bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seizures, Hepatotoxicity and Advanced Disease Are the Greatest Predictors of Death in Tubercular Meningitis
Authors:   Assistant professor, Department of General Medicine,  RG Kar Medical College, Khudiram Bose Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004, India., Majumdar Ritwika , Karjyi Nabendu ,   Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine,  RG Kar Medical College, Khudiram Bose Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004, India., Maisnam Indira ,   RMO cum Clinical Tutor, Department of Endocrinology, RG Kar Medical College, Khudiram Bose Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004, India.
Published: January 2024

The prevalence of Tuberculous meningitis is increasing in developing countries including in India. Many complications, long term sequelae and deaths are associated with tuberculous meningitis. Our aim is to access the complication in different stages of tuberculous meningitis and to identify the predictors of mortality. Method This prospective study was conducted in tertiary care hospital, Eastern India from (May2013- June 2016). Study included patients suffering from tuberculous meningitis proved by history, clinical examination, CSF study and radiological imaging. The patients were then classified according to different stages of tuberculous meningitis and observed for the complications including seizures and drug induced hepatitis and mortality differed between the three stages. All the patients were put on treatment and followed up. Result A total of 100 cases were enrolled in which 54 were males and 46 females with median age 29.2+11.15 years. 36%, 37% and 27% of patients presented in stage I stage II and stage III respectively. 46% developed hydrocephalus, 29% had cranial nerve palsy, 24% had stroke, 23% had seizures, 17% developed tuberculoma, 13% had hypodensities suggestive of vasculities and basal exudates were seen in 33%. 17 patients were died during hospital stay and 83 patients were discharged. Conclusion our study showed the disease is more prevalent in younger population equally affected males and female. The rate of central nervous system complication is high every complication contributes to morbidity and mortality but the greatest predictors are seizure, stroke, drug induced hepatitis and advanced stage of disease.
A Prevalence Study Based on Relationship of Obesity Indices with Different Anthropometric Parametrs in Two Communities
Authors:   Assistant professor, Department of Biochemistry, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur–313001, Rajasthan, India., Sahi Nita , Vaishnav Manish Kumar ,   PG Student, Department of Biochemistry, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur–313001, Rajasthan, India.
Published: January 2024

Overweight refers to an excess body weight compared to set standards. Obesity specially refers to having an abnormally high proportion of total body fat. Most health providers agree that men with more than 25% total body fat and women with more than 30% total body fat should be considered obese [1]. A more important aspect of obesity is the regional distribution of excess body fat. Our research is a prevalence study to find out the distribution of obese and overweight girls from two different communities distributing them according to different anthropometric parameters. The 1001 girls residing in different hostels from different colleges were selected for the study. Two groups were made and the total girls were categorized into Gujarati and Non Gujarati groups respectively. They were further classified according to categories like waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, obesity indices, body fat percent, total body fat, lean body mass, skinfold thickness, family history and blood pressure. Fourteen percent were overweight and eleven percent girls were obese according to waist circumference. Seventy one percent had hip circumference of more than 36 inches; waist hip ratio of more than 0.85 was observed in 47% girls; Twenty four percent had high waist circumference, waist hip ratio and BMI>25 kg/m2; Eighty percent had body fat percent < 33%, 27% had total body fat > 20 kg; Fifty six percent had lean body mass > 42 kg and sixty nine percent had skinfold thickness > 50 mm. Seventy eight percent girls were without any family history of disease and 53%/46% had high normal systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Profile of Bacterias Isolated in Blood Culture by Automated System at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India
Authors:   Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India., Chirag Sikander , Kotwal Suman Kumar ,   Consultant, Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India., Kotwal Shalija ,   Senior Resident, Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India., Famda Bashir ,   Consultant, Department of Microbiology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir- 190011, India., Chirag Sahrish ,   Department of Animal Husbandry, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001.
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is one of the most common causes of death worldwide both in hospitalized and non hospitalized patients. Vitek 2 is an automated system used for identification of bacterial isolates. These automated systems in bacteriology are very important for rapid and accurate detection of bacterias for effective diagnosis and treatment. Vitek 2 identified 18 genera of bacterias, 40 up to species level and 4 up to subspecies level. A total of 299 blood culture were tested, most common organism were gram negative bacteria (fermenters) followed by nonfermenters, gram-positive cocci and some of the bacterias which were isolated were uncommon and not detected by routine culture techniques. This retrospective study was carried out in order to study the incidence of bacterias isolated from blood cultures by Vitek 2.
Bariatric Nutrition: Right Amount at Right Time
Authors:   Assistant Professor, S.R.M. College of Nursing, SRM University, Kattankulathur Kancheepuram District, TamilNadu 603203, India., Silambuselvi K. , Muruguvalavan V. ,   Assistant Professor, Tamilnadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600127, India.
Published: January 2024

