Kumaun Region Research Articles

Physiological Maturity Studies of Myrica Esculenta in Kumaun Himalaya Uttarakhand

Myrica esculenta, Buch-Ham. Ex. D. Don is frequent under-canopy species in the Himalayan woods of Pinus roxburghii and Quercus leucotrichophora. The species is well-known in the Kumaun region for its edible fruit and various by-products, it has arisen as potential income-generating plant. M. esculenta regrowth is poor in natural settings, owing to high anthropogenic pressure. The maturation process aids in determining the best time to harvest when seeds are in better physiological condition for germination. For each collection date in the laboratory, physical characteristics, seed size and weight, and germination were measured in a dual chamber seed germinator. The tree density of M. esculenta ranged between 50 and 180 ind ha-1. The mean fruit size between first and last collection varied from 63.43 and 98.73 mm2 while the weight of 100 seeds between first and final collection varied from 8.55 to 15.67 g across the collection. The highest germination was observed 61.3% when the moisture content of seeds was 32.1%.

Predicting the effects of climate change on prospective Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) dispersal in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand using machine learning algorithms

Predicting the effects of climate change on prospective Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) dispersal in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand using machine learning algorithms

Diversity of butterfly pollinators in agroecosystems of Kumaun region

This study examined the diversity, abundance and evenness of butterfly pollinators in Kumaun region, Uttarakhand from March 2019 to February 2020. A total of 394 butterflies, representing 40 species and five families were collected. Nymphalidae was the most dominant family with 19 species, followed by Pieridae (9 species), Lycaenidae (9 species), Papilionidae (2 species), and Hesperiidae (1 species), respectively. Pieris canidia indica (Evans) was the most abundant species, constituting 38.3% of the total individuals. Shannon-Wiener diversity index was observed to be maximum in Site-1 (H’=1.37) than in Site-2 (H’=1.12). Similarly, evenness was maximum in Site-1 (E=0.457), than in Site-2 (E=0.333). In addition, significant pollinator species in crops have been identified in agroecosystems.

Seasonal variation in the essential oil composition and biological activities of Thymus linearis Benth. Collected from the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, India

This research assessed the seasonal variation in the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils extracted from Thymus linearis Benth. in rainy season and winter season. The essential oil highest yield was recorded in the rainy season. The oils were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Thymol was the marker component in both oils with varying compositions, i.e., 31.9% in rainy season oil and 35.7% in winter season oil. While assessing the biological activities, the antioxidant activity of the oils was investigated in vitro using three assays: DPPH radical scavenging activity, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity. The highest antioxidant capacity was observed in oil extracted in winter season. Winter season oil showed good inhibition of protein denaturation (IC50 = 26.55 ± 0.03 μg/mL) as compared to the rainy season oil. The oils inhibited the activity of α-amylase with IC50 of 32.27 ± 0.05 μg/mL (winter) and IC50 of 32.87 ± 0.04 μg/mL (rainy). Insect antifeedant activity performed using the leaf dip method against Spodoptera litura afforded significant results with slight variations. Essential oils were also tested against Meloidogyne incognita for nematicidal activity and inhibition of eggs hatching potential in laboratory conditions. Moreover, it was found that activity level of oils was seasonal dependent. The pharmacological activities of the major components were also predicted using the web-based software Pass.

INVESTIGATIONS ON SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF THE EARTHWORM OCTOLASION CYANEUM (SAVIGNY, 1826) (LUMBRICIDAE: ANNELIDA) IN HIGH ALTITUDE FOREST SYSTEM OF THE KUMAUN HIMALAYAS, INDIA

