Eastern Region Of India Research Articles

Exploring genetic variability in fodder quality of forage sorghum in the North – Eastern regions of India

This study investigated genetic variability, character association, and genetic diversity in ninety-five forage sorghum genotypes, evaluated using a randomized block design for seven fodder quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. Genotypes such as G90 (424B), G23 (334B), G87 (CSV21F), G76 (330B), and G45 (373B) exhibit desirable fodder quality traits. Notably, G90 (424B) and G47 (NSS5B) stand out for their superior green forage yield per plant and fodder quality, making them prime candidates for varietal development programs. Crude protein emerged as a crucial selection factor for fodder quality. Green forage yield per plant showed minimal association with the other quality traits. A strong positive correlation was observed among in vitro organic matter digestibility, metabolic energy, crude protein, and ash content. D2 analysis identified five clusters, with genotypes from clusters V and IV recommended for crossing to produce superior transgressive segregants for fodder quality. Acid detergent fibre, crude protein, and ash content significantly contributed to genetic divergence. Considering these selected traits and genotypes, they could be invaluable in future sorghum forage breeding programs aimed at enhancing fodder quality traits. Keywords: Correlation, genetic diversity, Path analysis, Sorghum Fodder quality

Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar, Wind, and Biomass Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems to Meet Electricity Demand of a Small Village in Bihar State of India

This study examines the potential use of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (consisting of photovoltaic, wind, bio, and diesel sources) both with and without the inclusion of battery storage in the eastern region of India. An evaluation is conducted to determine the economic viability of several system configurations, and the most efficient system is selected using HOMER software. The investigation focused on six distinct scenarios to meet the energy needs of a village community. The goal was to satisfy a daily load need of 1093.7 kWh, with a peak demand of 153.63 kW. The study examined many factors, such as system efficiency, financial viability, and ecological consequences. The primary aim of the research was to compare the power costs associated with different designs of HRES. Detailed techno-commercial assessments were carried out to examine the energy production, consumption, and financial impacts of each scenario. This research provides valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking reliable and long-lasting energy solutions by analyzing the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing HRES in rural areas. An evaluation is conducted to determine the energy contribution of each element within an RES, as well as the influence of HRES on energy expenses and net present value. The findings of this study reveal that the optimized hybrid system comprises 133 kW photovoltaic arrays, a 130-kW wind turbine, a 0.2 kW biogas generator, a 100-kW diesel generator, a 540-kWh battery bank with nominal capacity, and a 58-kW converter. This system has a minimum COE of 0.347$/kWh and NPC of $1.71M. The research offers useful insights for designers, scholars, and policymakers on the existing design constraints and policies of biomass-based hybrid systems.

Knowledge and Awareness of Emotional Artificial Intelligence as Tool in Child’s Oral Health Care Assessed Among Dental Professionals of Eastern India. A Cross Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background: One of the most crucial steps in providing the child’s oral health care and treatment needs is modifying his/her behavior, mood and emotion in any primary care/dental home or any speciality centre. This is very important parameters for any dental professionals and paediatric dentist. Through this study we investigated the knowledge, awareness of Emotional Artificial Intelligence (AI) as tool for modifying their behaviour prior to any treatment requirement. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among dental professionals of located in different regions of eastern India. We used a consecutive sampling method to collect our sample. Results: Out of the 120 participating dental professionals, 30% professionals believed that emotional AI could monitor a child’s acceptance to treatment. Despite a low perception level of emotional AI by the dentist, 71% agreed on the beneficial effect of Emotional Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an emergency or uncooperative child if such technology exist. Conclusion: Regression model showed that certain key influencers can increase the quality of healthcare by 3 times which could favors Emotional Artificial Intelligence as an adjunct to Pediatric dentists in managing children.

