Medak District Research Articles

Records of Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni (Blyth, 1842) (Aves: Falconiformes: Accipitiridae) in Andhra Pradesh, India

We report the sightings of the Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni from Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Medak district and Maredumili Reserve Forest, East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The sighting records from Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary confirms the presence of this species in tropical forested tracts further away from the Eastern Ghats. We provide video evidence to of species; presence from both the sites and corroborate the findings with the species’ vocalization.

Variability in linseed (Linum usitatissimum) germplasm collections from peninsular India with special reference to seed traits and fatty acid composition

Eighty-four accessions of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) collected from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, were analyzed for seed traits, oil content and fatty acid composition. Field observations on floral and other morphological traits were recorded. Variability was observed in all the agro-morphological and biochemical traits studied. DIVA-GIS software was used to assess the diversity of linseed fatty acid composition for the first time in India. The oil content of the linseed germplasm ranged between 29.4% and 42.6%. IC564681 recorded the highest oil content (42.6%), while the accession IC564591 recorded the least (29.4%). With respect to linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), IC 564631 possessed the maximum (57.1%) and IC564687 the minimum (39.5%). Linseed germplasm with high oleic acid content was identified with IC564627 recording the maximum of 32%. Based on DIVA-GIS diversity analysis for omega-3 profile and test weight of seed, it was inferred that Kohir, Jarasangham, Nayalkal, Shankarampet and Zaheerabad which are sub-units (mandals) of Medak district and Jainoor, Koutala and Bhimni mandals of Adilabad district are potential areas for collection of diverse accessions.

Comparison of syndromic diagnosis of reproductive tract infections with laboratory diagnosis among rural married women in Medak district, Andhra Pradesh

In developing countries, reproductive tract infections (RTI) commonly affect the quality of life. Many reproductive tract infections including sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancers remain asymptomatic for long periods. Syndromic case management (SCM) is the mainstay in the control of RTI/STI, especially at primary level, where laboratory diagnosis is not possible. However, lab diagnosis should be used when it is available. To assess the consistency of syndromic diagnosis with laboratory diagnosis. A total of 407 women were screened. Women were categorized according to Syndromic Diagnosis of RTI/STI based on history and clinical examination. Microbiological tests and Pap smears were done to confirm the diagnosis and compared with Syndromic Diagnosis. Microbiologically, 33.14% were positive for at least one organism. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common finding (14%). Pap smear showed 32.9% inflammatory changes and 0.25% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Sensitivity and specificity of syndromic diagnosis with laboratory findings: Vaginal discharge syndrome with microbiological tests- (Se 58.9; Sp55.1%) Lower abdominal pain syndrome with microbiological tests-(Se 14.4%; Sp76.6%) The findings of this study highlight the wide variation of syndromic and laboratory diagnosis.

Comparison of syndromic diagnosis of reproductive tract infections with laboratory diagnosis among rural married women in Medak district, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction:In developing countries, reproductive tract infections (RTI) commonly affect the quality of life. Many reproductive tract infections including sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancers remain asymptomatic for long periods. Syndromic case management (SCM) is the mainstay in the control of RTI/STI, especially at primary level, where laboratory diagnosis is not possible. However, lab diagnosis should be used when it is available.Objective:To assess the consistency of syndromic diagnosis with laboratory diagnosis.Materials and Methods:A total of 407 women were screened. Women were categorized according to Syndromic Diagnosis of RTI/STI based on history and clinical examination. Microbiological tests and Pap smears were done to confirm the diagnosis and compared with Syndromic Diagnosis.Results:Microbiologically, 33.14% were positive for at least one organism. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common finding (14%). Pap smear showed 32.9% inflammatory changes and 0.25% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Sensitivity and specificity of syndromic diagnosis with laboratory findings: Vaginal discharge syndrome with microbiological tests- (Se 58.9; Sp55.1%) Lower abdominal pain syndrome with microbiological tests-(Se 14.4%; Sp76.6%)Conclusion:The findings of this study highlight the wide variation of syndromic and laboratory diagnosis.

