Western Maharashtra Research Articles

A spatial assessment of agricultural vulnerability to climate change using multidimensional data in Maharashtra state of India

This study aims to examine district-level agricultural vulnerability in the semi-arid and drought-prone state of Maharashtra. Using a multidimensional approach, suitable indicators for 34 districts were selected under exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, aligning with the IPCC 2007 framework for vulnerability assessment. The analysis used temperature and rainfall data spanning 50 years (1968–2017). It also incorporated area and yield data from 2011 to 2020, along with other indicators for the year 2019–20. The composite agricultural vulnerability index (CAVI) score was obtained using proper normalization and assigning weights. The study revealed that the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions reported higher potential crop losses. Among the districts, Sangali was the most exposed (0.57), while Jalgaon was the least exposed (0.31) to climate variations. Ahmednagar exhibited the highest sensitivity (0.70), while Nagpur showed the lowest sensitivity (0.34) to climate change. Regarding adaptive capacity, Pune demonstrated the highest resilience (0.57) and Sindhudurg displayed the lowest score (0.23). CAVI highlighted that the Konkan region, along with western Maharashtra and eastern parts of Vidarbha, exhibited relatively lower vulnerability to climate change, due to factors such as lower potential crop loss and better adaptive capacity. In contrast, Marathwada and western Vidarbha regions were more vulnerable, facing significant crop production losses and higher exposure to climate variability. Hence, to build resilience to climate change and reduce crop production losses, crop planning needs to be adjusted according to the climatic conditions in these regions.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Enterococcal Isolates From Clinical Specimens at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Maharashtra, India

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Enterococcal Isolates From Clinical Specimens at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Maharashtra, India

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) and Perceptions of DFU and Foot Care among Doctors of Various Specialties in Western Maharashtra, India

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) and Perceptions of DFU and Foot Care among Doctors of Various Specialties in Western Maharashtra, India

Estimation of Soil Erosion by RUSLE Model Using Geoinformatics Techniques: A Case Study of Mulshi Reservoir Catchment, Pune District, Western Maharashtra.

In the western part of Maharashtra, where the Western Ghat highlands are located, soil erosion is a serious and persistent environmental issue. To make matters worse, the majority of the dams in this region run the risk of sedimenting their reservoirs, which is a serious concern. This research was being conducted on the Mulshi reservoir catchment area, Pune district of western Maharashtra having area of 250.25 km2. It is fact that the surface runoff of seasonal rainfall is more in this region due to the presence of western ghats. In this study, high resolution satellite images were used to estimate average annual soil erosion based on the five factors defined in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with the help of Geoinformatics techniques. Overlay of five parameters, viz., rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), slope length and steepness factor (LS), cover and management factor (C) and support & conservations practices factor (P) has been done in ArcGIS (version 10.8) software. Annual average soil erosion of the catchment is 0 to 433.43 tons/hector/year and has been classified into Six categories, defined as very high, high, moderate, low, and very low and negligible according to the severity of erosion. The high values of soil erosion (>20 tons/hector/year) found on the highlands due to the high slope and bare lands. however, low values (<10 tons/hector/year) are found on the area occupied by reservoir and dense vegetation.

Oral Manifestations in Geriatric Patients: An Observational Study in Western Maharashtra

Oral Manifestations in Geriatric Patients: An Observational Study in Western Maharashtra

Infant and Toddler Sleep: The Existing Knowledge Gaps!

