Northeast Region Of India Research Articles

Trait Association and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield attributing traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Correlation and path analysis were carried out in 36 diverse genotypes of sesame collected from different parts of the country along with North-East region of India for local landraces. Analysis of variance indicated the presence of good amount of genetic variability among the genotypes under study. Correlation studies indicated that seed yield per plant was significantly and positively associated with traits, i.e. plant height, internodal length, number of capsules per plant, number of branches per plant, stover yield per plant and harvest index both at genotypic and phenotypic levels which indicate the importance of these traits in selection for enhancing the seed yield. Path analysis revealed that maximum positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was imposed by days to 80% physiological maturity, internodal length, capsule length, stem height from base to first branch, stover yield per plant, harvest index, relative water content, oil content and protein content both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. This indicate that these are the real independent characters and they have maximum contribution towards increase in the seed yield per plant.

Modelling of Reference Evapotranspiration using Neural Network and Regression Approaches for Semi-humid Region of Sikkim

This study compared the applicability of multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) approaches for estimating the weekly reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in a semi-humid area of Tadong in Gangtok district of Sikkim state in India. Daily meteorological data (1991 - 2020) were used for developing MLR and ANN model using various combinations of meteorological data. Predicted ET0 values were compared with the FAO-56 Penman Monteith (PM) equation estimated ET0. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) were used to assess the performance of MLR and ANN models. For ANN model, one hidden layer and four neurons was found as the best ANN architecture. ANN-4 model with inputs parameters of maximum air temperature (Tmax), minimum air temperature (Tmin), maximum relative humidity (RHmax), minimum relative humidity (RHmin), and sunshine hours (SSH) had the smallest RMSE (0.609 mm.day-1 and 0.880 mm.day-1), MAE (0.473 mm.day-1 and 0.551mm.day-1) and the highest R2 (0.752 and 0.657) and NSE (0.782 and 0.696) during training and testing phases, respectively. The MLR-4 model with same combination of input parameters (Tmax, Tmin, RHmax, RHmin, SSH) resulted in smallest RMSE (0.704 mm.day-1 and 0.714 mm.day-1), MAE (0.562 mm.day-1and 0.583 mm.day-1); and the highest R2 (0.679 and 0.602) and NSE (0.708 and 0.597) during training and testing phase, respectively. Study also showed increase in model performance of ANN and MLR models with increase in number of meteorological parameters. All the ANN models gave comparable results, but ANN 4 model resulted in higher prediction accuracy for the sub-humid region of Tadong in Gangtok district of North-east India. The developed ANN-4 model could be helpful for preparing irrigation schedules and planning, and management of water resources in the data scarce northeast region of India and other identical climatic regions.

Growth trend and potential of horticulture in Northeast India

The Northeast region of India is endowed with diverse soil and agro-climatic conditions that are conducive to the growth of a large variety of temperate and tropical horticultural crops. Fruits, vegetables, and spices of the region are highly nutritious and have a market within and outside the country. The paper is an attempt to assess the potential of horticulture in the region. To gauge the state-wise and regional growth trend and variability in area and production of these crops during the period 2009-2019, Compound Annual Growth rates and Instability Index have been computed from secondary data. The study reveals a rising regional growth trend with low instability for the production of fruits and vegetables and moderate instability for spices. This indicates the possibility of sustainable development of horticulture in all the Northeast states through strategic planning. Fruits and spices of the region also have a market in Middle-East and neighbouring countries. However, lack of commercialisation, poor market intelligence, and linkages are impeding the growth of exports. To unleash the true potential of horticulture, it is imperative to develop infrastructure, modernise farming and establish seamless value chains with greater market integration.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of Natural, Planted and Selected Populations of Tree Bean (Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.) in North East India

