Vis-NIR spectroscopy based rapid and non-destructive method to quantitate microplastics: An emerging contaminant in farm soil.

Microplastics (MPs) is the second most important environmental issue and can potentially enter into food chain through farmland contamination and other means. There are no standardized extraction methods for quantification of MPs in soil. The embedded errors and biases generated serious problems regarding the comparability of different studies and leading to erroneous estimation. To address this gap, present study was formulated to develop an efficient method for MPs analysis suitable for a wide range of soil and organic matrices. A method based on Vis-NIR (Visible-Near Infra Red) spectroscopy is developed for four different soil belonging to Alfisol, Inceptisol, Mollisol and Vertisol and two organic matter matrices (FYM and Sludge). The developed method was found as rapid, reproducible, non-destructive and accurate method for estimation of all three-density groups of MPs (Low, Medium and High) with a prediction accuracy ranging from 1.9 g MPs/kg soil (Vertisol) to 3.7 g MPs/kg soil (Alfisol). Two different regression models [Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) and Principal Component Regression (PCR)] were assessed and PLSR was found to provide better information in terms of prediction accuracy and minimum quantification limit (MQL). However, PCR performed better for organic matter matrices than PLSR. The method avoids any complicated sample preparation steps except drying and sieving thus saving time and acquisition of reflectance spectrum for single sample is possible within 18 s. Owing to have the minimum quantification limit ranging from 1.9-3.7 g/kg soil, the vis-NIR based method is perfectly suitable for estimation of MPs in soil samples collected from plastic pollution hotspots like landfill sites, regular based sludge amended farm soils. Additionally, the method can be adapted by small scale compost industries for assessing MPs load in product like city compost which are applied at agricultural fields and will be helpful in quantifying possible MPs at the sources itself.

Evidence of a Hardening in the Cosmic Ray Proton Spectrum at around 166 TeV Observed by the GRAPES-3 Experiment.

We present the measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 50 TeV to 1.3 PeV using 7.81×10^{6} extensive air shower events recorded by the ground-based GRAPES-3 experiment between 1 January 2014 and 26 October 2015 with a live time of 460 day. Our measurements provide an overlap with direct observations by satellite and balloon-based experiments. The electromagnetic and muon components in the shower were measured by a dense array of plastic scintillator detectors and a tracking muon telescope, respectively. The relative composition of the proton primary from the air shower data containing all primary particles was extracted using the multiplicity distribution of muons which is a sensitive observable for mass composition. The observed proton spectrum suggests a spectral hardening at ∼166 TeV and disfavors a single power law description of the spectrum up to the Knee energy (∼3 PeV).

Advanced machine learning-based kharif maize evapotranspiration estimation in semi-arid climate.

Accurate Crop Evapotranspiration (ETc) estimation is crucial for understanding hydrological and agrometeorological processes, yet it's challenged by multiple parameters, data variations, and lack of continuity. These limitations restrict numerical methods application. To address this, the study aims to develop and assess ML models for daily maize ETc in semi-arid areas, utilizing varied weather inputs. Five ML models viz., Category Boosting (CB), Linear Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) were developed and validated for the ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, Research Station. Penman-Monteith (PM) model estimated ETc values are used as the standard for comparing the performance of the ML model values. Results revealed that the SVM model achieved the highest coefficient of determination (R2) among all models, with a value of 0.987. Furthermore, the SVM model exhibited the lowest model errors (MAE = 0.121 mm day-1, RMSE = 0.172 mm day-1, and MAPE = 4.37%) compared to other models. The ANN model also demonstrated promising results, comparable to the SVM model. Notably, the wind speed parameter was found most influential input parameter. In conclusion, SVM or ANN could be considered reliable alternative methods for the accurate estimation of kharif maize crop ETc in the semi-arid climate.

Identification of suitable zones and sites for rainwater harvesting using GIS and multicriteria decision analysis.

Identifying suitable zones for surface water storage and groundwater recharge is needed to enhance irrigation water availability. This study was undertaken to map rainwater harvesting (RWH) potential zones using geospatial tools and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The suitable locations for RWH were also mapped using the Boolean logic concept. The surface runoff is a vital factor to demarcate the appropriate zones for RWH. The curve number approach was used to estimate the surface runoff potential. The runoff coefficient (RC) map was generated based on rainfall and surface runoff depth. Weights have been allocated to selected themes of RC, drainage density, and slope. The themes were integrated using geographic information system (GIS) and AHP to demarcate the suitable zones for RWH. The derived RWH potential map was categorized into zones like "very good," "good," "moderate," "poor," and "very poor" with an aerial extent of 14.3%, 24.7%, 28.3%, 20.2%, and 12.6%, respectively. The area suitable for farm ponds was found to be about 9% (408 km2), 13% (329 km2), and 4% (244 km2) in Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra districts, respectively. Furthermore, 22, 15, and 21 locations were found suitable for check dams in Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra districts, respectively. At a large scale, effective planning of water management strategies based on multicriteria decision analysis and GIS offers increased availability of surface and groundwater resources and may help for enhancing the agricultural land use options. The higher resolution maps may be further utilized to plan RWH strategies at village level.

