Comparative evaluation of Tobit and Free Ion Activity Models for optimizing genotype-specific permissible arsenic limits in rice soil and irrigation water.

Molecular standardization and epidemiological mapping of canine haemoprotozoa in West Bengal, India.

Political campaigns widely use fear speech to appraise historically salient identity-based differences and mobilize voters. Despite ample literature to support fear speech's effectiveness in mobilizing collective violence, empirical evidence exploring its nuances and mechanisms in electoral contexts is limited. The current study examines online fear speech used by competing political candidates in the pre-electoral period during the 2021 State Assembly Elections in West Bengal, India. Using qualitative content analysis, we coded 391 publicly available Facebook posts on the group and personal accounts of the candidates, during the 3 weeks leading up to the elections. The analysis focused on the types and intensity of fear speech, its use across constituencies and party candidates, and how existing communal and partisan threats were appraised using fear speech. Findings highlight the strategic use of violent vs. non-violent fear speech representing the socio-political history of the context and the cultural values represented by each party, and the affordances of social media as a platform for political and electoral campaigning and collective mobilization.

BackgroundEmotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in children significantly influence developmental domains, including interpersonal relationships, academic performance, and life skills.MethodsA cross-sectional study was adopted with purposive sampling. The study includes 120 children aged 6-14years from West Bengal, equally divided into groups with and without EBPs. Standardized tools such as the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), Child Interpersonal Relationships and Attitudes Assessment (CIRAA), Academic Performance Scale (APS), and Life Skills Assessment Scale (LSAS) were used.ResultsChildren with EBPs significantly scored lower in interpersonal relationships (p = .015) and life skills (p < .001) compared to peers without EBPs. However, they seem to scored slightly better in academic performance (p = .026). Correlation analyses showed a weak but significant relationship between EBPs and interpersonal relationships (r = 0.198, p = .030), a negative correlation with academic performance (r = -0.217, p = .017), and a moderately strong positive correlation with life skills (r = 0.457, p < .001).ConclusionThese EBPs obstruct the development of interpersonal and life skills, while their impact on academics varies with contextual factors. Thus, the study stresses that interventions should provide academic support, social-emotional learning and life skills training in schools and communities.

Survey on the prevalence of Nipah virus in Pteropus medius bats from non-outbreak regions of India.

Movement disorder emergencies at a tertiary-care center in West Bengal, India: Spectrum, etiologies, diagnostic implications.

Introduction: Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world according to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) statistics, 2022. CRC’s phenotypic and molecular comprehensive characterisation represents a key step, with diagnostic and prognostic value assessment of BRAF V600E {B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (VAL600GLU)} and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) expression using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) can aid in understanding tumour characteristics in routine diagnostic practice. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of BRAF V600E and HER2 in CRC and their association with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: The present observational crosssectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, over an 18-month period (July 2023 to December 2024) on 72 diagnosed cases of CRC. Clinicopathological parameters were recorded. IHC was performed using mutation specific monoclonal antibody for BRAF V600E (clone IHC600, GenomeMe, Canada) and HER2 clone EP3 Dygnova, India). Results were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and carried out Chi-square and Fisher`s-exact tests, with p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 72 cases of CRC, BRAF V600E expression was positive in 16 cases (22.2%), equivocal in 7 cases (9.7%) and negative in 49 cases (68.1%). BRAF V600E positivity showed a statistically significant association with poor differentiation (p=0.027), advanced stage (p=0.0086), lymph node metastasis (p=0.0055), Lympho-Vascular Invasion (LVSI) (p=0.037) and mucinous histology (p=0.0001). HER2 expression was positive in three cases (4.17%), borderline in four cases (5.56%) and negative in 65 cases (90.27%). HER2 expression showed a significant association only with tumour grade (p=0.009). Conclusion: BRAF V600E expression is significantly associated with aggressive clinicopathological features in CRC, while HER2 expression showed limited association. Immunohistochemistry serves as a useful screening tool for molecular alterations, however confirmatory molecular testing and long-term followup studies are required to establish prognostic significance.