Prevalence of under-nutrition and its correlates among under 3 year-old children in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: Under-nutrition continues to be a major public health problem, especially among young children in India. The present study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of under-3 year-old children and factors associated with under-nutrition.Method: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in 40 Anganwadi centre villages of Medak district of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 805 children were selected for nutritional assessment in terms of under-weight, stunting and wasting using the new WHO growth standards. Wealth index was calculated using principal components analysis. A conceptual hierarchical framework was used as a basis for controlling for the explanatory factors in multivariate analysis.Results: Prevalence of under-weight, stunting and wasting was ∼39%, 30% and 22%, respectively. The risk of under-weight and stunting was 1.80- and 3.02-times higher among 12–23 months and 3.13- and 5.50-times higher among 24–36 months children as compared to children under 12 months, respectively. The risk of under-weight was 2.74- and 1.73-times higher among children belonging to the lowest and middle household wealth index, respectively.Conclusions: Under-nutrition is a significant public health problem among under 3 year-old children. The prevalence of under-nutrition was significantly higher among boys and those belonging to the lowest and middle wealth index. Thus, implementation of appropriate nutritional intervention strategies and improvement in household socio-economic condition may help in improving nutritional status.

Using information and communications technology to reduce poverty in rural India

The note focuses on experiences in rural India, showing that information and communications technology (ICT) can enhance poor people's opportunities, by improving access to markets, as well as health care. Furthermore, it can empower them by expanding their use of government services, including increased security, and widened access to micro-finance. A revision follows on the computerized milk collection centers in Gujarat which ensures fair prices for small farmers, and, on enabling auxiliary nurse midwifes' services in Andhra Pradesh, by freeing time to deliver health care to poor people. Also reviewed is the case of Gyandoot - a government-owned computer network - making government accessible to villagers in the poor, drought-prone Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, where immediate, and transparent access to local government data, and documentation is provided. A micro-finance institution in the Medak district of Andhra Pradesh, facilitates Smart Cards, that hold information on clients credit histories, lowering transaction costs, reducing errors, as well as fraud. However, designing interventions that reach the poor is successful, provided grassroots intermediation is taken into account, as well as local ownership, local languages, training, and awareness.

Geochemical patterns in soils in and around Siddipet, Medak District, Andhra Pradesh, India

This paper reports the first results of geochemical survey carried out in and around Siddipet, taking soil (topsoil 0-25cm and subsoil 70-95cm) as the sampling media. The data were obtained in a consistent way from 61 sites. The samples were analyzed for 29 elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Th, U, V, Y, Zn, Zr, Si, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Ti, and P) by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and baseline levels for these elements are presented. Results reveal that the correlation between the geochemical patterns in the soils developed on different litho-variants is not straight forward, but some general trends can be observed. Regional parent materials and pedogenesis are the primary factors influencing the concentrations of trace elements while anthropogenic activities have secondary influence.

Subaltern strategies and autonomous community building: a critical analysis of the network organization of sustainable agriculture initiatives in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract This paper examines and analyses the organization and functioning of subaltern peasant sanghams (grassroot associations of the poor) and their place-based as well as network-based strategies in building autonomous local communities that challenge the consequences of neoliberal globalization in general and the commodification of agriculture and food in particular. The major objective of the counter-hegemonic organizational strategies is to build self-protective and subsistence communities, to mend the metabolic rift between nature and society, and to re-reconstruct social fabric within communities. The question remains is whether place-based autonomous communities can sustain in an increasingly globalizing world. To better understand these political dynamics, I use Karl Polanyi's concept of ‘double movement’ and examine the making of a double movement in Indian agriculture and its socio-political and ecological implications for the Indian peasantry. I use the organizational strategies and activities of the Deccan Development Society, a prominent non-governmental organization that has been working in Medak district for more than two decades, as an illustrative case study.

