Central Kerala Research Articles

Rare presentations of Acute Acquired Demyelinating Syndromes (ADS) among children

Acute demyelinating syndromes (ADS) in children presents with neurological symptoms with a pathology involving either single central nervous system (CNS) location (mono focal ADS) or multiple sites (poly focal ADS), with or without encephalopathy. It is a diagnostic dilemma requiring a high index of suspicion. A thorough clinical examination with neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is needed for making a diagnosis. Clear cut guidelines regarding long term management and prognosis is lacking. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody must be done in all suspected cases as it helps in prognosticating and counselling parents. Recurrence is rare, recovery is usually complete and most children respond to pulse high dose methylprednisolone injection. In this case series we map out different unique presentations of acute ADS with and without Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody positivity among children from a tertiary care hospital in central Kerala, India.

Assessment of shoreline dynamics and vulnerability along the Central Kerala Coast using a geospatial approach

Coastal areas are susceptible to coastal processes, such as sea level rise and natural disasters, making them highly dynamic and vulnerable. The study examines factors such as shoreline changes, coastal slope, wave height, tidal range and landforms and shows distinct erosion, accretion and stability patterns across six littoral cells. Coastal slope and sea level rise are crucial for vulnerability assessment, with low slopes and rising sea levels indicating areas of higher risk. The Coastal Vulnerability Index categorizes zones as low, medium and high risk based on physical variables, while the linear regression method calculates an average shoreline change of −2.41 m/year erosion and 2.59 m/year accretion from 1990 to 2015. The results show that 68.14% of the shoreline is classified as low risk, 17.82% as stable and 14.18% as high risk.

Floristics and indigenous knowledge of agro-climatically diverse Sacred groves of central Kerala

The study aimed to identify and document indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants in the selected sacred groves of central Kerala using the typical ethnobotanical approach and record the information. A pre-structured questionnaire survey and quantitative analysis were carried out to record the medicinal plants and to determine the ailments categories. In this study, 141 species belonging to 129 genera and 63 families were recorded from the highland sacred grove Amaran Kavu, and 198 species belonging to 176 genera and 75 families were recorded from the lowland grove Nagampoozhimana Kavu. Habit-wise analysis of the flora showed that trees are the dominant forms (37.58%) in the highland hilly grove, while herbs dominate (36.86%) in the coastal grove. The ethno-floristic survey revealed a total of 102 species of medicinal plants belonging to 90 genera and 50 families. The significance of the plant species was quantified by using family use value, use value index, and informant consensus factor. The highest family use value index (FUV) was reported in the families Piperaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae, etc. and the maximum Use Value (1) was reported in Curcuma longa L. and Ocimum basilicum L., which are the high use valued species among the community and Use Value Index (UVI) ranges from 0.05-1. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value ranged from 0.93 to 0 and the greatest value (0.93) was obtained for postnatal care, earache (0.92), migraine, and headache (0.9). The present study reveals that the indigenous people living around the sacred groves depend on the plant species for their health care. However, proper management is required for the conservation of sacred groves through sustainable utilization of medicinal plants occurring in the groves.

Metagenomic Assessment of Fungal Diversity in the Mangrove Sediments from North and Central Kerala, India

The fungal communities of mangrove sediments have wide ecological significance and are actively involved in nutrient recycling, decomposition of litter and degradation of recalcitrant substances. The present study focused on comparing the abundance, diversity and composition of fungal community in the sediments of two selected mangrove ecosystems of Kannur and Eranakulam districts of Kerala. Metagenomic analysis of the total sediment DNA was performed on an Illumina sequencing platform using fungal ITS primers. The number of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and the diversity indices showed that the Eranakulam mangrove sediments possessed higher fungal abundance, species richness and diversity than the mangrove sediments of Kannur. Ascomycota was most predominant phyla identified and a total of 11 classes, 20 orders, 34 families and 36 genera were obtained from the mangrove sediments. Talaromyces, which is not a commonly reported genus from Indian mangroves was the most prominent genera found in our study. The diversity heat map showed that 16 genera were exclusive to Eranakulam mangrove sediments while 5 genera were exclusive to Kannur samples. The metagenomics data of the mangrove sediments in our study revealed the presence of many fungal strains with vast biotechnological potential which can be further explored in the technology development.

