South India Research Articles

Obstacles for self-management practices among diabetes patients: A facility-based study from Coastal South India.

Obstacles for self-management practices among diabetes patients: A facility-based study from Coastal South India.

Hydrochemical evaluation of the strip aquifer in Srivaikundam region, Southern India: implications for drinking and irrigation

The present study focuses on understanding the groundwater geochemistry and hydrochemical characteristics of the Srivaikundam region, Tamil Nadu, with special concern on seasonal and spatial variations in groundwater quality. Groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon (2021) and post-monsoon (2022) seasons, and required water quality parameters were analyzed, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, and concentrations of major ions such as sodium (Na⁺), calcium (Ca2⁺), magnesium (Mg2⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and sulfate (SO₄2⁻). Further ionic ratios, such as Na + /Cl⁻ and Ca2⁺/Mg2⁺, helped to characterize the groundwater quality to understand the ion exchange occurring in areas affected by seawater intrusion. The Gibbs diagram revealed that groundwater chemistry is primarily controlled by rock-water interactions, while the ionic ratios confirmed the significant influence of marine water mixing in the coastal aquifers. In addition to that, the study highlights the role of the strip aquifer system in regulating groundwater flow and storage, which influences the seasonal variations in water quality. The strip aquifer system, consisting of both unconfined and semi-confined aquifers, is highly vulnerable based on the impacts of anthropogenic activities and reflected in the elevated concentrations of salts and other ions. According to the WHO 2017 guidelines, certain areas exhibited high levels of TDS, chloride, and magnesium, which alarm potential risks related to salinity and pollution, particularly due to the effects of human activities in the study region. This study exhibits the need for continuous monitoring and the adoption of effective groundwater management strategies in the study region to mitigate the impacts of seawater intrusion and pollution on the water quality of the study region.

Identification and validation of TFs and lncRNAs in response to Tomato Leaf Curl Bangalore Virus (ToLCBaV) infection in tomato (Solanum spp.)

Tomato leaf curl Bangalore virus (ToLCBaV), often a woeful reason for complete failure of tomato crop in southern India. The plant response to virus infection is a complicated network involving several defence routes. Every defence route involves transcription factors (TFs) and other regulatory transcripts including lncRNA as important regulators of gene expression. These regulators act as both pro-viral and anti-viral factors involved in modulating disease symptoms. This study has reported and validated several TFs and lncRNAs from transcriptome study of tomato lines, IIHR2611 (R) and IIHR 2843 (S) in response to virus infection. Validation was done based on expression analysis of selected TFs and lncRNAs using qPCR at different intervals of ToLCBaV infection. TFs, DREB protein 1A (3.53 folds) and Protein RADIALIS-like 3 (5.27 folds) were induced in R plants upon ToLCBaV infection. Whereas, WRKY TF-53 was upregulated in S (3.36 folds) and down regulated in R (− 3.80 folds) plants upon virus infection. Four lncRNAs were found differentially expressed among R and S lines when analysed using qPCR. The differential temporal gene expression of TFs among S and R plants in response to ToLCBaV infection regulate the resistance or susceptibility. Further studies on the mechanism of resistance of TFs and lncRNAs will aid in unravelling novel antiviral defence pathways in tomato. These findings provide a basis for developing molecular markers for marker-assisted selection and targets for genome editing, paving the way for breeding durable ToLCBaV-resistant tomato cultivars. Understanding the role of TFs and lncRNAs in host-virus interactions could also help address viral infections in other crop species.

Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds from Kerosene Fuel Burning and its Health Consequences among Women in South Indian Population

Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds from Kerosene Fuel Burning and its Health Consequences among Women in South Indian Population

Clinicopathological Profile of Cutaneous Lymphoma and Distinction of Early Mycosis Fungoides from Cutaneous Lymphoid Hyperplasia—A Retrospective Experience from Quaternary Care Centre in South India

Clinicopathological Profile of Cutaneous Lymphoma and Distinction of Early Mycosis Fungoides from Cutaneous Lymphoid Hyperplasia—A Retrospective Experience from Quaternary Care Centre in South India

Molecular insights and RAPD profiling of bioactive compounds from Salacia oblonga wall: inhibition of mecA and beta-lactamase in drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Salacia oblonga Wall, a woody climber in the Celastraceae family, found across southern India and Sri Lanka, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda to cure diabetes. The root bark of S. oblonga Wall is also used to treat rheumatism, gonorrhea, and skin problems. Our previous investigations have unraveled important bioactive substances, including β-amyrin, γ-sitosterol, and Ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-yl acetate, from S. oblonga Wall root extracts. This study explores the antibacterial potential of bioactive components of S. oblonga Wall against Staphylococcus aureus, which has become resistant to several antibiotics. Molecular docking demonstrated substantial binding affinities between bioactive chemicals and S. aureus drug-resistant genes. Additionally, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis was performed to analyze the genetic diversity and molecular alterations in S. aureus after treatment with S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals. The results demonstrated significant band pattern variations, showing the effectiveness of these bioactive chemicals in treating drug-resistant S. aureus. This work investigates the antibacterial mechanism of S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals, emphasizing their potential as alternative treatment agents against antibiotic-resistant infections.

