated under different storage conditions. Prosopis juliflora (PJ), Rhizopus nigricans (RN), and wheat dust (WD), were taken as representatives of various groups of allergens viz, pollen, fungi and dust. The extracts were stored in buffer containing phenol (0.4%) or glycerol (50%) at temperatures ranging from 4-55 degrees C for 15 to 60 days. Protein content of PJ extract was reduced remarkably when it was stored at 40 degrees C for 45 days. Thin layer isoelectric focusing and rocket immunoelectrophoresis of PJ showed that certain antigenic proteins degrade rapidly even at 25 degrees C as early as day 15. However, two to three proteins of PJ remain stable at a higher temperature (40 degrees C) for two months. Relative radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition showed substantial loss of allergenic activity in all the three extracts, when stored at higher temperatures (25-55 degrees C) even for short durations, i.e., 15 days. Extracts (PJ and RN) containing 50% glycerol were found to be stable, retaining more than 50% activity, even when stored at 55 degrees C for 40 days, while extracts without glycerol lost more than 75% of their allergenic activity. However, addition of glycerol did not change the stability of wheat dust allergenic extract. The present findings indicate that allergenic extracts behave differently when stored. Hence, the stability of each extract should be determined individually.

Intussuscepting ileal hemangioma with perforation.

A rare case of solitary intussuscepting capillary hemangioma in the distal ileum with perforation and peritonitis is presented. The diagnosis was made only at surgery for presumed acute intestinal obstruction.