A Study on the Clinical Profile of Cholinergic Insecticide Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala

Introduction In India, insecticides pose a significant risk of poisoning, particularly in rural households where they are readily accessible and frequently employed for deliberate self-harm. Acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning represents a critical medical emergency and stands as a significant contributor to both mortality and morbidity rates. Among the various insecticides, OP poisoning stands out as the most commonly encountered. Patients afflicted with OP poisoning may experience respiratory failure due to several factors, including the aspiration of gastric contents, excessive secretions, pneumonia, and septicemia, which can further escalate into acute respiratory distress syndrome1 . Objectives To determine the clinical profile of cholinergic insecticide poisoning at the Government Medical College, Alappuzha, in both medical wards and the ICU.

Tracing the Late Quaternary coastal evolution of Central Kerala, India, around the lost ancient port Muziris using multi-proxy study of the sedimentary archives

The Central Kerala coast in Southwest India serves as a valuable natural archive for studies of the Late Quaternary coastal evolution, palaeoclimate, and maritime trades. The coast is an archeologically and culturally significant region in South India, located in the mouth of the longest river in Kerala, the Periyar River. The riverbank of the Periyar at its mouth is believed to host the ancient port Muziris, whose remnants are found in the areas around where the Periyar River joins the Arabian Sea. Sea level oscillations and climate variabilities in the past have played a pivotal role in the destruction of the Muziris port. Recent excavations unearthed many artifacts from nearby areas of the river confluence; however, the exact location of the port remains unresolved. The present study is an attempt to trace out the coastal evolutionary processes and palaeoclimatic conditions that prevailed in the area during the Late Quaternary period using three drilled cores retrieved from this stretch of the coastal lands. A multi-proxy approach, combining geochemical, mineralogical, palynological, and geochronological tools was used in the study. The Holocene deposit in the study area is composed mainly of sand and clay-dominant sediments that fall within an age range of 1.1–8.1 cal kyr BP, whereas the underlying sedimentary sequence dates to a maximum of 31.5–37.9 cal kyr BP. The inorganic and organic elemental compositions, together with the textural and palynological attributes, indicate that Holocene sedimentation occurred here under fluctuating environmental conditions with significant changes in climate and sea level positions. The upper part of this section bears the signature of the humid depositional environment that prevailed during the Late Holocene when sand-dominated sediments were deposited and brought in under the influence of longshore drift. The sediments from the lower part of the section carry the signature of the Holocene transgression when deposition took place under submerged conditions with considerable marine influence but receiving significant terrestrial inputs. The study highlights the location of the historically significant lost ancient port of Muziris at Kodungallur near the mouth of the Periyar River. A three-fold evolutionary model proposed for the coastal segment revealed that the location of the Muziris port was part of the Periyar River near Kodungallur, as mentioned by the historians, and the settlement near Pattanam may be considered a satellite township of the ancient Muziris port.

Plasmodium Ovale Malaria-A Case Report from Tertiary Care Centre Central Kerala

Abstract Background: According to World Malaria Report 2019, 3% of the global malaria cases are reported from India. Most cases of malaria in India are due to infestation by Plasmodium falciparum (65%) and Plasmodium vivax (35%). Only a few thousand cases of Plasmodium malariae has been reported from foothill areas in Orissa. Malaria due to Plasmodium ovale is not very common in India and till date only 9 cases have been reported. We are reporting a case of P. ovale malaria which was diagnosed and treated at Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, in a patient who had returned from Uganda. Diagnosis was made with the specific morphological features of these parasites like oval shape of parasitised RBCs, fimbriation of RBCs and very prominent shuffners dots. Interpretation & Conclusion: This is the first case of Pl. ovale reported from central Kerala. This case of plasmodium ovale malaria could be an isolated imported case and there are no reported cases of local transmission so far following detection of this case. Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium ovale, fimbriation.

Comparison of pain relief among patients with chronic plantar fasciitis treated with intralesional platelet-rich plasma injection versus corticosteroid injection in a tertiary care centre in Kerala - a prospective study

Background: Aim of the study was to compare pain relief and functional outcome and between intralesional autologous platelet rich plasma injection (PRP) versus corticosteroid injection in the treatment of plantar, and fasciitis by using visual analogue score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Methods: The sample size for the study was 30 patients attending Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College. Patients were divided into two groups (PRP versus steroid) of 15 each. The study follows a prospective observational design with follow up at 2 weeks, 2 months and 3 months post procedure. The functional outcome of patients in each group was assessed using the visual analog scale and AOFAS score. Results: Post-procedure, a significant decrease in VAS score was seen in patients treated with PRP injection (8.73 to 2.27) than those treated with Steroid injection (8.8 to 3.53). Also, there was a significant improvement in the AOFAS score from 72.73 to 88.67 while for those patients treated with steroid injection, the AOFAS score was comparatively low (65.87 to 82.2). Conclusions: Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition in our community, and many treatment options typically offer only temporary relief from symptoms. Intralesional PRP injection emerges as a dependable treatment method that fosters the healing process of the affected fascia, resulting in improved functional outcomes. Our study indicates that a singular administration of platelet-rich plasma injection for plantar fasciitis yields substantial pain relief compared to the local steroid injection.