Impact of improved air quality during complete and partial lockdowns on surface energetics and atmospheric boundary layer.

Impact of improved air quality during complete and partial lockdowns on surface energetics and atmospheric boundary layer.

Factors influencing heavy metal contamination in black pepper fields: a randomized study of the traditional chemical fertilized black pepper fields of South India concerning soil types.

Despite the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in crop fields, targeted studies examining how factors like soil type affect contamination in chemically fertilized fields are scarce. This study assessed heavy metal contamination in Kerala's traditional black pepper fields, focusing on soil types-both soil order and series-and cultivation practices. We collected 266 soil samples from 70 diverse black pepper fields across five districts, which were categorized into 39 composite samples representing 13 soil series from two soil orders based on standard previous studies. Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry, we quantitatively measured nine heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) along with macronutrients (Mg and Ca). We analyzed heavy metal indices, including contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, pollution load index (PLI), and human health risk assessment, and explored correlations between heavy metals and soil nutrient parameters. It indicated that Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cu were the contaminants in the region's black pepper soils, while Fe and Mn levels were within natural limits. The PLI > 1 indicated significant contamination across both soil orders and most soil series. Mg levels were significantly higher (p > 0.05) in chemicalized fields, but Ca was undetectable in most samples, except from the Paippara series. Notable correlations were found between heavy metals and soil fertility parameters. This study underscores the extent of heavy metal contamination in black pepper fields relative to soil types and emphasizes the need for tailored soil fertility amendments and pesticide applications to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Leah Elizabeth Comeau, Material Devotion in a South Indian Poetic World.

Leah Elizabeth Comeau, Material Devotion in a South Indian Poetic World.

Innovative Soil Stabilization by using Fly Ash and Plastic Strips for Black Cotton Soil Improvement

In civil engineering construction, soil is essential, and inadequate soil characteristics can result in serious structural problems. The extremely expansive black cotton soil, which is primarily found in South India, presents significant difficulties since it shrinks in dry conditions and swells during the rainy season. Pavements, buildings, and foundations sustain significant damage as a result of these volume fluctuations. Stabilization methods are necessary to improve the black cotton soil's engineering qualities. This study investigates the use of fly ash and plastic strips to stabilize black cotton soil. Fly ash, an industrial by-product from thermal power plants, is incorporated at varying percentages of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% to determine the optimal dosage for improving soil strength. Once the optimal fly ash percentage is identified, plastic strips of 20mm × 20mm dimensions are added at 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by weight of the soil. The inclusion of plastic waste addresses its disposal challenges while enhancing soil properties. The stabilization process aims to improve soil strength, reduce its expansive nature, and mitigate infrastructure damage Fly ash and plastic strips work together to improve black cotton soil in an economical and environmentally responsible way, encouraging sustainability in building. This research contributes to more robust and long-lasting infrastructure by shedding light on the possible use of industrial waste for soil stabilization.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus in South Asia.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus in South Asia.

Linkage between Southeast and South Asian Summer Monsoons: Relative Roles of the Pacific–Japan Pattern and El Niño–Southern Oscillation

Abstract The various regional summer monsoons over Asia have been known to be highly interactive, but their interrelationships are still under debate. The current study investigates the linkage between the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) and the Southeast Asian summer monsoon (SEASM) and the involved physical mechanisms. A robust positive correlation is found between the first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes of SASM and SEASM precipitations. However, asymmetric features emerge between the mutually enhanced (ME) and mutually weakened (MW) SEASM–SASM cases. Apparent Pacific–Japan pattern occurs in the ME SEASM–SASM cases under a relatively weak sea surface temperature (SST) background, causing a southwest–northeast precipitation dipole with a positive center over the northern Bay of Bengal and a negative center over the eastern Arabian Sea and southern India induced by westerly anomalies with anticyclonic curvature associated with the anomalous heating over the tropical western North Pacific and cooling over the Maritime Continent. While in the MW SEASM–SASM cases, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation–related SST anomalies (i.e., a transition from the equatorial eastern Pacific warming in winter to cooling in summer) are substantial, which cause simultaneous weakening of the first modes of SEASM and SASM through anomalous western North Pacific anticyclone induced by the Pacific SST anomalies and the capacitor effects of other tropical oceans. In addition, intensified diabatic heating over the Maritime Continent driven by the anomalous zonal circulation related to the eastern Pacific cooling can enhance the precipitation over the eastern Arabian Sea and southern India via the westward-propagating Rossby wave. Significance Statement The South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) and the Southeast Asian summer monsoon (SEASM) can be independent from each other at one time but interactive with each other at another time. However, many features of their relationship remain unclear. This study is aimed at better understanding their linkage and the involved physical mechanisms. A robust positive correlation exists between the first modes of SASM and SEASM precipitations, but asymmetric features emerge between the mutually enhanced (ME) and mutually weakened (MW) SEASM–SASM cases. The Pacific–Japan pattern and El Niño–Southern Oscillation play a relatively important role in the ME and MW situations, respectively. A better understanding of the SEASM–SASM linkage can provide useful theoretical basis for improving seasonal prediction of Asian summer climate.