The study was conducted in Nainital 29°23′27.94′′ N, 79°26′53.34′′ E at 2046 m a.s.l. and describes the population dynamics of earthworm Octolasion cyaneum (Lumbricidae: Annelida) during three seasons i.e. summer (March-June), rainy (July-October) and winter (November-February) to determine the density of earthworm Octolasion cyaneum and its relationship with climatic and physico-chemical factors of soil. The area is inhabited by the earthworm Octolasion cyaneum which has been reported first time in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, India and is considered as the inhabitant of higher altitudes of Indian Himalayas. A mean total of 2550 earthworms from 6 field collections were collected in two consecutive study years i.e. 2015-17. The mean density of earthworm ranged between 10 m-2 to 48.25 m-2 during the study period. The study showed that the maximum density of earthworm was recorded in the upper monolith (0-15 cm) as the organic content is more abundant in upper strata. The age structure of earthworms indicated that the clitellates were more abundant than aclitellates. The mean soil pH from the forest sample was slightly acidic i.e. 6.5 and C: N has been found 11.3. A significant positive correlation has been obtained between worm density and soil temp (r<0.05) and soil C (r<0.05).

English

BACKGROUND Rabies is a viral disease producing an almost uniformly fatal encephalitis in humans and other mammals. There is no established treatment for rabies once symptoms have begun. Rabies vaccination for prevention and PET is essential in the management of the illness. The purpose of present study was to describe the clinical profile and management of dog bite patients presenting to the tertiary care hospital in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. METHODS Patients presenting to the outpatient and emergency department with the complaint of dog bite were enrolled in the study. All particulars of patients, history and examination findings were recorded in the clinical proforma after taking proper informed consent. Wounds were categorized based on WHO guide to postexposure prophylaxis. Local treatment consisted of two parts: first aid and wound management. ARV was administered in category II and III exposures in accordance to the intradermal schedule. Data was analysed for clinical information such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, dog type, site of bite, categories of contact and treatment given. RESULTS In our study of 73 patients, 36 (49.32%) were males and 37 (50.68%) were females. Majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 11-40 years in both male (n=29; 80.5%) and female (n=26; 70.3%) patients. Mean age group of patients in the study was 30.50 years. Based on modified Kuppuswamy scale, most patients belonged to the class III (n=42; 57.6%) followed by class IV (n=14; 19.2%). Dog bites from both strays and pets were almost equal. However, only 50% pet dogs were partially vaccinated and remainder were not vaccinated. Thus, mandating the use of ARV immunization. All the patients sustaining bites from street dogs were vaccinated. Majority of the bites involved the lower extremities (n=31; 42.5%) followed by upper extremities (n=26; 35.6%). Based on WHO guidelines for wound categories, most patients belonged to category II (n=36; 49.3%) followed by category III (n=31; 42.5%). CONCLUSIONS In our study, we found that majority of patients sustaining dog bites were young adults and belonged to lower middle & upper lower class. There was no difference with respect to gender and dog type. Most common sites of dog bite were upper & lower extremities and belonged to WHO category II. No cases of rabies were observed in our study. KEY WORDS Dog, Animal, Bite, Rabies, Immunization, Prophylaxis, Treatment

