North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh Research Articles

Elemental analysis of glass artifacts from Sarethi (India): Examining possible evidence of glass craft in northeastern Uttar Pradesh

Fragments of glass bangles from the site of Sarethi in Uttar Pradesh, India were investigated using laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry. This site yielded glass artifacts dating from 200 BCE to 1500 CE but also some possible evidence of bangle making during the 200 BCE-300 CE period. Two main glass types were identified at the site, with only one sample with a possible Middle Eastern origin and all the other bangles manufactured from three different sub-types of Indian glass. Most of the tested samples belong to the recently discovered and still poorly documented glass group m-Na-Al 8. The other samples could be attributed to either the m-Na-Al 3 or m-Na-Al 4 glass types. We hypothesized that all these different m-Na-Al glasses were manufactured within the eastern Uttar Pradesh region where Sarethi is located although this will need further investigations. Vitreous artifacts of an uncertain nature were also analyzed to determine if they were connected to glass working at the site. These artifacts were certainly the results of the presence of sand close to a wood fire. Comparison of the results of Sarethi and Kopia, a site located 70 km away, indicates distinct glass patterns, suggesting their inclusion in different exchange networks despite their contemporaneity and proximity.

Isolation and Characterization of Steinernema seemae Entomopathogens Against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) from North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Isolation and Characterization of Steinernema seemae Entomopathogens Against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) from North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Prevalence of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adult Based on the Presence of GAD 65 Antibodies in North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Objective The objective of this paper was (1) to study the prevalence of latent autoimmune diabetes in adult (LADA) in the region of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, based on the positivity for glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) antibodies and (2) to compare the glycemic profile between GAD65-positive and GAD65-negative subjects. Materials and Methods The subjects were of more than 30 years of age, with either recently diagnosed pre-diabetes/diabetes presenting with the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of ≥5.7% or already diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had no requirement of insulin therapy for at least 6 months from the time of their diagnosis. All the patients were natives of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh. The GAD65 test was done by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further, the glycemic status of GAD-positive and GAD-negative subjects were compared on the basis of fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin (FI), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The “unpaired t-test” was used to compare and assess the significance of differences between the glycemic profile of GAD65-positive and GAD65-negative subjects using the GraphPad Prism Scientific Software, San Diego, CA, United States. The p-value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results A total of 77 patients were included in the study, with the age group ranging from 30 to 75 years (47.81 ± 12.9 years) with the male–female ratio of 1:2.6. The prevalence of LADA was found to be 51.95%. On comparing GAD65-positive and GAD65-negative groups, a higher value of HbA1c levels and FBS were found in the former, whereas FI and HOMA-IR were found to be higher in the latter. On testing for significance of difference, only FI and HbA1c values were significant (p-value <0.0001). Conclusion LADA can no longer be considered a rare type of diabetes mellitus, with the present study showing a high prevalence of LADA in this north eastern region of Uttar Pradesh. Identification of adult-onset diabetics accurately as LADA or true T2DM is very crucial for the appropriate treatment, as LADA patients require insulin inevitably and much earlier than true T2DM patients, who can be managed mostly on oral hypoglycemic agents with seldom requirement of insulin.

Innovations and investments for transforming India’s rice economy: Submergence tolerant rice varieties in rainfed lowlands of North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh

The present study provides a brief overview of India’s R&D program and orientation of the public and private research portfolio and investments in reference to the rice research. The farm level and aggregate potential economic benefits from the adoption of improved submergence tolerant rice varieties (Swarna Sub 1, Samba Masuri Sub 1) in the rainfed lowland region of India were estimated based on a field survey conducted in rainfed lowlands of the northeastern region of Uttar Pradesh state. At farm-level, the submergence tolerant varieties had not only 39% higher yield advantage and 63% higher net returns as compared to other popularly grown varieties in the region, but also showed lower yield risk under the prevailing conditions. At the aggregate level, potential benefits from the adoption of these stress-tolerant varieties were also estimated. Farmers’ perception showed that Swarna Sub 1 and Samba Masuri Sub 1 rice varieties are preferred mainly because of their better tolerance to the submergence conditions prevailing in the area during the rainy season. Sarjoo-52 is an old variety but still preferred due to its taste, yield and resistance to pests and diseases. The results amply indicate that farmers’ perception of crop varietal attributes influences largely their choice of varieties at the farm level.

