South India Research Articles

The BRCA mutation spectrum among breast and ovarian cancers in India: highlighting the need to screen BRCA1 185delAG among South Indians.

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly elevate the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Limited data exists regarding the prevalence ofBRCA mutations, and optimal, cost-effective testing strategies in developing countries like India. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel for BRCA1/2 mutation testing among women diagnosed with, or at risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. We also aimed to identify population specific BRCA1/2 mutation hotspots, to enable the development of more affordable testing strategies. We identified 921 patients with breast and ovarian cancer who underwent mutation testing. The target enrichment wasfollowed by targeted NGS in 772 patients and an allele-specific PCR (ASPCR) based genotyping for BRCA1:c.68_69delAG (or 185delAG), was carried out in 149 patients. We identified 188 (20.4%) patients with BRCA1/2 variants: 118 (62.8%) withpathogenic/likely pathogenic and 70 (37.2%)with VUS. The 185delAG was identified as a recurrent mutation in the Southern Indian population, accounting for 24.6% of the pathogenic variants. In addition, a family history of breast, ovary, pancreas, or prostate (BOPP) cancer was found to be associated with an increased risk of identifying a deleterious BRCA1/2 variant [OR = 2.11 (95% CI 1.45-3.07) p ≤ 0.001]. These results suggest that TargetedNGS is a sensitive and specific strategy for BRCA testing. For Southern Indian patients, a two-tiered approach can be considered: Initial screening with ASPCR for BRCA1185delAG followed by NGS for those testing negative. Expanding the gene panel and identifying other population-specific mutation hot spots is a promising area with potential for improvements in testing and treatment strategies.

Temporal and Spatial Foraging Activity of Indian Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica F.) at Different Migratory Sites

Migratory beekeeping increases honey production and reduces the feeding costs of stationary beekeeping during longer dearth periods. This study discerns the influence of environmental conditions on the foraging behavior of the Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica F., at different migratory sites in Southern India. The total number of foraging bees, pollen foraging efficiency, and nectar foraging efficiency were estimated. Furthermore, the influence of environmental factors, including temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and solar radiation, was recorded to identify its impact on the foraging behavior of honey bees. Among the climatic factors, maximum temperature (>30 °C) was the most crucial, negatively affecting bee activity with correlation coefficients of -0.83, -0.34, and -0.33 for outgoing bees, nectar, and pollen collectors, respectively. The relative humidity showed a positive impact on the frequency of worker bees moving out of the hive (r = 0.79), those coming in with nectar (r = 0.27), and pollen (r = 0.29). Rainfall hampered foraging activity, while solar radiation was found to have no significant effect on bee activity. Diurnal variations showed peak activity of bee foragers between 6.00 and 10.00 am. The visits by honey bees were significantly higher at low temperatures, solar radiation, precipitation, and high relative humidity. They made about 90% of their flower visits in the early morning, although plenty of bee flora was available throughout the day. Also, the environmental conditions at different sites strongly influenced the foraging behavior. However, the honey bees still focused their activities on favorable conditions depending on their biology and fixed their daily foraging patterns, improving beekeeping and honey production throughout the year.

Growth and Instability Analysis of Pepper with Reference to Production and Price

Black pepper, the most traded spice in the world is native to South India. Though Pepper is popularly known as black gold, it does not provide the value of gold to its cultivators because of several persisting problems. Market imperfections, illegal imports, ineffective implementation of minimum import duty, lack of institutional support etc are some of the problems faced by pepper growers. Production of pepper has become unremunerative due to depressed prices in the domestic and/or global markets coupled with increasing input costs. In this context, the study has focused on trends in area, production and yield of pepper, the seasonal effect of price and also the impact of the production of pepper on its prices to diagnose reasons for price fluctuations. The main objective of the study is to examine trends in area, production and productivity in major pepper-producing states and monthly price variations of pepper in India. The study relies on time series data. The data on area, production, productivity and monthly average price of pepper have been collected from the Spices Board of India. To study the behaviour of prices of pepper in different months, a seasonal effect has been constructed. To study the interrelationship between the price of pepper with its production and different months, a correlation technique has been employed. Regression analysis is being undertaken to know the present and future price trends of pepper. The time-series analysis of the monthly average prices of pepper is attempted from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The study revealed that there is a strong positive correlation between the prices of pepper and different months. The regression coefficient reveals that month significantly contributes to the growth and instability in pepper prices in the market. The study also suggests that, if the government could provide enough institutional support to stabilise the market prices, the pepper growers would certainly consider their crop as black gold.