Aquatic insects as bioindicators of stream water quality - a seasonal analysis on Western Ghats river, Muthirapuzha, in central Kerala, India

This study was conducted to assess the water quality of Muthirapuzha River, Idukki using aquatic insects as bioindicators. Insects were collected on a seasonal basis from February 2014 to January 2015 from 12 sampling stations. Insects were sampled using standard collection methods and were identified up to family level. A total of 3,278 individuals belonging to seven orders and 37 families were collected during the study period. The greatest number of taxa was represented by order Ephemetroptera during monsoon (27%) and post-monsoon (25%), while Diptera (22.7%) dominated the pre-monsoon season. Shannon Weiner diversity index, Simpson dominance index, and Margalef’s richness index was highest post-monsoon. The EPT score in Muthirapuzha was for normal waters, however, pre-monsoon values were lowest, indicating pollution load during this period. Hilsenhoff’s family biotic index (HFBI) was used to estimate the status of organic pollution along the river based on representative families of aquatic entomofauna; values were highest at pre-monsoon season. The overall organic water quality level in the Muthirapuzha was good to fair based on this study.

CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND TSH VALUES IN A POPULATION WITH CASSAVA AS STAPLE FOOD

Background: Tapioca is one of the staple foods of the people of Kerala. If it is not prepared properly during cooking the cyanide present in it will interfere with body functions. The cyanide is metabolized into thiocyanate by the liver. Thiocyanate has been shown to interact with the blood pressure and thyroid function. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to observe the variation in physiology of the human body due to the effect of low dose cyanide in diet on the blood pressure and thyroid function. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in the department of General Medicine out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital of central Kerala. This research was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. The blood pressure of each subject was recorded. The fasting TSH values of each subject were determined. Results: There were no significant changes in the systolic blood pressure in hypothyroid group (p=0.288) and hyperthyroid group (p=0.915). There were no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure in hypothyroid group (p=0.270) and in hyperthyroid group (p=0.813). There was significant difference in TSH values in the hypothyroid group (p=0.001) and in the hyperthyroid group (p=0.001) compared to the matched controls. Conclusions: The above study did not show significant changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to matched controls. These findings are unusual since thyroid dysfunction is known to cause increase in blood pressure as seen in various other studies. This means low dose cyanide in diet in a population with cassava as staple food might be protective from hypertension and is good for the cardiovascular system. There was significant increase in TSH values in the hypothyroid group. There was significant decrease in TSH values in hyperthyroid group. These findings are comparable with the values obtained in other studies.

Breastfeeding Practices among Urban Mothers of Central Kerala, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The practice of breastfeeding is vital in child nutrition and morbidity. The authors aimed to determine breastfeeding practices and factors related to Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers with children aged six months to 2 years in an urban area of Thrissur district, Kerala, India.
 Methods: This was a community-based and cross-sectional study conducted on 339 mothers using cluster sampling in 2016 for one year in the urban area of Thrissur district, Kerala. Details regarding sociodemographic factors, obstetric history, child-related data and breastfeeding practices were collected from mothers using a pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Analyses were done using SPSS16 and Epi Info 7.
 Results: The mean age of study population was 27.21 ± 4.27. 223 mothers (65.78 %, 95% CI = 60.43-70.77) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour, and prelacteal feeding was observed in 25 cases (7.37%, 95% CI = 4.92-10.83). 99.71% practiced feeding on demand, and 30.97% (95% CI = 26.15- 36.24) of children were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months with mean duration of 3.95± 1.79 months. The mean age at which complementary feeding started was 4.83±1.32 months. Cultural beliefs, mothers' employment, and problems during breastfeeding were significant predictors of EBF for up to 6months.
 Conclusion: Despite high educational status and good antenatal care among the study population, breastfeeding practices were not carried out at the recommended level. Breastfeeding was initiated within 1 hour of delivery by 2/3rd ,and 1/3rd of the children were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months. Cultural beliefs and mothers' employment were factors associated with EBF.

