Indian Subcontinent Research Articles

Exploring the Potential of Tinospora cordifolia: Formulation and Evaluation of an Innovative Antiacne Cream

The study explores the causes, evaluation, and treatment of Acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory condition caused by Cutibacterium acnes, affecting the pilosebaceous unit. Tinospora cordifolia which is commonly known as gurjo, guduchi or giloy. It is a Menispermaceae herbaceous vine that is only found in the tropics of the Indian subcontinent. The usefulness of these remedies is still debatable despite clinical research, despite being used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of diseases. It has therapeutic qualities such as anti-diabetic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-stress, anti-leprotic, antimalarial, Antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-neoplastic activities, which have been described by scientific research. In this research we have tried to evaluate the formulation of Tinospora cordifolia that shows the Anti-microbial activity for the treatment of Acne vulgaris. We have tested the microbial growth with the help of nutrition broth. We have performed various evaluation parameters of formulation like pH, viscosity, spreadability, physical appearance etc. The results that were obtained were under expectated limits.

Flipping of temperature and precipitation trends over the Indian subcontinent due to diametrically opposing influence of GHGs and aerosols

Despite significant development in the Earth system models (ESMs) and releases of several coupled model intercomparison projects (CMIPs), the evolving patterns of Indian summer monsoon rainfall and its future trajectory is still uncertain, with low confidence in its direction. This could be because of differential impacts from increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) and aerosol concentrations. We found that the observed pre-2000 (1951–2000) declining monsoon was likely attributed to the increasing aerosol concentrations. On the contrary, the reported revival of post-2000 monsoon rainfall is due to GHG dominance. These are spatiotemporally consistent with individual CMIP Phase 6 (CMIP6) ESM simulations with GHG and aerosols separately. Similar results were obtained for temperature in India, which showed no to low warming signal in pre-2000 due to aerosol-driven cooling. The dominance of GHG impacts has increased India’s warming trend in post-2000. This research highlights a notable trend in temperature and precipitation across the Indian subcontinent during the past two decades, emphasizing the dynamic character of climate change explained by contrasting anthropogenic influences, including GHGs and aerosols.

The Science behind Ashwagandha: A Review of its Therapeutic Potential

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, holds a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicine. It has served as a rejuvenating tonic, nootropic, and a potent natural adaptogen. This herb extract has been widely employed for overall health and specific health conditions. It boasts a rich history of over 3,000 years of use in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicinal systems on the Indian subcontinent. One of its key attributes is the presence of bioactive compounds called withanolides, with withaferin-A and withanolide-D being particularly noteworthy. In experimental studies, Ashwagandha has demonstrated its ability to enhance endurance in rats during swimming tests and shield against stress-induced changes in adrenal gland components like ascorbic acid and cortisol. Pre-treatment with Ashwagandha has exhibited significant protection against stress-induced gastric ulcers. Moreover, it has shown anti-tumor effects on CHO cell carcinoma and was effective against lung adenoma induced by urethane in mice. In some instances, Ashwagandha has been used to manage conditions like uterine fibroids and dermatosarcoma with long-term treatment. It has also demonstrated cognitive enhancement, proving beneficial for children with memory deficits and elderly individuals experiencing memory loss. Additionally, Ashwagandha has shown promise in addressing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's. Its anxiolytic properties, as well as its ability to boost energy levels and support mitochondrial health, make it a valuable natural remedy. Furthermore, it serves as an anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic agent, finding application in clinical cases of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis.

Comparative Physicochemical Evaluation of In-House Manufactured and Commercial samples of Traditional Unani Organo-metallic preparation “Kushta-e-Baiza-e-Murgh”

Kushta is a form of herbal-mineral preparation used in traditional systems of medicine (Unani and Ayurveda) of the Indian subcontinent for the treatment of various diseases it is claimed to be very effective in a very small dose and with quick action because of its fast-absorbing capacity. Kushta-e-Baiza-e-Murgh (KBM)is one of the renowned formulations, used by Hakims to cure various ailments. Since there is a lack of scientific work on these products regarding the point of physicochemical standardization, Kushta-e-Baiza-e-Murgh was prepared in the laboratory, and a study was conducted to evaluate it by comparing physicochemical with testifying on classical parameters of laboratory-made Kushta-e-Baiza-e-MurghKBM (L) with its commercial samples KBM (C-1) and kbm(C-2). The study of modern scientific parameters includes bulk density, tapped density, Hausners’ ratio, Carr’s index, pH values, loss in weight on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, extractive values in water, and 1N hydrochloric acid while in classical parameters it was tested like Finger test, fineness test, floating test, etc. Besides, the qualitative elemental analysis and quantitative estimations of major mineral elements have also been carried out in the present study.

