Month Of June-July Research Articles

IJCM_220A: Proportion of self-medication among elderly in a tertiary hospital in southern Kerala - a cross sectional study

Background: The use of drugs, herbs, or home remedies on one’s own initiative, or on the advice of another person, without consulting a doctor. Over-the-counter availability of medicines, promotion of drugs, lack of proper awareness regarding the drug and its side effects, unheeded drug policies are all leading causes of antimicrobial resistance in today’s world. Objectives: To determine the proportion and determinants of self-medication among elderly individuals above 50 years of age visiting the district hospital in South Kerala Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in the inpatients above 50 years of age from the Medicine, Surgery, Pulmonology, Cardiology departments of the district hospital, Kollam. Minimum sample size was calculated to be 156 and convenience sampling was done. A semi-structured questionnaire was formulated, and data was collected in interview mode over the months of June-July 2022. Data was tabulated using MS-Excel and statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 21. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Chi square test was used to test any differences between proportions. Results: Among 156 participants more than half of the study participants (52.6%) with a history of self-medication described as more often (51.2%). 50% with history reported symptoms like gastritis, followed by diarrhoea, anxiety and sleep disturbances. The most commonly self-medicated drugs were Paracetamol (85.4%) followed by cetirizine (14.6%), cough syrups (12.2%) and antibiotics (9.7%) like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav Conclusion: Self-medication practices come with a lot of potential risks, like incorrect self-diagnosis, severe adverse reactions, delay in seeking medical care, incorrect choice of therapy and administration of drugs, drug interactions, masking of severe disease, dependence and abuse.

Effect of e-banking practices in the banking sector of Bangladesh-customers' perception

In the present study, the quality of E-Banking is reviewed with short- and long-term effect on the perception of bank consumers. The Opinion of 400 banker and customer was collected by survey questionnaire method in the month of June-July, 2022 on a five-point Likert scale. The response variables are classified as E-Banking quality, E-Banking short term effect, and E-Banking long term effect by factor analysis and reliability test. Based on the above classification structural equation model (SEM) is developed with demographic variables. The findings indicate that as the quality of electronic banking rises, potential short-term effects may also rise noticeably. Also, with the increase of E-Banking quality long term effect may increases significantly. The bankers observed that the quality of E-Banking is good, but the customer identifies the quality of E-Banking is not sufficient. E-banking is still in its infancy and is being expanded in new directions. In order to ensure optimum customer satisfaction, it must be addressed and new options for the consumer must be created, which calls for ongoing research. The banking authority may take the required steps to improve the quality of e-banking, which will have an impact on both the short- and long-term consequences of e-banking and will therefore continue in Bangladesh.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward mucormycosis among patients discharged from a COVID-19 care tertiary center in South India: A questionnaire-based survey.

To study the awareness of mucormycosis among discharged inpatients after receiving treatment for COVID-19 infection at a tertiary COVID care center in south India. This was a telephone-based survey conducted using a questionnaire consisting of 38 questions in five sections in the month of June-July 2021. COVID-positive inpatients who had been admitted, treated, and discharged from a government medical college were contacted via phones, and their responses were directly entered into the Google Forms platform. A total of 222 participants were included in the study. Among all the participants, a cumulative 66% of participants had some knowledge of mucormycosis and 98/222 (44%) did not have any idea of mucormycosis in spite of being admitted to the hospital. More than 40% of them reported that their prime source of information was through mass communication. Around 81% of the respondents were aware that it can occur after COVID-19 infection. Among them, only 25 knew that systemic steroids were the main risk factor. Sixty-four out of 124 knew that diabetes is a major risk factor. Fifty percent agreed that a vaccine for COVID can prevent mucormycosis. Such knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) studies give us an idea of the impact of the measures taken for educating the public. In this study, a cumulative 66% of participants had some knowledge of mucormycosis and 34.7% were diabetics who had better knowledge and practice scores than non-diabetics. Sixty-six point nine percent felt that it was possible to prevent this condition.

