Relationship between age, size, fecundity and climatic factors in Panax wangianus an endangered medicinal plant in the sacred grove forest of North-East India

Panax wangianus （Syn. Panax pseudoginseng） S. C. Sun （Araliaceae） is a critically endangered, medicinal plant of North-East India. The objective of this study was to determine how plant size affects flowering phenology and to evaluate the effect of climatic factors on flowering, fruiting and seed production. Data on vegetative and repro- ductive characters were monitored from 2016 individuals of Panax wangianus population in Law Lyngdoh, Smit sacred grove in Nongkrem, Shillong, India. Leaflet area was measured by a planimeter. Size variables of both vegetative and reproductive traits in different age classes were measured. Climatic factors were recorded from 2007 to 2009. Age was recorded by counting the number of bud scale scars on the rhizome. Light intensity and relative humidity were measured using a photometer, LiCor Model LI-189 and thermohygrometer respectively. Different climatic variables are correlated with vegetative and reproductive phenological events. Statistical analysis revealed that a strong positive correlation was observed between the age versus vegetative and reproductive characters, except 1%–2% plants showed neoteny. Morphological variations were observed in natural conditions on the basis of the number of prong and carpellate conditions. Phenological status revealed that most of the individuals of the age class 35–50 years and above 50 years contributed the most to flowering, fruiting and seed production. Age class was significant to predict the size of the plant and its reproductive capacity. Climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation and relative humidity show synergistic effect on both the vegetative and reproductive phases in Panax wangianus in the undisturbed Nongkrem sacred grove. The color of flowers of P. wangianus also varied depending upon the sunlight intensity. Therefore, in the view of conservationand management, the age class of 35–50 years and above 50 years is the most important for population sustainability.

Epidemiology of EGFR Mutation in Adenocarcinoma NSCLC Patients in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Studies reporting the Indian prevalence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutation are mostly single centers with small sample sizes. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarized the available evidence of EGFR mutation epidemiology in Indian patients with adenocarcinoma (ADC) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a structured literature search in PubMed, and EMBASE databases from January 2004 through October 2019. The primary outcome of interest was prevalence of EGFR mutation by gender, smoking status, and mutation subtype. The review included 34 studies. EGFR mutation prevalence was 39.5% in patients with ADC, and significantly higher in females, non-smokers, and patients with exon 19 deletions. The EGFR mutation frequency in Indian patients with ADC was higher than reported in Caucasians but at a lower range of that reported in East Asians. These findings support the use of EGFR mutation testing to guide choice of treatment.

Preparedness,knowledge,and perception of nursing students about climate change and its impact on human health in India

Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability.Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and sustainability actions to build resilient health systems.In this study,we evaluated the preparedness,knowledge,and perception regarding climate change and its impact on human health among Indian nursing students.A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 644 undergraduate nursing students studying in three institutes in the southern,northern,and western parts of India.We used a structured online questionnaire with established validity and reliability to collect data.The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 software.The results showed that more than half of the students reported experiencing excessive increase(362;56.2%)and decrease(374;58.1%)in temperature in recent years.Though more than three quarters of the students(494;76.7%)accepted the general truth that climate change is mainly caused by human activities,only less than half of the students(309;48.0%)perceived the impact of climate change to be high.Three quarters of the students(483;75.0%)had a high level of knowledge regarding climate change.The students who had a high level of knowledge about climate change exerted a high perceived impact of climate change(χ^(2)=75.47;P<0.01).More than half of the students(50.9%)felt that they needed information about climate change to be included in the nursing curriculum,and only one sixth of the students(16.1%)were highly confident about engaging in climate change-related conversation with patients.Most of the students who participated in the study had basic knowledge about climate change and its impact on human health.However,there is an observed gap between knowledge and their preparedness and confidence to engage in climate change actions.Hence,we propose to strengthen the nursing curriculum by integrating various curricular and co-curricular activities related to climate change,so that future nurses are empowered to become climate change advocates.

