South India Research Articles

Nōṭṭusvara: A Pedagogical Tool

Nōṭṭusvara are a novel compositional form in Carnatic classical music that emerged in the colonial period in south India, where vernacular lyrics were set to the popular Celtic/Baroque melodies. Muttuswāmi Dīkṣitar is attributed for the creation of the genre of Nōṭṭusvara. The present study questions the very intent of the conception of these specific compositions by Dīkṣitar, and explores beyond the conventional idea of him composing these pieces due to his exposure to the band music in Madras. Citing personal interviews, indepth archival findings and referencing existing literature, the author provides corroborative evidence to suggest that the objective behind the creation of Nōṭṭusvara perhaps was to aid his brother Bāluswāmi Dīkṣitar, the basics of playing the violin. Once the basics were learnt, the brother could replicate complex Carnatic compositions on the violin. This article explores the possibility that Nōṭṭusvara compositions were a pedagogical tool used for the facilitation of the violin in the Carnatic music milieu.

Evaluating Breast Cancer Awareness and Self-Examination Practices Among Women in Low Socio-Economic Areas of South India

Evaluating Breast Cancer Awareness and Self-Examination Practices Among Women in Low Socio-Economic Areas of South India

Clinical relevance of Thiopurine methyl transferase genotype testing for azathioprine in dermatology.

Polymorphisms in thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) are a predominant cause of azathiopurine-induced leukopenia in the Western countries. The exact role of these polymorphisms in Indian population with dermatological disorders is uncertain. We included consecutive patients on Azathioprine who were initiated for dermatological disorders from south India. Three TPMT polymorphisms (c.238 G > C, c.460 G > A, and c.719A > G) were assessed. A comparison of the proportion of adverse events to azathioprine, especially myelosuppression, was performed between those with wild-type genotype and those with TPMT polymorphisms. Of the 123 patients (61 males, mean age 46 years), 65% had autoimmune blistering disorder. Adverse event to azathioprine was noted in 25 (20.3%), of which 16 (13%) had myelosuppression, four (3.2%) each had hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal intolerance. TPMT polymorphisms were detected amongst 13 (10.7%), of which five had experienced adverse events. The polymorphisms could explain 25% (4 out of 16) of the cases of leucopenia. The odds of developing leukopenia in TPMT polymorphism was not significant (3.63, 95% CI 0.96-13.60, p=0.055). The tested TPMT polymorphisms could not predict the adverse events, particularly the haematological toxicity of azathioprine in dermatological use among the south Indian population.

Risk of Substance Use Among LGBTQI+ Community Affected by Lifetime and Day-to-day Discrimination – Results from a Cross-sectional Study Performed in South India

Abstract Background: Stressors from discrimination (lifetime and day-to-day) can be precipitated as mental health problems particularly substance use among marginalized subjects including LGBTQI+ community. The study assessed substance use among LGBTQI+ adults and its association with lifetime and day-to-day discrimination. Materials and Methods: The study was performed as a cross-sectional design among 254 LGBTQI+ adults above the age of 18 years where substance use was measured using WHO – ASSIST V.3 questionnaire and discrimination was evaluated using a lifetime and day-to-day assessing questionnaire. The analysis of risk of substance use amid discrimination was measured using logistic regression. Results: Among the subjects 64.2% were Gay men with a mean (SD) age of 30.67 (6.05) years. In lifetime discrimination, experience of discrimination was found to be always present during the enquiries for any housing among 11 (4.3%) while in day-to-day discrimination, the experience was always present in public places among 11 (4.3%) and public transport 13 (5.1%). In substance use risk score, 169 (66.5%) subjects showed a moderate risk for using any alcohol beverages and 135 (53.1%) showed a moderate risk in using any tobacco related products. The analysis showed a significant positive association between the discrimination and substance use (alcohol and tobacco related) among LGBTQI+ adults. Conclusion: The increased proportion of substance use among the LGBTQI+ community is linked with the discrimination suffered by the individuals, which is to be addressed by society in a deeper and specific manner.

