South Asian Countries Research Articles

Examining the Determinants of Financial Inclusion in South Asian Countries

Financial inclusion is an important aspect of achieving economic growth in South Asia. The present study is offered to examine the key factors of financial inclusion in South Asian countries. The study considered the 2017 World Bank Global Findex database for the analysis. The probit regression model is used to find the relationship between financial inclusion and its determinants for individual country level as well as for the group of South Asian countries. The results have shown that socio-economic variables like age, gender, education, income and workforce are important factors of financial inclusion. The higher income quintiles, upper education classes and workforce participation have a higher probability of owning bank accounts and greater chances of accessing formal savings and borrowings. Female households are still vulnerable in the process of financial inclusion in South Asian countries. The study suggested that financial inclusion can be enhanced with higher education, higher income and more workforce participation. JEL Codes: G21, D14, C25

Drowning Prevention should be a Public Health Issue in Nepal

Nepal is prone to a range of natural disasters; earthquakes being the most widely recognised one. However, many people are at risk of drowning as the floodings in the autumn of 2024 showed, but this is not recognised enough as a serious public health risk in Nepal. Drowning relates to everyday activities such as bathing and swimming and should be treated as a social and public health problem. The United Nations, particularly the World Health Assembly, has called its member states for accelerating action on drowning prevention. This mini review paper considered literature covering drowning in children in Nepal and Bangladesh over the past decade. It outlines some of the key drowning risks and the need for active prevention with reference to some tested drowning prevention interventions in neighbouring countries in South Asia. Many of such interventions have been designed and implemented in Bangladesh, a densely populated countries with a load of water. It has one of the highest rates of drowning, especially among children in the world. Next, the paper highlights some on-going research in this field, especially our newly started research project in Bangladesh, which is aimed at the prevention of drowning in children under two. Finally, the paper concludes with some of the lessons Nepal can learn in this area from its neighbours.

Exploring factors associated with domestic violence among pregnant women in Pakistan and its implications for maternal and perinatal health

ABSTRACT Domestic violence during pregnancy is a critical health issue due to its significant implications for both maternal and fetal well-being. Women in South Asian countries are particularly at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with domestic violence among pregnant women attending tertiary care antenatal services in Pakistan. The secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of domestic violence on maternal and perinatal outcomes. The study participants were 681 pregnant women registered for antenatal care and delivery at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were collected through in-person surveys and medical chart reviews. Associations between domestic violence and study variables were examined by logistic regression analysis. Among the study participants, 31.4%experienced some form of domestic violence during pregnancy, with psychological abuse (16.4%) being the most prevalent followed by sexual abuse (9.5%) and physical violence (1.8%). Women whose husbands were unemployed were three times more likely to experience domestic violence (aOR; 3.3, 95%CI: 1.6, 7.0). Similarly, husband’s substance abuse was significantly associated with domestic violence during pregnancy (aOR: 120.8, 95%CI: 57.9, 252.2). Domestic violence was a significant predictor of adverse maternal outcomes, including anemia, preterm labor, and recurrent abdominal pain. Similarly, domestic violence was a significant predictor of NICU admission (aOR: 20.6, 95%CI: 12.6, 33.8) and low birthweight (aOR: 24.4, 95%CI: 10.2, 58.4). The study findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive interventions targeting domestic violence among women and preventing its cascading effects on pregnancies.

Validation of ethnopharmacological findings of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa through phytochemical screening and bioactivity assay

For centuries, medicinal plants have been integral to human health and well-being across the world. Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae), a medicinal plant indigenous to Nepal, holds substantial ethnomedicinal use among indigenous communities in South Asian countries. Present study aimed to explore the integration of contemporary scientific analysis of the phytochemical composition and bioactivity of A. marmelos leaf extracts harvested from Nepal with traditional ethnopharmacological knowledge. Leaf extracts of A. marmelos were subjected to phytochemical analysis utilizing mass spectrometry. The extracts underwent in vitro evaluation for antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and toxicity activities. Hexane fraction was found to possess volatile oils, polyphenols, and tannins, while other fractions were found to have alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and reducing sugars. Further analysis of the hexane fraction identified 21 compounds with over 90 % accuracy. The main phytoconstituents were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester (24.25 %), hexadecanoic acid (10.89 %), methylcyclohexane (8.39 %), methyl ester (4.26 %), and caryophyllene (4.10 %). The methanol extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, the methanol extract demonstrated pronounced cytotoxic effects against brine shrimp, with an LC50 value of 50.11 µg/mL. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl assay revealed both methanol and acetone extract to have notable antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 90.63 ± 1.47 µg/mL and 89.93 ± 2.52 µg/mL, respectively. Remarkably, the acetone extract displayed superior antidiabetic activity compared to acarbose, with an IC50 value of 13.50 ± 0.79 µg/mL. Our findings proves A. marmelos leaf extracts to harbor significant bioactive constituents, suggesting their potential as sources of natural compounds for applications in medicine and healthcare.

