South India Research Articles

Sex-specific differences in the association between APOE genotype and metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and older rural Indians

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, significantly increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases. This study focuses on understanding the sex-specific association between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism and MetS among middle-aged and older adults in rural southern India. MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized data from the Centre for Brain Research-Srinivaspura Aging, Neuro Senescence, and COGnition (CBR-SANSCOG) study. Participants (n = 3741) underwent comprehensive clinical assessments and blood investigations, including APOE genotyping. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program – Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and Consensus criteria. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, ANCOVA, and logistic regression, were conducted to explore the association of APOE genotype with MetS and its components, stratified by sex. ResultsFemales carrying the APOE E4 allele had 1.31-fold increased odds of MetS (95 % CI: 1.02,1.69, p = 0.035) according to the NCEP ATP III criteria but not when the Consensus criteria were applied. The study also noted sex-specific differences in the association of APOE with various MetS components, including lipid levels and waist circumference. DiscussionThe findings reveal a sex-specific association between the APOE E4 allele and MetS, with only females having an increased risk. This study contributes to the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of MetS and highlights the importance of considering sex-specific differences in MetS research and its prevention strategies. This study underscores the complexity of MetS etiology and emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in its progression, particularly in sex-specific contexts.

IJCM_181A: Health behavioral change and Associated factors among patients diagnosed with non-communicable diseases in the Rural areas of Southern India

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributed to 71% of the global mortality and affect the ageing population with variable proportions. NCD diagnosis gives an opportunity for patients to change their health behaviors. Secondary prevention strategies like diet modification, physical activity and smoking cessation after NCD diagnosis are important and should be emphasized particularly for middle-aged and older adults. Objectives: 1. To assess the level of health behavioral change adopted by the patients diagnosed with NCDs registered under Rural field practice area. 2. To evaluate the factors influencing the health behavioral change in NCD patients. Methodology: This is a Cross-sectional study design conducted at Rural Health & Training Centre, Government Medical College, Ananthapuramu, from August 2023 to October 2023. Simple random sampling was used to select 150 registered NCD cases from the RHTC data-base. We included participants who were diagnosed with either diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, or cancer after recruitment. Data were collected by using pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Associations were tested using chi-squares and for all comparisons p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: In total 48 (32%) NCD cases have adopted suggested behavioral change instructed by the physician. Factors such as females, graduates, Class III & above SES, diagnosed between 5 to 10 years, not having any other co-morbidities were significantly associated with good health behavioral change. Conclusion: Around two third of the diagnosed NCD cases were not compliant to health behavioral change. Hence, health care providers need to provide behavioral change communication related to health behaviors in addition to standard medical care.

Effects of duty cycle on passive acoustic monitoring metrics: The case of blue whale songs.

Long-term fixed passive acoustic monitoring of cetacean populations is a logistical and technological challenge, often limited by the battery capacity of the autonomous recorders. Depending on the research scope and target species, temporal subsampling of the data may become necessary to extend the deployment period. This study explores the effects of different duty cycles on metrics that describe patterns of seasonal presence, call type richness richness, and daily call rate of three blue whale acoustics populations in the Southern Indian Ocean. Detections of blue whale calls from continuous acoustic data were subsampled with three different duty cycles of 50%, 33%, and 25% within listening periods ranging from 1 min to 6 h. Results show that reducing the percentage of recording time reduces the accuracy of the observed seasonal patterns as well as the estimation of daily call rate and call call type richness. For a specific duty cycle, short listening periods (5-30 min) are preferred to longer listening periods (1-6 h). The effects of subsampling are greater the lower the species' vocal activity or the shorter their periods of presence. These results emphasize the importance of selecting a subsampling scheme adapted to the target species.