Demographic and Clinicopathological Spectrum of Gallbladder Carcinoma in a Tertiary Care Centre in Jharkhand: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Gallbladder carcinoma is a rare but aggressive cancer of adults that affects females more than males. Its occurrence is more common in the regions of South America and Asia. Chronic inflammation and cholelithiasis are frequently associated risk factors of gallbladder carcinoma. The incidental discovery of a gallbladder carcinoma during cholecystectomy, gross or microscopic examination of the unsuspected gallbladder specimens is termed incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC). Considering the lack of extensive studies on gallbladder carcinoma in the Eastern region of India, especially in Jharkhand, this study has been done to present the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of gallbladder carcinoma in this region. Methods A retrospective and descriptive study was done at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, a tertiary care center in Jharkhand. The study sample comprised 2386 gall bladder casesreceived in the Department of Pathology over five years, from December 2018 to December 2023. Results Of 2368 specimens, 25 cases (n=25) were reported as primary gallbladder carcinoma. The female-to-male ratio was 4:1. Pain was the most common complaint by the patients. Of the 25 cases, 12 were suspected intra-operatively or diagnosed microscopically (IGBC). Most showed a mass at the neck. In six cases, no gross mass/lesion was seen. Cholelithiasis is present in 19/25 cases.Most cases showed adenocarcinoma (not otherwise specified). Out of the adenocarcinoma cases, most were well differentiated. At the time of diagnosis, most were at the pT2 stage. Twelve cases of IGBC were found. Eight out of 12 IGBC were early-stage carcinoma when diagnosed. Conclusion Twenty-five cases of gallbladder carcinoma were diagnosed in the last five years in our center, with 19 (76%) of them associated with cholelithiasis. Twelve (48%) of the cases were incidentally diagnosed either preoperatively or during gross/microscopic examination, and eight (66%) of those were discovered early, out of which five (62.5%) were observed to be in the T1b stage. At this stage, there is a diversion from the general surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma for a better prognosis. This underscores the significance of routine histopathological examination of gallbladder specimens, even if there is no preoperative suspicion of gallbladder carcinoma.

Evaluation of COSMO-CLM Model Parameter Sensitivity in the Study of Extreme Events across the Eastern Region of India

The present study aims to identify the parameters from the Consortium for Small-scale Modelling in CLimate Mode (COSMO-CLM) regional climate model that strongly controls the prediction of extreme events over West Bengal and the adjoining areas observed between 2013 to 2018. Metrics, namely Performance Score (PS) screen out the most persuasive parameter on model output. Additionally, the Performance Index (PI) measure the reliability of the model and Skill Score (SS) establishes the model performance against the reference simulation leading to the optimization of the model for a given variable. In this study, parameter screening for four output variables such as 2m-temperature, surface latent heat flux, precipitation and cloud cover of COSMO-CLM is accomplished. For heat wave simulations, 2m-temperature and surface latent heat flux are explored whereas cloud cover and precipitation are examined for extreme rainfall events. A total of 25 adjustable parameters representing the following parameterization schemes: turbulence, land surface process, microphysics, convection, radiation and soil. Out of the six parameterization schemes, the scaling factor of the laminar boundary layer for heat (rlam_heat) and the ratio of laminar scaling factors for heat over sea and land (rat_sea) from the land surface process is sensitive to SLH, TP. The exponent to get the effective surface area (e_surf) from the land surface has a large impact on 2m-temperature. A few parameters from microphysics (cloud ice threshold for auto conversion), convection (mean entrainment rate for shallow convection) and radiation (parameter for computing the amount of cloud cover in saturated conditions) play a significant role in producing TP, and TCC fields. It is evident from the results that the parameter sensitivities on model performance depend on the choice of the meteorological field. Furthermore, in almost all input model parameters, the model performance reveals the opposite character in different domains for a given meteorological field.

Educating patients about health helps slow the progression of chronic kidney disease in the eastern region of India

Abstract Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a well-documented burden, necessitating patient awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyle modifications to mitigate co-morbidities and mortality risks. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of education-based conservative management in mitigating disease progression among CKD patients in the eastern region of India. Materials and Methods: A total of 248 CKD patients receiving outpatient department and inpatient department care at the nephrology and dialysis department of Belle Vue Clinic, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, were included in the study. Comprehensive data encompassing demographic details, socioeconomic status, clinical co-morbidities, and conservative management interventions via patient education were examined. The study compared the rise in creatinine levels with adherence to five key factors: dietary restrictions, medication compliance, follow-up appointments with physicians, management of co-morbidities, and adherence to lifestyle modifications. Each strategy was graded on a scale of 0, 1, or 2 based on compliance, with 0 indicating minimal or no compliance, 1 indicating moderate compliance, and 2 indicating strong compliance. Results: In this study, several factors were linked to elevated creatinine levels among CKD patients, including being in the middle-age range, male gender, living predominantly in urban areas, and working in business or service occupations. Additionally, a higher prevalence of co-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension was noted among CKD patients, along with documented instances of polycystic kidney disease, obstructive uropathy, and renal cell carcinoma. After educating CKD patients, those who scored 8–10 on compliance exhibited a decrease in creatinine elevation (0.35 mg/dL) among 120 cases from January 2022 to June 2023. Conversely, those with scores ranging from 5 to 7 (81 cases) showed moderate creatinine elevation (1.24 mg/dL), while those with scores of 0–4 (47 cases) demonstrated higher levels of creatinine elevation (5.48 mg/dL). Conclusion: This study concludes that the conservative management of CKD patients educates individuals about primary prevention of the disorder and provides a comprehensive understanding of secondary and tertiary prevention strategies. This cost-effective approach significantly impacts physical, mental, social, and psychological adjustment behaviors.

