South India Research Articles

Accuracy of various matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based rapid identification methods—As a tool to augment diagnostic stewardship in blood culture laboratory, South India

BackgroundBlood stream infection is a medical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt identification of bloodstream infection-causing microorganisms directly from positive blood culture will significantly enhance patient care by reducing the turnaround time of pathogen recognition. MethodsA total of 256 freshly flagged positive blood culture bottles were subjected to Gram staining. Direct MALDI-TOF MS analysis was performed following sample preparation techniques such as lysis centrifugation, lysis filtration and VITEK® MS BC kit to directly identify microorganisms from positive blood cultures. Along with these short-term incubation methods of Choco spot and minute colony(8–10h) were also performed. All those positive bottles were identified by the routine (reference) laboratory method. Results177 isolates (69.14 %) were correctly identified by Lysis centrifugation, 163 isolates (63.67 %) were correctly identified by Lysis filtration, 206 isolates (80.47 %) were correctly identified by Choco spot,250 isolates (97.65 %) were correctly identified from minute colony (8–10h) of incubation. Of 162 isolates,115 isolates (70.99 %) were correctly identified by VITEK® MS Blood culture kit, (BioMérieux). VITEK® MS BC kit method revealed higher agreement with the kappa value of 0.697 than lysis centrifugation (0.672) followed by lysis filtration (0.611). ConclusionsIn house method of lysis centrifugation is found to be equivalent to VITEK® MS BC kit method and superior to lysis filtration method in correct direct identification of bacteria from positive blood cultures by MALDI-TOF MS analysis. As lysis centrifugation requires only 10 min of processing time as compared to overnight incubation, thus it offers a less expensive substitute for the VITEK® MS BC kit in the clinical laboratory. As a consequence of this study, we have implemented direct MALDI-TOF-based identification from positive BCs in our daily routine diagnostic management.

Hydrological dichotomy: Streamflow drought in dammed vs. undammed regions of the largest Indian Peninsular basin

Recurring streamflow drought is a significant problem, and it is necessary to comprehend the spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of historical droughts in order to manage future water supplies effectively. Drought has significant and often severe effects on semi-arid and arid zones due to the already limited availability of water in these regions. Therefore, this research examines streamflow drought fluctuations in India's second-largest basin, the Godavari. The Godavari Basin experiences diverse climatic conditions ranging from humid in the Western Ghats to semi-arid in central and western regions. Frequent hydrological droughts have plagued the Godavari basin. Still, the impact of human activities and climate change on the streamflow drought characteristics in the Godavari basin has not been thoroughly investigated. Further, assessing the regional control of streamflow drought deficit and intensity in a large river basin like Godavari is crucial. The findings show that streamflow drought is worst in central and eastern Godavari. Additionally, dammed and undammed locations have different streamflow drought characteristics. Droughts have lengthened in dam-affected areas. However, regions without dams have seen more deficit and intensity. Thus, different sustainable water management techniques are needed for the dammed and undammed regions of the Godavari basin.

First Global Host Report and New Distribution Record of Bactrocera penecorrecta Drew (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Bihar, India

This study showed that brinjal, Solanum melongena Linnaeus is the first global host of the fruit fly, Bactrocera penecorrecta Drew (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Bihar, North India. Earlier report of B. penecorrecta was from Kerala, South India. In the present investigation, B. penecorrecta was recorded 22 years after its discovery in Kerala, South India in 2002 by R. A. I. Drew and S. Raghu. The record of brinjal as the first host of B. penecorrecta warrants in in-depth investigation of the level of infestation and sanitary and phytosanitary protocol development for the export as many recent invasions by different Bactrocera species in various part of the world beyond their native distributional records.

From local to global: Village YouTubers and rural creator cultures in South India

This article examines emerging rural creator cultures in South India. Specifically, it focuses on the uptake and production of YouTube videos by village creators, a relatively understudied but increasingly important phenomenon given the rapid spread of social media entertainment in rural India. Through a case study on My Village Show, a YouTube media collective, this article shows how rural cultural producers transformed into ‘media workers’, ‘creators’, and ‘influencers’. The South Indian YouTubing landscape, with a multitude of village-centric social media entertainment channels, reveals a new dynamic of cultural production in the Global South, distinguished by collective, collaborative, and formalizing creator labor practices. Drawing upon ethnographic observation and in-depth interviews with rural cultural producers, this article analyzes and conceptualizes rural creator cultures within particular socio-cultural, vernacular, and regional dynamics in India.

