Search Results (28)

Stylolites, common dissolution surfaces in carbonate rocks, form due to localized stress-induced pressure-solution during burial compaction or tectonic contraction. Their morphology and growth are influenced by dissolution kinetics, rock heterogeneity, clay content, burial depth, stress evolution, diagenesis, and pore fluid availability. This study applies the stylolite roughness inversion technique (SRIT), a proven paleopizometer that quantifies the principal vertical stress (σ_v = σ₁) prevailing in strata in the last moments of bedding-parallel stylolites (BPS) formation, to the Late Cretaceous Bagh Group carbonates in the Narmada Basin, India, to estimate their burial paleo-depth. Using the Fourier Power Spectrum (FPS), we obtained 18 σ₁ values from a collection of 30 samples, enabling us to estimate paleo-burial depths for the Bagh Group ranging from 660 to 1320 m. As the Bagh Group burial history is unknown, but as there is no subsequent sedimentary deposition above it, we relate this ca. 1.3 km burial depth to the now eroded thickness of the deposits related to Deccan volcanism at the end of the Cretaceous time, implying a quasi-instantaneous development of the BPS population in the strata. This research highlights the robustness of SRIT for reconstructing burial histories in carbonate sequences and that it can be a reliable way to reconstruct the thickness of eroded deposits in well-constrained geological history. Full article

Basalt with columnar jointing can act as a good groundwater conductor. In areas with limited water resources in sedimentary rock, such as the Deccan Traps in India and the Columbia River basalt formations in Washington State (USA), large quantities of groundwater are abstracted from such basalt formations for drinking water supply and irrigation. The hydraulic properties of basaltic formations are difficult to quantify. To obtain a better understanding of their hydraulic properties, intensive field campaigns in Iceland were combined with a conceptual groundwater model in MODFLOW. The field experiments enabled us to derive the upper boundary conditions, like precipitation surplus, and obtain reliable ranges for the k_h (0.01–0.3 m d⁻¹) and k_v (0.01–10 m d⁻¹) of the basalt formations. The main objective was to test the concept of representative elementary volumes (REVs) for such basaltic regions. Precipitation excess for the Vestragil and Eystragil catchments was calculated by taking into account the orographic effect of precipitation. It was found that at higher elevations (600 m + msl) the precipitation was twice the amount compared to the base camp rain gauge at 100 m + msl. Calculated evapotranspiration (1–2 mm d⁻¹) is in line with the literature. In the MODFLOW model, best results were obtained when the top layer (organic soil, peat, and regolith) was considered to be most conductive (up to 10 m d⁻¹), with a gradual reduction in hydraulic conductivity with depth in the basaltic aquifers. This study shows that, when larger elementary volumes are used, a good model representation of basaltic regions can be created. Full article

Background and Objectives: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a heightened risk of adverse outcomes from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the influence of glycemic control on systemic inflammation and clinical severity remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to compare inflammatory markers, composite severity scores, and clinical outcomes between T2DM patients with COVID-19 who had well-controlled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c < 7%) versus those with poorly controlled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c ≥ 7%). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 181 adult patients with T2DM and severe COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: well-controlled (n = 117) and poorly controlled (n = 64) T2DM. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory parameters (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, ferritin, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, platelets, and calculated indices such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR] and systemic immune-inflammation index [SII]) were collected. Composite severity scores (APACHE II, CURB-65, and NEWS) and clinical outcomes (ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, mortality, and length of stay) were compared. Statistical tests used included Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U for continuous variables and chi-square for categorical variables, with p < 0.05 deemed significant. Results: The two groups did not differ significantly in age or duration of diabetes (p = 0.40 and p = 0.75, respectively). Patients with poorly controlled T2DM exhibited higher inflammatory markers (mean CRP of 93.4 mg/L vs. 78.6 mg/L, p = 0.002; IL-6 of 64.2 pg/mL vs. 52.8 pg/mL, p = 0.004) and elevated severity scores (APACHE II of 16.8 vs. 14.1, p = 0.001). Poor glycemic control was associated with higher ICU admissions (39.1% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.02) and mortality (14.1% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.05). Conclusions: In T2DM patients hospitalized with COVID-19, poor glycemic control correlates with heightened inflammatory responses, worse composite severity scores, and increased rates of unfavorable outcomes. These findings underscore the necessity of stringent glucose management to mitigate inflammation and improve prognoses in this vulnerable patient population. Full article