Sometimes Diet and exercise is not much effective for people with extreme and excessive obesity. Bariatric surgery helps such individuals to reduce their weight. Bariatric procedures cause weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing malabsorption of nutrients, or by a combination of both gastric restriction and malabsorption. After bariatric surgery eating patterns of patient changes. Initially after surgery the main goal is to meet fluid and protein needs from a liquid protein diet. As the diet progresses to variety of foods which are low in sugar and fat, it will meet the nutrition needs better for long term health. It is vital to follow diet progression to maximize healing and minimize risk for complications. This review recapitulates the present protocol for nutrition care in bariatric patients to escalate safe practice in preoperative and long-term postoperative periods.
Business Intelligence in Hospitals: Current Users’ Perspective and Anticipated Future Trends
Authors:   Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400088, India., Yadav Sandhya , Ikbal Feroz ,   Assistant Professor, Centre for Hospital Management, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400088, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: A hospital cannot work in isolation; it has to adjust to the changing needs of the patients and the environment. Business Intelligence is a technology to manage raw data and convert it into meaningful information which can support better decision making and add enormous value to the business. Aim: The study was aimed at understanding thecurrent user perspective regarding BI in hospital and to predict thefuture trends in the field of Business Intelligence in hospitals. Material and Methods: The study is a mixed method study. The research design was descriptive which intended to understand the current user perspective about BI (Business Intelligence) application in hospitals. The study of anticipated future trends has been done through quantitative methods. 50 respondents from the top management of hospitals participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on future trends Results: BI system did help administrators in analysing the information integrated from various sources, thus helping and supporting the decision making. The administrators also showed confidence in the system and championed the fact that it would improve the quality of management decisions by providing on the fly accurate and meaningful information. As far as the future trends are concerned the data showed a definitive positive growth in this domain and dramatic growth is expected in the demand for mobile BI. (write about statistic analysis) Conclusion: In absence of a system which can integrate, analyze and derive meaningful insights from the data, the hospitals will continue to be rich in data but poor in information. They can improve their performance by looking at their own data. Hospitals now need to move from descriptive analytics to predictive and prescriptive analysis which is a step ahead tells us about what we should do.
Study of Association of Hematological Parameters with HbA1c and Microvascular Complications in type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors:   Professor, Department of Pathology,  Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636 308, India., Ramachandran Tamilselvi , Balasubramanian Saranya ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636 308, India., ... Bharathi ,   2nd year MBBS, Department of Preventive Medicine, Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636 308, India., Radhakrishnan Shankar ,   Associate Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636 308, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Studies have proved that complications of diabetes particularly the microvascular complications are strongly associated with HbA1c levels [2,3]. The higher the Hba1c values the higher the chance of developing complications. Hba1c values have thus become a valuable marker in assessing the glycemic control and the risk of developing complications as it is convenient, reproducible and efficient in reflecting chronic hyperglycemia. Aim: To assess the association and correlation of haematological parameters with HbA1c levels in type II diabetes mellitus patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of one year with 150 patients with diabetes and 150 controls were taken without diabetes. Patients’, age, gender, blood pressure, accompanying disease history, medication history and medical history were recorded using pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of fasting blood sample was collected by laboratory technologist for fasting blood glucose (FBG) determination after 10–12 hours of fasting with the exception of water and medication. FBG was estimated by following glucose oxidase method using MINDRAY BS300 fully auto chemistry analyzer, made in china according to manufacturer’s instructions. The quantitative urine albumin/creatinine ratio in morning spot urine samples was used for albuminuria determination in the diagnosis of microalbuminuria. Results: The mean values of fasting and postprandial blood glucose along with HbA1c were found to be significantly higher among the diabetes group than the control group, similarly the urine albumin levels also was found to be significantly higher in the diabetes group, whereas the renal parameters (serum urea and creatinine) did not show statistical significant difference between the diabetes and control group. HbA1c and the other hemotological parameters and we found a statistically significant positive correlation with WBC, ploymorphs, lymphocytes and mean platelet volume and a statistically significant negative correlation was observed with platelet count among the diabetic group whereas among the control group there were no statistical significant correlation between HbA1c and the other hemotological parameters.
Role of Vitamin D in Prostate Cancer in Developing Country
Authors:   Associate professor, Department Biochemistry, Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313002, India., Takodara Sohil , Sharma Neha ,   Associate professor, Department Biochemistry, Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313002, India., Sharma Ashish ,   Professor and head, Department Biochemistry, Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313002, India., Dabeer Sabira ,   Assistant professor, Department Biochemistry, Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313002, India., Jindal Ruchi ,   Demonstrator, Department Biochemistry, Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313002, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Vitamin D 3 deficiency continues to be an unrecognized epidemic in many populations around the world. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium, and bone formation and maintenance Materials and Methods: 150 patients enrolled for the study along with control, serum analyzed by vitros – Eci- dry chemistry analyzer, (Johnson–Johnson). Study done in CRGH Hospital, in R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, during Dec. 2015- Sep. 2016. All data were analyzed by Graph pad. Prism 8. Results: We have found decrease level of Vitamin D in patients with higher serum PSA level, p value < 0.0001. Conclusion: Supplementation of Vitamin D is required for developing countries especially for older having higher risk of prostate carcinoma.
Role of Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) in Scar Management
Authors:   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Pathan Imran , Chittoria Ravi Kumar ,   Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Gupta Saurabh ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Reddy Chirra Likhitha ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Mohan Padmalakshmi Bharathi ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., K Shijina ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., K Nishad ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Thomas Neljo ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India.
Published: January 2024