An overlooked market: loose cigarettes, informal vendors and their implications for tobacco taxation

ObjectiveTo examine the features of markets for loose cigarettes in several low-income and middle-income countries and their effects on tobacco control policies, particularly taxation.DesignAn analysis of survey data targeting people...

An Integrated Approach for Development of a Decision Support System for Early Surveillance of Japanese Encephalitis: a Remote Sensing-based study in Conjunction with Epidemiological Scenario in Assam, India

Abstract. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is one of the serious mosquito borne viral diseases mostly prevalent in India and many of the South Asian countries. A comprehensive study was conducted in Dibrugarh, a JE endemic district of Assam taking into the account of the environmental and social factors that determine the outbreak of the disease. Effect of environmental and climatic factors on mosquito vector densities was investigated using geospatial tools and techniques. Wetlands were found to be the most preferred habitat type for most of the JE-transmitting mosquitoes followed by paddy-growing areas and ponds. The villages abundant with these habitats or located nearby were found to be more vulnerable to JE risk. Based on the spatial distribution of habitat types, villages in the district were divided into three categories of vector abundance and hence the risk of JE. It is found that rainfall (intensity as well as duration) is the most significant determinant in the modulation of mosquito density followed by temperature. It is also observed that the derived models could explain about 61% to 73% variation in mosquito density due to change in weather variables as indicated by R2 values of the Models. Among socio-economic determinants, pig rearing habit of the villagers was found to be most significant. JE risk map was prepared by integrating vector abundance map with the map of host abundance in GIS domain. Attempts were also made to forecast the intensity of JE cases based on a time series analysis of historical morbidity pattern, whereas forecast for onset of the disease was based on the modulation of weather variables in the study area. A web-based decision support system (DSS) developed by integrating the forecasts of JE onset, intensity and JE prone villages has been provided to the concerned health authorities to take timely intervention measures. The JE early warning system developed for Dibrugarh district was extended to two more JE prone districts viz, Sibsagar and Tinsukia as validation sites and observed that the accuracy of forecast was within the range of 69% to 77%. DSS on JE has opened up new opportunities to study similar vector-borne diseases of the JE serogroup viz., West Nile.

Analyzing the Contribution of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) to the CO\(_2\) Stock and Other Advantages for Urban Residents

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tree with high nutritive values with essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. It makes the tree best for the urban residents in South Asian countries. The Moringa trees in Bilaspur city of Chhattisgarh, India, were enumerated, and their potential yield and CO2 storage were estimated. The resident response to the benefits of Moringa was explored through interviews. The main objectives of the study are analyzing of the CO2 stock in urban areas and the importance of moringa species for the growth of urban residences. Forty-eight sample plots of 50m x 50m size were laid out randomly across the city. The total number of Moringa trees in the city was 84499, accounting for 0.23 trees per capita. The increase in human density in urban sites negatively correlated with Moringa populations (R2=0.328). Young trees of 20-30cm diameter were abundant in the urban environment, which yield four to19kg tree-1 pods and 3 to 10kg leaf tree-1. An average Moringa tree stored 0.04tonne CO2, and overall, the stock was 3380tons of CO2 in these trees of the city. Eighty-five percent of the urban residents ranked first to the Moringa fruit followed by leaf and these were identified as the reason for the domestication of the trees by the urban resident. More than 58% of urban residents use different parts of the Moringa plant 15 - 25 times a year, and 27% of people use it more than 25 times as vegetables. The tree was most beneficial for urban residents, contributing to food security and climate change.Therefore the concept of "one house one Moringa" may be advocated for implementing the climate-smart urban policy.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis - Current updates in the Asian context.