Historical archaeology in the Indian Ocean world

This edited volume by Mark Hauser and Julia Jong Haines aims to bring together local narratives within the context of the Indian Ocean in modern times, from c. AD 1500, and establish how these narratives can inform historical archaeology. As the editors highlight in the introductory chapter, historical archaeology has been greatly informed and inspired by the Atlantic world and its colonial histories. Here, they seek instead to foreground the Indian Ocean as a setting for historical archaeology in its own right. The authors use the long and deep history of interconnectedness and trade in this ocean as a basis for understanding more recent history, not just in light of colonial impact but through bottom-up approaches that focus on the local in the global. The case studies in this book and its overall theme are also part of the ongoing process to decentralise Europe in archaeological discourse. The book consists of 11 chapters, including an introductory chapter by Haines and Hauser and two commentaries. The majority of the case studies are from island East Africa or South India, which naturally limits the scope somewhat.

Appraisal of groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation utilities in the Cooum River basin, South India: Implications from uranium, nitrate, and fluoride health risks

The study reveals that 6% of groundwater samples exceed the WHO's recommended fluoride limit of 1.5 mg/L, and 15% surpass the nitrate standard of 45 mg/L, rendering the water unsuitable for drinking. Gibbs plot analysis identifies evaporation as the dominant factor affecting groundwater chemistry, while the Piper diagram classifies the water into mixed Ca–Mg–Cl and NaCl types, indicating natural processes and potential seawater intrusion. Cation exchange processes are observed in 75.5% of samples, as shown by Schoeller's indices. The hydrochemical facies evolution suggests freshening from recharge in most samples, with signs of salinity intrusion in others. Between 2010 and 2023, land use and land cover (LULC) changes show a significant increase in built-up areas, resulting in reduced groundwater recharge and heightened pollution risks. The classification accuracy is high, with an overall accuracy of 82.20% and a Kappa coefficient of 83.06%. Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment reveals that 47% of the groundwater samples are excellent for drinking, while 20.6% are suitable. Although 80% of the groundwater remains appropriate for agriculture, the study highlights the need for targeted groundwater management to address urbanization impacts and mitigate health risks from elevated nitrate ingestion, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.

OSSN in South India: Clinical presentation, treatment outcomes, and histopathologic correlations.

This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentation, treatment outcomes, and histopathology features of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) in a South Indian population and correlate the area of lesions to the histopathological grade/severity of carcinoma in situ (CIN) and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) invasive and noninvasive tumors. The study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The study reviewed electronic medical records (EMRs) of 99 eyes of 99 South Indian patients who underwent en bloc excision and biopsy for tumors in the corneal and conjunctival epithelium with suspicion of OSSN over 1 year from January 2019 to December 2019. Postoperatively, patients were treated with three cycles of topical 0.04% mitomycin C eye drops. Sixty-three had requisite EMR data with a follow-up period of 1 year. Patients had equal gender distribution with an age range of 28-83 years. The most common clinical variant was leukoplakic lesion, and the area of the lesion was the only predicting factor for SqCC and CIN. Bigger (T2) lesions should be strongly suspected for OSSN and promptly excised. Histopathologic analysis should be performed, and post-op topical mitomycin C or interferon alpha 2b is administered to avoid recurrence. In this study, by correlating the area of the lesion, we introduce a new variable that may aid in clinical prognostication alongside the AJCC classification.

Common epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in north Indian patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma: evidence from real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Lung carcinoma was the ace cause of cancer deaths globally in 2022, with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounting for 81% of the burden. Due to promising tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) trials, NSCLC patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations are of interest. Our aim was to determine EGFR mutation prevalence in north India and its histologic and demographic correlations. We investigated the frequency of EGFR mutations in 40 patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC using real-time polymerase chain reaction. A 15% mutation frequency was observed in the study sample, involving 32 males and 8 females with a median age of 59 years. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients had only EXON20 (T790M, exon20 insertion) mutations, while adenocarcinoma patients had mutations in both EXON20 (T790M) and 21 (L858R) with mutation frequencies of 22% and 10%, respectively. 28% of the SCC patients were non-smokers, and 60% of these non-smokers had an EGFR mutation. South Indian and Asian studies have identified EXON19 (19-Del) and EXON21 (L858R) mutations as "common mutations" that account for nearly 80-90% of all mutations and respond well to TKIs. Interestingly, "common mutations" were found seldom in our study population, while the uncommon variants constitute 83% of all mutations, which we assume is due to diverse Indian genetics and ethnicity and co-existing signature mutations that involve the tyrosine kinase domain of EXON20. We suggest future genome-wide association studies to identify plausible genetic polymorphisms responsible for interethnic differences in EGFR mutation, which will contribute to better treatment and prevention of NSCLCs.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Methane Emissions from Rice Production Systems in Southern India