Planted populations of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) in the tropics may be the link towards efficient utilization and conservation of its genetic resources, but little is known of the genetic diversity they harbor. Tree bean ( Parkia timoriana ) is an economically important IFT that is cultivated and planted on and off farm in tropical regions of Northeast India. Using 3-microsatellite markers, we compared the genetic variation and structure of five-planted populations and a farmer-selected with three natural populations within northeast India. Pooled planted and selected populations showed marginal reduction in genetic diversity values compared to natural populations. Individually, cultivated populations from Manipur had higher Shannon diversity index (I=1.30 and 1.32) compared to wild populations (I= 1.30, 1.08 and 1.12). The farmer selected population displayed appreciable levels of diversity (Na= 5.33 and I=1.12). Structure analysis revealed high degree of admixture in natural and two planted populations and PCA depicted close congruence with the geographical distribution of populations. The present study reveals that famer driven selection process has not resulted to any major reduction in genetic diversity. There is ample diversity with natural as well as planted populations of the species, which shall be crucial components for trait improvement in tree breeding programs.

Claiming Land Rights: Politics of Space and Identity—A Study of the Tea Garden Community of Assam

Land and identity issues are interlinked and landlessness becomes a cause of ethnic unrest in the Northeast region of India. Colonial land and forest policy not only impacted the lives of indigenous people but also affected the land relation of indigenous and other immigrant communities of Assam. Even the post-colonial state has also been continuing the legacy of colonial state, which resulted in the land deprivation of tribals and Adivasis of Assam. It is in this context the present study discusses the landlessness of the tea garden community of Assam. Despite living in Assam for more than a hundred years, they are constantly facing the issue of landlessness and land alienation, which subsequently created a threat to their identity, culture and livelihood. The article is based on the arguments and narratives drawn from the tea garden community of Assam and the role of state is also highlighted in this context.

Statistical analysis of an orographic rainfall for eight north-east region of India with special focus over Sikkim

Statistical analysis of an orographic rainfall for eight north-east region of India with special focus over Sikkim

Statistical analysis of an orographic rainfall for Eight North-East region of India with special focus over Sikkim

<p><span>Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models are used to predict the rain rate for orographic rainfall over a long period of time, from 1980 to 1918. As the orographic rainfall may cause landslides and other natural disaster issues, So, this study is very important for the analysis of rainfall prediction. In this research, statistical calculations have been done based on the rainfall data for twelve regions of India (Cherrapunji, Darjeling, Dawki, Ghum, Itanagar, Kamchenjunga, Mizoram, Nagaland, Pakyong, Saser Kangri, Slot Kangri, and Tripura) from the eight states, i.e., Sikkim, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Ladakh (Union Territory of India), Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, and Nagaland) with varying altitude. The model's output is assessed using several error calculations. The model's performance is represented by the fit value, which is reliable for the north-east region of India with increasing altitude. The statistical dependability of the rainfall prediction is shown by the parameters. The lowest value of root mean square error (RMSE) indicates better prediction for orographic rainfall.</span></p>

Exploring Fish Miscellany from Biodiversity Hotspot Region of Northeast India Through Chromosome Profiling

Abstract North Eastern states of India are blessed with extensive ecoclimatic conditions and much of India’s endemic flora and fauna. This region is rich in fish diversity with plenty of species of ornamental importance, including model species zebrafish. Among the potential ornamental fishes, Ctenops nobilis is designated as Near Threatened and Danio dangila is included in the Least Concern list by IUCN. Cytogenetic profiling was undertaken here to provide complementary data for precise species identification and to study genetic inheritance, genome organization and evolution of the species. The cytogenetic analyses revealed diploid chromosome numbers 44 and 50 with karyotype formula 8m+20sm+10st+6t (FN=72) and 20m+24sm+6st (FN=94), respectively, in C. nobilis and D. dangila. The staining of nucleolar organizer regions revealed the presence of Ag-NORs, CMA3 sites and 18S rDNA probe signals on one pair sub-telocentric chromosome and one pair sub-metacentric chromosome in C. nobilis and D. dangila, respectively. These biomarkers are an important resource for molecular taxonomy, evolutionary/phylogenetic studies and conservation genetics of C. nobilis and D. dangila.