Risk Assessment of Global Animal Melioidosis Under Current and Future Climate Scenarios

Melioidosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is a serious public health and safety risk. In order to explore the global animal melioidosis risk distribution and its dynamic response to future climate scenarios, we collected global data about reported animal incidence sites. Data regarding the density of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the environment were created by collecting and sorting information about the Burkholderia pseudomallei occurrence sites in contaminated air, soil, and water. Combined with bioclimatic variables, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) niche was modeled for global animal melioidosis. The findings indicate that under current bioclimatic conditions, global animal melioidosis risk regions are concentrated between 30° S and 30° N, with high-risk areas being mainly in Central America, the northern part of South America, and eastern and southern India, among others. Most countries will expand their risk regions under future climatic scenarios. Melioidosis risk expanding towards higher northern latitudes has led to new epidemic areas. In addition, the melioidosis risk area will contract in some areas. Therefore, we have provided a basis for global melioidosis surveillance and propose feasible strategies for prevention and control in high-risk regions, which will help countries to carry out targeted surveillance and prevention to reduce risks and losses.

Compliance to Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Ban in Four Regions of a Southern Indian State – A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Tobacco advertising and promotion influences youth smoking initiation and regular use. India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, bans tobacco advertising and promotion but allows Point of Sale (PoS) advertisements under specific conditions. This study aimed to assess compliance with the ban on tobacco advertising at the PoS in the Karnataka state of Southern India. A cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in 529 PoS across Karnataka’s four administrative regions between January to March 2020 using a checklist. The research assistants visited shops selling tobacco products, observed each store during business hours for 10 minutes, and completed the checklist. Proportions and percentages were calculated for each domain of the checklist. The study showed that 127 (24%) shops out of 529 had direct PoS advertisements. Among the total violations, product showcases (94.5%), Stickers (76%), and Posters (75.6%) were prominently used for the promotion of tobacco products. Advertisements were seen more commonly in petty shops (92%) and urban areas (59.8%). Product displays, stickers, and posters were used most often to violate advertising laws. Compliance should be improved in urban and petty shops, to decrease tobacco product exposure and accessibility.

CAMELS-IND: hydrometeorological time series and catchment attributes for 228 catchments in Peninsular India

Abstract. We introduce CAMELS-IND (Catchment Attributes and MEteorology for Large-sample Studies – India), a dataset containing hydrometeorological time series and catchment attributes for 472 catchments in Peninsular India, of which 228 catchments have observed streamflow data available for over 30 % of the period between 1980 to 2020. Peninsular India covers 15 interstate river basins defined by the Central Water Commission (CWC), where river flow and water level datasets are available for several gauge stations through the open-source India Water Resources Information System (India-WRIS). However, many of these gauge stations lack reliable metadata, and data are not in an analysis-ready format for large-sample hydrological studies. Therefore, we utilized 472 gauge stations and their catchment boundaries, characterized as stations with reliable metadata, from the Geospatial dataset for hydrologic analyses in India (GHI) (Goteti, 2023). For each of these catchments, CAMELS-IND provides a catchment mean time series of meteorological forcings for 41 years (1980–2020) and 211 catchment attributes representing hydroclimatic and land cover characteristics extracted from multiple data sources (including ground-based observations, remote sensing-based products, and reanalyses datasets). CAMELS-IND follows the same standards of the previously developed CAMELS datasets for the USA, Chile, Brazil, Great Britain, Australia, Switzerland, and Germany to facilitate comparisons with catchments of those countries and inclusion in global hydrological studies. Notably, CAMELS-IND includes available observed streamflow and catchment mean time series of 19 meteorological forcings, including precipitation, maximum, minimum, average temperature, long-wave and short-wave radiation flux, U and V components of wind, relative humidity, evaporation rates from canopy and soil surface, actual and potential evapotranspiration, and soil moisture of four layers (covering depth up to 3 m below ground) for detailed hydrometeorological studies. We also derived catchment attributes representing human influences, including the number of dams and their utilization, total volume contents of dams in catchments, population density, and increases in urban and agricultural land covers to facilitate studies to understand human influences on catchment hydrology. Furthermore, the dataset includes predicted streamflow time series from a regionally trained long short-term memory (LSTM)-based hydrological model for all 472 catchments which can fill gaps in observed streamflow data or serve as a benchmark for testing and developing new hydrological models. We envision that CAMELS-IND will provide a strong foundation for a community-led effort toward gaining new hydrological insights from hydrologically distinct Indian catchments and solving pertinent issues related to water management, quantification and risk assessment of hydrologic extremes, unraveling regional-scale hydrologic functioning, and climate change impact assessment of catchments across India. The CAMELS-IND dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14005378 (Mangukiya et al., 2024).

Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study

BackgroundAgriculture, one of the most hazardous occupations globally, accounts for a significant proportion of work-related injuries, particularly in developing countries like India. However, lack of awareness and possibly low education levels make farmers in the unorganized sector vulnerable to eye injuries. This study aimed to identify the barriers to and facilitators of protective eyewear among farmers.MethodsA multicentric study was conducted to assess occupational ocular hazards and preventive strategies among farmers in southern India. The facilitating factors and barriers to spectacles or protective eyewear among the study population were explored using a snapshot qualitative study conducted from two centres in Tamil Nadu and one in Karnataka. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the facilitators of and barriers to protective eyewear among farmers.ResultsFive focus group discussions were conducted with 31 farmers (mean age 55.8 ± 9.2 years) from three centers. Six themes were identified: occupational hazards while farming, practice patterns for managing occupational hazards, uses of protective eyewear while farming, benefits and challenges of protective eyewear, perceptions about protective eyewear and suggestions for improvement. Eye injuries from dust, branches, and chemicals were common, and farmers relied on home remedies for minor issues. Protective eyewear was appreciated for preventing injuries and improving safety but faced challenges such as discomfort, poor fit, and aesthetic concerns, particularly among women.ConclusionsAlthough there is awareness regarding the need for protective eyewear, it is often not used due to discomfort during work or concerns about possible breakage of the spectacles. It is imperative for primary eye care professionals to raise awareness regarding the importance of ocular protection in the workplace.

The first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the common Baya weaverbird (Ploceus philippinus) from southern India

The common Baya weaverbird, Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus, 1766), is best known for its nest construction behaviour. Yet, no genomic studies have been conducted on this species to date. We sequenced the mitochondrial genome of P. philippinus sampled from southern India. The circular mitochondrial genome of 16,867 bp contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, two ribosomal RNAs (12S and 16S subunits), and a non-coding control region. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree analysis placed P. philippinus and P. nigricollis weaverbirds in a separate clade among other bird species. The mitochondrial genome sequence would benefit future genetic studies in weaverbirds.

A Novel Genotype of Orientia tsutsugamushi in Human Cases of Scrub Typhus from Southeastern India

Scrub typhus is a mite-borne, re-emerging public health problem in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, South India. More than 40 serotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi have been documented worldwide. However, the information on the circulation of its molecular sub-types in India is scanty. A retrospective study was conducted among serologically confirmed cases of scrub typhus. DNA isolated from blood was screened by a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the GroEL and the 56 kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) genes. Out of 59 samples, 14 partial fragments of GroEL and the twelve 56 kDa genes were PCR-amplified and DNA-sequenced. The neighbor-joining (NJ) analysis indicated three distinct phylogenetic clades, including a novel genotype designated as Ot-Thanjavur-Tamil Nadu (Ot-TJTN, 9 nos. 64.3%); Karp-like (4 nos. 28.6%); and Kuroki-Gilliam type (1 no. 7.1%). Also, phylogenetic analysis of twelve 56 kDa variable domains (VDΙ-ΙΙΙ) of TSA gene sequences revealed a distinctive new genotypic cluster of eight samples (66.6%), and the remaining four (33.4%) were Karp-like genotypes. The Simplot analysis for the similarity and event of recombination testing elucidated the existence of the new genotype of the Ot-TJTN cluster, which was undescribed so far, in the Kato and TA716 lineages. The significant findings recommend further studies to understand the ongoing transmission dynamics of different O. tsutsugamushi strains in vector mites, rodent hosts, and humans in this region.

Potentially inappropriate medications in geriatric patients attending a tertiary care hospital in South India: an observational cross-sectional study

Potentially inappropriate medications in geriatric patients attending a tertiary care hospital in South India: an observational cross-sectional study

Integrated Evaluation Approach for Land Sustainable Management and Carrying Capacity of Clustered Mining Area in the Cement City of South India

ABSTRACTIn today's global context, sustainability is a crucial factor for both emerging and established industries, including mining. The sector significantly affects social, economic, and environmental dimensions, creating job opportunities that can boost regional income while also contributing to adverse environmental consequences such as air and water pollution, land degradation, and soil contamination. This study employs dynamic modelling and evaluation techniques to examine the interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors, focusing on the sustainability of mining in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. The findings indicate that Ariyalur district has achieved a nearly optimal state of sustainability, with the sustainable development index rising from 0.880 in 2016–0.921 by 2030. The sustainable development index intends to provide a holistic view on the social, economic, and environmental status of the region. This increase underscores the potential for enhanced carrying capacity in the region, allowing for future mineral production without compromising sustainability. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. The proposed model serves as a framework for evaluating sustainability across various industries, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches in resource management.