The impact of climate change on methane (CH4) emissions from rice production systems in the Coimbatore region (Tamil Nadu, India) was studied by leveraging field experiments across two main treatments and four sub-treatments in a split-plot design. Utilizing the closed-chamber method for gas collection and gas chromatography analysis, this study identified significant differences in CH4 emissions between conventional cultivation methods and the system of rice intensification (henceforth SRI). Over two growing seasons, conventional cultivation methods reported higher CH4 emissions (range: from 36.9 to 59.3 kg CH4 ha−1 season−1) compared with SRI (range: from 2.2 to 12.8 kg CH4 ha−1 season−1). Experimental data were subsequently used to guide parametrization and validation of the DeNitrification–DeComposition (DNDC) model. The validation of the model showed good agreement between the measured and modeled data, as denoted by the statistical tests performed, which included CRM (0.09), D-index (0.99), RMSE (7.16), EF (0.96), and R2 (0.92). The validated model was then used to develop future CH4 emissions projections under various shared socio-economic pathways (henceforth SSPs) for the mid- (2021–2050) and late (2051–2080) century. The analysis revealed a potential increase in CH4 emissions for the simulated scenarios, which was dependent on specific soil and irrigation management practices. Conventional cultivation produced the highest CH4 emissions, but it was shown that they could be reduced if the current practice was replaced by minimal flooding or through irrigation with alternating wetting and drying cycles. Emissions were predicted to rise until SSP 370, with a marginal increase in SSP 585 thereafter. The findings of this work underscored an urgency to develop climate-smart location-specific mitigation strategies focused on simultaneously improving current water and nutrient management practices. The use of methanotrophs to reduce CH4 production from rice systems should be considered in future work. This research also highlighted the critical interaction that exists between agricultural practices and climate change, and emphasized the need to implement adaptive crop management strategies that can sustain productivity and mitigate the environmental impacts of rice-based systems in southern India.

Fruit Frenzy: Evolving Consumption and Demand Trends in South India

Fruit Frenzy: Evolving Consumption and Demand Trends in South India

Cytospora azadirachtae sp. nov.—A new species associated with dieback disease in Azadirachta indica from southern India

Stem cankers associated with dieback disease of neem (Azadirachta indica) shoots were collected from Manasagangotri and Doddamaragowdanahalli, Mysore, Karnataka (India) and based on microscopic, cultural and initial blast results of ITS-rDNA identified the isolated fungus to the genus Cytospora. The phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS-rDNA-tef1-α-tub2 sequence data showed it represents a new species and is described as Cytospora azadirachtae. The concatenated phylogeny revealed that Cytospora azadirachtae is phylogenetically distinct and closely related to Cytospora shoreae and C. rhizophorae. Cytospora rhizophorae differs from C. azadirachtae in that it has shorter conidia and conidiogenous cells. Further, C. rhizophorae is halotolerant and saprobic and shows host-specificity usually associated with Rhizophora sp. (R. mangle and R. mucronata). Similarly, C. shoreae differs from C. azadirachtae in having larger flask-shaped conidiomata and larger conidia. Based on multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the canker and dieback disease symptoms, the present study introduces C. azadirachtae as a new species.

Historical Background, Origin, Distribution & Present Status of Wood Apple

Wood apple (Feronia limonia L.; Rutaceae family) commonly known as poor man’s fruit in India due to its several nutraceutical importance, is native to South India and Sri Lanka. Sanskrit term, “kapittha,” receives several mentions in a number of ancient texts including “Hinduism: an Alphabetical Guide”. Buddhist scholar mentioned wood apple as an Indian fruit while, military commander and poet Chauvundaraya (940-989AD) listed wood apple in numerous medicinal remedies and also mentioned in Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Wood apple has been planted extensively or being allowed to grow naturally in the reserved forests throughout Southeast Asia, Northern Malaysia and on Penang Island. In India, it is more common in Deccan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhatishgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha, however, no data is available for its area and production. Unfortunately, the lack of attention has meant that their potential value is under-exploited and they are in danger of continued genetic erosion, ultimately leading to disappearance. Therefore, it is necessary to spread the awareness of its importance among common people and researches to identify superior genotypes, production problems of wood apple for their ex-situ collection, conservation, evaluation and utilization that is being explained by this study after having various literatures available in different forms from different sources. This review article will help future researchers to conserve as well as explore the possible benefits of this crop to the common people harnessing societal value of growers.