Association Analysis of MMP-13 (rs2252070) Gene Polymorphism and the Susceptibility to Chronic Periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory condition influenced by genetic factors. Matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-13, serving as a crucial enzyme involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, is associated with the degradation of periodontal tissues. Therefore, this study assesses the genetic link between the MMP-13 (rs2252070) genetic variation and chronic periodontitis in a Southern Indian demographic. The study was conducted at Saveetha Dental Collegein Chennai, India. It involved a total of 100 subjects,50 individualsaffected with periodontitis (classified as stage II and above, American Association of Periodontology 2018 criteria) and 50 individuals who were periodontally healthy or were diagnosed as having mild gingivitis. We isolated DNAfrom the blood samples obtained from the participants. Specific primers that flank the BsrI region of the MMP-13 receptor gene were used in the process of DNA amplification. Subsequently, a restriction fragment length analysis using the BsrI enzyme was carried out for genotyping of the amplicon. Based on the restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern, we obtained certain genotypes. These were further recorded and followed by statistical analysis. We conducted a chi-square test to draw a comparison in terms of their genotype and allele frequencies. We calculated the odds ratio, along with 95% confidence intervals. The frequency of genotypes and distribution of MMP-13 polymorphism did not exhibit a statistically significant difference at χ2 degrees of freedom (P = 0.913). We inferred from our study that there was no significant difference between the groups concerning homozygous and heterozygous mutant genotypes (AA vs. AG + GG), with a P-value of 0.6871. The observed frequencies of GG (47% vs. 43%) and AG+AA (41% vs. 42%) genotypes did not indicate a significant difference between the groups. Similarly, there was no noteworthydistinction between the A allele (62% vs. 65%) and G allele (38% vs. 35%) in the case and control groups. Thefindings of the study reveal that there is no correlation between MMP-13 (rs2252070)gene polymorphism and periodontitis.

Etiologies, risk factors, and antibiotic pattern of lower respiratory tract infection in patients coming to Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, South India

Background. Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) impose a huge problem on society due to their tenacious and unescapable health problems, and they were the reasons for consultation and hospitalization. Patients with LRTI were present with a wide spectrum of diseases that range from life-threatening infections to minor self-limiting illnesses. Materials and methods. Sputum samples from 310 patients with complaints of lower respiratory tract infections were collected and analyzed. After microscopic analysis, 30 were excluded from the study. Of the 280 that were included in the study, 171 were males and 109 were females. The age group between 56 and 65 years comprised the highest number of patients in the study. Different antibiotics were used to check antibiotic sensitivity patterns against isolated Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Results. Of the 280 samples processed, 122 (43.5%) were culture-positive. Among the 122 bacterial isolates, the predominant organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae 55 (45%). The most common predisposing factor identified in 115 (37%) patients was smoking. Using the Double Disk Synergy Test, 11 (20%) out of a total of 55 K. pneumoniae isolates and 4 (30.7%) out of 13 Pseudomonas isolates showed Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL). The Klebsiella and Pseudomonas isolates showed resistance to 2nd and 3rd generation Cephalosporins. Conclusion. Because of different geographical regions and conditions, the etiology and the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of LRTI vary, so the etiology, predisposing factors, and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of LRTI need to be updated regularly. The diagnostic facilities for early and rapid identification of LRTI also need to be improved.

Clinical profile of children with influenza like illness during pre-monsoon at coastal Karaikal, Puducherry, India.

Influenza infections in developing countries are under reported and WHO estimates that nearly 99% of influenza deaths worldwide occur in children under-five years of age in Asian and African countries. Consequently, this study aims to analyze the use of clinical profile and easily available laboratory parameters to aid identification of the possible viral etiology in the setting of pre-monsoon ILI. A cross-sectional study was carried out for three months among children with ILI attending fever clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Karaikal, South India. In the study population the prevalence of ILI was highest in the age group four to five years followed by school aged children. Adolescents were affected the least. Influenza B was most common virus causing ILI in this region, followed by covid-19 infection. Laboratory parameters depicted a significantly high ESR in COVID-19 infected ILI children. They also exhibited leucopenia and normal platelet counts. Clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters which are easily available and cheaper can be used in resource poor settings of healthcare to identify possible influenza and COVID-19 infected children amongst cases presenting with ILI.

Correlation between Internet Addiction and Self-Esteem among Nursing Students in Selected Nursing Colleges of Nursing in South India

Internet addiction has become a modern-day addiction that has gripped people all over the world. People of all ages are affected by this addiction, though it is more prevalent among youth. Self-esteem is how we see and value ourselves. It is based on our self-perceptions and beliefs, which can be difficult to change. This is also referred to as self-assurance. The more time people spend on internet and social media, the more they socially compare themselves. This social comparison has been linked to lower self-esteem and increased social anxiety, among other things. So the present study aimed to assess the effect of internet addiction over the self-esteem of nursing students and develop positive attitude towards self-esteem in the nursing students. Study aims to assess the level of internet addiction and co-relation of IA and Self-esteem and its association with sociodemographic data. The quantitative correlational research design was adopted for the study. The participants consisted of 122 samples, selected by simple random sampling technique from selected nursing college at Bangalore. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic data and Rosenberg self-esteem scale and internet addiction, internet addiction test, which consists of 20 questionnaire was used. The data was analyzed and interpreted by descriptive statistical analysis. Data analysis demonstrated the mean percentage of Internet addiction is 36.26 and SE is 21.66. The SD of IA 14.95 and SE 3.212. it revealed that there is positive correlation between Internet addiction and Self-esteem. The study explored the self-esteem of nursing students and level of internet addiction and association of socio demographic data with self-esteem and internet addiction.

