Area Of South India Research Articles

The Socio-Economic and Ecological Impacts of Water Hyacinth Proliferation in water bodies: A Case from Greater Kochi area in South India

Purpose of this study is to critically analyze the socio-ecological impact of water hyacinth on the water bodies passing through 7 wards of the Thrippunithura Municipality in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala, India, by checking the quality of water and conducting surveys among the people. Research Design The study employs a combination of exploratory and descriptive research approaches. Purposive sampling targets individuals directly impacted by water hyacinth proliferation. Methodology Data collection involved direct surveys using a structured questionnaire and water samples from selected regions. Results: reveal significant socio-economic ramifications of water hyacinth proliferation, particularly impacting fishing communities. Challenges include job losses, diminished access to fishing grounds, navigational hindrances, reduced catches, and fish scarcity. Ecologically, water quality parameters show notable disparities between heavily-infested and less-infested areas, highlighting the weed's impact on aquatic ecosystems. The phytoremediation potential of water hyacinth was also explored, revealing its ability to accumulate heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, iron, and arsenic. Originality of Research This study records the socio-ecological impact of water hyacinths on the communities and environment, particularly the water bodies, of the Greater Cochin area, Kerala, India.

Clinicoepidemiological profile of measles in adults: A study from semi-urban area in South India

BackgroundMeasles is a highly contagious, airborne disease caused by rubeola virus of paramyxoviridae family. It presents with fever, rash, and other associated symptoms like headache, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. It is common in children, and when occurs in adults, it is usually morbid. The clinical data on adults’ measles in Indian scenario are sparse. We report here an outbreak of measles affecting 52 adults. The primary objective of the study was to describe the clinical and laboratory findings obtained in an outbreak of adult measles cases from semi-urban area in India. MethodsThe study was an observational study conducted in a secondary care health center over a period of 2 months. ResultsFifty-two males with median age of 22.02 ± 3.5yr were diagnosed and treated for measles. All presented with fever and rash. The characteristic Koplik's spots appeared in 21 cases. On the day of their admission, 48% had lymphopenia and only one had thrombocytopenia. Liver enzyme dearrangements were seen in 18 patients. Sixteen patients had complications which included eight pneumonitis, three corneal ulcerations, three otitis media, and one case of acute encephalitis and polyserositis each. No deaths were reported in our study. We followed 34 cases and observed that their rashes healed with scars and laboratory parameters got normalized after six weeks. ConclusionClinician should be vigilant of measles as a differential in adults presenting as fever with rash. In doubt, the serological sampling should be carried out. Mass immunization is necessary to prevent the outbreaks.

A Comparative Study of Deaths Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic During the First and Second Waves in a Tertiary Care Center of a Rural Area in South India.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected life and livelihood worldwide, including India, with over five million deaths recorded over two years.In the present study, our objective was to analyze the COVID-19 deaths during the first and second waves in relation to demographic factors and comorbid conditions. Methods This was a hospital-based, retrospective comparative study of COVID-19 deaths that occurred in our hospitalduring the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 210 (6.69%) deaths recorded during both waves of the pandemic were analyzed. Microsoft Excel sheets (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA) were used to collect data from the medical records section, andthe data were compiled. Descriptive statistics were used and analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Out of 3136 inpatients, mortality was 6.69% (n=210). Out of 210 deaths recorded in the study, 34 (2.25%) and 176 (10.7%) were during the first and second waves of the pandemic, respectively. The most common age groupaffected during the two waves was 50-75 years (67.6% & 47.7%; n=23 & n=84). People from urban (52.9%; n=18) and rural (67%; n=118) backgrounds were affected more during the first and second waves, respectively. Males were affected more (72.8%; n=153) in both waves. Age group (P=0.009) and locality (P=0.026) were statistically significant factors associated with mortality in the two COVID-19 waves. The time interval from admission in the hospital to death was less than seven days in both waves (70.5% & 69.8%; n=24 & n=123). A large numberof subjects died after 48 hours of admission during both waves (70% (n=24 & n=124) in each wave). More than half of the subjects who died (52.9% (n=18) & 59% (n=104))had comorbid conditions in both waves. Diabetes mellitus (17.6%; n=6) and hypertension (23.5%; n=8) were the most common comorbid conditions during the first wave of the pandemicwhile diabetes mellitus(30.6%; n=54) alone was the most common during the second wave. Conclusion The findings of this study stress the importance of considering demographic factors and geographic locations in understanding the impact ofCOVID-19, providing valuable inputs for public health interventions and resource allocation in response to similar pandemics.