Malaria and dengue remain major public health concerns in rural India due to low literacy and environmental risks. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured health education intervention in improving community knowledge and preventive practices in rural Singur, West Bengal. A community-based quasi-experimental study was conducted from July 2024 to October 2025 among 144 adults selected from two purposively chosen high-risk rural villages. Baseline data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and field observations. A gap-based health education intervention, developed using IEC guidelines, was delivered through structured group sessions. Post-intervention assessment was conducted after three months. Data were analysed using Jamovi version 2.6.13, and pre-post differences in composite scores were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Of the 144 participants, the median age was 40 years, 53.5% were male, 34.7% had primary-level education, and 37.5% belonged to the lower socioeconomic class. Baseline assessment showed misconceptions regarding aetiology, transmission and diagnosis of malaria and dengue. Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in knowledge (median score: 43 to 53, p < 0.001) and practices (median score: 3 to 7, p < 0.001). A stronger positive correlation between knowledge and practices was noted post-intervention (Spearman's ρ = 0.889, p < 0.001). The health education intervention substantially improved knowledge and enhanced adoption of protective behaviours against malaria and dengue in this rural setting. Sustained, community-based educational strategies integrated with broader policy and environmental measures are essential to strengthen vector-borne disease prevention and reduce future transmission.

Asthma is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory airway disease influenced by complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. Polymorphisms in inflammatory pathway genes such as PTGS2 and IL17 may modulate immune regulation and allergic asthma susceptibility. However, evidence from Indian populations remains limited. This study investigated the association of PTGS2 rs5277, IL17A rs3804513, and IL17F rs763780 polymorphisms with allergic asthma susceptibility and disease-related phenotypes in a population from West Bengal, India. This case-control study involved 975 clinically confirmed allergic asthma patients and 600 healthy controls. Allergic asthma diagnosis was established using spirometry following GINA guidelines and atopy was confirmed by skin prick testing. Total serum IgE levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism. Associations were assessed using chi-square analysis under different genetic models, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Significant associations were observed for PTGS2 rs5277 and IL17F rs763780 polymorphisms with allergic asthma susceptibility. The rs5277 CC and rs763780 CC genotypes, as well as the corresponding C alleles, conferred increased allergic asthma risk. These risk genotypes were also associated with reduced FEV1/FVC ratios and elevated total IgE levels among patients. In contrast, IL17A rs3804513 showed no significant association with allergic asthma. Environmental factors such as damp housing and urban residence further influenced pulmonary function in patients. These findings demonstrate that PTGS2 rs5277 and IL17F rs763780 polymorphisms are associated with impaired lung function and enhanced IgE-mediated responses among the population of West Bengal, India.

While India's HIV epidemic discloses substantial inter-state heterogeneity, Tamil Nadu (TN) achieved one of the country's earliest and most sustained reversals in transmission. Once a high-burden state, TN successfully decoupled its trajectory from other high-prevalence southern regions. This review examines the 'Tamil Nadu Model,' benchmarking its performance against West Bengal and global high-performers to identify specific drivers of success while comparing it with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and undivided Andhra Pradesh. We synthesized longitudinal data (2000-2024) from HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS), IBBS, NACO Spectrum estimates, and NFHS reports. Using a Strategic Blueprints (SB) framework, we analyzed 13 key epidemiological and health-system indicators, including TB-HIV collaborative care. We compared Tamil Nadu's performance with Karnataka, Maharashtra, undivided Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, as well as international benchmarks including Thailand, New South Wales, and KwaZulu-Natal. Tamil Nadu recorded a 94% reduction in annual new infections, with adult prevalence falling from 1.15% (2000) to 0.16% (2024). TN became the first major Indian state to achieve the WHO threshold for eliminating vertical transmission (< 5%). Comparative analysis demonstrates that TN's "Administrative Agility" facilitated faster declines than low-intensity states like West Bengal. Furthermore, integrating TB-HIV services via the Ni-kshay platform and "Four-S" screening protocols achieved near-universal status awareness among TB patients, accelerating progress toward UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Tamil Nadu's trajectory proves that administrative agility and institutional normalization are more effective than vertically siloed interventions. Its ability to outperform regional peers and global benchmarks underscores the robustness of its Strategic Blueprints. As programs transition toward 2030, integrating HIV care with non-communicable disease and TB management offers a scalable road-map for sustained control. Ultimately, shifting from state-level data to global policy lessons positions the "Tamil Nadu Model" as a transferable framework for ending AIDS in resource-limited settings worldwide.