Abstract Background: Sleep architecture of infants is vastly different from adults and a significant knowledge gap exists in understanding infant sleep. We aimed to study infant sleep behavior by using validated revised Brief Infant Sleep questionnaire at a tertiary care center in Western Maharashtra. Methodology: We enrolled 65 infants from 1 month to 3 years of age visiting Pediatric OPD between October 2023 to March 2024. We aimed to study infant sleep behavior in a cross section of population at a tertiary care center with a view to find out prevalence of behavioral insomnia of childhood in study population. Results: Around 38.5% children were sleeping less than 5 hours at night and 12.3 % were sleeping only for 6-7 hours. 58.5% children had prolonged sleep onset latency between 30-60 minutes. Around 27.7% children had sleep latency even more than 60 minutes after being put to bed. 70.8% children reported nocturnal awakenings of whom 18.3% reported frequent awakenings. Total sleep duration in our study was 8.592 ± 1.79 hours (Mean ± 2SD). Longest stretch of nocturnal sleep was 5.869 ± 3.72 hours (Mean ± 2SD). Based on the total duration of sleep, prevalence of behavioural insomnia of childhood in our study was 41.5%. The most common associations with behavioural insomnia of childhood were breastfeeding, bottle feeding and rocking but the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Prevalence of behavioral insomnia of childhood in India is higher than western population. Indian children have shorter average sleep duration compared to their western counterparts. Bedtime routine needs to be observed regularly to avoid development of behavioral insomnia of childhood which requires strict bedtime rules and consistency.

Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Women under Treatment at a Tertiary Care Center of Western Maharashtra

Background: ‘Breast cancer’ the most common cancer amongst females in India. Having good Quality of life (QoL) among the patients undergoing treatment is one of the vital and significant factors for ensuring holistic approach to treatment and well-being of cancer patients. The present study was conducted to assess the QoL and its determinants among breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at a tertiary care institute in western Maharashtra. Material and Methodology: 300 histopathologically confirmed breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at a tertiary care centre were divided into three groups to include 100 patients in each group. Group 1 (patients with duration of treatment 1 to 2 years) Group 2 (patients with duration of treatment 2 to 5 years) and Group 3 (more than 5 years). Validated tool Function Assessment of Cancer Therapy Breast specific (FACT-B) questionnaire was used to collect information on QoL and analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Mean age of patients was 53.2 + 10.08 years, 136 (45.33%) were from age group 51 to 65 years. Majority of the patients 106 (35.33%) were educated till secondary schooling and 172 (57.33 %) were belonging to the middle-upper class. Lump in breast was most common presenting symptom in 235 (78.33%) cases followed by nipple retraction. 275 (91.67 %) cases had infiltrating ductal Carcinoma and 144 (48%) patents were in Stage II cancer. Over all mean FACT-B score for QoL was 104.02 + 18.65 out of 141. Mean FACT-B score for Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 was 88.18 +17.20, 105.89 + 11.78 and 118.28 + 12.45 respectively with (p< 0.05), suggests significant improvement in QoL with increase in time elapsed since treatment. Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors, type of surgery and duration of treatment had significant effect on QoL among breast cancer patients. Apropos physicians, paramedic staff and domestic care givers need to be sensitised on importance of QoL for collective and deliberate efforts to achieve holistic care. QoL can be made integral part of breast cancer treatment and management policy or programme.

Prevalence of Internet Use among Adolescents of 15 to 18 Years of Age in A Village under RHTC of A Medical College: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The environment in which today’s adolescents are growing has changed drastically and affected their access to internet as well. The study was conducted with the aim of estimating the prevalence of internet use and pattern of internet use among adolescents of a village area. Methods: About 114 adolescents of a village in Western Maharashtra belonging to age group 15-18 years participated in the study. They were selected based on the inclusion criteria of age group and willingness to participate in the study via universal sampling method and were interviewed with the help of semi-structured questionnaire, which included questions regarding socio-demography, internet use and its interrelationship with other variables. Chi-square test was used as a test of statistical significance to study the association between the predictor variable and the outcome with (p<0.05) as a level of significance. Results: The prevalence of internet use was 99.12%. Where 74% of adolescents used internet for an average of 1-2 hours in a day and 26% used internet for an about 2-4 hours in a day. Taking p < 0.05 as a level of significance we found gender was significantly associated with duration of internet use (p = 0.01) and Purpose of internet use (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Almost all adolescents have access to internet and are more inclined towards its use for non-educational purpose which can be detrimental for their educational progress and long-term career goals. Hence, monitoring of internet use by adolescents has to be done by guardians/teachers. Further studies should be conducted on cause-effect relationship to study the either way of association.

A Study of Clinico-Microbiological Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Infectious Keratitis.