Reflectance based non-destructive determination of colour and ripeness of tomato fruits.

The preference and quality of tomato fruit are primarily determined by its apparent colour and appearance. Non-destructive and rapid methods for assessment of tomato colour and ripeness are therefore of immense significance. This study was conducted to identify reflectance-based indices and to develop models for the non-destructive determination of colour and ripeness (maturity) of tomato fruits. Tomato fruits of two varieties and two hybrids, representing different ripening stages were investigated. Fruits were either harvested directly from the plants or they were picked up from the lots stored at 25 °C. Reflectance from individual fruit was recorded in a spectrum ranging from 350 to 2500 nm. These fruits at different ripening stages were ranked on a relative ripening score (0.0-8.5). Obtained data (reflectance and ripening score) were subjected to chemometric analysis. In total, six models were developed. The first-best model was based on the index R521 (reflectance at wavelength 521 nm) i.e., y (colour/ripeness) = - 2.456 ln (x) - 1.093 where x is R521. This model had a root mean standard error of prediction (RMSEP) ≥ 0.86 and biasness = - 0.09. The second-best model y = 2.582 ln (x) - 0.805 was based on the index R546 (x) and had RMSEP ≥ 0.89 and biasness = 0.10. Models could bifurcate tomatoes into basic ripening stages and also red and beyond red tomato fruits from other stages across the varieties/hybrids and ripening conditions [for plant harvested (fresh) and stored (aged) fruits]. Findings will prove useful in developing simple and thereby cost-effective tools for rapid screening/sorting of tomato fruits based on their colour or ripeness not only for basic research (phenotyping) but also for the purpose of processing, value-addition, and pharmaceutical usages. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01126-2.

A new logistic growth model applied to COVID-19 fatality data.

BACKGROUND: Recent work showed that the temporal growth of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) follows a sub-exponential power-law scaling whenever effective control interventions are in place. Taking this into consideration, we present a new phenomenological logistic model that is well-suited for such power-law epidemic growth. METHODS: We empirically develop the logistic growth model using simple scaling arguments, known boundary conditions and a comparison with available data from four countries, Belgium, China, Denmark and Germany, where (arguably) effective containment measures were put in place during the first wave of the pandemic. A non-linear least-squares minimization algorithm is used to map the parameter space and make optimal predictions. RESULTS: Unlike other logistic growth models, our presented model is shown to consistently make accurate predictions of peak heights, peak locations and cumulative saturation values for incomplete epidemic growth curves. We further show that the power-law growth model also works reasonably well when containment and lock down strategies are not as stringent as they were during the first wave of infections in 2020. On the basis of this agreement, the model was used to forecast COVID-19 fatalities for the third wave in South Africa, which was in progress during the time of this work. CONCLUSION: We anticipate that our presented model will be useful for a similar forecasting of COVID-19 induced infections/deaths in other regions as well as other cases of infectious disease outbreaks, particularly when power-law scaling is observed.

Low Cost, Low Dose, Oral, Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Protocol in Locally Advanced Borderline Oral Cancers-Feasibility Study.

A vast majority of oral cancer patients in developing countries present in an advanced stage with borderline resectable/inoperable stage to busy resource-constrained tertiary cancer centers. Conventional chemotherapy protocols are associated with issues like toxicity, tolerance, cost, and compliance. The present study was conducted to assess the feasibility of low-cost home-based chemotherapy options. Single-arm feasibility study was done in borderline resectable/inoperable oral cancer patients. Home-based oral neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of oral methotrexate 15 mg/m2 once a week and oral celecoxib 200 mg twice daily for 8 weeks was used. RECIST Criteria 1.1 was used to assess response to therapy. The study included 60 patients. The mean age was 51.98 years with male predominance (80%). Fifty-five patients adhered to the treatment; the compliance rate is 91.60%. Affordability (Rs 700 per month) and tolerance to therapy was 100%, and no grade III or IV toxicity was seen. Overall, 18 patients had stable disease (32.73%), partial response was seen in 15 patients (27.27%), and the disease progressed in 22 patients (40%). At the end of 8 weeks, 26 (43.3%) patients were deemed resectable. Neoadjuvant low cost, home-based metronomic chemotherapy using oral methotrexate and celecoxib seems to be a viable option in managing advanced oral cancer in resource-constrained setups.