Factor analysis applied to a geochemical study of soils from parts of Medak and Sangareddy areas, Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Preliminary investigations were carried out in and around Medak and Sangareddy areas to study the baseline levels of ten major (Si, Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Ti) and 14 trace elements (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn, and Zr) on 97 representative soil samples comprising of topsoil (0-25 cm) and subsoil (90-115 cm). The data was factor analyzed for geochemical associations. Because varimax factor loading values show the best results, these were used in interpretation. The derived factors are usually interpreted as associations of elements that imply a common source or behavior in regard to geogenic or anthropogenic influences. It was found that the difference between topsoil and subsoil is not only expressed by concentration differences but also by element associations. Five factors were extracted in topsoil data and account for 80% of the total data variance, while seven factors were extracted in subsoil, which account for 88% of the total variance, suggesting that metal concentration was controlled by soil composition and also that, apart from natural contributions of trace elements to the soils, human activities like agriculture and industrial growth possibly accounted for elemental inputs in soils.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in water using multivariate statistical techniques in an industrial area: A case study from Patancheru, Medak District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Application of different multivariate statistical approaches for the interpretation of data obtained during a monitoring programme of surface and groundwater in Patancheru industrial town near Hyderabad (India) is presented in this study. A number of chemical and pharmaceutical industries have been established since past three decades. Effluents from these industries are reportedly being directly discharged onto surrounding land, irrigation fields and surface water bodies forming point and non-point sources of contamination for groundwater in the study area. Thirteen parameters including trace elements (B, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Sr, Ba and Pb) have been monitored on 53 sampling points from a hydrogeochemical survey conducted in surface and groundwater. Data set thus obtained was treated using R-mode factor analysis (FA) and principal component analysis (PCA). FA identified four factors responsible for data structure explaining 75% of total variance in surface water and two factors in groundwater explaining 85%, and allowed to group selected parameters according to common features. Sr, Ba, Co, Ni and Cr were associated and controlled by mixed origin with similar contribution from anthropogenic and geogenic sources whereas Fe, Mn, As, Pb, Zn, B and Co were derived from anthropogenic activities. This study indicates the necessity and usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques for evaluation and interpretation of the data with a view to get better information about the water quality and design some remedial techniques to prevent the pollution caused by hazardous toxic elements in future.

Recent Advances on Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPerspectiveNEXTRecent Advances on Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseArumugam Kodimuthali, S. Sugin Lal Jabaris, and Manojit Pal*View Author Information New Drug Discovery, R & D Center, Matrix Laboratories Limited, Anrich Industrial Estate, Bollaram, Jinnaram Mandal, Medak District, Andhra Pradesh, 502 325, India* To whom correspondence should be addressed. Telephone: 08458-279301. Fax: 08458-279305. E-mail: [email protected]Cite this: J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 18, 5471–5489Publication Date (Web):August 8, 2008Publication History Received17 May 2008Published online8 August 2008Published inissue 25 September 2008https://doi.org/10.1021/jm800582jCopyright © 2008 American Chemical SocietyRIGHTS & PERMISSIONSArticle Views3139Altmetric-Citations138LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InReddit Read OnlinePDF (406 KB) Get e-AlertsSUBJECTS:Inhibition,Inhibitors,Peptides and proteins,Reaction products,Rodent models Get e-Alerts

Promotion of the Feeding Minds and Fighting Hunger Initiative in Selected Rural Schools in Andhra Pradesh, India

Schoolchildren are good agents of change and need to be educated and sensitized to specific issues of hunger and malnutrition through a question-and-answer process. Feeding Minds and Fighting Hunger (FMFH), a global project initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization and partner organizations, attempts to help schoolchildren learn about these issues by introducing concepts in the prevention of hunger and malnutrition to teachers, and by facilitating transfer of knowledge to the children through a set of model lessons. To test the feasibility of the FMFH approach to improve the nutrition knowledge of rural schoolchildren in three rural schools in Medak District of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Participatory workshops for teachers were conducted to facilitate knowledge transfer to the children through interactive classroom teaching and other activities. The change in knowledge and thinking of children in the seventh and eighth grades was assessed by a ques- tionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The questionnaire also assessed, in part, the status of local food security based on the sources of different food items in the households. The responses to the questionnaire suggested that the children's knowledge of nutrients and their functions was not good initially but improved after the intervention. However, their understanding of the social factors responsible for hunger and malnutrition was fairly good prior to the intervention. Improvement in responses to the question of what should be done to combat malnutrition also occurred after intervention. The community had village-level food security for rice and maize but depended partially or fully on outside sources for pulses, fruits and vegetables, and animal products. The FMFH approach can be applied in rural schools where "the poorest of the poor" children can improve their understanding of balanced diets, better nutrition, the causes of malnutrition, and approaches to combat malnutrition.