Nitrate Contamination of Groundwater in Selected Industrial and Non Industrial Sites, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu: Exposure and Health Risk Assessment

Groundwater resources are essential for sustaining human health, agricultural productivity, and industrial growth. In recent years, anthropogenic influences have caused a sharp decline in ground water quality, which is also having an impact on human health in many parts of India. It is crucial to analyze the risk of contamination to human health and the quality of the water supply. Coimbatore is one of the rapidly growing industrial areas in South India. The industrial areas of ground water have a significant impact on ground water quality due to anthropogenic activities such as discharge of Industrial waste, chemicals and pollutants into the ground which make water unsuitable for human and industrial use. Nitrate is the emerging contaminant which can cause a deadly disease methehemoglobinemia. Hence the present study is focused to analyze the ground water of selected industrial and non industrial sites of Coimbatore city. Nitrate concentration ranged from 32.90 to 88.13 mg/l in the samples industrial and non-industrial sites, and over 37% of both the sites had nitrate levels that above the Bureau of Indian Standards’ and WHO’s acceptable limits (45 mg/l and 50 mg/l, respectively). The USEPA human health risk assessment tool was used to examine the potential health hazards of increased nitrate intake for both adults and children.

Archaeological Exploration, Excavation, and Analysis for a Richer Interpretation of the Past Chola Heritage City- Poompuhar

The article deals with the process of collecting underwater data from the historical area in South India and explicitly showcasing its ancient civilization. Various methods are used to investigate the environmental and structural variables that regulate the coastal structures. Geostatistical interpolation is a technique to predict the values of a spatially continuous bathymetry or depth of a submerged shoreline from a few sample data measurements. The bathymetric investigation of the submerged region surrounding the ancient port of Poompuhar consists of numerous processes conducted in stages. The survey was carried out with the use of an integrated measuring system developed by the National Institute of Technology, Chennai, which included various levels of Multi Beam Echo Sounder (MBES), GPS, sonar, and ROV. To discover continuous surfaces required for analyzing the morphology of the bottom of submerged Poompuhar, a suitable interpolation technique must be used to get estimated values in regions that were not physically surveyed. Bathymetric and topographic data, which typically are gathered independently for various purposes, were included in the spatial data used for elevation surface modeling. Data is gathered in multiple forms with varying resolutions and accuracy; as a result, a standard surface model that will allow for quick and accurate analysis is currently lacking. The major purpose of this study was to create a high-accuracy model of a coastal area's surface using input data from numerous sources. ArcGIS is a popular software platform for analyzing and visualizing geographic data, and it contains several geostatistical interpolation techniques. The research involves the erosion of the shoreline as well as the rise in water level. The study uncovered new scientific and methodological information on Poompuhar's bathymetric properties and submerged surface.

Comparison of the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and multi-interventional therapy on biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome among women.