First Known Case of Carcass Guarding by Black Kite (Milvus migrans) in Urban Landscape, North India

Behavioral traits of species can play an important role in the functioning of the ecosystem and in evolving behavioural adaptations to survive according to environmental conditions.This note documents evidence of adding a rare observation by providing photographic evidence of the entanglement of a carcass of a juvenile Black Kite(Milvus migrans)from a nest and the use of nest by an adult individual,guarding the carcass.Documenting such behavior contributes to our understanding of the natural history and management of native species in an urban environment.Further,scientific studies/observations are needed to be conducted to reach some conclusion as to why species perform such behaviour.

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in India: Are we ready for 2040?

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation(LT)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been widely researched and is well established worldwide.The cornerstone of this treatment lies in the various criteria formulated by expert consensus and experience.The variations among the criteria are staggering,and the short-and long-term outcomes are controversial.AIM To study the differences in the current practices of LT for HCC at different centers in India and discuss their clinical implications in the future.METHODS We conducted a survey of major centers in India that performed LT in December 2022.A total of 23 responses were received.The centers were classified as high-and low-volume,and the current trend of care for patients undergoing LT for HCC was noted.RESULTS Of the 23 centers,35%were high volume center(>500 Liver transplants)while 52%were high-volume centers that performed more than 50 transplants/year.Approximately 39%of centers had performed>50 LT for HCC while the percent distribution for HCC in LT patients was 5%–15%in approximately 73%of the patients.Barring a few,most centers were divided equally between University of California,San Francisco(UCSF)and center-specific criteria when choosing patients with HCC for LT,and most(65%)did not have separate transplant criteria for deceased donor LT and living donor LT(LDLT).Most centers(56%)preferred surgical resection over LT for a Child A cirrhosis patient with a resectable 4 cm HCC lesion.Positron-emission tomography-computed tomography(CT)was the modality of choice for metastatic workup in the majority of centers(74%).Downstaging was the preferred option for over 90%of the centers and included transarterial chemoembolization,transarterial radioembolization,stereotactic body radiotherapy and atezolizumab/bevacizumab with varied indications.The alphafetoprotein(AFP)cut-off was used by 74%of centers to decide on transplantation as well as to downstage tumors,even if they met the criteria.The criteria for successful downstaging varied,but most centers conformed to the UCSF or their center-specific criteria for LT,along with the AFP cutoff values.The wait time for LT from downstaging was at least 4–6 wk in all centers.Contrast-enhanced CT was the preferred imaging modality for post-LT surveillance in 52%of the centers.Approximately 65%of the centers preferred to start everolimus between 1 and 3 months post-LT.CONCLUSION The current predicted 5-year survival rate of HCC patients in India is less than 15%.The aim of transplantation is to achieve at least a 60%5-year disease free survival rate,which will provide relief to the prediction of an HCC surge over the next 20 years.The current worldwide criteria(Milan/UCSF)may have a higher 5-year survival(>70%);however,the majority of patients still do not fit these criteria and are dependent on other suboptimal modes of treatment,with much lower survival rates.To make predictions for 2040,we must prepare to arm ourselves with less stringent selection criteria to widen the pool of patients who may undergo transplantation and have a chance of a better outcome.With more advanced technology and better donor outcomes,LDLT will provide a cutting edge in the fight against liver cancer over the next two decades.

Regeneration ecology and population status of a critically endangered and endemic tree species （Ilex khasiana Purk.） in north-eastern India

人口结构和冬青属植物 khasiana 的新生生态学上的详细研究在五张代表性的自然人口被执行即 Mylliem (人口-我)，上面的 Shillong (人口- II )， Shillong 山峰(人口- III )， Laitkor (人口- IV )并且 Nongpiyur (人口- V )在这些人口为它的人口结构和新生能力探查进负责的影响因素。在三个控制轻条件(完整的日光(100%) ，中间的日光(50%) 和低日光(30%)) 下面的试验性的观察证明在中间、低的光下面的幼苗的生长地位和幸存率比在高轻的条件下面的那些好。在成年的树(&#8805;5cm dbh ) 的人口的密度直径分发展出了一张再生人口的一个典型人物。在自然人口的更高的幼苗死亡率我。khasiana 最可能由于轻紧张追随者植被破坏和引起的另外的人为的骚乱的增加森林华盖开。现在的学习的调查结果将具有在为种类提出适当保存措施的巨大的价值。