ABSTRACT The public primary schools (hereafter, government schools) in India frequently fail to deliver meaningful learning outcomes for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This study examines the underlying causes behind this in North Bengal, a region with a large number of socio-economically disadvantaged people and explores the parents’ decision-making for school choice. In this qualitative study of 30 purposively selected low-performing schools, teachers’ absenteeism and low accountability were evident. Classroom observations, discussions with the students and interviews with 30 purposively selected parents were conducted. 80% of observed classrooms relied on lecture-based, monologue instructions. Parents perceived education as a financial investment.

ABSTRACT Backgrounds: Non-communicable diseases are the leading global cause of death, disproportionately affecting individuals in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to assess the economic impact of NCDs in terms of out-of-pocket expenditure and its catastrophic effect on households affected by NCDs. Materials and methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among participants aged 45 years and above in the Bankura district of West Bengal. The study included 480 participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio-economic factors associated with catastrophic health expenditure among households with elderly individuals affected by NCDs. Results: The findings reveal that 69.38% of elderly participants suffer from multiple morbidities, while 23.54% have a single morbidity. The mean monthly healthcare cost per elderly individual was highest among the poorest and richest households, amounting to INR 6,430. Predicted probabilities indicate that the likelihood of incurring catastrophic health expenditure was higher among older adults aged 75 and above compared to those aged 45–54. Conclusion: An urgent need exists for the government to implement prevention strategies to reduce the economic burden of NCDs on households. To specifically address the impact of catastrophic health expenditure related to NCDs, both public and private healthcare facilities.

Post-Poll Violence and the Spatial Politics of Power: Reflections on West Bengal in India's 2026 State Elections

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics persist in the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and public health through antimicrobial resistance and bioaccumulation. Effective analytical methods are essential for monitoring these residues and enforcing regulations to limit antibiotic pollution. This study developed validated reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) approaches for the simultaneous detection of five FQs: norfloxacin (NFX), levofloxacin (LFX), enrofloxacin (ENR), ofloxacin (OFX), and ciprofloxacin (CFX). Two chromatographic methods were required due to structural similarities between LFX and OFX. Method I, using an Eclipse Plus phenyl hexyl column, produced retention times of 5.2 min for NFX, 5.7 min for LFX, and 7.9 min for ENR. Method II, utilizing a YMC C18 column, yielded retention times of 8.9 min for OFX and 10.7 min for CFX. Both methods demonstrated high selectivity, specificity, linearity (R2 > 0.998), and precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 2 %), with Photodiode Array (PDA)detection at 280 nm. Validation followed International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q2R2 guidelines. Environmental samples from West Bengal, including water, soil, chicken muscle, and fish skin, were processed using solid-phase extraction. Residues of all five FQs were detected, ranging from 0.1 to 1.4 μg g-1. Ofloxacin and CFX were more frequently found in animal-derived samples, whereas NFX and ENR were predominant in water and soil. The validated RP-HPLC methods provide robust tools for monitoring FQ residues in diverse matrices. The widespread contamination observed highlights the urgent need for stronger surveillance, stricter regulatory enforcement, and comprehensive risk assessment to mitigate antimicrobial resistance and protect public health. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recycling wastewater is one of the viable solutions to overcome freshwater scarcity; however, its suitability for reuse needs a systematic quality assessment. This study proposes an integrated hydrochemical and AI-based framework to evaluate the suitability of untreated domestic wastewater for a residential population of approximately 10,000 people at NIT Durgapur, West Bengal, India. Thirty-two samples from four different sources (boys, girls, residential, and junction point) were assessed to develop the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI). Piper diagrams, Pearson correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to interpret hydrochemical variations. A strong correlation was observed among EC, TDS, and major ions, while BOD and COD showed positive correlation and a negative relationship with dissolved oxygen. The wastewater was predominantly classified as mixed Ca2⁺-Mg2⁺-Cl⁻ type, reflecting anthropogenic influence, while PCA showed that the first two principal components explained 45.5% of the total variance, with salinity and organic contamination as significant controlling variables. IWQI values varied from 49.4 to 79.1 revealed that 84.4% of samples fall into combined poor (78.2%) and very poor (6.2%) categories, indicating the unsuitability for reuse. The sodium absorption ratio (SAR) values are between 0.41 and 1.03, signifying low sodium hazard. An artificial neural network (ANN) model (6-6-1-1 architecture) demonstrated strong predictive performance (R2 = 0.968, RMSE = 1.725), representing its reliability for IWQI estimation. Despite low sodium risk, elevated organic and ionic loads necessitate appropriate treatment before reuse. The research work provides an effective tool for decentralized wastewater management and reuse planning.

Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of bovine mastitis, relies on several virulence factors, with biofilm formation being a key contributor to its pathogenicity. The present study investigated the occurrence of S. aureus as etiological agents in bovine mastitis with a focus on the existence of various virulence factors and antibiotic resistance status. Among 120 milk samples collected from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, 36 (30%) S. aureus strains were confirmed by conventional methods and PCR. Phenotypic analysis revealed hemolysin (55.55%) and coagulase production (36.11%), while molecular analysis revealed the presence of leukotoxin (luksF, 19.44%), hemolysin (hlb, 58.33%), coagulase (coa, 63.88%), and toxic shock syndrome toxin (tsst-1, 30.55%) genes. Biofilm production ability was detected in 97.22% (crystal violet assay) and 86.11% (Congo red agar assay) strains. Biofilm-associated genes, namely, icaA (80.55%, 29/36), icaB (75%, 27/36), icaC (69.44%, 25/36), icaD (86.11%, 31/36), and MSCRAMMs genes, namely, clfA (58.33%, 21/36), clfB (75%, 27/36), fnbA (75%, 27/36), fnbB (55.55%, 20/36), bap (38.88%, 14/36), bbp (83.33%, 30/36), ebps (69.44%, 25/36), eno (66.66%, 24/36), fib (41.66%, 15/36), and cna (8.33%, 3/36), were also detected. Antimicrobial resistance was observed in 88.88% isolates, with 72.22% exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). Among the isolates, 83.33% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and mecA, femA, and femB genes were present either singly or in combination in 76.66% of the isolates. Efflux pump protein genes, namely, norA, norB, norC, mdeA, mepA, and sepA, were detected either singly or in combination in S. aureus isolates. 61.53% of MDR-MRSA isolates harbored all six efflux pump genes. According to this study, S. aureus of mastitis origin harbors various virulence, antibiotic resistance, biofilm-forming, and efflux pump genes. Bovine mastitis-derived MDR S. aureus isolates can pose a significant public health risk and need urgent attention to formulate strategies for their control and preventing transfer to the human food chain.

Bidis are the most commonly used smoked tobacco product in India. Despite their significant health burden, bidi taxation remains low and there are tax exemptions for small producers. We used a multistate life table model to project the 50-year impact of bidi tax reform under two scenarios: 10% and 30% tax-induced price increases combined with removal of small-producer exemptions. Outcomes included years of life gained (YLG), changes in direct health expenditures, indirect morbidity costs, economic output from averted premature mortality, consumer spending and tax revenues. Total economic effects were defined as reductions in direct health expenditures and indirect morbidity costs plus gains in economic output. Long-run monetary outcomes were discounted at 3%. A 10% price increase yields 21.78 million YLG (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 13.25 to 32.42 million) and Indian rupees (INR) 560.1 billion (0.25% of total health expenditure (THE)) in discounted health savings over 50 years; a 30% increase yields 47.95 million YLG (95% UI 29.17 to 71.37 million) and INR 1232.3 billion (0.54% of THE). Total economic effects reach INR 2530.8 billion (1.12% of THE) and INR 5557.7 billion (2.45% of THE) under the 10% and 30% scenarios, respectively. Discounted tax revenues increase by INR 519.9 billion and INR 1390.0 billion. Absolute gains are largest in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, while Uttarakhand, Haryana and Tripura show the highest per capita and proportional benefits. Strengthening bidi taxation and removing exemptions would substantially reduce smoking, improve health and generate significant long-term economic and fiscal gains.

