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

Detailed studies on population structure and regeneration ecology ofllex khasiana were carried out at five representative natural populations i.e. Mylliem （Population - I）, Upper Shillong （Population - II）, Shillong Peak （Population -III）, Laitkor （Population - IV） and Nongpiyur （Population - V） to probe into the responsible affecting factors for its population structure and regeneration ability in these populations. Experimental observation under three controlled light conditions （full sunlight （100%）, intermediate sunlight （50%） and low sunlight （30%）） showed that the growth status and survival rates of seedlings under intermediate and low light were better than those under the high light condition. The density-diameter distribution in population of adult trees （〉Scm dbh） exhibited a typical character of a regenerating population. A higher seedling mortality rate in natural populations of I. khasiana was most probably due to increase in light intensity following vegetation destruction and other anthropogenic disturbances that cause opening of forest canopy. The findings of the present study would be of immense value in formulating appropriate conservation measures for the species.

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

Detailed studies on population structure and regeneration ecology of Ilex khasiana were carried out at five representative natural populations i.e. Mylliem (Population–I), Upper Shillong (Population–II), Shillong Peak (Population–III), Laitkor (Population–IV) and Nongpiyur (Population–V) to probe into the responsible affecting factors for its population structure and regeneration ability in these populations. Experimental observation under three controlled light conditions (full sunlight (100%), intermediate sunlight (50%) and low sunlight (30%)) showed that the growth status and survival rates of seedlings under intermediate and low light were better than those under the high light condition. The density-diameter distribution in population of adult trees (≥5cm dbh) exhibited a typical character of a regenerating population. A higher seedling mortality rate in natural populations of I. khasiana was most probably due to increase in light intensity following vegetation destruction and other anthropogenic disturbances that cause opening of forest canopy. The findings of the present study would be of immense value in formulating appropriate conservation measures for the species.

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.

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.

China-India: Ties that Bind

From international student to professor,Tripathi Mani shares his thoughts on Chinese and Indian cultures and the beneficial exchanges between them.TRIPATHI Vivek Mani first learned about China from bedtime stories told by his father,a Sanskrit teacher in rural Bihar,a state in east India.Many of the stories were about the Chinese monk Xuanzang’s adventures during his long journey to India to find Buddhist scriptures.They kindled the young boy’s interest in China and the desire to visit it one day.

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.

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.

An analysis of inequality in physical health status of women in India:2015-2021

Objective:We examine how inequality in women's health has changed in India and its major states between 2015 and 2021.We also attempt to identify the sources of any change in this inequality using a decomposition analysis.In order to suggest suitable policies for reducing this inequality,we attempt to identify the factors that are strongly associated with it.Methods:We construct an index of women's health from five indicators using the principal component analysis.Based on this index we measure inequality in women's health using the coefficient of variation and the Theil index.To identify the sources of change in this inequality,we apply Theil decomposition technique.Results:We find that inequality in women's health has increased significantly in India between 2015 and 2021.During this period,this inequality has increased significantly in six states,while it has decreased significantly in five states.The decomposition analysis suggests that the increase in this inequality between 2015 and 2021 has been driven by an increase in interstate inequality.We also find a strong positive association between inequality in women's health and inequality in public health amenities and social development.Conclusion:We suggest that for reducing inequality in women's health in developing countries like India,policies should focus on eliminating disparities in income,female education and provision of public health amenities.

The Development Trends and Prospects of India’s Semiconductor Industry

Technological competition lies at the heart of great-power rivalry.Since declaring China as a“strategic competitor,”the United States has intensified its efforts to contain and suppress China in the semiconductor sector.This includes pressuring and persuading countries such as Japan,the Republic of Korea(ROK),and the Netherlands to prohibit the sale of equipment and transfer of technology to China,while attempting to form a so-called“democratic technology alliance.”Additionally,the US seeks to incorporate India into its semiconductor supply chain.Against this backdrop,India aims to seize the opportunity presented by the global restructuring of the semiconductor supply chain to align with its national initiatives such as“Make in India”and“Atmanirbhar Bharat”(Self-Reliant India).India aspires to position itself as a“global leader in emerging technologies,”the“next semiconductor manufacturing hub,”and a“selfreliant nation.”

Charting the course:India's health expenditure projections for 2035

Objectives Understanding past trends and forecasting future changes in health spending is vital for planning and reducing reliance on out-of-pocket(OOP)expenses.The current study analyzed health expenditure patterns in India and forecasted future trends and patterns until 2035.Methods Data on health expenditure in India from 2000 to 2019 was collected from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)iLibrary and National Health Accounts 2019 databases.Gross domestic product(GDP)data from the World Bank was also utilized.Descriptive statistics analyzed the composition and pattern,while the exponential smoothing model forecasted future health expenditures.Results The findings revealed that expenditure made by OOP is the primary health financing source,followed by government and pre-paid private spending.The percentage of GDP allocated to total health expenditure remains stable,while the per capita health expenditure fluctuates.Variations in expenditure among states are observed,with Karnataka relying heavily on pre-paid private coverage.Future projections suggest a decline in per capita and total health expenditure as a share of GDP,with a slight increase in the government’s share.Pre-paid private expenditure per capita and OOP health expenditure as a share of the total is projected to remain relatively constant but still high in absolute terms.Conclusion The study highlights variations in health spending in India,characterized by high OOP spending,limited public coverage,and a need for investments,and reforms to improve healthcare access and equity.