Variability of Index of Coalescence Activity (ICA) over a rain-shadow region during monsoon and its role in cloud seeding programs in India

The Index of Coalescence Activity (ICA) is an indicator of the microphysical state of the cloud. ICA is related to cloud base temperature and buoyancy of cloud at 500 hPa level. It is a useful parameter for making a decision on the type of seeding to be carried out. During Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement EXperiment (CAIPEEX) over the Indian region, aircraft operations for in situ measurements of aerosols and clouds were conducted from the base station Hyderabad to cover parts of north peninsular India falling under the rain-shadow region. Special Radiosonde flights were conducted in the afternoon hours prior to aircraft operations from the locations Hyderabad and Mahabubnagar in addition to regular India Meteorological Department (IMD) Radiosonde flights at 00 UTC from Hyderabad. The parameters like cloud base height and buoyancy at 500 hPa level obtained from Radiosonde flights have been used to estimate ICA values during the period of the experiment (June to October 2009–2011). The variability of ICA has been studied using morning and afternoon sounding profiles over the rain-shadow region. Morning hours showed highly negative ICA values, as compared to noon hours. During noon time, positive ICA values are observed before monsoon onset (in 2009, monsoon onset was 21st June over the study area) and on few occasions during post-monsoon (October). Positive ICA values represent that collision-coalescence (CC) process is not fully developed and hence, hygroscopic seeding is the proper decision. While, negative ICA values indicate active CC process, suggesting glaciogenic seeding. The soundings conducted just before the cloud seeding operations provide information about the actual thermodynamic and microphysical state of the cloud. Hence, ICA information is useful for providing guidelines to the operational cloud seeding programs.

Redescription of Pomponia cyanea Fraser, 1948 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae) from the Western Ghats, with a note on its junior synonym P. zebra Bliven, 1964, syn. nov., and Terpnosia polei (Henry, 1931), from Sri Lanka

Pomponia cyanea Fraser, 1948 from the southern Western Ghats, of peninsular India is redescribed based on the types and fresh specimens with additional data on distribution, morphometrics, and structure of male genitalia. The validity of P. zebra Bliven, 1964, originally described from the Anamalai Hills is discussed. A study of fresh specimens and holotype images of P. zebra revealed no difference in general morphology, wing venation, or structure of male genitalia so as to separate it from P. cyanea, and hence P. zebra is treated as a junior synonym of P. cyanea Fraser, 1948, syn. nov. The taxonomic status of Terpnosia polei (Henry, 1931) from Sri Lanka is revised based on male morphology and is transferred to its original genus as Pomponia polei Henry, 1931, comb. nov. A key to males of known species of Pomponia of Western Ghats is provided.

Role of Participatory Institutions in Reframing Patriarchy in Rural Water Governance : Some Evidence from South Indian Irrigation

Role of Participatory Institutions in Reframing Patriarchy in Rural Water Governance : Some Evidence from South Indian Irrigation

Determinants of Poison-related Mortality in Tertiary Care Hospital, South India.

