Effect of boron fertilization on productivity and sustainability of rice-wheat cropping system in Tarai region, North-West India.

Extensive global dependency on rice and wheat crops has necessitated the adoption of intensive cultivation practices, thereby compelling to closely monitor the potential yield-limiting factors, among which, boron (B) deficiency stands out to be a prime concern. The present study explores the effects of B fertilization strategies within the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in the Tarai region of North-West India. A comprehensive six-year field experiment was conducted (2013-2019) at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment tested graded B doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha-1) at varied frequencies (single, alternate, and annual) in a factorial design. The study revealed significant impacts of alternate B application at 1.5 kg ha-1 on crop yields and the Sustainable Yield Index (SYI). The System Rice Equivalent Yield (SREY) exhibited an increase of 6.7% with B supplementation over B-deprived plots, highlighting the pivotal role of B fertilizer in enhancing productivity within the RWCS. The economic optimum B dose was found to be 1.422 kg ha-1 using a linear plus plateau model, resulting in a calculated annual SREY of 9.73 t ha-1 when applied alternately to the cropping system. Continuous application and higher B rates demonstrated substantial increases in various B fractions, while the mobility factor remained within 10%, depicting safe ecological limits. The distribution of fractions in B-treated plots on average followed the order: residual B > organically-bound B > oxide bound B > specifically adsorbed B > readily soluble B. Similarities in the distribution patterns of B fractions between B-treated plots and the control indicated potential influence of biotic or abiotic processes on B fraction dynamics, even in the absence of external B application. To sum up, B application in alternate years at 1.5 kg ha-1 was most sustainable in enhancing the SREY, SYI, available soil B, and B fractions and lowering the environmental hazards.

Pre-monsoon spatial distribution of available micronutrients and sulphur in surface soils and their management zones in Indian Indo-Gangetic Plain.

The efficient (site-specific) management of soil nutrients is possible by understanding the spatial variability in distribution of phyto-available nutrients (here after called available nutrients) and identifying the soil management zones (MZs) of agricultural landscapes. There is need for delineating soil MZs of agricultural landscapes of the world for efficient management of soil nutrients in order to obtain sustainability in crop yield. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to understand the spatial distribution pattern of available micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)), available sulphur (S), and soil properties (soil acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC) and organic carbon (SOC) content) in soils of intensively cultivated Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India and to delineate soil MZs for efficient management of soil nutrients. Totally, 55101 soil samples from 0-15 cm depth were obtained from 167 districts of IGP during 2014 to 2017 and were analysed for different soil parameters. Soil pH, EC and SOC content varied from 4.44 to 9.80, 0.02 to 2.13 dS m-1 and 0.10 to 1.99%, respectively. The concentration of available Zn, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and S varied from 0.01 to 3.27, 0.01 to 3.51, 0.19 to 55.7, 0.05 to 49.0, 0.01 to 5.29 and 1.01 to 108 mg kg-1, respectively. Geostatistical analysis resulted in varied distribution pattern of studied soil parameters with moderate to strong spatial dependence. The extent (% area) of nutrient deficiencies in IGP followed the order: S > Zn > B > Mn > Cu > Fe. Principal component analysis and fuzzy c-means clustering produced six distinctly different soil MZs of IGP for implementation of zone-specific soil nutrient management strategies for attaining sustainability in crop yield. The developed MZ maps could also be utilized for prioritization and rationalization of nutrients supply in IGP of India.

Comparison of cardiovascular responses after injection of lidocaine with either clonidine or adrenaline: a two-year comparative analysis.

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of clonidine with lidocaine as a local anaesthetic agent for inferior alveolar mandibular nerve blocks for dental extraction. We studied 200 patients who required extraction of mandibular teeth and divided them into two groups of 100 each, the first of which was given lidocaine and adrenaline (12.5µg/ml) and the second lidocaine and clonidine (15µg/ml). Cardiovascular vascular variables (blood pressure, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure) were assessed before, during, and after extraction, and postoperative pain was measured on a visual analogue scale. There was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (p=0.0001) and heart rate (p=0.000) after injection of clonidine. However, they both increased after injections of lidocaine plus adrenaline, and there was a significant reduction in pain at four hours postoperatively with clonidine (p=0.000). Our results showed that anaesthesia with lidocaine and clonidine decreases systolic blood pressure and heart rate 10minutes after injection for extraction of lower mandibular teeth. We suggest that patients who have local anaesthetic with lidocaine and clonidine are at minimal cardiovascular risk and there is no difference in the onset of anaesthesia.