Psychological impact of COVID-19: A cross-lagged network analysis from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging COVID-19 database.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent health restrictions had an unprecedented impact on mental health, contributing to the emergence and reinforcement of various psychopathological symptoms. This complex interaction needs to be examined especially in a vulnerable population such as older adults. In the present study we analyzed network structures of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging COVID-19 Substudy over two waves (Months of June-July and November-December 2020). For this purpose, we use measures of centrality (expected and bridge-expected influence) in addition to the Clique Percolation method to identify overlapping symptoms between communities. We also use directed networks to identify direct effects between variables at the longitudinal level. UK adults aged >50 participated, Wave 1: 5,797 (54% female) and Wave 2: 6,512 (56% female). Cross-sectional findings indicated that difficulty relaxing, anxious mood, and excessive worry symptoms were the strongest and similar measures of centrality (Expected Influence) in both waves, while depressive mood was the one that allowed interconnection between all networks (bridge expected influence). On the other hand, sadness and difficulty sleeping were symptoms that reflected the highest comorbidity among all variables during the first and second waves, respectively. Finally, at the longitudinal level, we found a clear predictive effect in the direction of the nervousness symptom, which was reinforced by depressive symptoms (difficulties in enjoying life) and loneliness (feeling of being excluded or cut off from others). Our findings suggest that depressive, anxious, and loneliness symptoms were dynamically reinforced as a function of pandemic context in older adults in the UK.

Improving Physical Health Data Provided on Discharge Summaries From Sheffield Home Treatment Team

AimsThe aim of this QIP was to identify whether the information obtained during routine physical health reviews was being adequately handed over during discharge from the Sheffield Home Treatment Team within discharge summaries. Individuals with serious mental illness have a significantly higher all-cause mortality rate than those without, much of which is due to preventable physical health conditions. Due to this, the Home Treatment Team aims to complete a Physical Health Review (PHR) for every patient under their care as per guidelines. It is important that these examinations are performed, however, it is equally important that the results of PHRs are communicated to the patient's primary care physician upon discharge. Communication between services is vital for continuity of care and to ensure that identified problems are managed effectively. On discharge, relevant data from these investigations should be communicated to the service user's registered GP surgery for appropriate follow-up care. Performing investigations without informing the service user's primary physician is an inefficient use of resources and may result in unnecessary repeated investigations and procedures. There is not currently an official system in place to assure that the investigations and results of PHRs are summarised and communicated upon discharge.MethodsThere were two steps taken in this stage of the QIP. First, a questionnaire was distributed to all members of the Sheffield Home Treatment Team, including medics, nurses, and STR workers. The responses were compiled and analysed to form the criteria and standards for an audit of previous discharges. Following this, an audit was performed for the months of June-July 2021, data were kindly collected by junior doctors. This data looked to determine whether previous discharges met the criteria and standards set by the questionnaire.ResultsThe results of the audit showed that the discharges did not meet the standards set, with many containing little to no information. Only 49% of the service users with physical health reviews had any information provided on discharge. Of these, the contents of the summaries were varies and inconsistent, resulting in a significant amount of information becoming unavailable to the service user's GPs.Conclusion1.The current system is insufficient in terms of handing over physical health information collected during investigations performed by the Home Treatment Team.2.A proposed solution will be implemented in the coming months.3.A re-audit will be performed to complete the audit cycle and assess the efficacy of the proposed solution.

Agricultural drought early warning from geostationary meteorological satellites: concept and demonstration over semi-arid tract in India.