Background Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is a life-threatening cause of stroke in Asian countries. South Asia, comprising of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and contributed to 40% of strokes in women. Major CVT registries are from the western nations, which differs from the Asian countries with respect to epidemiology, gender biases and risk factors. This review focusses on the various aspects of relevance in evaluation and management of patients with CVT in the Asian context. Summary The incidence of CVT is higher in Asia than in Western nations. Young age, female gender, especially in pregnancy and puerperal period, and dehydration appear to be the critical risk factors. Tropical infections like malaria, scrub typhus, and flaviviral encephalitis predispose to CVT. There is a higher prevalence of inherited thrombophilia in the Asian cohorts, contributing to prothrombotic states. Anticoagulation and supportive management offer excellent outcomes. Newer anticoagulants are safe and efficacious. In medically refractory cases, endovascular treatment offers modest benefits. Decompressive hemicraniectomy, when done early, offers mortality benefits in patients with large hemorrhagic venous infarctions. Key messages CVT is an important cause of stroke with high-burden in South Asian countries. Establishment of robust registries is the need of the hour; to study the natural history, course and outcomes and to develop management algorithms tailored to the available resources.

Molecular and cell phenotype programs in oral epithelial cells directed by co-exposure to arsenic and smokeless tobacco.

Chronic arsenic exposure can lead to various health issues, including cancer. Concerns have been mounting about the enhancement of arsenic toxicity through co-exposure to various prevalent lifestyle habits. Smokeless tobacco products are commonly consumed in South Asian countries, where their use frequently co-occurs with exposure to arsenic from contaminated groundwater. To decipher the in vitro molecular and cellular responses to arsenic and/or smokeless tobacco, we performed temporal multi-omics analysis of the transcriptome and DNA methylome remodelling in exposed hTERT-immortalized human normal oral keratinocytes (NOK), as well as arsenic and/or smokeless tobacco genotoxicity and mutagenicity investigations in NOK cells and in human p53 knock-in murine embryonic fibroblasts (Hupki MEF). RNAseq results from acute exposures to arsenic alone and in combination with smokeless tobacco extract revealed upregulation of genes with roles in cell cycle changes, apoptosis and inflammation responses. This was in keeping with global DNA hypomethylation affecting genes involved in the same processes in response to chronic treatment in NOK cells. At the phenotypic level, we observed a dose-dependent decrease in NOK cell viability, induction of DNA damage, cell cycle changes and increased apoptosis, with the most pronounced effects observed under arsenic and SLT co-exposure conditions. Live-cell imaging experiments indicated that the DNA damage likely resulted from induction of apoptosis, an observation validated by a lack of exome-wide mutagenesis in response to chronic exposure to arsenic and/or smokeless tobacco. In sum, our integrative omics study provides novel insights into the acute and chronic responses to arsenic and smokeless tobacco (co-)exposure, with both types of responses converging on several key mechanisms associated with cancer hallmark processes. The generated rich catalogue of molecular programs in oral cells regulated by arsenic and smokeless tobacco (co-)exposure may provide bases for future development of biomarkers for use in molecular epidemiology studies of exposed populations at risk of developing oral cancer.

Interactions among the primary causes of carbon dioxide emissions in selected south Asian countries: Does renewable energy mitigate carbon dioxide emissions?

The primary aim of this study is to examine the relationship between economic growth (EG), financial development, renewable energy consumption and environmental pollution in South Asian countries (SAC). The “Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model” applies panel data analysis from 1990 to 2021 in selected SAC. This study reveals that a 1 percent increase in financial development (FD) tends to increase 0.3356 percent of CO2 emissions. Renewable energy consumption (RE) essentially diminishes ecological contamination: a 1 percent expansion in RE will reduce 0.5878 percent of CO2. Expanded reception sources are related to a significant decrease in CO2 highlighting the capability of clean energy to advance manageable turns of events. The blunder rectification term remains at - 0.3741 with measurably critical outcomes which suggests that the speed of equilibrium is 37% to arrive at a drawn-out balance in SAC. We urge policymakers to find some kind of harmony between financial development and natural maintainability by advancing sustainable power projects and implementing stricter ecological guidelines. This study contributes to the literature by presenting empirical evidence on the environmental impact of economic and financial dynamics in a region experiencing rapid growth and development challenges.

Applications of dry chain technology to maintain high seed viability in tropical climates.