Abstract 3417: Dissecting tumor microenvironment to predict clinical outcome in prostate cancer

Abstract Prostate cancer is one of the major causes of cancer death in males, and its prevalence is particularly high in developed countries such as the United States and Western Europe. However, death rates in developing and underdeveloped countries are greater, presumably, due to a lack of routine clinical check-ups, poor health awareness, inadequate screening resources, and clinical intervention. Much progress has already been made using cutting-edge technologies like whole genome sequencing, RNAseq, phosphoproteomics, and targeted transcriptomic Nanostring profiling, etc. However, understanding of the prostate tumor microenvironment as a whole in clinical samples remains very limited. Here we use the latest genomic, proteomics, and metabolomic tools not only to understand the biology of prostate cancers but also their correlation with patient demography and clinical outcome. We recruited 80 patients from both tertiary research hospitals and clinical centers in the eastern region of India. All of their demographic information is collected along with their clinical outcome. Pathological evaluation revealed only 50 patients with positive Prostate Carcinoma. We performed a detailed analysis using experimental data (from genomic, and proteomic) in a cohort of patients' routine biomarkers (PSA and PSMA), histopathology, and clinical outcome. Our data demonstrate no linear correlation of any of the individual markers or parameters like AR status, PSA, Prostate Specific Acid Phosphatase, Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), Mesothelin, PD-L1, and other potential genomic and proteomic alterations or any histopathological readouts. However, a clear understanding of the relationship between these multiparameter data, disease pathology, and clinical outcomes in a group of patients has been established. The heterogeneity of these individual data for tumor microenvironments will lead us to identify novel biomarkers for the clinical response of targeted drugs, accelerating personalized treatment strategies. Citation Format: Aritri Bhattacharjee, Manjusha Biswas, Amjad Husain, Asim Kr Das, Sourav Karmakar Karmakar, Tapan Mondal, Pinaki Roy, Manas Kr Mondal, Badal Kumar Sahu, Nabendu Murmu, Partho Nath, Chandra C. Ghosh, Pradip Kumar Majumder. Dissecting tumor microenvironment to predict clinical outcome in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3417.

The effect of the Mid-Day Meal programme on the longitudinal physical growth from childhood to adolescence in India.

The study aims to examine the effect of the world's largest school-feeding programme, the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, on the changes in the underweight prevalence among school-children in India. Data from the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) Rounds 1 (2004-05) and 2 (2011-12) were utilized. The sample included individual-level information of children aged 6 to 9 years in IHDS-1 who then turned 13 to 16 years in IHDS-2. The sample was categorised into four groups based on their MDM consumption history (Group 1: no MDM support in IHDS-1 and IHDS-2, Group 2: MDM support in IHDS-1, Group 3: MDM support in IHDS-2, Group 4: persistent MDM support in IHDS-1 and IHDS-2). The dependent variable was underweight status as defined by the World Health Organisation Child Growth Standards Body Mass Index for age (BMI Z-score) < -2 SD of the median. Bivariate analysis was used to examine the prevalence of underweight and establish associations between underweight status and socio-demographic characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to assess the strength of the association of socio-demographic characteristics and MDM consumption patterns with underweight across poor and non-poor asset groups. The findings suggest that early and persistent MDM support among respondents reduced the likelihood of low BMI Z-scores compared to those without MDM support. Respondents from the poor asset group who received MDM support in at least one of the two survey rounds had higher odds of being underweight in comparison with those who did not receive MDM support at all. Girls and adolescents residing in the Eastern region of India were less likely to be underweight. The study shows that the MDM programme was effective in reducing the rate of underweight among school children. However, continuous programme upscaling with a special focus on children from poor households will significantly benefit India's school-aged children.