Scar is a common problem following burn, trauma or infection. There are various methods to improve the scar. But there is no well-established method to prevent or treat the scar. Stem cell therapy is most recent technique that is claimed to hasten the healing. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is a source of stem cells. This article highlights the role of SVF in scar treatment.
Scenario of Usefulness of Viscera Preservation
Authors:   Assistant Professor,  Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology,  All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS) Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., S. Kumar , K. Shubhendu ,   Junior Resident, Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS) Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., T. Mahto ,   Professor & HOD & Ex. Director, Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS) Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., S.K. Gupta ,   Professor & HOD, Dept. of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS) Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., M.L.G. Bharti ,   Scientist-I, Biomedical Informatics Centre of ICMR, Deptt. of Biochemistry, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, Jharkhand 834009, India.
Published: January 2024

Preservation of viscera in all suspected cases of poisoning during medico-legal autopsy, its toxico-chemical analysis by Forensic Science Laboratory and its reliability as testimonial in adjudicating criminal cases in court of law for best interest of justice, has been the matter of debate and of scientific review. At one hand, no scientific evidence is considered as 100 % temper proof and on the hand; evidences should be beyond all reasonable doubts to convict any accused in the court of law. In the situation, when in many cases, either there is no eye witness of a crime or even if eye witnesses are there, chances of them becoming hostile for what so ever reason, court is left with no other option than to rely on scientific evidences and injury report, autopsy report and viscera examination report plays significant role in the administration of justice. ‘SunandaPuskar’ episode has added a new spice in the ongoing controversy. Present study titled “Scenario of Usefulness of Viscera Preservation”is sincere attempt to revel how much reliance should be paid on viscera examination report while adjudicating the criminal cases allegedly of poisoning.
Homicide-Suicide: One of the Faces of ‘Love’
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., Yadav Abhishek , Gupta Mohit ,   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi 110029 India., Singh Bakshi Mantaran ,   Clinical Fellow, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom., Kumar Gupta Sudhir ,   Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India.
Published: January 2024

Homicide – suicide cases are uncommon methods of death. However, with the advent of internet and technology there appears to be a rise in the number of these cases. These cases are different as they are easily solved. They are also easily prevented if timely counselling and peer guidance is obtained. Recording statistics of these crimes can help in better understanding of the crime. Here we present an interesting case of a dejected lover who has committed the crime of passion in as cruel manner as possible, while celebrating the last date with his partner.
Molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance among diarrheagenic and non-diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from healthy and diseased freshwater farmed fish
Authors: Ullah Mati
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to understand molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance of diarrheagenic and nondiarrheagenic E. coli from healthy and diseased farm fish from Cypriniformes order. A total of 516 healthy and diseased farmed fish samples belong to Cypriniformes order were collected from various regions of Punjab and screened for E. coli. Biochemical tests and PCR confirmation were conducted using the 16S rRNA and UspA genes. DEC was examined through PCR using different virulence genes. All isolates were tested for various antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The phenotypic and genotypic resistances of Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) were investigated. A Chi-square test was performed to compare the prevalence of E. coli, virulence genes, and ESBLs genes with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Out of the total fish samples, 16.66% and 36.57% of E. coli strains were confirmed through biochemical tests and PCR, respectively. The DEC pathotypes were recorded in 30% and 62.02% of isolates from healthy and diseased fish, respectively. A higher rate of 19.37% of EAEC pathogroup was observed in both healthy and diseased fish, while the EIEC pathogroup was only observed in diseased fish at a rate of 10.07%. The significance (P ≤ 0.05) was observed among the virulence genes. The highest resistance rates among diarrheagenic and non-diarrheagenic strains were observed with tetracycline, amoxicillin, and ceftazidime. A higher prevalence of CTX-M (56.81%) and TEM (43.18%) was recorded in DEC pathotypes, while blaSHV was not detected. The high prevalence of DEC E. coli, and the production of ESBLs, indicate unhygienic practices and the misuse of antibiotics in fish farms.
Use of boron sources and doses in the industrial tomato under irrigation
Authors: da Silva Rafael Matias
Published: January 2024