Surveillance of Chikungunya virus activity in some North-eastern states of India

Objective: To detect the prevalence pattern of Chikungunya virus in three states of Northeast India. Methods: A total of 1 510 samples were collected from different private and government hospitals of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Serum was tested for the presence of IgM antibodies against Chikungunya virus followed by RT-PCR for amplification of Chikungunya E1 gene region using specific primers. Results: Overall, 11.83%(172/1 454) clinical samples were positive by MAC-ELISA and/or RT-PCR assay. Asymptomatic infection was seen in 17.86%. Males were more affected than females and age group 16-30 years was mostly affected. Fever(100.00%) was the primary symptom followed by headache(72.03%) and arthralgia(41.53%). Only 118 Chikungunya positive cases could be traced, of which 25.42% complained about sequelae of infection. In entomological investigation, Aedes aegypti was more predominant(92.10%) than Aedes albopictus(7.90%). No mosquito pools could be incriminated for Chikungunya virus. Conclusions: In this study, Chikungunya was observed to be prevalent in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Though Chikungunya is a selflimiting infection, increasing morbidity by CHIKV infection is affecting social and economic status of individual. Thus, a community empowerment to effectively control mosquito population by employing different mosquito control measures along with personal protection is mandatory to tackle future outbreak of the disease.

Mineralogy of Meteorites from the North-Eastern India: A Brief Review

We present a brief overview of meteorites from the north-eastern India, with a focus on falls, finds, and research developments. To date, out of a total 150 numbers of meteorites fall/find in India (in Meteoritical Bulletin Database), only six meteorites from north-eastern region have received official international recognition from the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society. Among these six meteorites, 2 finds and 4 falls, including one ureilite, two H chondrites and three L chondrites. The first meteorite from north-eastern India (Assam L5, Find) was documented in 1846. After a lack of 153 years, the first fall (Sabrum LL6 chondrite) was documented in 1999. The most recent fall is Kamargaon (L6) chondrite in 2015. Intensively researched meteorites of this region are Goalpara and Dergaon. The reported most massive meteorite of north-eastern India is Mahadevpur (H4/5) chondrite, 70.5 kg of total known weight, and the rest are <13 kg of total known weight. The researches on these meteorites from north-east India can be applied to the newly recovered meteorites to understand the astrophysical enigma.

The Concurrent Record-breaking Rainfall over Northwest India and North China in September 2021

Extremely heavy rainfall occurred over both Northwest India and North China in September 2021.The precipitation anomalies were 4.1 and 6.2 times interannual standard deviation over the two regions,respectively,and broke the record since the observational data were available,i.e.,1901 for India and 1951 for China.In this month,the Asian uppertropospheric westerly jet was greatly displaced poleward over West Asia,and correspondingly,an anomalous cyclone appeared over India.The anomalous cyclone transported abundant water vapor into Northwest India,leading to the heavy rainfall there.In addition,the Silk Road pattern,a teleconnection pattern of upper-level meridional wind over the Eurasian continent and fueled by the heavy rainfall in Northwest India,contributed to the heavy rainfall in North China.Our study emphasizes the roles of atmospheric teleconnection patterns in concurrent rainfall extremes in the two regions far away from each other,and the occurrence of rainfall extremes during the post-or pre-monsoon period in the northern margins of monsoon regions.

