Medium Duration Research Articles

Correlation and Path Analysis Studies in Medium Duration Rice Varieties of Andhra Pradesh

Correlation and Path Analysis Studies in Medium Duration Rice Varieties of Andhra Pradesh

Simplified cerebellum-like spiking neural network as short-range timing function for the talking robot

ABSTRACTIn human speech, the timing function is important for determining its duration, stress and rhythm; however, little attention has been paid to these issues when building a speech synthesis system. In the human brain, the cerebellum plays a key role in the coordination, precision and timing of motor responses. We have developed a talking robot, which generates human-like vocal sounds using a simplified cerebellum-like neural network model as the timing function. The model was designed using the System Generator software in Matlab environment and the timing duration of trained speech was estimated using hardware co-simulated with a field programmable gate array board (FPGA). The timing information obtained from the co-simulation, together with the output motor vector, is sent to the talking robot controller in order to generate vowels of short, medium and long duration. Using this model for short-range timing of less than 1200 milliseconds, we verify that the short-range learning capability of the cerebellar-like neural network is applicable to the speaking robot for generating a human-like speech with prosodic features.

Symptomatology of Depression and Anxiety After Ischemic Stroke in Different Evolution Periods

Background: Several studies suggest a high prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety after stroke. However, the prevalence and severity of this symptomatology may vary according to the period after a stroke in which the patient is assessed. Goals: This study aims to compare the depressive and anxious symptoms of a population of patients who suffered from ischemic stroke and who are in different evolution periods after stroke.Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study. Participants were all individuals with ischemic stroke, without previous history of psychiatric disease nor pathologies involving Central Nervous System compromise or cognitive deficits, recruited from hospitals or from support units of the Rede Regional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados of the Região Autónoma da Madeira, Portugal. Participants were divided into four groups according to the post- stroke evolution period: short duration (0 to 3 months after the stroke), medium duration (4 to 12 months), chronic period I (13 to 24 months) and chronic period II (more than 24 months after the stroke). Data were collected by a psychologist, with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Form Y (STAI-Y), in individual self-report sessions. Results: The study included 42 patients with ischemic stroke, 52.4% males, aged 55-88 years. The different post-stroke evolution period groups do not differ in age, sex, level of education, hemispheric location of the lesion or cognitive functioning. The results showed that the prevalence of depression is higher in the chronic group II; regarding the prevalence of anxiety, no significant differences were found between the four groups. As for the severity of symptoms of depression, it is also significantly higher in the chronic group II. With regard to anxiety, trait and state anxiety levels are higher in the medium duration group compared to participants in the short duration period. It was also observed higher levels of state anxiety in the medium duration group compared to the chronic group I. Discussion: These results suggest the need to identify early emotional changes inherent to this population. These changes can have a major impact on the assessment, follow-up and neuropsychological rehabilitation of patients, so that their early identification will allow a more adequate intervention.Keywords: Ischemic stroke; Depression; Anxiety; Emotional changes.

Chemical restraint of jaguars Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758 with allometrically scaled doses of tiletamine, zolazepam, detomidine, and atropine

Chemical restraint of large felids is necessary for the handling, transportation, clinical assessment, and induction of anesthesia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chemical restraint using a combination of tiletamine, zolazepam, detomidine, and atropine with interspecific allometric scaling doses in captive Panthera onca. There were ten males (two melanistic ones) and five females weighing between 35 and 80 kg. The evaluation of the chemical restraint protocol was carried out during routine management of the animals for physical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow samples, dental evaluation, and other procedures. During pre-established intervals, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, nociception of thoracic and pelvic limbs, muscle relaxation and loss of the righting reflex were monitored. Loss of the righting reflex occurred at 8 ± 1.89 minutes post-injection (MPI). Respiratory rate returned at 77.6 ± 8.18 MPI; return of consciousness occurred at 112.6 ± 12.28 MPI, and complete recovery at 153 ± 12.47 MPI. There were no statistical differences between heart and respiratory rate means and oxyhemoglobin saturation. For rectal temperature, there was a significant reduction. The protocol analyzed was efficient for the chemical restraint of jaguars, enabling the manipulation, transportation, physical examination, dental evaluation, blood and bone marrow sample collection, and other minor invasive procedures of medium duration in these animals.