Spatial Distribution, Population Structure and Neighbour Relation of Trewia nudiflora within Forested Vegetation of North-Eastern U.P., India

Trewia nudiflora Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is a soft wooded, fast growing multipurpose dioecious tree which grows within the moist semi-evergreen tropical forests of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh. Its spatial distribution, population structure and neighbour relation were examined within eight plots located at six different sites differing in the light regimes and soil moisture status. Loose sub-populations of male and female trees were recognized at all the sites and the distance between any two female sub-populations was greater than that between two male sub-populations. The mean inter-sub-population distance for same sex and for opposite sex was lesser in shaded and high moisture environment. The number of male trees per sub-population was greater under open environment with average soil moisture while that of female sub-populations was greater under high moisture environment. Further, the inter-tree distances for any two adjacent female trees was significantly greater than for the two adjacent male trees. Further, female individuals generally occurred in highly moist soil of low bulk density while male individuals occurred more on relatively lesser moist soil of higher bulk density. As regards to the population structure, the proportional share of seedlings and saplings was quite high under exposed and high soil moisture conditions. The proportional share of young as well as mature trees of T. nudiflora was always higher in open as compared to shaded condition and the number of mature trees showed gradual decrease with decreasing light intensity. Further, the sites having better light and moisture regimes showed greater proportion of females and juveniles. The neighbourhood analysis showed that the density of neighbouring species of all the three life forms-herbs, undershrubs and shrubs was generally greater within the neighbourhood zone of target male trees than that for the target female trees of Trewia under all the light regimes. More than 60 species occurred within the neighbourhood zone of T. nudiflora, which shows quite stable population and niche occupancy to cope up with the prevailing forest environment of the region.

FIRST RECORD OF MANTIDS (MANTODEA: INSECTA) FROM INDIA

Extensive survey of mantids in the northeastern Uttar Pradesh was conducted. Two mantid species were recorded for the first time from the target area, viz.: Pyrgomantis pallida, 1917 and Bactromantis mexicana.

Clinical profile of ACS patients and their outcome at tertiary centre in north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death in India. This study determined the characteristics, treatment and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at tertiary centre in north eastern Uttar Pradesh in India.Methods: We carried out observational study with 60-days follow-up of 80 ACS patients. Data are collected on different variables including Blood pressure, pulserate, BNP, TROP I, CKMB, patient’s demography, risk factors, laboratory values at admission and repeated as and when required. Results: T In our study most common presentation was chest pain, majority of patients presented after 12 hour of onset of symptoms, elevation of TROP I was higher in STEMI than NSTEMI, most common complication in NSTEMI was recurrent angina and in STEMI patients was heart failure, total 15 patients expired during study 11 during hospitalization and 4 patients within 60days of follow up, thrombolysed patients has less chances of regional wall motion abnormality.Conclusions: In our study elevation of TROP I was more in STEMI and there was less chances of RWMA in thrombolysed patients.

The morphological traits variation and inter relationships of understorey species of Sal (Shorea robusta) forest of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.

Measurements of plant traits are required for evaluating community structure and its ecological responses to varying environmental conditions. The grouping on the basis of functional traits of plants has strong predictive power of important ecosystem responses to environmental perturbation. The morphological traits and their interrelationship among associated species have been analyzed to understand the quantitative variation within regional sal dominated forests. Data for five morphometric traits viz., plant height, leaf length, leaf width, flower size and fruit size, were observed for 193 woody (tree, shrub and liana) species belonging to 56 families within understorey of sal forest. Forty-one families were polytypic in nature. One-way ANOVA was used to detect how variation among all the traits was distributed among habit groups. A significant positive relationship was noticed between plant height and each of the leaf length, leaf width and fruit size. Of the different morphometric traits observed only plant height and fruit size showed wider variation among three life–form categories. Overall, our results suggest that measurement of plant morphometric characters are the major drivers of understory sal associates of the region. Hence, the morphological traits of sal associates should be carefully considered in framing the management and conservation strategy of regional sal forests.