Formation conditions of dimorphic minerals cavansite and pentagonite were previously based on theoretical assumptions. In doing so, the associations with other minerals, especially zeolites, that actually occur in nature, were disregarded or incorrectly taken into account. As a result, formation conditions were assumed that are not consistent with those for the associated minerals in the Deccan Volcanic Province. This relates in particular to overestimated high pressure and temperature values, as well as chronological processes of alteration. Long-term field studies and evaluations of numerous samples led to the conclusion that cavansite and pentagonite formed under temperature (approx. 120 °C to 200 °C) and pressure (0.01–0.03 GPa) conditions that are relevant for the associated low-temperature zeolites. Integration of geological and petrographic conditions, as well as crystallization sequences enabled the presentation of a multi-stage mineralization model. It is also explained that, contrary to the original assumption, characteristic pentagonite fivelings are not formed from five, but from six individuals. Full article

Background and Objectives: The interplay of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) poses a critical clinical challenge. The resultant inflammatory milieu and its impact on outcomes remain incompletely understood, especially among vulnerable subgroups such as elderly patients, those with diabetes, and individuals with cancer. This study aimed to characterize inflammatory markers and composite inflammatory severity scores—such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age ≥ 65 years (CURB-65), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), and the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII)—in hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with and without CDI, and to evaluate their prognostic implications across key clinical subgroups. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of 240 hospitalized adults with Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 between February 2021 and March 2023. Of these, 98 had concurrent CDI. We collected baseline demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), ferritin, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, albumin, platelet counts, and calculated indices (C-reactive protein to Albumin Ratio (CAR), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), SII). Patients were stratified by CDI status and analyzed for inflammatory marker distributions, severity scores (APACHE II, CURB-65, NEWS), and outcomes (Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, mortality). Subgroup analyses included diabetes, elderly (≥65 years), and cancer patients. Statistical comparisons employed t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models. Results: Patients with CDI demonstrated significantly higher CRP, IL-6, SII, and CAR, coupled with lower albumin and PNI (p < 0.05). They also had elevated APACHE II, CURB-65, and NEWS scores. CDI-positive patients experienced increased ICU admission (38.8% vs. 20.5%), mechanical ventilation (24.5% vs. 12.9%), and mortality (22.4% vs. 10.6%, all p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed more pronounced inflammatory derangements and worse outcomes in elderly, diabetic, and cancer patients with CDI. Conclusions: Concurrent CDI intensifies systemic inflammation and adverse clinical trajectories in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Elevations in inflammatory markers and severity scores predict worse outcomes, especially in high-risk subgroups. Early recognition and targeted interventions, including infection control and supportive measures, may attenuate disease severity and improve patient survival. Full article

The clay mineralogy and major and trace element geochemistry of the sediments deposited at the lower reaches of 90 medium and minor rivers from five states along the west coast of India indicate distinct clay mineral assemblages in the Archean–Proterozoic (A-P) terrain and Deccan Trap (DT) terrain. The sediments from A-P terrain are dominated by kaolinite, with minor illite and gibbsite and traces of goethite, and those from DT terrain are dominated by smectite with minor illite, kaolinite and chlorite. The sediments are depleted of Si, Ca, Mg, Na and K relative to those of Post-Archean average Australian Shale. The SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of the sediments suggests lateritic soils in the A-P terrain and non-lateritic, chemically weathered soils in the DT terrain. Weathering indices indicate strong weathering in the clay fractions of all sediments. The silt fractions of sediments from Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat exhibit intermediate to weak weathering and influence by hydraulic sorting processes and source rock characteristics. The total trace element content (∑TE) was higher in the silt fractions than in clay fractions of all sediments, and peaks of high ∑TE occur in the silt fractions of Kerala and Maharashtra. The silt fractions exhibit relatively high Th, U, La, Zr and Hf from A-P terrain, and high Sc, Cr, Co, Ni, V and Ga from DT terrain. The Th/U and Rb/Sr ratios are controlled by the intensity of weathering and lithology of source rocks. The standard plots using trace elements reveal that the clay fractions of sediments are more mafic from both the terrains, while silt fractions exhibit intermediate provenance between felsic and mafic sources. Since mafic component-dominated clays are transported to the adjacent seas and oceans, it would be a challenge to identify the provenance of clays from granitic terrain in the oceans using trace element chemistry. Full article

