Southern Odisha Research Articles

Bat Fauna (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of Southern Odisha Along the Eastern Ghats, India

Bats have not received adequate attention in biodiversity research and conservation activities in India despite their ecological values. In the present study, we carried out an inventory of bat fauna in southern Odisha region during September 2014 to August 2016 and recorded a total 16 species of bats in seven families, of which the insectivorous bats were represented by maximum 12 species over frugivores and carnivores. During the study 76 roosting sites were recorded from exposed branches, foliage and cavities of trees, caves, crevices in large rocks and abandoned buildings and caves were significantly preferred by maximum 11 species. Gupteswar cave tourism site in Koraput district was found to be the most diverse and important bat roosting and breeding site in southern Odisha region. Cave tourism, hunting for ethno-zoological practices and cutting down of roosting trees were observed as major threats to bats. As the inventory was primarily based on roost survey, more systematic survey using mist nets and acoustic monitoring can further strengthen the bat fauna database of southern Odisha.

Butterfly diversity in agroforestry plantations of Eastern Ghats of southern Odisha, India

Agroforestry plays an important role in food security, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. For understanding the role of agroforestry on biodiversity, a study was undertaken to access butterfly diversity in coffee, cashew and guava plantations in Eastern Ghats of southern Odisha during February–April 2016. A total of 1075 individuals of butterflies belonging to 60 species and 46 genera under five families were recorded during the study. Species richness (S) as well as Shannon diversity (H) were found to be higher in coffee (S = 45, H = 3.051) plantation, followed by cashew (S = 31, H = 2.807) and guava (S = 20, H = 2.519). However, though butterfly abundance was found to be maximum in coffee (43%), it was higher in guava (33%) followed by cashew (24%). Also, a significant difference was observed between butterfly abundance among three plantations. This shows coffee plantation was the best habitat for butterflies among the three agroforestry habitats studied. The reason for this was habitat heterogeneity in coffee plantation supporting maximum exclusive butterfly species and was least-human influenced with close canopy forest. Over all, family Nymphalidae was found to be the most abundant, and Lycaenidae was the least abundant. The findings of the present study are promising and may set new directions for management of agroforestry plantations in the region to support a rich biodiversity.

<b>Mugger Crocodile <I>Crocodylus palustris</I> Lesson, 1831 (Reptilia: Crocodilia: Crocodylidae) in river Saberi of Godavari system in southern Odisha, India: conservation implications</b>

A biodiversity survey was conducted in Koraput District of southern Odisha between August 2014 and July 2017. During the survey, occurrence of Mugger or Marsh Crocodile Crocodylus palustris was ascertained from five localities in a stretch of 23km of river Saberi, a tributary of the Godavari River system. The area is in the Gupteswar proposed reserve forest of Odisha, and forms a boundary with Kanger Ghat National Park of Chhattisgarh State. The geographic region offers possible scope for long term ecological monitoring jointly by wildlife organizations of Odisha and Chhattisgarh in collaboration with Central University of Orissa. For long-term conservation of the species, activities may be initiated with annual monitoring of crocodile populations involving local people, and creating awareness about the Schedule-I status of crocodiles under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

MYCOLOGICAL PROFILE AND ANTIFUNGAL SENSITIVITY OF INFECTIVE KERATITIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF SOUTHERN ODISHA

