South India Research Articles

Assessment of groundwater fluoride and human health effects in a hard rock province of south India: Implications from Pollution Index Model (PIM) and GeographicalInformationSystem (GIS) techniques.

This research examines whetherthe groundwater in the Sivakasi Region of South India is suitable for consumption, and assesses the possible health hazards for various age demographics including infants, children, teenagers, and adults. A totalof 77 groundwater samples were gathered, covering a total area of 580km2 and analyzed for major and minor ions. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the samples indicates neutral to marginally alkaline. The total dissolved solids (TDS) fluctuate from 255 to 2701mg/l and electrical conductivity varies from 364 to 3540µS/cm. A wide range of fluoride concentration was detected (0.1 to 3.2mg/l) with nearly 38% groundwater samples surpassing the proposed limit (1.5 mg/l) suggestedby the World Health Organization in 2017. Gibbs plot analysis suggested that most of thesamples were influenced by geogenic factors, primarily rock weathering in this region. Correlation analysis showed that most of the samples were impacted by both natural and human sources. The pollution index of groundwater (PIG) fluctuated from 0.67 to 2.60 with approximately 30% and 53% of samples falling into insignificant and low pollution categories, respectively. Furthermore, 10% and 5% of total samples were characterized as moderate and high pollution levels, and 2% asvery high pollution category. Spatial analysis using GIS revealed that 440.63km2 were within safe fluoride levels according to theWHO standards, while 139.32km2 were identified as risk zone. The principal component analysis (PCA1) showedstrong positive loadings on EC (0.994), TDS (0.905), Mg2+ (0.910), Cl- (0.903) and HCO3- (0.923) indicating rock water interaction. PCA2 accounts the high positive factor loading on HCO3- (0.864) indicating ion exchange and mineral leaching. The PCA1 and PCA2 indicated that variables such as mineral leaching and rock water interaction are themajor mechanisms contributing to the chemical signatures in groundwater, which may support for theelevated fluoride levels in certain areas. Risk assessments, including Hazard Quotient results showed that 71%, 61% 38%, and 34% of groundwater samples exceededthe permissible THI limit (THI > 1) for infants, children, teenagers, and adults, respectively. The study recommends implementing measures such as denitrification, defluorination, rainwater harvesting, and improved sanitation infrastructure to enhance the health conditions in the study region. Additionally, it suggests introducing educational programs in rural areas to create awarenessabout the health dangers due to consumptionof water with high fluoride levels.

Demographic profile of thyroid malignancies in a tertiary care centre in South India

: Thyroid carcinomas were significantly on the rise all over the world, with 5.86 lakh new cases and 43,664 deaths reported in 2020. In this study, we focused on a detailed analysis pertaining to the incidence and demographic profile of all histological types of thyroid malignancies. : All cases of thyroid carcinomas reported in the department of Pathology at a tertiary care center in South India from January 2016-December 2020 were included in this study. The demographic profile and patient details were obtained from the medical records section. Pathology reports of the included cases were retrieved, and associated factors were analysed. : Out of the 98 cases included in the study, 16 cases (16.3%) were below 30 years of age, 44 cases (44.9%) were 30-50 years of age and 38 cases (38.8%) were above 50 years of age. The mean age was 45.78. Female preponderance was noted, with 66 cases (67.3%) being females and 32 cases (32.65%) were males. The histopathology results revealed 90 cases (91.8%) to be papillary carcinoma, 1 case (1.02%) of medullary carcinoma, 1 case (1.02%) of Insular carcinoma, 5 cases (5.102%) of follicular carcinoma and 1 case (1.02%) of anaplastic carcinoma. Most of the cases were classified as T1 tumours (45.91%) under the TNM classification. 24 cases (24.49%) were graded as N1 (Metastasis to regional nodes). 3 cases (3.06%) exhibited distant metastasis. Majority of the cases (71.42%) were samples from a total thyroidectomy procedure. : In our demographic study, we have noted that thyroid carcinomas have a peak incidence in the fourth decade of life with a female preponderance. Majority of the cases were noted to be papillary carcinomas in histological type. Understanding the histopathology and TNM staging of thyroid carcinomas is crucial for the selection of appropriate treatment modalities, predicting patient prognosis and clinical outcomes.