Linkage between Southeast and South Asian summer monsoons: Relative roles of the Pacific-Japan pattern and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation

Abstract The various regional summer monsoons over Asia have been known to be highly interactive, but their interrelationships are still under debate. The current study investigates the linkage between the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) and the Southeast Asian summer monsoon (SEASM) and the involved physical mechanisms. A robust positive correlation is found between the first Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) modes of SASM and SEASM precipitations. However, asymmetric features emerge between the mutually-enhanced (ME) and mutually-weakened (MW) SEASM-SASM cases. Apparent Pacific-Japan (PJ) pattern occurs in the ME SEASM-SASM cases under a relatively weak sea surface temperature (SST) background, causing a southwest-northeast precipitation dipole with a positive center over the northern Bay of Bengal and a negative center over the eastern Arabian Sea and southern India induced by westerly anomalies with anticyclonic curvature associated with the anomalous heating over the tropical western North Pacific and cooling over the Maritime Continent. While in the MW SEASM-SASM cases, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation related SST anomalies (i.e. a transition from the equatorial eastern Pacific warming in winter to cooling in summer) are substantial, which cause simultaneous weakening of the first modes of SEASM and SASM through anomalous western North Pacific anticyclone induced by the Pacific SST anomalies and the capacitor effects of other tropical oceans. In addition, intensified diabatic heating over the Maritime Continent driven by the anomalous zonal circulation related to the eastern Pacific cooling can enhance the precipitation over the eastern Arabian Sea and southern India via the westward-propagating Rossby wave.

Serial intrapartum ultrasound to predict vaginal delivery using angle of progression and head- progression distance in term nulliparous women.

Over the past decade, intrapartum ultrasound (ITU) has been in the global limelight for labour monitoring. The use of the same in clinical settings of low- and middle-income countries (LMIC's) however, is limited. Till date, angle of progression (AOP) stands as the most studied parameter. Very few studies, most from developed countries, have shown that other ITU measurements could also hold relevance to labour and delivery. In recent times, serial ITU has also garnered some attention and could possibly be a better predictor of labour outcome. This study aimed to compare the predictive accuracies of AOP and head PD for vaginal delivery and to investigate whether the rate of change of serially measured AOP and head PD in the first stage is predictive of vaginal delivery. A prospective observational study was conducted on 90 nulliparous women between April 2023 and July 2024 at a tertiary teaching hospital in South India. Participants had singleton pregnancies in cephalic presentation between 37-40weeks with regular contractions, and cervical dilation≥3 cm. Exclusion criteria included prior LSCS and abnormal cardiotocography. Intrapartum ultrasound was performed twice, once at recruitment and 3-5h apart, to measure AOP and PD. Statistical analysis included ROC curve plotting for diagnostic accuracy of AOP and PD in predicting vaginal delivery. Of the 90 participants, 71 (78.9%) delivered vaginally and 19 (21.1%) had caesarean sections. AOP≥120° and PD≥2.7cm at≥6 cm cervical dilation showed a strong correlation with vaginal delivery, with sensitivity and specificity of 70.4% and 94.7%, and 63.4% and 89.5% respectively. Change (delta) in AOP>10° had the highest diagnostic accuracy (81%), with a positive predictive value of 92.2%. ITU offers valuable insights into labour progression. AOP and PD, particularly at cervical dilation of≥6 cm, are predictive of vaginal delivery. Delta AOP serves as the most accurate predictor. Incorporating ITU into routine labour management enhances clinical decision-making, helping reduce unnecessary interventions and caesarean deliveries.