Anticancer Effects of Extracts from the Fruit of Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) in Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Morinda citrifolia L. (NONI) fruits have been used for thousands of years for the treatment of many health problems including cancer, cold, diabetes, flu, hypertension, and pain. Plant extracts have reported several therapeutic benefits, but extraction of individual compound from the extract often exhibits limited clinical utility as the synergistic effect of various natural ingredients gets lost. They generally constitute polyphenols and flavonoids. Studies have suggested that these phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, display high antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the risk of degenerative diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that Noni fruits have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-dementia, liver-protective, anticancer, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects. Till date about 7 in vitro cancer studies have been done, but a detailed in vitro study including cell cycle and caspase activation assay on breast cancer cell line has not been done. In the present study different Noni fruit fractions have tested on cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 (breast adenocarcinoma) and one non-cancer cell line HEK-293 (Human embryonic kidney). Out of which ethylacetate extract showed a higher order of in vitro anticancer activity profile. The ethylacetate extract strongly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and HEK-293 cell lines with IC50 values of 25, 35, 60 µg/ml respectively. The extract showed increase in apoptotic cells in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and arrested the cell cycle in the G1/S phase in MCF-7 and G0/G1 phase in MDA-MB-231 cells. Noni extract also decreases the intracellular ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential.

Male involvement in reproductive health care.

The programme of action globally endorsed at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) emphasised the need for equity in gender relations with a special focus on men's shared responsibility and active involvement to promote reproductive and sexual health. If men are brought into a wide range of reproductive health services in such a way that they are supported as equal partners and responsible parents, as well as clients in their own right, better outcomes are expected in reproductive health indicators such as contraception acceptance and continuation, safer sexual behaviours, use of reproductive health services, and reduction in reproductive morbidity and mortality. This paper focuses on these key questions. What does men's involvement mean and how should it be operationalised? What does shared responsibility mean for various reproductive health problems subsumed within the reproductive health framework? Programmes to involve men should be designed to address three major goals: (1) Improve sexual and reproductive health of men and women, (2) generate men's support for women's actions related to reproduction and respect for women's reproductive and sexual rights, and (3) promote responsible and healthy reproductive and sexual behaviour in young men and boys. Gender inequality is a major barrier that must be overcome if these goals are to be met. Improving the reproductive well-being of women and men requires freeing them both from restricted gender roles.

Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle to monitor herd health status at medium elevation in Central Himalayas.

Haematological profile-haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total erythrocytes count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte indices-mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were studied in crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian x Sahiwal) under various physiological states: non-pregnant heifers (NPH), pregnant heifers (PH), empty dry cows (EDC), pregnant lactating cows (PLC), medium yield early lactating cows (MYELC) and high yield early lactating cows (HYELC) during summer and winter seasons at 1700 metres altitude from mean sea level in the Central Himalayas. On comparison of annual means, the highest values of Hb and PCV were recorded in PH and of TEC in NPH, whereas the lowest values of these parameters were found in EDC. The Hb and TEC tended to decrease with increasing milk yield. Comparison of annual means of erythrocyte indices revealed the highest MCV and MCH in EDC, which simultaneously showed the lowest MCHC. Significant seasonal variations in haematological profile were recorded. The overall group mean (OGM) of Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.01) during summer whereas the TEC and PCV showed higher OGM (P < 0.01) during the winter season.

Unmet reproductive and sexual health needs in South Asia.

PIP: This article defines unmet reproductive and sexual health needs in South Asia, which is inhabited by 40% of the world's absolute poor and is now the poorest region in the world. The magnitude of unmet reproductive and sexual needs in the region is daunting, and its problems are many. However, a changing policy environment provides an opportunity to address unmet needs. Several of the countries in South Asia are making a paradigm shift and are restructuring their national programs to implement the International Conference on Population and Development Plan of Action. Nations are beginning to implement comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. Translating reproductive rhetoric into reality in South Asia offers a challenge that necessitates concerted efforts of governments, donors, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and the largely civil community. Addressing unmet needs in the region calls for strategies targeted at neglected client groups such as women, men and adolescents, as well as implementing services to meet their priority reproductive and sexual health needs. The paper emphasizes interlinked gender, sexuality and rights issues within which these problems are embedded.^ieng

Blood biochemical profiles in induced aflatoxicosis of cockerels.

