Population Of West Bengal Research Articles

The prevalence, configuration, and prediction of second mesiobuccal canals in maxillary second molars in West Bengal population – A cone-beam computed tomography study

Abstract Objective: This study’s objective is to analyze the prevalence as well as the configuration of second mesiobuccal (MB2) in maxillary 2nd molars and predict its existence based on mesiobuccal-palatal (MB-P) distance, MB-P/distobuccal-palatal (DB-P) distance ratio and mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal orifice (MDP) angle with the help of cone-beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: The presence and absence of MB2 are noted down in 300 maxillary 2nd molars. Canal configuration was observed from the orifice to the apex in the mesiobuccal root. Interorifice distances of MB-DB, MB-P, and DB-P were measured. MB-P and DB-P ratios have been computed. MDP angle was also measured. Then, MB2 existence and the above factors are correlated. Results: The prevalence of MB2 is increased as the values increase in MB-P distance (>5.25 mm), MB-P and DB-P ratio (>1.25), and MDP angle (>95°). Out of 150 MB2 teeth, Vertucci type 2, 4, and 8 Configurations are seen in 103 (68.6%), 46 (30.6%), and 1 (0.67%), respectively. Conclusions: This positive correlation between MB2 presence and these three factors helps clinicians to identify MB2 canals effectively.

ANA Profile in Population of West Bengal

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are significant biomarkers that are used to detect and classify autoimmune connective tissue disorders more efficiently. This paper provides a thorough overview of all the ANA profiling procedures, their testing advancements, clinical significance, and future directions. This study aimed to analyze the ANA profiles along with the prevalence of specific antibodies in patients presumed to have been diagnosed with autoimmune disorders in an Eastern Indian tertiary care hospital. The results were correlated with demographic data to conclude. ANA profiles of 48 patients from Peerless Hospitex Hospital, Kolkata were evaluated between January 24 to June 15, 2024. Out of them, 13 patients (27%) had positive ANA profiles. The most prevalent autoantibodies detected were SS-A and SS-B, which occurred in 7 patients (53.85%), followed by PM-Scl in 4 patients (30.77%). The study demonstrates how the ANA profile varies among different age groups, with the highest prevalence of 6 patients (46.15%) seen in the 60–75 age range. The clinical symptoms of diseases like autoimmune hepatitis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, PSS (progressive systemic sclerosis), SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), and Sjogren's syndrome align with the ANA profile findings. This study offers insights into the distribution of autoantibodies targeting antigens present in ANA profiles, using clinical samples collected from a 550-bed tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches to autoimmune disorders.

Establishment of reference intervals of oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a population of West Bengal

Background: Elevated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) was significantly associated with the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as well as retinal vascular diseases but there were no studies to show the reference range of Ox-LDL levels in any Indian population. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to formulate the reference intervals of Ox-LDL cholesterol in a population of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: Ox-LDL levels of 434 apparently healthy individuals were estimated based on the history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical package for the social sciences software. Results: The reference range of Ox-LDL levels for all ages was 34.1±4.9 mol/L in healthy male and 34.5±4.5 mol/L in healthy female. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentile values of Ox-LDL level in the reference population were 27 (0.90 CI = 26.4–27.6) and 42 (0.90 CI = 41.4–42.6), respectively. Conclusions: Reference intervals for Ox-LDL may help clinicians to predict the future risk for coronary heart disease and retinal vascular disease by taking medical decision limits and also open up the scope for further research for other laboratories to formulate their own reference interval of Ox-LDL.

Vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance, and antimüllerian hormone level: a tale of trio in the expression of polycystic ovary syndrome

To study the association between altered vitamin D profiles and different indices as well as clinical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels, phenotypes (A [hyperandrogenism {HA} + ovulatory dysfunction {OD} + polycystic ovarian morphology {PCOM}], B [HA + OD], C [HA + PCOM], and D [OD + PCOM]), insulin resistance, oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, obesity indices, and stress biomarkers in the ethnic population of West Bengal. Case-control observational study. Outpatient department of gynecology and obstetrics and environing. Sample size: case group (PCOS, n = 160), age: 16-38 years, and their gender, age, as well as ethnicity-matched healthy control (n = 160). In this observational study, a structured questionnaire for menstrual status and to determine the scores of cutaneous manifestations, a bioelectrical impedance analyzer for measurement of anthropometric indices, relevant biochemical assessments (vitamin D, AMH, insulin, glucose, and other associated hormonal profiles), statistical software for the social sciences, and Microsoft Office Excel were used to evaluate as well as analyze different indices. Study of the association of vitamin D deficiency with differential manifestations of PCOS such as phenotypes of the syndrome, altered AMH levels, and risk of insulin resistance. An attempt has been made to determine the cutoff value of AMH of the patients with PCOS belonging to the ethnic population of West Bengal using receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Vitamin D deficiency was found to be directly correlated with AMH level in PCOS phenotype A (67%), oligomenorrhea, and PCOM, along with a substantial agonistic relationship with insulin resistance in the PCOS population under study. In the PCOS phenotype B, the AMH level was highest, with a cutoff value of 5.27 ng/mL (asymptotic sig. = 0.000, 95% confidence interval: 8.37-9.95, derived by ROC analysis, with area under the ROC curve- area under the curve value = 0.949, sensitivity=0.882, and specificity = 0.880). Oligomenorrhic women with PCOS possess significantly higher values of AMH levels (8.70 ± 3.66 > 3.09 ± 1.86 ng/mL) level than the regular menstrual rhythm within the same group. Patients with PCOS had significantly less skeletal muscle mass and greater subcutaneous fat content than the control group. 25-hydroxy-vitamin D might be intermeshed with the underlying pathophysiology and severity of PCOS, as well as associated metabolic disorders like insulin resistance. The AMH level is finely tuned by most of the plausible effectors of PCOS and contends to be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis as well as prognosis of PCOS.

Hungry Faces Beyond the Battlefield—Examining Global Food Security in the Context of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict in a Low- to Middle-Income Population in West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Study

The Russo-Ukrainian conflict has garnered global attention for its geopolitical ramifications, but its impact on food security in regions far from the battlefield remains underexplored. This qualitative study delves into the repercussions of the conflict on food security within a low- to middle-income population in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. Employing semi-structured interviews and Likert scale assessments, we sought to understand the nuanced experiences and perceptions of individuals affected by the conflict-induced disruptions in global food markets. Our findings reveal profound challenges to food security, with 68% of respondents reporting increased difficulty in accessing affordable and nutritious food since the onset of the conflict. Moreover, 52% expressed heightened concerns about future food availability and affordability, indicating a pervasive sense of uncertainty and anxiety. Importantly, qualitative analysis uncovered multifaceted impacts, including disruptions in supply chains, inflationary pressures, and shifts in dietary patterns towards less nutritious options. This study highlights the interconnectedness of geopolitical conflicts and local food security, shedding light on the often-overlooked consequences faced by vulnerable populations thousands of miles away from the conflict zone. Such insights underscore the imperative for coordinated international efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of conflicts on food security and safeguard the well-being of communities worldwide. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature on the complex interplay between global geopolitics and local livelihoods, urging policymakers to adopt holistic approaches to address the multifaceted challenges of food insecurity in conflict-affected regions and beyond.