Ethno-Cultural Identity of Northeast India with Reference to Temsula Ao’s Select Poems

Northeast part of India is known for its ethnogenic significance which has many roots of civilization, and it is distinct from the other part of the country. Therefore, the culture of Northeast India faces tremendous challenges due to its vast ethnographic diversity. Temsula Ao, is one of the most widely read and studied women writers of North-East India. She has been the recipient of many awards including the Padma Shri in 2007 and the Sahitya Akademi award in 2013. She is also a pioneer writer from Nagaland. The main aim of this study is to explore ethno-cultural aesthetics of the Northeast Indian region which exists in Temsula Ao’s poetry. For that purpose, fifteen of her poems are selected from her anthology titled Books of Songs. The select poems were analysed qualitatively. This descriptive qualitative research methodology deals how Ao-Naga regional people know about human values, beliefs, behavious, and social conditions within their own environmental contexts. The major finding of this paper is in what way Temsula Ao revitalizes Ao-Naga culture and tradition by picturising her region, history and condition of women relating them with nature through her poems. Implications were identified for the people of diverse cultural backgrounds. And, it is concluded that the beauty of a region is retained by the people who have a staunch belief in their traditional cultural values and ethics.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from secondary metabolites of star gooseberry fruit (Phyllanthus acidus) and their nephroprotective efficiency

• Phyllanthus acidus is an underutilized fruit and is well known for ethnomedicinal values. • Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by using secondary metabolites of Phyllanthus acidus fruit juice. • A comparative study was done to measure the efficacy of raw fruit juice and nanoparticle on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in a mice model. • Molecular docking analysis showed fruit juice synthesized nanoparticles inactivate NFƙβ protein thus mitigating gentamicin-induced renal inflammation. • Results showed that a high dose of P. acidus nanoparticle was found to be more promising than a high dose of P. acidus fruit juice for kidney injury. Native people of the Northeast Indian region use a range of underutilized fruits for various purposes. Amongst these, Phyllanthus acidus is very common and well known for its ethnomedicinal values. Despite its ethnopharmacological relevance, a comprehensive investigation of the clinical effects of this fruit has not yet been executed. Therefore, in the present study nanoparticles were synthesized using secondary metabolites of P. acidus fruit juice, and a comparative study was done to measure the efficacy of raw fruit juice and nanoparticle on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in a mice model. In the present study, gentamicin (negative control) was administered intraperitoneally to induce nephrotoxicity in the mice model. The study also included the control group, positive control group, low dose group (fruit juice and nanoparticle), and high dose group (fruit juice and nanoparticle). Several antioxidant and biochemical tests were performed to measure the efficacy of fruit juice and nanoparticle in preventing renal injury. Results revealed that creatinine and urea levels significantly deteriorated up to 1.13% and 1.49%, respectively in the high dose of P. acidus nanoparticle (PANH) group compared to the negative control group. After the application of PANH, three major antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GSH were significantly enhanced compared to the gentamicin-treated group. Histopathological examination revealed that in the PANH group glomerulus structure reappeared significantly. In silico molecular docking, the analysis showed an inhibitory effect of fruit juice and fruit juice synthesized nanoparticles against inflammatory protein, NFƙβ. Findings indicated that PANH was more ameliorative over a high dose of P. acidus fruit juice (PAJH) towards kidney injury. Our findings generate scopes to explore the therapeutic potentials of PANH in treating kidney disorders.

Integrated Nutrient Management Boosts Productivity and Help Maintaining Sustained Yield of Upland Paddy under Jhum Cultivation in Hilly Region of Northeast India

Background: Replenishing the lost nutrients through the use of various soil amendments is vital in order to maintain soil fertility for sustained productivity in jhumlnd. Integrated Nutrient Management, can boost the upland rice productivity in jhumland by building up the lost soil nutrients. Methods: The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of upland paddy (Oryza sativa L.) in Lai-Lad, Jirang Block of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, India; during 2019 and 2020. Randomised block design with 12 treatments was applied for the trial with 3 replications. Result: Application of 100% recommended doses of fertilizers + farmyard manure + Azospirillum lipoferum + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria + potassium mobilising bacteria + Glomus + zinc solubilizing bacteria (T10) significantly increased plant growth in both years of cultivation. Grain yield, harvest index and benefit cost ratio of upland paddy were at par among the treatments and were higher in 2nd cropping year. Integrated nutrient management could increase the growth characters, maintain sustained yield and economic profitability of upland paddy in hilly terrains of north-east India, under jhum cultivation.