Seed storage life in tropical areas is shortened by high humidity and temperature and the general inaccessibility to dehumidifying and refrigeration systems, resulting in rapid decreases in seed viability in storage as well as a high incidence of fungal and insect infestations. The dry chain, based on rapid and deep drying of seeds after harvest followed by packaging in moisture-proof containers, has been proposed as an effective method to maintain seed quality during medium-term storage in humid climates, even without refrigeration. In addition, seed drying with zeolite drying beads can be more effective and economical than sun or heated-air drying under these warm, humid conditions. In this paper, we review recent published literature regarding the dry chain, considering different crop species, storage environments and seed traits. In addition, we provide new original data on the application of dry chain methods and their implementation at larger scales in South Asia, Latin America and Pacific Island Countries. The clear conclusion is that the combination of reusable drying beads and waterproof storage containers enables the implementation of the dry chain in tropical climates, enhancing seed viability and quality in storage of many crop species. The dry chain approach can therefore significantly enhance seed security for farmers in many tropical countries. Finally, we propose actions and strategies that could guide further scaling-up implementation of this technology.

Bioaccumulation and health risks of chromium and cadmium in <em>Basella alba</em> with emphasis on Urea, muriate of potash and triple super phosphate mixtures

Basella alba is a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable in South Asian countries and it is considered as an economical source of essential vitamins and dietary fibers. Urea, muriate of potash (MOP) and triple super phosphate (TSP) mixture is the most commonly used inexpensive fertilizer mixture in the commercial cultivation of B. alba. This study was conducted to assess the effect of using a mixture of Urea-MOP-TSP on the bioaccumulation potential of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) by the leaves of B. alba. Pots treated with the Urea-MOP-TSP mixture and compost were maintained in a greenhouse with controlled light and temperature settings. The concentrations of Cd and Cr in the root zone soil, roots and leaves of B. alba were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after acid digestion. The health risk of consuming B. alba was evaluated using the daily intake of metals, health risk index and cancer risk index. The results showed that Cd and Cr can bioaccumulate in the leaves of B. alba. The bioaccumulation potential of Cr was higher than that of Cd. Although the daily intake of Cd and Cr from B. alba were below the maximum values stipulated by the WHO, the cancer risk index indicated potential cancer risks based on Cd intake due to consumption of B. alba cultivated using the Urea-MOP-TSP mixture. Furthermore, the health risks associated with the hyper-accumulation of Cd and Cr in the edible parts of B. alba cultivated using compost were significantly less compared to that of the plants treated with the Urea-MOP-TSP mixture. Therefore, if B. alba is cultivated using chemical fertilizer, it is recommended to regularly monitor the concentrations of Cd and Cr in the cultivation soil, chemical fertilizer and in the edible parts of B. alba to prevent the excessive buildup of Cd and Cr along the food chain. In addition, it is recommended to identify the potential microbial assemblages that can be inoculated to the cultivation soil to reduce the bioavailability of Cd and Cr.

Geospatial analysis of diarrhoea determinants among children under five in Pakistan using Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR)

Diarrhoea is the second most common cause of death among children under five worldwide. About 90 percent of diarrhoeal diseases occur in South Asia and sub-Saharan countries. In Pakistan, it causes almost 53,000 children to die every year. Against this background, this study aimed to analyze the geographical variations in the socio-economic and climatic determinants of under-five diarrhoea cases in districts of Pakistan. We used Generalized Linear Regression (GLR) and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) to explore the spatial variation of diarrhoea and its associated determinants. The MGWR model with 10 independent variables outperforms the GLR model (R2 = 0.72) with an adjusted R2 of 0.86. The local accuracy of the MGWR model increases from southwest to northeast. Furthermore among ten selected regressors, significant geographic diversity was found in the determinants of diarrhoea, including altitude, temperature, fever, ARI, and sanitation practices. These insights demand the need for targeted public health interventions, such as immunization campaigns, improved sanitation, and access to clean water and nutritional supplements, poverty eradication, especially in rural and high-risk regions. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and advanced spatial modeling to evaluate the impact of strategies and inform evidence-based policies to reduce the burden of childhood diarrhoea in Pakistan.

Resource curse, energy consumption, and moderating role of digital governance: Insights from South Asian countries

This study investigates the relationships between the resource curse, energy consumption, and the moderating role of digital governance within the context of South Asian countries. By employing a robust analytical framework, the study delves into how digital governance can potentially mitigate the adverse effects of the resource curse while influencing energy consumption patterns. It employs Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) on south asian countries panel from 2003 to 2022. The findings report detrimental impact of natural resources rent on economic growth, confirming resource curse hypothesis in low and high growth countries. Digital governance has a positive and significant impact at middle and higher quantiles. The joint influence of natural resources rent, and digital governance is associated with lower economic growth. It imply that digital governance doest not decreases the negative effect of natural resources rent on economic growth. Energy consumption contributes to higher economic growth from lower to higher quantiles. The interaction of digital governance and energy consumption has significant and positive impact on higher quantiles, suggesting that digital governance enhances energy consumption efficiency. These findings suggest valuable policy suggestions.