Offshore high-grade limemud resources of west coast of India:Economic potential and industrial applications

Limestone is one of the essential raw materials in the cement,paint,steel,ceramic,glass,chemical,pharmaceutical,paper,and fertilizer industries.In India,only 8%of the limestone resources are placed under the reserve category,of which 97%is of cement grade.Thus,India depends on imports to bridge the demand‐supply gap of steel,blast furnace,and chemical‐grade limestone.Efforts of Geological Survey of India(GSI)to locate alternate sources for limestone led to the discovery of enormous quantities of carbonate minerals called limemud from the continental shelf margin of the west coast of India.GSI carried out systematic studies to explore the nature of the disposition,quality,quantity,and suitability of the offshore limemud for various industrial applications.A preliminary estimate of resources using high‐resolution subbottom profiling and sediment core sample studies established the occurrence of more than 172 billion tonnes of high‐grade(The content of CaCO3 is greater than 80 wt%)limemud in 0.4–28.0m thick stratified sediment layers spread over an area of 18000 km2.Chemical,physical,mineralogical,beneficiation,and agglomeration studies found the offshore limemud as a potential replacement for limestone in the cement,filler,blast furnace,steel melting shop,lime production,paint,and Grade‐I steel industries.An assessment of mining and transportation costs indicates that the offshore limemud(USD 5–6/ton)is more cost‐effective than that imported from other countries(USD16‐18/ton).With several advantageous factors like low impurity,mode of occurrence in overburden‐free stratified form,fine‐grained slurry nature,and shallow water depth,sustainable mining of offshore limemud could be a future reality with controllable technological,economic,and environmental challenges.

Role of self-help groups on socioeconomic development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)among rural women in Cooch Behar District,India

This study examines the transformative role of self-help groups(SHGs)in the socioeconomic development of rural women in Cooch Behar District,India,and their contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)of the United Nations.In this study,we explored the effect of SHGs on rural women by specifically addressing SDGs,such as no poverty(SDG 1),zero hunger(SDG 2),good health and well-being(SDG 3),quality education(SDG 4),and gender equality(SDG 5).Given this issue,a cross-sectional survey and comparison analyses are needed to assess the socioeconomic development of rural women and their awareness level before and after the participation of rural women in SHGs.The survey conducted as part of this study was divided into three sections,namely,demographic characteristics,socioeconomic development,and awareness level,with each focusing on different aspects.A group of 400 individuals who were part of SHGs completed the questionnaire survey form.The results showed that the participation of rural women in SHGs significantly improved their socioeconomic development and awareness level,as supported by both mean values and t test results.Memberships in SHGs and microcredit programs were the major elements that boosted the socioeconomic development of rural women,which also achieves SDGs 1,2,3,4,and 5.This study revealed that participation in SHGs and related financial services significantly aided rural women in economically disadvantaged communities in accumulating savings and initiating entrepreneurial ventures.Moreover,participation in SHGs was instrumental in enhancing the self-confidence,self-efficacy,and overall self-esteem of rural women.Finally,doing so enabled them to move more freely for work and other activities and to make family and common decisions.

Gallbladder cancer:Progress in the Indian subcontinent

Gallbladder cancer(GBC)is one of the commonest biliary malignancies seen in India,Argentina,and Japan.The disease has dismal outcome as it is detected quite late due to nonspecific symptoms and signs.Early detection is the only way to improve the outcome.There have been several advances in basic as well as clinical research in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases in the West and other developed countries but not enough has been done in GBC.Therefore,it is imp-ortant and the responsibility of the countries with high burden of GBC to find solutions to the many unanswered questions like etiopathogenesis,early diagn-osis,treatment,and prognostication.As India being one of the largest hubs for GBC in the world,it is important to know how the country has progressed on GBC.In this review,we will discuss the outcome of the publications from India highlighting the work and the developments taken place in past several decades both in basic and clinical research.