Traditional food consumption and nutritional status of Dalit mothers in rural Andhra Pradesh, South India

To describe prevalence of malnutrition and their correlates of nutrient and traditional food consumption in rural Dalit mothers. In a cross-sectional study, we used socio-cultural questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and clinical eye examinations during the rainy season in 2003. Food frequency questionnaires and 24-h recalls were conducted during both summer and rainy seasons. Dalit mothers with young children were recruited from 37 villages in the Medak District of rural Andhra Pradesh, India. Dalit mothers (n = 220) participated. The prevalence of chronic energy-deficient (CED) mothers (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2) was 58%. Illiterate women and active women were more likely to have CED than those literate and non-active (relative risks (RR) = 1.6 and 1.4, respectively, P < or = 0.05), but literacy and activity level were not significant in multivariable analyses including sanitation and number of children < or =5 years of age. Increasing levels of fat intake, as a percent of total energy, was significantly associated with lower risk of CED (RR of the lowest 25th percentile compared to those in the 75th percentile or above was 1.6, P < or = 0.05), findings that remained significant in multivariable analyses. Consumption of pulses (g/day) was also inversely related to CED in univariate and multivariable analyses. Carbohydrate intake, as a percent of total energy, was inversely related to percent energy from fat (r = -0.96, P < or = 0.01), and, although positively related to CED in univariate analyses, carbohydrate consumption was not significant in multivariable analyses. Mothers' age in years and income was positively related to vitamin A deficiency. These results confirm that CED and vitamin A malnutrition among Dalit women are predominant problems in this area. Increased consumption of local traditional Dalit food (particularly sorghum, pulses, vegetables and animal source food) should be incorporated as an important component of intervention strategies to improve nutritional status.

Assessment of the impact of industrial effluents on water quality in Patancheru and environs, Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India

The effects of multiple industrial-pollutant sources on the groundwater system were evaluated in the Industrial Development Areas (IDAs) of Medak district, Andhra Pradesh (AP), India. The quality of groundwater in the region has been affected negatively due to the discharge of effluents on open land and into ponds, tanks, and streams. Water samples from surface-water bodies, dug wells,and bore wells were analyzed for their major ion concentrations. The high values of electrical conductivity (EC) and concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, Cl–, and HCO3– indicate the impact of industrial effluents. Based on the hydrochemistry, the groundwater is classified into various types, such as sodium-chloride, sodium-bicarbonate, calcium-chloride, and magnesium-chloride, and its suitability for drinking and irrigation has been assessed. The present studies made it possible to demarcate areas of contaminated groundwater and those prone to contamination in the near future. Water in the area has deteriorated all along Nakka Vagu up to a maximum distance of 500–700 m from the eastern bank. The groundwater quality in and around Patancheru (to a depth of 30 m) has become hazardous. Some possible remedial measures are suggested.

Assessment of Contaminant Migration in Groundwaterfrom an Industrial Development Area, Medak District,Andhra Pradesh, India

Number of chemical and pharmaceutical industries have been established during 1977 in the PatancheruIndustrial Development Area near Hyderabad city in the Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Thetreated and untreated effluents from the industriesare being discharged in two streams: Nakkavagu and Peddavagu. The Pamulavagu, a tributary of the Nakkavagu alsocarries effluents from the adjacent Bolaram Industrial Development area. The industrial effluents are being discharged into open channels and streams in the area. Groundwater contamination has been reported since 1985.Groundwater level and water quality monitoringwas carried out during 1997 and 1998 in Patancheru andits environs, covering an area of 120 km2. Surface watersamples were also analyzed for the water quality. Thesurface water TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)concentration was found ranging between 3000–5000 mg L-1. The groundwater in the alluvium ofthe Nakkavagu has shown TDS concentrations ranging from1000–3000 mg L-1. The Nakkavagu is acting as adiffuse source of contaminants all along its course. Aquifer parameters were estimated by carrying outpumping tests at a number of wells. Groundwater flowand mass transport models were prepared using visualMODFLOW software. The extent of migration ofcontaminants from the Nakkavagu and other streams has beenassessed for 20 yr (1977–1997). The stream-aquifer interaction was found to be responsiblefor faster migration of contaminants in theover-exploited area east of the Nakkavagu.