Demographic profile of thyroid malignancies in a tertiary care centre in South India

: Thyroid carcinomas were significantly on the rise all over the world, with 5.86 lakh new cases and 43,664 deaths reported in 2020. In this study, we focused on a detailed analysis pertaining to the incidence and demographic profile of all histological types of thyroid malignancies. : All cases of thyroid carcinomas reported in the department of Pathology at a tertiary care center in South India from January 2016-December 2020 were included in this study. The demographic profile and patient details were obtained from the medical records section. Pathology reports of the included cases were retrieved, and associated factors were analysed. : Out of the 98 cases included in the study, 16 cases (16.3%) were below 30 years of age, 44 cases (44.9%) were 30-50 years of age and 38 cases (38.8%) were above 50 years of age. The mean age was 45.78. Female preponderance was noted, with 66 cases (67.3%) being females and 32 cases (32.65%) were males. The histopathology results revealed 90 cases (91.8%) to be papillary carcinoma, 1 case (1.02%) of medullary carcinoma, 1 case (1.02%) of Insular carcinoma, 5 cases (5.102%) of follicular carcinoma and 1 case (1.02%) of anaplastic carcinoma. Most of the cases were classified as T1 tumours (45.91%) under the TNM classification. 24 cases (24.49%) were graded as N1 (Metastasis to regional nodes). 3 cases (3.06%) exhibited distant metastasis. Majority of the cases (71.42%) were samples from a total thyroidectomy procedure. : In our demographic study, we have noted that thyroid carcinomas have a peak incidence in the fourth decade of life with a female preponderance. Majority of the cases were noted to be papillary carcinomas in histological type. Understanding the histopathology and TNM staging of thyroid carcinomas is crucial for the selection of appropriate treatment modalities, predicting patient prognosis and clinical outcomes.

A Hospital-Based Longitudinal Study of Rubber Band Ligation and Sclerotherapy Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids From South India

A Hospital-Based Longitudinal Study of Rubber Band Ligation and Sclerotherapy Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids From South India

Prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infection and reactive donor response rate in a tertiary care hospital in South India: A retrospective observational study

Abstract Background: Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) are a serious problem to our blood centers as they necessitate utilization of massive resources and labor to detect and remove infected blood donations and also turn out to be a source of great distress to the patients recieving blood components and the doctors treating them. The main diseases that are made mandatory by the government to be screened are hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis. Adding to this, India does not have a centralized donor notification system to notify the donors of their TTI positivity status causing the blood centers to be blind and not having a system to verify the credentials of donors making sure they were not tested positive in other centers in the country. Materials and Methods: We have done a retrospective study that aims to analyze blood center samples and look for the number of TTI positivity in our donations and compare with the total number of donations during the period of January 2016 to March 2023. The data were collected from the blood donor questionnaire and data were put up in an Excel sheet which was later analyzed on the Statistical P program. Results: During the study period, 14,257 donors donated blood. Of which 11,674 (83%) were voluntary donors and 2413 (17%) were replacement donors. About 98.7% were male donors. Among the total donors, 182 (1.27%) were positive for transfusion-transmitted infections. Among the 182 serology-positive donors, 179 (98.3%) were males and 3 (1.7%) were females. Among the 14,257 donors, 160 (1.12%) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), 2 (0.014%) for HCV, 2 (0.014%) for HIV, and 18 (0.126%) for syphilis. Among the 182 positive TTI, 160 (87.9%) donors were positive for HBsAg, 18 (9.9%) were positive for syphilis, 2 (1.1%) donors with HIV, and 2 (1.1%) with HCV positivity. Among the 182 donors positive for TTI, 81 (44.5%) donors had donated previously in various hospitals and they were not aware of their positive status. Conclusion: This study mainly aims to bring awareness to the problems that blood centers face in TTI from having to screen every sample to independently verifying donors making sure that they have never tested positive for TTI and counseling them on further tests and referrals.

When it itches, dengue switches off: a retrospective case series

BackgroundDengue fever (DF) is a viral illness caused by the dengue virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoe. It manifests with a range of symptoms, from mild DF to severe forms like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Common symptoms include fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, and itching. The relationship between itching and clinical improvement in dengue patients remains unclear.Case presentationA retrospective analysis was conducted on hospital data from a tertiary care centre in South India from April 2021 to April 2023. Patients diagnosed with dengue fever (confirmed by Immunoglobulin (Ig) M and Non-Structural protein (NS) 1 positivity) who experienced itching were included. Clinical details, age, sex, and laboratory findings were collected. A total of 261 patients were examined. Itching typically occurred around day eight from fever onset and was associated with improved platelet count and hematocrit levels.ConclusionsDengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, presents with various symptoms, including itching during the recovery phase. Studies suggest a correlation between itching and clinical improvement in dengue patients, indicating itching as a potential prognostic marker. Possible mechanisms for itching include direct viral infection of skin cells and cytokine release. However, further research is needed to understand this association fully. Despite limitations such as retrospective analysis, these findings highlight the significance of itching in dengue prognosis and emphasise the need for large-scale studies.