Predicting the Transition From Depression to Suicidal Ideation Using Facebook Data Among Indian-Bangladeshi Individuals: Protocol for a Cohort Study.

Suicide stands as a global public health concern with a pronounced impact, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where it remains largely unnoticed as a significant health concern, leading to delays in diagnosis and intervention. South Asia, in particular, has seen limited development in this area of research, and applying existing models from other regions is challenging due to cost constraints and the region's distinct linguistics and behavior. Social media analysis, notably on platforms such as Facebook (Meta Platforms Inc), offers the potential for detecting major depressive disorder and aiding individuals at risk of suicidal ideation. This study primarily focuses on India and Bangladesh, both South Asian countries. It aims to construct a predictive model for suicidal ideation by incorporating unique, unexplored features along with masked content from both public and private Facebook profiles. Moreover, the research aims to fill the existing research gap by addressing the distinct challenges posed by South Asia's unique behavioral patterns, socioeconomic conditions, and linguistic nuances. Ultimately, this research strives to enhance suicide prevention efforts in the region by offering a cost-effective solution. This quantitative research study will gather data through a web-based platform. Initially, participants will be asked a few demographic questions and to complete the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire assessment. Eligible participants who provide consent will receive an email requesting them to upload a ZIP file of their Facebook data. The study will begin by determining whether Facebook is the primary application for the participants based on their active hours and Facebook use duration. Subsequently, the predictive model will incorporate a wide range of previously unexplored variables, including anonymous postings, and textual analysis features, such as captions, biographic information, group membership, preferred pages, interactions with advertisement content, and search history. The model will also analyze the use of emojis and the types of games participants engage with on Facebook. The study obtained approval from the scientific review committee on October 2, 2023, and subsequently received institutional review committee ethical clearance on December 8, 2023. Our system is anticipated to automatically detect posts related to depression by analyzing the text and use pattern of the individual with the best accuracy possible. Ultimately, our research aims to have practical utility in identifying individuals who may be at risk of depression or in need of mental health support. This initiative aims to enhance engagement in suicidal ideation medical care in South Asia to improve health outcomes. It is set to be the first study to consider predicting participants' primary social application use before analyzing their content to forecast behavior and mental states. The study holds the potential to revolutionize strategies and offer insights for scalable, accessible interventions while maintaining quality through comprehensive Facebook feature analysis. DERR1-10.2196/55511.

A scoping review of evidence on routine cervical cancer screening in South Asia: investigating factors affecting adoption and implementation.

Adopting the "Arksey and O'Malley and Levac et al." methodology, databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus were scrutinized in the pursuit of relevant studies. Subsequently, the collected data were synthesized by adopting the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) model. A total of 837 records were initially identified and screened for eligibility, including 55 studies. The successful adoption and implementation of cervical cancer screening in South Asia encounter numerous obstacles within the health system, including the absence of a comprehensive program protocol for screening, inadequate health infrastructure, and the presence of multiple sociocultural factors, such as social stigma, low levels of education, and concerns related to modesty. To optimize adoption and implementation, it is imperative to construct a customized policy framework that incorporates a risk communication strategy tailored to the specific contexts of these nations. Drawing insights from the experiences of South Asian countries in executing cervical cancer screening programs can inform the formulation of policies for similar healthcare initiatives aimed at facilitating the expansion of HPV vaccination efforts.

India-Bangladesh Conflict: An Overview

Abstract: The India-Bangladesh conflict primarily revolves around historical, territorial and resource-related disputes that have shaped the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring South Asian countries. Emerging from the Partition of British India in 1947 and the subsequent creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), tensions escalated during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, which resulted in Bangladesh's independence with Indian military support. Key areas of conflict have included the demarcation of borders, particularly over the disputed enclaves, the maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal, and the sharing of transboundary river waters, such as the Ganges and the Teesta. While the Land Boundary Agreement of 2015 resolved several border issues, the water-sharing disputes remain unresolved, particularly concerning the Teesta River, which is critical to Bangladesh’s agriculture. Additionally, non-traditional security concerns such as illegal migration, cross-border insurgencies, and trafficking continue to challenge bilateral relations. Nevertheless, India and Bangladesh have strengthened their cooperation in recent years, particularly in trade, energy and regional security, while both countries seek to balance their national interests within a framework of diplomacy and economic interdependence. This overview highlights that while conflict persists in certain areas, India and Bangladesh have made significant strides in resolving disputes and fostering collaboration, although challenges remain in ensuring equitable resource distribution and addressing mutual security concerns.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attributable to air pollution in the South Asian countries: global burden of disease study 1990 - 2019.