Spatio-temporal changes in the pre-monsoon thunderstorm activities of northeast India over the past four decades

Thunderstorms inflict significant danger to both human and environment. Here, we present a thorough examination of recent changes in thunderstorm occurrences in the northeast and eastern regions of India.

Lithic Monuments in the North - Eastern Region of India: Archaeological Investigations

Lithic Monuments in the North - Eastern Region of India: Archaeological Investigations

Digital Payments in Urban Odisha: Insights from a Primary Survey

This study discusses the insights derived from a primary survey conducted in urban centres in the Indian state of Odisha located in the eastern region of India, which is generally perceived as less developed than other regions of the country. There is evidence that Odisha is catching up with the digital revolution, and the survey reveals significant achievements in terms of people’s general awareness of various digital payment systems and access to smartphones. The use of digital payments has increased with increasing education and income levels, and the proportion of cash transactions has declined post-COVID-19. Major barriers to the wider adoption of digital payments in the state include network issues such as poor internet connectivity, low internet speed and lack of acceptability. The empirical findings of this study establish that receiving incomes into bank accounts instead of in cash increases the affinity towards paying digitally.

Assessing the prevalence and predictors of anemia among pregnant women in India: findings from the India National Family Health Survey 2019–2021

Background Anemia is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries including India. Anemia in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of maternal health problems and adverse birth outcomes. This study estimates the prevalence and associated risk factors of anemia among pregnant women in India. Methods This cross-sectional study is based on secondary data from the India National Family Health Survey-V (NFHS-5) conducted during 2019–2021. We extracted data of 27,317 currently pregnant women to estimate the prevalence and contributory factors associated with anemia using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in India was 52.2%. Anemia was higher among adolescent women (61.5%), those with no education (59.2%), those belonging to poorest wealth index (61.9%), scheduled tribes (59.3%), and those from the eastern region of India (62.1%). Further, it was more prevalent among women with a habit of smoking, tobacco, or alcohol (63.0%), and women with shorter birth intervals (59.7%). Among Indian states, anemia prevalence was higher in the state of Bihar (63.1%) and the union territory of Ladakh (71.4%). Logistic regression models show that women with no education (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.27–1.57), belonging to a poorest wealth quintile (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.51–1.90), and those with a habit of smoking, tobacco, or alcohol (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.18–1.63) were more anemic than their counterparts. Additionally, women with no education showed a four-times higher risk of severe anemia (aOR = 4.79, 95% CI = 2.75–8.36) than their highly educated counterparts. Conclusion Anemia affects half of all pregnant women in India. Anemia prevalence is higher among adolescents, illiterate, poor, and tribal communities. Social norm-based interventions and strengthening the community health facilitators should be implemented to reduce the high burden of anemia in India.

A prospective observational study to assess the epidemiological profile of multiple primary cancers in Eastern India.

Multiple primary cancers once thought to be rare have become increasingly common as the lifespan of cancer survivors has increased with availability of better and more effective cancer treatment. However, their exact incidence is not known and data on their epidemiological characteristics are not available. The aim of this study is to study the epidemiologic characteristics of multiple primary cancers in the eastern region of India. The study was conducted in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical College, Kolkata, from 2017 to 2020 over a period of 3 years. All patients with a diagnosis of second primary as per International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) definition or those developing a second primary within the study period were included for analysis. Data were recorded in form of preformed questionnaires. All the cases were followed up for at least 12 months. Fifty cases of multiple primary tumors were identified, out of which 21 were synchronous while rest 29 were metachronous type. The male-female ratio was 1:1.2. The median age at presentation for index malignancy was 50 years. The most common malignancy in the synchronous group was a combination of variety of GI cancers (six cases). In the metachronous category, a combination of reproductive cancers (breast, ovary, cervix, and endometrium) along with Gastrointestinal cancer (GI) cancers (colon, rectum) was most frequently found (eight cases). Definite risk factors for multiple primary tumors were identifiable in 10 cases: arsenic exposure in 5 cases, hereditary in 4 cases, and immunosuppression in 1, while in 8 cases, risk factors were only speculative (radiation 5 cases, chemotherapy 3). At the time of the last follow-up, 36 subjects were alive and 3 dead while the status of 11 subjects was unknown. This is the first comprehensive study on multiple primary cancers and the largest so far in India. Our study overcomes the shortcoming of previous case series from our subcontinent. The merits of our study include the use of the most accepted IARC definition, updated staging guidelines with long follow-up, and reliable survival data. Additionally, we could identify risk factors in 50% of our subjects. And our study shows various new combinations of cancers not reported before. Clustering of cases in the young adolescent group (25-49) years is also a new finding. We also highlight the existing ambiguity in the way this entity is defined. Demerits include the loss of follow-up data in a significant number of patients.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from the Eastern region of India