Status of Nutritional Services to Vulnerable Population in West Bengal and Their Hardship during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Community-based Qualitative Exploration

Introduction: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were imposed on various activities including nutritional services. This study was conducted with the objective to explore the status of the nutritional services and to identify the hardship and barriers faced by the vulnerable population and challenges for service providers and program managers during the initial phase of pandemic. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted among three vulnerable population groups (slum dwellers, tribal population, and residents of disaster-prone area) in three districts of West Bengal, the reference period being April–September 2020. To assess the status of nutritional services and identify existing barriers or challenges, the study employed a mixed-methods approach utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) as well as in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted with beneficiaries, service providers and program managers. One habitation in each district was selected to obtain case scenarios on food insecurity and hardship. Descriptive analysis of household surveys and thematic analysis of FGDs and IDIs were done, and the findings were triangulated. Results: Different nutritional services (supplementary nutrition, micronutrient supplementation, growth monitoring, nutrition counseling, and nutrition rehabilitation) were disrupted. Shifting from hot-cooked meals to dry take-home ration was the most conspicuous change during restoration phase. Food security was absent in majority of the households. Reduction of income affected their affordability, which along with difficult accessibility to diverse food items contributed to their hardship. Service providers identified several challenges, including increased workload due to both COVID-19 activities and a rise in beneficiaries, transportation difficulties, and experiences of stigma and discrimination. Long administrative decision-making process, additional hurdles due to cyclone, and containment zones were identified as challenges by the program managers. Conclusion: As the hardship of vulnerable population was pervasive, it is necessary to formulate mitigating measures in light of the identified challenges and to combat similar crises in future.

Intestinal Microbiome and Antimicrobial Resistivity: A Study in Recent Times

The world has recently witnessed a pandemic and is now challenged by continuous environmental changes. Human health is in constant jeopardy with the rise in bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Antibiotics are the most widely used medication for the treatment of any infection. The urban population does not always maintain a healthy lifestyle due to the fast-paced nature of life. West Bengal the eastern state of India is no exception to this directive. Rampant use of antibiotics and their frequent consumption has widely increased over the years. This is posing a serious threat to the healthy microbiome of the human intestine. It is resulting in a decline of the healthy microbiota and the development of antibiotic resistance. The study aims to understand the effect of antibiotic consumption in the post-COVID scenario on the gut microbiome of the West Bengal population. The population includes both rural and urban as it takes into account the different lifestyles.

Morbidity among the tribal populations of West Bengal: A study based on data collected from the Mobile Medical Clinic.

Tribes are the most socially excluded group in the nation due to their restricted access to healthcare. There are little data on the real burden and distribution of illnesses among tribes. The present study determines the types and patterns of sickness among tribal populations in West Bengal. Five blocks from five districts in West Bengal were used for this cross-sectional study. Between the years 2018 and 2019, 52,189 patients visited these mobile medical clinics (MMCs), but only 36,128 were included in our study. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (ver. 27.0). Younger age groups (1-25 years) show higher primary registration compared to other age categories; older age groups (>60 years) show higher repeat registration. High prevalence in infectious diseases (44.5% of the total primary registration) and high repeated cases in NCDs (11.5% to 33.2%), which are nearly three times higher than primary cases (Cramer's V test = 0.29; P = .001) are observed. Among the studied MMCs, Binpur II and Matiali MMC have more than two times the risk of gastrointestinal problems, while Madarihat MMC has more than one time the risk. Garbeta II MMC shows more than three times the risk of NCDs (adjusted odds ratio = 3.97; 95% confidence interval: 3.05-5.17) than the other diseases. The present study shows high prevalence of infectious diseases, injury and pain, NCDs, gastrointestinal problems, and vertigo in tribal populations of West Bengal.

The probable reasons of arsenic susceptibility in a chronically exposed population of West Bengal