Background: Infective keratitis is the second major cause of blindness next to cataract. Mycotic keratitis is an important ophthalmologic problem especially in developing countries including India. Fungal infection involving cornea is a fatal condition which needs early diagnosis and treatment to save the patient’s eye. Though studies on mycotic keratitis have been reported from different part of India, to the best of our knowledge this study showing antifungal susceptibility is the first to be reported from Southern Odisha. Objective: The purpose of this study was to study epidemiological characteristics, predisposing factors, fungal etiology and antifungal susceptibility of common fungal isolates in infective keratitis cases. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted from November 2015 to October2017 in the Department of Microbiology and Ophthalmology M.K.C.G Medical College and Hospital .Relevant information was recorded using standard proforma of keratitis cases. Corneal scrapings were collected under strict aseptic conditions and subjected to10% KOH mount, Gram stain and culture. Identification of fungal agents were done as per standard microbiological procedures. An antifungal sensitivity test was done by microbroth dilutions as per CLSI reference method. Results: Over a period of two years 149 patients of infective keratitis were evaluated. Microbiological diagnosis of mycotic keratitis was established in 39 (26.17%) cases. Filamentous fungi were isolated more often than yeasts. The most frequently encountered filamentous fungi and yeasts were Aspergillus spp. 14(35.89%) and Candida albicans 7 (17.94%) respectively. Males were more commonly affected and were mostly in the age group of 46-60 years. Ocular trauma due to vegetative matter was the most common predisposing factor. Natamycin was the most effective antifungal against filamentous fungi and amphotericin B was most effective for Candida albicans . Conclusion: Because of serious consequences of mycotic keratitis, it is very important to know the exact etiological agents and effective antifungals to save the eye of the patients. So laboratory confirmation should be undertaken and fungal infection should be ruled out before prescribing antimicrobial agents.

Recent Trends of Seroprevalence of Dengue in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Odisha

Recent Trends of Seroprevalence of Dengue in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Odisha

PREVALENCE OF VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS IN SEXUALLY ACTIVE FEMALES WITH ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF THE ISOLATES

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common fungal infection of lower genital tract of females. It is an important cause of morbidity in young women due to its increasing incidence and is considered as an important public health problem worldwide. In recent years there has been a change in the trend of infections caused by non-albicans Candida species and anti-fungal susceptibility patterns. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence, potential risk factors and detect the antifungal susceptibilities of the isolates. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary health centre of southern Odisha from January 2016 to December 2017and included 240 clinically diagnosed cases of VVC in the reproductive age group presenting with curdy white discharge with or without pruritus, burning, or dysuria. After getting an informed consent and brief history, vaginal swabs were collected and microscopic examination, culture and antifungal susceptibility were done. Results: Most common age group affected by VVC belonged to 26-35 years and majority of the cases were from rural areas. A total of 87 Candida species (36.3%) and, 4 Trichosporon asahii were isolated. Candida albicans was the most common isolate (52), followed by Candida glabrata. Most of the isolates were sensitive to clotrimazole (90.1%) followed by fluconazole (83.5%). Conclusion: The prevalence of VVC in our study was found to be 36.3%. Low socioeconomic status, low education, oral contraceptive pill users and Diabetes were the common predisposing factors. The most common agent causing VVC was Candidia albicans followed by Candida glabrata. Most of the yeasts isolated were sensitive to Clotrimazole followed by fluconazole. Keywords: Candida; Vulvovaginal candidiasis; Antifungal susceptibility.

Interrelation of Anaemia with BMI and Socio- Economic Parameters in Mid Adolescent Girls - A School Based Study in Southern Odisha

Interrelation of Anaemia with BMI and Socio- Economic Parameters in Mid Adolescent Girls - A School Based Study in Southern Odisha

Epidemiological study of animal bite victims and admission in general surgery department, in Southern Odisha: a cross sectional institutional study

Background: Human rabies continues to be endemic in India and according to recent estimate 20,000 persons die of this disease every year. Hence this study was conducted to know the prevalence and pattern of animal bites during last one year and to determine the rate of admission in Department of Surgery.Methods: This study was conducted in the casualty, Department of Community Medicine, Department of Surgery at M. K. C. G. Medical College, Odisha, India between 1st April 2016 - March 31st, 2017. It was a cross sectional study, where convenient sampling method was used. The sample size was 6242 subjects, above 1year age group selected randomly within last 1 year. The socio demographic characteristics, epidemiological and rate of admission in surgery department were studied.Results: It was found that during last one year, out of 6242 animal bite cases, majority of them were bitten by dogs 4785 (76.66%). It was found that 5617 (90%) are category III bite, 548 (8.78%) are category II bites, 77 (1.23%) are category I bite. Parts of body bitten by animals were limbs 5828 (93.37%), face 312 (5%), back 52 (0.83%). Out of 6242 cases, 348 (5.5%) cases were admitted in General Surgery Department.Conclusions: The prevalence of dog bite was found to be more and was of category III in nature and part of body affected were mostly limbs. Prevalence of bite was nearly equal among male and female. Around 5% of the total animal bite cases required admission in Department of Surgery.

Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on the breastfeeding, morbidity, and mortality of very low birth weight neonates: A prospective observational study

Objective: To compare the effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) versus conventional mother care (CMC) on growth, morbidity, mortality, and length of hospitalization in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Study Design: A hospital based prospective observational study conducted in the pediatric department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Southern Odisha. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 VLBW neonates were included. The effect of KMC on growth, morbidity, breastfeeding, and length of hospitalization was studied. The KMC group (n=50) was subjected to KMC for at least 6 h/day. The neonates received kangaroo care during hospitalization and at home. The control group (n=50) received CMC. Results: The KMC babies had better average weight gain per day (15.9±4.5 vs. 10.6±4.5 g, p<0.0001). The weekly increments in head circumference (0.75 vs. 0.49 cm, p=0.001), length (0.99 vs. 0.7 cm, p=0.021), and chest circumference (0.73 vs. 0.45 cm, p=0.004) were higher in the KMC group. Significantly more neonates receiving CMC suffered from hypothermia (36% vs. 6%), apnea (16% vs. 2%), and other minor illnesses (44% vs. 16%) than those receiving KMC. There was earlier hospital discharge in KMC group (6 vs. 18 days). More neonates of KMC group were exclusively breastfed at the end of the study (86% vs. 42%). No mortality was noted in either group. Conclusions: KMC improves growth, reduces morbidities, improves breastfeeding rates, and reduces hospitalization in VLBW neonates.

Location of the Mandibular Foramen in Dry Mandibles: A Study in Southern Odisha

Location of the Mandibular Foramen in Dry Mandibles: A Study in Southern Odisha

±Association of Oxidative Stress, Serum Nitric Oxide, Plasma Fibrinogen in Hypertensive Males of Southern odisha

±Association of Oxidative Stress, Serum Nitric Oxide, Plasma Fibrinogen in Hypertensive Males of Southern odisha

<b>The seasonal occurrence of the Whale Shark <I>Rhincodon typus</I> (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae) along the Odisha coast, India</b>

This article gives a description about the seasonal occurrence of Whale Shark in the southern Odisha coast by taking into account of the current observed data and published literatures. The present report claims the sighting of whale sharks during offshore surveys on 13th March 2016 and 15th March 2016, 8 km (19° 15’ 38” N, 85° 01’32” E) and 4.5 km (19º 15’ 69” N, 85° 00’ 58” E) off the coast of Gopalpur Port, Odisha respectively. Most of the earlier reports of whale shark sightings along Odisha coast are from the coastal waters off Rushikulya river mouth or Gopalpur during the month of February-March. Continuous records of whale sharks along southern Odisha coast during February and March suggest the probability of seasonal migration of this giant fish during the period.

Mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice regarding prevention and management of diarrhoea in children in Southern Odisha

Background: Diarrhoeal infections are the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and continue to take a high toll on child health. The objective of the study was toassess and compare mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding prevention and management of diarrhoea in children.Methods: A hospital based observational study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, M.K.C.G. Medical College. Data collected from mothers by questionnaire method.Results: Diarrhoea is more common in less than 2 years of age with males are affected more than females and more cases are seen from rural areas. Diarrhoeal diseases are more common in the lower educated group and low socioeconomic status families with prevalence of overcrowding. 47% mothers had knowledge about diarrhoea, 52% about the aetiology and 58% about risk factors of diarrhoea. Regarding role of breastfeeding in diarrhoea 48% mothers had good knowledge and regarding adverse effects of bottle feeding 56% mothers were aware. In this study only 34% of mothers were aware of assessment of danger signs and dehydration and 27% about treatment of dehydration. 33% mothers had good knowledge on sanitary latrine and safe drinking water uses in prevention and treatment of diarrhoea. Regarding preparation of ORS only 19% mothers had good knowledge, 65% mothers had average knowledge.Conclusions: Among mothers’ knowledge about diarrhoea along with the importance of breastfeeding and the adverse effects of bottle feeding is significantly lacking. Also, the knowledge about assessment, management and practices about diarrhoeal diseases among mothers is significantly less.