ObjectiveThe risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increased significantly in individuals having Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the presence of T2DM enormously drives NAFLD progression. However, in clinical practice, it is overlooked despite the significant clinical effects of NAFLD in T2DM. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD in T2DM patients from the eastern region of India. MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed 132 T2DM patients for NAFLD. Anthropometry and lipid estimations were done in all the individuals. Hepatic fibrosis was diagnosed by transient elastography (TE) using a TOUCH 502 Fiber Scanner using M‑probe. A fibrosis score ≥ 11 kgpascals (kPa) was used to define advanced fibrosis (F3). ResultsOverall prevalence of NAFLD in T2DM patients was 57% (75/132 subjects) and the prevalence is higher in males (54.6%). Results showed that approximately 26% of patients with NAFLD will develop into NASH, among them 37.3% developed mild to moderate steatosis and 26.6% developed severe steatosis. ConclusionThe prevalence of NAFLD is high in the eastern region of India, need for early diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD in T2DM. The use of TE with other serum markers can be helpful for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis.

Carcinoma stomach in Eastern India-An audit from a tertiary health care center.

In spite of declining incidence and fatality over the past decade, stomach cancer still remains a global health issue due to its aggressiveness and heterogeneity. There is wide variation in the epidemiology of stomach cancer, not only worldwide but also among different regions of India. However, there is very limited data available for the Indian population. This study was aimed at establishing the incidence and role of risk factors, analyzing the symptoms, stage of disease, and mode of various surgical treatments of patients in the eastern region of India, and comparing them with the results of other studies in India and regions outside India. An audit of the database of carcinoma stomach patients attending the radiotherapy and surgery outpatient department (OPD) between January 2020 and June 2021 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and treatment-related data were collected and analyzed with respect to other regions of India and the worldwide pattern of carcinoma stomach. The mean age of the study population was 58 years with male dominance (70%). The antrum was the most common (60%) primary site, and stage III was the most common (47.6%) stage at presentation. Around 73.4% of patients underwent radical surgery. Most patients (50%) had an eventless post-operative period, and 76% received peri-operative chemotherapy. Also, 20% of patients received adjuvant chemoradiation. Our analysis suggests that there are certain differences (like dietary habits), as well as similarities (like socio-demographic factors), among the risk factors of carcinoma in this part of the country than other parts. Further studies into the risk factors and different clinical presentations are required for prevention and early detection.

Treatment Patterns of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A 3-Year Retrospective Study in Major Industrial Region in Eastern India.

This study is designed to outline the likely patterns of treatment modalities based on patient demographics and mechanism of injury in eastern region of India (industrial area). To evaluate the various treatment patterns in eastern region of India and for better understanding of providing patient care. We conducted a retrospective study by collecting data from the records of the patients who reported at our institution from 2018 to 2020. The types of the major procedures done at the department were classified based on the type and the area of the trauma. The data were tabulated using Excel sheet and projected in percentages. Later with statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA, the different groups were compared with SPSS version 20.0. The total number of patients observed were 197. The gender distribution was M/F = 1.31:1. Comminuted mandibular fracture had the highest incidence with RTA (road traffic accident) being the most prevalent etiology, whereas no significant difference was found between the types of procedures performed and demography of the patients. Being a dominant industrial area (Jharkhand), it can be concluded that facial trauma is seen predominant in this part of eastern India due to road traffic accidents with heavy, high-speed vehicles and lack of awareness in using protective safety accessories. This study helped us evaluate the various major surgical procedures performed in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Such data would also act as an educational tool for trainees and for enhancing multidisciplinary meets.

Molecular surveillance of Kelch-13 gene in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India, and in silico artemisinin-Kelch-13 protein interaction study.