Arsenic is potent human carcinogen which affects millions of people across the globe. Arsenic induced pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions are hall marks of chronic arsenic toxicity. Even then, only 15%–20% of the population manifest arsenic-induced skin lesions but the rest do not, the reason for which in not very clear. Not only that, conjunctival irritations of the eyes, peripheral neuropathy and respiratory distress are the non-dermatological health effects which are often manifested in them in addition to the cancers of skin and other internal organs. In this work we have considered 233 arsenic exposed individuals with skin lesions and 205 arsenic exposed individuals without skin lesions from the highly arsenic affected Murshidabad district of West Bengal. We have compared arsenic exposure in the two groups through drinking water. Both the study groups have similar levels of arsenic exposure, drinking same arsenic laden water. Results show that higher amounts of arsenic were retained in the nails and hair of the skin lesion group compared to the no skin lesion group. Significant higher amounts of chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation were found in the skin lesion group, than the no skin lesion group. Incidences of conjunctival irritations of the eyes, peripheral neuropathy and respiratory distress were much higher in the former group compared to the later. We, thus found that one group was more susceptible than the other, even with similar levels of arsenic exposure. We have tried to identify and discuss the probable reasons for this observation with reference to our previous works in the exposed population from West Bengal, India.

Morphological and Morphometric Variations of Fovea Capitis Femoris: A Cross-sectional Study from Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Introduction: The proximal end of the femur is an important anatomical modification in humans, widely explored to acquire detailed knowledge that aids in determining the exact size of hip prosthesis and minimising postoperative complications. However, thorough analysis of the various parameters of the Fovea Capitis Femoris (FCF) is frequently overlooked, yet it is also important during reconstructive surgery of the ligamentum teres femoris, radiographic evaluation of hip dysplasia, or as an anatomical landmark in hip arthroscopy. Detailed morphological and morphometric measurements of the FCF in the West Bengal population would help bridge this gap, as there are few Indian studies regarding the fovea. Aim: To determine the morphological and morphometric measurements of the FCF in the West Bengal population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 297 dry femora from the Department of Anatomy at Kolkata Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from October 2023 to February 2024. The position and shape of the fovea were recorded. Morphometric measurements of the fovea (depth, transverse diameter, and vertical diameter) and the head of the femur (transverse and vertical diameters) were taken using a vernier caliper. The collected data were compiled in a Microsoft Excel sheet and analysed using Jamovi software (free version). The Pearson’s correlation formula was used to determine the correlation between various parameters of the fovea and femoral head. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All femora had a single distinct fovea. The most frequent shape of the fovea was oval 135 (45.45%), and its most common position was in the posterior-inferior quadrant 263 (88.55%) of the femoral head. Regarding morphometric measurements, the mean values of the transverse diameter, vertical diameter, and Depth of the Fovea (DF) were 1.53±0.367 cm, 1.28±0.303 cm, and 0.304±0.141 cm, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the transverse and vertical diameters of the fovea (Pearson’s correlation r=0.239), and a significant p-value (p<0.001) was also found between them. Conclusion: Knowledge of these variations may be useful for anatomists, radiologists, anthropologists, forensic experts, and orthopaedic surgeons when planning and executing hip replacement surgeries.

Seismic risk assessment using integrated MCDM method in West Bengal, India

Earthquakes are one of the natural hazards that threaten human lives and properties. Consequently, seismic risk assessment plays a significant role in disaster mitigation. This study estimates seismic risk in West Bengal, India, by integrating the two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models: analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Entropy. Integrated AHP-Entropy is used to determine vulnerability, seismic hazard, and coping capacity. The seismic risk was then assessed by integrating the thematic information of vulnerability, seismic hazard, and coping capacity. The results show that about 19% of the total area and 70% of the total population in West Bengal may be at very high seismic risk. The result is validated through a receiver operating characteristic curve, displaying satisfactory performance in seismic risk estimation. The findings of this study may help governmental agencies identify seismic-risk zones and establish seismic hazard plans in advance against any potential threat in the study region.

Reading Bhadralok Cultural Memory, Kitsch And Culture Industry In Ritwik Ghatak’s Films

The paper problematizes Ghatak’s Marxist treatment of the Bengali as well as the Brahmanical repertoire of cultural knowledge, for the purpose of carving out a Communist significance of the period. Rather than a recontextualization of traditional myths, the paper reads in this attitude a nostalgic particularistic abstraction of a rich array of aesthetic ideas, which are best appreciated in their diverse cultural context. The paper argues that Ghatak utilizes creative opuses of vast potential to serve political goals, with an aim of strengthening the East Bengali immigrant population in post-Partition West Bengal. The paper criticizes how Ghatak breaks down the traditions from different spatial and temporal coordinates for serving the representation of the plights of the Bengali Refugee – making a powerful integrated identity of the traumatized subject at the expense of erasing class, caste, communal and gender distinctions. In this, there is an effort to fashion an imaginary unified East Bengali sub-national entity, which is politically evened out for realization of unique identity and clout.

