Ocular rhinosporidiosis in Tamil Nadu,India

A high incidence of ocular rhinosporidiosis in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India is reported. Among the four taluks (sub-division for administration), highest occurrence was found in Agastheeswaram taluk (51.2%) followed by Kalkulam (24.4%), Thovalai (22%) and Vilavancode (2.4%). The disease occurred among both sexes equally and preponderance of a particular sex was not observed. The young adolescents were found to be more susceptible. The disease was found in all socio-economic strata and among all communities and persons belonging to different religious groups. Most of the patients gave a history of bathing in muddy stagnant pools of water.Retired Professor of Microbiology and Project Leader University Scheme on Electronmicroscopic and Ultrastructural studies on rhinosporidiosis in nasal polyps of animals and man.     

A new species of Triatominae from Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract A new species of the genus Linshcosteus Distant, 1904 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) is described from specimens collected near Kalakkadu, Tamil Nadu state, southern India. Specimens were found in deep crevices between rocks, in a region of semi‐arid scrub jungle. The distinctiveness of the new species was demonstrated by a morphometric analysis including the five previously described species of Linshcosteus, all from India. Nine measurements of the head were used in an isometric size‐free principal component analysis. In terms of discrete morphology the new species, Linshcosteus karupus sp.n. Galvão, Patterson, Rocha & Jurberg differs from the most similar one, L. kali Lent & Wygodzinsky, 1979 , by its very prominent anterolateral projections of the pronotum, by the length to width ratio of the pronotum, by the pilosity of the head and several other characters, including phallic structures. A revised key is presented for the six species of the genus.     

Diversity of microorganisms in solar salterns of Tamil Nadu,India

In this study, the diversity of prokaryotes inhabiting crystallizer ponds of three solar salterns, located along Bengal Bay in Tamil Nadu, India was examined. Unlike other salterns studied the Tamil Nadu salterns are fed by hypersaline spring water mixed with seawater and led to the ponds from bore wells. In addition, prokaryotic community development is restricted as salterns operate only during the arid part of the year. Both culture-based and culture-independent polymerase chain reaction 16S rRNA molecular phylogenetic approaches were employed. Representatives of the family Halobacteriaceae dominated in cultivable portion of diversity encountered with members of genera Haloferax, Halorubrum, Haloarcula, Halobacterium and Halogeometricum recovered in pure culture. In contrast, members of Bacteria were recovered from only one sampling site and were represented by members of genera Salinibacter, Cytophaga and Marinococcus. Based on culture-independent sampling, the predominant members of the haloarchaeal crystallizer community belonged to the genus Natrinema.     

Religion and intensity of inbreeding in Tamil Nadu,South India

Abstract

A representative random sample of 11,628 rural couples and 8,998 urban couples from North Arcot District of Tamil Nadu in South India are under follow up since 1969 in a study of inbreeding eflFects. This paper describes the level of inbreeding and its relationship to religion of the couples. Wright's F for autosomal genes in the rural and urban areas were 0.0371 and 0.0205, respectively. The F for sex‐linked genes was significantly higher than that for autosomal and was 0.0411 in the rural areas and 0.0228 in the urban. Hindus had the highest inbreeding coefficients as compared to Muslims or Christians for both autosomal and sex‐linked genes, but there were significant variations among the different castes. The level of inbreeding among Muslims and Christians was similar and fairly high. Significant rural‐urban differentials persist in all religions. There is no appreciable change in the level of inbreeding over the past few decades in any religion, although minor declines are observed in certain castes in the urban areas.     

Risk Factors for Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy in Tamil Nadu,India

Introduction

Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP), i.e. gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and diabetes in pregnancy (DIP), increases the risk of various short- and long-term adverse outcomes. However, much remains to be understood about the role of different risk factors in development of HIP.

Objective

The aims of this observational study were to examine the role of potential risk factors for HIP, and to investigate whether any single or accumulated risk factor(s) could be used to predict HIP among women attending GDM screening at three centres in urban, semi-urban and rural Tamil Nadu, India.

Methodology

Pregnant women underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Data on potential risk factors was collected and analysed using logistical regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated for significant risk factors and a risk factor scoring variable was constructed.