Metabolic syndrome is one of the emerging health issues in developing countries. It includes diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated blood cholesterol. This study aimed to compare the effects of two different types of interventions: multi-interventional therapy (MIT) and lifestyle interventions (LIs) on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar (FBS) among women with metabolic syndrome. The study used a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design with two experimental groups and one control group. This study was conducted among self-help group women from nine area development societies (ADS) in a selected area in South India from March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020. Women (aged between 35 and 55 years) with metabolic syndrome were recruited by multistage sampling (N = 220) and randomly assigned into three groups: (a) control, (b) MIT (intervention 1), and (c) LIs (intervention 2). Reflexology foot massage, dietary modification, moderate-intensity exercise, and structured education were given to the MIT group and dietary modification, moderate-intensity exercise, and structured education were given to the LI group for 12 weeks. The control group received routine care. A demographic and clinical data sheet is used to collect the basic information. Biochemical variables (HDL, triglycerides, and FBS) were assessed before and after the intervention. The data obtained from the study were computed using a frequency distribution to describe the demographic characteristics, and a Chi-square (x2) test was conducted to find the homogeneity. Both parametric and nonparametric tests were conducted for the comparison of the effectiveness of different methods of interventions on biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Women who received MIT and LI had significantly lower values of HDL, triglycerides, and FBS after the treatment from baseline and compared with the control group. The study found a significant improvement in the biochemical parameters in the MIT group as compared to the control group and the LI group (<0.001). Paired t-test shows significant improvement in HDL, triglycerides, and FBS (P < 0.001) in both the LI and MIT groups. In case of triglycerides, MIT was found to be more effective (P < 0.001). Both MIT and LIs can be considered interventions for reducing triglycerides and FBS and increasing HDL.

A cross-sectional study of anthropometry and immunization coverage of Anganwadi children in a rural area of Karnataka.

Children are a supreme asset to a nation. Beginning six years of life is pivotal for the social, emotional, cognitive, physical, motor, and psychological upbringing of the child. National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 data shows 41.9% of children die before the age of five years, with greater mortality in the rural areas (45.7%). The present study was conducted to assess the anthropometric profile and immunization status of children in Anganwadi centers. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 21 Anganwadi centers in a rural area in South India. The anthropometry (height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference), morbidity profile, and immunization status of the enrolled and available children were assessed with the help of WHO growth charts, Salter scale, clinical examination, immunization cards, and data from Anganwadi registers. Data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Descriptive data were interpreted as mean and percentages and associations were tested with the Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. A P value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Around 400 children, aged 0-6 years, participated in the study. The mean age of the study population was 42.08 ± 12.55 months. The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 52%, 54%, and 47.5% respectively. The most common morbidity was upper respiratory tract infection (11.5%). A majority (97.5%) of children were found to be immunized appropriately as per age. The prevalence of malnutrition was alarmingly high which warrants urgent referral and follow-up. The ICDS services, although substantially beneficial, need focal strengthening with regard to the nutritional status of enrolled children.

Experimental study on the treatment of urban garment industry wastewater to mitigate groundwater contamination using a solar evaporative still

There has been a lot of focus on finding efficient and inexpensive ways to clean up wastewater from industries such as garment processing mills. Since the release of such untreated wastewater leads to the contamination of the groundwater in nearby regions, the treatment of such water has been considered crucial in recent times. The current examination is a laboratory-scale investigation that has attempted to recover freshwater from samples of wastewater collected from three different garment processing mills situated near Tirupur, an industrially developed urban area in south India. An indigenously fabricated solar evaporative still (SES) was employed during the investigations. Beforehand, the groundwater quality in the immediate vicinity of the aforementioned garment processing mills had been assessed in the laboratory. The test results were not favourable and they revealed the deteriorated quality of the groundwater due to the discharge of wastewater from the nearby industries. The experiments with the SES had proved that the mentioned technique could help to generate freshwater from industrial wastewater with acceptable water quality, and its production rate can be expanded if it is scaled to a larger volume.

Influence of ecological factors on asiaticoside and madecassoside contents and biomass production in Centella asiatica from its natural habitats in south India