Changing HIV Epidemic in North-Eastern India and Its Relationship with Development and Programmatic Indicators

Background: Although there has been significant reduction in HIV prevalence and new HIV infections in India, some of the low/moderate prevalence states have been showing long term increase in HIV prevalence and new HIV infections. Assam, a state in northeast India is one such low HIV prevalence state where HIV prevalence and new HIV infections have almost doubled in the last few years. This study examined the trend of HIV prevalence across districts/regions of Assam and its association with developmental and program indicators. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis of secondary data from the National AIDS Control Program, Census of India-2011, and District Level Household and Facility Survey-3 was conducted. The time period covered under the secondary data analysis was 2007 to 2012. Correlation and Chi-square for trend tests were also used in this paper. Results: During 2007 and 2012, HIV positivity (%) increased relatively in North Assam (46.9%) followed by South Assam (11.5%) while there has been a relative decline in West Assam (﹣51.5%). Correlation analysis showed statistically significant association between HIV prevalence and female literacy, population using mobile phone, population using internet, women (15 - 49 years) seeking treatment for any STI/RTI, proportion of brothel based FSWs, FSWs having <5 clients per week and proportion of condom utilized annually. Conclusion: Program efforts in the state should be focus on the districts with increasing HIV prevalence. Emphasis should be given in planning strategies to address the program gaps among the high risk and vulnerable populations in the state.

Causes of Death among HIV-Infected Adults Registered in Selected Anti-Retroviral Therapy Centers in North-Eastern India

Background: Causes of death related studies in HIV infected population are necessary to devise disease specific preventive interventions at both state and national level HIV programs. This study examines the causes of death among HIV-infected individuals registered at selected Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers in the era of treatment in north-eastern India. Data and Methods: A retrospective chart review of causes of death was undertaken among HIV-infected patients who were treated between January 2006 and November 2012 at three selected ART centers in Assam, a north-eastern state of India. Reported causes of death were coded as per the guidelines of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) to determine the deaths to standard definitions. Results: Among 5612 HIV-infected patients registered over a period of 71 months, 370 deaths have occurred. Tuberculosis (28%) was the leading cause of death followed by death due to AIDS related complex (11%), wasting syndrome and multiple infections (9% each). Deaths due to selected causes were significantly associated with patient’s use of alcohol, WHO clinical stage, CD4 count at the time of diagnosis, presence of opportunistic infections during treatment and ART adherence. Median survival duration was shortest among patients who had CD4 count <50 at the start of ART (2.9 months) and patients who had multiple opportunistic infections during treatment (2.5 months). Discussion: Majority (67%) of deaths in our study were due to AIDS-related causes. Tuberculosis has remained the leading cause of death among the HIV patients on ART. Strengthening the linkages and referral between the HIV and TB program will be crucial to reduce the AIDS-related deaths attributed to tuberculosis.

A Study on Factors Influencing Cost Overrun in High-rise Building Construction across India

Cost overrun is a common problem in construction projects worldwide.Most Indian construction projects,particularly those involving high-rise buildings,have had severe cost overruns.For managers,architects,engineers,and contractors,completing building projects within the specified cost budget has become the most important and hard assignment.Since it is common for high-rise building projects to go over budget,the aim of this study is to find out the causes of cost overruns and provide effective measures.The study found 70 cost overrun factors based on a comprehensive literature review and expert opinions.A Google form questionnaire was distributed to 150 construction professionals across India.After following up,101 of the 150 responses were received.A five-point Likert scale was used and the acquired data was analyzed and ranked using the Relative Importance Index(RII)technique.According to the findings of RII,the top ten critical factors influencing cost overruns were frequent change orders during construction by the owner,delay in construction,escalation of material prices,market inflation or deflation,rework,frequent changes in design,inaccurate evaluation of the project timeline,unforeseen ground condition,inaccurate quantity take-off,and delay in progressive payment by the owner.Spearman’s rank correlation test revealed that there is a very significant relationship between the rankings of factors provided by the owner,the consultant,and the contractor.In addition,a factor analysis tool in the SPSS software was also used to categorize the seventy factors into sixteen core components.The top ten critical factors were presented to subject matter experts,and their suggestions were being compiled.These results are expected to help construction professionals minimize cost overruns,improve cost control measures,and initiate future research.