English

BACKGROUND Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common and usually benign finding especially in the paediatric age group. A thorough history and physical examination are necessary to establish a clinical diagnosis. This study was conducted to provide a clinical and pathological profile of cervical lymphadenopathy in the paediatric population visiting the tertiary care hospital in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. METHODS Particulars of the patients, relevant clinical history, routine blood investigation and radiological and histopathological findings were recorded in the clinical proforma after taking proper informed consent. Patients were initially given antibiotics for 1 week and observed for signs of clinical improvement of suspected infectious adenopathy. On follow-up, if there were no signs of improvement, the differential diagnosis was considered and FNAC of the cervical lymph nodes was performed. Data was analysed for clinical information such as age, sex, presenting symptoms and signs and FNAC findings. RESULTS In our study of 320 patients, 164 were males and 156 were females. Majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 11-15 years in both male (n=137; 83.5%) and female (n=140; 89.7%) patients. Most commonly involved subgroup of cervical lymph nodes was posterior group (n=267; 83.4%) followed by submandibular group (n=258; 80.6%). Most common symptom observed in the study was fever (n=242; 75.6%) followed by cough (n=194; 60.6%). Most common sign observed in the study was lymph node mobility (n=315; 98.4%) followed by tenderness (n=291; 90.9%). On follow-up, 45 patients (n=14.1%) responded to 1 week antibiotics course and showed signs of resolution. Remaining 275 patients (85.6%), were taken up for FNAC of the cervical lymph nodes. Most common FNAC finding was reactive adenitis (n=221; 80.3%). Other findings included tubercular lymphadenitis (n=21; 7.6%) and Hodgkin lymphoma (n=2; 0.7%). Out of 275 FNAC done, 31 reports (11.2%) were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS Cervical lymphadenopathy is quite common in childhood. Majority cases are usually infective in origin and usually self-limiting. Children with cervical lymphadenopathy not showing any improvement on initial antibiotic therapy should be evaluated for other causes. KEY WORDS Cervical, Lymphadenopathy, Paediatric, Lymph Node.

Population of House Sparrow Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Three Different Habitats of the Tarai Arc in Kumaun Region, Uttarakhand, India

The present study was carried out to determine the population of House Sparrow in three different habitats of the tarai arc in Kumaun region, Uttarakhand for a period of one year. The monthly field visits were carried out from August 2018 to July 2019 at different locations of three habitats viz. agricultural area, urban area and forest area. The findings of the present survey revealed that the agricultural areas enjoy highest number of individuals and relative abundance (525, 56.21%) followed by urban area (316, 33.83%) and least in forest area (93, 9.95%), respectively. In terms of seasonal variations, the maximum individuals were observed during winter season (November to February, 63%) followed by summer season (March to June, 29%) and lowest in rainy season (July to October, 8%). The study also indicated a significant difference between the numbers of House Sparrow observed among the three different habitats. While comparing the number of House Sparrow during the investigation in three habitats it was observed that number of species were less in forest habitat whereas the highest numbers were recorded in and around agricultural areas which could be due to availability of reasonable nesting sites in traditional dwellings of farmers and availability of food.

Blood Group Typing of Students from Various Social Groups of Kumaun Region, Uttarakhand, India

Introduction: Blood group information is an integral part of clinical diagnosis using various haematological techniques to understand haematological disorders. Simultaneously, it is mandatory to have clear information on blood groups in case of blood transfusion and related matters. It is important to have complete history of the patients and the subjects including establishment and maintenance of blood banks. Aim: The aim was to study the clinical and physiological manifestations of blood group typing in social groups. Materials and Methods: The present observational study was carried out in four districts (Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar) of Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, India from March 2018 to March 2019 to record the blood group of students from randomly selected schools and colleges. The collected numerical data was statistically analysed in the form of bar diagram by using Microsoft Excel software. Results: The present survey was carried out during the year 2018 in the colleges, covering 1073 students to understand the blood groups. During the investigation, the majority of students exhibited B+ (242) followed by O+ (237), A+ (208), AB+ (121), O- (15), B- (9), A- (8) and AB- (7) respectively. There were 226 students who refused to give blood sample for blood group typing due to fear and other unexplained reasons. O+ (237) and B+ (242) blood groups were observed as most common blood groups and ABblood group was found only in seven students. Conclusion: The present study yielded information basically on blood group pattern across the population and it can be used by blood donation blood bank societies for collection of blood from various groups.