The Deccan in the first half of the second millennium is marked by political and religious ferment. The Cōḻas, Gaṅgas, Rāṣṭrakūṭas, and Cāḷukyas are contesting its mundane territory, while the Śaivas, Jainas, and Vaiṣṇavas are contesting its spiritual geography. Unlike the interactions of the earthly rulers which spill real blood, the bloodshed of the spiritual gurus is merely metaphorical. But, the animosity driving their interactions is no less intense, for survival is at stake for them just as it is for their secular counterparts. In this essay, I explore the Jaina point of view in sectarian contestations between the twelfth and the fourteenth centuries through the texts of three Kannada authors: Dharmāṁṛtam of Nayasēna (1112CE), Samayaparīkṣe of Brahmaśiva (c.1200CE), and Dharmaparīkṣe of Vṛttavilāsa (c.1360CE). My objective is to identify the sectarian ‘other’ that these authors address, dispute with and vilify, and to explore the changing nature of this sectarian ‘other’ and the shifting attitudes of these authors towards their opponents. Full article

To enhance pomegranate production on marginal gravelly lands, standardized planting techniques were evaluated in an 8-year-old orchard. Trenching, wider pit excavation, pit digging, and auger digs with dimensions of 1 and 2 m were employed. Utilizing native soil from barren land, with or without spent wash, and mixing it with black soil up to 1 m deep, growth parameters, leaf nutrients, fruit production, and fruit quality were assessed. The trench and wider pit methods outperformed others, yielding greater above-ground biomass (>70.3 kg tree⁻¹), root biomass (>24.5 kg, tree⁻¹), and cross-sectional area (>3.30 m² tree⁻¹). These methods also produced longer roots (>4.0 m tree⁻¹) and higher leaf phosphorus (>0.28%) and potassium (>1.81%) levels, fruit juice content (>48.50%), and total soluble solids (>16.05°) compared to other planting methods. This resulted in higher and more sustainable fruit yield production under the trench and wider pit planting methods (>7.21 t ha⁻¹). Similarly, the native and black soil mixture produced healthy fruit trees, improved fruit quality, and sustainably higher fruit yield over the native soil alone. In summary, the trench and wider pit methods (2–3 m³), combined with a soil mixture, are recommended for sustainable, high-quality fruit production in shallow gravelly terrains, thereby improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers in arid regions. Full article

To analyze the impact of volcanic rocks in the Offshore Indus Basin on hydrocarbon reservoir formation, seismic data interpretation, seismic data inversion, and sea–land correlation analysis were carried out. The results show that, longitudinally, volcanic rocks are mainly distributed at the top of the Cretaceous system or at the bottom of the Paleocene, and carbonate rock platforms or reefs of the Paleocene–Eocene are usually developed on them. On the plane, volcanic rocks are mainly distributed on the Saurashtra High in the southeastern part of the basin. In terms of thickness, the volcanic rocks revealed by drilling in Karachi nearshore are about 70 m thick. We conducted sparse spike inversion for acoustic impedance in the volcanic rock area. The results show that the thickness of the Deccan volcanic rocks in the study area is between 250 and 750 m which is thinning from southeast to northwest. Based on sea–land comparison and comprehensive research, the distribution of volcanic rocks in the Indian Fan Offshore Basin played a constructive role in the Mesozoic oil and gas accumulation in the Indus offshore. Therefore, in the Indian Fan Offshore Basin, attention should be paid to finding Mesozoic self-generated and self-stored hydrocarbon reservoirs and Cenozoic lower-generated and upper-stored hydrocarbon reservoirs. Full article