Integrated machine learning based groundwater quality prediction through groundwater quality index for drinking purposes in a semi-arid river basin of south India.

The main objective of this study is to predict and monitor groundwater quality through the use of modern Machine Learning (ML) techniques. By employing ML techniques, the research effectively evaluates groundwater quality to forecast its future trends. Five machine learning models Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Extreme Gradient and Boosting (XGBoost) were used here to predict the water quality by assessing the physical and chemical parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), hydrogen ion (pH) concentration, total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical parameters such as, sodium (Na+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), bicarbonates (HCO3-), fluoride (F-), sulphate (SO42-), chloride (Cl-), and nitrate (NO3-) in 94 dug and bore wells from the semi-arid river basin (Arjunanadi) in Tamil Nadu, India. The pH of the samples is alkaline nature. Gibb's diagram suggested the rock-water dominance and minor influence of evaporation and crystallization on the hydrochemistry. From water quality index, 599.75 km2 (53%) of area has a good quality and 536.75 km2 (47%) of area has poor water quality. Water Quality Index values (WQI) of water quality formed baseline data for the prediction models as a dependent variable, and the physicochemical parameters were used as independent variables. The model efficacies were assessed using statistical error such as Relative Squared Residual (RSR) error, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Coefficient of determination (R2) and final accuracy. In this study, the LR model provided the minimal error (RSR = 0.22, NSE = 0.95, MAPE = 1.3) with an accuracy of 95% in predicting the water quality. The performance of the ML models is in the sequence of SVM > Adaboost > XGBoost > RF. This study helps the lawmakers and administrators for creating awareness on modern techniques for predicting and monitoring groundwater quality on the general public and supporting to achieve the sustainable development goals 3 and 6 for clean and healthy community.

Calcium-sensing receptor genetic variants and their association with CKD-MBD in South Indian Tamils.

The progressive degradation of the renal parenchyma and reduction of functional nephrons characterise chronic kidney disease (CKD). Disorders of bone mineral metabolism is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in CKD. Calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) allows cells to detect changes in blood calcium levels and regulate its concentration. Hence, we aim to study the relationship between genetic variants of CASR and CKD and their relation with mineral bone disease (MBD). A total of 180 CKD patients and 180 controls were recruited. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, hip, and forearm was measured using a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Circulating levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured by ELISA. Genotyping was done by real-time quantitative PCR. A significant difference in the distribution of the GAG haplotype (rs7652589, rs1501899, rs1801725) was observed between CKD patients and controls. Participants with the GT genotype of rs1801725 had lower BMD in the forearm. The TT genotype of rs1801725 was associated with decreased serum calcium levels. A regression model indicated that the GT genotype of rs1801725 and AG and GG genotypes of rs7652589 were significant predictors of forearm BMD. GAG haplotype of CASR SNPs is linked to CKD risk in South Indian Tamils. GT genotype of rs1801725 and AG and GG genotype of rs7652589 are independent predictors of MBD in patients with CKD.

Continuity of Care and Health Care Utilisation by Patients with Multi-morbidity Attending Primary Care Centres Attached to a Medical College in South India: A Cross-sectional Study

Continuity of Care and Health Care Utilisation by Patients with Multi-morbidity Attending Primary Care Centres Attached to a Medical College in South India: A Cross-sectional Study

Incidence of Scrub Typhus in Rural South India

Incidence of Scrub Typhus in Rural South India

Spatial assessment of submarine groundwater discharge influence on aquifer water quality in the coastal region of Chettikulam to Kolachel, southern India: using SMI and HFE-D techniques.

Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) has a global impact, affecting coastal aquifers, the freshwater environment, and contributing to coastal development. The present study investigates the impact of Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) on groundwater geochemistry along the coast from Chettikulam to Kolachel in Southern India, with an emphasis on regional changes pre and post monsoons in the years 2023-2024. A total of 80 groundwater samples (40 from both monsoons) were analyzed using hydrochemical plots such as Piper, Wilcox, Gibbs, and Hydrochemical Facies Evolution Diagrams (HFE-D), along with AquaChem software and spatial mapping techniques. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals significant seawater intrusion during the pre-monsoon period, with 48% of groundwater samples categorized under the Mixed Ca-Mg-Cl facies and 30% under the Ca-Cl facies, leading to elevated salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, and sulfate concentrations. In contrast, post-monsoon conditions demonstrate improved water quality due to monsoonal recharge, with 55% of samples in the mixed Ca-Mg-Cl facies but exhibiting reduced salinity. Water Quality Index (WQI) analysis shows an increase in 'Excellent' water samples from 22.5% pre-monsoon to 37.5% post-monsoon. The Wilcox diagram highlights a reduction in salinity hazards, improving groundwater suitability for irrigation. The Seawater Mixing Index (SMI) indicates the seawater intrusion in coastal zones, although monsoonal dilution mitigates its effects. Seasonal variation in hydrochemical facies reveals a decrease in the freshening phase from 60% pre-monsoon to 45% post-monsoon, alongside an expansion of the intrusion phase from 40 to 55%. The study underscores the need for ongoing groundwater monitoring and effective water management strategies to sustainable coastal aquifers impacted by Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD).

Seismic risk assessment of reinforced concrete buildings in India using cumulative damage index-based vulnerability functions

This study proposes a framework to evaluate probabilistic seismic risk of buildings in regions exposed to both crustal and subduction earthquakes. Ground motions from subduction earthquakes are typically longer in duration, causing higher damage to structure due to increased inelastic demand as compared to ground motions from crustal earthquakes having the same peak intensity. The increased vulnerability to structural damage from subduction earthquake ground motions needs to be accounted for in seismic loss assessment studies. This study investigates the same for India. The north and northeast of India are exposed to both crustal and continental subduction seismic sources, and Peninsular India is exposed to crustal seismic sources. Nonlinear analytical models are developed for a set of modern Indian code-compliant reinforced concrete special moment frame buildings located at 20 different sites in India. Incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) of building models using spectrally equivalent ground motions from crustal and subduction earthquakes is used for developing tectonic-region-type-specific (crustal and subduction) building vulnerability functions. The cumulative damage index is used as the engineering demand parameter to capture the increased inelastic demand from subduction earthquakes on buildings. For seismic risk assessment, the total seismic hazard at a site is separated into its contribution from crustal and subduction sources and combined with respective building vulnerability functions. The seismic risk of buildings is quantified by average annual loss ratio (AALR) through event-based probabilistic seismic risk analysis. For buildings located in high seismic zones of India, this study finds that AALR can be up to 40% higher on average as compared to studies not accounting for increased building vulnerability from subduction earthquakes.

Ancient potteries of Keeladi: A multidisciplinary analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy

AbstractArchaeological pottery from ancient civilizations, particularly the underexplored South Indian ones, provides crucial insights into past societies and holds the potential to reshape our understanding of Indian history. The current work is therefore aimed at characterizing such an underexplored archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, South India, named Keeladi. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. These techniques revealed valuable insights into the sample's elemental composition, mineralogical composition, and firing temperatures. According to spectroscopic measurements, the pottery samples were fired at temperatures between 600 and 900°C. Analysing the spectroscopic patterns, minerals such as quartz, calcite, hematite, and magnetite were detected. This multidisciplinary approach sheds light on the technological skills and cultural practices of the skilled artisans who crafted these ceramics.

Clinical Exome Sequencing Identifies, Two Homozygous LOXHD1 Variants in Two Inbred Families With Pre-Lingual Hearing Loss From South India.

In recent years, numerous genetic variants have been linked with prelingual hearing loss (HL). Variants in the LOXHD1 gene (lipoxygenase homology domain-1) associated with DFNB77 are highly heterogeneous, with different auditory characteristics varying from stable to progressive and mild to profound. To date, 168 DFNB77 cases have been recorded worldwide. Forty-one hearing-impaired (HI) probands, who were previously excluded for a set of four common deafness-causing genes (viz., GJB2, GJB6, SLC26A4, and CDH23) from 33 HI families, were subjected to clinical exome sequencing (CES) involving 285 genes associated with HL. This was followed by a segregation analysis of the available members in the family. We identified two pathogenic LOXHD1 variants in two unrelated inbred families. One is a novel homozygous pathogenic nonsense variant (c.3999C>A; p.C1333X), whereas the other is a likely pathogenic missense variant (c.6046G>T; p.E2046K). In silico tools such as SIFT, PolyPhen-2, Mutation Taster, CADD, and REVEL scores were used to predict variant pathogenicity. Furthermore, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines specific to HL were applied to finally classify a variant as pathogenic or otherwise. The frequency of LOXHD1 variants identified in our study is 4.88% (2/41). This is the first LOXHD1 report associated with non-syndromic HL in South Indian families.