Remote sensing data from Indian geostationary satellites (Kalapana-1, INSAT 3A) were used for the first time for early warning of agricultural drought and forewarning of crop vigour. An Early warning indicator (EWI) was developed from operational product of rainfall and reference evapotranspiration from observations of Kalpana-1 very high resolution radiometer (VHRR). The effectiveness of EWI was evaluated for the two drought years (2009 and 2012). The positive correlation (r = 0.66-0.68 for 2009 and r = 0.64-0.70 for 2012) between the EWI in the month of June-July and standardized precipitation index-1 (SPI-1) averaged over administrative unit (called district) indicates that EWI can be used successfully for drought early warning. Lag-response behaviour between EWI and crop vigour in terms of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and LAI (leaf area index) over cropland was studied. Systematic patterns emerged for 30days lag period between negative EWI and NDVI at both grid-scale (0.25°) and at district level. Linear relations were found between 10-day EWI and NDVI or LAI at 30days lag during June-July period. Linear models were developed to forewarn crop vigour which was validated with realized NDVI from INSAT 3A charge-coupled device (CCD) observations within 95% accuracy. The EWI is recommended as potential indicator for early-season agricultural drought assessment and can be used for sub-district scale with finer scale rainfall and evaporation products from advanced next-generation geostationary meteorological satellites.

Explanation of Corona Virus Control Novel by Warm and Humid Seasons in the World

Explanation of Corona Virus Control Novel by Warm and Humid Seasons in the World

Influence of fractional carbon-dioxide laser in comparison to ErCr-YSGG on the dentin bond integrity of bioactive materials.

Objective:The aim was to assess the influence of Er, Cr: YSGG laser (ECL) and fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) on the shear bond strength (SBS) and microleakage of bioactive restorative material to dentin.Methods:The study was performed in King Saud university in the month of June-July 2019. One hundred and twenty permanent teeth were vertically placed in acrylic resin. Based on the type of surface treatment regime (n=40), samples were divided into three groups. Group-I samples were surface conditioned with total etch and rinse (TE); Group-2 samples were surface treated with Er, Cr: YSGG laser (ECL) and Group-3 specimens were conditioned with fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL). Surface treatment of dentin was followed by type of bulk fill resin (BFR) application. Tetric-N-Ceram was bonded to dentin conditioned with TE (n=20), FCL (n=20) and ECL (n=20). Similarly, bioactive material (BAM) was also bonded to conditioned surface (n=60). Samples (n=10) among each group were placed in a Universal testing machine. For microleakage testing 5 pairs of samples from each group (n=10) were placed in solution of 2% methylene blue for 24h Fracture analysis was performed using stereomicroscope at 40x magnification. Descriptive statistics i.e., means and standard for SBS and microleakage were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of (p < 0.05)Results:The highest SBS scores were displayed by TE-BFR (Bulk filled resin) (19.21 ± 0.925 Mpa) and the lowest shear bond scores were presented by FCL-BFR (11.06±1.611 Mpa). The lowest microleakage scores were exhibited by group ECL-BFR (24.11±13.01nm). Similarly, the highest microleakage score was displayed in group FCL-BAM (42.18±16.32 nm). Admixed failure was pertinent in groups conditioned by ECL. Moreover, groups conditioned with FCL adhesive type of failure was found in abundance.Conclusions:ECL has a potential to be used as an alternate to total etch and rinse for conditioning of dentin when bonded to bioactive materials.

Stochastic and Momentum Analysis of Nepalese Stock Market

The stochastic oscillator is one of the popular tools used by technical analysts. The tools are used mainly to find the overbought and oversold position in the stock market. The stochastic values are between 0-100 which helps to determine the market scenario. The two stochastic indicators are comprised of two lines namely; %K and %D. The investors using the short-term moving average follows %K and for long-term moving average for %D. Though, both are used for buy signal or sell signal by the investors. The basic concept is if, the value of %K is seen above %D, which reflects to sell position, which in context to Nepalese stock market, the scenario is seen during the month of June-July of every fiscal year. At the same time, momentum uses transaction signal or trade signal or the zero ‘0’ line to find the bearish or bullish trend of the market. The momentum of NEPSE index clearly pictures out the bullish and the bearish trend for a specific duration. If the momentum line touches the ‘zero line’, the NEPSE has changed its trend.

