Western Maharashtra Research Articles

Evaluation of Cowpea Germplasm by using Agro-Morphological Characters

Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is the most important and diverse grain legume crop grown in tropics and subtropics. Assessment of local and regional plant genotypes is important for identifying diversity among germplasm and for crop improvement. The objective of present study was to characterize cowpea accessions collected from various households of western Maharashtra, India by using morphological traits.Methods: The field experiments were conducted on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) at BAIF-CRS Urulikanchan, during Kharif 2018 and summer 2019. The experiments were arranged in row design with minimum 10 individuals of each accessions spaced at 60 x 30 cm. Recommended package of practices were adopted throughout experimentation. Result: Traits such as semi-prostrate habit (41.9 percent), determinate growth (77.4 percent), straight pod (51.6 percent), smooth seed (71.0 percent), elliptic shape (67.7 percent) and yellowish-white seed colour (37.6 percent) were dominant in studied accessions. Time for first flowering ranged from 28 to 65 days; pod length ranged between 9.60 cm to 27.48 cm; seeds per pod observed between 7.20 to 16.40; 100-seed weight ranged between 12.00 to 36.00 g. Analysis of variance showed that all the characters were highly significant among the accessions. Results revealed that studied accessions are valuable germplasm for future breeding programs.

Growth Potential of Different Fungicide Resistant Alternaria solani Isolates of Tomato Leaf Blight Pathogen, under In Vitro, in the Presence of Different Fungicide, Growth Temperature and pH Ion Concentration

Evolution of fungicide resistance in plant pathogens and cross resistance to other fungicides in such pathogens is one of major concerns in sustainable plant disease management. Frequent and unwarranted use of fungicides to control plant diseases not only pollute the earth soil and environment, but also causes the development of fungicide resistance in the plant pathogens, which makes it difficult to manage the plant disease. In India, particularly in western Maharashtra, Alternaria leaf blight pathogen of tomato developed resistance and cross resistance to various fungicides. How these fungicide resistant isolates grow in the different fungicidal environment is reported in the present investigation. Eight different fungicide resistant isolates of Alternaria solani responsible for causing leaf blight in tomato crop were tested for their growth potential, under in vitro condition, on the potato-dextrose-agar(PDA) growth media amended with different fungicides viz. Dithane M-45, Blitox, Kavach, Ridomil, Nativo, Bavistin, Captaf and Score. Different fungicide resistant isolates showed different pattern of growth i.e. complete inhibition of growth, reduced growth or enhancement of growth on different fungicide amended PDA media. The growth of Dithane M-45 resistant isolate was enhanced by fungicide Kavach and Bavistin while reduced by fungicide Blitox. The growth of this fungicide resistant isolate was completely inhibited by fungicide Ridomil, Nativo, Captaf and Score. The maximum enhancement of growth was for Nativo resistant isolate to Bavistin amended PDA media. Bavistin resistant isolate had decreased growth on all fungicides amended PDA media. The minimum reduction in growth was recorded for Kavach resistant isolate on Dithane M-45 fungicide amended PDA media. The growth rate (cm/day) of these fungicide resistant isolates was maximum at 220C temperature as compared to 25 and 300C temperature on the routine PDA growth medium. Captaf resistant isolate produced more growth followed by Nativo, Dithane M-45 and score resistant isolate. The minimum growth was observed for Blitox resistant isolate. As the temperature increases, the growth rate decreased. The growth of fungicide resistant isolates was favored by neutral pH of 7.0 and decreased toward the acidic and alkaline condition. Captaf resistant isolate produced more growth followed by Nativo and score resistant isolates. The minimum growth was produced by Blitox resistant isolate. More growth of fungicide resistant Alternaria isolate means production of more inoculum for disease initiation and spread which is favored at 22 °C temperature and further indicate which fungicide should be used to restrict/manage the growth of particular Alternaria fungicide resistant isolate.

Co-infection of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Viruses among the Acute Viral Hepatitis Cases in Tertiary Care Hospital –A Four Years Retrospective Study