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) has high demand in traditional medicine, skin care, pharmaceutical industries and as a leafy vegetable. India and Madagascar are its key producers. Due to its ever growing demand, CA is collected at an uncontrolled rate from its natural habitats, and this results in destruction of its wild genotypes. Here we report the screening of 106 CA accessions collected from their natural habitats in a wide geographical area in south India for their ASI and MAD contents by HPTLC-densitometry. The edaphic-ecologic parameters of the collection locations of CA accessions were recorded and correlated with their saponin (ASI, MAD) contents. Multilocation trials of CA elite lines at four different agro-climatic locations in Kerala were conducted, and their saponin-biomass yields were determined. Crucially, of these 106 CA accessions, only 6 showed saponin contents above the elite benchmark of industries (ASI+MAD ≥ 4.0%), viz. , 45/Ca-55 (6.18 ± 0.26%), 46/Ca-56 (5.88 ± 0.11%), 48/Ca-58 (4.64 ± 0.15%), 49/Ca-59 (6.94 ± 0.23%), 53/Ca-63 (5.59 ± 0.20%), 55/Ca-65 (5.94 ± 0.18%). Multilocation trials of these elite lines revealed highest saponin contents in Plot 1, characterized by sandy soil (pH 6.0), organic carbon 2.71%, nitrogen 74.20 Kg/ha, phosphorous 100.70 Kg/ha and potassium 23.52 Kg/ha. GC-MS and ICP-MS analyses showed absence of pesticides in CA elite lines and heavy metal contents were within the permissible levels. Highest (ASI+MAD) content (7.55%, dry wt.) and biomass yield (7534.73 Kg/ha) at Plot 1 were shown by the elite line, 49/Ca-59. Average (ASI+MAD) content and biomass yield at Plot 1 were 5.38 ± 1.82% (dry wt.) and 3462.39 ± 2032.54 Kg/ha (n = 6). Noticeably, all six CA elite lines with high ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) contents were originally collected from high altitude (700–1700 m) locations. This ASI, MAD screening of CA accessions over a wide geographical area and multilocation trials of elite lines reveal its edaphic and ecological preferences. Our study discovered a hotspot of CA elite clones in south India. This and our previous two reports on a total of 216 accessions provide the range of ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) in CA accessions in south India. Further, these studies urge the restriction of random (uncontrolled) collections of CA from its natural habitats, and for the development of cultivation practices of the elite lines for commercial purposes. Overall, this study provides collection, cultivation and conservation strategies towards sustainable management of the resources of this high value medicinal herb. • Centella asiatica accessions (106) from south India were screened for ASI, MAD. • Of 106 CA accessions, only 6 satisfied the elite benchmark of ASI+MAD ≥ 4.0%. • In multilocation trials, elite line showed ASI+MAD 7.55%, biomass 7534.73 Kg/ha. • Altitudes of CA collection locations were correlated to ASI, MAD, ASI+MAD contents. • Discovered a hotspot of CA elite clones in a vast geographical area in south India.

Stakeholder Assessment on Closing Nutrient Cycles through Co-Recycling of Biodegradable Household Kitchen Waste and Black Water between Rural and Urban Areas in South India

Agricultural land degradation, urban migration, increasing food demand and waste, and inadequate sanitation systems all affect farmers, local society, and the environment in South India. Joint recycling of biodegradable secondary household resources to close nutrient cycles between urban and rural regions can address all these challenges and thus several SDGs at the same time. Efforts are being made to this end, but many attempts fail. The central research question is, therefore: how can co-recycling concepts be evaluated in this context? For this purpose, composting plants, biogas fermenters, and a high-tech concept to produce plant charcoal, design fertilizer, and biopolymers are considered. The aim of this study is to evaluate the recycling concepts from the stakeholders’ perspective to avoid gaps between theory and practice. Six expert and one focus group interviews on two successful on-site case studies and 15 online expert interviews with thematic actors were qualitatively evaluated and presented in a social network analysis to identify preferences and indicators for the further evaluation of co-recycling concepts. The results show that the focus is on mature technologies such as compost and biogas. High-tech solutions are currently still in rudimentary demand but will play a more important role in the future. To evaluate such concepts, seven key indicators and their measured values were identified and clustered into the categories ecological, social, technical, economic, and connective. The results show that this methodology of close interaction with stakeholders and the evaluation of successful regional case studies minimize the gap between practice and theory, contribute to several goals of the SDGs, and thus enable such concepts to be implemented sustainably.