Acute poisoning is one of the most common emergencies in India and around the world. Understanding the factors associated with mortality can aid us in devising appropriate preventive strategies to curtail deaths due to poisoning. Purpose of this study is to find various factors that determine the mortality among acute poisoning cases admitted in a tertiary care center. A retrospective hospital records-based study was conducted at Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital. The study included 2,123 cases of various poisoning cases admitted for a year from January to December 2022. Cases of bites, stings, drowning, and hanging were excluded. Information on sociodemographic profile, type of poison, time since ingestion and admission, and treatment outcome were collected using a structured pro forma. The mean age of the study population was 29.90 ± 14.98 years. Poisoning was found to be predominantly among males (56.42%) and residents of rural areas (58%). Insecticide consumption (27.0%) was the most common modality, followed by oleander poisoning (20%), corrosive poison (17%), rat poison (15%), tablet poison (13%), and other poisons. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) was 5.2%, with the highest CFR of 12.25% with insecticide poisoning. In multivariate analysis, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission is the only parameter showing a statistically significant association with mortality (adjusted odds-ratio 0.271(0.2-0.38, p-value < 0.01). Acute poisoning primarily affects the young and economically productive population. In the south Indian population, pesticides are still the major contributor though corrosives are a major contributor among children. Mortality is still significant, and GCS status admission is the only predictor of mortality. Krishnasamy N, Narmadhalakshmi R, Parameshwari P, Jayalakshmi R, Lokesh R, Jayanthi R, et al. Determinants of Poison-related Mortality in Tertiary Care Hospital, South India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):329-335.

Palynological dating and incidence of the fossil Botryococcus in variable pH from the Mesozoic sediments of the Godavari Valley Coalfield, South India: insights in palaeoecology and palaeoenvironment

Palynological dating and incidence of the fossil Botryococcus in variable pH from the Mesozoic sediments of the Godavari Valley Coalfield, South India: insights in palaeoecology and palaeoenvironment

Comparative studies on the cultivation, yield, and nutritive value of an edible mushroom, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer, grown under different agro waste substrates.

In the present study, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer collected from Keeriparai forest of Kanyakumari district, South India was cultivated using environmentally benign, low-cost agricultural waste residues (paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and sawdust) as growth substrates. The main goal of this study was to assess the cultivation, yield, and nutritional value of P. tuber-regium fruiting bodies grown under different growth substrates. Spawn running time and time for primordia formation were found to be shorter in mushroom growing with paddy straw substrate compared to sawdust and sugarcane bagasse. A quick spawn run time was observed in paddy straw substrate (12 ± 1 day) followed by sugarcane bagasse (15 ± 1 day) and sawdust (23 ± 1 day). The primordia was well developed in the macrofungus grown with paddy straw substrate on 18 ± 1 day followed by sugarcane bagasse (22 ± 1 day) and sawdust (32 ± 1 day). Significantly higher yield of fruiting bodies with increased contents of protein and carbohydrate and low level of fat was obtained when P. tuber-regium was cultivated with paddy straw substrate. While, cultivation of P. tuber-regium in sawdust and sugarcane bagasse resulted in increased contents of K, Na, Ca, and Mg along with highest energy value. On the other hand, rice husk did not support the cultivation of this macrofungus. Therefore, it is of significant interest to initiate the commercial production of this macrofungus so as to fight against the problems of malnutrition found in few African and south Asian countries.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Diet Diversity Among South Indian Athletes

Purpose. Athletes can benefit greatly from having knowledge about sports nutrition. However, there are limited studies on athletes' nutritional knowledge and dietary habits in South India. This study aims to assess the athletes' sports nutrition knowledge, analyse their dietary practices and attitudes, and the dietary diversity score. Material &amp; Methods. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in selected areas of Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu. Eighty-five athletes aged 10-18 training in different sports academies were interviewed individually using a validated questionnaire to analyse their sports nutrition knowledge, attitude and dietary practices. Results. The results showed that only 4.7% of the athletes had adequate nutritional knowledge of over 60%. The mean overall knowledge score was 40.2%, with athletes being most knowledgeable about protein and its sources (mean score of 67.9%), but less aware of carbohydrate and fat sources and recommendations (mean score of 15.08% and 14.01%, respectively). The mean score for attitude and dietary practices were 64.4 and 59.5 respectively. A strong and positive correlation was found between the level of nutritional knowledge and attitude (p=0.0001). Additionally, we found that the occupation of parents and the monthly income of the family were significantly associated with the athletes' nutritional knowledge. Majority of athletes (74.1%) of the athletes had an adequate dietary diversity score (DDS) of ≥ 5, and 25.9% of the athletes had a DDS of ≤ 4. Conclusions. Nutritional educational interventions at the grass root level can potentially improve athletes' knowledge, dietary practices and sports performance in the future. It is crucial to identify and address knowledge gaps, and use technology to monitor and motivate athletes towards consistency in implementing their knowledge.

Predictors of 28-day mortality in melioidosis patients presenting to an emergency department: a retrospective cohort study from South India.