Seroepidemiological and genomic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 spread in North East region of India

PurposeSeroepidemiology and genomic surveillance are valuable tools to investigate infection transmission during a pandemic. North East (NE) India is a strategically important region being the gateway connecting the country with Southeast Asia. Here, we examined the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in NE India during the first and second waves of COVID-19 using serological and whole genome sequencing approaches. MethodsqRT-PCR analysis was performed on a selected population (n ​= ​16,295) from June 2020 to July 2021, and metadata was collected. Immunoassays were studied (n ​= ​2026) at three-time points (August 2020, February 2021, and June 2021) and in a cohort (n ​= ​35) for a year. SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes (n ​= ​914) were sequenced and analyzed with those obtained from the databases. ResultsTest positivity rates (TPR) in the first and second waves were 6.34% and 6.64% in Assam, respectively, and a similar pattern was observed in other NE states. Seropositivity in the three time points was 10.63%, 40.3%, and 46.33%, respectively, and neutralizing antibody prevalence was 90.91%, 52.14%, and 69.30%, respectively. Persistence of pan-IgG-N SARS-CoV-2 antibody for over a year was observed among three subjects in the cohort group. Normal variants dominated the first wave, while B.1.617.2 and AY-sublineages dominated the second wave in the region. The prevalence of the variants co-related well with high TPR and seropositivity rate in the region and identified mostly among vaccinated individuals. ConclusionThe COVID-19 first wave in the region witnessed low transmission with the evolution of diverse variants. Seropositivity increased during the study period with over half of the individuals carrying neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. High infection and seroprevalence in NE India during the second wave were associated with the dominant emergence of variants of concern.

Nutritional enrichment of fruit peel wastes using lipid accumulating Aurantiochytrium strain as feed for aquaculture in the North-East Region of India

ABSTRACT Utilization of fruit peel wastes to grow thraustochytrids for nutritional enrichment of wastes will lower environmental and economic costs associated with feedstock specific for aquaculture industries. In this study, high-carbohydrate content agricultural wastes, such as orange, pineapple, banana, and mausambi fruit peels were enriched with essential fatty acids producing thraustochytrids Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC276. Characterizations of fruit peels revealed the presence of high carbohydrate content (9–16%) and reducing sugars essential for the growth of thraustochytrids. Optimization for lipid production of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC276 was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) in combination with different concentrations of fruit peels in solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions. Fruit peels composed of SSF experiments were designed using a central composite design. Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC276 cells efficiently utilized the sugar components of fruit peels for their growth and lipid accumulation. Different SSF composites made of fruit peels were significantly enriched with fatty acids of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC276 cells. Culturing Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC276 cells with these waste materials demonstrated distinct responses towards lipid accumulation at different compositions. The optimized SSF composite consists of 9.91 g 100 mL−1 orange, 5 g 100 mL−1 mausambi, 4.12 g 100 mL−1 pineapple, and 8.01 g 100 mL−1 banana peels and was enriched with 8.37% of Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC276-derived lipids. This study expands the benefits and bioprocessing potential of essential fatty acids producing Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC276 along with fruit peel wastes which a frontier in circular bioeconomy and valorizing waste for usage.

Elemental Profiling of North-East Indian Tea (Camellia sinensis) by ICP-MS and Assessment of Associated Health Risk.

