vikas sharma - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by vikas sharma

Research paper thumbnail of Growth responses of strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) plants grown at different planting density using PVC pipe under protected cultivation

Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 2019

Production of strawberry cv. Sweet Charlie under soilless system (Horizontal and A-shape structur... more Production of strawberry cv. Sweet Charlie under soilless system (Horizontal and A-shape structures) at six different planting densities using two diameters of PVC pipes in a actively ventilated poly house was attempted. Significant differences were observed in growth parameters, namely number of leaves, petiole length, plant height, plant spread and crown diameter. The results showed that the plants grown at D3 (20 plants/m2) significantly increased the number of leaves (9.76 and 12.49) and plant spread (24.44 and 25.69 cm) compared to other planting densities. The planting density significantly influenced the petiole length and plant height also in strawberry. The maximum petiole length (8.43 and 8.64 cm) and plant height (13.92 and 15.31 cm) were recorded from D3 (12 plants/m2), however non-significant difference was observed between D3 and D4. In future, these experimental results will prove very useful to find out most suitable plant geometry for better growth of strawberry.

Research paper thumbnail of Root Characteristics of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in Different Soil-less Growing Systems under Protected Cultivation

The modern cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the widely distributed sof... more The modern cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the widely distributed soft fruit crop in the world due to its genotypic diversity, highly heterozygous nature and broad range of environmental adaptations [1]. Popularity of strawberries can be judged from the fact that their production has increased to more than double over the past two and a half decades [2]. In India, the cultivated area under strawberry is nearly 15600 ha [3]. Strawberry cultivation in northern India picking up fast due to availability of market in Delhi and other cities and quickest returns in the short span. The soil cropping system traditionally used for the production of the strawberry crop but the main problem with its cultivation in soil is the loss of plants due to infection by soil-borne diseases caused by Verticillium spp. and Phytophtora spp. [4], nematodes and the occurrence of soil limited factors. The difficulty and cost of controlling soil-born pests and diseases, soil salinity...

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing User Experience During Handoffs in Wireless Communication

Research paper thumbnail of Management of primary insomnia using cognitive behavior therapy

Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine, 2013

Background:Sleep difficulty is a major issue in recent times. The problem is more pronounced in m... more Background:Sleep difficulty is a major issue in recent times. The problem is more pronounced in metropolitan areas attributing to more stressful environment. Research indicates that there are different approaches to the management of insomnia and Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the preferred treatment modalities. Objective:To determine the symptoms related to primary insomnia and impact of cognitive behavior therapy. Method:In the present study a group of 15 participants (Age range 20-30) who fulfilled the criteria of primary insomnia were administered 10 sessions based on cognitive behavior therapy. All the participants were voluntary and informed consent for the study was obtained. Frequency of sessions was once a week. Four components of CBT:Stimulus control instructions, sleep hygiene education, relaxation and cognitive therapy were implemented. Results:Improvements in insomnia related variables such as sleep onset latency, number of nightly awakenings, total sleep time, wake up after sleep onset, sleep quality and sleep efficiency were measured before and after the intervention. The results indicate improvements in above mentioned insomnia related variables.

Research paper thumbnail of Calcipotriol versus coal tar: a prospective randomized study in stable plaque psoriasis

International Journal of Dermatology, 2003

Background Topical therapies are the first line of treatment for patients with stable plaque psor... more Background Topical therapies are the first line of treatment for patients with stable plaque psoriasis (SPP) affecting a limited body surface area. Very few trials comparing newer agents, such as 0.005% topical calcipotriol, with conventional modes of therapy, such as coal tar ointment, have been reported. Methods A prospective, right-left randomized, investigator-blinded study with a 12-week treatment period and an 8-week follow-up period was performed. Thirty-six patients with nearly bilaterally symmetrical SPP lesions on the limbs were instructed to apply 5% coal tar ointment overnight on one side once daily and 0.005% calcipotriol ointment on the other side twice a day. All patients were advised to expose both sides to the sun for 2 h every day. Psoriatic lesions and progress during treatment were evaluated using the severity (0-3) scale of erythema, scaling and induration (ESI score). Evaluation was carried out every 2 weeks during the treatment period and monthly during follow-up. At the end of 12 weeks, patients with > 75% reduction in the ESI score were considered to be markedly improved, those with 51-75% reduction to be moderately improved, those with 26-50% reduction to be minimally improved and those with < 25% to be non-responders. Self-assessment by the patients regarding the efficacy and acceptability of the two modalities was on a five-point scale. Serum calcium, serum phosphate, total and differential serum proteins, 24-h urinary calcium and phosphate were monitored both at baseline and after completion of therapy. Results Thirty of the 36 recruited patients completed the study. The difference in clinical response between the two sides was statistically significant at 4, 6 and 8 weeks, with the percentage reduction in ESI score with calcipotriol being 65.7 ± 12.2% compared with 45.8 ± 16.6% with coal tar at 8 weeks (P < 0.01, t = 6.4). However, the difference in clinical response at 10 and 12 weeks between the two sides was not significant, with a mean reduction of 71.9 ± 13.3% in ESI score on the calcipotriol-treated side compared with 69.4 ± 15.4% with coal tar ointment (P > 0.05). In the follow-up period of 8 weeks, recurrence of lesions was noted in 10% of patients treated with calcipotriol compared with 16.7% in those treated with coal tar after an average period of 6 ± 1.2 and 5 ± 1.3 weeks, respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusions It was found that 0.005% calcipotriol ointment produced a faster initial response and had better cosmetic acceptability in patients, although after a long period of treatment, i.e. 12 weeks, 5% coal tar ointment had comparable efficacy. There was no statistically significant difference in the relapse rates between the two modalities.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Climate Change on Mountain Horticulture