Influence of Climatic Factors on Malaria Epidemic in Gulu District, Northern Uganda: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Background Globally, 15 countries, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, account for 80% of malaria cases and 78% of malaria related deaths. In Uganda, malaria is endemic and the mortality and morbidity due to malaria cause significant negative impact on the economy. In Gulu district, malaria is the leading killer disease among children <5 years. In 2015, the high intensity of malaria infection in Northern Uganda revealed a possible link between malaria and rainfall. However, available information on the influence of climatic factors on malaria are scarce, conflicting, and highly contextualized and therefore one cannot reference such information to malaria control policy in Northern Uganda, thus the need for this study. Methods and Results During the 10 year's retrospective study period a total of 2,304,537 people suffered from malaria in Gulu district. Malaria infection was generally stable with biannual peaks during the months of June-July and September-October but showed a declining trend after introduction of indoor residual spraying. Analysis of the departure of mean monthly malaria cases from the long-term mean monthly malaria cases revealed biannual seasonal outbreaks before and during the first year of introduction of indoor residual spraying. However, there were two major malaria epidemics in 2015 following discontinuation of indoor residual spraying in the late 2014. Children <5 years of age were disproportionally affected by malaria and accounted for 47.6% of the total malaria cases. Both rainfall (P=0.04) and relative humidity (P=0.003) had significant positive correlations with malaria. Meanwhile, maximum temperature had significant negative correlation with malaria (P=0.02) but minimum temperature had no correlation with malaria (P=0.29). Conclusion Malaria in Gulu disproportionately affects children under 5 years and shows seasonality with a generally stable trend influenced by rainfall and relative humidity. However, indoor residual spraying is a very promising method to achieve a sustained malaria control in this population.

Under-reporting of road traffic accidents in traffic police records- a cross sectional study from North India

Background: Underreporting of deaths and injuries resulting from road traffic accidents is a major issue globally. Understanding the extent of underreporting and the causes along with the assessment of quality of data available will help in developing a better system of reporting and accurate estimation of burden and risk factors which aid in developing prevention programmes. Methods: A cross sectional study was done keeping hospital records as a baseline data to which the under reporting in the police records on traffic injuries was measured. The population under study was the total number of accidents that took place in Chandigarh in the month of June-July 2011 and had reported to the emergency department of three major government hospitals. These three hospitals have been selected purposefully as majority of the road traffic accident victims are being admitted/ treated in these hospitals. Results: A total of 537 cases and 375 cases were recorded in police and hospital records respectively for the month of June-July 2011. Only 15% cases from the police records were matched with the hospital records. Among the matched 64% were completely matched and 36% were partially matched cases. None of fatal injuries registered in both the records were among the matched cases. Most of the road traffic accident cases (79.4%) involved males aged 20-49 years. The official records of road accidents have been found to be incomplete in terms of number of accident and information on age, sex, address of the victim, type and severity of injury. Conclusions: A standardised reporting format of all RTIs should be developed and maintained by both the police and hospitals. All hospitals should mandatorily report all RTI cases reported to them to the police to ensure completeness.

Verano de investigación, relato de experiencia de un estudiante de enfermería

El estudiante de enfermería precisa un acercamiento a la investigación que le permita ampliar su visión del mundo del cuidado, esta experiencia se puede ver reforzada con el contacto con investigadores y en México se brinda esta oportunidad a través de la experiencia en Veranos de Investigación. El objetivo del presente artículo es relatar la experiencia vivida en un verano de investigación con un investigador durante ese periodo. Metodología: Se trata de un relato de experiencia de un estudiante en un verano de investigación llevado a cabo en los meses de junioj- ulio de 2016 en una institución de educación superior. Resultados: El estudiante acudió a actividades planeadas con un investigador en el área de investigación al adulto mayor, se llevó a cabo búsqueda de literatura, colecta de datos, análisis de los datos recabados y elaboración de informe final. Las actividades correspondieron a un proyecto de investigación en un centro gerontológico, además de participar con los adultos mayores, el estudiante logró adquirir habilidades y conocimientos en investigación. El licenciado en enfermería debe adquirir en su formación la competencia necesaria para la investigación, de manera que le permita desarrollar el observar los fenómenos y describirlos, apoyado por investigadores que le faciliten el proceso de aprendizaje. Conclusión: Los veranos de investigación acercan a los estudiantes de enfermería a la investigación mediante la experienda con un investigador experto que guía al estudiante y de igual manera ejerce la motivación para este proceso; vinculando el cuidado con el proceso científico.