Acute viral hepatitis(AVH) is caused by Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis E(HEV). It is major health burden in India. Both the viruses HAV and HEV are primarily transmitted via the faeco-oral course. Study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HAV, HEV and rate of co-infection in AVH patients attending rural tertiary care centre. A retrospective laboratory record based study was carried out in rural tertiary health care center located in Western Maharashtra. Laboratory and Medical records of suspected acute viral infection patients were analyzed during study. Study period was June 2014 to July 2018. Commercially available ELISA kits of IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEV were used to analyze serum samples of suspected study participants. Tests were carried out as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A total of 778 acute viral hepatitis cases were included in the study from July 2014 to July 2018 among which 85/778 (10.9 %) detected positive for HAV and 121/778 (15.6%) detected positive for HEV. Co-infection was identified in 6/778(0.8 %). Jaundice, fever fatigue and hepatomegaly were common clinical presentation in HAV, HEV and confection with both viruses in acute viral hepatitis patients. Study indicated low exposure to HAV in childhood bellow 16 years. Co-infection rate was detected high in 16-25 years age group. Vaccination policy against HAV in adolescent age group needed as there is change epidemiological shift of HAV which has been observed in the current study. These data will helps for planning future vaccination strategies, better implementation sanitation program, and safe water supply in this geographic area.

Training needs of agro service centre owners and their constraints

The most of the agriculture input dealers are related to transfer of agriculture technology. Agriculture inputs dealers may this way perform the function of the “Change agent”. Agriculture input dealers are also playing an important role in increasing agricultural production in the country. The main aim of agriculture input dealers was thus, to provide expert services, advice to farmers and supply of inputs to agriculture according to local needs i.e. quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, engineering material and provide the employment to the people indeed an input dealer forms an important bridge between the farmers and the agriculture developmental agencies and is often regarded by the farmers as a “Friend, Philosopher and Guide” and is truly a change agent. Study is designed with specific Objectives: To know the training needs of owners of agro service centre and to study the constraints faced by owners of agro service centre. The study was conducted in Ahmednagar district of the western Maharashtra region, as maximum number of agro service centre owners of agro service centres in this district. Rahuri, Rahata, Shrirampur, Ahmednagar, Sangamner and Kopargaon tahsils selected for study, results are majority of owners (73.33%) had medium level of training need. On the other hand 20 per cent had more level of training need and majority of respondents faced constraints mostly related to overdue from farmers followed by lack of technical assistance, competition with other owners and lack of finance.

Pattern of skin sensitivity to various aeroallergens by skin prick test in patients of allergic airway disease in South Western Maharashtra

BackgroundThe prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis is high in the general population, and aeroallergens are the most common allergens that cause airway inflammation. Skin prick testing (SPT) is a validated method to diagnose IgE-mediated allergic diseases. The knowledge of allergen sensitivity pattern in this part of India is limited. The present study was undertaken to identify common aeroallergens prevalent in this area using a standardized SPT. MethodsWe did a cross-sectional hospital-based study. A total of 330 patients of proven allergic airway disease underwent SPT. We used a validated skin prick test which included 22 allergen extracts, 1 positive control, and 1 negative control. ResultsA total of 327 patients were included in the study. Two hundred seventy-one (82.27%, n = 327) patients had a positive SPT to one or more aeroallergen extract. The sensitivity of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (49.85%) was seen in the maximum number of people followed by Dermatophagoides farinae (47.70%). ConclusionsIn our study, dust mites were the most common aeroallergen seen in maximum study subjects.

MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF HUMAN AORTIC VALVE IN ADULTS OF WESTERN MAHARASHTRA: A CADAVERIC STUDY

Objective: To estimate the mean of morphometric values of the human aortic valve in the population of western Maharashtra. The morphometric variables include mean area and the circumference of the human aortic valve of both genders.
 Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out on 30 adult cadaveric hearts in the department of Anatomy at a tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra. Heart and aortic arch were dissected according to standard dissection techniques. The aortic orifice and valves were exposed; pictures were taken keeping a plastic ruler alongside the periphery of the valve. The pictures were analyzed using Image J software to calculate circumference and area of the aortic valve.
 Results: The mean circumference of the aortic valve was 8.827 cm in males and 8.179 cm in females. The mean area of the male aortic valve was 5.365cm² and the female aortic valve is 4.641cm². The circumference results were found to be significant whereas the area results were not significant.
 Conclusion: The size of the aortic valve in the western Maharashtra region was found to be more as compared to other studies. The present study might help the cardiothoracic surgeons as well as the prosthetic valve manufacturing companies for the rough estimation of the aortic valve size.
 Keywords: Aortic valve, valve area, valve circumference

Evaluation of oral health related quality of life and it’s correlation with the oral health status of western Maharashtra population

Evaluation of oral health related quality of life and it’s correlation with the oral health status of western Maharashtra population

To Study the Attitude of IV B.D.S. and Intern Students from a Dental College in Western Maharashtra Towards Pursuing Post Graduate Course in Oral Medicine and Radiology