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a group of heterogeneous tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation that can arise from any organ. They account for 2% of all malignancies in the United States. A significant proportion of NEN patients experience endocrine imbalances consequent to increased amine or peptide hormone secretion, impacting their quality of life and prognosis. Over the last decade, pathologic categorization, diagnostic techniques and therapeutic choices for NENs—both well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs)—have appreciably evolved. Diagnosis of NEN mostly follows a suspicion from clinical features or incidental imaging findings. Hormonal or non-hormonal biomarkers (like serum serotonin, urine 5-HIAA, gastrin and VIP) and histology of a suspected NEN is, therefore, critical for both confirmation of the diagnosis and classification as an NET or NEC. Therapy for NENs has progressed recently based on a better molecular understanding, including the involvement of mTOR, VEGF and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), which add to the growing evidence supporting the possibility of treatment beyond complete resection. As the incidence of NENs is on the rise in the United States and several other countries, physicians are more likely to see these cases, and their better understanding may support earlier diagnosis and tailoring treatment to the patient. We have compiled clinically significant evidence for NENs, including relevant changes to clinical practice that have greatly updated our diagnostic and therapeutic approach for NEN patients. Full article

The analysis of geological samples that have several chemically diffused zones which formed under certain physico-chemical condition is difficult to achieve. The quantitative estimations of the minerals in such samples are tedious. The present work demonstrates the application of LIBS for qualitative and quantitative analyses of a quartz-fluorite composite which was procured from an amygdaloidal basalt from Deccan Traps, India. The presence of weak emission lines of F in the spectral range of 200–900 nm makes it challenging to quantify the fluorine. This study has addressed a promising alternative to quantify the fluorine using electronic bands of CaF molecules observed in the Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrum. In addition to this spectroscopic technique, the authors also have used Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) and UV-VIS spectroscopy technique to obtain molecular information from the geological sample. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to a truncated spectral region of the CaF molecule, and it showed 99% variance. Further, the obtained results with these spectroscopic techniques were compared with the results that were obtained from X-ray diffraction and Electron Probe Micro Analyzer, and they show good agreement. Thus, the LIBS technique can be promising for in situ profile section (varies from few microns to centimeters size) studies without the sample’s destruction using the point detection capability of LIBS. Full article

Following the apparent chaos that ensued at Ajaṇṭā during the so-called “period of disruption” in the wake of King Hariṣeṇa’s death (ca. 478–480 CE), local monks and residents in the caves continued to sponsor the donation of what we term “intrusive” images after the late Walter Spink. These new donations consisted of hundreds of Buddha images, a few of which retain today painted or incised dedicatory inscriptions in Sanskrit. Many of these images represent the Buddha preaching and seated in the “auspicious pose” (bhadrāsana) on the conventional lion throne with his legs down. In this article, the author focuses on the images accompanied by inscriptions since they provide a better understanding of the reuse of consecrated caves, and of the nature of this new and brief iconographic development implemented by local Buddhist residents. The sudden appearance of Bhadrāsana Buddhas seems indeed to correlate with a rise to prevalence of Mahāyāna Buddhist practices at Ajaṇṭā during the late Middle Period. Full article

Barleria cristata L., commonly known as the Philippine violet, is native to South Asia. It is an ornamental plant and is also used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. In India, it is found throughout the country in many forms, varying in its floral attributes (calyx and corolla) and habitat. In order to understand the species limits in B. cristata, we studied morphological as well as palynological variation and assessed the phylogenetic relationships among five different morphotypes. The studied morphotypes (populations) came from three phytogeographical regions, namely the Western Ghats, the Deccan Peninsula and the Western Himalaya. The naturally occurring populations from the Deccan Peninsula and the Western Himalaya showed conspicuous differences in their morphology. All the morphotypes had oblate spheroidal, tri-brevicolporate and honey-combed pollen grains which differed only in their quantitative parameters. The distinct-looking morphotypes, namely, Nandi Hills, Uttarakhand and cultivated morphotypes, could not be separated based on pollen characters. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequences revealed that our samples formed a clade sister to the B. cristata specimen used in the previous study. The genetic variation within morphotypes was not enough for the genomic regions investigated; however, it revealed among morphotype genealogies in detail. Phylogenetic analyses showed that there were three monophyletic groups within the B. cristata complex that exhibited some morphological differences. Nevertheless, based on the present sampling, it is not possible to delimit these morphotypes at specific or infraspecific level. To reach such conclusions, further investigations like sampling this species across its distribution range in India and assessment of intraspecific relationships, and their cytogenetical characterization should be done. Full article