Identifying water sources, quality of drinking water, implications and prevalence of Gastrointestinal problems and its associated risk factors in rural area of India: A Community Based Cross-Sectional and Observational Study

Background: Water is the most common and essential resources on earth and there are no creatures without it in globe. The quality of drinking water is finding out from its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. In this study, we have to identify water sources, quality of drinking water, its implications and the prevalence of selected water borne disease in the study rural area of South India. Materials and Methods: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional and Observational Study of two villages namely Villipakkam and Puthirankottai was conducted with a sample of 1517 individuals were interviewed with a pre-tested pre-designed questionnaire. Results: In our study, we surveyed two villages with a total of 1517 study participants, of which 797 (52.5%) were females. Overall, 58 (11.8%) of the households had gastrointestinal (GI) problems in the last 3 months. 64.4% were consuming non-chlorinated water and 53.3% of household members didn’t consume boiled water. 68.7% didn’t had toilet facility. Variables like educational status, occupational status, boiling of drinking water, washing hands before eating, using pipe water for drinking purpose showed statistically significant association with people those who were affected by GI problem with p&lt;0.05. The mean pH level was found as 7.14 ± 0.43 (6.50 – 7.65). Conclusion: From our study findings, we have concluded that half of the households were only used the pipe water for drinking purpose, weren’t consumed chlorinated water, didn’t drink hot water and didn’t have latrine facilities and awareness is needed to the community. Keywords: water quality, prevalence, rural population, water quality, water borne diseases, community-based study

Prevalence of Arrested Caries in Three Areas of South India with Different Groundwater Fluoride Levels: An Epidemiological Study.

BackgroundDental caries, though a progressive disease, if intervened early may become arrested, provided there is a change in the oral environment. One such factor which may lead to caries arrest is prolonged exposure to naturally available groundwater fluoride.AimThe aim of the study is to know the prevalence of arrested caries in three geographical areas with different levels of fluoride in groundwater and to attribute if there is any correlation between the natural high fluoride levels in groundwater and the prevalence of arrested caries.DesignA cross-sectional study is conducted on schoolchildren residing in three geographical areas of south India with high, moderate, and low groundwater fluoride levels. A total of 5,982 children, from all the three regions between the age-groups 5-9 years, are examined and 1,514 children with caries are included in the study. The teeth and surfaces with active and arrested caries are identified and recorded in a structured pro forma. All the data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of arrested carious lesions is found to be significantly higher in areas with high groundwater fluoride level when compared to the other two areas.ConclusionIt can be concluded that the progression of caries in children residing in areas with high groundwater fluoride level is slow and gets arrested early in the presence of a high amount of fluoride.How to cite this articleMudusu SP, Jampanapally SR, Konda S, et al. Prevalence of Arrested Caries in Three Areas of South India with Different Groundwater Fluoride Levels: An Epidemiological Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S186-S190.

Ethnographical Features in Upcountry Tamil Novels of Sri Lanka

Upcountry Tamil community in Sri Lanka has unique social, economic and cultural elements. Today, the so-called Upcountry Tamils of Sri Lanka are those who were brought from the rural areas of South India to cultivate cash crops such as coffee, tea and rubber, which were introduced by the British in the 19th century. The literary works about them are the Sri Lankan Upcountry Tamil Literatures. They are also literary copies of the unique cultural treasuries of Upcountry Tamils. This study examines the ethnographic elements found in upcountry Tamil novels. The main objective of this study is to identify the ethnographical elements in Sri Lankan upcountry Tamil novels based on the ethnographic theory of one of the fields of anthropology. The primary sources are novels by non- Upcountry novelists such as Gokilam Subbaiah's Thoorathup Pachai and Buloliyur Ka. Sathasivam’s Mooddathinulle. Both the novels are cultural treasures that reveal the social formation, cultural identities, hierarchies, lifestyles, beliefs, rituals, Material cultures, etc. of the Upcountry Tamils. Gokilam Subbaiah and Ka. Sathasivam have documented in they are novels the Traits the ethnographic researcher's observation, participation, and meticulous translation of cultural features. It is these features that may distinguish the Thoorathup Pachai and the novel Mooddathinulle in the upcountry Tamil novels.