Correlation between Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) as a Prognostic Biomarker for Diabetic Nephropathy Patients in a South Indian Hospital

Context: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, capable of leading to end-stage renal disease. Diabetic nephropathy could only be identified through renal biopsy testing, which is expensive and can impose a financial burden on patients. Therefore, there is a necessity to develop a cost-effective method for identifying diabetic nephropathy. Aim: To evaluate the correlation between RBC parameters, such as RDW and MCV values, as prognostic biomarkers for patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods and Material: Study Design: Prospective comparative study. Study Site: Sudha Institute of Medical Science, Erode. Study Duration: Study was carried out over six-months. Sample Size: 101 diabetic nephropathy patients and 101 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Statistical Analysis: Pearson correlation. Results: The majority of diabetic nephropathy patients were 40 years old or older, and most of them were males. Among the study participants, a significant number of male participants had habits of smoking and alcohol consumption. The duration of diabetes and BMI exhibited a strong correlation with the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, there were notable increases in urea, creatinine, FBS, RBS, PPBS, and HbA1C, alongside a decrease in MCV and eGFR as diabetic nephropathy progressed. Conclusions: Our research indicates a positive correlation between RDW and HbA1c, FBS, RBS, PPBS, urea, and creatinine. In contrast, negative correlation of RDW with MCV and eGFR. MCV is negatively correlated with HbA1c, FBS, RBS, PPBS, urea, creatinine. In contrast, positive correlation between MCV and eGFR.

Cognition, depression, and functional health profiles (CoDe-F) of non-debilitated aged in the coastal belt of southern India: An explorative study at homes for the aged

IntroductionCognitive function, depression, and functional health profiles of older adults directly predict overall well-being. Family dynamics in India are changing mainly due to urbanization, migration of the younger generation for education or employment, and change in the social system, making the elderly parents alone and slowly getting transferred to old age homes. Hence, the investigators were interested in determining the functional health, depression, and cognitive decline among young and middle-aged non-debilitated institutionalized older adults. ObjectivesTo determine the correlation between cognitive function and depression among the young-old and old-old elderly and determine the functional health profiles of non-debilitated older adults residing at the old age homes of the coastal part of southern India. Study designAn exploratory study at the homes for the aged. MethodologyThe survey was conducted at old age homes after obtaining permission from the respective authorities. Socio-demographic proforma, functional health profiles, Modified Barthel Index, Short-form depression scale, and Muscle strength assessments were the data collection instruments. Statistical Analysis was done through Jamovi. (Version 2.3). Descriptive statistics and Karl Pearson's parametric statistic test were applied. ResultsMontreal's cognitive assessment revealed that 81% of the elderly had borderline cognitive impairment. The short-form geriatric depression score revealed that 87% reported mild depressive symptoms. As cognitive ability declined, depressive symptoms were common among institutionalized older adults (r = −0.494, p < 0.05) ConclusionDepression, cognitive impairment, and functional health profiles of older adults residing at old age homes need to be monitored regularly, and appropriate interventions must be employed to improve their quality of life.

Prevalence of cardiac complications in perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection in children in Southern India: an observational study

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a multisystemic illness that impacts most organ system, to investigate prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities in children with perinatally acquired HIV infection. Methods: This observational study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in Southern India. HIV-positive children between the ages of 18 months and 15 years were included. Cardiac abnormalities were defined as abnormalities identified on 2D echocardiography and/or electrocardiogram. Results: The 73 children with HIV infection had their cardiac manifestations assessed. Median age of children was 8 years with 52% of female participants, 22 (30.13%) children had cardiac abnormalities, of which 5 (27.27%) were symptomatic. Overall, 21/22 (95.45%) children had abnormalities on their ECG, 16 (72.72%) had abnormalities on 2D echocardiography. Of these, we found that children with delayed diagnosis of HIV infection and with more advanced clinical and immunological staging in HIV are more prone to develop cardiac complications irrespective of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Conclusions: HIV-related heart involvement is not uncommon, rather occur subclinical. A decreasing CD4 count and worsening clinical status are associated with increased risk. Hence its crucial to screen the children, diagnose at the earliest and timely manage the complications appropriately for prevention of early mortality.