Background Infectious keratitis (IK) is one of the major causes of corneal blindness in developing and developed nations.Numerous infections, including bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoa, have been linked to IK. Corneal perforations can happen as one of the complications of IK. In this study, we aim to determine the clinical and microbiological profile and to studythe treatment outcomes of IK. Material and methods It is a prospective, observational, and experimental study conducted in a tertiary care hospital and research centerin Western Maharashtra, India, from September 2022 to June 2024. The sample size was 107 patients with IK. All patients were above 15 years of age, and all cases of microbial keratitis were within the inclusion criteria. Patients less than 15 years of age, patients with any other associated corneal pathology, healed cases of infectious keratitis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, patients not willing to participate in the study, or not giving consent were excluded. Patients were examined thoroughly, and corneal scraping samples were collected and sent for microbiological examination. Appropriate treatment was provided through medical or surgical management, and treatment outcomes were evaluated during frequent follow-up visits. Results In our study, the majority of patients originated from rural areas, with most being over 60 years of age. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 24.3%, and a history of ocular trauma was present in 48.5% of patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.74%) was the most common organism seen on gram staining, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (2.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the only gram-negative organism seen. The number of patients who had fungal isolates positive on culture was 57%, 12.1% had bacterial, and 30% had no growth of microorganisms. Fusarium species were seen in 39.2% of culture isolates, followed by Aspergillus flavus and Niger in 7.47% each. In 96% of medically managed patients, ulcers healed within two months. All ulcers with severe and moderate depth required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. A graft was in place in 95.2% after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, while one patient had graft rejection, and in one patient, endophthalmitis was seen. Conclusion Staphylococcus epidermidiswas the most common bacterial agent isolated on gram staining, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the only gram-negative bacillus isolated on gram staining. Fungal isolates were the most common isolates observed on culture, seen in more than half of the IK patients in our study. The majority of patientswho underwent medical management had ulcers healed in two months. The majority of the patients who underwent surgical management had fungal isolates positive.We recommend further research to be conducted in a generalized population, including urban settings, to understand the risk factors, microbiological profile, and treatment outcomes for IK.

Evaluation of Intraocular Pressure, Refraction, Anterior Chamber Depth, Macular Thickness, and Specular Microscopy Post-Neodymium-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser in Patients With Posterior Capsular Opacification.

Background Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally, particularly in India. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, postoperative complications remain common, with posterior capsular opacification (PCO) being the most frequent issue. Although neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy is recommended for managing PCO, it is associated with various side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy on intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, anterior chamber depth (ACD), macular thickness, and corneal endothelium in Indian patients. Methodology This prospective, hospital-based study was conducted in the ophthalmology department at a tertiary care center in western Maharashtra from September 2022 to June 2024. Approval from the Institutional Scientific and Ethics Committee was obtained before commencing the research. In the study, 72 eyes from 72 patients with PCO following uncomplicated cataract surgery who were undergoing Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy were included, whereas patients with corneal pathology, retinal pathology, complicated cataract surgery, or trauma were excluded. Patients with active uveitis, non-compliant patients, and those unwilling to undergo the procedure were also excluded. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient. Data were managed in Microsoft Excel, and statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS 26.0 software. As the continuous variables exhibited skewed distribution, the Wilcoxon test was employed to assess categorical variables such as the significance of IOP and endothelial cell differences over time. A significance level of 5% was assumed, with a p-value below 0.05 considered significant. Results The mean age of patients who underwent Nd:YAG capsulotomy was 64 years, with a female predominance of 37 (51.4%). In the study, 37 (51.4%) patients had their left eye treated, while 35 (48.6%) had their right eye treated. Overall, 45 (62.5%) patients had a baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/24-6/12. At one hour post-procedure, 46 (63.9%) patients in Group II had a BCVA of 6/24-6/12, and by one week after treatment, 53 (73.6%) patients had a BCVA of >6/12-6/6. ACD was normal in all patients before and after the procedure. Two patients developed macular edema at one hour and one week after the procedure. The mean IOP at baseline, one hour, and one week were 13.5, 13.86, and 13.69 mmHg, respectively. A significant increase in IOP was observed at one hour post-procedure, along with a significant decrease in endothelial cell count compared to baseline, which also persisted at one week. Conclusions Patients undergoing Nd:YAG capsulotomy experienced an initial rise in IOP, followed by a subsequent decline. Improved visual acuity was noted in most patients at one hour and by one week. A significant decline in endothelial cell count was observed following the procedure, and macular edema was noted in two patients. Anterior chamber reaction was observed in nearly all patients, which decreased by one week. With no change in ACD following the procedure up to one week, ocular refraction was not significantly impacted in the short term. Therefore, further large-scale intervention studies are needed to evaluate the effects of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy size and the energy used on refractive error and post-procedure complications, as well as to explore the long-term effects on IOP.