Climate-Resilient Horticulture: Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies, 2013

The ecosystems which are most vulnerable to the specter of climate change are high mountain areas... more The ecosystems which are most vulnerable to the specter of climate change are high mountain areas such as Himalayas. In Northwestern Himalayan region covering the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir besides Uttrakhand, very limited studies on climate change have been done. Hence, considering the past and present climatic trends, future climatic scenario of Himachal Pradesh has been studied. Himachal Pradesh is a mountain state of north India, located between 30° 22′ 40″ to 33° 12′ 40″ N latitude and 75° 47′ 55″ to 79° 04′ 20″ E longitude. It has large dissimilarity in physiographic features and experiencing varied changes in warming and precipitation due to global warming, which will be both negative and positive, to horticulture production. Future climate will determine the suitability of fruit crops to their current locations. Climatic conditions likely to occur in Himachal Pradesh during 2021–2050 are analyzed and termed as mid-period compared to baseline period (1960–1990) using HADRM3 model under scenario A1B. The climatic parameters included are maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), and rainfall. District-wise changes, likely to occur, in the above parameters and their implications to fruit cultivation have been discussed in this chapter.

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in ligand binding and phosphoinositide turnover between M1 muscarinic receptor gene transfected cells and mouse and rat brain membranes

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 1994

ferences in ligand binding and phosphoinositide turnover between Mj muscarinic receptor gene tran... more ferences in ligand binding and phosphoinositide turnover between Mj muscarinic receptor gene transfected cells and mouse and rat brain membranes. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV 49(2) 405-411, 1994.-The present study describes some unexpected receptor mediated effects of N-methylcarbamylcholine on mouse M n muscarinic receptor gene transfected cell line (M~Yn) that were not evident from biochemical studies with mouse and rat brain tissue where N-methylearbamylcholine exhibited only nicotinic properties. Although N-methylcarbamylcholine was devoid of musearinlc properties in mouse and rat brain preparations, as determined by phosphoinositide turnover and inhbiiton of [3H]QNB binding, it exhibited significant musearinic characteristics in the transfected MnYx cell line. At a concentration of 10-M or greater, N-methylcarbamycholine • 2+

Research paper thumbnail of Healon5 sandwich technique for phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes

Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 2008

We have developed a safe approach to phacoemulsificaiton in post-vectromized eyes. The technique,... more We have developed a safe approach to phacoemulsificaiton in post-vectromized eyes. The technique, called the Healon5 sandwich, uses the viscoadaptive properties of sodium hyaluronate 2.3% (Healon5) to prevent a posterior chamber dehiscence.

Research paper thumbnail of Topical interferon α-2b as an adjunctive therapy in recurrent conjunctival papilloma

International Ophthalmology, 2007

Conjunctival squamous papilloma is a benign tumor of presumed viral origin. Small sessile papillo... more Conjunctival squamous papilloma is a benign tumor of presumed viral origin. Small sessile papillomas may regress spontaneously, but an extensive papilloma as seen in adults requires treatment [1]. Papillomas of the conjunctiva are however known for their high ...

Research paper thumbnail of Chest Radiographs in Uveitis Patients

Annals of Ophthalmology, 2007

This is an article regarding a patient presented with bilateral uveitis who was subsequently foun... more This is an article regarding a patient presented with bilateral uveitis who was subsequently found to have lung carcinoma on further investigations. We recommend doing a CXR especially in uveitis patients who have a history of smoking.