Evaluation of Thyroid Carcinoma in Southern Odisha: Protocol of Its Diagnosis and Management

Evaluation of Thyroid Carcinoma in Southern Odisha: Protocol of Its Diagnosis and Management

Assessment of paddy performance under BGREI initiative using RISAT SAR data

Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI) is a large-scale Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Government of India funded project with the aim to increase crop productivity through improved package of practices in low-productivity zones of eastern India. Assessment of the BGREI plots with respect to crop vigour variability using space-based observations was planned for 2011–2014 years. A new approach based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data was used to assess the rice crop growth pattern and crop vigour. A methodology was developed to evaluate the effect of BGREI programme in the state of Odisha, India. The peak green biomass estimated from SAR data was found to be 10–30% higher in BGREI plots compared to the controlled plots during 2012–2013 and 2013–2014. The improvement was higher in traditionally low productive rainfed zones in coastal and southern Odisha as compared to the irrigated tracts of the northern plateau. Uniformity in growth in terms of growth rate, transplantation time and duration was observed in BGREI plots in both the years, but magnitude was found to be higher in 2012–2013. The impact of the BGREI programme in Odisha indicates that the scheme proved to be a breakthrough in improving rice productivity in low-productivity pockets of eastern India and the SAR-based methodology was able to pickup this with high accuracy.

Monitoring of ocean environmental changes under influence of cyclonic system: Utilization of SARAL and contemporary satellite observations

The landfall of cyclone, Hud-Hud has created a widespread destruction along the coastal regions of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, India. The changes have also been observed in the surrounding ocean. Satellite derived ocean geophysical products are used to study the changes. SARAL, the Ka band altimeter on path 438 of 10 October 2014 along with Jason-2 altimeter on path 116 of 12 October 2014 for their along track segments in the Bay of Bengal are studied. SARAL passed a day before its landfall has captured the cyclonic event in its full intensity in their geophysical products. The changes are observed in the Inverted Barometric Pressure Correction (IBPC) by an increase of about a centimeter in coastal waters than those of far off ocean. Increase in surface winds towards the coast from 4.01m/s to 15.52m/s has been observed in the along track data. The significant wave height is also increased from about 1m to 6.43m in the affected area. The contemporary Ku band altimeter, Jason-2 has also shown similar changes in the affected area. Sea Surface Height Anomaly (SSHA) spatial distribution has remained negative along the track under the cyclone foot print. While, Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) on 10 October 2014 have shown strong winds (up to 22.7m/s) in the region. This has induced surface mixing and upwelling in the water column leading to cooling of surface waters and enhancement of nutrients in the surface layers. This has lead to higher primary productivity, which is observed in the ocean chlorophyll-a maps. The environmental change in the Bay of Bengal during the cyclonic event has been studied using multiple satellite datasets and drifting buoy observations.

Clinical Profile of Dengue Fever in Children: A Study from Southern Odisha, India.

Background. In India, dengue epidemics are becoming more frequent (WHO, 2008). The majority of dengue viral infections are self-limiting, but complications may cause high morbidity and mortality. Objectives. To assess the clinical profile of the dengue infection in children less than 14 years of age and to evaluate the outcomes of dengue fever from September 2013 to August 2015 at the Pediatric Department of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Medical College, the largest tertiary care hospital of southern Odisha. Results. A total of 97 cases were classified into 84 (86.59%) nonsevere and 13 (13.40%) severe dengue cases. The most common age of presentation was above 11 yrs. The mean age of admission was 8.7 yrs. The most common presenting symptom was fever seen in 100% and hepatomegaly (43.8%), the most common physical finding. Gastrointestinal bleeding was markedly seen in severe dengue (76.9%). Elevation in aspartate transaminase (SGOT) was found in 47.42% and thrombocytopenia in 27.5%. The correlation between hepatomegaly and elevated SGOT was significant (P value 0.0346). Case fatality rate (CFR) was 1.03%. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 3.8 days. Conclusion. In children, if symptoms like fever, pain, rashes, and vomiting are associated with hepatomegaly and elevated SGOT in context of low TPC, a strong possibility of dengue fever is present, especially in an epidemic setting. Early suspicion and effective management can reduce the severity.