A study on pattern of initial and acquired drug resistance for isoniazid and rifampicin in A.F.B. positive sputum smears of pulmonary tuberculosis patients at a Medical College in North Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Despite availability of good quality anti-tubercular drugs and its administration through Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (DOTS) strategy of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in India. The emergence of drug resistance necessitates the timely detection of susceptibility of anti-TB drugs. This can help in appropriate modification in treatment strategies.Methods: A total of 50 patients of pulmonary TB with AFB positive sputum smears attending the OPD of TB and Chest department of B.R.D. Medical College, Gorakhpur were included. Patients were grouped based on history into new (cat-I) and previously treated patients (cat-II). Cat-II patients were further subdivided into defaulter, treatment failure and relapse groups. The culture and DST of AFB positive sputum smears of these patients was done in VersaTREK™®. At the end of study, patients were grouped according to age, sex, category and drug sensitivity pattern for Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) viz mono resistance (resistance to either INH or RIF) or multi drug resistance (M.D.R.) and the resultant data were analysed.Results: Of the total 50 patients included in this study, 18 (36%) patients were sensitive to both the drugs INH and RIF, of which 11 (22%) were of cat-I and 7 (14%) of category-II. Twenty-two (44%) patients were resistant to INH only of which 8 (16%) were of cat-I and 14 (28%) of cat-II. One (2%) case of cat-I showed resistance to RIF only, while M.D.R. type of resistance is seen in 1 (2%) patient of cat-I and 8 (16%) patients of cat-II. Pattern of resistance to both INH and RIF together (i.e. M.D.R. type) showed significant difference between cat-I and cat-II.Conclusions: Most of the patients showing resistance to INH, RIF or both INH and RIF (M.D.R.) belonged to category-II (previously treated) patients.

Species composition and diversity of legumes in sal plantations of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.

The present study aims to compare the composition, diversity and distribution pattern of legumes vs. non- legumes in the regional sal forest of north- eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. In order to show pattern of change in different phytosociological data, the species of similar habits were sorted into different habit groups. In addition to usual regeneration through seeds, a number of legumes also showed non- seed regeneration strategy. As many as 57% of the total legume individuals were of ramet origin but belonged only to 5% of the legumes of forest. The presence of legumes with 41 species (out of 246 in regional forest) sharing 17.7% of importance value (IVI) in sal forest was noticeable. About one third total individuals in forest were herbaceous. Mean density for legume trees was >6 per ha while it was > 6000 per ha for legume shrubs. Moghania chappar, M. lineata, M. bracteata and Desmodium gangeticum were most abundant legume shrubs in regional sal forest. The general rank- abundance curve for regional sal forests was quite steep and close to log normal curve. The legume diversity is crucial for nutritional status of forest soil and legumes are known to heal the disturbed forest. Besides information on the present status of common leguminous vs. non- leguminous species, the results provide clues for the management option in these forests and for the maintenance of legume diversity in such stochastic environment.

English

The landscape level plant diversity was measured in Terai grassland of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh. The field assessment, based on random quadrats, was undertaken at 11 sites, sampling an area of 333.75 ha. The grassland vegetation was comprised of a greater species richness compared to old-field vegetation. The grassy landscape as a mosaic of grassland patches contained 287 species in the sampled quadrats, which represented 177 genera from 53 families. The species composition of sites varied significantly with an increase in species richness corresponding with landscape heterogeneity. The species richness of a few sites was significantly high due to mesic condition and topographic heterogeneity. The fully exposed sites had average moisture with moderate disturbance and showed greater diversity and lower dominance. However, the partially shaded locations had high moisture and low disturbance resulting in minimum diversity and maximum dominance. The presence of high levels of disturbance in the form of severe grazing, trampling and/or cutting favoured prostrate, perennial, herbaceous-grasses such as Cynodon dactylon and Imperata cylindrica as well as the forbs such as Desmodium triflorum, Evolvulus nummularis, and Rungia repens. The marked differences among grassland habitats and the intensity of various biotic processes within the grassy landscape of the adjoining forest result in an array of grassland patches with marked differences in their diversity. Due to changes in agricultural practices and grazing intensification, the Terai grassland has been significantly reduced and highly fragmented resulting into the rarefaction  of species that were once common and widespread. The shrinkage of specialized habitat owing to intense cultural activities, severe grazing and recurrent trampling has pushed several medicinally important and other rare plant species towards local extinction. Therefore, we suggest that appropriate management guidelines be implemented in order to conserve at risk species from extinction on the Terai grassland.    Key words: Grassy landscape, Disturbance, Habitat fragmentation, Patch size, Species diversity. &nbsp