Prevalence of obesity,determinants,and its association with hyperglycaemia among community dwelling older adolescents in India

BACKGROUND Globally,obesity and diabetes mellitus(DM)are emergent public health concerns in the adolescent population.India,home to the largest adolescent population and the second largest diabetes cohort is experiencing rapid but unplanned urbanization,with accompanying unhealthy nutritional transition,and sedentary lifestyle.AIM To determine prevalence and determinants of obesity and hyperglycaemia and their association among community-dwelling older adolescents(15-19 years)in India.METHODS This cross-sectional analysis from the national family health survey-5 included data of 258028 adolescents aged 15-19 across India(2019-2021).The survey employed stratified two-stage sampling,with systematic random sampling in rural and urban areas.Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics,bivariate,and multivariable logistic regression,employing generalized linear models.RESULTS The weighted prevalence of DM was 1.09%including 0.77%[95%confidence interval(CI):0.72-0.83]previously diagnosed and 0.32%(95%CI:0.29-0.35)newly diagnosed cases detected on survey screening.On adjusted analysis,increasing age,higher education levels,higher wealth index,and overweight/obesity were the factors significantly associated with presence of DM.Only 61%of the adolescents with previously diagnosed DM were on anti-diabetes treatment.The weighted prevalence of overweight/obesity among older adolescents was 6.9%with significantly higher odds in the male sex,having higher educational levels,urban residence,and those with a higher wealth index.CONCLUSION Nearly one in hundred older adolescents in India have diabetes,with one in three undiagnosed.Strengthening DM screening and treatment access among adolescents through public health programs is urgently warranted.

Vice-President Ai Ping Meets Secretary-General Saqib of India China Economic and Cultural Council

On March 26th,CAFIU Vice-President Ai Ping met Secretary-General Mohammed Saqib of the India China Economic and Cultural Council.The two sides exchanged views on China-lndia relations and people-to-people exchanges.Vice-President Ai Ping said that the development of relationship between two states is based on their peoples.Strengthening people-to-people exchanges between China and India and promoting mutual understanding between the peoples are important for the improvement of the relationship between the two countries.

Assessing the role of forest resources in improving rural livelihoods in West Bengal of India

Forest resources play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of rural communities residing in forest-rich areas.In India,a forest-rich country,a significant proportion of non-timber forest products(NTFPs)is consumed locally,supporting numerous rural communities relying on forests for essential resources,such as firewood,timber,and NTFPs.This study focuses on two forest-dominant districts in West Bengal of India,namely,Jhargram District and Paschim Medinipur District.Furthermore,this study aims to enhance the understanding of forest-dependent communities by comparing the standard of living among different village classes.Thus,we categorized villages into three classes based on the distance from home to forests,including inner villages,fringe villages,and outer villages.Through focus group discussions and household surveys,we explored the sources of local economy,income sources of household,and reasons for economic diversification in different village classes.The study findings confirm that substantial variations existed in the income sources and the standard of living in these villages.Forest income varied dramatically among the three village classes,with inner villages having greater forest income than fringe villages and outer villages.Meanwhile,households in outer villages depended on forests and engaged in diverse economic activities for their livelihoods.Compared with inner and fringe villages,households in outer villages derived a significant portion of their income from livestock.This discrepancy can be attributed to challenges,such as inadequate transportation,communication,and underdeveloped market chains in inner villages.Moreover,these findings emphasize the need to develop sustainable forest management practices,create alternative income-generation opportunities,and improve infrastructure and market access in inner villages,as well as promote economic diversification in outer villages.Through targeted policy measures,these forest-rich regions can achieve improved livelihoods,enhanced standard of living,and increased resilience for their communities.

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.

Morphometric analysis and hydrological implications of the Himalayan River Basin,Goriganga,India,using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques

The application of Geographic Information System(GIS)methodologies offers valuable insights into the hydrological behaviour of watersheds through the analysis of their morphometric attributes.This study focuses on the Goriganga River,a major tributary of the Ganga River system,by conducting a detailed morphometric analysis using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER)imagery with 30 m resolution,alongside survey of India topographic sheets.Thirty-two water-sheds within the river basin were delineated to calculate linear,areal,and relief morphometric parameters,covering a total drainage area of 2,183.11 km^(2).The drainage pattern,primarily dendritic to sub-dendritic,is shaped by the region's topography,geological structure,and precipitation patterns.Classified as a 6th-order basin,the drainage density ranges from 1.21 km/km^(2)to 1.96 km/km^(2),underlining the significant influence of the regional physiography and lithological composition on the stream ordering.Relief analysis suggests the basin is in an early developmental stage,characterised by varying slope gradients and a low to moder-ate risk of soil erosion.The basin's hydrogeology is complex,with aquifer distribution primarily governed by lithological factors.Limestone,due to its high permeability and karst features,forms the principal aquifer,although it is susceptible to contamination.In contrast,groundwater potential in the Basement Gneissic Complex and Schist regions is limited to structurally controlled zones,while shale acts as an aquitard.The basin's heterogeneous aquifer characteristics emphasize the need for localized groundwater management strategies tailored to specific lithological units.The integration of remote sensing and GIS techniques effectively delineates the basin's morphometric and hydrogeological characteristics,providing critical information for the development of sustainable water resource management strategies.