In-silico insights of ESBL variants and tracking the probable sources of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in a small-scale poultry farm

Commercial broiler farms face challenges of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli transmitted from both vertical and horizontal routes. Understanding the dynamics of ESBL-E. coli transmission in compromised biosecurity settings of small-scale rural poultry farms is essential. This study aimed to elucidate the probable transmission pathways of ESBL-E. coli in such settings, employing phylogenetic analysis and molecular docking simulations to explore the catalytic properties of β-lactamase variants. Sampling was conducted on a small-scale poultry farm in West Bengal, India, collecting 120 samples at three intervals during the broiler production cycle. E. coli isolates underwent resistance testing against eight antimicrobials, with confirmation of ESBL production. Genotypic analysis of ESBL genes and sequencing were performed, alongside molecular docking analyses and phylogenetic comparisons with publicly available sequences. Among 173 E. coli isolates, varying resistance profiles were observed, with complete resistance to cefixime and high resistance to amoxicillin and tetracycline. The incidence of ESBL-E. coli fluctuated over the production cycle, with dynamic changes in the prevalence of blaCTX-M-type and blaSHV-type genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated partial clonal relationships with human clinical strains and poultry strains from the Indian subcontinent. Molecular docking confirmed the catalytic efficiencies of these ESBL variants. The study highlights probable vertical transmission of ESBL-E. coli and emphasizes drinking water as a potential source of horizontal transmission in small-scale poultry farms. Strict biosecurity measures could prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in birds and their products in a small scale poultry farm.

Reconstructing hypoxia on the eastern Arabian sea continental shelf during the past ∼7400 years: A multi-proxy approach

Shallow-sea environmental variations in the eastern Arabian Sea (EAS) have been related to monsoon variability, poorly ventilated intermediate water, and primary productivity changes. To understand these conditions, benthic foraminiferal assemblages, oxygen isotope ratios, and total organic carbon content have been examined in sediment Core SK291/GC13 from the EAS. We aim to retrieve decadal to centennial time-scale changes in past oxygenation and paleoproductivity during the last 7400 calibrated years before the present (cal yr BP). Our proxy data suggest that the oxic benthic foraminifera species were dominant during ∼7400–6000 cal yr BP. The change from oxic to dysoxic occurred during ca. 6000–3500 cal yr BP, and transition from dysoxic to suboxic environmental conditions happened at ca. ∼3500 cal yr BP. These changes are contemporaneous with weakening of the Indian summer monsoon beginning at ∼5500 cal yr BP which culminated into a major arid phase so-called ca 4.2 ka event in the Indian subcontinent. The EAS experienced low productivity during the early phase of our studied interval (∼7400–6000 cal yr BP) and higher productivity in the middle Holocene (6000–3000 cal yr BP), as revealed by the total organic carbon and benthic assemblages. Furthermore, productivity increased in the warm period and decreased in the Little Ice Age on a decadal scale. The spectral analysis of total organic content and suboxic species indicates a 23-year Hale (solar) cycle during the last millennium, indicating a close relationship between solar activity and monsoon variability. The strengthening of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation perhaps amplified due to increased solar activity in the last millennium, which influenced the climate of the EAS. The study highlights paleo-oxygenation shifts based on benthic foraminiferal assemblages, which are crucial for understanding changes in the oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) and their potential impacts on marine ecosystems.

Collections from the Indian Subcontinent in the Herbaria of the Natural History Museum, London

Collections from the Indian Subcontinent in the Herbaria of the Natural History Museum, London

<i>Rostellularia diffusa</i> (Willd.) Nees (<i>Justicia diffusa</> Willd.) Complex (Acanthaceae)

Delimination of the taxon, Justicia diffusa Willdenow is discussed, and 10 taxa falling within the Indian Subcontinent have been treated under the newly erected subsection: Diffusa Ellis including four varieties under Rostellularia diffusa (Willd.) Nees, and two varieties each under R. quinqueangularis Koenig ex Roxb. and R. vahlii (Roth) Nees.

Taxonomic Revision of the Genus <I>Ophiorrhiza L.</I> (Rubiaceae) in Indian Subcontinent

The present study on the taxonomic revision of Ophiorrhiza L. (Rubiaceae) in Indian subcontinent was carried out on the basis of specimens extant in the Indian Herbaria and some received on loan from several foreign herbaria. 47 species and 9 extra typical varieties are described with original citations, synonymy, typification, distribution, phenology and ecology. 4 species and 1 variety proposed as new have been described earlier. 4 varietal combinations havz been made and published. One newly described species is reduced here to the status of a variety. For identification of ttlxa two sections and a dichotomous key are given.

Taxonomic Revision of Mycetia Reinw. (Rubiaceae) in Indian Subcontinent

Taxonomic revision of Mycetia Reinw. (Rubiaceae) in Indian subcontinent is presented with typification, synonymy, illustrations, key, descriptions, distribution, phenology, ecology and citations of specimens etc. Nine species are described including one new species Mycetia rodgeri Deb et Mondal, SP. nov. and a species is reduced to subspecific status as M. stipulata Hook. f. subsp. macrostachya (Hook.f.) Deb comb. & stat. nov.