Tuning of multi-magnetic phase and exchange bias effect by antisite disorder in Ca-doped La2CoMnO6double perovskites.

The exchange bias effect at the magnetic interfaces and multi-magnetic phases strongly depends on the antisite disorder (ASD) driven spin configuration in the double perovskite systems. The percentage of ASD in double perovskites is extensively accepted as a key for designing diverse new nanospintronics with tailored functionalities. In this regards, we have investigated such ASD driven phenomena in Ca2+doped bulk and polycrystalline La2-xCaxCoMnO6(0 ⩽x⩽ 1) series of samples. The structural and Raman studies provide evidence of an increase in the disorder due to the increment of Ca concentration in the parent compound (x= 0). The enhancement of disorder in the doped system induces various magnetic orderings, magnetic frustration and cluster glass-like behavior, which have been confirmed from AC and DC magnetic studies and neutron diffraction studies. As a result, significantly large exchange bias effects, namely zero-field cooled (spontaneous) and field-cooled (conventional) exchange bias, are found. These results reveal the tuning of ASD by doping, which plays an active role in the spin configuration at the magnetic interfaces.

Impact of Gd Doping on the Microstructural-, Electronic-, Magnetotransport, and Magnetic Properties of Pr0.6Gd0.1Sr0.3MnO3 Nanomanganite.

Gadolinium doping effects on structural-, electronic transport and magnetic properties of Pr0.6Gd0.1Sr0.3MnO3 (PGSMO) nanomanganite (40-65 nm) have been investigated. We have considered the core-shell structure of our PGSMO nanoparticles, which can explain its intriguing magnetic and transport properties. It is reported 65 nm sample exhibits higher metal to insulator transition temperature, TP (∼215 K) and less resistive behavior compare to its nano counterparts. Enhanced low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) is observed with a reduction of particle size; however maximum change in magnetoresistance (MR), ∼72% is recorded for 65 nm sample around TP at 60 kOe field. Low-temperature magnetization data reveals the existence of glassy phase in the compound. It is revealed that substitution of optimal Gd doping at A site on nanometric scale promotes exotic magnetic and transport properties on nanoscale without adding any external physical perturbation or introducing any significant lattice distortion.

Ultrasound-guided injection for plantar fasciitis: A brief review.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a distressing condition experienced by many patients. Although self-limiting, it tends to become a chronic ailment if the precipitating factors are not addressed. One of the modality of treating PF is intra-lesional corticosteroid injection. This was done using palpation technique earlier but nowadays many specialists use ultrasound (US) imaging as a guide to give injection accurately instead of inadvertently damaging the plantar fascia or injecting into surrounding soft tissue, both of which can have serious implications. We did a literature search in Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases to find out articles describing US-guided corticosteroid injection for treating PF and whether guided injection was effective than injection given by palpation.

Ocimum sanctum leaf extract induces drought stress tolerance in rice.

Ocimum leaves are highly enriched in antioxidant components. Thus, its leaf extract, if applied in plants, is believed to efficiently scavenge ROS, thereby preventing oxidative damage under drought stress. Thus, the present study was performed in kharif 2013 and rabi 2014 season to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum against drought stress in 2 rice genotype under glass house conditions. Here we show that various morpho- physiological (chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf rolling score, leaf tip burn, number of senesced leaves and total dry matter) and biochemical parameters (proline, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase content) were amended by Ocimum treatment in both the seasons. Application of Ocimum extract increased expression of dehydrin genes, while reducing expression of aquaporin genes in drought stressed rice plant. Thus, application of Ocimum leaf extract under drought stress can be suggested as a promising strategy to mitigate drought stress in economical, accessible and ecofriendly manner.

Unusual temperature dependence of elastic constants of an ambient-temperature discotic nematic liquid crystal.

We report the first experimental studies on the temperature dependence of viscoelastic properties of a room temperature discotic nematic liquid crystal. The splay elastic constant is greater than the bend elastic constant and both show unusual temperature and order parameter dependence. The rotational viscosity is remarkably larger than conventional calamitic liquid crystals. We provide a simple physical explanation based on the columnar short-range order to account for the the unusual temperature dependence of the elastic constants.