Boron sources and doses can positively increase fruit quality and tomato yield. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of boron doses and sources on the development and yield of industrial tomatoes under irrigation. A randomized block design with four replications in a 3x4x2 factorial scheme was used. Three boron sources, boric acid, borax, and ulexite; four boron doses (0, 1, 2, and 3 kg/ha); and two locations, Goianésia, GO (AE I) and Vila Propício, GO (AE II) were evaluated. Stem diameter (SD), plant height (PH), the total number of fruits (TNF), the number of ripe fruits (NRF), the number of green fruits per plant (NGF), the number of lateral branches per plant (NLB), longitudinal fruit diameter (LFD), transversal fruit diameter (TFD), yield (YLD), total soluble solids content (°BRIX), pH, and titratable acidity (TA) were evaluated. There was no significant difference for the evaluated boron sources, while boron doses statistically influenced the increase in the TNF, NRF, °BRIX, and YLD. The dose of 1.23 kg ha-1 provided the highest values of ºBRIX (4.75%). The dose of 1.89 kg/ha provided the highest yield (119001.5 kg/ha), regardless of sources and locations. Boron sources did not significantly affect tomato crops, so both can be used for the study conditions
Etiology and management of shisham die-back disease in Pakistan forests
Authors: Latif Muhammad Zunair
Published: January 2024

The etiology of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) die-back has been a subject of considerable scientific debate for hundred years. No single pathogen species is responsible for die-back outbreaks, making shisham die-back challenging to study. Symptoms of the disease include yellowing, the water-soaked appearance of leaves, thinning of leaves and crown, branch die-back (single or whole), bark splitting, gummosis, and lesion development. Symptomatic shisham were sampled from 117 sites across Pakistan. One hundred and ninety-two fungal isolations were made from 1170 shisham samples and were identified as Ceratocystis sp. and Fusarium sp. based on cultural morphology. Koch's postulates were completed using 23 isolates of Ceratocystis sp. and four isolates of Fusarium sp. on three shisham age groups a) 6-12-month-old nursery seedlings growing under greenhouse conditions, b) 1-3-year-old plants growing under natural field conditions, and c) 10-15-year-old tree growing under natural field conditions. Inoculation with Ceratocystis isolates resulted in typical shisham die-back symptoms. Inoculation with Fusarium sp. did not produce any symptoms alone or in combination with Ceratocystis sp. Four fungicides were evaluated for efficacy against Ceratocystis sp. using in vitro tests and field trials. In in vitro test, propiconazole resulted in the highest level of inhibition (88.88%) at day seven, followed by difenoconazole (84.75%), hexaconazole (81.11%), while benzimidazole (77.73%) was least effective against the tested fungus. The efficacy of these fungicides has declined throughout greenhouse trials conducted in this study. Additionally, these fungicides could not prevent tree loss in trees inoculated with Ceratocystis sp. in the field trials. Thus, shisham die-back continues to be of concern in shisham-growing areas in Indo- Pakistan. However, chemical management and continuing research on the epidemiology of this disease may provide a solution
Effects of different herbicides and their doses on upper and sub soil developments of summer asphodel
Authors: Ali Baboo
Published: January 2024

The study work was carried out in order to prevent vegetative growth of summer asphodel which makes the management of rangelands difficult and shows toxic effects on grazing. This research work was conducted between the years of 2014-2017 in the Canakkale Province, Turkiye. The experiment trials were established according to the randomized complete block design by using three replications. Experimental treatments were consisted of five herbicides and their two different doses. Herbicide applications were done in the autumn of 2014 and summer of 2015 when the weed started its newly sprouted vegetative growth. Chlorsulfuron (7.5g/da and 15g/da), glyphosate (300ml/da and 600ml/da), dicamba+triasulfurun (12.5g/da and 25g/da), metsulfuron methyl+lodosulfuron methyl (25g/da and 50g/da), and tribenuron methyl+thifensulfuron methyl (2g/da and 4g/da) herbicides were used by applying their recommended and double doses, respectively. Upper and sub soil developments of summer asphodel were investigated. Consequently, a decrease of 80-85% in upper soil development and 60-95% in sub soil development of summer asphodel was observed after applying five different herbicides. In conclusion, it is suggested that the herbicides with active ingredients of glyphosate, metsulfuron methyl+lodosulfuron methyl and tribenuron methyl+thifensulfuron methyl can be used in the management of summer asphodel weed.
Biology organic fertilizer affects the quality and yield of flax under different irrigation regumes
Authors: Bo Cheng
Published: January 2024

laxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) oil is an important crop in China, which is rich in saturated fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and other essential nutrients for the human body. Here, we investigated the effects of different irrigation and fertilization conditions on flax yield and quality in semi-arid regions in northern China. Using non-weighing lysimeter fertilization versus non-fertilization, the effects of four irrigation treatments (1 500, 1 800, 2 100, and 2 400 m3 ha-1) on flax yield and quality were assessed for the flax cultivar ‘Yajin7.’ As the irrigation quota increased, both the aboveground fresh weight and flaxseed biomass initially increased and subsequently decreased. The flax fresh weight and seed weight increased by 74.52 and 80.70%, at irrigation quotas of 2 100 and 1 500 m3 ha-1, respectively; however, irrigation quota had no significant effect on flax quality. Fertilizer application significantly improved flax and flaxseed yields by 127 and 77%, respectively, increased mean flax protein content from 20.05 to 24.63%, and decreased the mean lipid content from 46.52 to 43.67%. However, fertilization had no effect on the content of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. Overall, our results highlight that water related benefits to flax crops decrease in response to increasing the irrigation quota and appropriate fertilizer application can significantly improve flax yield and quality. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for irrigation and fertilization related to flax cultivation in northern China
Yield and quality of strawberry under deficit irrigation and fixed partial root drying regimes
Authors: Kaman Harun
Published: January 2024

Drought is a highly important abiotic stress that affects crops around the world and especially under the Mediterranean climate. This study is focused on strawberry, an important species around the Mediterranean that is suitable for family-owned smallscale businesses. This study aimed to determine the effects of conventional deficit irrigation and fixed partial root drying techniques on the evapotranspiration (ET), yield and quality of Rubygem strawberry species. Strawberry seedlings were planted in the greenhouse in a double row at a planting distance of 30×30 cm. Irrigation was carried out by drip irrigation. The control - full irrigation was based on measurements taken from an A-Class Evaporation Pan. Three conventional deficit irrigation (DI80, DI60 and DI40) and four fixed partial root drying (FPRD100, FPRD80, and FPRD60 FPRD40) were examined. Irrigation water quantities were applied at the 100% (FPRD100/FULL), 80% (DI80 and FPRD80), 60% (DI60 and FPRD60) and 40% (DI40 and FPRD40) levels. The amount of irrigation water ranged between 199.17 and 452.92 mm. It was found that the various water levels affected the ET and the yield (Y). In general, as the amount of water decreased, the ET also decreased. The ET, Y, water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) were significantly affected by irrigation treatments (LSD 5%). The yield values are ranked from high to low as FULL > FPRD100 > FPRD80 > DI80 > DI60 > FPRD60 > FPRD40 > DI40. As expected, WUE and IWUE values were higher under deficit irrigation levels i.e., DI80, DI60, DI40, FPRD80, FPRD60, and FPRD40. Fruit quality parameters (width, height and average weight) increased with the increase in the amount of applied irrigation water. In addition, fruit firmness values and total phenolic compounds were significantly affected by irrigation level. The results showed that different irrigation levels (100%, 80%, 60% and 40%) affected the yield and yield parameters of strawberry plants. In general, it has been found that, the yield and quality are negatively affected with increases in water deficit (DI40 and FPRD40 treatments). However, the results showed that the fixed partial root drying technique is superior to conventional deficit irrigation applications. As a result of the research, mainly FPRD80 and then DI80, DI60 and FPRD60 are recommended for strawberry cultivation, especially in arid and semiarid regions, depending on the availability of water
Genetic status of Bagarius bagarius in Indus River and its implications for conservation
Authors: Rabbani Sadia
Published: January 2024