Microplastics, their abundance, and distribution in water and sediments in North Chennai, India: An assessment of pollution risk and human health impacts

Plastic particles, measuring <5 mm in size, mainly originate from larger plastic debris undergoing degradation, fragmenting into even smaller fragments. The goal was to analyze the spatial diversity and polymer composition of microplastics (MPs) in North Chennai, South India, aiming to evaluate their prevalence and features like composition, dimensions, color, and shape. In 60 sediment samples, a combined count of 1589 particles were detected, averaging 26 particles per 5 g−1 of dry sediment. The water samples from the North Chennai vicinity encompassed a sum of 1588 particles across 71 samples, with an average of 22 items/L. The majority of MPs ranged in size from 1 mm to 500 μm. The ATR-FTIR results identified the predominant types of MPs as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene in sediment and water. The spatial variation analysis revealed high MPs concentration in landfill sites, areas with dense populations, and popular tourist destinations. The pollution load index in water demonstrated that MPs had contaminated all stations. Upon evaluating the polymeric and pollution risks, it was evident that they ranged from 5.13 to 430.15 and 2.83 to 15,963.2, which is relatively low to exceedingly high levels. As the quantity of MPs and hazardous polymers increased, the level of pollution and corresponding risks also escalated significantly. The existence of MPs in lake water, as opposed to open well water, could potentially pose a cancer risk for both children and adults who consume it. Detecting MPs in water samples highlights the significance of implementing precautionary actions to alleviate the potential health hazards they create.

Interpretation and origin determination of oil seepages using marine seismic data: a case study of the Western Continental Margin of India

This article discusses the experience of a joint using remote sensing data, marine seismic data and open geoscientific data to search for natural mineral oil seepages. The study was carried out as part of an assessment of oil prospects in the offshore sedimentary basins of the Arabian Sea on the west coast of the Indian Peninsula. The methodology is based on visual interpretation of natural and anthropogenic oil seepages using Sentinel-2 multispectral imageries. Modern offshore seismic data is used to establish the mineral origin of oil seepages by the presence of reservoirs and fault systems as possible sources of hydrocarbons and channels for their migration to the surface, respectively. The final map of detected oil seepages location is the result of research. Areas of natural mineral oil seepages accumulation confined to the western continental margin of India have been identified. Recommendations for exploration activities in the Kutch, Saurashtra and Kerala-Konkan offshore sedimentary basins were given. The acquired experience of visual interpretation of multispectral satellite data confirms efficiency of marine seismic data application for delineation of natural oil seepages of mineral origin in the areas of intensive navigation. The proposed methodology of research can be used as an indirect assessment of oil prospects in the Western Continental Margin of India and other areas of the world ocean.

New Pristaulacus Kieffer, 1900 (Hymenoptera, Evanioidea, Aulacidae) from India and Malaysia with a key to species and a revised checklist

Two new species of aulacid wasps, Pristaulacus iuliae Turrisi &amp; Nobile sp. nov. from South India (Karnataka) and Pristaulacus ninae sp. nov. from Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang), are described, figured and compared with most related species. Based on the present addition, the Indomalayan area currently includes 27 species of Pristaulacus Kieffer out of 61 known from the whole Oriental Region, which is however a largely underestimated number. An identification key to species and an updated checklist of Pristaulacus occurring in the Indomalayan area are provided.

Assisted Dying and Voluntary Euthanasia: Exploring Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions in a Tertiary Care Setting in South India

Background: Globally, with the increased focus on palliative care of adding life to years, the need for the right to refuse and dignified death has also commenced. Objective: To explore the perceptions of doctors and nurses about performing assisted dying and voluntary euthanasia. Methods and Material: Participants were selected purposively to include nine health care professionals to attain information saturation. Results: The factors justifying euthanasia were the rights to choose or refuse and exclusive medical conditions. With limited medical insurance coverage, there is a thought that these factors might bring the idea of euthanasia amongst Indian people. Overall, though the healthcare professionals are not willing to perform euthanasia, they agreed to make assisted dying possible in the future but exclusively for terminally ill patients. Conclusion: It would be beneficial to standardise the terminology, have lawmakers re-examine Supreme Court of India rulings and consult medical and relevant experts on the unique situations of defining the terminally ill and what type of euthanasia may be considered.