The impact of paleo-channel on groundwater contamination, Andhra Pradesh, India

Nakka vagu, a tributary of the River Manjira in the Medak district of Andhra Pradesh, has a catchment area of ∼500 km2. Patancheru is an industrial development area (IDA) near the vagu. There are about 350 industries of varied nature (pulp, plastic, bulk drugs, pharmaceuticals, paints and steel rolling mills) that are engaged in the manufacture/processing of their respective products and that use water extensively. The hydrogeological setup has a bearing on the widespread contamination in the area because of discharge of industrial effluents into open land and streams. Several dug wells and boreholes situated in the study area have been monitored for water level fluctuations and quality variations. Pumping tests have been conducted to evaluate aquifer parameters. The geology, drainage, chemistry and other related anthropogenic factors play a major role in the spread of pollution in the area. Hence, it is very important to determine the degree of vulnerability to pollution based on hydrogeological factors. Amidst the granite terrain, the Nakka vagu has been identified as a paleo-channel (composed of clay–silt–sand facies); its presence in the area has immensely increased the spread of groundwater contamination. The transmissivity of the alluvial aquifer varies from 750 to 1315 m2/day. The adjoining granite has a transmissivity that varies from 30–430 m2/day. The thickness of the valley fill in the discharge region is about 10–12 m, with a lateral spread of 500–700 m, east of Nakka vagu.

Hazardous waste management in developing countries (India): a case study

Hazardous waste management in the Medak district of Andhra Pradesh is in the initial stage of development. It is found from the survey that there are a total 111 hazardous waste generating units distributed in different industrial areas, viz. Bollarum, Bonthapallyand Patancheru. Since the wastes generated by the industries in the district are small, mostly on‐site storage/disposal in lagoons, pits, RCC tanks, metal drums and plastic containers and above‐ground pilling are adopted depending on the physical forms of the wastes. Systematic transportation of waste is yet to be practised, since no common treatment and disposal facilities exist in the district. A ranking exercise for four new probable sites for disposal of hazardous waste, was carried out. The relative suitability of sites, based on receptor related and pathway related score, for landfill disposal system indicates the following order of usefulness of the candidate site II > I > III > IV, i.e. site Nos. I and II indicate lowest negative impact as compared to site Nos. III and IV.

Statistical approach for the assessment of water pollution around industrial areas: A case study from Patancheru, Medak district, India

Industrial effluents, surface waters, and subsurface groundwaters were sampled in and around the Patancheru industrial area of Nakkavagu basin, India and analysed. The parameters such as TDS, BOD, COD, and abundances of elements such as Cu, As, Se, F, Fe, are 5 to 10 times more than the permissible limits. These pollutants are contaminating the groundwaters at a faster rate than anticipated. A statistical approach is used to express the magnitude of pollution. Initially, correlation matrices of the major parameters and trace elements followed by factor analysis on them are presented to quantify the aspect of pollution. Factor 1 explaining 43.6% variance has positive loadings for variables TDS, BOD, COD, As, Cu, Se, SO 4 (-2) , and Cr, suggesting the factor is interpreted to be the 'Pollution or Migration of Pollutants'. The same variables have negative loadings in the subsurface groundwaters suggesting that Factor 1 for these samples is a 'the depositionn or precipitation' phenomenon. With a critical look at the Factor 1 of both surface and subsurface water samples it is indicated that pollutants migrated and became deposited in the environs of the Patancheru industrial area.

Determinants of Nutrition Status of Rural Preschool Children in Andhra Pradesh, India

A longitudinal study was conducted in four villages in the Medak district of Andhra Pradesh. One-hundred and ninety-seven children up to four years old were selected from low-income households in the study area. Pre-tested, structured interviews were conducted to collect information on child-related, maternal, paternal, and socio-economic factors from the households. Two child-related factors, number of diarrhoeal episodes and calorie adequacy of diet, showed a highly significant effect on a child's current as well as past nutrition status. The results of this study indicate a strong influence of socio-economic status and parental care on the control of infectious diseases and food intake, which are the two major causes for malnutrition among children in developing countries

Local Politics: The Law of the Fishes: Development Through Political Change in Medak District, Andhra Pradesh (South India).

Local Politics: The Law of the Fishes: Development Through Political Change in Medak District, Andhra Pradesh (South India).