Research paper thumbnail of Cavernous Sinus Syndrome Secondary to Metastasis from Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Annals of Ophthalmology, 2007

We report a case of cavernous sinus syndrome presenting with painful trigeminal neuropathy second... more We report a case of cavernous sinus syndrome presenting with painful trigeminal neuropathy secondary to metastasis from a small cell lung carcinoma, which responded to radiotherapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Alkaptonuria Presenting with Conjunctival Lesion

Annals of Ophthalmology, 2007

Examination of the conjunctiva/sclera and surrounding structures is an important component of any... more Examination of the conjunctiva/sclera and surrounding structures is an important component of any physical exam. The articles by Dr. Fuentes-Paez et al. and by Dr. Sharma et al. provide critical information for a good exam of the eye and surrounding structures. Reading these two articles in conjunction with a basic text of ocular microanatomy will provide a great refresher course on this topic. More importantly, it will also provide an invaluable guide to understanding the dynamics of changes in color and texture of the conjunctiva and surrounding tissue.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological sequelae of kidney donation. A 5?10 year follow up study

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 1987

Twenty three out of 30 potential kidney donors were followed up after a period of 5-10 years. Fou... more Twenty three out of 30 potential kidney donors were followed up after a period of 5-10 years. Fourteen were donors, and the other nine subjects who were refused from kidney donation on medical grounds constituted the control group (non-donors). Psychiatric morbidity was assessed by using the Present State Examination (PSE) Interview Schedule. CATEGO-ID Program identified one case in the donor group and one case in the non-donor group. The psychiatric problems of both the cases were unlikely to be related to the kidney transplantation. The majority of the donors, irrespective of the outcome of the transplant procedure, expressed positive feelings towards kidney donation. This study suggests that the kidney donation does not cause long term adverse psychological sequlae.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure within the Icelandic cattle breed using molecular markers

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science, 2010

The Icelandic cattle breed is believed to have been brought to Iceland from Norway around 1100 ye... more The Icelandic cattle breed is believed to have been brought to Iceland from Norway around 1100 years ago. Since then it is thought to have been almost completely isolated and to have gone through large fluctuations in population size. Here molecular markers were used to assess the breed&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s genetic diversity and the current within-population genetic structure using a randomly selected

Research paper thumbnail of Growth responses of strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) plants grown at different planting density using PVC pipe under protected cultivation

Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 2019

Production of strawberry cv. Sweet Charlie under soilless system (Horizontal and A-shape structur... more Production of strawberry cv. Sweet Charlie under soilless system (Horizontal and A-shape structures) at six different planting densities using two diameters of PVC pipes in a actively ventilated poly house was attempted. Significant differences were observed in growth parameters, namely number of leaves, petiole length, plant height, plant spread and crown diameter. The results showed that the plants grown at D3 (20 plants/m2) significantly increased the number of leaves (9.76 and 12.49) and plant spread (24.44 and 25.69 cm) compared to other planting densities. The planting density significantly influenced the petiole length and plant height also in strawberry. The maximum petiole length (8.43 and 8.64 cm) and plant height (13.92 and 15.31 cm) were recorded from D3 (12 plants/m2), however non-significant difference was observed between D3 and D4. In future, these experimental results will prove very useful to find out most suitable plant geometry for better growth of strawberry.

Research paper thumbnail of Root Characteristics of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in Different Soil-less Growing Systems under Protected Cultivation

The modern cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the widely distributed sof... more The modern cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the widely distributed soft fruit crop in the world due to its genotypic diversity, highly heterozygous nature and broad range of environmental adaptations [1]. Popularity of strawberries can be judged from the fact that their production has increased to more than double over the past two and a half decades [2]. In India, the cultivated area under strawberry is nearly 15600 ha [3]. Strawberry cultivation in northern India picking up fast due to availability of market in Delhi and other cities and quickest returns in the short span. The soil cropping system traditionally used for the production of the strawberry crop but the main problem with its cultivation in soil is the loss of plants due to infection by soil-borne diseases caused by Verticillium spp. and Phytophtora spp. [4], nematodes and the occurrence of soil limited factors. The difficulty and cost of controlling soil-born pests and diseases, soil salinity...