Septic melioidosis is associated with high mortality in resource-limited settings. The current study aims to find 28-d all-cause mortality predictors within 24 h of admission in melioidosis patients presenting to an emergency department. This retrospective cohort study (2018-2022) included melioidosis patients divided into two groups based on their primary outcomes (28-d mortality). All the clinically relevant factors significant in univariate analysis were selected for binary logistic regression analysis. Those factors significant in logistic regression analysis were considered independent predictors of mortality. Of the 53 patients with melioidosis, the 28-d mortality of melioidosis patients admitted to the emergency department was 51% (n=27). Respiratory involvement, renal dysfunction, haemodynamic instability, elevated aspartate transaminase, elevated activated partial thromboplastin time, elevated CRP, elevated procalcitonin, decreased albumin, decreased absolute neutrophil count, decreased absolute lymphocyte count and use of piperacillin-tazobactam or azithromycin were significant predictors of mortality on univariate analysis. Vasopressor requirement (p=0.03) and low serum albumin level (0.041) at presentation were independent predictors of mortality. Vasopressor requirement and low albumin levels at presentation in the emergency department are independent predictors of mortality. There is a need to create awareness among primary care physicians to enable early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment.

Precarious life in a heartless world: COVID-19 and the gender transgressive Shivashaktis in Southern India

Abstract This paper attempts to understand and narrate the experiences of Shivashaktis, a gender transgressive community from Southern India, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Shivashaktis’ gender transgressions and embodied ritual power allow them to intercede between the human and the divine. This secures them religious sanction and legitimacy and offers a source of income for them. They are engaged in several livelihood practices that are associated with ritual practices such as performing oracles, laggams (deity marriages), joggu, etc. Their embeddedness in heterosexual family structures, however, hinder their access to benefits that are allocated for the transgender community through the state and non-state policy programmes. During the pandemic, with the state-announced lockdown across the nation, and particularly in Telangana, Shivashaktis were pushed further into precarity, burdened by economic, psychological and community disruptions. Within this context, the paper critically engages with the impact of COVID-19 that brought the entire relational world of the gender transgressive Shivashaktis to collapse rigorously, affecting their livelihood and sense of being and belonging in the world.

Role of Cinnamomum verum leaves in the management of Vascular dementia: A comprehensive overview

Spices are utilized for both culinary and medicinal purposes and have been for a very long time originating from Sri Lanka and southern India, Cinnamomum verum may also be found in other Asian, Caribbean, Australian, and African countries. The principal compounds contained are Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol, both of which have unique medicinal qualities in the leaves of Cinnamomum verum. Cinnamonaldehyde (CA), a bioactive phytochemical offer therapeutic advantages against the beginning of cardiovascular illnesses. Eugenol is an organic compound found in the leaves of Cinnamomum verum. Eugenol has antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic effects. Eugenol's smooth muscle relaxant effect is due to its inhibition of receptor-operated and voltage-sensitive channels. Endothelial cells create nitric oxide (NO), which relaxes blood vessels. Eugenol has substantial anti-inflammatory properties. The antipyretic activity of eugenol is well recognized, since it reduces fever by reducing prostaglandin and sodium archidonate synthesis. Eugenol's hydrophobic nature allows it to pass the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. Eugenol protects neuronal cells against the oxidative and excitotoxic effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA). Eugenol has neuroprotective properties in hippocampal tissues due to its capacity to reduce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postpone amyloid β -peptide (A- β) induced cell death via abnormal Ca2+ blocking. Anti-hypertensive property of Eugenol is known as it has the ability to activate TRPV channels and to relax endothelium-depleted arteries. Eugenol, which is found in Cinnamomum verum leaves, has been shown to be beneficial in the control of hypertension and so may be beneficial in the management of vascular dementia.

Behavioural risk-factors of hypertension and its knowledge in rural South India: a cross-sectional study