Clinical, laboratory, and management profile in patients of liver abscess from northern India.

Objective. To describe the clinical profile, microbiological aetiologies, and management outcomes in patients with liver abscess. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May, 2011, to April, 2013, on 200 consecutive liver abscess patients at PGIMER and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi. History, examination, and laboratory investigations were recorded. Ultrasound guided aspiration was done and samples were investigated. Chi-square test and multivariate regression analysis were performed to test association. Results. The mean age of patients was 41.13 years. Majority of them were from lower socioeconomic class (67.5%) and alcoholic (72%). The abscesses were predominantly in right lobe (71%) and solitary (65%). Etiology of abscess was 69% amoebic, 18% pyogenic, 7.5% tubercular, 4% mixed, and 1.5% fungal. Percutaneous needle aspiration was done in 79%, pigtail drainage in 17%, and surgical intervention for rupture in 4% patients. Mortality was 2.5%, all reported in surgical group. Solitary abscesses were amoebic and tubercular whereas multiple abscesses were pyogenic (P = 0.001). Right lobe was predominantly involved in amoebic and pyogenic abscesses while in tubercular abscesses left lobe involvement was predominant (P = 0.001). Conclusions. The commonest presentation was young male, alcoholic of low socioeconomic class having right lobe solitary amoebic liver abscess. Appropriate use of minimally invasive drainage techniques reduces mortality.

The effect of growth temperature variation on partially bismuth filled carbon nanotubes synthesis using a soft semi-metallic template.

The dewetting of a low melting point metal thin film deposited on silicon substrates was studied. The experimental results suggest that the change in the growth temperature affects the nanostructures that form. Based on the experimental results, the temperature which yielded the smallest features for the growth of nanotubes is determined. The mechanism by which these nano-templates become an efficient seeds for the growth of the carbon nanotubes is discussed. The partial bismuth filling inside the CNTs was optimized. Based on the results, a schematic growth model for better understanding of the process parameters has also been proposed.

Quantitative approach to track lipase producing Pseudomonas sp. S1 in nonsterilized solid state fermentation.

UNLABELLED: Proliferation of the inoculated Pseudomonas sp. S1 is quantitatively evaluated using ERIC-PCR during the production of lipase in nonsterile solid state fermentation an approach to reduce the cost of enzyme production. Under nonsterile solid state fermentation with olive oil cake, Pseudomonas sp. S1 produced 57·9 IU g(-1) of lipase. DNA fingerprints of unknown bacterial isolates obtained on Bushnell Haas agar (BHA) + tributyrin exactly matched with that of Pseudomonas sp. S1. Using PCR-based enumeration, population of Pseudomonas sp. S1 was proliferated from 7·6 × 10(4) CFU g(-1) after 24 h to 4·6 × 10(8) CFU g(-1) after 96 h, which tallied with the maximum lipase activity as compared to control. Under submerged fermentation (SmF), Pseudomonas sp. S1 produced maximum lipase (49 IU ml(-1) ) using olive oil as substrate, while lipase production was 9·754 IU ml(-1) when Pseudomonas sp. S1 was grown on tributyrin. Optimum pH and temperature of the crude lipase was 7·0 and 50°C. Crude enzyme activity was 71·2% stable at 50°C for 360 min. Pseudomonas sp. S1 lipase was also stable in methanol showing 91·6% activity in the presence of 15% methanol, whereas 75·5 and 51·1% of activity were retained in the presence of 20 and 30% methanol, respectively. Thus, lipase produced by Pseudomonas sp. S1 is suitable for the production of biodiesel as well as treatment of oily waste water. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This study presents the first report on the production of thermophilic organic solvent tolerant lipase using agro-industry waste in nonsterile solid state fermentation. Positive correlation between survival of Pseudomonas sp. S1 and lipase production under nonsterile solid state fermentation was established, which may emphasize the need to combine molecular tools and solid state fermentation in future studies. Our study brings new insights into the lipase production in cost-effective manner, which is an industrially relevant approach.

Resolution of tubercular abscess with antitubercular treatment.

Tubercular brain abscess is a rare manifestation of neurotuberculosis. Large brain absceses are usually surgically treated. We report a case of tubercular brain abscesses in left cerebellar hemisphere and right parietal lobe in a child who was treated surgically for the cerebellar abscess and conservatively with antitubercular drug for parietal abscess. The patient showed significant clinical improvement and healing of brain abscess on follow up imaging. The resolution of relatively large abscess by conservative management with antitubercular treatment is very rare.