1. Experimental intoxication induced in cockerels with varying doses of aflatoxin fed at the rate of 2.5 micrograms, 5.0 micrograms, and 10.0 micrograms per g of food resulted in appreciable changes in blood biochemical profiles. 2. At all doses the aflatoxin caused decreases in serum total proteins, albumin: globulin ratio, serum total cholesterol, serum calcium and phosphorus and increase in serum globulins, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) concentrations. 3. No changes in serum bilirubin were observed. 4. Possible mechanisms for such blood biochemical changes are discussed and related to liver cellular damage caused by the aflatoxin toxicity.

Relationship between AIDS and family planning programmes: a rationale for developing integrated reproductive health services.

This paper examines the potential links between family planning and maternal and child health programmes and the emerging needs of the global AIDS epidemic; and assesses the feasibility of organizing comprehensive reproductive health programmes in developing countries to include the prevention and control of reproductive tract infections including sexually transmitted infections as well as HIV/AIDS. The paper discusses arguments opposing the integration of programmes against sexually transmitted infections within family planning and MCH programmes, as well as the programmatic and epidemiological reasons for considering such integration. It is important to determine what elements can be realistically integrated within programmes of varying organizational capacity without compromising their effectiveness.

PIP: Family planning and sexually transmitted disease (STD) control services have generally been implemented through vertical programs administered by separate departments in government ministries. Reproductive tract infections (RTI), however, are of central concern to family planning service providers because they not only affect the safety and quality of services, but also influence the demand for contraceptives. The emergence of AIDS has particularly rekindled interest in STDs, a long neglected problem in both developed and developing countries. Clients of family planning clinics often need the information and services provided through STD clinics, while STD clinic clients often need family planning services. Risk assessment surveys in family planning clinics in developing countries indicate that approximately 25% of female clients report behaviors which put them at risk for STDs. On the other hand, up to 50% of reproductive age sexually active clients in STD clinics report using no method of contraception, although most have had histories of both STDs and unintended pregnancy. These studies highlight the importance of developing integrated programs to address the interrelated problems. These overlapping needs also present an unique opportunity to organize more broad-based reproductive health services. The author explains that while the logic behind integrating family planning and STD programs is clear, such integration has been frequently impeded by bureaucratic constraints related to administrative jurisdiction and budgetary control. It is therefore recommended to avoid a fight for program integration by simply expanding the scope of ongoing family planning and maternal-child health programs to respond to the threat and presentation of HIV and other STDs.

Serodiagnosis of Fasciola gigantica infection in buffaloes.

The agar gel precipitation test (AGPT), counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) and indirect haemagglutination (IHA) were evaluated for the diagnosis of fascioliasis due to Fasciola gigantica in buffaloes. The sensitivity of these tests varied with the intensity of infection; and was greatest when the fluke burden in liver exceeded 100. CIEP detected 76.06% of infected sera and was most sensitive, followed by IHA which detected 68.37% of the infected sera. The AGPT was found to be least sensitive, detecting only 57.4% of the infected sera. Although these tests were limited by the occurrence of false-positive reactions, their use may be an aid for effective diagnosis of fascioliasis in buffaloes.

Serodiagnosis of fascioliasis in buffaloes by immunoprecipitation using adult Fasciola gigantica antigens.

Partial purification of a saline extract of adult Fasciola gigantica by chromatography on Sephadex G200 gave four peaks, of which only the first two contained material which gave a precipitation reaction with sera from infected buffaloes. None of these gave false reactions with sera from uninfected animals but even the first and most sensitive fraction only reacted with 57.5 per cent of sera from animals known to be infected with moderate numbers of F gigantica.

Some biochemical indices in naturally occurring fascioliasis in goats.

Some biochemical indices were assayed in goats naturally harbouring Fasciola gigantica infection and compared with uninfected control goats. Infected goats had significantly lower levels of serum glucose (47.6 +/- 1.8 mg dl-1) and albumin (3.1 +/- 0.1 g dl-1) and reduced albumin:globulin ratio (1.1 +/- 0.1). Total lipid (526.8 +/- 2.4 mg dl-1), serum glutamate dehydrogenase (15.3 +/- 0.9 iu litre-1) and serum alkaline phosphatase (31.6 +/- 1.9 Kind's and King's unit dl-1) were high in infected goats. No significant changes could be recorded in serum total protein, cholesterol and phospholipids.

Changes in blood cellular components, serum protein concentrations and serum enzyme activities in buffaloes infested with Fasciola gigantica.