This study investigates the burden of COPD attributable to air pollution in South Asia using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study from 1990 to 2019. Method Data for this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The burden was measured in terms of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and Years of life lost (YLLs). Results Since 1990, several countries in South Asia registered substantial declines in mortality rates attributed to COPD, ranging from -37.47% in Pakistan to -66.25% in Bangladesh. Similar trends were observed for DALYs and YLLs as well, which have potentially contributed to a considerable decrease in mortality rates at the regional level (-43.13%) compared to a 32.59% decline in Low SDI and 56.87% decline globally. Conclusion Despite significant declines since 1990, the burden of COPD attributable to air pollution reductions in the South Asian region's rates remains alarmingly high.

Analysis of genetic diversity and environmental associations of wild citron (Citrus medica L.) in northeast India

Citron (Citrus medica L.) is a major citrus fruit crop known for its medicinal, nutritional, and aromatic uses. Native to northeast India, Myanmar, and south China, citron is cultivated mostly in the Mediterranean and South Asian countries. The truly wild populations of citron are found in the hills and valleys of northeast India. The extent of genetic diversity in wild citron in relation to environmental variables has not been documented. In the present study, we analyzed genetic diversity and environmental association of wild populations of C. medica in northeast India using 15 polymorphic nuclear SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers and 21 environmental variables. SSR profiling revealed a moderate genetic diversity (Ho = 0.40; He = 0.41; I = 0.70). Neighbor-joining (NJ) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) grouped 16 natural populations into two genetic clusters. Bayesian structure results showed two genetic populations with a high admixture of individuals. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed low genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.14; P < 0.001), indicative of high gene flow (Nm = 1.53) in citron. The isolation by distance (IBD) analysis showed a weak correlation, indicating that geographic distance was not a determining factor for genetic distance in C. medica populations. The higher metrics of outcrossing rate (tm > 0.9) revealed outbreeding nature of the species. The genetic diversity of citron showed a positive correlation with precipitation of driest month and precipitation of coldest quarter, but negative with mean diurnal range and isothermality. Overall, the results of the present study could benefit the conservation and management of citron resources and their natural habitat in northeast India. Genetically highly diverse populations identified in the present study can be used for conservation and utilization of citron genetic resources.

Impact of compound warm and wet events on dengue fever infection in South and Southeast Asian countries

BackgroundMultiple studies have reported the profound influence of various climate factors on dengue fever infection, while the effects of joint exposure to warm and wet environment, a condition favouring dengue vectors, on disease transmission were less evaluated. This study aims to investigate the impact of various compound temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity exposures on dengue fever infection in the South and Southeast Asia regions. MethodsWeekly dengue fever surveillance data from 2012 to 2020 were collected from 48 locations in four countries named Singapore (1 location), Sri Lanka (15 locations), Malaysia (9 locations), and Thailand (23 locations, with 11 locations having different study periods). The distributed lag non-linear models were built to assess the impacts of compound temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity exposures on dengue fever infection risks. ResultsA total of 1,359,993 dengue fever cases were reported with 9.33%, 24.02%, 48.73%, and 17.91% cases contributed by Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand, respectively. Compared to non-warm-non-wet, compound warm-wet was associated with an increased dengue risk (RR:1.32, 95% CI:1.21–1.44). Compared to moderate temperature-humidity, warm-wet environment was also associated with an increase in dengue risk (RR:1.37, 95% CI:1.22–1.55). In comparison to weeks with moderate temperature-rainfall, warm-wet weeks was linked to an elevated dengue risk (RR:1.39, 95% CI:1.27–1.52), whereas cold-dry weather would significantly reduce the infection risk (RR:0.70, 95% CI:0.62–0.80). Modification effects showed that the hot effect on dengue infection was more pronounced under higher humidity, while the impact of rainfall increased with warmer temperature. ConclusionWarm-wet events were associated with an increased dengue fever risk, while the infection risk would decline in cold-dry environment, and modification effects exist among exposures. Findings from this study highlight the importance of considering joint temperature, humidity, and rainfall dependency of dengue fever infection in disease prevention and control.