Health Status of Working Women in a Tertiary Care Center, North Kerala, India: During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Women constitute about one-half of the workforces in most countries and spend a significant proportion of their time at the workplace, contributing to a lot of physical and mental stress. The health-care professional in the workforce was the most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and associated risk factors have a substantial correlation. According to numerous studies from around the world, people who already have established risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or other vascular risk factors, are more likely to contract COVID-19 and experience complications or even pass away from it. Objectives: The objective is to assess the health status of working women in a tertiary health-care center in Kerala during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The study was done in a tertiary health-care center in Kozhikode district, Kerala, South India. This center comprises medical, paramedical and nursing institutes. A total of 262 women were included in the study, and data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: This study demonstrated that working women’s stress was prevalent. It reveals that 94 (99.4%) women experience stress, 60.7% experience depression, 72.5% do not engage in daily physical activity and 80.8% of women were at risk of having NCDs. Conclusion: This study was an attempt to explore the health status of the women’s working health status during COVID-19 time. It found that some women are hypertensive, depressed and have stress-related disorders such as anxiety and worries. Mental health is directly linked with physical activity. The stress levels were controlled for those who were involved in physical activity on regular basis. Hence, we should work on this area to help improve these conditions.

When ‘the broken’ breaks through: politics of struggle and solidarity in Manchadikkari

ABSTRACT Manchadikkari is a region in central Kerala occupied primarily by Dalit Christian communities. The majority of the people in the area are agricultural daily wage workers who have been economically and culturally marginalized. Caste discrimination and exploitation mark their past and present. The people in Manchadikkari articulate powerful anti-caste politics through their creative cultural productions like songs, stories, and plays that take shape in their community groups. The remembrance and reiteration of caste experiences in these community groups keep alive the history of caste exploitation and transmit these memories to the next generation. This paper analyses the play Azhakante Kutil (‘Azhakan’s Hut’), authored by Thankamma Titus from Manchadikkari in 2021 and performed by a group of women who are members of the community group ‘Sanjeevani.’ This study considers the processes of conceptualization, production, and performance of the play to show how these processes embody anti-caste politics. The play dwells on the community’s caste history to show that caste is not an anachronism of the feudal era but actively determines the present cultural and material conditions. When contextualized in the community, the play exists as a moving narrative of the community’s cultural activism.

IJCM_236A: Out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare among geriatric population in central Kerala

Background: India is facing dual challenges caused by a rapid increase in burden of non-communicable diseases, marking epidemiological transition and an unprecedented expansion of geriatric population. The elderly faces a higher burden of disease due to a decline in their physical and immune systems, resulting in greater need and utilization of healthcare. The expanding geriatric population is inadequately supported by appropriate healthcare services which is essential for healthy ageing. Out-of-pocket expenditure on health carries significant adverse impacts. In order to lessen the financial burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses, the healthcare needs of the elderly ought to be addressed. Objectives: To assess the healthcare utilization pattern and out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare among geriatric population in central Kerala. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 elderly individuals, systematically sampled from 5 randomly selected wards of Adat Gram Panchayat in Thrissur district, Kerala. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization and healthcare expenditure were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire by one-to-one interview. Appropriate statistical tests were used for analysis. Results: Mean age of respondents was calculated to be 72.64 ± 7.42. Majority (63.3%) preferred to utilize private health facility. 88.7% followed modern system of medicine. 43.3% had availed health insurance. Most commonly reported morbidities among elderly were Diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. The median direct medical cost was ?3000 (?560, ?4200) while the median direct non-medical cost was ?300 (?200, ?500). The total median out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare among elderly was ?3550. Conclusion: Increasing burden of chronic diseases in elderly, high private healthcare utilization and suboptimal health insurance coverage leads to an increase in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. Measures should be adopted for strengthening of health services and expanding insurance coverage among elderly, which in turn will reduce burden of out-of-pocket health expenditure.