The global malaria control and elimination program faces major threats due to the emergence and transmission of the anti-malarial drug-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Monitoring of artemisinin (ART) resistance marker Kelch-13 in the malaria-endemic region is essential in mitigating the disease's morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to generate baseline information for further surveillance in the future. The current research was designed and conducted from July 2019 to June 2021 to monitor Pfkelch13 mutation at the molecular level in the eastern region of India. We also conducted an in silico study to understand the drug-protein interactions between ART and the protein crystal of PfKelch13 (KELCH) with PDB id:4ZGC. The kelch-13 gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced through the Sanger sequencing method. Reference 3D7 clone (PF3D7_1343700) was used to align and probe all the sequences. The sequence analysis showed the absence of validated or associated mutation in the Kelch-13 propeller domain. The absence of natural selection in drug resistance was confirmed by the Tajima test. Further, in silico interaction studies between the drug ART and the Kelch propeller domain of P. falciparum were evaluated by structure predictions, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and estimations of binding free energies for the KELCH-ART complex. The results were compared with the apoprotein (KELCH-APO). The study confirmed the favorable binding of ART with the Kelch-13 propeller domain.

Standardization of grafting technique in Kusum [Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken

The species, Schleichera oleosa (Kusum), holds an important place in the livelihood of tribal farmers in eastern region of India. It is getting popular due to its ethnobotanical values and its potential use as host plant for lac production. Its natural population and genetic variability is declining at faster rate due to deforestation and human interventions. Mass production of Kusum seedlings is a major challenge and moreover, auto-generation of heterozygous nature in plants calls for long term experiments for its genetic improvement which require huge monetary investments. Moreover, the factors like low quality and quantity planting materials and the problem of restricted growth in plants raised from seeds hinder the interest of the farmers. Hence, clonal propagation through grafting could be an option. The scientific knowledge on application and standardization of various approaches like girdling of scionstick branches, age of mother plant, rootstocks, etc. of Kusum are extremely limited. Keeping these in view, an experiment was conducted during 2018–2021 to standardize grafting technique in Kusum. The result revealed that grafting methods affected the graft’s success significantly. Cleft grafting was found to be the most successful (72.38% graft) than veneer grafting (64.46%). Moreover, the scions collected from tree aged <15 years showed maximum success in grafting (upto 86.23%). This study revealed the importance of girdling of scionstick branches, girdling age (3 months), girdling-ring thickness (6–8 mm), and selection of two years old rootstock to maximize graft success upto 86.25% in Kusum. Furthermore, season also play an important role in successful grafting. The period from April to June was the best time for grafting with 73.31% success.

Estimation of Elasticities of Milk Production in the Eastern Region of India: A Normalized Profit Function Approach

The study employed a normalized translog profit function approach to estimate the output supply and factor demand elasticities of milk production in the eastern region of India. The profit maximization hypothesis was rejected, and thus, the farmers in the region must be motivated to take up dairy farming on scientific lines to maximize their profits. Most of the cross-price elasticities of input demand were negative, revealing that the inputs were complements of each other. The elasticities revealed that when the milk price changes, the milk supply increase was lesser than the demand for inputs. The large negative elasticity of the labour wage rate urges dairy farmers to move towards mechanization and use IT techniques in dairy farming. Keywords: Elasticity, milk, normalized profit function, seemingly unrelated regression equations, translog. JEL Codes: A11, C01, C02, C39, Q21.

Study of serum iron and Vitamin B12 status in primary hypothyroidism at a tertiary care hospital in eastern region of India

Background: Reduced production of thyroid hormone is central feature of the clinical state termed as hypothyroidism. In approximately 99% of cases of hypothyroidism, the pathology lies in the gland itself, rest due to thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency, or other causes. The prevalence of hypothyroidism is 11% in India. There are various metabolic abnormalities associated with hypothyroidism. The literature has revealed alteration of various micronutrients in hypothyroidism in different parts of the world. In this background, the serum levels of iron and Vitamin B12 in primary hypothyroidism have been studied in tertiary care hospital in eastern region of India. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to delineate if there is any significant association between serum iron and Vitamin B12 levels with primary hypothyroidism cases belonging to the eastern India. Materials and Methods: It was an observational, noninterventional, hospital-based, and cross-sectional study with 160 cases and same number of controls based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Serum levels of iron and Vitamin B12 were analyzed in both cases and controls with the help of Erba EM-600 Autoanalyzer and ADVIA Centaur CP (Siemens). Statistical analysis was performed by Microsoft excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software; P &lt; 0.05 had been taken as significant. Results: There was statistically significant difference in serum iron and Vitamin B12 levels in cases compare to controls with P = 0.0001. Conclusion: Routine estimation of serum iron and Vitamin B12 should be mandatory in primary hypothyroidism for early detection and intervention if required.