Experiences of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in geriatric patients at a tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra: An observational study

BackgroundGeriatric patients undergo Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) for variety of indications that poses its unique challenges and complications. We present our experience with TPE in geriatric patients in terms of diseases encountered and adverse events, if any, witnessed during the procedure. MethodsA prospective analysis of TPE procedures was done for a period of 01 year. Patients above 60 years of age with a range of 01–02 volume exchange per procedure were enrolled in the study. Baseline procedure investigations such as complete blood count, serum electrolytes, coagulation profile, and transfusion-transmitted infection screening were carried out before the TPE procedure. All TPE procedures were performed using a continuous-flow cell separator. All these patients were followed-up, and findings related to patients and procedures were documented. ResultsA total of 21 eligible enrolled patients underwent 85 procedures in the present study. Neurological disorders (80.9%, n = 17) were most common indication, with Guillain–Barre syndrome (42.8%, n = 9) being tthe most replaced by second common, followed by myasthenia gravis (23.8%, n = 5). Barring one, all other patients showed significant clinical response. The overall incidence of complications during the study was 80.9% (n = 17), among which majority were patient-related (94.11%, n = 16). However, only one procedure was terminated due to a machine error, and there were no procedure-related deaths. ConclusionThe current study showed that TPE in geriatric patients gives substantial results in terms of clinical improvement but is fraught with multiple complications. However, in trained and expert hands, these complications can be managed effectively.

Outcomes of Microscopic vs. Endoscopic Tympanoplasty at a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Western Maharashtra.

Introduction Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) involves tympanic membrane perforation and is traditionally treated with microscopic tympanoplasty. Recent advancements in endoscopic techniques offer enhanced visibility and outcomes. This retrospective study compares endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty outcomes in CSOM patients between 2023 and 2024. Aim This study aims to evaluate outcomes of endoscopic vs. microscopic tympanoplasty in patients suffering from CSOM who are presenting at our tertiary care center. Methodology A retrospective study of 100 patients of CSOM undergoing tympanoplasty. Sixty patients underwent microscopic tympanoplasty and 40 endoscopic tympanoplasty. Postoperative successful uptake of graft and resultant hearing were compared between the two groups. Results Ninety-seven out of 100 patients had a successful graft uptake at three months. Fifty-eight patients in the microscopic tympanoplasty group (96.67%) and 39 in the endoscopic group (97.5%) had healed the tympanic membrane at three months of follow-up (p = 0.864). At postoperative three months, no statistically significant difference was found in the improvements in air conduction levels of the two groups (p = 0.995). No significant difference in the air-bone gap between the two groups (p = 0.095). The average air-bone gap at three months postoperative was 7.95 ± 4.20 decibel (dB) in the microscopic tympanoplasty group and 7.80 ± 4.10 dB in the endoscopic tympanoplasty group (p = 0.680). The incidence of postoperative wound area pain, numbness, and ear discharge was significantly higher in patients undergoing microscopic tympanoplasty (p < 0.05). Conclusion The two methods did not significantly differ in terms of the outcome of the hearing test or the rate of graft uptake. However, a better result was noted in endoscopic tympanoplasty compared to the microscopic tympanoplasty group. Postoperative complications encountered were less in the endoscopic tympanoplasty group.

Analysis of extreme weather events over Kolhapur district of Western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Kolhapur district of Western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Sangli district of Western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Sangli district of Western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Satara district of western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Satara district of western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Pune district of western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Pune district of western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Solapur district of Western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Analysis of extreme weather events over Solapur district of Western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

“The Study Of Eruption Of Teeth In Children From Birth To 12 Years Of Age In Western Maharashtra Region.”