Patterns of cancer at a tertiary cancer center in Kerala, India, based on 10-years of hospital-based cancer registry data: A retrospective observational study

ABSTRACT Background: The magnitude and pattern of cancer cases vary across different hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) in India. Currently, the clinical and epidemiological profiles of cancer cases are not available for the North Malabar region of Kerala, India. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and pattern of cancer cases in the North Malabar region of Kerala, India. The secondary objective was to evaluate the trends of cancer cases based on 10-year HBCR data from a tertiary cancer center in the North Malabar region of Kerala, India. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who were registered at the HBCR of Malabar Cancer Center in the northern region of Kerala. The demographic and clinical profile of patients with cancer who registered at the HBCR between January 2010 and December 2019 was obtained using a prescribed format developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and a line diagram was used to represent the trends of the five most common cancers in males and females. Results: Between 2010 and 2019, 38,836 patients were registered. Among them, 20,829 (53.6%) were males and 18,017 (46.4%) were females. Lung cancer was the most common cancer among males and breast cancer was the most common cancer among females. The median age at diagnosis of lung cancer was 64 years (interquartile range [IQR], 58-70). Similarly, the median age at diagnosis of breast cancer was 52 years (IQR, 44-60). Conclusion: The five most common sites of cancer among males were the lung, mouth, stomach, tongue, and larynx. In females, the most common cancers were breast, cervix uteri, ovary, mouth, and lung. During these ten years, the common cancers in both males and females showed an upward trend.

IJCM_335A: Geriatric depression and associated factors: a community-based study in a rural area of Central Kerala

Background: Aging is a complex biological process associated with cellular and molecular damages. Rural India comprises 70 percent of the total geriatric population of the country. Kerala being a demographically advanced state have greater proportions of older population than the national average. Elderly constitutes a vulnerable group for depression, as they are especially prone to suffer adverse consequences of a depressive episode. Depression can cause great suffering and can lead to impaired functioning in daily life. Objective: : To estimate the prevalence of depression and determine the associated factors among elderly aged 60 years and above using Geriatric Depression Scale in Tholur Panchayath of Thrissur district, Kerala Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done among 200 older adults aged 60 years and above in October 2022 in Tholur village panchayat area of Thrissur District in Kerala. Using cluster sampling technique study participants were identified. After obtaining informed consent, a pretested questionnaire is administered to obtain sociodemographic characteristics and details of comorbid illness. The Geriatric Depression Scale, short-form questionnaire, was used as a screening tool for depression. Data was entered in MS Excel and statistically analyzed using the IBM SPSS software (trial version). Results: The mean age of the study population was 70.59 ± 7.89 years. 64.5% of the study population were females. 16.5% had mild depression, 10% had moderate depression and 11% had severe depression as per the geriatric depression scale (GDS) scoring. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among the elderly was 37.8 %, and hence early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to reduce its burden in the community

Epidemiology of Facial Nerve Palsy in Temporal Bone Fractures and It’s Treatment Outcome: A Prospective Longitudinal Study from Central Kerala

Epidemiology of Facial Nerve Palsy in Temporal Bone Fractures and It’s Treatment Outcome: A Prospective Longitudinal Study from Central Kerala

Severity of Neuropathy-Related Disability and Associated Factors of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in a Tertiary Healthcare Center: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

The widespread presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DN) and its related variables among diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Kerala lacks sufficient evidence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of DN and its related risk variables among those with DM who were receiving care at a tertiary health institution in Kerala. This study was conducted in a tertiary health center in Kerala using a cross-sectional design. The diagnosis of diabetes was established by assessing the glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level. A validated survey questionnaire was employed to gather demographic data as well as the medical history of DM and associated ailments. A thorough physical examination, BMI, and blood pressure were recorded. Dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular assessments were conducted. The subjects were assessed for neuropathy using a neuropathy disability score (NDS). Consequently, those who met the criteria for DM were classified into two groups: those with neuropathy and those without neuropathy. All research participants underwent laboratory examinations such as blood lipid profiles, HbA1c, and vitamin B12 complex concentrations. The study included 200 DM patients; 120 men and 80 women. Study participants were 40-70 years old, with a median age of 53. The prevalence of DN significantly increased with age (p<0.001). The longer a patient had DM, the higher the prevalence of DN, and this variance in percentage was statistically significant (p<0.009) with an OR (odds ratio) of 9.246. A statistically significant 81 (40.5%) of participants graduated, compared to 119 (59.5%) with only higher secondary education or less (OR = 2.042; p = 0.014). Approximately 107 (53.5%) of individuals earned an income under two lakhs, and this disparity was deemed statistically significant (p = 0.003) with an OR of 2.357. In the group of individuals being studied, 53 (26.5%) of them experienced a decrease in pressure sensation, 47 (23.5%) had a decrease or absence of vibration perception, 48 (24%) had an absence or decreased pinprick response, and 46 (23%) had an absent ankle reflex. The study found that the most commonly reported symptoms were tingling (n = 44; 22%), numbness (n = 42; 21%), burning (n = 37; 18.5%), pricking (n = 29; 14.5%), and pain (n = 27; 13.5%). A strong association was found between DN and glycemic status, namely, FBG levels exceeding 140 mg/dL(OR = 4.511, p < 0.001) and HbA1c levels exceeding 6.5% (OR = 3.87, p < 0.001). The prevalence of abnormal vitamin B12 levels in individuals with DN was 63% (p = 0.19), indicating that the finding was not statistically significant. Within the group of individuals with DN being studied, 22% exhibited mild neuropathy, 34% displayed moderate neuropathy, and 44% had severe neuropathy. The DN individuals had significantly reduced ankle dorsiflexion in cases of severe NDS scores compared to those with mild to moderate NDS scores (p = 0.009). During the binary logistic regression analysis, it was shown that the duration of DM (OR = 1.73; p = 0.038) and FBG levels (OR = 2.87; p = 0.018) were determined as predictors for DN. The findings of this study reveal that the duration of diabetes, age, literacy level, income, HbA1c, and FBG were substantially related to a higher likelihood of DN among diabetic patients.