Equity in utilization of health care services: Perspective of pregnant women in southern Odisha, India.

Background & objectives:Inequity in the use of health care services is an important factor affecting the maternal and child survival. In southern Odisha, India, the health indicators remained below compared to the State and national average. This study identifies various equity issues at individual and community levels that influence women's choice affecting the utilization of maternal health services in a district in southern Odisha.Methods:A qualitative study was carried out in Gajam district, rural region of south Odisha. Ten in-depth interviews were carried out till data saturation with women having less than one year child and 10 focus group discussions with the average eight women in each group having less than five year old child, community and health care providers separately. A total of 120 respondents were included in the study using in-depth interview and focus group discussions.Results:The important determinants in utilization of health care services by women emerging from the study were transportation and financial constraints. In addition, it was found that divergent aetiological concepts and low perceived hospital benefits of the women and community were equally important determinants. Further, community had different perceptions and interpretations of danger signs influencing the risk approach and health care seeking behaviour.Interpretation & conclusions:Our findings show that to increase the utilization of health care services, the grass root health workers should be made aware of specific social determinants of risk, perceptions and preferences. More attention should be given to the transportation system, and its operational feasibility. The husband of the women and the elders of the family should be considered as an important unit of interjection. A more individualized antenatal consultation could be provided by taking into account women's perception of risk and their explanatory models.

High Incidence of Zidovudine Induced Anaemia in HIV Infected Patients in Southern Odisha.

Zidovudine (AZT), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor was the first breakthrough in AIDS therapy in 1990.This study was conducted with an aim to determine prevalence of AZT induced anaemia in HIV infected patients initiated on AZT containing anti retroviral therapy(ART) regimen and also to find out any risk factor for causing AZT induced anaemia. Study was carried out in ART centre, M.K.C.G, MCH, Berhampur between Jan 2009 and Dec 2011. HIV infected patients registered at ART centre were treated according to National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) guidelines. Patients (n=1221) with Hb >8gm/dl were prescribed AZT based ART regimen. Patients having anaemia (<8gm/dl) were excluded from the study. Correlation of baseline characteristics (age, sex, weight, Hb level, CD4 count, World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage) with risk of developing anaemia was also calculated. 178 (14.6%) patients on AZT regimen developed anaemia. Patients with low CD4 count were more prone to develop severe anaemia. Age, sex, weight, WHO clinical stage had no relation with development of anaemia. Incidence of AZT induced anaemia was very high and patients having low CD4 count were more susceptible to develop anaemia.

Career and emotional self-awareness: Micro initiatives for macro impact

The main objective of this paper is to examine the impact of emotional self-awareness in career and success, explore the emotional self-awareness competency level of Engineering and Management students in Southern Odisha and suggest the strategies to enhance the prospects of career success with micro initiatives. Self-awareness is tuning in to what is going on with one emotionally: recognizing and acknowledging emotional state. By developing emotional self-awareness, one will be able to effectively guide one's behaviour, improve judgment, develop bonding and connection, and help to identify opportunities for professional development and personal growth. To find out the self-awareness literacy level, 80 students of Engineering and Management were randomly selected as participants who responded to a well-structured questionnaire based on one of the core competencies taken from intrapersonal factor of Bar On/EQ-i model. The result of the study is measured on a five-point scale. The study reveals the self- awareness scores of the student participants, and discusses the need to understand the inner values for macro impact. The emotions of confidence, self-esteem, capability, efficacy, and potentiality continually well up and flow from this deepest level of self-awareness.