Impact of climate change on rice yield in Sri Lanka: a crop modelling approach using Agriculture Production System Simulator (APSIM)

Climate change will have adverse effects on global food production. Potential reduction in crop productivity will be one of the biggest challenges. The objective of this study was to assess the yield fluctuation using Agriculture Production Systems Simulator (APSIM), based on climate change predictions given by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2014. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields were simulated with increasing temperature, CO2 concentration and rainfall for three time periods; 2017 (current), 2050 and 2100. The simulations were run for medium (Bg359) and short (Bg300) duration rice varieties for 9 locations representing Wet Zone, Intermediate Zone and Dry Zone and for both Yala (March to September) and Maha (October to February) seasons. Simulation results revealed that the Wet Zone rice yield of Bg300 decreased in Maha season by 18% and 31% and the Dry Zone rice yield of Bg359 decreased in Yala season by 17%, and 42% for 2050 and 2100, respectively. Therefore, adaptation measures to overcome climate change-induced rice yield reduction in the future are essential to ensure the national food security.

Successful Treatment of BK Nephropathy with Tacrolimus and mTOR Inhibitors

Background BK nephropathy (BKN) has increased its incidence in the last two decades. Moreover BKN is a relevant cause of graft dysfunction in kidney transplantation. The mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) have a well-known antiviral action and have been suggested as the best immunosuppression in the BKN. However Tacrolimus-free therapy could increases the risk of both, acute and chronic rejection. Since 2009 in our center in patients with BKN we conducted a protocol discontinuing Mycophenolate and decreasing Tacrolimus (TAC) dose in association with mTORi, both with target levels of 5 ng/mL. Aim Analyze the efficacy and safety of a TAC-mTORi based-immunosuppression regimen in BKN in kidney transplantation. Methods From 2007 to 2013 we diagnosed 22 BKN. Patients diagnosed since 2009 (n= 14, group 1) were treated beginning mTORi and decreasing TAC dose plus Mycophenolate withdrawal. The others 8 patients suffered a significant reduction of immunosuppression (group 2). We analyze renal function, plasma quantitative BK PCR, antiHLA antibodies levels, acute or chronic rejections and dialysis or dead at final follow-up. Results 22 patients (16 men, 6 women; mean age 46±19 years) were identified. The BKN was diagnosed at 7th month after transplantation (range 2-55). The medium duration of follow-up was 53 months (6-85). Baseline characteristics and evolution of two groups are listed in Table 1. Although group 1 had a greater immunologic risk (43% had suffered a previous acute rejection and had antiHLA antibodies versus 25% of acute rejection and 12.5% with antiHLA antibodies in group 2) and a higher plasma BK viral load at diagnosis, the renal function during follow-up was more favorable than patients from group 2. Neither acute nor chronic rejection episodes were diagnosis in group 1. Only one patient in each group started chronic dialysis at the end of the follow-up (52 and 85 months after BKN diagnosis). Conclusion An immunosuppression regimen based in TAC and mTORi is an effective and safety treatment in patients with BKN. This treatment reduces viral load and increases graft survival without increases the rejection risk.

Positive Youth Development and Academic Achievement in Slovenia

The transition from lower-secondary to upper-secondary education marks a critical period for adolescents that impacts their academic achievement. Based on Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, we examined associations between math achievement as measured by PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) and PYD outcomes, such as Character, Confidence, Connection, and Caring, as well as variability by gender and school types. Using a cross sectional study design, we investigated Slovenian adolescents (N = 2802; 52% girls) who recently transitioned to upper-secondary level, who had participated in PISA study, and who had completed a PYD Short Form questionnaire. We used multiple regression analyses to address the study goals. Significant positive associations between Character, Confidence and math achievement and significant negative associations between Connection and math achievement were observed. In general, the associations between Caring and math achievement were not significant. Specifically, Confidence was positively associated with math achievement in general gymnasiums, in technical programmes, and among boys in our sample. Caring was negatively associated with math achievement in technical gymnasiums. Connection was negatively associated with math achievement in technical programmes. Character was positively associated with math achievement in vocational programmes of medium duration. Across school types and gender, different associations were significant, indicating the importance of contextualizing when planning interventions. The results support the need for contextual understanding of factors that can promote academic (math) achievement. As Slovenia is ethnically homogeneous, the effects of contexts, such as school types and gender, can be given more attention as key factors for promoting PYD.