Effects of air pollution on global health: evidence from the global burden of disease study in the BRICS countries.

Considering the dynamic influence of environmental, social, economic, and political factors in the emergence and growth of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) over the years and pre-existing differences, the adverse effects of air pollution on the health and well-being of the people have remained major areas of academic inquiry and policy interventions. The present study examines the global trend of deaths and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributable to air pollution with particular reference to the BRICS countries for the period 1990 to 2019. This study has used the global burden of disease estimates by using different rounds of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study report published by the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation. This study has calculated the cause of death and DALYs due to environmental risk factors (i.e. Air pollution). Data analysis has been done by using the standard formula for the calculation of death (mortality) rate and DALYs rate. Similarly, we calculated the age and gender-wise death and DALYs rate by using the appropriate numerator and denominator. The study discovered a significant shift in disease patterns over this period, as communicable diseases like respiratory infections and tuberculosis were replaced by non-communicable diseases such as ischemic heart disease (17.2 million), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.59 million), and stroke (17.02 million) as the primary causes of air pollution-related deaths in 2019 at the global level. Additionally, the study identified a worrying increase in deaths linked to neonatal disorders and respiratory infections caused by ambient particulate matter pollution in South Africa, India, and Brazil. The impact of air pollution on public health is evident across different age groups and genders, with people aged 50-69 years, those aged 70 and above, and children under 5 years being more vulnerable. Furthermore, the male population is disproportionately affected by communicable and noncommunicable diseases caused by air pollution. The study highlights the need for policymakers to implement evidence-based interventions to tackle this global health problem. The interventions should aim to reduce the emerging crisis of non-communicable diseases related to air pollution, particularly among vulnerable age groups and the male population, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

Fronts divide diazotroph communities in the Southern Indian Ocean.

Dinitrogen (N2) fixation represents a key source of reactive nitrogen in marine ecosystems. While the process has been rather well explored in low latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, other higher latitude regions and particularly the Indian Ocean have been chronically overlooked. Here we characterize N2 fixation and diazotroph community composition across nutrient and trace metals gradients spanning the multi-frontal system separating the oligotrophic waters of the Indian Ocean subtropical gyre from the high nutrient low chlorophyll waters of the Southern Ocean. We found a sharp contrasting distribution of diazotroph groups across the frontal system. Notably, cyanobacterial diazotrophs dominated north of fronts, driving elevated N2 fixation rates (up to 13.96nmol N l-1 d-1) with notable peaks near the South African coast. South of the fronts non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs prevailed without significant N2 fixation activity being detected. Our results provide new crucial insights into high latitude diazotrophy in the Indian Ocean, which should contribute to improved climate model parameterization and enhanced constraints on global net primary productivity projections.

Comparison of Ocular Blood Flow in Glaucomatous Eyes and Nonglaucomatous Eyes at a Tertiary Hospital in South India: A Prospective Case-control Study

Comparison of Ocular Blood Flow in Glaucomatous Eyes and Nonglaucomatous Eyes at a Tertiary Hospital in South India: A Prospective Case-control Study

Alamelu Vairavan and Patricia Marquardt: Healthy South Indian Cooking

Alamelu Vairavan and Patricia Marquardt: Healthy South Indian Cooking

Mineral chemistry of chrome-diopside bearing lamprophyre from Mesoproterozoic Settupalle igneous complex of Prakasam alkaline province: insights on the magma dynamics at shallow lithospheric mantle beneath the NE margin of the Cuddapah basin, Southern India