Knowledge of Tuberculosis, Services of TB Control Programme and Associated Socio-Demographic Inequity among Rural Participants of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. India is still the highest TB burden country. There is a scarcity of data on TB knowledge from Rajasthan state of India. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of knowledge about TB and services of TB control programme and to determine its correlates among rural population of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Methods: Cross-sectional community based study was carried out at Model Rural Health Research Unit, Jaipur, a unit of Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Results: Study reports the result from 1993 adult participants from 10 villages of 2 sub-districts of district Jaipur. About 88.9% of studied participants knew that TB is an infectious disease and it spreads from TB patient to healthy person in close contact. Only 22.3% of participants knew “DOTS is the treatment for TB”. While, only 58.9% knew “sputum is used for diagnosis of TB” at health centers. Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward classes social groups knew less than the mainstream “General” social group. The observed difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). Logistic regression analysis estimated the relative contribution to knowledge status. Conclusion: The knowledge of study participants on transmission of tuberculosis was similar to knowledge of population in country wide study. They poorly knew sputum is used for diagnosing tuberculosis disease;socio-demographic inequity exists in this knowledge too. People from older age groups, underprivileged social groups and minority need extra educational activities.

Glycemic Index of a Diabetes-Specific Nutritional Powder: An Open-Label Study in Healthy Indian Adults

Background: A balanced diet with a low glycemic index (GI) plays an important role in controlling and managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Here, we compared the GI of 2 flavors (vanilla and chocolate) of diabetes-specific nutritional (DSN) supplements to its comparator in healthy Indian adults under fasting conditions. Methods: This study was a 39-day open-label, non-comparative, single-center trial involving healthy adults aged between 18 to 45 years. The subjects received equal doses of 2 DSN powder (Treatments A and B), the comparator product (Treatment C), and dextrose monohydrate as a reference (Treatment R). Doses were administered as per the dosing schedule, after an overnight fast for 10 hours, with 2 intervening non-dosing days. Blood samples were collected on the dosing days to assess changes in capillary blood glucose levels. The primary endpoint of the study was the mean GI of Treatments A, B, and C (Defined as low: GI ≤ 55;medium: 55 GI ≤ 70;High: GI > 70), generated using the incremental area under the curve (AUCi) methodology. Safety was assessed throughout the study. Values of all study parameters were represented in ±SD or standard deviation. Results: Fourteen adult male subjects with a mean age of 29.42 ± 4.46 years, and a body mass index of 22.0 ± 1.95 Kg/m2, were enrolled in the study. The mean AUCi for treatments A, B, and C were 104 ± 10, 111 ± 12, and 87 ± 12 mmol min/L, respectively and for Treatment R it was 276 ± 16, 319 ± 28 and 338 ± 25 mmol min/L for Days 1, 6 and 8, respectively. The mean GI of Treatment A was 33 ± 3, Treatment B was 35 ± 3 and Treatment C was 29 ± 5;all GI means were ≤55. Mild adverse events were reported in 2 (14.3%) subjects. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported in the study. All treatments were well tolerated by the subjects. Conclusion: The glycemic index of both test products and comparator was low (i.e., GI 55) as per ISO 26642:2010 standard.

Comprehensive Review on Air Pollution Control Measures for Non-Attainment Cities of Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction: The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) for the past many years has been reported to have many cities with highly polluted air quality. The state has been taking meticulous steps in combating air pollution in the form of action plans, introduced especially in its 17 non-attainment cities (NAC). To assess the progress and development of these action plans in UP, the present study has done an in-depth analysis and review of the state’s action plans and city micro action plans. Materials and Methods: In this research study, the analysis of the latest action plan reports, micro action plan reports as well as the recommendations for combating air pollution-related issues in the 17 NAC of the UP state has been well documented. Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has prepared these reports to highlight the progress of the plans in response to the growing air pollution in these cities. The information present in the reports has been used to further study sector-specific, category-specific action plans, institutional responsibility, and the present status of the action plans. Results: On average, the highest weightage in action plans was given to sector-specific categories such as Road dust and construction activities (24%). It was also observed that Urban local bodies (~50%) were majorly responsible to implement the action points and 56% of the action points were jointly implemented by multiple agencies.