A novel in vivo large animal model of lumbar spinal joint degeneration

Background ContextDegenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common, widespread socioeconomic problem. Appropriate large animal models of DDD are required for improved understanding and to serve as preclinical test beds for therapeutic strategies. PurposeTo evaluate the effects of short and medium duration immobilization on the sheep lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) and facet joints (FJs), and to establish a large animal model for DDD research. Study DesignAn in vivo sheep model evaluating the effect of short- and medium-term immobilization on disc degeneration. MethodsEighteen sheep were equally randomized into three groups: short-term (6-week) immobilization (n=6), medium-term (26-week) immobilization (n=6), and control (no surgery) (n=6). Immobilization of L3–L4 was achieved with pedicle screw and rod implantation, the IVD was kept intact, and the annulus and end plates were not disrupted. The IVD and FJs were assessed with planar radiography, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pure moment biomechanical testing, and histologic analysis. ResultsDisc height was reduced for 6- and 26-week immobilization groups. The MRI and histologic analysis demonstrated significant disc degeneration for both immobilized groups compared with control, but no statistical difference was detected between short- and medium-term duration. Progressive degenerative changes in FJs were observed with micro-CT and histologic end points. Immobilization significantly reduced lateral bending and flexion-extension range of motion. ConclusionsThe mechanical environment set up by immobilization alone is capable of inducing lumbar disc degeneration at both 6 and 26 weeks in sheep. Longer duration immobilization did not advance disc degeneration process beyond of that found with short duration. The present model produces a degenerative disc with intact annulus and without acute injury, more closely representing the scenario common in human disc degeneration. This provides a suitable large animal in vivo model for the evaluation of the new therapies for disc degeneration. Further studies would do well to examine the effect of remobilization after immobilization in this model.

O engajamento político e historiográfico no ofício dos historiadores brasileiros: uma reflexão sobre a fundação da historiografia brasileira contemporânea (1975-1979)

Tomando como recorte de análise os anos de vigência do I Plano Nacional de Pós-Graduação (1975-1979), este artigo examina a institucionalização do tipo de historiografia que até hoje é chancelada como profissional. A hipótese apresentada sugere que nesse período havia uma forte tendência de engajamento dos intelectuais nas agendas abertas pela redemocratização. Esse clima geral de engajamento levou os historiadores a tematizarem aquilo que já na época ficou conhecido como “novo sindicalismo”, o que trouxe os trabalhadores rurais e urbanos para o primeiro plano dos interesses da historiografia acadêmica. A inflexão empírica característica dos ventos teóricos neo-historicistas que sopravam à época inspirou os historiadores a produzirem, prioritariamente, estudos de caso com objetos rigidamente recortados. A institucionalização acadêmica dessa inflexão empírica interditou o estilo ensaístico, o exercício da síntese e a diacronia de média e longa duração, dificultando a afirmação no debate público da hHistória como uma ciência social aplicada, o que explica a quase total ausência dos historiadores nas instituições que estavam mediando o ativismo político direto dos intelectuais. O principal aspecto da reflexão desenvolvida neste artigo é a tensão complementar entre um intenso engajamento historiográfico e um tímido engajamento político direto no ofício dos historiadores brasileiros durante os primeiros anos da redemocratização no país.