One-year outcomes of rate versus rhythm control of atrial fibrillation in the Kerala-AF Registry.

There is ongoing debate around rate versus rhythm control strategies for managing atrial fibrillation (AF), however, much of the data comes from Western cohorts. Kerala-AF represents the largest prospective AF cohort study from the Indian subcontinent. To compare 12-month outcomes between rate and rhythm control strategies. Patients aged ≥18 years with non-transient AF were recruited from 53 hospitals across Kerala. Patients were stratified by rate or rhythm control. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, arterial thromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome or hospitalization due to heart failure or arrhythmia at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included bleeding events and individual components of the primary. Predictors of the composite outcome were analysed by logistic regression. A total of 2901 patients (mean age 64.6 years, 51% female) were included (2464 rate control, 437 rhythm control). Rates of the primary composite outcome did not differ between groups (29.7% vs 30.0%; p = .955), nor did any component of the primary. Bleeding outcomes were also similar (1.6% vs 1.9%; p = .848). Independent predictors of the primary composite outcome were older age (aOR 1.01; p = .013), BMI <18 (aOR 1.51; p = .025), permanent AF (aOR 0.78; p = .010), HFpEF (aOR 1.40; p = .023), HFrEF (aOR 1.39; p = .004), chronic kidney disease (aOR 1.36; p < .001), and prior thromboembolism (aOR 1.31; p = .014). In the Kerala-AF registry, 12-month outcomes did not differ between rate and rhythm control cohorts.

Using proxy data and vegetation modelling to predict past, current and future distributional shifts of Butea monosperma, a marker of land degradation in India

Extensive deviations in spatio-temporal social and environmental dynamics currently alter the health of ecosystems and the services they provide. Detecting the causes that contribute to the distribution of a natural forest species capable of restoring the lost ecosystem function and productivity will aid in determining better food security, livelihoods and provision of ecosystem goods and services. We modelled the spatial range of Butea monosperma (B. monosperma) under past, that is, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), Middle Holocene (MH), current and future (2070) climatic scenarios with Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) trained on present-day occurrences. We identified areas of suitable habitats for which the estimation of habitat stability is predicted in all the models at different times. To validate the inferred suitable habitat, we tested the model by the current occurrence and fossil pollen data of B. monosperma. Our distribution models agree with the fossil pollen records for the MH (4,500–7,000 yr BP) and predict the prevalence of B. monosperma covering 84.22% of the Indian subcontinent with maximum habitat stability in western and southwestern India (10.95%). The widespread potential distribution of the plant species during the LGM supports the presence of the last remnants of tropical dry deciduous forest in the region. However, a decline in habitat suitability (62.84%) is predicted under current and future climatic scenarios with maximum stability (0.90%–3.09%) along the Western Ghats, Nilgiri hills, Gir range in the western India and north-eastern region covering the Assam Valley and foothills of Tripura and Mizo hills. Temperature seasonality (33.6%) measured in terms of variable contribution in MaxEnt model significantly affects the distribution shift of B. monosperma, along with annual precipitation (22.8%) and annual mean temperature (16.2%). Model results provide evidence of habitat reduction and identify the stability hotspots for B. monosperma for its conservation and establishment of land management policies mainly for the dry tropics.

New Combinations in Mosses and a New Record of Moss for the Indian Subcontinent

No Abstract.

Antinomianism as a way to God in nineteenth-century Java: the Suluk Lonthang between Islamic and pre-Islamic religious discourse

Abstract This article presents the first complete critical edition and annotated English translation of the nineteenth-century Javanese mystical poem Suluk Lonthang. Combining different disciplinary expertise in old and modern Javanese philology, Tantric Studies, and Islamic Studies, it interprets the protagonist of the poem as an expression of the multifaceted and multivocal Javanese religious landscape of the time, whose historical—and translocal—roots can be discerned in Sufi traditions from the Islamicate and Persianate worlds, as well as Tantric traditions from both pre-Islamic Java and the Indian subcontinent.

Correlative and Free Relative constructions in Odia and English

The present paper investigates multiple Correlative Constructions (CC) in Odia and sketches a combined semantic and syntactic analysis. The paper describes Correlative Constructions and related constructions in Odia, with a view especially to its quantificational systems, one residing in lexical quantifiers, and one in the clause combinations which constitute CCs. Over the last decades, a growing literature has addressed similarities between CCs as instantiated in languages on the Indian subcontinent and types of Free Relatives, e.g., in English, as they occur in positions adjoined to clauses, here to be called Adjoined Free Relatives (AFRs). AFR constructions supplement lexical quantification in English in a parallel way to CCs in Odia, and we explore possibilities of representing CCs and AFR constructions within a common semantico-syntactic frame of analysis. We show how the quantificational effects of CCs can be derived from their character as relative constructions, residing in what we call co-targeted predicates, as opposed to lexical encoding of quantificational meaning through items such as ‘each’, ‘every’ and the like. We thereby describe two distinct strategies for obtaining partially similar quantificational effects, a finding which applies to CC/AFR constructions cross-linguistically.