WCN25-1787 Risk factors and outcomes of arteriovenous fistula failure – a cross-sectional study from a tertiary care centre in South India

WCN25-1787 Risk factors and outcomes of arteriovenous fistula failure – a cross-sectional study from a tertiary care centre in South India

Performance evaluation of TaqMan™ Arbovirus Triplex Kit (ZIKV/DENV/CHIKV) for detection and differentiation of Dengue and Chikungunya viral RNA in serum samples of symptomatic patients

IntroductionGlobal outbreaks of mosquito-transmitted arbovirus infections, such as dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV), are increasing. Differentiating these infections is challenging due to non-specific symptoms and serology limitations. PCR-based approaches offer higher sensitivity and specificity. This study evaluated the performance of TaqMan™ Arbovirus Triplex Kit (ZIKV/DENV/CHIKV) (TaqMan™ Kit) to detect DENV and CHIKV in clinical samples from patients in south India. MethodsIn total, 280 serum samples with 90 DENV-positive, 90 CHIKV-positive, and 100 negative samples were tested with TaqMan™ Kit and CDC Trioplex Real-Time RT-PCR assay. No Zika virus was detected. The sensitivity and specificity of viral RNA detection were determined, and discordant results were resolved using comparator PCRs, dengue NS1 antigen detection, virus-specific antibody results, or previously de-identified in-house PCR results. ResultsTaqMan™ Kit showed 100% agreement with the comparator for DENV detection in 92 positive samples. Among 188 samples negative for DENV by the comparator, 30 showed positive results with the TaqMan™ kit, and 23 of those were confirmed as true positives. The resulting sensitivity and specificity for DENV detection were 100% and 95.1%, respectively. For CHIKV, 77 positive and 195 negative results were concordant. Eight samples showed discordant results, but upon resolution testing, sensitivity and specificity for CHIKV were 93.9% and 100.0%, respectively. ConclusionTaqMan™ Arbovirus Triplex Kit demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity (>93%) for detecting circulating DENV and CHIKV strains. Multiplex PCR testing can improve case detection, surveillance, and public health responses while optimizing laboratory resources for outbreak control.

Application of UAV-borne Magnetic Survey in Diamond Exploration: A Case Study over Kimberlite-Carbonatite Intrusion from Khaderpet, Eastern Dharwar Craton, South India

ABSTRACT Application of drone/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne magnetometer (MagArrow) survey in diamond exploration is presented as a case study over diamondiferous kimberlite pipe intruded with carbonatite at Khaderpet within the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF), south India. The kimberlite clan rock (KCR) of Kaderpet is expressed as a chloritised kimberlite- granite breccia that shows characteristics of an ultramafic lamprophyre. Owing to good response given by WKF kimberlites for magnetic surveys, a magnetic sensor is chosen in this investigation. Ten E-W traverses covering a total of 15- line km were conducted over an area admeasuring 1.8 sq. km in 35 minutes which may consume a week’s time in traditional ground magnetic survey. The acquired magnetic data revealed a strong magnetic ‘low’ of the order of -130nT in the reduced to the pole (RTP) image where carbonatite amidst granitoid- kimberlite breccia crops out. The magnetic ‘low’ anomaly of this survey matches with the KCR outline interpreted by earlier workers. The results of this survey have been verified with conventional ground magnetic survey which confirmed the presence of the anomaly (magnetic ‘low’) representing kimberlite granite breccia- carbonatite against a ‘high’ magnetic area represented by granitic/gneissic country rock in the surroundings. In this investigation, it is interpreted that the diamondiferous carbonatite hosted by granite chloritised kimberlite breccia is observed to extend to a depth of 7.3 to 41 m from the ground surface, which is consistent with the drilling results of previous exploration. This investigation showed that the drone-borne magnetic surveys can differentiate the anomaly/causative body within a background of country rock to locate anomalies corresponding to possible kimberlites and related rocks elsewhere in the cratonic terrains, provided other geological, geochemical and indicator mineral evidences also support.

WCN25-4569 Central Venous Stenosis, Risk Factors, and Outcome in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Single-Center Experience from South India

WCN25-4569 Central Venous Stenosis, Risk Factors, and Outcome in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Single-Center Experience from South India

WCN25-1833 Profile of acute pyelonephritis in patients admitted in a tertiary level health care from south India

WCN25-1833 Profile of acute pyelonephritis in patients admitted in a tertiary level health care from south India

WCN25-4117 A novel technique of Arteriovenous fistula creation by nephrologist and its outcomes: a prospective multicentric cohort study from South India

WCN25-4117 A novel technique of Arteriovenous fistula creation by nephrologist and its outcomes: a prospective multicentric cohort study from South India