Effect of rainfall on growth and yield of rice in Konkan coast

In this Study, relationship between rainfall and rice yield has been investigated in Ratnagiri and Thane districts of Maharashtra using 37 year's (1951.1987) data. Weekly water balance has been worked out in developing a yield index and its association with yield examined. Planting rates have been calculated assuming two categories of empirical rainfall accumulations of 450 and 500 mm. The yields were correlated with rainfall during selected growth phases, total rainfall, the yield index and the technological trend. Effects of late or early onset on yield has also been examined. It appears that 450 mm rainfall accumulation from Ist June gives a ~reasonably accurate indication of transplanting paddy in Konkan. Technology seems.. to have much influence on the paddy yield. Results also reveal that rainfall during early growth phases is significantly related to the yield the date of planting was not found to/have a determining influence on the yield.

Utility of Human Immune Responses to GAS Antigens as a Diagnostic Indicator for ARF: A Systematic Review

Background: Previous studies have established that streptococcal antibody titer is correlated with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). However, results vary in the usefulness of GAS antibodies, particularly anti-streptolysin-O (ASO) and anti-DNase B, in confirming a recent GAS infection. Therefore, we sought to provide, from published studies, an evidence-based synthesis of the correlation of streptococcal serology to establish the usefulness of immunological data in aiding the diagnosis of ARF. These findings are anticipated to have implications where echocardiography is not freely available, especially where ARF is rampant.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across a number of databases. Applying a priori criteria, we selected articles reporting on studies, regardless of study design, that evaluate the levels of antibodies against GAS-specific antigens in ARF subjects against control values or a published standard. Data were extracted onto data extraction forms, captured electronically, and analyzed using Stata software. Risk of bias was assessed in included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).Results and Conclusion: The search strategy yielded 534 studies, from which 24 met the inclusion criteria, reporting on evaluation of titers for SLO (n = 10), DNase B (n = 9), anti-streptokinase (ASK) (n = 3) amongst others. Elevation in titers was determined by comparison with controls and upper limit of normal (ULN) antibody values as determined in healthy individuals. Meta-analysis of case-controlled studies revealed moderate odds ratio (OR) correlations between ARF diagnosis and elevated titers for SLO (OR = 10.57; 95% CI, 3.36–33.29; 10 studies) and DNAse B (OR = 6.97; 95% CI, 2.99–16.27; 7 studies). While providing support for incorporating SLO and DNase B in the diagnosis of ARF, we present the following reflections: an elevation in SLO and DNase B levels are not consistently associated with an ARF diagnosis; increasing the number of GAS proteins in the test is warranted to improve sensitivity; paired (acute and convalescent) samples could provide a more accurate indication of a rising titer. Use of community-based controls as a standard is not a reliable marker by which to gauge recent GAS infection.

Indication for Active Surveillance in the Era of MRI-Targeted Prostate Biopsies

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Active surveillance (AS) strategies were established to avoid overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Low tumor volume represents one indication criteria; however, applying this criterion after MRI-targeted prostate biopsies may lead to overestimation of tumor volume; wherefore, patients suitable for AS would be exposed to the risk of overtreatment. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This retrospective analysis included 318 patients in which PCa was detected by MRI-TRUS fusion prostate biopsy. Classic and extended indication for AS included Gleason 6 and Gleason 3 + 4 cancer, respectively. We assessed the effect of targeted biopsies and temporary rating strategies on eligibility for AS and developed new “composite” algorithms to more accurately assess eligibility for AS. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Forty-four (13.8%) and 60 (18.9%) of the 318 patients qualified for AS according to “classic” and “extended” criteria, respectively. Application of the “composite 1” definition led to AS eligibility of 52 of 248 patients (20.97%) in the classic and of 77 of 248 patients (31.05%) in the “extended” group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We could demonstrate that classic algorithms led to ineligibility of patients for AS. We propose a new rating algorithm to improve tumor assessment for a more accurate indication for AS.