Geology of the Copper Mineralization in Proterozoic Ajabgarh Meta-Sediments of, Dokan-Dariba Belt, Sikar District Rajasthan Northwestern India

The Khetri copper belt is a well-known metallotect in northern part of Delhi fold belt in Rajasthan. On the eastern margin of the Khetri sub basin of North Delhi basin separated by a basement high, another sub basin Alwar-Ajabgarh sub basin exposes that a thick sequence of Ajabgarh group of rocks overlies a thick arenaceous sequence of Alwar group of Delhi Super Group of rocks. The Ajabgarh meta sediments here in the Neem Ka thana area are characterized by presence of Bornite dominated copper mineralization with silver association and minor presence of Pb. The mineralization has been described by various workers as strata-bound, hypogene and IOCG. But these inferences are based on part information and the inference drawn is sectorial in nature. The current study includes a holistic study based on exploration over a period of more than two decades and the data generated suggest thereof, that this syngenetic sulphide mineralization associated with the sedimentation of marl and carbonate rocks. Subsequently it has been relocated during 2nd deformation accompanied by epigenetic component of mineralization depicted in terms of vein filled coarse grained aggregates of bornite and chalcopyrite disposed across the general disposition of litho-package. The EPMA and fluid inclusion data generated from the area indicate association of typical hydrothermal environment minerals like, Perkrite, Wittchenite, Aguilarite, Molybdnite etc. The mineralizing fluids have been trapped between the temperature ranges of 130°C to 375°C with average being 250°C to 300°C. The fluid salinity also varies from near pure hot water to moderately saline fluid indicative of multi-episodic mineralization of syngenetic nature coupled with epigenetic component. The ore textures indicate 500°C temperature range;certain intergrowths of minerals like specular hematite and bornite suggest the occurrence of hypogene environment induced due to emplacement of granite/pegmatite on the eastern and southern margins of the belt. The strata bound nature suggests the euxogenic environment facilitated by carbonate facies of rocks. The parallelism of sulphide with the rock fabric was attained during first deformation and the epigenetic component coupled with the hypogene assemblage was deposited during the D2 deformation in the brittle ductile shear zones and limb shears, between the temperature ranges of 130°C to 570°C as deduced from petrochemical data. Hence a comprehensive model is suggested here on evolution of process of mineralization in the Neem Ka Thana belt.

Peraluminous A-type granites formed through synchronous fractionation,magma mixing,mingling,and undercooling:evidence from microgranular enclaves and host Mesoproterozoic Kanigiri granite pluton,Nellore Schist Belt,southeast India