Potential impact of the May Southern Hemisphere annular mode on the Indian summer monsoon rainfall

El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is probably a most important external forcing to Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall (ISMR), yet the observed ENSO–ISMR relationship has become weak in recent years. It’s essential to explore other predominant modes of variability which can contribute to the ISMR. As the leading mode of the variability in Southern Hemisphere (SH) extratropical atmospheric circulation, the SH annular mode (SAM) has potential influence both on the northern and southern hemispheric climate. The present study investigates the relationship between the SAM and ISMR. It is found that the May SAM exhibits a significant positive correlation with the monsoon precipitation over the Indian sub-continent and the adjacent areas in June–July (JJ). Observational and numerical evidences indicate that the May SAM anomaly can trigger a South Indian Ocean dipole (SIOD) sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) through air–sea interactions. The SIOD SSTA persisting into the following months of JJ excites abnormal meridional circulation and modulates the low-level cross-equatorial flow. Accordingly, the ascending (or descending) motion and water vapor transportation are enhanced (or suppressed), which favors more (or less) precipitation over the Indian sub-continent and the adjacent areas. In fact, the SIOD SSTA plays an “ocean bridge” role to “prolong” the influence of the May SAM to the subsequent season and in turn impacts on the ISMR. Moreover, an empirical model is established to forecast the JJ ISMR strength based on the ENSO, Indian Ocean Dipole and May SAM. The hindcast is carried out for the period 1979–2014, and performs better than the multimodel ensemble mean (MME) obtained from the Development of a European MME system for seasonal to interannual prediction (DEMETER) project. Since all these predictors can be monitored in real time before the early boreal summer, the empirical model might provide a practical real-time forecast tool for predicting ISMR variations.

Sinoxylon anale Lesne (Coleoptera : Bostrychidae) : A New Record of Potential Wood Borer in Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub.

Sinoxylon anale Lesne is recorded for the first time as a major wood borer in poles/logs of Xylia xylocarpa at timber depot, Gadegaon, Bhandara, Maharashtra. The emergence of this wood borer generally occurs during the month of June-July and continues till the poles/logs are available in depot. This is an annual phenomenon that occurs every year with varying intensity in respect of girth class of poles/logs. Lowest girth class poles/logs of 16-25 cm GBH exhibited highest damage of borer (47.00%), followed by 26-35 cm GBH (22.67%) and 36-45 cm GBH poles (8.67%).

Evidence of foot-and-mouth disease virus infection in yaks reared in a farm of Arunachal Pradesh

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an economically devastating disease of cloven-hoofed animals including wildlife and semidomesticated species of mithun and yak. A serological survey was conducted during the months of June-July 2014 to gather evidence of FMD virus (FMDV) activity in yaks maintained in a farm located at Nyukmadung village of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. Serum samples were collected from 70 yaks and 3AB nonstructural protein (NSP) ELISA was performed to assess FMDV NSPantibodies (NSP-Abs). There appeared a positive serological response from 21 (30%) animals providing retrospective evidence of their previous exposure to FMDV, which correlated with the collected epidemiological information. Not a single animal borne post reported outbreak in October 2009 was found positive in NSP ELISA thereby ruling out any incidence of FMD in the farm after 2009. Also, persistence of 3AB NSP-Ab through 5 years post-outbreak was evident in the infected yaks.