Human beings show 2 sets of dentition- deciduous and permanent2. Variation of tooth has been an enduring interest to clinical practitioner as well as from anthropological and forensic point of view7 . These variations in the form of teeth are characteristics of race, are of anthropological, genetic and forensic interest.2,7hence studies have been done using teeth for age, sex determination1,8 . As existing eruption schedule of dentition is based on western population this study is done in western Maharashtra region to find out variation in time number, form and pattern of eruption in deciduos and permanent teeth as well as in males and females.

From Awareness to Action: Addressing Folic Acid Supplementation in Western India Among Women of Reproductive Age.

Background Folate, a vitamin B9, can be sourced naturally in the diet or the form of supplements. Studies highlight the prevention of neural tube abnormalities in women of reproductive age. To prevent these, low daily doses of FA (400-800 μg) are recommended for all women planning pregnancy, with higher doses for those with previous NTD-affected pregnancies. Folic acid supplementation lowers the risk of NTDs, other birth defects, and obstetrical complications. Methods The study explored awareness of and knowledge of folic acid supplements among women of childbearing age in Pune City, western Maharashtra, India. The cross-sectional survey was carried out at Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre (SUHRC), involving 300 female participants aged 16-44 years. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to evaluate participants' knowledge of folic acid supplements, their benefits, and usage patterns. Results Use as well as awareness of folic acid supplements was strongly associated with educational attainment. The awareness was low or none in participants who never attended school, and highest among the university graduates. The study included 300 women aged 16-45. About 43% of the study participants were between the ages of 23 and 29 years old; 57.7% were single, and 59.3% among them were university graduates. 59.7% of the study participants knew about folic acid supplements, but only 20% took them regularly. Knowledge about ideal timing and benefits was limited among them. 38% correctly identified prepregnancy as the ideal time to start. Only 18% knew it prevents neural tube defects, and 27% knew it could be obtained naturally. Conclusion The study highlights a lack of detailed knowledge about folic acid supplements among the study participants. Recommendations to enhance the supplement's intake include public health campaigns, enhanced healthcare provider education, easy-to-read informational materials, and strengthening government supplement programs to improve awareness and food fortification. Further research on consumption barriers for the supplement needs to be carried out.

Assessment of Breastfeeding and Weaning Practices and Their Effects on Infant Growth in Western Maharashtra: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Breastfeeding provides nutrients and antibodies crucial for developing infants and their immune systems. Understanding the current breastfeeding and weaning practices helps identify areas requiring improvements to boost infant health outcomes. The World Health Organization and other health bodies recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. Then, complementary feeding should be introduced along with breastfeeding, which should be continued for up to two years or more. This study aims to analyze the perception and practices of breastfeeding and weaning among mothers with 9- to 12-month-old infants. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Krishna Hospital and Research Centre, Karad, for a period of six months. A validated questionnaire developed by investigators was used as the study tool.Mothers visiting the immunization clinics with their 9- to 12-month-old infants were enrolled in the study. Infants diagnosed as having inborn metabolic disorders, diabetes, heart diseases, and congenital malformations and those who were on special feeds or diets were not included in the study. The majority of the study participants (28 [33%]) initiated weaning when the infants were six to seven months of age, with the earliest being five months (8 [10%]). Five (6%) mothers could not initiate weaning until the infants were 12 months old. The most common weaning food was dal and rice with ghee (24 [29%]). A total of 50 (60%) participants used plastic bottles for feeding, and among them, 30 (36%) mothers used bottles to give water to their infants. A total of 23 (27%) participants did not feed their infants colostrum. The most common hunger cue was crying (82 [98%]), whereas the least common cue was mouth opening (8 [9%]). The incorrect practices followed by the mothers were late initiation of breastfeeding because of which colostrum could not be fed to the neonate; incorrect breastfeeding technique, that is, feeding little milk from each side of the breast without emptying one breast completely; late or no initiation of weaning foods; and offering less amount of weaning food than that required by the infant according to its nutritional demand. Initiating breastfeeding early and continuing breastfeeds along with complimentary feeds are essential for optimal infant growth.