The field and microstructural features coupled with mineral chemical data from microgranular enclave(ME)and host Mesoproterozoic Kanigiri granite(KG)pluton of Nellore Schist Belt(NSB),Southeastern India,have been documented in order to infer the likely processes responsible for the origin and evolution of ME and host KG magma.The ME and host KG bear the same mineral assemblages barring the KG which does not contain amphibole;however,they are modally disequilibrated.The ME in KG is originated due to multiple intrusions of ME magmas into the crystallizing host KG magma chamber.Field and textural features indicate the dynamic magma flow,mingling,and undercooling of the ME against a relatively cooler surface of host KG magma.The presence of NSB country rock xenoliths and its diffuse boundaries suggest the intrusive relation and marginal assimilation by the intruding KG magma.The occasional cumulate texture in the ME appears to have formed by the accumulation of early-formed minerals that crystallized rapidly in the ME magma globules.The ME shows the magmatically deform features developed due to the flowage and erosion by the subsequent intrusions of ME magma pulses into the crystallizing host KG magma chamber.The ME amphiboles show unusual composition as ferro-edenitic hornblende to potassian-hastingsitic hornblende,that crystallized in the subalkaline-alkaline transition,low fO_(2)(reducing to mildly oxidizing)magma.The unusual extremely low Mg/Mg+Fe^(t)=0.015(avg.)of ME amphiboles may be related to the changing physico-chemical(P,T,fO_(2),and H_(2)O)condition of the ME magma or they might have crystallized in equilibrium with more evolved KG magma.The KG(FeOt/MgO=37.04,avg.)and ME(FeO~t/MgO=77.72,avg.)biotites are siderophyllite,and buffered between QFM and NNO syn-crystallizing in the water undersaturated(H_(2O)≈3.58 wt.%in KG;≈3.53wt.%in ME),alkaline anorogenic(A-type)host magmas that were emplaced at mid-crustal(4–5 kbar;17 km)depth.Field,microtextural and mineral chemical evidences suggest that the alkaline KG magma originated from crustal source and evolved through synchronous fractionation,mixing,and mingling with coeval ME magmas in the KG magma chamber.

Clinical and epidemiological features of pelvic fractures presenting to the emergency department in a tertiary health care hospital in south India:A retrospective study

Objective:To determine the clinical and epidemiological features of pelvic fracture patients presenting to the Emergency Department.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care center in south India.Causes of injury,types of pelvic fractures,the associated injuries,and outcome at the time of discharge were recorded.Results:A total of 140 patients were included in this study.Most patients were classified as type A(n=62),followed by type B(n=48)and type C(n=30).A total of 112 patients were injured due to road traffic accidents,followed by a fall from a height(n=23)and a fall from a heavy object(n=5).Most subjects had facial injuries(n=99,70.7%),followed by head injuries(n=51,36.4%).Five percent of the patients were expired,12%left against medical advice,and 83%were discharged.Conclusions:The incidence of pelvic fractures presenting to the Emergency Department is relatively high in India.Road traffic accidents are the primary cause of pelvic fractures and associated facial and head injuries.The outcomes demonstrate the need for improved prevention strategies and comprehensive management protocols to reduce mortality.

Evidence of the oldest extant vascular plant(horsetails)from the Indian Cenozoic

Equisetum(Equisetaceae)has long been a focus of attention for botanists and palaeontologists because,given its extensive and well-documented fossil record,it is considered the oldest extant vascular plant and a key element in understanding vascular plant evolution.However,to date,no authentic fossil evidence of Equisetum has been found from the Indian Cenozoic.Here,we describe a new fossil species,namely,E.siwalikum sp.nov.,recovered from the middle Siwalik(Late Miocene)sediments of Himachal Pradesh,western Himalaya.We identified fossil specimens based on morphological and epidermal characters.In addition,X-Ray diffraction(XRD)analysis was used to determine the mineral composition of compressed stems of Equisetum.The close affinity of our recovered Siwalik fossils to Equisetum is supported by the presence of both macromorphological and epidermal characters.Because Equisetum generally grows in wet conditions around water reservoirs,our findings indicate that the fossil locality was humid and surrounded by swamp and lowland regions during deposition.Ample fossil evidence indicates that this sphenopsid once existed in the western Himalaya during the Siwalik period.However,at present Equisetum is confined to a particular area of our fossil locality,probably a consequence of severe environmental changes coupled with competition from opportunistic angiosperms.Our discovery of Equisetum fossils in appreciable numbers from the Siwalik sediments of the Himachal Himalayas is unique and constitutes the first reliable recognition of Equisetum from the Indian Cenozoic.

Cooperation between EU and India: Motivations and Constraints

In recent years,the EU and India have increased interactions and deepened their cooperation in political,economic and security fields.Amid the backdrop of intensifying great-power rivalry between China and the US and the security confrontation between the US and Russia,the growing ties between the EU and India,as two important forces in the looming multipolar world,will significantly impact the evolution of the international geopolitical structure and China’s external strategic environment.