Diversity and Abundance of Ichthyofaunal Species in Karingali Wetland of Central Kerala, India

Background: Karingali wetland is a collection of wetlands in Alappuzha and Pathanmthitta district. It is one of the major wetland paddy fields of central Travancore and had been considered as the rice bank of Mavelikara kingdom. This wetland has not yet been the subject of study. The present study is an inventorization of fish species in this wetland.This will eventually be utilised as a database. Methods: The study areas were divided into five sites; fish samples were collected monthly for a period of June 2020 – May 2022. The collected fish samples were stored in 10% formalin solution and identified with the help of standard literature. Result: During the course of the current study, a total of 35 species from 11 orders were discovered from the Karingali wetland. Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Perciformes, Anabantiformes, Cichliformes, Beloniformes, Elopiformes, Synbranchiformes, Gobiiformes, Clupeiformes and Mugiliformes were the principal orders. The diversity value ranges high during march and low in July. Even though Karingali wetland are not as much polluted but at the verge of contamination.

Evaluation of Kokum [Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy] Genotypes for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under the Humid Tropical Conditions of Central Kerala

A study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, to assess morphological, yield, and biochemical parameters of 29 kokum genotypes. Observations regarding growth, yield, and quality parameters were recorded for all the genotypes. The results showed that genotype IC136687-1 exhibited the highest height (15.60 m), while genotype IC552513 had the lowest height (5.20 m). The highest plant girth was observed in ACC.FSC-1 (156.88 cm), whereas the lowest girth was recorded in IC552522 (25.10 cm). The canopy spread of trees varied from 3.20 m (IC552513) to 8.10 m (ACC.FSC-4) in the East to West direction, and from 3.30 m (IC552513) to 9.42 m (ACC.FSC-9) in the North to South direction. The maximum canopy volume was found in ACC.FSC-9 (1030.01 m3), whereas the minimum volume was observed in IC552513 (57.12 m3). Leaf length ranged from 7.5 cm to 10.24 cm, leaf breadth varied from 3.18 cm to 4.78 cm and leaf area varied from 19.87 cm2 to 34.53 cm2 among different genotypes. Significant difference was recorded with respect to fruit characters among the yielding genotypes. Genotype ACC.FSC-6 exhibited significantly higher fruit weight (40.14 g), fruit volume (45.60 cm³), fresh weight of rind (21.01 g), and dry weight of rind (3.07 g). Conversely, genotype ACC.FSC-3 displayed significantly lower fruit weight (12.17 g), fruit volume (15.10 cm³), fresh weight of rind (7.15 g), and dry weight of rind (1.09 g). The rind to seed ratio ranged from 0.81 to 1.77, while rind thickness varied between 2.46 mm and 3.41 mm. Genotype ACC.FSC-9 exhibited the highest number of fruits per tree (2258) and the highest fruit yield per tree (60.64 kg). On the other hand, genotype ACC.FSC-3 recorded the lowest number of fruits per tree (252) and the lowest fruit yield per tree (3.07 kg). The moisture content varied from 82.91 % to 90.34 %, titratable acidity ranged from 2.30 % to 4.47 %, total sugars ranged from 4.32 % to 10.60 %, TSS ranged from 5.65 °B to 14.15 °B, and anthocyanin content ranged from 11.13 to 25.01 mg per 100 g. Genotypes IC552528-3 and IC336687-3 had significantly high TSS and low acidity were ranked as superior quality genotypes and these genotypes can be utilized for value addition.