A feasibility study of application of solution prepared by mixing castor oil and turmeric powder to prevent infection with leptospirosis in Ambach village, Surat, Gujarat, India

Background: Leptospirosis is an acute infection caused by spirochetes belonging to the genus leptospira that can lead to multiple organ involvement and fatal complications. Objectives were to study the acceptance solution prepared by mixing turmeric powder with castor oil, a protective measure against leptospirosis and the feasibility of use of that measure at mass level. Methods: Study was conducted in Ambach village. Group discussion in the meeting at Community Center as well as in the farm when at risk people were actually at work was conducted in the month of June-July 2008. Application of Castor oil and turmeric solution (CT solution) was demonstrated. Solution or a paste prepared by mixing turmeric and castor oil should be applied on the whole surface of both the legs which comes in contact with water in the field. All those who go to field should apply it and provide the feedback in the next group meeting. No statistical tests were applied and results were obtained simply as their feedback. Results: In the form of feedback were from farm workers on inquiring about the trial.1. Families tried it but did not ask for more amount of such solution. 2. It disappeared quickly hence of no use . Conclusions: It can be concluded that farmers, agricultural labourers and other people are not yet prepared to adopt personal protective measures which they feel is not effective, requires daily and regular application and is not affordable. Other known options like early detection and prompt treatment and chemoprophylaxis can be better available as and when sought.

STUDIES OF CASHEW CULTIVATION IN HILLY TRIPURA: IMPROVING THE SOCIO-ECONOMICAL STATUS AND THE PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a commercially important crop in the international trade, which offers considerable scope for enhancing the economy of our country and state by earning more foreign exchange and by generating more employment potential. The agro-climatic conditions (humid subtropical), fertile and acidic soil with good depth and abundant rainfall favour the cultivation of cashew in the state. Tripura has an undulating topography (small and medium hillocks) of red-lataritic soil having the opportunity for commercial cultivation of eco-friendly cashew for maintaining sustainable production. The area under cashew cultivation in Tripura is 4,387 ha with an annual production of 2,345.00 mt, an average productivity of 0.53 t ha-1, which is far below the national productivity. The main cashew genotypes evaluated in the state are ‘BLA-39-4’, ‘Priyanka’ (H 1591), ‘Vengurla-4’, ‘Ullal-1’, ‘Ullal-3’, ‘Dhana’ (H 1608), ‘NRCC Selection-2’, ‘BPP-8’, ‘Jhargram-1’, ‘V.R.I-3’ and ‘Bhashkara’. Out of all cultivars and hybrids studies, the cultivar ‘BLA-39-4’ was found to show good performance in respect to yield and other quality parameters. The seedling progenies are heterogeneous with respect to flowering, fruiting and other characteristics due to the cross pollinated nature. To overcome this problem, vegetatively propagated cashew grafts are recommended as planting martial i.e., soft-wood grafting for early, uniform and quality yield. The grafting is done in the months of June-July with success rates of 75-90% and success rates less in the cooler months like October, November, December and January, respectively. Low productivity recorded in the state is due to improper management and most of the orchards are having the problem of water stress from November to March, leading to severe moisture stress and heavy rain from May to September causes heavy soil erosion, nutrition loss from top soil. The soil across the state is acidic in nature, which hampers the availability of important nutrients to the plants and affects the yield. Most of the farmers are small and marginal and very rarely make use of soil amendments like lime in the gardens. Depletion of nutrients by washing of rich top soil and leaching losses cause nutritional deficiencies. Cashew provides nutrition, generates income, improves the socio-economical status and poverty alleviation in rural and interior areas of the state. This paper would focus on potential of cashew cultivation in Tripura and improving the economy in rural and interior area of the state.

F-Commerce in Bangladesh: “Venit, Vidit, Vicit”

The term “F-Commerce” is a neologistic portmanteau of Facebook and Commerce; referring to a type of marketing channel which facilitates advertising, auctioning, purchasing and selling of any products (goods and/or services) through the social media network Facebook. The vast popularity of Facebook enabled F-Commerce platform to rapidly enhance the shopping tendency of its users with in a very shorter period of time. Literally it just came and concurred the market; as in Latin Venit, Vidit, Vicit. Objective of this exploratory research is to observe the adoption of F-Commerce in Bangladeshi context and identify its potential implications. An anthology of group discussions with the consumers and thorough case studies on the Bangladeshi f-traders were carried out during the month of June-July 2013. And crosschecking the group discussions with the Internet reviews permitted the researchers to ensure the validity of the findings.