Nonadherence to dietary activities and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an urban area of South India: A cross-sectional study

Nonadherence to dietary activities and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an urban area of South India: A cross-sectional study

Isolation and characterisation of a novel rhabdovirus from snakehead fish showing surface ulcerations and mortality from India: First report

A novel viral agent was isolated from striped snakehead (Channa striata Bloch, 1793) suffering from mortality with dermal ulcerations and haemorrhagic areas in South India. The virus growth was well supported in striped snakehead (SSN-1) and sea bass caudal peduncle (SBCP2a) cell lines at 27 °C while EPC cells were refractory to the virus. Transmission electron microscopy of the infected cells revealed bullet shaped virions with the size ranging from 150 to190 nm length and 46 to 60 nm width. RT-PCR targeting block III fragment of the rhabdovirus L polymerase gene amplified an expected genomic portion of 483 bp. Phylogenetic analysis indicated 91% homology to the equivalent region of the reported snakehead rhabdovirus L polymerase. Experimental infection studies using cell culture grown virus induced 100% morality in juvenile snakehead in five days. Fish showed listlessness, neural pathology and lethargy before dying. Clinical signs included haemorrhages at the fin bases, exophthalmia, darkening of the skin, vascular congestion around the eyes and reddish iris and surface ulcers. The virus caused extensive necrosis of kidney, spleen and liver. The clinical pathology along with the morphology and phylogenetic homogeneity indicates that the virus belongs to the genus Novirhabdovirus under the family Rhabdoviridae. The present study forms the first report of isolation of a fish rhabdovirus in India.

Problematic internet use, depression, stress and anxiety amongadolescents in an urban area in South India: a cross sectional study

Background: Internet usage is ubiquitous, especially among young population in urban India. The present study aims to assess the burden of problematic internet use and to determine its association with depression, anxiety and stress among adolescents in urban South India. We have also assessed the role of parental/care giver factors in internet usage among the adolescents.Methods: This was a school based cross sectional study among two high schools in urban field practice area. The students were administered validated questionnaire on sociodemographic details, parental/care giver factors, pattern of internet usage, problematic and risky internet use screening scale as well as depression, anxiety and stress scale-21.The descriptive data was analysed as proportions and associations were determined using Chi square tests.Results: 24% of students had PIU and this was significantly associated with stress, depression and anxiety. 33% had stress and class of studying was found to be the only significant determinant. Almost half (48%) had depression and class of studying, type of family as well as mother’s occupation were the significant determinants. Half (50%) had anxiety with the significant determinants being age, class of studying, type of family, type of school, religion and father’s education. The only common factor found to significantly affect internet usage was parental rule setting and supervision.Conclusions: Depression, stress and anxiety were associated with PIU. Setting and enforcing reasonable rules while maintaining trust and emotional support is essential to protect adolescents from the harmful effects of problematic internet usage.

Dyslipidaemia among diabetes and hypertensive patients in a remote rural area of South India, in comparison with ICMR-InDiab study

Background: The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence and determinants of dyslipidaemia among DM and HT group in a remote rural area of India and comparing with ICMR-InDiab study. Methods: We screened high risk individuals (hypertension and diabetes patients) for dyslipidemia covering ten villages surrounding a Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) located in South India, in August-September 2017. Participants were line listed from the electronic data base maintained in RHTC and were screened at their door step by visiting their house.Results: Mean values of all lipids among the high-risk population were increased significantly (p&lt;0.01). Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was three times more, hypertriglyceridemia was 1.3 times higher, high LDL cholesterol was 3.3 times higher, high cholesterol HDL ratio was 1.5 times higher and isolated hypercholesterolemia was 3.6 times higher among the high-risk population. On the other hand, isolated hypertriglyceridemia has 30% less likely and isolated low HDL was 40% less likely among high risk populations in comparison to ICMR-InDiab study. Female gender [low HDL- aOR 2.1(1.1-4.2)], [high LDL- aOR 2.2(1.3-3.7)] and hypothyroidism [hypercholesterolemia- aOR 10.1(1.1-89)] were directly associated and; underweight [hypercholesterolemia- adjusted Odds ratio (aOR)- 0.4(0.2-0.9)], [hypertriglyceridemia 0.4(0.1-1.0)], and anaemia [hypertriglyceridemia aOR- 0.5(0.3-0.8)] were inversely associated with dyslipidemia.Conclusions: Dyslipedaemia was higher among the DM and HT participants in a remote rural area of South India.