Experiences, Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Bullying Among School-Going Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study from South India

AbstractBullying victimisation affects an estimated 30% of individuals worldwide. While the prevalence and risk factors of bullying have been studied in India, comprehensive research on the phenomenon of bullying itself remains scarce. Our objective was to study the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes towards bullying among seventh to ninth-grade students. The study included all seventh to ninth graders (N = 205) from two schools in the Udupi district of South India. To collect information on bullying, we used the Bully Survey - Student Version with appropriate modifications for our context. The mean age of the participants was 13 (1.05) years, with 58% being females. Our findings showed that almost half of the students had bullying roles. Students attending private schools and residing in urban areas were more likely to be victims, bullies, and bully-victims. Seventh and eighth graders experienced higher rates of bullying, whereas ninth graders were more likely to engage in bully behaviours or be bully-victims. Verbal bullying, including name calling, playing jokes, and making fun of others, was more prevalent. No gender differences were observed in verbal or physical bullying. School teachers, staff, and parents were unaware of bullying incidents almost half of the time. Anti-bullying programs should consider these aspects of bullying to be effective.

Disentangling the relationship between institutional influence, transformational leadership and performance in higher educational institutions in India: a three-way interaction model

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the relationship between institutional influence and performance, mediated through transformational leadership (TL) and moderated by barriers, situational factors, communication and implementation.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured survey instrument, data were collected from 370 faculty members from 31 higher educational institutions in southern India. After checking the psychometric properties of the instrument, the authors used Hayes’s PROCESS to test the direct hypotheses and three-way interactions.FindingsThe results revealed that TL mediated the relationship between institutional influence and performance. Further, the findings supported the three-way interactions between (1) institutional influence, barriers and communication positively affecting TL; and (2) TL, situational factors and implementation affecting the performance of faculty members.Research limitations/implicationsThis study underscores the importance of TL for the smooth functioning of higher educational institutions and achieving superior performance, especially in the new normal context after the global pandemic.Practical implicationsThis study makes several significant recommendations to administrators in higher educational institutions, in addition to contributing to the vast literature on TL. The study suggests that administrators must invest resources in developing TL skills so that employees reach their fullest potential and contribute to achieving organizational goals. In addition, leaders in organizations need to exercise a transformational style to combat the new normal post-pandemic academic environment.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights into the importance of TL style and institutional influence to enhance performance. To the best of our knowledge, the conceptual model developed and tested the first of its kind in India, significantly contributing to theory and practice.

PAs in India: A survey report on qualifications, deployment, specialties, and job satisfaction.

This report is based on a 2023 nationwide survey and literature review of physician associates/assistants (PAs) in India. The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, which is being implemented in India, included guidelines for PA licensing, creating a unified national curriculum, and preventing malpractice. Using a purposive sampling strategy, we surveyed 536 PAs in India between February 10 and April 30, 2023. The survey collected data on demographics, academic qualifications, specialties, salaries, job satisfaction, and future outlooks through an online questionnaire. The survey showed that most PAs are below age 30 years, and most graduated PAs were involved in clinical practice in 2023. PAs work in almost all clinical specialties; most practice in private hospitals. States in southern India continued to dominate educating and employing PAs, with a nationwide representation of more than 14 states. More than 80% of practicing PAs are satisfied with their profession; however, the majority are unsatisfied with their wages. This first formal survey on India's PAs illustrates the challenges of PA professional practice and standardization of education and licensure in the Indian healthcare system.

Gender disparity in maintenance hemodialysis units in South India: a cross-sectional observational study.

Diseases manifest differently according to gender in many medical specialties. However, sex differences in kidney diseases have not been well explored worldwide, especially in India. These differences could also be attributed to sociocultural factors. Although CKD is more prevalent in women worldwide, most men are initiated on kidney replacement therapy (KRT). This study aimed to examine sex disparities in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in two maintenance hemodialysis units at the Institute of Nephrourology, a tertiary care referral government center in Bengaluru, India. Demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were also recorded. In total, 374 adult patients (aged >18 years) were included in the study. Most patients (72.7%) were men. Mean age in men was 46.95 ± 12.65 years, and women was 46.63 ± 13.66 years. There was no significant difference in marital status and the availability of caretakers between the groups. Spouses were the predominant caretakers for both sexes (64% men and 51% women, P = 0.14). Sons cared more for patients with mother than fathers (19.6% vs 8.8%, P = 0.074). Diabetic nephropathy was the most common cause of ESKD in both groups (33.1% vs 31.3%, P = 0.92). Men had a significantly longer duration of HTN and received more HD sessions per week than women. Mean hemoglobin (9.9 ± 1.79 vs 9.46 ± 1.47 g%) and mean serum creatinine (7.76 ± 2.65 vs 6.41 ± 2.27 mg/dl) were higher in men compared to women (P <0.002). Intradialytic complications, such as hypotension and cramps, were significantly more common in women than in men (P = 0.004). Most men (47.1%) were planning a kidney transplant (and were waitlisted) compared with fewer women (43%). There was no significant difference in the average number of hospitalizations per month or HD vintage. Women tend to initiate dialysis later, and a lesser number are waitlisted for kidney transplantation, which might be partly related to varying access to or delivery of health care services. Factors such as lack of education, insufficient identification of and strategies to address cultural obstacles to healthcare, and a shortage of financial means to afford medical care are potentially correctable elements that might explain this discrepancy.