Management of Disseminated Rhinosporidiosis: Experience From a Single Tertiary Institution.

This study aims to present a series of patients with disseminated rhinosporidosis with diagnostic and therapeutic features. A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary health care centre in South India from 2007 to 2020 with disseminated rhinosporidiosis. Twelve patients with multiple sites of involvement like the nose, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, lacrimal sac and skin were included in the study. All patients underwent surgical excision, followed by peroral dapsone for one year. The age group was around 30-55 years, with male predominance (11:1). Pond bathing history was present in 50% (n=6). The most common site of lesion was the nose (100%), oropharynx (83.3%), skin (75%), larynx (50%) and less commonly, nasopharynx (41.6%) and lacrimal sac (25%). One patient underwent surgery four times (8.3%), followed by thrice and twice by five (41.6%) and six (50%) patients, respectively. On two years of follow-up, two patients (16.6%) had a recurrence in the nose and larynx whereas eight patients (66.6%) had no recurrence and two patients (16.6%) were lost to follow-up. This original article highlights the rare occurrence of disseminated rhinosporidiosis, the possibility of which should be kept in mind, mainly when two or more sites are involved. The most significant number of disseminated rhinosporidiosis cases in the literature is reported here. Dissemination with the cutaneous and multisite disease is rarely reported and poses difficulty in management. Early diagnosis and intervention prevent the dissemination of spores into various parts of the body.

Unmasking Health and Inclusivity: Health Benefits of Traditional Indian Games for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disability

Abstract Background: Physical activity plays a vital role in enhancing the health benefits and decreasing sedentary behaviors in children with neurodevelopmental disability. Adapted physical education by means of traditional games might have the potential to maximize the health benefits of children with neurodevelopmental disability. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the value of traditional games in imparting health benefits in children with neurodevelopmental disability. Methodology: After a detailed review, the research paradigm has been framed to list and compile the traditional games of South India using Nisaratana Sangasubana framework to enhance health benefits for children with neurodevelopmental disability. Data Synthesis: The location of the data, the data-gathering, data-storage, data analysis (using modified Roper and Shapira strategies), and validation of data are done. Reflective Remarks: Finally, the list of traditional games which potentially have health benefits for children with neurodevelopmental disability has been obtained.

The Preventive Role of Perceived Social Support in Postpartum Psychiatric Morbidity: Insights from a Rural Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South India

Abstract Introduction: Postpartum psychiatric disorders show a rising trend in developing countries, where the lack of social support is a major risk factor. Evidence from Western scientific literature also reports of similar preventive role of social support in postpartum psychiatric states. However, the attitudes toward childbearing may differ across cultures and also within the same cultural sphere. With this background, we aimed to assess the perceived social support and its association with postpartum psychiatric morbidity in a rural setting in South India. Methodology: A total of 100 postpartum women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study following their consent. Sociodemographic data sheet and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were administered on them. Appropriate statistical analysis was done. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of our sample recorded high perceived social support (76%), with 90% reporting high support from a special person. 10% had major depressive disorder, out of which 6% recorded melancholia, and 7% recorded suicidality on DSM IV-TR. Increasing age had lower perceived social support, P = 0.024. As perceived social support was reduced, increased psychiatric morbidity was significantly noted, with suicidality and melancholia. Conclusions: Our study finds a significant association between perceived social support and postpartum depression (PPD). Lesser social support was associated with increased suicidality and melancholia features in cases of PPD. Amplification of social support in expectant mothers is a useful way to safeguard against postpartum psychiatric disorders.

Assessment of health-related quality of life in individuals with interstitial lung diseases in a tertiary care hospital in south India.