Genetic integrity of commercially important fish species is being compromised due to ongoing anthropogenic interventions. Hitherto, there are limited number of studies addressing the questions related to population structure of dwindling fish populations. Studies were undertaken to assess the genetic status of Bagarius bagarius populations from Indus River System by using five microsatellite DNA markers. DNA was extracted by PCI method and genotypic data was generated by PCR amplification of targeted loci. Results showed low-to-moderate level of genetic diversity in terms of number of alleles (Na), allelic richness (Ar), effective number of alleles (Nae) and heterozygosity (Ho and He). The observed heterozygosity (Ho) declined in comparison to the expected heterozygosity (He) in the wild stocks, with mean values ranging from 0.667 to 0.718 and 0.786 to 0.853, respectively. Significant deviation from H-W test was observed in 6 out of 25 tests. The population differentiation (FST) estimates were low (0.0013 to 0.0367) and insignificant. AMOVA showed that 62.38% genetic variation existed within individuals while 4.93% between populations. All of the populations were divided into two clusters by the UPGMA dendrogram constructed for genetic relatedness analysis. The study will be helpful in understanding the impact of genetic integrity on fish populations and, for sustainable management of fish genetic resources
Analysis of the difference in consumer willingness to pay for organic vegetables in urban and rural areas in Hamedan-Iran
Authors: Baniasadi Mostafa
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in willingness to pay for organic vegetables in urban and rural areas and their affecting factors in the city of Hamadan and surrounding rural areas. The data of this study were collected through a questionnaire and interviews with rural-urban consumers in the Hamadan County-Iran in 2019. To estimate the amount of WTP, contingent valuation method, Double-Bounded Dichotomous and One-and-One-Half-Bounded Dichotomous Choice approaches were used. The results of this study indicated that both in the urban area and in the surrounding rural areas, there is a potential market for organic vegetables, but urban residents showed higher willingness to pay than the people rural areas. Consumer awareness of the benefits of organic vegetables and the harms of inorganic products and also household monthly income had a positive and significant effect on the willingness to pay for organic vegetables in both urban and rural areas, and trust in labelling did not affect WTP. According to the results of this study, due to differences in the preferences of rural-urban consumers, these areas should not be considered as a homogeneous group in the development of organic food policies
Reduction of hexavalent chromium in wastewater and three varying agricultural soils using a bacterial strain Bacillus sp. SR18 isolated from a contaminated field
Authors: Rubab Saher
Published: January 2024

Soil and water resources are often contaminated with different types of pollutants including metal ions due to indiscriminate discharge of industrial effluents. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is one of such pollutants which has a tendency to adversely affect the environment. Microbial bioremediation is one of the cost-effective methods which might be used to remediate such metals. In current study, a bacterial strain, Basillus sp. SR18, having the potential to tolerate and reduce Cr(VI), was isolated from a soil of district Kasur Pakistan which has been repeatedly irrigated with wastewaters containing the tannery effluents. This strain had a good potential not only to tolerate the presence of Cr(VI) in the medium with MIC value of 20mM but also to completely (>90%) reduce Cr(VI) even at its initial concentration of 20 mg L-1. Basillus sp. SR18 was also effective for the Cr(VI) reduction in the presence of different concentrations of NaCl while, maximum Cr(VI) reduction was detected at pH 8.5. Moreover, SR18 was observed to reduce the Cr(VI) in varying agricultural soils and in real tannery wastewater. The reduction rate was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different between different treatments of tannery wastewater. Bioaugmentation of three different agricultural soils with the strain SR18 resulted into a significant but varying decrease in the level of Cr(VI) with the maximum decrease in sandy soil. This study presents the significance of Bacillus sp. SR18 as a potential living source for remediation of Cr(VI) in the soils and water resources.
Monitoring of insecticide resistance in Bemisia tabaci populations collected from selected regions of the Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Asghar Sabeen
Published: January 2024

Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a notorious sucking insect pest of cotton and many other crops worldwide. It acts as a vector of various diseases and responsible for causing destruction to economy by damaging major crops. In order to determine, the resistance ratio and efficacy of insecticides against whitefly, field populations of B. tabaci were collected from four districts (Multan, Bahawalpur, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh) of Punjab, Pakistan, during 2020 to 2022. After collection, leaf-dip bioassay method was used to measure resistance level in whitefly populations by insecticides (spirotetramat, buprofezin, pyriproxyfen, diafenthiuron, and bifenthrin). The results showed that B. tabaci developed high to very high resistance against buprofezin (97.26-108.41 fold), high resistance level against bifenthrin (70.65-95.30 fold), moderate to high resistance against pyriproxyfen (35.68-80.46 fold), moderate level of resistance against diafenthiuron (20.72- 30.77 fold), low level of resistance against spirotetramat (11.66-18.60 fold), while comparing with susceptible population. The results of present study i.e., spirotetramat and diafenthiuron may be used as wise choices regarding the selection of insecticides against B. tabaci and delay insecticide resistance
Role of monolaurin additive with medium-chain fatty acids against dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis through down regulating the oxidative stress in wistar rats
Authors: Ali Samia
Published: January 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the persistent inflammation of GIT (Gastrointestinal tract). IBD mainly divided into ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease while the Crohn’s disease involves the whole gastrointestinal tract while ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon. The current experimental study elucidates the antioxidative and microbial homeostatic efficacy of monolaurin, monolaurin with butyric acid and propionic acid in DSS (Dextran sulfate sodium) induced acute colitis in rat model. The results revealed that total antioxidant capacity was raised significantly (P<0.05) in all the treatment groups comparative with positive control group. While the results of total oxidative stress and relevant gene expression analysis revealed that mRNA expression of cell stress pathways such as, Traf-4, Traf-6 and MAPK-8 genes (Mitogen activated Protein Kinase) pathways and Calm-2, Gerk-2 and Pias-2 genes (Calcium signaling pathways) were significantly (P<0.05) higher expressed in the positive control group as compared to negative and all the treatment groups. While as, the total antioxidant capacity and NFR-1, Keap-1 and Nef-212 were significantly (P<0.05) down expressed in positive control group as compared to all the treatment groups. Histopathological study revealed that disruption of intestinal mucosa and immune infiltration in positive control group while, restoration and regeneration of intestinal parenchyma was observed in all the treatment groups. Overall study results concluded that monolaurin, monolaurin with butyric acid, and propionic acid can develop innovative customized remedies against DSS-induced acute colitis.
Investigation of quality features of Türkiye commercial honey bee queens (Apis mellifera L.) in different seasons
Authors: Aktürk Salim
Published: January 2024