Practices of Personal Protective Measures against SARS-Cov-2 among Undergraduate Medical Students in South India

Introduction: The use of personal protective measures holds relevance despite mass immunization coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in the population. This is because vaccination only gives protection from severe COVID-19 and does not prevent the risk of infection. Medical students can be vital in training people in infection control practices. The study aimed to assess the practices of undergraduate medical students regarding personal protective measures against COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among first to final-year students at a private medical college in Mangalore. Data were collected using a Microsoft form. Results: The mean age of the 302 participants was 21.2±1.6 years. The majority of them were females [179 (59.3%)]. Face mask was worn by 295(97.7%) participants. Non-recommended types of face masks like using cloth masks [108 (36.6%)] and handkerchiefs [7 (2.4%)] were reported by participants. 35 (11.9%) of them wore the face mask incorrectly. Periodicity of replacement of disposable type masks was not done every day by 181(61.4%) participants. 142(48.1%) of them did not dispose of masks whenever they became moist on every occasion. Only 79 (26.8%) always practiced proper disposal of face masks. Hand sanitizer to disinfect hands was always used by 102 (33.8%) participants. Only 42 (13.9%) participants practiced correct practice of hygiene hand wash always. Only 58 (19.2%) participants had a good level of practice. Practice level was significantly poorer among males and first-year students. Conclusion: Several gaps in preventive practices against COVID-19 were identified, particularly among males and first-year students. These issues need to be addressed among medical students in future training programs.

Ergonomic Risk Identification and Postural Analysis in Electrical Transformers Manufacturing Company located in Southern India

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are the major factors resulting in discomfort at work in manufacturing industries to workers and these conditions contribute to the poor health of the workforce, subsequently to lower productivity. Therefore, the design of a workstation based on Ergonomic principles is becoming significant to reduce the effects of MSD. This study aimed to identify and assess the ergonomic risks associated with the work tasks in the company through posture analysis and develop recommendations for reducing those risks. Methods: About 36 manufacturing workers from five sections were randomly selected for the cross-sectional study. The chosen team members were from Core building, Core winding, Assembly, Tanking and Tank fabrication sections with experience of more than two years. The presence of MSDs was assessed using a Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. For postural analysis, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were utilized. Few selected postures were analysed using CATIAV5 software and improvements reducing the risks of postures were recommended. Results: All of the 36 workers selected for the study were male with a mean age of 32 years and, average experience of 10 years, and 75% of workers had normal body mass index. The MSD questionnaire indicated discomfort of 86% mostly in the lower back portion of the body. The combined findings of RULA and REBA showed that about 44% of postures were in the high-risk group. Conclusion: Well-defined ergonomic interventions such as redesigning the workstation are suggested to reduce awkward postures and manual handling risks, leading to improvement in job performance and productivity.

Open paleoenvironment and dry climate in south India immediately before the Youngest Toba Tuff eruption (~75 ka) are suggested by Vondrichnus structures at the Jwalapuram locality, Jurreru valley

Abstract The Younger Toba Tuff (YTT) eruption is regarded as one of the largest of its time and possibly responsible for changing past climate and vegetation from C3 to C4 in the Indian subcontinent. A paleosol constituting a Toba pre-tephra horizon at the Jwalapuram locality, exhibits the preservation of biogenic structures identified as Vondrichnus planoglobus and Vondrichnus obovatus. This study investigated their paleoecological and paleoenvironmental significance. These structures are hard and compact, rounded to sub-rounded, spherical to sub-spherical bodies with empty chambers, surrounded by carbonate layers, and preserved in close proximity to termite pipes and nests and rhizolith structures. Their occurrence in the Jwalapuram area is significant, as the locality has been well documented as suitable for reconstruction of past climate and vegetation in light of the impact of the YTT eruption. Based on the present findings, we assume that the investigated locality would likely have an insect population and bush to scrub vegetation, indicating a dry environment immediately before the YTT eruption.