Background & objectives Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) cause progressive symptoms and decline in lung functions which impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although HRQoL is gaining wider acceptance as an endpoint for disease perception, limited data is available regarding the same in Indians with ILD. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess HRQoL and its correlation with lung function parameters in individuals with ILD in a tertiary care setting in south India. Methods A hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients with ILD were recruited between June 2022 to December 2023. HRQoL was assessed using the ILD specific K-BILD, generic EQ-5D-5L and an adapted version of the validated PESaM questionnaires. Correlation between various domains of the three questionnaires and lung function parameters was analyzed followed by linear regression analysis. Results The study population consisted predominantly of females (64.1%), with CTD-ILD being the most common ILD (40.8%). HRQoL impairment was noted, predominantly affecting the 'breathlessness and activity' domain and significant correlation was noted between K-BILD and EQ-5D-5L across domains. On regression analysis, FVC, 6-minute walk distance and desaturation were independent predictors of HRQoL. Type of ILD and disease duration did not have a significant association with HRQoL measures. Interpretation & conclusions 'Breathlessness and activity' domain of HRQoL was affected the most in participants with ILD. Forced vital capacity, six-minute walk distance and exercise induced desaturation were independent predictors of HRQoL among individuals with ILD.

Neuromotor and Neurosensory Impairment among High Risk Infants at One Year of Age – Risk Factor Analysis

Background: Improvement in the quality of perinatal care in the last few decades has led on to improve newborn survival. Sick neonates who have survived are exposed to high risk factors in the prenatal period and are termed as high risk infants (HRIn). This study aimed at determining the proportion of neuromotor and neurosensory impairments among HRIn. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in South India between January 2020 and December 2021. Study population comprised of intramural high risk infants fulfilling the criteria. At discharge infants were stratified as mild, moderate or severe risk for developing neurodevelopmental disorders and follow up plan was given. The subjects were assessed at 4, 6, 8 and 12 month for impairments. Results: Total 138 infants were enrolled and 88 completed follow up. Lost for follow up was 36.2%. The impairments detected with respect to motor and vision were 12.5% and 1.1% respectively. Sepsis, seizures, birth asphyxia and preterm were robust prognostic factors for neuromotor impairment. Risk of tone abnormality was 13 times higher in infants who had sepsis. At risk for developmental delay was noticed in 11.4% of the study for which significant association was with prematurity, sepsis and birth asphyxia. Discussion: HRIn are susceptible for neurodevelopmental impairments. Hence early identification and enrolment in intervention programs will ensure favorable outcomes.

MIC trends of vancomycin and teicoplanin among methicillin resistant CoNS isolates from new born blood cultures in a tertiary care centre in Southern India.

Coagulase-negative-Staphylococci (CoNS) are important etiological agent of bacteraemia in newborn babies. Methicillin resistant CoNS infections have only limited treatment options. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Methicillin Resistant CoNS isolates from newborn blood cultures was studied with special reference to MICs of Vancomycin and Teicoplanin. The study population included Methicillin Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococcal isolates (MRCoNS) from newborn blood cultures, during a one-year period. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Vancomycin and Teicoplanin in Methicillin resistant CoNS isolates was determined by macrobroth dilution method as per CLSI guidelines and by automated methods. Coagulase Negative Staphylococci were the etiological agent in 73.7% (n=56) cases of neonatal bacteremia. Methicillin resistance in newborn CoNS was found to be 58.9%. All the MRCoNS isolates had vancomycin and teicoplanin MICs in the susceptible range. There were MRCoNS isolates with MICs in the upper limit of susceptible range for both vancomycin and teicoplanin, which can result in poor clinical response. Continuous large scale multi-centre surveillance studies with special attention to study the MIC pattern of the high-end anti-MRSA agents like vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid are to be carried out. This will help the clinicians to judiciously prescribe the antibiotics, which is very essential for antimicrobial stewardship.

Tribe-Caste Dynamics in South India

There are over 150 tribal communities in South India. Many of them live in remote and forested areas. However, historically, they have had a close relationship with caste society. The dominance of caste is evident in their everyday contexts, economic relations and social status within the local social hierarchy. The article reflects on how the situation of tribes in South India cannot be fully comprehended without acknowledging the overbearing influence of caste ideology and politics on their lives. It will focus on two Scheduled Tribes in South India, the Paniyan and the Koraga, to illustrate practices of untouchability and social deprivation among them. Despite their Scheduled Tribe status, the Paniyan and the Koraga continue to face caste-based discrimination and cannot access basic services provided by the state. There is a deep sense of dispiritedness among them and, increasingly, they are isolating themselves from ‘others’ in their vicinity. Isolation has become an active mode of distancing from caste and asserting their tribal identity. It expresses their rejection of tribal integration, and associated politics, responsible for their marginalisation.

Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioural Responses Towards Mental Illness Among Pharmacy Students in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioural Responses Towards Mental Illness Among Pharmacy Students in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study