The prognostic importance of duration of AKI: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI), as defined by peak increase in serum creatinine, is independently associated with increased risk of mortality and length of stay. Studies have suggested that the duration of AKI may be an important additional or independent prognostic marker of increased mortality in patients with AKI across clinical settings. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to assess the impact of duration of AKI on outcomes.MethodsVarious bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science) were searched through database inception to December 2015. Human, longitudinal studies with patients aged 18 or above describing outcomes of duration of AKI were included. Duration of AKI categorized as “Short” if AKI duration was ≤2 days or labeled as “transient AKI”; “Medium” for AKI durations 3–6 days and “Long” for AKI duration of ≥7 days or “non-recovered”. Various outcomes looked at were Long term mortality, cardiovascular events, chronic kidney disease (CKD).ResultsEighteen studies were deemed eligible for the systematic review. The outcome of long-term mortality with duration of AKI was reported in 8 studies. The pooled Risk Ratio (RR) for long-term mortality generally was higher for longer duration of AKI: short duration of AKI (n = 8 studies, RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.21–1.66), medium duration (n = 4 studies, RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.34–2.75), and long duration (n = 8 studies, RR 2.28, 95% CI 1.77–2.94) duration of AKI. Further, Duration of AKI was independently associated with higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes and incident CKD Stage 3 when stratified within each stage of AKI.ConclusionDuration of AKI was independently associated with long term mortality, cardiovascular(CV) events, and development of incident CKD Stage 3.

Lidocaine-Midazolam-Fentanyl Combination in Controlling Pain for Reduction of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation; a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Finding a fast-acting compound with minimal side-effects to induce a safe and efficient analgesia with short or medium duration of action is of great interest in the emergency department. The present study has been designed with the aim of comparing the effect of midazolam + fentanyl + lidocaine combination with midazolam + fentanyl + placebo in pain management of anterior shoulder dislocation reduction. The present two-arm parallel double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed on patients who presented to emergency department with anterior shoulder dislocation. Patients were randomly allocated to the 2 treatment groups of midazolam + fentanyl + placebo (double-drug group) and midazolam + fentanyl + intravenous (IV) lidocaine (triple-drug group). Then outcomes such as treatment success rate and side-effects following prescription of drugs were compared between the 2 groups. 100 patients were included in the present study (50 patients in each group; mean age of the studied patients 27.3±8.9 years; 93.0% male). Using the double-drug regimen led to 35 (70%) cases of complete analgesia, while this rate in the triple-drug group was 41 (82%) cases (p=0.16). The calculated number needed to treat was 9 cases. This means that about one in every 9 patients in treatment arm will benefit from the treatment. The most important side-effects observed included dysrhythmia (1 patient in double drug and 1 patient in triple-drug group), apnea (2 patients in each group) and SPO2<90% (2 patients in triple-drug group) (p=0.78). Number needed to harm was 25 cases. In other words, for each 25 patients treated with the triple drug regimen, 1 case of SPO2<90% is observed. Findings of the present study showed that adding IV lidocaine to IV midazolam + fentanyl drug combination does not provide additional analgesia in sedation for anterior shoulder reduction.

Estimation of physical workload of the low-back based on exposure variation analysis during a full working day among male blue-collar workers. Cross-sectional workplace study

This study aims to quantify physical workload of the low-back using exposure variation analysis (EVA) during a full working day among blue-collar workers with manual lifting tasks. One hundred and ten male employees (39 warehouse workers, 27 operators, 24 postal workers and 20 slaughterhouse workers) with manual lifting tasks from 12 workplaces participated. The workers performed standardized box lifts using 5, 10, 20 and 30 kg before and after a working day. Muscular activity of the low-back was measured throughout the working day using surface electromyography (sEMG). Corresponding sEMG-values for 0–30 kg lifts were identified using linear regression. EVA at exposure levels corresponding to “lifting periods” of [1-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-30 and >30] kg in time intervals [0–0.5, 0.5–1, 1-2, 2-5, 5-10, >10] sec was computed. Back inclination was measured using tri-axial accelerometers. Compared to the other job groups, the operators’ low-back muscles were exposed to more short duration “lifting periods” with varying loads and more frequent medium duration high load “lifting periods”, respectively. The operators also worked more with their back inclined (>30°, >60°, and >90°) than the remaining job groups. Nonetheless, more than 41% of the workers performed heavy “lifting periods” that exceeded Danish lifting guidelines. This EVA demonstrates that almost half of the blue-collar workers were exposed to heavy low-back loading which puts them at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and low-back injury. Operators are, in particular, exposed to more short duration and medium duration “lifting periods” with varying load compared to warehouse-, postal- and slaughterhouse workers.