In addition to determining the effect of season and breeds on the quality attributes of queen bees, the focus of this study was to assess the current state of the queens sold in Türkiye in terms of the investigated qualities. It was demonstrated that weight features and particular dissection characteristics are influenced by time period in particular. The average diameter of the spermatheca was 1.148 mm in April May, 1.109 mm in July, and 1.115 mm in September. The average overall sperm count obtained in this study is 4.086 million. It is considered that this number is suitable and can be enhanced somewhat by applying elements such as optimal location selection, drone cultivation, and correct and thorough implementation of the production method. In this study, multiple advantages of the queen bees of Yığılca Ecotype over other breeds were not deemed substantial enough to suggest their usage in beekeeping enterprises. To be able to make this suggestion, it was determined that it is important to perform similar research in various years and to assess colony growth in places that migratory beekeepers favor and utilize extensively throughout the winter.
Morphology, pathogenicity and physiology of Ceratocystis fimbriata causing black rot disease of Colocasia esculenta
Authors: Latif Muhammad Zunair
Published: January 2024

Arvi (Colocasia esculenta) is widely cultivated sweet and starchy corms as a staple food in most of the African and Asian countries. Black rot caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata is the most damaging post-harvest disease of Arvi in many countries. In June, 2019, the black rot disease symptoms were noticed on edible corms of Arvi for sale in different vegetable shops in Faisalabad, Pakistan. These symptoms were comprised of small, brown to greenish, slightly sunken spots or lesions which later on enlarged as black rot on the harvested corms. A comprehensive study was initiated to explore the pathogen associated with symptomatic corms. White to grey mycelia and black perithecia with long necks were observed within the lesions. The isolated pathogen was identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata based on morpho-physiological characteristics. Pathogenicity was proved on inoculated corms at 26±2°C and 70% relative humidity (RH) in plant growth chamber. The fungus was further tested for growth and reproduction physiology under different growth media and environmental parameters. A significant interaction between mycelial growth and culture media was observed. Highest mycelial growth (9 cm) of C. fimbriata was showed by Potato Carrot Agar (PCA) and lowest growth (0%) was observed on Water Agar (WA). There was a significant correlation between Temperature, RH, and hydrogen ion (pH) concentration responsible for the growth of C. fimbriata at (P < 0.01). The optimum fungal growth (8.75, 8.96, and 8.95 cm) was measured at 25°C, 70% RH, and pH 8 respectively. The paper may act as basic resource for future research on the epidemiology of this disease.
Nanoparticles enhanced morpho-physiological growth of wheat in contaminated soil by restricting cadmium mobility and accumulation
Authors: Khalid Hafiza Iqra
Published: January 2024