Tea is a perennial crop that requires acidic soil for better plant growth. Due to the acidic nature of tea-growing soil, metals can be easily absorbed by tea plants from growing medium. Other anthropogenic activities are also the major contributor of element in the tea. This study provided a comprehensive database of 24 elements which were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Selected 24 elements belong to alkali metal (Li, Rb, Cs), alkaline earth metal (Be, Sr, Ba), transition metal (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Hg), basic metal (Al, Ga, Sn, Tl, Pb), metalloid (As), non-metal (Se), and actinide (U). Total 321 drier mouth samples were collected during 2020-2021 from eight different regions (Darjeeling, Terai, Dooars, North Bank, Upper Assam, South Bank, Cachar, and Tripura) of north-east India. No inorganic mercury as well as uranium was detected in any tested tea samples. Mean concentrations of Be, As, Ga, Tl, Li, Se, Cd, Ag, Cs, V, Co, and Pb were at trace level, whereas macro-element mean concentrations were distributed in the manner of Al > Mn > Rb > Ba > Zn > Cu > Sr > Cr > Ni > Sn. Human health risk for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic metals was also assessed for the studied elements. Hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard index (HI) values (< 1) for non-carcinogenic elements indicated no risk. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for carcinogenic elements indicated no risk for As, Cd, and Pb and medium level risk for Ni. Study concluded that north-east Indian tea would not pose any health hazard.

Lithospheric heterogeneities of northeast India and Indo-Burma region: Geodynamic implications

• Intercontinental subduction, Cenozoic volcanism and ductile sediments imaged. • Subducting Indian slab is imaged as high-Vp whilst volcanic front by low-Vp. • Dehydration of the slab, serpentinization of the forearc mantle imaged by low-Vp. • Very less seismicity due to ductility of the sediments. • Provides valuable information for intercontinental regions of analogous tectonics. In order to understand the geodynamical implications of intercontinental subduction, Cenozoic volcanism and ductile sediments in the northeast India and Indo-Burma region, a detailed 3-D P-wave tomography has been conducted using high-quality P-wave phase data recorded by local seismographic network ascribed to different agencies of India. This approach of using local earthquake data recorded by the portable seismographs installed for limited duration also provide an opportunity to adjudge the efficacy of local seismic network, which in turn enrich our understanding of intricate issues of Seismogenesis. P-wave tomographic imaging of lithospheric structure using arrival time data from local earthquakes recorded for the northeast India and Indo-Burma region revealed strong velocity heterogeneities beneath the region. The eastward subduction of the Indian slab beneath the Burmese arc with a dipping plane of intermediate-depth earthquakes has been imaged as high velocity (high-V) zones. Under the Cenozoic volcanic front in Burma, low velocity (low-V) anomalies are imaged. The low-V at shallow crustal layers may correspond to surface geological features, sedimentary materials or the faults associated with trapped fluids or loose pelgic sediments due to episodic tectonic upheavals, dehydration of the subducting Indian slab and serpentinization of the forearc mantle beneath the region, while high-V anomalies in the same depth range possibly indicate the presence of dense crystalline rocks under compressional stress that cause seismicity in the region. The distribution of seismicity is associated with major faults and lineaments associated with the distinct structural heterogeneities. The Bengal basin and the Central Burma Molasse basin exhibit low-V anomalies with very less seismicity due to ductility of the sediments. The low-V associated with the thick piles of sediments in the Bengal (>20 km) and Central Burma Molasse (≤12 km) Basin supported by the conspicuous distribution of low-Bouger gravity anomaly, which may have contributed significantly to major load along with an overthrust load of westward moving Indo-Burma ranges over the Indian lithosphere, which may amplify the stresses already acting on the Indian Plate due to load of the Himalaya, and making the region seismically more vulnerable. The present study is found to be in a good unison to the recent studies conducted in the region using different seismo-geophysical tools to different data set. The study provides valuable information on the lithospheric structures associated with seismogenesis and volcanic activity for the intercontinental regions, elsewhere in the world for our better understanding of geodynamical processes.

Molecular typing of dengue virus in Mizoram, Northeast India.

Dengue is an emerging vector-borne public health threat and characterization at the molecular level is important for proper management of the disease. The aim of the study is to examine the diversity of the dengue viral serotypes from a hilly mountainous region of Northeast India. Thirty-six blood samples that were positive for dengue virus IgM antibodies identified by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method were collected and quantified for the IL6 gene expression by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All the patients had dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF); 12 samples had a monotypic infection and 14 samples had dual infection with various dengue virus (DENV) serotypes; one sample had triple infection with DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-3. This study identified DENV-1 as the major serotype in the state of Mizoram and it is the first report on the molecular typing of the dengue virus from the hilly mountainous state located in the Indo-Burma region bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Spatial distribution of seismic cycle progression in northeast India and Bangladesh regions inferred from natural time analysis

Spatial distribution of seismic cycle progression in northeast India and Bangladesh regions inferred from natural time analysis

Phycological exploration of the global biodiversity hotspots of Northeast India: discovery of a new species of soil-dwelling cyanobacteria, Desikacharya kailashaharensis sp. nov.