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancing User Experience During Handoffs in Wireless Communication

Research paper thumbnail of Management of primary insomnia using cognitive behavior therapy

Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine, 2013

Background:Sleep difficulty is a major issue in recent times. The problem is more pronounced in m... more Background:Sleep difficulty is a major issue in recent times. The problem is more pronounced in metropolitan areas attributing to more stressful environment. Research indicates that there are different approaches to the management of insomnia and Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the preferred treatment modalities. Objective:To determine the symptoms related to primary insomnia and impact of cognitive behavior therapy. Method:In the present study a group of 15 participants (Age range 20-30) who fulfilled the criteria of primary insomnia were administered 10 sessions based on cognitive behavior therapy. All the participants were voluntary and informed consent for the study was obtained. Frequency of sessions was once a week. Four components of CBT:Stimulus control instructions, sleep hygiene education, relaxation and cognitive therapy were implemented. Results:Improvements in insomnia related variables such as sleep onset latency, number of nightly awakenings, total sleep time, wake up after sleep onset, sleep quality and sleep efficiency were measured before and after the intervention. The results indicate improvements in above mentioned insomnia related variables.

Research paper thumbnail of Calcipotriol versus coal tar: a prospective randomized study in stable plaque psoriasis

International Journal of Dermatology, 2003

Background Topical therapies are the first line of treatment for patients with stable plaque psor... more Background Topical therapies are the first line of treatment for patients with stable plaque psoriasis (SPP) affecting a limited body surface area. Very few trials comparing newer agents, such as 0.005% topical calcipotriol, with conventional modes of therapy, such as coal tar ointment, have been reported. Methods A prospective, right-left randomized, investigator-blinded study with a 12-week treatment period and an 8-week follow-up period was performed. Thirty-six patients with nearly bilaterally symmetrical SPP lesions on the limbs were instructed to apply 5% coal tar ointment overnight on one side once daily and 0.005% calcipotriol ointment on the other side twice a day. All patients were advised to expose both sides to the sun for 2 h every day. Psoriatic lesions and progress during treatment were evaluated using the severity (0-3) scale of erythema, scaling and induration (ESI score). Evaluation was carried out every 2 weeks during the treatment period and monthly during follow-up. At the end of 12 weeks, patients with > 75% reduction in the ESI score were considered to be markedly improved, those with 51-75% reduction to be moderately improved, those with 26-50% reduction to be minimally improved and those with < 25% to be non-responders. Self-assessment by the patients regarding the efficacy and acceptability of the two modalities was on a five-point scale. Serum calcium, serum phosphate, total and differential serum proteins, 24-h urinary calcium and phosphate were monitored both at baseline and after completion of therapy. Results Thirty of the 36 recruited patients completed the study. The difference in clinical response between the two sides was statistically significant at 4, 6 and 8 weeks, with the percentage reduction in ESI score with calcipotriol being 65.7 ± 12.2% compared with 45.8 ± 16.6% with coal tar at 8 weeks (P < 0.01, t = 6.4). However, the difference in clinical response at 10 and 12 weeks between the two sides was not significant, with a mean reduction of 71.9 ± 13.3% in ESI score on the calcipotriol-treated side compared with 69.4 ± 15.4% with coal tar ointment (P > 0.05). In the follow-up period of 8 weeks, recurrence of lesions was noted in 10% of patients treated with calcipotriol compared with 16.7% in those treated with coal tar after an average period of 6 ± 1.2 and 5 ± 1.3 weeks, respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusions It was found that 0.005% calcipotriol ointment produced a faster initial response and had better cosmetic acceptability in patients, although after a long period of treatment, i.e. 12 weeks, 5% coal tar ointment had comparable efficacy. There was no statistically significant difference in the relapse rates between the two modalities.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Climate Change on Mountain Horticulture

Climate-Resilient Horticulture: Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies, 2013

The ecosystems which are most vulnerable to the specter of climate change are high mountain areas... more The ecosystems which are most vulnerable to the specter of climate change are high mountain areas such as Himalayas. In Northwestern Himalayan region covering the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir besides Uttrakhand, very limited studies on climate change have been done. Hence, considering the past and present climatic trends, future climatic scenario of Himachal Pradesh has been studied. Himachal Pradesh is a mountain state of north India, located between 30° 22′ 40″ to 33° 12′ 40″ N latitude and 75° 47′ 55″ to 79° 04′ 20″ E longitude. It has large dissimilarity in physiographic features and experiencing varied changes in warming and precipitation due to global warming, which will be both negative and positive, to horticulture production. Future climate will determine the suitability of fruit crops to their current locations. Climatic conditions likely to occur in Himachal Pradesh during 2021–2050 are analyzed and termed as mid-period compared to baseline period (1960–1990) using HADRM3 model under scenario A1B. The climatic parameters included are maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), and rainfall. District-wise changes, likely to occur, in the above parameters and their implications to fruit cultivation have been discussed in this chapter.