Moss Biomonitoring of Transboundary Pollutants in Japan’s Mountains

Long-range transported atmospheric pollutants (or transboundary pollutants) include trace metals with isotope ratios and compositions that vary from those of domestic pollutants, which threaten mountain ecosystems. These differences can be applied as indices (trace metal indices) to evaluate the influence of transboundary pollutants on mountain ecosystems. Mosses play important ecological functions in mountains and are sensitive to atmospheric deposition. Therefore, using these indices for moss biomonitoring can provide a more accurate indication of ecosystem health. However, few studies have examined which indices are appropriate for moss biomonitoring. In this study, the effectiveness of moss biomonitoring using trace metal indices was examined for evaluating transboundary pollutants in mountainous areas in Japan. Transboundary pollutants in these areas originate from mainland Asia and are characterized by high lead isotope ratios, lead to zinc (Pb/Zn) ratios, and arsenic to vanadium (As/V) ratios. Given that the abundance of transboundary pollutants decreases with distance from mainland Asia, moss isotope indices are also expected to vary with distance. Based on observations, Pb isotope ratios were found to decrease with distance from mainland Asia; in contrast, Pb/Zn and As/V ratios did not display any notable relationship with distance. These results are likely attributed to biological and environmental factors that affect trace metal contents in moss. Thus, moss Pb isotope ratios are useful indicators of transboundary pollutants in Japan’s mountains, offering an important tool for comparable moss biomonitoring studies in East Asia.

Assessing the knowledge of trainee residents for liver involvement and related issues in COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Regular educational activities have suffered since the start of COVID-19 pandemic. New data has been emerging regularly regarding COVID-19 and the optimal way of care for patients with COVID-19 infection. Emphasis upon dispensing knowledge in current pandemic times should be made. Aims and Objective: We assessed the knowledge of internal medicine and gastroenterology trainees regarding liver involvement and related issues in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This online survey comprised of 10 questions designed to examine the basic knowledge of Sars-Cov-2 virus, knowledge regarding liver involvement in COVID-19, and the ability to decide on patient care. Results: A total of 100 responses were collected. Most of the responses were from Pakistan (n=75). More than 80% of trainees responded correctly regarding the accurate indication of endoscopic procedures during COVID-19 pandemic, absence of ACE-II receptor expression on astrocytes, upper respiratory secretions being an eligible sample for SARSCOV- II, avoiding regular outpatient follow up, avoiding hydroxychloroquine as a prophylactic drug, and azithromycin in decompensated cirrhosis, continuing beta-blockers and lactulose in a decompensated patient, melena being an accurate indication for screening endoscopy and the choosing right set of PPEs. Less than 50% of responders knew correctly regarding NAFLD being a notorious factor for COVID-19 related complications, ACE-II receptor expression by cholangiocytes and enterocytes, saliva and stool being an eligible sample for SARS-COV-II detection, palliative approach as an appropriated management step for decompensated-CLD patients and history of ascites as an appropriate indication for screening endoscopy. GItrainees performed better in some areas of knowledge. Conclusions: Trainees were updated in many aspects of the recent guidance in the management of COVID-19 but there were many lacunae in the knowledge. So, continuous medical education activities are essential to keep the residents updated about the changing developments in the management of COVID-19.

The second order axes in the formation of the virginile tree crown of the Ulmus glabra Huds

Последовательность возрастных этапов дерева отражается ходом роста самых крупных осей 2 порядка формирующихся на годичных приростах ствола. Именно эта последовательность определяет контур кроны виргинильного дерева и его успешность в конкретных экологических условиях. Самая сильная верхняя ветка каждого годичного прироста ствола ходом своего роста отражает тот возрастной этап развития кроны дерева, когда она начала формироваться, являясь своеобразным маркером. Свойства ветвей можно использовать для сравнительной характеристики деревьев в одном возрастном состоянии для более точной индикации внешних условий. The series of the age-stages of the tree is reflected by the growth of the largest axes of the second order formed on the annual growth of the trunk of tree. This series determines the contour of the crown of the virginal tree and its success in specific environmental conditions. The strongest upper branch of each annual growth of the trunk in the course of its growth reflects that age stage in the development of the crown of the tree when it began to form, being some sort of a marker. Branch properties can be used to compare trees in the same age stage for a more accurate indication of external environmental conditions.