A soil-dwelling cyanobacterial strain (KLS-BP-3A_PS), has been isolated from the biodiversity rich Northeast region of India and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain was collected from a field covered with grass, near a stream from the Unakoti district of Tripura. Upon culturing in the laboratory, initial studies indicated the strain to be showing typical Nostoc or Nostoc-like morphology. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analyses using Neighbour joining, Maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods gave a distinct and stable positioning of the strain inside the genus Desikacharya. Upon recovery of the full-length operon of the 16S-23S ITS region with both tRNAs (tRNAIle and tRNAAla), the folded secondary structures revealed unique patterns of the D1-D1', V2, Box-B, and V3 regions of the strain KLS-BP-3A_PS as compared to phylogenetically related species of the genus Desikacharya. The total evidence approach indicated conclusively that the strain under investigation is a new species of the genus Desikacharya, which we describe as Desikacharya kailashaharensis in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. Further, 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and evaluation of the 16S-23S ITS operons along with implying a re-examination of the family level affiliation of Desikacharya as well its generic limits may be in order. Notably, this study brings into focus the very less explored Northeast region of India which shares two global biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Eco-epidemiological risk factors for Japanese encephalitis in the endemic region of North East India: a hospital-based case-control study.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) has emerged as a major public health concern in North East India due to its complex eco-epidemiological risk factors. The objective of this study was to understand the various risk factors associated with JE infection in the endemic study location. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital from August 2017 to September 2018. The study participants included 49 confirmed JE cases with two control arms, one consisting of non-JE acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) patients (n = 91) and the other of non-JE non-AES patients (n = 140), admitted at the same time in the pediatric and medicine wards. A predesigned, pretested, structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Univariate analysis revealed the following to be risk factors: age at onset, sex, religion, immunization status, proximity to pigs, proximity to paddy fields (<100 m), use of a mosquito net, impregnated mosquito net, mosquito repellent, and outdoor activities. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age at onset (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 20.900; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.210-31.815) and proximity to pigs (AOR, 4.190; 95% CI, 1.592-11.040) as risk factors for the first control arm and proximity to paddy fields (<100 m) (AOR, 8.470; 95% CI, 2.0251-35.438) was the only risk factor found for second control arm, whereas impregnated mosquito nets (AOR, 0.082; 95% CI, 0.009-0.725) and mosquito repellent (AOR, 0.173; 95% CI, 0.052-0.575) were found to be associated with the second control arm. Age at onset, proximity to pigs, proximity to paddy fields (<100 m), impregnated mosquito nets, and mosquito repellent were the most significant risk factors for JE in the NE region to warrant public health actions.

Epidemiological Review: Esophagus Squamous Cell Carcinoma in India

AbstractWorldwide the incidence of esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), remains one of the most common causes of cancer death. ESCC is one of the leading types of cancer in the North and Northeast regions of India among both genders. Risk factors of ESCC include tobacco, alcohol, areca nut, hot beverages, low fruit diet, poor oral hygiene, unpiped water, and human papillomavirus infection. This review tries to elaborate on various modifiable risk factors for ESCC, which have been studied worldwide and need to be studied in India. PubMed was used as a search platform using keywords, such as “esophagus cancer,” “esophagus squamous cell carcinoma,” “epidemiology,” “India,” “incidence,” “mortality,” “risk factors,” “treatment,” “survival,” “prevention” and their corresponding Medical Subject Heading terms, were used in combination with Boolean operators “OR” and “AND.” Studies from India are mostly hospital-based case-control studies from the North region. Further research is required in India to understand the etiology, to design large-scale screening and prevention strategies.