Physiological analyses of nitrogen use efficiency and yield traits of rice genotypes

Nitrogen (N) is a vital element for plant development and growth, and the application of N fertilizer could significantly increase yield formation in rice. One potential approach to reduce N fertilizer application in rice production is the development of varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency. This study was investigating the genotypic differences of rice in the physiological nitrogen use efficiency and yield traits under different nitrogen levels. The photosynthetic rate was recorded higher (36.91 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) in the treatment of 150% of recommmended nitrogen with rice genotype CB-08-513 at 50% flowering stage. The higher SPAD meter value (44.23) and leaf thickness (0.87 mm) were recorded in the recommended nitrogen with the genotype of CB-08-513. Regarding nitrogen content, the leaf nitrogen (5.43%) and total nitrogen content (1.86%) was recorded higher in medium duration genotypes under 150% of recommmended Nitrogen level at panicle initiation stage. The Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (1.73), Physiological Nitrogen Use Efficiency (29.39), Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (3.17), photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (4.74) were lower in medium duration genotypes when treated with 150% of recommmended Nitrogen. The maximum grain yield of 9160 kg ha−1 was registered in medium duration genotype CO 50 under 150% of recommmended Nitrogen with increase of 20.62% over control. However, in short duration genotype CB-08-504 was recorded maximum grain yield of 8449 kg ha−1 under 150% of recommmended Nitrogen with increase of 21.41% compared to 50% of recommmended Nitrogen.

Duration of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients

BackgroundDuration of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized a risk factor for adverse outcomes following AKI. We sought to examine the relationship of AKI duration and recurrent AKI with short-term outcomes in critically ill patients who were mechanically ventilated and met criteria for the acute respiratory distress syndrome.MethodsParticipants in the NHLBI ARDS Network SAILS multicenter trial who developed AKI were included in this analysis and divided into groups based on AKI duration. Differences in outcomes were evaluated using t test and Chi-square test. Competing risks regression and Cox regression were used to evaluate factors associated with resolving AKI and recurrent AKI.ResultsIn total, 238 patients were included in the study. Seventy-seven patients had short duration AKI (1–2 days), 47 medium duration AKI (3–7 days), 87 persistent AKI (> 7 days) and 38 died during their AKI episode. Persistent AKI was associated with worse outcomes including increased ICU length of stay, time on the ventilator and days with cardiovascular failure. We found no clinical differences between patients with short and medium duration AKI, even when accounting for AKI severity and recurrent AKI. Patients with resolving AKI were less likely to have oliguria or moderate/severe ARDS on the day AKI criteria were met. Recurrent AKI was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. No baseline clinical factors were found to predict development of recurrent AKI.ConclusionsIn critically ill patients with sepsis-associated ARDS and AKI, the impact of short and medium duration AKI on clinical outcomes was modest. Persistent and recurrent AKI were both associated with worse clinical outcomes, emphasizing the importance of identifying these patients, who may benefit from novel interventions.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATED IOT BASED IRRIGATION SYSTEM

In the developing digital world, wireless sensor network helps in advance systems. The work follows the fundamental idea which is used to study the flow of data such as water flow, remove obstacles, and provide medicines based on crop fertilization stages during a transmission by use of wireless sensor network and monitoring system. The work is mainly focused on smart agriculture system and also provide the highly qualified crop yield by development in an automated precision agriculture monitoring system and also monitoring the quality of crop fertilization in stage by stage growth process by sensing / intimating flow of data based on crop fertilization varieties such as long duration varieties, medium duration varieties and short duration varieties for scheming standard parameters like humidity, temperature, soil moisture based on fertilization stages. Single-chip microcontrollers furnished with remote handsets are picking up ubiquity in brilliant home computerization considering their inherent assets, low power utilization, measure, manage the cost of capacity and sturdiness. Innovative work experts are grabbing the chance to outline and coordinate more capacities and administrations for savvy home checking and control systems using such microcontrollers. This project exhibits a wireless water irrigation system for a smart home garden that can be incorporated with existing savvy home control frameworks.