Fecundity and maturation of South Caspian spirlin, Alburnoides sp. (Actinopterygii: Cypriniade) from Iran

A total of 48 female spirlins Alburnoides sp. from the Kesselian stream (South Caspian Sea basin, northern Iran) were examined during a period from July 2008 to June 2009 to obtain data on fecundity, and to determine the spawning season of this carp. The mean absolute fecundity of females spirlin was 1722.92 (653.88) eggs. The fecundity has positive correlation with the size of the female. The mean of the monthly GSI index and ova diameters shows that spirlin spawn once in a year during the months of June-July. GSI of 6.88 was considered as the indicator of sexual maturity for the females. The highest peak of relative condition factor (Kn) was 0.126 during the month of June. The stages of gonads maturation of Caspian spirlin have been classified as: I, immature; II, early developing; III, late developing; IV, mature; V, ripe (spawning)

Ethnobotany of the Monpa ethnic group at Arunachal Pradesh, India

BackgroundThe present paper documents the uses of plants in traditional herbal medicine for human and veterinary ailments, and those used for dietary supplements, religious purpose, local beverage, and plants used to poison fish and wild animals. Traditional botanical medicine is the primary mode of healthcare for most of the rural population in Arunachal Pradesh.Materials and methodsField research was conducted between April 2006 and March 2009 with randomly selected 124 key informants using semi-structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed through informant consensus factor (FIC) to determine the homogeneity of informant's knowledge on medicinal plants.ResultsWe documented 50 plants species belonging to 29 families used for treating 22 human and 4 veterinary ailments. Of the medicinal plants reported, the most common growth form was herbs (40%) followed by shrubs, trees, and climbers. Leaves were most frequently used plant parts. The consensus analysis revealed that the dermatological ailments have the highest FIC (0.56) and the gastro-intestinal diseases have FIC (0.43). FIC values indicated that there was high agreement in the use of plants in dermatological and gastro-intestinal ailments category among the users. Gymnocladus assamicus is a critically rare and endangered species used as disinfectant for cleaning wounds and parasites like leeches and lice on livestocks. Two plant species (Illicium griffithii and Rubia cordifolia) are commonly used for traditional dyeing of clothes and food items. Some of the edible plants recorded in this study were known for their treatment against high blood pressure (Clerodendron colebrookianum), diabetes mellitus (Momordica charantia), and intestinal parasitic worms like round and tape worms (Lindera neesiana, Solanum etiopicum, and Solanum indicum). The Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh have traditionally been using Daphne papyracea for preparing hand-made paper for painting and writing religious scripts in Buddhist monasteries. Three plant species (Derris scandens, Aesculus assamica, and Polygonum hydropiper) were frequently used to poison fish during the month of June-July every year and the underground tuber of Aconitum ferrox is widely used in arrow poisoning to kill ferocious animals like bear, wild pigs, gaur and deer. The most frequently cited plant species; Buddleja asiatica and Hedyotis scandens were used as common growth supplements during the preparation of fermentation starter cultures.ConclusionThe traditional pharmacopoeia of the Monpa ethnic group incorporates a myriad of diverse botanical flora. Traditional knowledge of the remedies is passed down through oral traditions without any written document. This traditional knowledge is however, currently threatened mainly due to acculturation and deforestation due to continuing traditional shifting cultivation. This study reveals that the rural populations in Arunachal Pradesh have a rich knowledge of forest-based natural resources and consumption of wild edible plants is still an integral part of their socio-cultural life. Findings of this documentation study can be used as an ethnopharmacological basis for selecting plants for future phytochemical and pharmaceutical studies.