Of 510 adult buffaloes examined, 88 (17.3 per cent) were found to be suffering from Fasciola gigantica infestation. There was a reduction in the haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red blood cell count in the fasciola affected buffaloes and an increase in their white blood cell count. There was no significant change in mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin or mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in the fasciola affected buffaloes. There was also a decrease in total serum protein and albumin concentrations and in the albumin globulin ratio and significant increase in alpha globulin and gamma globulin concentrations and in the activity of the serum enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase and ornithine carbamoyl transferase.

Two-year follow-up of 3,466 sterilizations in India.

Because female sterilization is being used extensively as a method of limiting family size, its early complications as well as long-term sequelae should be carefully documented. This analysis of a two-year controlled prospective study of 3,466 sterilized women shows that the incidence of poststerilization gynecologic abnormalities was not significantly higher than what might be expected in the general population and declined markedly over time. Poststerilization surgery rates were also low. The incidence of weight gain among sterilized women was significantly higher than that of weight loss. Analysis of menstrual patterns showed no change in menstrual cycle parameters after sterilization for the majority of the cases. Both favorable and unfavorable changes in menstrual cycle parameters were reported. The two-year pregnancy rate was 0.4%. One ectopic pregnancy was reported.

PIP: The India Fertility Research Program has conducted a wide range of studies for the purpose of evaluating the safety and effectiveness of female sterilization techniques. This is a report of a 2 year follow-up analysis of women who underwent sterilization for family size limitation. The data were examined to evaluate the incidence of gynecologic abnormalities, subsequent gynecologic surgery, weight gain, changes in menstrual patterns, and pregnancies following sterilization. Follow-up data were reported for 3466 women who underwent sterilization over the 1973 to 1979 period at 8 institutions participating in 15 studies utilizing the standard protocols of the India Fertility Research. Data on patient characteristics, medical and menstrual history and clinical aspects of the procedure were reported at the time of sterilization. Early complications and complaints were reported at the 1st follow-up visit, 1-3 weeks after surgery. The reported incidence of gynecologic conditions decreased from 10.1% at the 6 month follow-up visit to 8.8% and 6.2% at the 12 and 24 month follow-up visits. There was a decrease, over time, in the incidence of acute (1.0% to 0.7%) and chronic (6.1% and 2.8%) pelvic infection as well as incision related complications (1.5% to 0.3%). At the 6 month follow-up visit, 16.2% of the women reported complaints. At the 12 and 24 month follow-up visits, only 9.8% and 5.4% of the women reported any complaints. The incidence of pelvic pain, the most frequently reported complaint, decreased from 13.0% at the 6 month visit to 7.1% and 5.0% at the 12 and 24 month follow-up visits. The incidence of wounded pain decreased from 2.2% at the 6 month follow-up visit to 1.0% at the 12 month and 0.2% at the 24 month follow-up visits. Poststerilization gynecologic surgery was reported for 11 women at 6 months, 14 at 12 months and 92 at 24 months. No change in body weight was reported for 57.2% to 63.3% of the women at the various follow-up visits. Significantly more women reported an increase rather than a decrease in body weight at each follow-up visit. Over 80% of the women reported no change in the amount of menstrual flow after sterilization. 37 pregnancies were reported for this series. There was 1 ectopic pregnancy. Results of this prospective study show that the incidence of gynecologic pathology for women undergoing sterilization was not significantly higher than what might be expected in the general population and that there was a significant decline, over time, in the rates of gynecologic abnormalities reported after sterilization.

Blood cellular and biochemical studies in canine dirofilariasis.

Haematological studies in heartworm-infected dogs revealed low haemoglobin concentration, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a marked increase in lymphocyte percentage. Biochemical analysis of serum of dogs infected with heartworm showed increases in serum total bilirubin, serum globulin, chloride, phosphorus, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase values and a decrease in albumin content.

A two-year follow-up study of women sterilized in India.

For large-scale program implementation, it is important to document both early and long-term safety and effectiveness of female sterilization methods. The results of this controlled, prospective, two-year study of 2,053 women who underwent sterilization in Baroda, India, show a marked decline in gynecological abnormalities over time; the incidence of gynecological pathology following sterilization was not significantly higher than what might be expected in the general population. The incidence of post-sterilization gynecological surgery was low. Significantly more women had weight gain than weight loss after sterilization. After sterilization, no change in menstrual cycle parameters was reported for the vast majority of women. Both favorable and unfavorable changes in menstrual cycle parameters were noted. The one-year and two-year pregnancy rates were 0.0 and 0.4 percent, respectively. No ectopic pregnancies were reported.