Prevalence and pattern of mental disorders in the state of West Bengal: Findings from the National Mental Health Survey of India 2016.

West Bengal, situated in eastern India, comprising 19 districts as of 2016 and consisting of 9.13 crore population, had been one of the participating states in the National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16. To estimate the prevalence and pattern of mental disorders in a representative population in West Bengal. Based upon a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling with probability proportionate to each stage, 2646 eligible individuals were interviewed. Standard validated instruments in Bengali like socio-demographic profiles and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) version 6 were used by trained data collectors with quality monitoring as per a standardized protocol. The current prevalence of mental illness in the state of West Bengal is 13.07% (12.9-13.24 95% CI), which is more than the current national average of 10.56% (10.51-10.61 95% CI). The prevalence of severe mental illness of 2.32% and suicide risk of 1.75% (1.68-1.81 95% CI) is higher than the national average. The common mental illness prevalence is 11.29 (11.13-11.45 95% CI), which is similar to the national weighted average. In West Bengal, severe mental illness is more concentrated in the rural areas in contrast to the national trend. Also, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder is 3.04 (2.96-3.13 95% CI) and epilepsy is 0.03 (0.27-0.29 95% CI), which is less than the national average. The prevalence of mental disorders in the state of West Bengal is higher than the national average, and for severe mental illness, the prevalence is the highest as compared to the national average.

Polymorphism in ADAM33 gene associated with asthmatics in West Bengal, India - An investigation by in-silico analysis

IntroductionAsthma is one of the common chronic polygenic inflammatory diseases. Genome wide association studies have identified ADAM33 as an asthma candidate gene. The present study investigated possible association of rs2280090 (T1), rs2280091 (T2) and rs3918396 (S1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADAM33 with aeroallergen induced asthma in West Bengal population, India. In addition, in-silico analysis was performed to find out changes in protein function. MethodsForced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were assessed using spirometry in 1039 participants. Allergic sensitivity of 619 spirometry positive asthma patients was assessed by skin prick test (SPT) against 22 aeroallergens. For genotyping of T1, T2, and S1 SNPs in 540 allergic asthma patient and 420 control subjects, polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed. Total Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) level was measured in both patients and controls. ADAM333 haplotype blocks were constructed using Haploview software v.4.2. Structural model of transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of ADAM33 was generated using RaptorX. Protein-protein interaction was analysed using the STRING server. ResultsHighest number of patient sensitivity was observed towards Cocos nusifera (n = 215) and Dermatophagoides farinae (n = 229). Significant difference in sensitivity was observed between child and late adult (P = 0.03), child and early adult (P = 0.02), adolescent and late adult (P = 0.02) and adolescent and early adult (P = 0.01). Genotypic frequencies differed significantly between patients and controls (P < 0.05). rs2280090 GG, rs2280091GG and AG genotype, and rs3918396 AA carried significant risk for asthma (P = 0.02, P = 0.008, P = 0.04, P = 0.01 respectively). ADAM33 T1, T2, and S1 polymorphisms were in high Linkage Disequilibrium (D = 0.98). Haplotype consisting of rs2280090G, rs2280091G and rs3918396A alleles were found significantly higher in patient population in comparison with controls (OR = 2.03). IgE level differed significantly among different genotypes for T1, T2, and S1 SNPs analysed in pair (P < 0.0001). FEV1/FVC ratio differed significantly among different genotypes for T1, T2 and S1 SNPs analysed in pair (P < 0.0001). Significant difference of FEV1/FVC was also found between GGA and AAG haplotype (P < 0.0001). In-silico analysis revealed T1 and T2 polymorphisms are located in cytoplasmic domain of ADAM33 may cause bronchial smooth muscle cell mobility and cellular hyperplasia as well as cytoskeletal remodelling by altered interaction with different cytoplasmic proteins found by string analysis. ConclusionPresent study showed significant association of T1, T2, and S1 polymorphisms of ADAM33 with aeroallergen-induced asthma in West Bengal, India. These polymorphisms may be used as prognostic markers and possible targets for therapeutics in future.