Background: India, a lower middle-income country with a population of more than 1 billion is undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition characterized by an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases. It is estimated to account for 10.8% of all deaths and 4.6% of all disability-adjusted life years in India. Hence this study is carried out to assess the socio-demographic profile and risk factors associated with hypertension (HTN) in rural India. and to determine the association between risk factors and hypertensive status. Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional study in Shivamogga taluk of Karnataka from May-September 2023. Based on 2011 census, Shivamogga taluk has 117601 households bearing population of 507324 and sex-ratio 987 per 1000 males, 36.4% of population lives in urban area and 63.6% in rural area. Ayanur and Matthur are rural field practice area of SIMS having population of 3605 and 3144 respectively. The multi-stage random sampling method is used to study 430 study participants. Results: The study comprised of 430 participants, 162 (37.67%) were among the age group of 50-65 years, 223 (51.86%) were hypertensives and 306 (71.16%) stated that HTN adversely effects health of an individual. 381 (88.6%) opined that reducing salt intake in the diet can significantly reduce the development of HTN in an individual. Conclusions: HTN is a behavioural disease that is increasing day by day and there is no much difference between people living in urban/rural areas. Hence, this needs to be addressed at a primitive level to decrease the prevalence of NCD’s by promoting health, adopting healthy lifestyles and adherence towards medications.

Unraveling the Enigma: A Five-Year Comprehensive Analysis of Hurthle Cell Tumors in South India's Tertiary Care Center.

Hurthle cell tumors of the thyroid gland constitute a rare and enigmatic group of neoplasms, characterized by the presence of Hurthle cells exhibiting abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and numerous mitochondria. Despite their low incidence, they pose diagnostic challenges and display diverse clinical outcomes. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinicopathological profile of Hurthle cell tumors within a tertiary care center in South India. Through a retrospective approach, we analyzed cases of Hurthle cell tumors diagnosed and treated at a tertiary care center over a five-year period. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological data were meticulously collected and scrutinized. The study focused on examining demographic details, presenting symptoms, imaging features, cytological findings, surgical management, and postoperative outcomes of the patients. A total of 32 cases of Hurthle cell tumors were identified during the study period. The majority of patients were female (84%), with a mean age of 49.6 years for Hurthle cell carcinoma. Thyroid enlargement and neck mass were the most common presenting complaints. Fine-needle aspiration cytology showed characteristic features suggestive of Hurthle cell tumors in 33% of cases. Total thyroidectomy remains the mainstay surgical approach. Histopathological evaluation confirmed 62.5% of cases as benign adenomas and 37.5% as malignant carcinomas. Among malignant cases, 67% showed capsular invasion and 33% demonstrated vascular invasion. Of the patients,33.3% received adjuvant radiotherapy. The overall survival rate was 100%. In our study, we found that thyroid nodules larger than 3 cm demonstrated a higher propensity for Hurthle cell carcinoma. Our findings support the multidisciplinary approach in managing Hurthle cell tumors, with a focus on tailored treatment plans for each patient based on individual characteristics. By recognizing the female predominance, assessing nodule size, and employing a combination of thyroidectomy and ablative therapy, clinicians can optimize patient care and contribute to better long-term prognosis and quality of life for those affected by Hurthle cell tumors. Continued research and collaborative efforts are necessary to advance our understanding and refine treatment strategies, paving the way for improved outcomes and enhanced patient management in the future.

Seasonal estimates of ozone and secondary organic aerosol formation from volatile organic compounds in a rural atmosphere of India

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) serve as precursors for tropospheric ozone (O3) and Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) formation. The formation of O3 and SOA are the indicators of the oxidative capacity specific to a given chemical environment. The current study investigates the oxidative capacity of the relatively less explored tropical rural atmosphere. This study is accomplished by measuring the concentrations of various VOCs and combining them with OH loss rates to estimate the potentials for O3 and SOA formation (OFP and SOAP, respectively). Continuous diel VOC measurement data from Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E), Peninsular India, encompassing four distinct seasons and comprising over 4000 samples, have been utilized to estimate OFP and SOAP and their variations across different seasons. Additionally, efforts have been made to comprehend the contribution of different VOC sources to O3 and SOA formation. The results indicate that, 1, 3, 6-trimethyl benzene (20.09 %) among the VOCs and aromatics (44.37%) among the VOC groups exhibit the highest OFP at the observational site. Among seasons, the post-monsoon period exhibits the highest OFP (31.94%). The increased presence of biogenic VOCs, such as ethylene, propylene, and 1-butene during monsoon, likely due to the increased vegetation cover can be attributed for the elevated OFP. Similarly, n-dodecane (43.22%) and the VOC group of alkanes (50.79%) show the highest SOAP. The summer season has the highest SOAP (29.7%), owing to the enhanced concentrations and photochemistry initiated by OH radicals. Within the PMF-modelled sources, biomass-burning VOCs make a substantial contribution to both OFP and SOAP, distinguishing the rural atmosphere from its urban counterpart, where traffic emissions predominantly influence OFP and SOAP.