Results

HIP was prevalent in 18.9% of the study population (16.3% GDM; 2.6% DIP). Increasing age and BMI as well as having a mother only or both parents with diabetes were significant independent risk factors for HIP. Among women attending the rural health centre a doubling of income corresponded to an 80% increased risk of HIP (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.10–2.93; p = 0.019), whereas it was not significantly associated with HIP among women attending the other health centres. The performance of the individual risk factors and the constructed scoring variable differed substantially between the three health centres, but none of them were good enough to discriminate between those with and without HIP.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of socio-economic circumstances and intergenerational risk transmission in the occurrence of HIP as well as the need for universal screening.     

Phytoplankton biodiversity in the two perennial lakes of Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu,India

The present study was focused to evaluate the phytoplankton biodiversity in two freshwater perennial lakes of Sulur and Ukkadam of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India. The study period was two years from March 2012 to February 2014. Results revealed that totally 50 species of phytoplankton include 14 Cyanophyceae, 19 Chlorophyceae, 14 Bacillariophyceae, and 3 Euglenophyceae were recorded from the Sulur lake and 36 species of phytoplankton comprising 9 species of Cyanophyceae, 15 species of Chlorophyceae, 10 species of Bacillariophyceae and 2 species of Euglenophyceae were noticed in Ukkadam lake during the study period. The recorded phytoplankton density was ranged between 22,380 and 80,590 cells/l in Sulur lake and 29,350 and 1,16,255 cells/l in Ukkadam lake. Thus, the present study overall dominance of phytoplankton group was Chlorophyceae followed by Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Euglenophyceae. The phytoplankton population was recorded maximum in Ukkadam lake when compared to Sulur lake. Hence, the study revealed that both Ukkadam and Sulur lakes possess an appreciable quantum of phytoplankton and it can be used for fish culture.     

Occurrence of cyclopiazonic acid in feeds and feedstuffs in Tamil Nadu,India

Out of 100 samples (67 randomly collected and 33 known to contain aflatoxin) of feeds and feedstuffs examined, 40 showed cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) activity i.e., maize 10/26, groundnut cake 10/20, sunflower seed cake 7/10, sorghum 4/10, wheat 1/1, little millet 1/1, rice 1/1, deoiled rice bran 0/1, fishmeal 0/1, chick mash 1/3, grower mash 0/7, layer mash 3/11, broiler mash 2/6 and cattle feed 0/2, concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 12, 0.5 to 20, 0.3 to 20, 0.3 to 20,20, 10, 10, 1.5, 1 to 15, 8, and 15 ppm, respectively. Co-occurrence of CPA was found in 14 of 33 aflatoxin-containing samples. Part of Ph.D. thesis submitted by the first author to the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madras 600 007, India.     

Diversity of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolated from Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu State, India

The Western Ghats of India is the one of the world’s 10 “Hottest biodiversity hotspots” that runs along the western part of India through four states including Tamil Nadu. The only biodiversity reserve in the Western Ghats is the Nilgiri biosphere located in the Tamil Nadu state. In the present study, 525 soil samples were collected from all the 14 different divisions of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu state, India. A total of 316 new isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that produce parasporal crystalline inclusions were isolated from 525 soil samples. Seven different types of crystalline inclusions were observed in the 316 new isolates of Bt. Cuboidal inclusion was predominantly present in 26.9% of the Bt isolates when compared to other shapes. Further characterization of 70 of the 316 Bt isolates for crystal protein profile through SDS-PAGE revealed six different types of crystal protein profile viz., 135 and 65, 135, 95, 65, 43, and 30 kDa crystal proteins. Variation in the mass of crystal protein(s) purified from the isolates of Bt revealed molecular diversity of this bacterium prevalent in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India.     

Keratinophilic fungi of poultry farm and feather dumping soil in Tamil Nadu,India

Soils of 10 poultry farms from Namakkal and 12 feather dumping sites from Chennai were studied for the presence of keratinophilic fungi. A total of 34 species belonging to 19 genera and one non-sporulating fungus were recovered. Sixteen species of fungi and one non-sporulating fungi were common to both sites, eight species were specific to Namakkal and nine species were specific to Chennai. Dermatophytes and closely related fungi were represented by six species belonging to five genera. Fungal species commonly found in the soil samples included Chrysosporium keratinophilum (73%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (68.2%), Microsporum gypseum (64%), Myceliopthora vellerea (32%), Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum (27.3%) and Geomyces pannorum (23%). Non-dermatophyte fungi were represented by 28 species belonging to 14 genera and one non-sporulating fungus.     