Variation in Tree Layer Composition Across Mid and Higher Elevation Forest Sites in Kumaun Himalayan Region, Uttarakhand

The Himalayan forests are rich in biodiversity and distributed over a large extent from lower to higher elevations. The dependence of the locals for their daily requirements of fuel, fodder and medicinal plants is high on these forests. The study was conducted at altitude varied between 1725 and 3250 masl (above sea level) in Kumaun region. The study deals with the comparison of tree layer vegetation in higher elevation sites (HES) and mid elevation sites (MES) with reference to Diversity, Richness, Basal area (BA), Dominance and Important Value Index. The MES were dominated by mixed Quercus leucotrichophora and Pinus roxburghii forests where as HES sites were dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia and Aesculus indica forests and Rhododendron campanulatum in the understory. Across all the sites the tree species richness ranged between 9 and 15. Tree density was maximum (1400 trees/ha) at MES. Tree diversity and total basal area were maximum at HES. The study will be useful in developing baseline data for carrying out future studies. The data generated will be helpful for the conservation of biodiversity of the region.

Status of Anemia and Haemoglobinopathies in Kumaun Region, Uttarakhand, India

Status of Anemia and Haemoglobinopathies in Kumaun Region, Uttarakhand, India

A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Potential and Phytochemical Contents of different Extracts of Wild Nasturtium Officinale W T Aiton Collected from Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand

Nasturtium officinale W. T Aiton or “watercress” (Brassicaceae) is a nutritionally valuable plant that is the richest source of carotenoids, polyphenols, iron, calcium, iodine, folic acid, essential vitamins and minerals. It is traditionally used for their appetiser, anti-scorbutic, stimulant, diuretic and detoxifying properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential, phytochemical contents (total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents) as well as a preliminary phytochemical screening of different extract of aerial parts of Nasturtium officinale collected from the Kumaun region. The different extracts showed significant antioxidant activity as well as total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of several phytochemical constituents such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, glycosides, alkaloids and others. The hydroalcoholic extract possess significantly (P<0.05) higher antioxidant potential with IC50 value (0.333 mg/ml, 0.509mg/ml)and EC50 value (3.537 mg/ml) by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, respectively, as well as highest total tannin, flavonoid and phenolic contents among all the extracts. These results provide substantial evidence that the plant Nasturtium officinalehas antioxidant potential and valuable sources of phytochemicals.

Spatial prediction of plant species richness and density in high-altitude forests of Indian west Himalaya

The spatial distributions of plant species are results of variable environmental gradients, including climatic and edaphic factors, biotic factors, different eco-physiological processes, species-specific characteristics, and resource requirements, thus producing spatial heterogeneity. The species distribution and their rate of change across elevational gradients in nineteen forest communities were studied using the quadrat method and statistical modeling tools. Pindari-Sunderdhunga-Kafni (PSK) area of the Kumaun region and the Lata-Tolma-Phagti (LTP) area in the Garhwal region in the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve were selected as the extensive study sites. A total of 4278 individual trees belonging to 42 families in the PSK site and 6436 individual trees belonging to 25 families in the LTP site were recorded across elevational gradients between 2050 to 3800 m a.s.l. Because of the narrow elevational range and complexity in the field-based data structure, Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was used to predict the rate of change of species richness and species density. The results showed a significant decrease in density at a rate of 319–355 ind ha-1 per 100 m elevation in the Pindari-Sunderdhunga-Kafni site (P < 0.01) while increasing patterns (53–56 ind ha-1 per 100 m elevation) in the Lata-Tolma-Phagti site (p < 0.01) was recorded. The decreasing trend for species richness was observed in Lata-Tolma-Phagti site significantly (p< 0.02) across elevation. This study, for the first time in the Indian Himalayan region, underlines the rate of change in species richness (per 1000 m elevation) and density (per 100 m elevation) across elevational gradients. The overall vegetation response may perhaps be considered as an influence of boundary constraint associated with different environmental factors; however, more datasets of vegetation dynamics and responses are required to further strengthen this premise.