A comprehensive polyphasic taxonomic strategy was applied to the systematic characterization of strain DNPG3T, which was isolated from the river Ganges, Hooghly, West Bengal, India. The Gram-positive, halotolerant, heavy-metal-tolerant strain exhibited the ability to degrade p-nitrophenol (PNP). Cellular fatty acid analysis revealed that the predominant components were anteiso-C15:0 (24.61%), C11:0 (21.06%), iso-C16:0 (11.89%), C16:0 (11.58%), and anteiso-C17:0 (11.24%). Notably, the presence of C11:0, C10:0 2-OH as major fatty acids differentiate strain DNPG3T from its closely related members of the genus Brachybacterium. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that B. zhongshanense strain JBT was the closest relative of DNPG3T, sharing 97.08% sequence similarity. Genome-based ANI value calculated using the EzBioCloud server revealed that B. zhongshanense JCM 15471T was the closest genomic relative (85.49%). These values were further substantiated by digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) estimates calculated using the GGDC server. Taxonomic assignment using the GTDB database further indicated that strain DNPG3T constitutes a previously unrecognized species within the genus Brachybacterium. Genome analysis of strain DNPG3T identified eleven genomic islands, along with a rich repertoire of 194 carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) families, comprising 95 glycoside hydrolases and 53 glycosyltransferases. In addition, five biosynthetic gene clusters were detected. Collectively, these genomic features indicate the involvement of horizontal gene transfer events and highlighted the pronounced metabolic versatility of the strain, underscoring its potential for industrial enzyme production and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Pan-genome analysis further indicates that the Brachybacterium pan-genome is open, reflecting substantial genetic diversity and ongoing gene acquisition within the genus. Comprehensive biochemical, physiological, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic analyses supported the assignment of strain DNPG3T to the genus Brachybacterium while clearly distinguishing it from all currently described species within the genus. Accordingly, strain DNPG3T was proposed to represent a novel species, for which the name Brachybacterium netajii sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain was DNPG3T (= MTCC13125T).

BackgroundDespite legal reforms advancing the rights of transgender (TG) individuals and men who have sex with men (MSM) in India, social exclusion, stigma and systemic barriers continue to undermine their access to healthcare and social services. Evidence on identity recognition, service utilisation and healthcare gaps remains limited.MethodsWe conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study. The qualitative phase involved 26 in-depth interviews, 14 focus group discussions and 3 key informant interviews with TG and MSM participants in Delhi and West Bengal. Insights informed a quantitative survey across 14 states (n=2208), exploring socio-demographic profiles, identity documentation, employment and healthcare utilisation. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo V.14 and statistically using SPSS V.27.ResultsTG and MSM participants reported pervasive educational exclusion, precarious livelihoods and limited family support. Only 52.4% of TG respondents possessed a TG identity card, while fewer than 20% had updated other legal documents. Employment remained insecure, with 35% of TG individuals reliant on sex work, begging or ritualistic practices. Health service uptake was low: only 12% of TG respondents accessed Ayushman TG Plus insurance, and 3.9% received human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. While most HIV-positive respondents reported being linked to antiretroviral therapy centres, many participants diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or hepatitis B/C were not receiving treatment. Qualitative findings highlighted stigma in healthcare interactions, administrative delays in accessing welfare schemes and restrictions within community-based support structures such as Deras. Despite these barriers, peer networks provided critical emotional and financial support.DiscussionFindings reveal persistent gaps between legal recognition and lived realities for TG and MSM individuals. Structural stigma, economic marginalisation and administrative inefficiencies undermine access to identity documentation, healthcare and social protection schemes. Addressing these inequities requires stigma-sensitive healthcare, streamlined administrative processes and inclusive welfare programmes. Embedding psychosocial support and trans-inclusive care beyond HIV services into India’s public health system is essential for ensuring health equity and advancing Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 10.

This article constructs the first multidimensional, quantitative framework to measure ethnicization among the Matua community in southern Bengal, with broader comparative relevance. Eleven composite indices of identity, political mobilization, cultural practices, historical memory, religious influence, and socioeconomic dynamics were constructed, normalized, weighted, and spatialized using GIS on surveys and secondary data. The final index of ethnicization shows sharp territorial variation, with Gaighata and Bongaon exhibiting high ethnicization driven by strong institutions, whereas heterogeneous constituencies like Sandeshkhali and Hingalganj show low scores, reflecting intensified interparty competition. Findings demonstrate that ethnicization is multidimensional, spatially uneven, and shaped by institutional and political dynamics.