Nanotechnology has obtained importance over conventional technologies to enhance crop growth, yield and environmental sustainability. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most ecotoxic heavy metals that directly enter the food chain and accumulate in different human body organs such as kidneys, lungs, and liver. Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils has now become a big issue, which affects food quality and causes a serious threat to human health and the environment. Nanoparticles (NPs) are effectively used to remediate Cd-contaminated soils, due to having a large surface area and high adsorption capacity. The present study evaluated the effects of three NPs i.e., iron (Fe), silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) NPs on the growth, and physiology of plants as well as the accumulation of Cd in different parts of plants. The collected soil was spiked with different Cd levels (0, 5, 10, 20 mg kg-1), and NPs were applied at 60 mg kg-1 of soil prior to sowing. At maturity, plants exhibit significant increases in shoot length by 14, 12, 10% and 48, 30, 29% in root length in treatments amended with Fe, Si and Zn-NPs at 5 mg kg-1 Cd contamination levels. The grain yield was enhanced by 78% at 5mg kg-1 Cd level amended with Fe-NPs as compared to the control (no NPs application). The results revealed that NPs have a beneficial effect on stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and photosynthetic rate compared to control. The Cd concentration in various plant parts viz. roots, shoot and grains decreased by 36%, 35% and 69% after the application of NPs. However, this reduction was more distinct at 5 mg kg-1 Cd with Fe-NPs followed by Zn-NPS and Si-NPs. Overall, it was concluded that NPs play a significant role in the enhancement of plant biomass, increase in nutrient availability, and decrease the Cd accumulation in different plant parts
Comparative efficacy of some granular insecticides against maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) under high efficiency irrigation system
Authors: Sharif Shehbaz
Published: January 2024

Maize crop is being attacked by numerous insect pests including borers which result in yield losses. Repeated use of similar insecticides resulted in resistance development in maize stem borer. The current research trial was executed to find out the lethal impacts of Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G, Carbofuran 3 G, Fipronil 0.3% G, Cartap hydrochloride 4%G, Thimet and Monomehypo against Chilo partellus (S.). Results of insect pest infestation showed that maximum infestation (25.87%) was noted in check plot whereas lowest (2.93%) was recorded in case of Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G, Carbofuran 3 G was the next effective one (6.17%) followed by Fipronil 0.3% G (8.44%), Cartap hydrochloride 4%G (12.02%), Monomihypo (13.98%) and Thimet 5%G (15.08%). In case of dead-heart production, maximum dead heart (20.41%) were observed in control plot while lowermost (1.26%) in Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G treated plot. Highest reduction in plant infestation (88.69%) over control was noticed in case of Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G followed by Carbofuran 3 G (76.13%), Fipronil 0.3% G (67.38%), Cartap hydrochloride 4%G (53.50%), Monomihypo (46.18%) and Thimet 5%G (41.72%). In case of months of the study, maximum infestation (%) was noted during the month of August compared to July and September. Crop water productivity was highest (2.58 kg/m3) in the case of Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G treated plots, while a comparatively low (1.29 kg m-3) was noted in the case of Thimat 5% treated plots under drip irrigation system but was superior to control plot (1.29 kg m-3) under flood irrigation system Overall results disclosed that all the insecticidal treatments sustained their supremacy over check plot in reducing infestation of C. partellus and Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G was the best among the tested insecticides against C. partellus.
Can artificial intelligence help decision makers navigate the growing body of systematic review evidence? A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lunny Carole , Whitelaw Sera , Reid Emma K , Chi Yuan , Zhang Jia He , Ferri Nicola , Kanji Salmaan , Pieper Dawid , Shea Beverley , Dourka Jasmeen , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Arden Clare L , Pham Ba' , Bagheri Ebrahim , Tricco Andrea C
Published: January 2024

Background Systematic reviews (SRs) are being published at an accelerated rate. Decision makers may struggle with comparing and choosing between multiple SRs on the same topic. We aimed to understand how healthcare decision makers (e.g., practitioners, policymakers, researchers) use SRs to inform decision making, and to explore the role of a proposed AI tool to assist in critical appraisal and choosing amongst SRs.Methods We developed a survey with 21 open and closed questions. We followed a knowledge translation plan to disseminate the survey through social media and professional networks.Results Of the 684 respondents, 58.2% identified as researchers, 37.1% as practitioners, 19.2% as students, and 13.5% as policymakers. Respondents frequently sought out SRs (97.1%) as a source of evidence to inform decision making. They frequently (97.9%) found more than one SR on a given topic of interest to them. Just over half (50.8%) struggled to choose the most trustworthy SR amongst multiple. These difficulties related to lack of time (55.2%), or difficulties comparing due to varying methodological quality of SRs (54.2%), differences in results and conclusions (49.7%), or variation in the included studies (44.6%). Respondents compared SRs based on the relevance to their question of interest, methodological quality, recency of the SR search. Most respondents (87.0%) were interested in an AI tool to help appraise and compare SRs.Conclusions Respondents often sought out SRs as a source of evidence in their decision making, and often encountered more than one SR on a given topic of interest. Many decision makers struggled to choose the most trustworthy SR amongst multiple, related to a lack of time and difficulty comparing SRs varying in methodological quality. An AI tool to facilitate comparison of the relevance of SRs, the search, and methodological quality, would help users efficiently choose amongst SRs and make healthcare decisions.