Studies on Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Divergence for Earliness, Yield and Yield Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes

Thirty one genotypes derived through pedigree method of breeding were studied for estimation of genetic variability and divergence at Agricultural Research Station, Kunaram. The GCV and PCV were high for number of grains panicle−1 and 1000-grain weight, whereas, low for panicle length and plant height. Additive gene action was predominant for 1000-grain weight, number of grains panicle−1, days to 50% flowering and grain yield as they registered high heritability coupled with high genetic advance values. Based on D2 analysis, 31 genotypes were distributed into five clusters with the cluster II containing maximum number of genotypes followed by cluster I. Highest inter cluster distances were observed between the clusters III and V followed by I and IV, and IV and V suggesting wide diversity between the traits. Cluster mean analysis revealed that genotypes from the clusters IV and III would be used in breeding programme to develop varieties of medium slender fine grain varieties as they recorded more number of grains panicle−1 and low 1000-grain weight and also these genotypes were characterized by early and medium duration flowering duration. The genotype, RDR 1156 was identified as a potential genotype for developing early duration, long bold or long slender grain varieties. Among the traits studied, days to 50% flowering and 1000-grain weight manifested highest contribution towards total divergence, thus, these traits could be given due importance for further crop improvement in the present material.

In vivo screening of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) germplasm of different duration groups against rhizome rot caused by Pythium and Fusarium spp.

Field screening studies were conducted over a period of one year i.e. 2016-2017 in augmented block design with 120 available germplasm lines of turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.) at College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta. These lines were screened against the rhizome rot caused by Pythium graminicolum and Fusarium solani under natural conditions. The severity of rhizome rot is ranged from 0.00 to 92.86 per cent irrespective cultures screened. Among the germplasm cultures screened, cultures like IC-319341, Tenali Kasturi, VK-23, GS, IC-420606, IC-033007, IC-211641, PTS-8, Vikici, Dhindigam, ACC-48, Sonia, NB-60, Kasturi in short duration group, Prathibha, Thodupuztha, KTS-9, Prasangali, ACC-79 in medium duration group and NH-1, Ranga, Salem, Salem-2, Wagon, PTS-12, CL-8, CL-9, CL-10, CL-3, CL-4 in long duration group were resistant to rhizome rot showed 0.0% diseases incidence. More disease incidence (susceptible reaction) of rhizome rot was observed in long duration group.

Impact of Tillage and Residue Management on Water and Thermal Regimes of a Sandy Loam Soil under Pigeonpea-Wheat Cropping System