A STUDY ON SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PATIENTS OF INTESTINA OBSTRUCTION IN DR. SUSHEELA TIWARI GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, HALDWANI

Background/Aim: This study was aimed to provide a sociodemographic prole of intestinal obstruction in a tertiary care hospital in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients admitted in our hospital with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction between the years 2019 and 2020 at Dr. Susheela Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The study comprised of 250 patients. Results: The commonest age group affected was 18-30 years. In our patients, the main cause of obstruction was adhesions followed by abdominal tuberculosis with MALIGNANCY coming third. Conservative management was advocated in 72 patients while the rest underwent surgery. Conclusion: Adhesion was the main etiology in Intestinal Obstruction. The odds of malignant bowel obstruction are increasing in the proportion of Intestinal Obstruction. There were some differences towards the etiologic spectrum compared with western countries.

Issues, Challenges and Scope for Tourism Development in Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand

Tourism industry in the modern era is emerging one of the largest service-sector industry which is contributing in many ways towards economies through generating national income as well as by creating job opportunities especially for local population and thus become an avenue of socio-economic development and cultural exchange. Travel and Tourism is not only an activity for leisure and entertainment but it is also enriching and energizing activity. Uttarakhandone of the most beautiful state in the northern belt known as ‚Devbhoomi‛ or ‘Abode of Gods’ is a site of temples and pilgrimage, endowed with salubrious climate, exotic greenery, rich flora besides its rich culture. ‚Kumaon‛one of the two region of the state Uttarakhandattracts large numbers of tourists and is becoming as one of the preferred choice of visit among travellers. Beside all this the tourism industry in the Kumaunregion is facing some issues and challenges which need to be considered to capitalize the potential of tourism in the Kumaun region. The present study tries to examine the Challenges and scope of tourism development in the Kumaun region of the Uttarakhand state, the nature of the research is qualitative and employs the secondary sources of data. The results of the study reveals that there are challenges for tourism development, but with certain improvements and proper planning the region can be developed as one of the best tourist destination because there is vast scope in new forms of tourism and which can be capitalized with proper and efficient planning and execution

MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF BAUR CATCHMENT IN LESSER HIMALAYA: USING GEO-SPATIALTECHNIQUES

The current assessment is an undertaking to evaluateand compare variousmorphometric parameters of the Baur catchment. Morphometric analysis of the river basin provides a quantitative description of the drainage system, which is an important aspect of the categorization of the basin (Strahler, 1964).The Baur catchment is located in the outer part of the Lesser Himalaya in the Kumaun region, which is a major part of Western Himalaya.The geographical area of Baur Catchment is 106.233Km2.Morphometric analysis of Baur Catchment includes linear, areal, and relief aspects.The calculation of the morphometric parameter, along with map preparation, was performed with the help of GIS techniques and ancillary material.Most of the area of Baur Catchment is occupied by Siwalik Group (sandstone and clay intercalation with pseudo-conglomerate) of rocks.The entire Baur Catchment has found 6th order drainage, which reveals sub-dendritic to a dendritic type of drainage pattern. It is observed that the drainage density of the Baur Catchment is 3.525 km/halfkm2.

Assessing species abundance and habitat preferences in a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, western Himalaya

Present study is an attempt to understand the plant species abundance and habitat preferences using multivariate method in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), in western Himalaya. Soil, altitude, slope and differences are reported to be the most important parameters shaping the plant community in the mountains. Two representative areas i.e., Pindari–Sunderdhunga–Kafni site (PSK) of Kumaun region and Lata–Tolma–Phagti site (LTP) of Garhwal region with nineteen forest communities in buffer zone of NDBR have been investigated. All the forest communities were analyzed for assessing community composition and species density in relation to environmental variables. Out of 451 plant species recorded from the study sites, there was a dominance of herbs (70.5%) followed by shrubs (17.7%) and trees (11.8%). Maximum tree density in PSK and LTP sites was recorded in Betula utilis (535 ind ha−1) and mixed T. wallichiana–A. pindrow (1211 ind ha−1) communities respectively. The disturbed habitats in low to mid elevation areas are represented by low canopy cover and high seedling density in PSK site and high non-native species density in LTP site. Both the study sites are dominated by Betula utilis, Taxus wallichiana, Abies pindrow in high elevation areas securing high density of native and endemic species. Habitat preferences of different important species indicate their range of distribution and choice of association with other species.