Snakebite and Its Socio-Economic Impact on the Rural Population of Tamil Nadu,India

Background

Snakebite represents a significant health issue worldwide, affecting several million people each year with as many as 95,000 deaths. India is considered to be the country most affected, but much remains unknown about snakebite incidence in this country, its socio-economic impact and how snakebite management could be improved.

Methods/Principal Findings

We conducted a study within rural villages in Tamil Nadu, India, which combines a household survey (28,494 people) of snakebite incidence with a more detailed survey of victims in order to understand the health and socio-economic effects of the bite, the treatments obtained and their views about future improvements. Our survey suggests that snakebite incidence is higher than previously reported. 3.9% of those surveyed had suffered from snakebite and the number of deaths corresponds to 0.45% of the population. The socio-economic impact of this is very considerable in terms of the treatment costs and the long-term effects on the health and ability of survivors to work. To reduce this, the victims recommended improvements to the accessibility and affordability of antivenom treatment.

Conclusions

Snakebite has a considerable and disproportionate impact on rural populations, particularly in South Asia. This study provides an incentive for researchers and the public to work together to reduce the incidence and improve the outcomes for snake bite victims and their families.     

Limnological Features of a Tropical Impoundment,Bhavanisagar Reservoir (Tamil Nadu), India

In the Bhavanisagar Reservoir a stable thermal stratification did not occur, but the thermal stability was fairly high. Oxygen deficits occurred frequently as well as complete anoxic conditions. Influx of flood waters improved the bottom oxygen conditions. This together with other factors indicates a high level of metabolic activity and productivity. Primary production rates were fairly high. There has been a change in fish population; some introduced species (like Catla and Labeo calbasu) have increased in the catches. It is felt that more fish could be exploited from this reservoir.     

Canvases of Political Competition: Image Production as Politics in Tamil Nadu,India

In this article, I explore the production of political images in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The state is known for the ubiquitous presence of banners, murals and posters in its public spaces, featuring prominent politicians and actors. It is commonly argued that these images help to convey the heroic or exclusive status of political leaders. However, such images are actually produced by party workers and therefore do not simply transpose status and image. Instead, political supporters praise their leader via these images and act as ‘kingmakers’ in constructing reputation and power. Simultaneously, by putting political images on display, supporters also authorise their own power. While praise is important in showing a person's dedication to a political party, the images, in the motivations of their producers, are suffused with ambivalence and competition as well. Hence, I argue, political image practices are not representative of politics, they are politics.     

Costs Analysis of a Population Level Rabies Control Programme in Tamil Nadu,India

The study aimed to determine costs to the state government of implementing different interventions for controlling rabies among the entire human and animal populations of Tamil Nadu. This built upon an earlier assessment of Tamil Nadu''s efforts to control rabies. Anti-rabies vaccines were made available at all health facilities. Costs were estimated for five different combinations of animal and human interventions using an activity-based costing approach from the provider perspective. Disease and population data were sourced from the state surveillance data, human census and livestock census. Program costs were extrapolated from official documents. All capital costs were depreciated to estimate annualized costs. All costs were inflated to 2012 Rupees. Sensitivity analysis was conducted across all major cost centres to assess their relative impact on program costs. It was found that the annual costs of providing Anti-rabies vaccine alone and in combination with Immunoglobulins was $0.7 million (Rs 36 million) and $2.2 million (Rs 119 million), respectively. For animal sector interventions, the annualised costs of rolling out surgical sterilisation-immunization, injectable immunization and oral immunizations were estimated to be $ 44 million (Rs 2,350 million), $23 million (Rs 1,230 million) and $ 11 million (Rs 590 million), respectively. Dog bite incidence, health systems coverage and cost of rabies biologicals were found to be important drivers of costs for human interventions. For the animal sector interventions, the size of dog catching team, dog population and vaccine costs were found to be driving the costs. Rabies control in Tamil Nadu seems a costly proposition the way it is currently structured. Policy makers in Tamil Nadu and other similar settings should consider the long-term financial sustainability before embarking upon a state or nation-wide rabies control programme.     