EVALUATION OF THE USE OF ANTIMALARIA MEDICINES IN HANURA HEALTH CENTRE PESAWARAN DISTRICT PERIOD JANUARY-DECEMBER IN 2018

Malaria is a public health problem in Indonesia, especially those living in isolated areas. This is published in Presidential Regulation No. 5/2010 concerning the National Medium Term Development Plan for malaria endemic areas, which are divided into high, medium and low endemic areas. High endemic if the API is greater than 50 out of 1,000 population in the provinces of Maluku, Papua, North Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara. Moderate endemic if the API is 1 to less than 50 dari 1,000 population in the provinces of Aceh, Bangka Belitung, Jambi and West Nusa Tenggara. Low endemic if the API is 0-1 per 1,000 population in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and parts of Java. This study aims to determine the evaluation of the use of antimalarial drugs with the characteristics of age, sex, and type of malaria plasmodium at the Hanura Public Health Centre based on the criteria of the right indication, the right drug, the right dose, the right interval of drug administration (4T). This research is a descriptive research with purposive sampling method. Collection of prescription data and medical records in January-December 2018. The results showed that in cases of Malaria based on age, the most common cases occurred in the age range of 56-65 years, amounting to 99.6%, based on sex experienced in men by 77.41%, based on body weight the most occurred at 41-59 kg at 45.16%, based on the type of plasmodium experienced plasmodium vivax mostly at 84.95%. Based on these data, it was concluded that the evaluation of the use of antimalarial drugs based on 4T criteria was 100% accurate indication, 100% correct drug, 72.04% correct dose, 98.92% correct interval of drug administration. Keywords: Malaria vivax, treatment, Puskesmas, 4T

Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentration as a Tool for Assessing Impacts of Interventions in Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti)

It is currently unknown if current guidelines for collecting and interpreting blood corticosterone in flying birds can be extrapolated to penguins. It is also difficult to collect blood quickly without causing stress to a penguin. Therefore, immunoreactive fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGCMs) may be the most practical and minimally invasive way of monitoring the stress levels of penguins. This study investigated the reliability of FGCMs for monitoring stress levels in captive Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) at Jurong Bird Park, Singapore. Humboldt Penguin feces were randomly sampled and pooled from the exhibit for 2 months. The penguins were restrained and transported on three separate occasions to simulate stressful events. The feces were analyzed using an enzyme immunoassay to measure corticosterone levels. There were significant increases lasting 3 to 7 days in the FGCM levels after a stressful event. This method was then used to test whether accelerometer vests used for behavior quantification caused stress responses in these birds. There was no significant difference in FGCMs between time periods with and without the accelerometer vests. The results indicated that FGCMs can be an accurate indication of capture-, restraint-, and transport-related stress in Humboldt Penguins, and that accelerometer vests do not appear to cause stress.

Impact of Rotor-Casing Effusion Cooling on Turbine Performance and Operating Point: An Experimental, Computational, and Theoretical Study