Climber Diversity across Vegetational Landscape of North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

The composition and diversity of climbers among grassland, wasteland and forest vegetations was examined with respect to their woodiness, climbing mode and circumnutation pattern across the vegetational landscape of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh during 2011-2015. A total of 111 climbers, constituting 63 lianas and 48 vine species, under 35 families, were recorded. The forest and wasteland vegetation were quite similar in regard with climber diversity. Family Convolvulaceae included a maximum of 19 climbers. Majority of twining climbers showed right-handed twining. The wasteland vegetation was most suitable and quite similar to forest habitat for vines as well as for lianas. The right handed circumnutation was the dominant pattern among the twiners of the region. Local climbing flora provides considerable natural resource to the region. They often create special micro-habitats and increase the complexity of the ecosystem.

Some Fresh Water Red and Yellow-Green Algae fom North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Available with fulltext.Key words: Algae; Rhodophyceae; Xanthophyyceae; N.E.U.P.EcoprintAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 14, 2007Page: 97-100Uploaded date: 1 June, 2011

Early demographic and clinical predictors of developing acute kidney injury in snake bite patients: A retrospective controlled study from an Indian tertiary care hospital in North Eastern Uttar Pradesh India.

Aims:This study was conducted retrospectively to define early demographic and clinical predictors for acute kidney injury (AKI) among snake bite patients at the time of hospital admission.Materials and Methods:We analyzed 138 cases with a poisonous snake bite. Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence and absence of AKI. The data regarding clinical features and demographic profile of these patients were collected from the hospital records in a prestructured pro forma and statistically compared.Results:Of the 138 patients of venomous snake bite, 62 developed AKI (44.92%). Patients who developed AKI were older in age. Moreover, prolonged bite to anti-snake venom (ASV) time had a significant relationship in developing AKI (P < 0.05). Among the clinical features, there was an independent positive association of AKI with abdomen pain, tenderness and vomiting, cellulitis, bleeding tendencies, myalgia, and black or brown urine (P < 0.05). Neurological features were inversely associated with renal involvement.Conclusion:We found that marked abdominal pain, tenderness and vomiting, myalgia, black or brown urine, bite site cellulitis, bleeding tendencies, and prolonged (>2 h) bite to ASV time were significantly associated with the development of AKI in snake bite patients.

Development and use of organic protocol to promote Kalanamak rice(Oryza sativa)and its certification under PGS mode

Aromatic Kalanamak is a prized and heritage rice variety of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh. It was on the brink of extinction down from peak acreage of 50, 000 hectares. There were no released varieties of Kalanamak and quality of land races had deteriorated. Due to poor quality, yield and income farmers abandoned its cultivation. PRDF developed Kalanamak KN 3 was notified in 2010, and 2 high yielding versions (50% higher yield) Bauna Kalanamak 101 and Bauna Kalanamak 102 developed through hybridization were identified by the Department of Agriculture Uttar Pradesh in 2015 for release. Protected under PPV & FRA since 2011, and registered under Geographical Indications since 2014, protocol for its organic production has been developed. Many combinations of organic inputs were tested in multi-location trials but maximum yields were obtained in the treatments where Trichoderma (5 kg ha−1) and Pseudomonas (10 g kg−1 seed) together were used in either with farmyard manure-FYM (10 t ha−1) or Bhumi Shakti (1.8 t ha−1) or Herbozyme (40 kg ha−1) or green manure (25 kg seed ha−1). These combinations were significantly superior from Trichoderma or Pseudomonas was usedwith Herbozymeor FYM or Bhumi Shakti. Aclear case of Synergistic effect of Trichoderma +Pseudomonas was observed. Based on these observations, protocol for organic production was perfected and 1, 000 farmers were trained. Using organic protocol the yield increased, rather than decreased as commonly perceived, under organic production. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) promoted by the Government of India as cheapest and best system of organic certification, was used for organic certification. PRDF recognized as the Regional Council for PGS certifications is best placed in promoting it. Kalanamak's area increased in 2015 to 21, 000 hectares due to higher yielding and better quality Kalanamak varieties under organic production system and farmers profiting from it.