A study to determine the prevalence of oxidised low-density lipoprotein in retinal venous occlusion in a population of West Bengal

Background: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) has been implicated in both coronary artery disease and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) because of atherosclerosis. However, there is no study to show the prevalence of ox-LDL in RVO till date. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to find the prevalence of ox-LDL in RVO in a population of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A 2-year prospective cross-sectional study of consecutive, unrelated adult patients, with a diagnosis of RVO, attending the outpatient department in a Medical College, was taken up for study. A pilot study was done to determine the expected prevalence of ox-LDL. Sample size was calculated based on the formula n=d2z2pq(z=1.96, d=0.04, p=0.196, q=0.804, n=minimum sample size). ox-LDL was measured in a total of 512 subjects who were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In this study, 272 males (aged 50 ± 7.2 years) and 240 females (aged 46 ± 7.7 years) with RVO were screened for ox-LDL. Elevated ox-LDL levels were found in 142 patients out of 512 participants in this study (27.7%). Moreover, 102 cases (19.9%) were found to have both raised LDL and ox-LDL, whereas 40 RVO cases (7.8%) had only elevated ox-LDL among the study participants. 71.8% of 142 RVO cases with elevated ox-LDL levels also had raised LDL levels, whereas remaining 28.2% had normal LDL cholesterol levels. Conclusion: It is high time to look beyond the traditional lipid parameters such as ox-LDL cholesterol levels as a risk factor of RVO. This study proved that ox-LDL cholesterol is highly prevalent in RVO cases. Thereby, proper screening of ox-LDL is a must as a tool for risk reduction of RVO cases, especially in a population with normal LDL cholesterol levels.

Measurement of head circumference, head length, head width, intercanthal distance, ear length, and distribution of low-set ear in a healthy newborn population of West Bengal

Background: Anthropometry is a process of systemic measurement of the human body and its different parts. A reference dataset of craniofacial measurements of a particular geographic area and particular age group is useful for reconstructive surgery of the face, orthodontic research, criminal and racial identification, assessment of the nutritional status of children and diagnosing dysmorphogenesis conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to obtain the measurements of craniofacial parameters, including head length, head width, head circumference, intercanthal distance, ear length, and ear position in normal- and low-birth-weight (BW) healthy newborn babies to prepare a dataset of these parameters. Another objective was to find out if there were statistically significant differences in the above parameters between male and female newborn population in normal- and low-BW (LBW) newborn groups. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the nursery, department of Pediatrics, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal (Eastern India), on 1571 healthy newborn babies (1-2 days old). Results: We obtained the range and mean value of all the parameters in newborn. No statistically significant sexual dimorphism was observed. The most common head shape was mesocephalic (45%). Low-set ear was found in 0.043–0.057% of cases, and no statistically significant difference was observed between normal and LBW newborn population regarding the distribution of low-set ear. Most of the craniofacial parameters had statistically significantly higher values in normal BW babies than in the low-birth-weight group. Conclusion: These data sets can be used by clinicians, and researchers as a reference for the newborn population of West Bengal.