This research manuscript’s objective was to develop the Punica granatum extract ethosome gel. The use of nanotechnology can improve transdermal drug delivery permeation of its major bioactive compound β-sitosterol. The optimised and developed formulations were further studied in vitro and in vivo. The assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity of the gel was performed in Albino rats. Methanolic extract was prepared and developed into an ethosome suspension and an ethosome gel. To optimise the formulation’s response in terms of particle size (nm) and entrapment efficiency (%), the central composite design (CCD) was used in 2² levels. The effects of factors such as lecithin (%) and ethanol (mL) in nine formulations were observed. Characterisation of ethosome gel was performed and the results showed the particle size (516.4 nm) and mean zeta potential (−45.4 mV). Evaluations of the gel formulation were performed. The results were good in terms of pH (7.1), viscosity (32,158 cps), spreadability (31.55 g cm/s), and no grittiness. In an in vitro study, the percentages of β-sitosterol release of ethosome gel (91.83%), suspension (82.74%), and extracts (68.15%) at 279 nm were recorded. The effects of the formulated gel on formalin-induced oedema in Albino rats showed good results in terms of anti-inflammatory activity. The comparative anti-inflammatory activity of Punica granatum extract and gel showed that the gel action was good for their topical application. Full article

Secondary minerals occur within the tholeiitic basalts of Salsette Island in the greater Mumbai region, as well as in other localities in the Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP). However, the secondary minerals of Salsette Island show remarkable differences with respect to their mineral speciation and precipitation sequence, which are both due to their unique geological environment. The greater Mumbai region is built up by the Salsette subgroup, which represents the youngest sequence of the DVP. It formed subsequently to the main phase of DVP activity in Danian time (62.5 to 61.5 Ma), in the course of the India–Laxmi Ridge–Seychelles breakup. The main part of the Salsette subgroup consists of tholeiitic basaltic flows with pillows, pillow breccia, and hyaloclastite, which formed in contact with brackish and fresh water in a lagoonal environment. In some places, intertrappeans are represented by fossiliferous shallow water sediments. On the top, trachytic and rhyolitic subaqueous volcaniclastics occur, and some dioritic bodies have intruded nearby. Due to differing fluid rock interactions, several distinctly different secondary minerals developed in the void spaces of the hyaloclastite breccia of the interpillow matrix and in the pillow cavities. The highly permeable hyaloclastite breccia formed an open system, where pronounced precipitation occurred in the early phase and at higher temperatures. In contrast, the pillow cavities were a temporally closed system and contained, for example, more low-temperature zeolites. The genesis of the secondary minerals can be summarized as follows: During initial cooling of the volcanic rocks at about 62 Ma, the first mineralization sequence developed with chlorite, laumontite I, quartz, and calcite I. Ongoing magmatic activity caused reheating and the main phase of precipitation at prehnite–pumpellyite facies conditions. During generally decreasing temperatures, in the range of 270–180 °C, babingtonite, laumontite II, prehnite, julgoldite, yugawaralite, calcite II, ilvaite, pumpellyite, and gryolite developed. The fluid contained SiO₂ + Al₂O₃ + FeO + MgO + CaO, and minor MnO and Na₂O, and was predominately mineralized by the decomposition of basaltic glass. Further temperature decreases caused zeolite facies conditions and precipitation of okenite I, scolecite, heulandite, stilbite, and finally chabazite I, in the temperature range of 180 °C to less than 100 °C. As FeO, MgO, and MnO were then absent, an interaction of the fluid with plagioclase is indicated. According to Rb-Sr and K-Ar ages on apophyllite-K, a third phase of precipitation with apophyllite-K, okenite II, and chabazite II occurred in the late Eocene to early Oligocene (30–40 Ma). The new hydrothermal fluid additionally contained K₂O, and temperatures of 50–100 °C can be expected. Full article