Secreted Wnt antagonists in scrub typhus.

BackgroundThe mechanisms that control local and systemic inflammation in scrub typhus have only been partially elucidated. The wingless (Wnt) signaling pathways are emerging as important regulators of inflammation and infection, but have not been investigated in scrub typhus.Methodology/Principal findingsPlasma levels of secreted Wnt antagonists (i.e. DKK-1, sFRP-3, WIF-1 and SOST) were analyzed in patients with scrub typhus (n = 129), patients with similar febrile illness without O. tsutsugamushi infection (n = 31), febrile infectious disease controls, and in healthy controls (n = 31) from the same area of South India, and were correlated to markers of inflammation, immune and endothelial cell activation as well as for their association with organ specific dysfunction and mortality in these patients. We found i) Levels of SOST and in particular sFRP-3 and WIF-1 were markedly increased and DKK-1 decreased in scrub typhus patients at admission to the hospital compared to healthy controls. ii) In recovering scrub typhus patients, SOST, sFRP-3 and WIF-1 decreased and DKK-1 increased. iii) SOST was positively correlated with markers of monocyte/macrophage and endothelial/vascular activation as well as with renal dysfunction and poor outcome iv) Finally, regulation of Wnt pathways by O. tsutsugamushi in vitro in monocytes and ex vivo in mononuclear cells isolated from patients with scrub typhus, as evaluated by gene expression studies available in public repositories, revealed markedly attenuated canonical Wnt signaling.Conclusions/SignificanceOur findings suggest that scrub typhus is characterized by attenuated Wnt signaling possibly involving dysregulated levels of several secreted pathway antagonists. The secreted Wnt antagonist SOST was strongly associated with renal dysfunction and poor prognosis in these patients.

Drinking Water and Sanitation Facilities among Slum Dwellers in a South Indian City

There is a great thrust for improving water and sanitation facilities in the community since 2014. The present study was aimed at assessing the water and sanitation facilities among slum households in an urban area. The design was a cross-sectional study covering 750 households in an urban area in South India. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire on the source of drinking water and sanitary facility in the households. Out of all households surveyed, 743(99.1%) were using an improved source of water for drinking and 742(98.9%) were using septic tank as their main sanitation facility. Our study concludes that most of the household in the urban slum have improved the water and sanitation facility.

Culinary melon of South India: A review

Culinary melon or Mangalore melon or South Indian melon(Cucumis melo var. acidulous) is a botanical variety ofCucumis melo L. It is grown in localised sub–regions unlikedessert melons grown everywhere. One such region consistsof Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala Andhra Pradesh, andTelangana in South India. The culinary form or non-dessertof Cucumis melo are a distinct group distributed andadapted well essentially under humid tropics of SouthernIndia. Culinary melons have a special feature that the fruitscan be stored under room temperature up to 8-10 monthswithout losing their freshness. They can be stored for manyweeks by hanging them from the ceiling, firmly bound bythin coconut fibre ropes. This ethnic vegetable is used forpreparation of various culinary items. It has a variety ofcommon names viz., vellari, vellarikka, Mangalore melon,Mangalore southekayi, Kanivellari, Malbar cucumber,Madras cucumber, culinary melon, etc. This review articledeals with Introduction, Family Cucurbitaceae, Culinarymelon/Mangalore melon, Origin and distribution, Botanyand classification of Cucumis melo, Description of some ofthe botanical varieties of Cucumis melo, intraspecific/infraspecific crossability of Cucumis melo, collection andevaluation of culinary melon germplasm, growing area inSouth India, crop improvement, high yielding varieties,cultural practices, nutritive value, medicinal value, uses, andcultural significance.