Understanding the climatology and long-term trends in solar radiation using ground based in-situ observations in India

Understanding the variations of solar power potential over the country is essential for the optimum utilisation of solar energy in power generation, which demands accurate information of solar radiation and its variations. In the present study, we investigate the climatology and trends of global radiation (GR), diffuse radiation (DR), bright sunshine hours (BHS) and technical potential of solar power (Solar Photovoltaic potential; SPV potential) using in-situ data procured from India Meteorological Department for the period 1985-2019. GR is high (low) over the northwest and inland areas of peninsular (extreme north and northeast) India, whereas DR is high (low) over the coastal stations (extreme northern parts of the country). BHS is more (less) over northwest (north, northeast and southern peninsular) India. The country has SPV potential in the range of 1800-3400 Wm-2 with substantial regional variations. High (low) SPV potential is observed in the northwest regions (north, northeast and southern peninsular India). The GR and BHS (DR) have (has) a significant decreasing (increasing) trend in most parts of the country. However, the rate of decreasing (increasing) of GR (DR) has been weakened (strengthened) in the recent decade. The technical potential of solar power has a significant decreasing trend in most of the selected stations which is alarming. It necessitates the wide use of solar panels with better efficiency to meet the energy requirements from solar resources.

A study of extreme rainfall events and urban flooding over Hyderabad, October 2020

The present study analyses and describes the evolution of the Mesoscale Convective Complex (MCC) and its atmospheric conditions during Extreme rainfall event in Hyderabad, on 13th October 2020. This extreme weather event was a mesoscale event embedded in a synoptic-scale system. During the second week of October 2020, a depression formed over the west-central Bay of Bengal (BoB) and travelled north-westwards through peninsular India, causing heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states of India on October 13-14. On October 13, many parts of Hyderabad and Cyberabad received more than 300 mm of rain within 24 hrs. Satellite imagery suggests that this mesoscale system constituted a unique set of structured convection those reported in MCC. This MCC has a cloud shield with a continuous low IR temperature of less than - 33 °C over an area of more than 100000 km2 and a cloud shield with a continuous low IR temperature of less than -54 °C over an area of more than 50000 km2 over Hyderabad with a life cycle of about 9 hours. This MCC featured multi cellular characteristics, showing that there was significant low-level moisture in its environment, as well as a mix of vigorous updrafts, implying significant rainfall rates over Hyderabad. The synoptic features suggest that with high precipitable water, the long axis of low-level moisture convergence at 0850 hPa and large horizontal vorticity at 0925 hPa were oriented parallel to the system's mean wind flow. In this case, a clusters of thunderstorms arose in the area of moisture convergence which prolonged the duration of extremely heavy rainfall. The high rain rate, relatively sluggish storm motion, and prolonged back-building over the same locations for several hours are likely to blame for the heavy rainfall accumulations that were observed. The hydrological conditions compounded the effects of the torrential rain, resulting in a natural hazard.

Predictors of Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Mental Health Symptoms: A School-Based Study in Southern India.

Mental illnesses are one of the major contributors to the overall burden of disease among the young. We investigated the predictors of emotional and behavioral problems among in-school adolescents in the Indian context. Using stratified sampling, 1441 adolescents were recruited to participate in the study in Udupi taluk. The study instruments included a socio-demographic pro forma and the adolescent self-reporting version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess the emotional and behavioral problems among them. We explored the predictors of total difficulties, as well as externalizing and internalizing problems and gender differences. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, a Chi-square test for associations, an independent t-test to explore the gender differences, correlation analysis, and backward stepwise logistic regression for the predictors were used. The mean age of the participants was 15.31 ± 0.76. An almost equal percentage of male (49.6%) and female (50.4%) participants provided data. Abnormal scores were highest under conduct problems (8.5%), and the total difficulties reached 5.1%. The male participants had higher levels of conduct, hyperactivity, peer relationship, and externalizing problems the while the female participants experienced higher levels of emotional and internalizing problems. It was observed that there was a significant positive relationship between age and emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and total SDQ score. An older age predicted an abnormal total difficulties score and externalizing and internalizing behaviors, while the type of school predicted the total difficulties and internalizing behaviors. The age of the adolescent, their gender, and the type of school they attended emerged as predictors of the emotional and behavioral problems among them.