The Genus Pteridium Gleditsch Ex Scopoli in the Indian Sub-Continent

In the Indian sub-continent the genus Pteridium is represented by two species viz. P. aquilinum (L.) Kuhn and P. esculentum (Forst.) Cockayne. The taxonomy of these species is discussed with regard to Indian materials.

Twelve Noteworthy Lichens from India

This paper deals with twelve noteworthy lichens, nine of which are reported for the first time from the main land of India, two are new record for the Indian subcontinent and the remaining one has been previously reported only from Manipur. Two of these belong to the family Pyrenulaceae, two to Opegraphaceae, one to Graphidaceae, four to Lecideaceae and the rest three belong to Lecanoraceae.

A novel report on occurrence of Colletotrichum sydowii associated with leaf spot on indian tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia) in India

Indian Tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia), a climbing shrub of medicinal importance belonging to the Menispermaceae family, is native to the Indian subcontinent and China. During May 2022, a rapid spread of typical leaf spot infection was observed on T. cordifolia foliage at Bangalore, India. The mean disease index of leaf spot at all surveyed locations was observed to be 50.66% (range: 42.00–52.00%). Subsequent isolation and purification of the associated fungal pathogen, followed by cultural and micro-morphological characterization unveiled the association of fungal pathogen as Colletotrichum sp. Species delimitation using multigene phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and histone (H3) genes confirmed distinct grouping with C. sydowii. Cultural, morphological and molecular characterization collectively confirmed Colletotrichum sydowii as responsible fungal pathogen causing leaf spot in T. cordifolia. The pathogenicity of the fungal isolate was validated by proving Koch's postulates. To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel report on the occurrence of leaf spots caused by C. sydowii on Tinospora cordifolia in India.

SEROPREVALENCE AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF SCRUB TYPHUS AMONG FEBRILE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Rickettsial infections is the most neglected and underdiagnosed tropical diseases in developing countries. The most common rickettsial disease, which is caused by the obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi, is Scrub Typhus. Scrub typhus can prove to an important diagnosis in pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) patients and is transmitted by a species of trombiculid mites (“chiggers”). Aim of this study is to find seroprevalence and clinical features of scrub typhus among febrile patients from a tertiary care hospital in North India. Methods: This study was undertaken for a period of 1 y. All the patients attending the outpatient department or admitted indoors suspected of PUO were included in the study. Serum samples of suspected cases were tested for IgM Scrub typhus. Results: During the study period, a total of 755 cases were tested for scrub typhus, out of which 223 were positive so, the seroprevlance of Scrub typhus is 29.5%. Out of 223 positive patients, 105 (47%) were males and 118 (53%) were females. Maximum no. of patients was from age group 21 to 40 y of age and maximum number of cases is in autumn season. Most common clinical feature is fever, followed by myalgia, headache, ocular pain, dyspnoea, cough and eschar, respectively. Conclusion: Scrub typhus is an emerging tropical rickettsial disease in the Indian subcontinent. The present study highlights the importance of screening of PUO cases for Scrub typhus as timely institution of simple empirical treatment can prove to be lifesaving in such cases.

Radionuclide Transfer in Tea Cultivation: Assessing Radiological Risks in the Largest and First Established Tea Garden in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT To address potential health risks associated with radioactivity in tea consumption, a study was conducted utilizing high purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry to measure the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radionuclides in soil and tea leaves collected from several major tea gardens (including the Malnicherra tea garden which is the largest and first established tea garden in the Indian subcontinent) situated in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Although nearly all soil samples showed the presence of 137Cs (with a maximum activity of 6.5 ± 1.31 Bq/kg), none of the analyzed tea leaf samples exhibited its presence, which can be attributed to its restricted transferability from soil to plants. The range of transfer factors for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K from soil to tea leaves was calculated to be (0.39–0.54), (0.25–0.46) and (1.39–3.03), respectively. The heightened concentrations of 40K identified in the tea leaf samples can be mainly ascribed to specific metabolic processes associated with potassium, along with the heightened utilization of potassium chloride-based fertilizers aimed at enhancing tea production. The examination of hazard parameters, including the estimated committed effective dose and the excess lifetime cancer risk associated with tea consumption, reveals values that are comparatively lower than the recommended limits. Consequently, the radiation exposure from tea consumption does not present a significant radiological health concern for the general population.