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in non-small-cell lung carcinomas: a retrospective analysis of 1036 lung cancer specimens from a network of tertiary cancer care centers in India.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation plays a vital role in the prognosis of patients with lung cancer. However, there is a dearth of studies on EGFR mutation in Indian population. In this retrospective study conducted at a network of tertiary cancer care centers across India, we evaluated the proportion of EGFR mutation in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1036 cases of non-small lung cancer were assessed for EGFR mutation status using Scorpion amplified refractory mutation system real time polymerase chain reaction method from fine needle aspiration cytology core biopsy, pleural fluid and cell blocks. For a few cases, macro dissection of tumor from H and E slides was also performed for EGFR analysis. EGFR Status was assessed for the most commonly known driver mutations in Exons 18, 19, 20 and 21, which contributes to a total of 29 somatic mutations including the resistance mutation T790M. RESULTS: Around 39% of the cohort was female and 61% were male. Mutation was positive in 40.3% and negative (wild type) in 59.7%. There was 1.8% mutation in exon 18, 24.6% in exon 19, 1.6% in exon 20 and 12.8% in exon 21. 38.2% had a mutation in a single site and 1.1% had a mutation in two sites. Overall mutation was significant in females (50.5% vs. 33.9%) compared with males (χ2 = 28.3, P < 0.001). Mutation was significant in exon 21 (16.8% vs. 10.3%, χ2 = 9.44, P = 0.002) and exon 19 (30.7% vs. 20.7%, χ2 = 13.2, P < 0.001) in females compared with males. CONCLUSION: EGFR is expressed differentially/mutated in patients with NSCLC. Further studies to unravel the predictors for acquired genetic alterations of EGFR are needed.

Spectral reflectance pattern in soybean for assessing yellow mosaic disease.

Remote sensing technique is useful for monitoring large crop area at a single time point, which is otherwise not possible by visual observation alone. Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is a serious constraint in soybean production in India. However, hardly any basic information is available for monitoring YMD by remote sensing. Present study examines spectral reflectance of soybean leaves due to Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) infection in order to identify YMD sensitive spectral ratio or reflectance. Spectral reflectance measurement indicated significant (p < 0.001) change in reflectance in the infected soybean canopy as compared to the healthy one. In the infected canopy, reflectance increased in visible region and decreased in near infra-red region of spectrum. Reflectance sensitivity analysis indicated wavelength ~642, ~686 and ~750 nm were sensitive to YMD infection. Whereas, in yellow leaves induced due to nitrogen deficiency, the sensitive wavelength was ~589 nm. Due to viral infection, a shift occurred in red and infra-red slope (called red edge) on the left in comparison to healthy one. Red edge shift was a good indicator to discriminate yellow mosaic as chlorophyll gets degraded due to MYMIV infection. Correlation of reflectance at 688 nm (R688) and spectral reflectance ratio at 750 and 445 nm (R750/R445) with the weighted mosaic index indicated that detection of yellow mosaic is possible based on these sensitive bands. Our study for the first time identifies the yellow mosaic sensitive band as R688 and R750/R445, which could be utilized to scan satellite data for monitoring YMD affected soybean cropping regions.

What do we know about chronic kidney disease in India: first report of the Indian CKD registry.

BACKGROUND: There are no national data on the magnitude and pattern of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India. The Indian CKD Registry documents the demographics, etiological spectrum, practice patterns, variations and special characteristics. METHODS: Data was collected for this cross-sectional study in a standardized format according to predetermined criteria. Of the 52,273 adult patients, 35.5%, 27.9%, 25.6% and 11% patients came from South, North, West and East zones respectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.1 ± 14.6 years, with M:F ratio of 70:30. Patients from North Zone were younger and those from the East Zone older. Diabetic nephropathy was the commonest cause (31%), followed by CKD of undetermined etiology (16%), chronic glomerulonephritis (14%) and hypertensive nephrosclerosis (13%). About 48% cases presented in Stage V; they were younger than those in Stages III-IV. Diabetic nephropathy patients were older, more likely to present in earlier stages of CKD and had a higher frequency of males; whereas those with CKD of unexplained etiology were younger, had more females and more frequently presented in Stage V. Patients in lower income groups had more advanced CKD at presentation. Patients presenting to public sector hospitals were poorer, younger, and more frequently had CKD of unknown etiology. CONCLUSIONS: This report confirms the emergence of diabetic nephropathy as the pre-eminent cause in India. Patients with CKD of unknown etiology are younger, poorer and more likely to present with advanced CKD. There were some geographic variations.