Introduction Multiple factors influence the most important decision of choosing a branch of education and future career. Choice of Dentistry as a career option follows the Medicine stream. Dentistry is witnessing a phase of turmoil due to several factors, making it more necessary to have a post graduate degree. It is noted that in the recent years that the students opt for clinical branches of Dentistry rather than non-clinical branches, of which Oral Medicine and Radiology (OMR) is considered by many, which is opted as the last resort due to several factors. Hence, we decided to explore the reasons for the fall in admissions in the OMR faculty for postgraduation through a questionnaire and consider the modifications which can be implemented to improvise the situation, Aim and Objectives To assess the attitude of IV B.D.S. and intern students from a Dental College in Western Maharashtra towards pursuing post graduate course in Oral Medicine and Radiology To evaluate the reasons for declining rates of admission in post graduate course in Oral Medicine and Radiology To recommend corrective actions for provoking admissions in post graduate course in Oral Medicine and Radiology To make students aware of the scope of post graduate course in Oral Medicine and Radiology. Study It is a Qualitative and Quantitative type of Questionnaire based study Material and method The interns and IV BDS students of a Dental College in Western Maharashtra from the academic year 2017-18 were sensitized with a peer reviewed 10 mins presentation on the scope of OMR. They were given a semi-structured, peer reviewed, selfadministered printed questionnaire. The data was statistically analyzed using SSPS software. Results 41.2 % had planned to pursue post graduate course in Oral Surgery whereas 2.4 % in OMR, out of the 85 participants. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion Lack of lucrative benefits make OMR as a nonfavorite subject. Certain recommendations are made in this article to improve the state of OMR subject.

Identification of Sex from Facial Index in Western Maharashtra Population

Background: Facial Index anthropometry has well known, implications in health-related fields, identification of person in Forensic Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Orthodontics, Archaeology, hair style design and examination of differences between races and ethnicities. Method:120 (60 Male and 60 female) adults aged between 25 to 45 were studied. Facial height is divided by Breadth of Zygomatic arch and multiplied by 100. The Measurement were taken from Nasion to Gnathion and distance between two zygoma by asking the volunteers to sit in upright position, spreading calliper used for measurement of two zygoma and sliding calliper for Nasion to Gnathion. Results: The man value of Male Facial Index was 92.1 (SD±0.40) female was 89.2 (SD±0.19),t test value was 1.97 and p value was highly significant (P<0.01) and anthropologically obtained values belong to Leptoproscopic Index. Conclusion: The present study of western Maharashtra will be useful for medico legal expert, anthropologist to differentiate from other parts of country and abroad as well. Moreover, it would be useful to orthodontics plastic surgeons for reconstruction of face.

Lifestyle and nutritional status of late adolescent in an urban area of Western Maharashtra: cross sectional study

Background: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is rapidly increasing among adolescent age. One of the reasons is change in lifestyle and behavior practices. Adolescent population and health of adolescents have a special concern. In late adolescence there is transition from school to college or university. This transition to college life often worsens lifestyle and dietary habits among late adolescents. Present study was carried out to assess lifestyle and nutritional status of late adolescent.Methods: A cross sectional study were carried out involving 140 late adolescent students of 17-19 years after obtaining permission from college principle using preformed questionnaire. Subsequently anthropometric measurements like weight in kg and height in meters, waist and hip circumference in centimetre were measured using standard assessment measures.Results: Out of 140 students 51 (36.4%) were boys and 89 (63.6%) were girls. Mean age of the students was 18.13±0.79 years. Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 49 (35%) and 29 (20.7%) respectively. No significant difference in BMI for boys and girls. Waist circumference and waist hip ratio was more in girls compared with boys. More than half 53.6% had mixed diet pattern. Among study participants 55.7% have green leafy vegetables in their diet and 62.8% have fruit in their diet. Most frequent unhealthy diet practice was intake of junk food 85% followed by fast food.Conclusions: High prevalence of obesity and overweight in late adolescent indicate an urge to start primordial and primary intervention since childhood.

Assessment of Association between Health and Nutritional Status of Geriatric Population in the Rural Area of Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Many chronic diseases are considered age-related. Thestudy reports the existing health conditions of the geriatric populationfrom rural Maharashtra.Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional study assessed the healthconditions of the geriatric population in a rural area of WesternMaharashtra and associated them with their sociodemographic andnutritional parameters.Methodology: 260 participants were assessed by Gerald Jogrest‘Geriatric Health Questionnaire’ and pertinent health issues werecollected from the primary health centre and individual health records.Nutritional assessment was done by MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment)questionnaire. SPSS version 20 software was used for data analysis.Result: Out of 260, there were 148 (56.9%) male and 112 (43.1%) femaleparticipants and the mean age was 72.11 (±6.59). All forms of functionalliving status were significant associations (p<0.001) with nutritionalstatus. Anaemia was found in 64.16%. Cataract, joint pain, chroniccough, tuberculosis, and varicose veins were prevalent in females,whereas toothache, impaired hearing, hypertension, skin diseases,diabetes, and bladder issues were dominant ones among males. BMI(Body Mass Index) was significantly associated with joint complaints,chronic cough, bowel and bladder problems, and diabetes (p<0.05).Conclusion: The rural geriatric population faces the issue of a doubledilemma. On one hand, there exists a significant nutritional vulnerabilitythat impairs daily living, on the other hand, the association of BMIwith select disease conditions highlights the emerging issue of obesity.