Potential seismogenic asperities in the Garhwal–Kumaun region, NW Himalaya: seismotectonic implications

The Garhwal–Kumaun region (29°–31.5°N; 77°–81°E) in NW Himalaya lies in the Central Seismic Gap where the accumulated strain energy is sufficient for a future great earthquake. A broadband seismic network is continuously monitoring the seismic activity in this region and recorded a total of 3634 well located seismic events justified within the acceptable error bars (ERZ, ERH < 5.0) from 2007 to 2018 with hypocentral distances ranging from 0 to 350 km. In the present work, frequency-magnitude distribution (b-value) and fractal dimension (Dc-value) are investigated along (NW–SE) and across (SW–NE) the strike of Garhwal–Kumaun Himalaya. The study area has been divided into three different seismogenic asperities. Our results revealed that the proximity of Rudraprayag–Chamoli region exhibits significant low b-value (0.702 ± 0.03) and Dc-value (1.38 ± 0.03) and indicates high stress accumulation. The region has witnessed 1999 Chamoli earthquake Mb 6.3 and 2017 Rudraprayag earthquake M 5.7. A detailed study of b-value and Dc-value variation as a function of depth is also examined. The composite trend in abrupt escalation of b-value is observed at depth ≈ 12 km for Garhwal region and ≈ 7 km for Kumaun region. A well demarcation of crustal heterogeneity, high stress regime and associated seismogenic asperity is plotted. The low b-value and Dc-value depth ranges are coinciding with mid-crustal ramp and exhibiting a potential zone (12–15 km) for future great earthquake in the Garhwal region.

Fosfomycin Sensitivity Pattern among Uropathogens Isolated from Patients Visiting Day Care Facility of Sushila Tiwari Hospital in Kumaun Region, Uttarakhand, India

Introduction: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections responsible for antibiotic resistance. There are limited antibiotics options for treating the cases due to Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria. Fosfomycin is being used for treating UTIs and has shown promising results even against MDR pathogens. Aim: To determine the fosfomycin sensitivity pattern along with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against uropathogens by agar dilution method. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India, between August 2017 to September 2019. Clean catch, mid stream urine samples were inoculated on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar and incubated. The significant growths of pathogenic bacteria were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. Fosfomycin (200 μg) disc was used in Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion testing. Fosfomycin trometamol MIC was determined by agar dilution method as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The data collected in the study were analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 20.0. Results: Significant growth of pathogenic bacteria was observed in 365 out of total 2725 urine samples. E.coli (72.32%) was the leading isolate followed by Enterococcusspecies (10.41%). Fosfomycin was recorded as the most active antibiotic against all the bacterial pathogen with 85-100% susceptibility except Proteus species (40%) in disc diffusion method. The MIC of fosfomycin was recorded between 4-64 against most of the isolates by agar dilution method. Conclusion: Fosfomycin is the most active antibiotic against all the uropathogens in the study setup and can be included in empirical treatment of day care patients along with nitrofurantoin.

Socio-cultural festivals of Kumaun Region in Uttarakhand and dishes prepared there in: A Study

Uttarakhand state in India has two regions the Kumaun and Garhwal. The Kumaun region , full of natural beauty and wealth , has a unique identity. Here the ethics, living habits, food habits, dress, customs, religious beliefs. Songs dances etc., all have its own colour. The existence of Kumaun dates back to vaidic period. In Skand Puran, The Manas khand is stated which is basically the Kumaun region. There are so many temples and holy pilgrimage in this region. Here the socio cultural based festivals are celebrated and special dishes prepared in them. This culture is still preserved and maintained. In this communication an attempt has been made to describe all these in brief.