Role of Finger Dermatoglyphics in Prognosis of Gastric Cancer among the Bengalee Population of West Bengal, India

Role of Finger Dermatoglyphics in Prognosis of Gastric Cancer among the Bengalee Population of West Bengal, India

Prevalence and risk factor of diabetes among the elderly people in West Bengal: evidence-based LASI 1st wave

BackgroundThe complication of Diabetes is one of the important health issues among the older adult population in any region. The higher risks of diabetes prevalence among older adult people in the countries was due to social-cultural changes such as increasing urbanization, dietary changes, without physical activity, and unhealthy lifestyle behavior. The present study examines the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes among older adults in the state of West Bengal.MethodsThe first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India 2017-18 was used to achieve the study objectives. Descriptive statistics with multinomial logistic regression models were used to carry out crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and examine the associated risk factors of diabetes prevalence among older adults.ResultsThe findings of the study indicate that the overall prevalence of diabetes among the study participants was found to be 12.4% which was significantly higher in urban areas (19%) compare to rural areas (6%). The socio-economic and bio-demographic factors like educational status, richest background family, marital status, obesity, and family history of diabetes were significantly associated with higher risks of diabetes prevalence among the older adult population in West Bengal. The risks of diabetes in the richest adult people were significantly higher than in the poorest adult people (OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.974–3.917). The higher risks of diabetes mellitus among the richest wealthy people are because of lifestyle behavior, smoking, and tobacco consumption respectively.ConclusionThe study needs to policy and awareness program to reduce economic inequality and prevention of diabetes care and treatment-seeking behavior, especially for the older adult population in West Bengal.

Fishes of West Bengal: Review and Annotated Checklist

An updated systematic inventory of the fish faunal variety from the state of West Bengal, comprising 894 species represented by 36 orders and 152 families, has been produced following an extensive review of the literature. Diversity-wise, order Acanthuriformes, has 19 families and 120 species, is the top order of both freshwater and marine fishes. Cypriniformes, which has 7 families and 117 species, is the second most diverse order and the most diverse order in freshwater. Cyprinidae, makes up 6% of the entire fish population in West Bengal, is the family with the most diversity. Marine fishes showed the highest diversity in Gobiidae and Carangidae with 5.6% and 4.8% respectively. 221 species are fully freshwater species, whereas 297 species are marine. The rest of the species are associated with fresh water, brackish and marine habitats. According to the IUCN red list status, 8 species belong to the critically endangered category, 18 belong to the endangered category, 30 species belong to the vulnerable category and 37 species belong to the near threatened category. The conservation status of 239 fish species found in West Bengal has not yet been determined by IUCN. The present study is the first attempt to provide a comprehensive data of fish faunal diversity occurring from all the habitats present in West Bengal, which will ultimately help in the management of the prospects of fisheries resources from West Bengal as well as provide support for the effective conservational planning process.

Sexual dimorphism of papillary number (PN) and main line index (MLI) among autistic patients of West Bengal, India

Dermatoglyphic traits area well-known clinical marker for several congenital malformations and neurodevelopment disorders. The dermatoglyphic patterns and neural tissues originate from the ectodermic layer within the first and second trimesters of intrauterine life and are unaltered throughout an individual's life. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant disturbances in social-communicative and behavioral functioning. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first attempt to understand the relationshipbetween Papillary Number (PN) and Main Line Index (MLI) as an assessment of Sexual Dimorphism among the Autisticpatients from Bengalee Hindu caste population of West Bengal, India. To achieve this purpose, bilateral palm prints of 100 (67 males and 33 females) diagnosed Autistic patients and 100 (55 males and 45 females) healthy controls without any family history of Autism have been collected from the Bengalee Hindu caste population of West Bengal. All the prints were collected by the standard Ink and Roller Method (Cummins &amp; Midlo, 1961).The result demonstrated that significant (p&lt;0.05) sexual dimorphism on the PN and MLI was found between the Autistic males and Autistic females combing both hands. Nevertheless, the controls never showed any sexual dimorphism in the context of PN and MLI. Therefore, the present study suggests that the sexual dimorphism of the PN and MLI among Autistic patients might be other beneficial dermatoglyphic traits for Autism detection.