It is known that a secondary effect of rotor-casing effusion cooling is to modify and potentially spoil the rotor over-tip leakage flow. Studies have shown both positive and negative impacts on high-pressure (HP) stage aerodynamic performance and heat transfer, although there remains no consensus on whether the net effect is beneficial when both aerodynamic and thermal effects are accounted for simultaneously. An effect that has not been extensively discussed in the literature is the change in stage operating point that arises due to mass introduction midway through the machine. This effect complicates the analysis of the true performance impact on a turbine and must be accounted for in an assessment of the overall benefit of such a system. In this paper, we develop a low-order (“mean-line”) analysis in an attempt to bring clarity to this issue. We then present results from experiments conducted in the Oxford Turbine Research Facility, a 1.5-stage transonic rotating facility capable of matching non-dimensional engine conditions. In the experiments, effusion cooling was implemented over a sector of the rotor casing spanning 24 degrees or four rotor-blade pitches. Rotor-exit radial traverse and HP vane loading measurements were conducted locally to the cooled sector. Results are compared to baseline tests conducted without cooling. To assess the degree to which experimental results with only a sector of the annulus cooled would provide an accurate indication of stage operating point changes (when measured local to the annulus) in an annular (engine-like) environment, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations were performed. In particular, simulations of a full annulus with an effusion-cooled sector were compared to a periodic simulation with fully annular effusion cooling. The results—perhaps surprisingly—suggest that a cooled sector is sufficient to infer the changes in an annular system, provided measurements are performed locally to the sector. Experiments conducted with fixed 1.5-stage boundary conditions showed increases in both mid-stage static pressure and stage-exit total pressure with cooling. The mean-line model and URANS predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data and also showed an increase in stage reaction and a reduction in turbine-inlet (mainstream) mass flowrate with cooling. Finally, the URANS predictions were used to show that with cooling, there are changes both locally to the cooled casing (changes to the tip-leakage and secondary flow structures) and globally (changes to the bulk-flow velocity triangles). An absolute stage efficiency benefit of 0.7% was predicted for a coolant-to-mainstream mass flowrate ratio of 2.2%. By running with a number of different boundary conditions, steady RANS simulations were used to estimate the relative contributions to the efficiency improvement due to the changes in operating point and aerodynamics in the blade-tip region. For the present configuration, both changes contribute positively to the improvement in stage efficiency.

One size does not fit all: Assuming the same normal body temperature for everyone is not justified

Despite the increasing personalization of medicine, surprisingly ~37.0°C (98.6°F) continues as the estimate of normal temperature. We investigated between-subject and within-subject thermal variability, whether a significant percentage of individuals have a low mean oral temperature, and whether these differ by sex, age, time of day, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), or menstrual phase. Oral temperature was measured by Life Brand® Fast-Read Digital Oral Thermometers and sampled 14 times over two weeks, seven morning and seven evening readings. The volunteer sample consisted of 96 adults (42 men, 54 women; 27 couples, 42 singletons), ages 18–67 years. We found sizeable individual differences in body temperature and that the normal temperature of many individuals is considerably lower than 37.0°C (98.6°F). Mean temperatures ranged from 35.2°C (95.4°F) to 37.4°C (99.3°F). The mean temperature across all participants was 36.1°C (97.0°F)—lower than most studies have reported, consistent with recent evidence of temperature declining over decades. 77% had mean temperatures at least 0.55°C (1°F) lower than 37.0°C (98.6°F). Mean temperature did not differ by age, but women had higher temperatures than men, even within a couple with room temperature and warmth of clothing equated. Although oral temperature varied widely across individuals, it showed marked stability within individuals over days. Variability of temperature over days did not differ by sex, but was larger among younger adults. Using 37.0°C (98.6°F) as the assumed normal temperature for everyone can result in healthcare professionals failing to detect a serious fever in individuals with a low normal temperature or obtaining false negatives for those individuals when using temperature to screen for COVID-19, mistaking their elevated temperature as normal. Some have called for lowering the estimate of normal temperature slightly (e.g., 0.2°C [0.36°F]). That still seems an overly high estimate. More important, using any standardized “normal” temperature will lead to errors for many people. Individual differences are simply too great. Personalizing body temperature is needed. Temperature could be measured at yearly doctor visits, as blood pressure is now. That would be simple to implement. Since our results show marked thermal stability within an individual, sampling temperature only once yearly could provide an accurate indication of a person’s normal temperature at that time of day. Such records over time would also provide a more accurate understanding of how temperature changes over the lifespan.