Heat transfer characteristics of nocturnal cooling system for clear sky climate of Western Maharashtra, India

Objectives: To investigate heat transfer characteristics of nocturnal cooling system in the Indian climate with suitable material for radiator and proper coating to enhance the heat transfer. Methodology: A nighttime radiative cooling system with aluminum radiator in a dry area, is assessed both experimentally and theoretically. A theoretical model has been proposed to evaluate the radiative cooling potential for the dry type climate of Western Maharashtra, India. However, the end result can be improved by a nighttime cooling system based on nocturnal longwave radiation, which cools the air below ambient temperature. Findings: The experimental room temperature could be maintained at about 2- 4.50C less than the outer room temperature. It is found that there is a huge scope in reducing the energy requirements for cooling purposes. Average radiative cooling rate of 55.84 - 71.88 W/m2 is achieved for without coating and 72.30 - 80.99 W/m2 for coating on the radiator. Novelty: In this study, we have designed and assessed the radiative cooling system which has a possibility of reducing the power using up for space cooling purposes. For achieving the building healthier and more comfortable, the building design is a key factor for saving energy and reducing emissions by considering nocturnal cooling design principles with suitable design and materials. The design of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings is important for the future. Keywords: Radioactive cooling; nocturnal cooling; unglazed collector; flat-plate collector

Determination of vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin resistance among Eenterococcus isolates from a tertiary care hospital

The clinical importance of the genus species relates to its intrinsic antibiotic resistance. Synergistic activity of penicillin and aminoglycosides against is preferred treatment. However, Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommends usage of linezolid and daptomycin against emerging vancomycin resistant (VRE) isolates. In this study, we sought to measure the prevalence of vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin resistance in clinical isolates from patients in a tertiary hospital of Western Maharashtra. A total of 363 clinical isolates of species isolated from different clinical samples over the last three years and three months study period were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility pattern against vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin. Study demonstrated low prevalence of vancomycin (4.95%) and linezolid resistance (1.10%) among clinical isolates. Combined resistance to vancomycin and linezolid was also noted in few isolates. No daptomycin resistance was detected in this study, however in vitro daptomycin susceptible and vancomycin heteroresistance isolates may not respond to daptomycin monotherapy. Our study, demonstrated relatively low prevalence of vancomycin and linezolid resistance, but emergence of combined newer drug resistance in species is cause of concern and reiterates the importance of importance of judicious use of antibiotics.

Profile of sexual offences: A 4 year retrospective study at tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra

Introduction: Sexual violence affects millions of women worldwide cutting across cultural and religious barriers. Although under reported, it is a frequent and significant public health issue in countries of both the developed and developing world. Aims: This retrospective study was carried out to know the different aspects of sexual assault. Materials and Method: This study was carried out in department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Dr Vaishampayan Memoral Government Medical College Solapur, Maharashtra from January 2013 to December 2016. This study is based on the medico-legal examination record of sexual assault victim. Results: An increase in number of cases of sexual assault per year is observed. Age wise distribution showed that 59.60% cases were in age group 11-20 years consisting of major affected group. The 77.83% victims were unmarried. The victims from rural area were 41.16% and from urban area were 58.84%. About 62.26% victims were student. In this study most of the assailants were known to the victim, only16.62 % were strangers to victim. Most of the incidences (38.52%) took place in assailant’s house. In 19.79% cases there was evidence of external injury. Conclusion Comprehensive reporting on all forms of sexual violence is necessary. Social awareness, sensitization and protection programs should be a high priority. Keywords: Rape, Victim, Sexual offences, Solapur

Comparison between oral health status of institutionalised and home stay disabled children in western Maharashtra region

Background: Parents and caregivers of differently-abled children while focusing on the primary medical issues may not pay adequate attention to their dental care. In this study, we assessed and compared the oral health status of differently-abled children (aged 7–17 years) from structured institutionalized versus home care conditions in the Western Maharashtra region, India. Materials and Methodology: The study consisted of 100 differently-abled children (aged 7–17 years), each under structured institutionalized or home care conditions. For each child, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, extracted, or filled deciduous teeth (deft) index and oral hygiene status were assessed. Results: Differently-abled children under structured institutionalized care showed lower caries experience in both primary and permanent teeth as compared to differently-abled children who were under home care conditions. Conclusions: The DMFT/deft score was less in Group B compared to Group A. The overall oral hygiene was poor in both groups. Educating the parents and primary caregivers on improving the dental care of differently-abled children is necessary.