The Eastern Dharwar Craton shows considerable variations in the activity of kimberlite, lamproite and lamprophyre and their related lithospheric thickness, thermal structure and magmatic source characteristics from the innermost core to the margin. These variations have been revealed through seismic studies and the analysis of xenoliths, and xenocrysts carried in alkaline magmas, particularly kimberlites. This study reports the occurrence of chrome-diopside phenocrysts from a lamprophyre of the Settupalle pluton, located on the northeastern margin of the Cuddapah basin, Prakasam alkaline province in South India. Studied lamprophyre are characterized by phenocrystic clinopyroxene (Cpx) and biotite, embedded in a groundmass of amphibole, biotite, opaques, calcite, feldspar, nepheline and sodalite, with the latter minerals forming ocellar structures. Clinopyroxene displays normal zoning, with a high Mg–Cr rich diopside core (up to 1.92 wt%) and a Na 2 O-, Al 2 O 3 , FeO and TiO 2 -enriched salite rim. These chemical variations, along with elemental substitutions from core to rim, indicate the significant role of fractionation in the evolution of lamprophyre magma. The lack of chemical disparity among the studied Cpx suggests closed system fractionation, under high oxygen fugacity conditions. Thermobarometry results indicate polybaric crystallization for the Cpx (1206–1269°C, 11.82–18.04 kbar) and biotite (825–856°C, 3.49–6.94 kbar). The gradient inferred from the pressure of the Cpx suggests that its crystallization occurred at a depth of 43–66 km, implying shallow lithospheric magma contribution for the genesis of the lamprophyre magma.

Wind-driven sediment exchange between the Indian marginal seas over the last 18 000 years

The Indian Coastal Current is the only channel for material exchange between the two largest marginal seas in the northern Indian Ocean: the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. However, its past history is poorly known, limiting accurate predictions of its future changes. Here, we present a new clay mineral record from south of India supported by interpretations of model simulations to trace its variability over the last 18 000 years. Decreased smectite/(illite + chlorite) ratios during the cold intervals suggest that a stronger northeasterly wind led to a mean southward flow of the Indian Coastal Current in the Bay of Bengal. In contrast, increased smectite/(illite + chlorite) ratios during the warm intervals suggest the opposite scenario. Combining the proxy record with model simulations, we infer that atmospheric circulation changes were the main driver of the changes. Moreover, a possible link is observed between a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and weakened southward flow of the Indian Coastal Current in the Bay of Bengal during the Holocene. These findings imply that future warming scenarios, if associated with more intense positive IOD events as proposed, may lead to a reduction in fresh water transport from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea.

A new species of Uropeltis Cuvier, 1829 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from the eastern escarpment of the southern Western Ghats, India

A new species of the uropeltid (‘shieldtail’) snake genus Uropeltis is described based on eight specimens from the southern part of peninsular India’s Western Ghats. Uropeltis caudomaculata sp. nov. is phenotypically and genetically most similar to U. pulneyensis (Beddome, 1863), but differs primarily in having more ventral scales and in being restricted to the eastern escarpment of the Western Ghats between Meghamalai and approximately 15 km East of Munnar rather than in the Palani Hills, as well as differing in DNA nucleotide sequences. From verified records, we consider U. pulneyensis to be known thus far only from the Palani Hills, and we designate a lectotype for the species. Reconsideration of the holotype of Silybura guentheri Beddome, 1878 from Meghamalai leads us to conclude that it should be removed from the subjective junior synonymy of U. pulneyensis and be considered a distinct though very poorly known species, Uropeltis guentheri comb. nov.

Effect of skill-based educational training for ambulance personnel on neonatal transport for newborn care in coastal South India – a single arm intervention study

Effect of skill-based educational training for ambulance personnel on neonatal transport for newborn care in coastal South India – a single arm intervention study

Assessment of land use transformations and its impact on fluctuations in groundwater quality in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT This study examines land use transformations and their impact on groundwater quality fluctuations in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. Chengalpattu is a rapidly urbanizing coastal region in South India. Landsat 5 and 9 satellite imagery were utilized to create land use land cover (LULC) maps for 2011 and 2021, with overall accuracies of 82.20% and 85.71%, respectively. The analysis showed significant growth in built-up and fallow lands due to urbanization, which has altered LULC. Groundwater Quality Index (GQI) was generated using seven groundwater quality parameters, adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The mean GQI showed slight fluctuations during pre- and post-monsoon periods, with a declining trend in pre-monsoon seasons. The study area predominantly experiences moderate groundwater quality, with fewer areas of low and high quality. The findings indicate that land use transformation significantly impacts groundwater quality, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning and water resource management in the region.

Prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens and Antibiotic Susceptibility Status in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections from a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India

Background: ESKAPE “(Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter sp.)” pathogens are commonly found in infections affecting the skin and underlying tissues. ESKAPE pathogens often exhibit widespread multidrug resistance in hospitals, contributing significantly to Hospital-acquired infections. ESKAPE pathogen prevalence can combat the vast challenge of Antibiotic Resistance (ABR). Materials and Methods: “The microbiological statistics of ESKAPE infections and sensitivity between January 2020 and October 2022 were extracted from the laboratory records and analysed for the bacterial profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern”. Results: Out of the 2037 pathogens isolated from Skin and soft tissue infection, 1308 were ESKAPE pathogens accounting for a prevalence of 64.2%. Staphylococcus aureus (n=340/1308; 25.99%) was the predominant pathogen followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=332/1308; 25.38%). Among Gram-negative isolates, 29.43% exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Carbapenemase was found to be a frequent mechanism of resistance, highest among Acinetobacter species (n=99; 64.7%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=109; 37.07%). Amp C production was seen most commonly in Enterobacter species (n=93; 61.2%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=172; 58.5%) whereas ESBL production was seen in Enterobacter species (n=46; 30.03%). Conclusion: ESKAPE pathogens are critical etiologic agents of Skin and soft infections. Regular studies are vital for evaluating bacterial susceptibility and highlighting the importance of policies to reduce hospital infections and enhance antibiotic prescription oversight. Understanding virulence and resistance markers is critical for tailoring treatment strategies based on local antibiograms and managing related infections.

Prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens and Antibiotic Susceptibility Status in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections from a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India

Background: ESKAPE “(Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter sp.)” pathogens are commonly found in infections affecting the skin and underlying tissues. ESKAPE pathogens often exhibit widespread multidrug resistance in hospitals, contributing significantly to Hospital-acquired infections. ESKAPE pathogen prevalence can combat the vast challenge of Antibiotic Resistance (ABR). Materials and Methods: “The microbiological statistics of ESKAPE infections and sensitivity between January 2020 and October 2022 were extracted from the laboratory records and analysed for the bacterial profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern”. Results: Out of the 2037 pathogens isolated from Skin and soft tissue infection, 1308 were ESKAPE pathogens accounting for a prevalence of 64.2%. Staphylococcus aureus (n=340/1308; 25.99%) was the predominant pathogen followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=332/1308; 25.38%). Among Gram-negative isolates, 29.43% exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Carbapenemase was found to be a frequent mechanism of resistance, highest among Acinetobacter species (n=99; 64.7%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=109; 37.07%). Amp C production was seen most commonly in Enterobacter species (n=93; 61.2%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=172; 58.5%) whereas ESBL production was seen in Enterobacter species (n=46; 30.03%). Conclusion: ESKAPE pathogens are critical etiologic agents of Skin and soft infections. Regular studies are vital for evaluating bacterial susceptibility and highlighting the importance of policies to reduce hospital infections and enhance antibiotic prescription oversight. Understanding virulence and resistance markers is critical for tailoring treatment strategies based on local antibiograms and managing related infections.

Case series of cutaneous myiasis in neglected cases of autoimmune bullous disorders.

Myiasis is an infestation of the tissues and organs of living vertebrates and humans by fly larvae, usually those belonging to the Calliphoridae family. The larvae feed on the host's necrotic or living tissue. Preexisting dermatological conditions and poor hygiene have been described as predisposing factors for myiasis, and it is especially common among neglected, dependent patients. Based on our literature search, we could find only a few case reports reported on cutaneous myiasis in autoimmune bullous disorders. It is especially more common in the South Indian Tamil Nadu population due to the false belief that autoimmune blistering disorders like pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid are considered chicken pox and treated with neem and turmeric preparation with poor hygiene. Herein we report a series of eight autoimmune blistering disorders with cutaneous myiasis.

Case series of cutaneous myiasis in neglected cases of autoimmune bullous disorders.

Myiasis is an infestation of the tissues and organs of living vertebrates and humans by fly larvae, usually those belonging to the Calliphoridae family. The larvae feed on the host's necrotic or living tissue. Preexisting dermatological conditions and poor hygiene have been described as predisposing factors for myiasis, and it is especially common among neglected, dependent patients. Based on our literature search, we could find only a few case reports reported on cutaneous myiasis in autoimmune bullous disorders. It is especially more common in the South Indian Tamil Nadu population due to the false belief that autoimmune blistering disorders like pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid are considered chicken pox and treated with neem and turmeric preparation with poor hygiene. Herein we report a series of eight autoimmune blistering disorders with cutaneous myiasis.

Clinicopathological Study of Fibroepithelial Lesions of the Breast in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Clinicopathological Study of Fibroepithelial Lesions of the Breast in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India