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in ligand binding and phosphoinositide turnover between M1 muscarinic receptor gene transfected cells and mouse and rat brain membranes

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 1994

ferences in ligand binding and phosphoinositide turnover between Mj muscarinic receptor gene tran... more ferences in ligand binding and phosphoinositide turnover between Mj muscarinic receptor gene transfected cells and mouse and rat brain membranes. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV 49(2) 405-411, 1994.-The present study describes some unexpected receptor mediated effects of N-methylcarbamylcholine on mouse M n muscarinic receptor gene transfected cell line (M~Yn) that were not evident from biochemical studies with mouse and rat brain tissue where N-methylearbamylcholine exhibited only nicotinic properties. Although N-methylcarbamylcholine was devoid of musearinlc properties in mouse and rat brain preparations, as determined by phosphoinositide turnover and inhbiiton of [3H]QNB binding, it exhibited significant musearinic characteristics in the transfected MnYx cell line. At a concentration of 10-M or greater, N-methylcarbamycholine • 2+

Research paper thumbnail of Healon5 sandwich technique for phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes

Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 2008

We have developed a safe approach to phacoemulsificaiton in post-vectromized eyes. The technique,... more We have developed a safe approach to phacoemulsificaiton in post-vectromized eyes. The technique, called the Healon5 sandwich, uses the viscoadaptive properties of sodium hyaluronate 2.3% (Healon5) to prevent a posterior chamber dehiscence.

Research paper thumbnail of Topical interferon α-2b as an adjunctive therapy in recurrent conjunctival papilloma

International Ophthalmology, 2007

Conjunctival squamous papilloma is a benign tumor of presumed viral origin. Small sessile papillo... more Conjunctival squamous papilloma is a benign tumor of presumed viral origin. Small sessile papillomas may regress spontaneously, but an extensive papilloma as seen in adults requires treatment [1]. Papillomas of the conjunctiva are however known for their high ...

Research paper thumbnail of Chest Radiographs in Uveitis Patients

Annals of Ophthalmology, 2007

This is an article regarding a patient presented with bilateral uveitis who was subsequently foun... more This is an article regarding a patient presented with bilateral uveitis who was subsequently found to have lung carcinoma on further investigations. We recommend doing a CXR especially in uveitis patients who have a history of smoking.

Research paper thumbnail of Cavernous Sinus Syndrome Secondary to Metastasis from Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Annals of Ophthalmology, 2007

We report a case of cavernous sinus syndrome presenting with painful trigeminal neuropathy second... more We report a case of cavernous sinus syndrome presenting with painful trigeminal neuropathy secondary to metastasis from a small cell lung carcinoma, which responded to radiotherapy.

Research paper thumbnail of Alkaptonuria Presenting with Conjunctival Lesion

Annals of Ophthalmology, 2007

Examination of the conjunctiva/sclera and surrounding structures is an important component of any... more Examination of the conjunctiva/sclera and surrounding structures is an important component of any physical exam. The articles by Dr. Fuentes-Paez et al. and by Dr. Sharma et al. provide critical information for a good exam of the eye and surrounding structures. Reading these two articles in conjunction with a basic text of ocular microanatomy will provide a great refresher course on this topic. More importantly, it will also provide an invaluable guide to understanding the dynamics of changes in color and texture of the conjunctiva and surrounding tissue.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological sequelae of kidney donation. A 5?10 year follow up study

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 1987

Twenty three out of 30 potential kidney donors were followed up after a period of 5-10 years. Fou... more Twenty three out of 30 potential kidney donors were followed up after a period of 5-10 years. Fourteen were donors, and the other nine subjects who were refused from kidney donation on medical grounds constituted the control group (non-donors). Psychiatric morbidity was assessed by using the Present State Examination (PSE) Interview Schedule. CATEGO-ID Program identified one case in the donor group and one case in the non-donor group. The psychiatric problems of both the cases were unlikely to be related to the kidney transplantation. The majority of the donors, irrespective of the outcome of the transplant procedure, expressed positive feelings towards kidney donation. This study suggests that the kidney donation does not cause long term adverse psychological sequlae.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure within the Icelandic cattle breed using molecular markers

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science, 2010

The Icelandic cattle breed is believed to have been brought to Iceland from Norway around 1100 ye... more The Icelandic cattle breed is believed to have been brought to Iceland from Norway around 1100 years ago. Since then it is thought to have been almost completely isolated and to have gone through large fluctuations in population size. Here molecular markers were used to assess the breed&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s genetic diversity and the current within-population genetic structure using a randomly selected