Study of clinical and microbiological profile of infective corneal ulcers at a tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra

Introduction: Infective corneal ulcer is an important cause of visual impairment in developing countries. The present study was conducted to know demographic, clinical, and microbiological patterns of infective corneal ulcers in a tertiary hospital in western Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analytical study involving 68 eyes of 68 cases of infective corneal ulcer visited in the last two years. From medical records of all cases, details of history, clinical findings, and investigations were noted and data were analyzed. Results: Male to female ratio of study cases was 1.61:1 with age groups ranging between 18 to 90 years (mean 50.81 years). The main occupations of study cases were farming (28 i.e. 41.17%) and construction work (12 i.e.17.64%). Thirty-two (47.05%) cases had to present BCVA of <6/60. Corneal ulcers of size < 5 mm were seen in 37 (54.41%) cases and 19 cases (27.84%) had hypopyon. Central and paracentral ulcers were seen in 57 cases (83.82%). On Gram stain and 10% KOH mount, fungal etiology (26.92%) was seen more frequently than bacterial etiology (20.51%) and 4(5.88%) showed mixed organisms. In 37(54.41%) cases where no organisms were detected, 6 cases had clinical features of viral corneal ulcer. Conclusion: Infective corneal ulcers mainly affected working males involved in farming. Gram stain and KOH mount analysis showed fungal etiology more frequently than bacterial. Detailed history, clinical examination, and lab investigations of scrapings in cases of infective corneal ulcers are essential to know the clinical and microbiological pattern.

English

English

Disclosure of HIV status by people living with HIV/AIDS in tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra

Background: Disclosure is a planned and selective behavior that responds to the balance of potential risks and benefits of secrecy and disclosure of the person living with HIV. The disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners, family or friends, has been shown to be a potent stressor, as persons living with HIV/AIDS might fear negative reactions such as blame, rejection or violence. This study was carried out with an aim to study the patterns of HIV status disclosure and the problems related with it among the HIV positive patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive, hospital based study carried out in a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra from 01 October 2008 to 30 September 2010. A total of 92 consenting respondents admitted in the hospital were administered a pre tested semi-structured questionnaire to collect the data. The results were analysed using SPSS Ver 16.0.Results: Out of 74 married HIV positive individuals who had a chance to disclose their sero-status to spouse, 64 (86.5%, 95% CI-78.7% to 94.29%) voluntarily disclosed their HIV status to spouse while a small number i.e. 10 (13.5%, 95% CI- 05.71% to 21.29%) did not disclose their HIV status to spouse.Conclusions: This exploratory analysis suggests the need for tailoring interventions for improving disclosure decisions making and outcomes. Institutionalized measures need to be enforced judiciously to assist the HIV positive individuals to reveal their status to their wife and other members of their social group.

A Study to Assess the Quality of Life among Caregivers of Patients of Schizophrenia in a Tertiary Care Centre of Western Maharashtra

A Study to Assess the Quality of Life among Caregivers of Patients of Schizophrenia in a Tertiary Care Centre of Western Maharashtra

A study of the prevalence of age related macular degeneration and its risk factors

Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in individuals more than 50 years of age. Aim of this study was to know the prevalence and various socio demographic risk factors associated with ARMD. We studied 300 patients attending Ophthalmology OPD of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Maharashtra. Risk factors such as age, sex, smoking, Body Mass Index (BMI), and family history of ARMD were studied. Diagnosis of ARMD was confirmed on Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) and Optical Coherence Tomography(OCT). Out of 300 patients studied, 24 (8.0%) had ARMD. Increasing age was found to be a significant risk factor for ARMD. In our study, we found that there were 83.3% females as compared to 16.7% males. There was no statistically significant association found between Body Mass Index and ARMD in our study. Among patients with ARMD, 4 (16.7%) were smokers and 20 (83.3%) were non-smokers and this was not found to be statistically significant. Family history was found to be a significant risk factor for development of ARMD. Increasing age, female sex and family history of ARMD were significant risk factors associated with development of ARMD.