Cultural Importance and Livelihood Contribution of Turanala and Talkandla Wetlands in Gorakhpur, India

Himalaya and monsoon play the dominant role in determining the nature of wetlands in tropical Asia. There are two distinct eco-climatic zones parallel to sub-Himalayan tracts in north India viz., Bhabhar and Terai (wetlands). Bhabhar is rather narrow and relatively dry strip having low water table, while the Terai is much more extensive and wet. The Terai landscape is a tract between Sarju river and the foothills of the Himalayas covering 11 districts of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur, the region is known for its unique biodiversity and high productivity.

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae): a new invasive undershrub of the old-fields of northeastern Uttar Pradesh

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae), an undershrub species, was first identified at an upland site in the suburb of Gorakhpur town during a broad survey on the distribution and abundance of grassland and old-field species of northeastern Uttar Pradesh. The species was first noticed in August 2012, and by the start of 2014 it showed a highly significant increase in its number and vegetal cover. Morphologically the species provides a spectacular plant body by virtue of numerous long orange-red spines found along the stem and leaves to the calyx, large white flowers with bright yellow anthers, and its red ripe fruits present for most of the year. The plant body is largely unpalatable and also resistant to grazers. The rapid spread of this species within a short span of about two years indicates the potential for this perennial shrub as a harsh invader of upland sites of the region. A brief account of habitat and population size along with a morphological description and line drawing is provided for easy identification of the species, which is not yet reported from Uttar Pradesh.

Commonness and rarity pattern of plant species within Terai grassland of northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India

We investigated the frequency of occurrence of plant species in grassy landscapes in northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Using random quadrats, field assessment was undertaken at 11 sites to sample an area of 333.75 ha, at an overall sampling density of 0.01%. A total of 287 plant species belonging to 183 genera and 53 families was recorded. Of these, 254 species were commonly distributed and 33 species exhibited localized occurrences; according to the rarity classes of Rabinowitz, the latter were classified as rare. One hundred and sixty-five species had large population sizes and 122 species exhibited small population sizes. The most common species, which exhibited high frequency and abundance, were predominantly from Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Papilionaceae, Asteraceae, Scrophulariaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Some species, which are known to have narrow geographical distributions, were locally abundant. Rare species showed restricted as well as localized distributions and were typically sampled at low population densities. The rare occurrences of once frequent and widespread species probably reflect acute fragmentation and shrinkage of specialized habitats as a result of intense cultural activities. Several species are to be considered as threatened. Studies on the status of rare plant species and the processes threatening their survival are urgently required. Keywords: Community structure, frequency of occurrence, habit groups, habitat fragmentation, native grassland. DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(3)161-186

Molecular, phenotypic and pathogenic variability in Colletotrichum isolates of subtropical region in north-eastern India, causing fruit rot of chillies.

To study the genetic variability and population structure of Colletotrichum species found to be associated with anthracnose of chilli in the north-eastern region of India. Twenty-three Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from infected chilli fruits and leaves from the chilli growing regions of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, identified as Colletotrichum capsici and Colletotrichum acutatum using species-specific primers. Genetic variability among the isolates was analysed using RAPD and ISSR markers. The RAPD marker efficiently grouped the isolates at species level, while ISSR marker was effective in separating the isolates based on geographical origin. In vitro pathogenic test revealed the inability of C.acutatum isolates to infect unripe fruits, while C.capsici isolates were found to infect both ripe and unripe fruits at disease severity scale 7-9. Growth rate on different media was recorded to cross-confirm the classification of isolates, which clearly grouped the two species into distinct group on PCA plot. Two species, viz. C.capsici and C.acutatum, prevalent in the region were found to infect the fruits at postripening stage. The present study proposes the implementation of management strategies at postripening stages of the crop to control the spread of disease, thereby leading to increment in production of chilli in the given region.

Two new species of Zasmidium from northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India

During surveys of anamorphic fungi, two undescribed taxa of Zasmidium were discovered, Z. dioscorinum sp. nov. on Dioscorea oppositifolia (Dioscoreaceae) and Z. robustum sp. nov. on living leaves of Prunus sp. (Rosaceae), in subtropical forests of northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India. These two species differ from similar species morphologically. These species are described, illustrated and compared with closely related taxa.