HIV/AIDS and the Gendering of Stigma in Tamil Nadu,South India

Drawing on the seminal theoretical work on stigma by Goffman, this article analyzes stigma through the lens of Parker and Aggleton, who call for the joining of Goffman and Foucault to better grasp relationships among stigma, power and social inequality. Studies on the social impact of HIV/AIDS globally have demonstrated that women tend to be blamed for the spread of HIV/AIDS, and as a result, HIV-positive women face greater stigma and discrimination than HIV-positive men. Based on ethnographic research among 50 HIV-positive women in South India in 2002–2003 and 2004, my research supports this standard argument. However, my findings suggest that the gendering of stigma and discrimination is more complex and context specific. The gendering of stigma varies depending on the social context of private versus public spheres. The tendency to stigmatize women is due in part to cultural constructions of gendered bodies and not only to a gendered double standard of sexual morality, as has been previously reported. Even when a cultural argument about women’s wayward sexuality is evoked, this rhetoric must be understood in part as a strategy to mask economically motivated responses, rather simply being attributed to sexist ideology per se.     

AM Fungal Diversity in Selected Medicinal Plants of Kanyakumari District,Tamil Nadu,India

The association of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with three medicinally important plants viz., Eclipta prostrata, Indigofera aspalathoides, I. tinctoria collected from three different localities of Kanyakumari District, South India was examined. The study reports the colonization percentage, diversity and species richness of different AM fungi in the rhizosphere of the three medicinal plants and discusses the impact of soil physicochemical characteristics such as soil texture, pH and available macro- and micro nutrient content on AM fungal communities. A total 21 AM fungal species were identified in field conditions of the three plants from three sites. AM fungal species richness, colorization percentage and Shannon index were found to be high in the two Indigofera sp. growing in the hilly areas of Kanyakumari District and were low in E. prostrata collected from the damp regions in the foothills of the three study sites. Five species registered 100% frequency in all the study sites of the three medicinally important plants with Glomus as the dominant genera. The study states that the mean colonization and diversity patterns were dependant on edaphic factors and type of vegetation.     

Insect resistance in tomato accessions and their hybrid derivatives in Tamil Nadu, India

Host plant resistance offers a viable alternative to the use of chemical insecticides for managing insects Infesting tomato. Hence, a study was carried out in Tamil Nadu, India during 1996 to 2004. An exhaustive germplasm comprising 321 tomato accessions including cultivars, wild lines, land races, tribal/native tomatoes was gathered from various sources and screened for resistance against the major pest namely fruit worm, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera). In the field screening, larval population and fruit damage was evaluated while in the glasshouse, foliage and fruit damage was assessed and ten promising accessions were selected. Based on further laboratory studies on the various mechanisms and bases of resistance, four accessions namely, Varushanadu Local, Seijima Jeisei, Ac 238 and Roma were selected and subjected to intercrossing by conventional hybridization, which yielded three viable hybrids. The resistance potentials of these hybrids against the fruit worm, H. armigera, leaf caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fab. Noctuldae: Lepidoptera), leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii Blanchard (Agromyzidae: Diptera) and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera) were probed both in the field and glasshouse along with their respective parents. The hybrids exerted lesser feeding and ovipositional preference and higher antibiotic effects on insect stages. The density of three types of non-glandular and two types of glandular trichomes and phenol content in the foliage, lycopene and ascorbic acid content in the fruits were the major factors of resistance. Based on these studies, Hybrid 3 (Ac 238 x Roma) and its derivatives were adjudged as potential accessions possessing insect tolerance.     

Derris gamblei sp. nov. (Fabaceae) from Tamil Nadu,India

Derris gamblei (Fabaceae), is described and illustrated as a new species from the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu state, India. It resembles the Indian species Derris thothathrii, but differs by its short inflorescence, pseudoracemes, pubescence at dorsal apex of all petals, 2 ovules and narrow‐winged pods.