Tillage and crop residue management are the most critical components of the cultivation, which significantly affect the soil-plant-water relations. Conservation tillage (CT) aims to improve soil condition and conserve soil water, although limited information is available on seasonal variation of soil water and temperature under cropping systems. A medium duration (6 years) experiment with different tillage and residue management option on a sandy loam soil in pigeonpea-wheat cropping system was selected to monitor the changes in soil structure through adoption of conservation agriculture (CA), and the subsequent impact on soil water and thermal regimes over the growing period of wheat crop. Treatments were: conventional tillage with incorporation of previous crop residue (CT+R); conventional tillage with residue removal (CT-R); no-tillage with residue retained over surface as mulch (NT+R); and no-tillage with residue removed (NT-R). The impact was quantified in terms of change in basic soil physical parameters viz., bulk density (BD), penetration resistance (as Cone Index, CI) and porosity, and their effect on soil water dynamics, and seasonal and diurnal soil temperature. At the initial growth stages (9 to 51 DAS), NT+R and NT-R recorded 5–10 per cent higher BD at 0–10 cm layer, but was comparable with CT+R and CT-R at the later stages. Soil pore ( 30 μm) and meso-(5–30 μm) pore volumes had marginal differences. A sub-surface (10–20 cm) hard layer (CI 1.7–1.9 MPa) was omnipresent, although omission of tillage resulted in marginal reduction in CI at this layer. Marginally higher macro-pores in NT systems caused higher initial rate of infiltration and the cumulative infiltration. Throughout the growing season of wheat, NT+R retained higher soil water than other tillage-residue combinations [17% (0 to 48), 11% (−5 to 32), and 14% (−2 to 36), higher compared to NT-R, CT+R and CT-R]. Soil water content in NT+R was also higher by 20% (−5 to 41) before irrigation cycles. Similarly, soil temperature was the most regular in NT+R, even at 3 cm depth due to the presence of surface residue and higher amount of soil water. The difference between temperatures at 10 am and 3: 30 pm was 2.9 (0.2–6.3)°C in NT+R, compared to 3.8 (0.2–7)°C in NT-R, 4 (0.8–8)°C in CT+R, and 3.1 (0.7–5.5)°C in CT-R. Therefore, role of tillage and crop residues in modifying soil physical environment and maintaining better soil water and thermal conditions have been clearly documented.

Yield performance of medium duration Sali rice variety TTB 404 in Cachar District of Assam

The predominant kharif rice varieties like Ranjit, Bahadur, local biroin (sticky rice) of Cachar district of Assam possess long maturity duration, which is undesirable when farmers have their mind for next season crops like potato, french bean etc. in the same piece of land. To overcome this problem, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Cachar conducted an On Farm Trial (OFT) using medium duration rice variety TTB 404 for evaluation of its performance to fit in cropping sequence against local check Joria during 2014–15 and 2015–16. Three trials were conducted in three different locations of Cachar district during sali seasons. Critical inputs like seed of the said variety and recommended fertilizer were distributed to the farmers. Parameters like days to maturity, plant height, numbers of effective tillers per plant, yield (q/ha) and B: C ratio were recorded. The result revealed that the variety took about 140 d to mature, which is well fit for increasing cropping intensity in the district. Plant height was approximately 116 cm as compared to 121 cm of Joria, number of effective tillers per plant was higher (9 no), number of grains per panicle was also found higher than the local variety and thus higher yield was achieved (45.67 q/ha) as compared to control (35.58 q/ha).

Proton-pump Inhibitor Use and Fracture Risk: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BackgroundThis study's objective was to evaluate the association between proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use and bone fracture incidence and bone mineral density (BMD) by meta-analyzing the estimates reported by epidemiological and cohort studies.MethodsData were acquired from studies identified after a literature search in electronic databases. Odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and risk ratios (RRs) between PPI use and bone fracture incidence were pooled under the random effects model, and meta-analysis of standardized mean differences between PPI users and controls in cross-sectional values and BMD changes was conducted.ResultsThirty-three studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. These studies provided data from 2,714,502 individuals with a mean age of 66.91 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 63.37–70.46); 33.21% (95% CI, 30.44–35.99) were males and 64.61% (95% CI, 60.73–68.49) were females. Overall, fracture incidence was 22.04% (95% CI, 16.10–27.97) in PPI users and 15.57% (95% CI, 12.28–18.86) in controls. The overall effect size of the point estimate was 1.28 (95% CI, 1.22–1.35) between PPI use and bone fracture incidence. There was a trend towards increased fracture incidence from short duration use: OR 1.29 (95% CI, 1.19–1.40), medium duration use: OR 1.33 (95% CI, 1.12–1.55) and long duration use: OR 1.62 (95% CI, 1.33–1.90). There was no significant difference in the standardized mean differences between PPI users and controls, either in cross-sectional BMD values or in the BMD change observed in longitudinal studies.ConclusionsPooling of ORs, HRs, and RRs suggested that PPI use might increase fracture risk. However, there was no effect of PPI use on BMD.