Transmission patterns of malignant catarrhal fever in sheep and cattle in Karnataka, India.

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) presents a sporadic yet significant threat to livestock and wildlife. A comprehensive investigation in Karnataka, India into the prevalence and transmission patterns of sheep-associated MCF (SA-MCF) was conducted. A total of 507 sheep peripheral blood leukocyte samples from 13 districts along with 27 cows and 10 buffalo samples from various regions in Karnataka were tested for SA-MCF infection i.e. Ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) using heminested PCR. Furthermore, serum samples collected from 73 cows and 15 buffalo suspected of MCF were tested using a commercially available ELISA kit. Additionally, histopathological examinations of affected tissues and phylogenetic analysis of viral tegument protein sequences were conducted. Our findings indicated a 20.11%, 33.33% and 20% positivity for OvHV-2 in sheep, cows and buffalo respectively by PCR. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the age of sheep and the detection of OvHV-2. Seven cows and one buffalo serum samples tested positive for ELISA. Clinical findings in bovids were consistent with typical MCF signs, and histopathological results revealed multi-organ involvement characterised by necrotising vasculitis and lymphoid hyperplasia. The nucleotide pairwise identity matrix revealed 99.5% identity between the sequences obtained in the study with sequences from other states. The phylogenetic analysis of partial tegument protein sequences from bovid and sheep samples suggested a close genetic relationship between the local OvHV-2 strains and those from various global regions. Crucially, this study underscores the widespread presence of SA-MCF in Karnataka, with significant implications for both livestock management and wildlife conservation.

Correlation Between Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Liver Function Test Values in North Karnataka Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in regulating metabolic processes, including liver metabolism. The interplay between thyroid function and liver enzymes is complex, with thyroid dysfunction potentially impacting liver function. The relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and liver function parameters is particularly noteworthy, especially in areas like North Karnataka, India, where dietary and environmental factors may impact thyroid disorders. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The principal objective of this research is to explore the association between TSH levels and liver function parameters in individuals from North Karnataka. Secondary objectives include examining the relationship between TSH levels, blood pressure, and the prevalence of comorbidities in the study population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 75 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka. Patients who had undergone both thyroid function tests and liver function tests were included in the study. Data on blood pressure and comorbidities (like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, gastritis, alcohol-related liver disease, anemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, diabetes mellitus, migraine, and uterine disorder) were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The study population comprised 48 females (64%) and 27 males (36%), with a mean age of 46.52 years. Thyroid irregularities were observed in 16 patients (21.4%), with hypothyroidism being the predominant thyroid disorder, accounting for 14 cases (18.7%). The distribution of comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (14 patients; 18.7%), anemia (19 patients; 25.3%), migraine (18 patients; 24%), hypertension (17 patients; 22.7%), gastritis (10 patients; 13.3%), COPD (nine patients; 12%), alcohol-related disorders (four patients; 5.3%), arthritis (three patients; 4%), and uterine disorders (eight patients; 10.6%). It is important to note that some patients presented with more than one comorbidity, which may result in an overlap in the total count of specific conditions reported. DISCUSSION: The absence of a significant correlation between TSH levels and liver function tests in this study contrasts with some previous research, suggesting that regional factors and dietary habits may play a role in these associations. The high prevalence of thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, underscores the importance of monitoring thyroid function in this population. The presence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and anemia further complicates the clinical picture and highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare approaches. CONCLUSION: This study did not find a significant correlation between TSH levels and liver function parameters in patients from North Karnataka. The findings emphasize the need for continued research into the complex interactions between thyroid function and liver metabolism, particularly in regions with unique environmental and dietary influences. Public health initiatives should focus on addressing the high prevalence of thyroid disorders and related comorbidities in this population.

The Knowledge and Practice of Family Planning Among Muslim Women in Rural Karnataka, India.

Introduction Women's health is significantly impacted by undesirable pregnancies and unsafe abortions, leading to the deaths of thousands of women and causing many others to suffer from infertility and long-term reproductive health issues. To address this problem, the use of modern contraception methods is increasing, regardless of economic status and dwelling, allowing women to exercise their rights and access reproductive health services. Objective The objective of this study is to examine the knowledge and practice of family planning and the factors associated with it. Setting and design A cross-sectional study was conducted among Muslim women (n=461) using a two-stage stratified random sampling method with a semi-structured questionnaire in the five taluks of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. Methods and materials The required study sample was drawn by adopting the two-stage stratified random sampling technique. The study population was divided into different strata consisting of panchayats and wards. The number of households was selected from these panchayats/wards. Statistical analysis The association between faith in family planning and the knowledge and practice of family planning is studied using a chi-squared test. The factors associated with the practice of family planning are identified using a univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Results There is a significant association between faith in family planning and its practice, with a p-value of less than 0.0001. Age was also found to be a significant factor associated with the practice of family planning. Specifically, women aged 31-40 were less likely to practice family planning compared to women aged 21-30, with a p-value of 0.012. The majority of individuals indicated the preferred child (23.9%) and going against the custom (16.5%) as their reasons for not using family planning. Conclusions Muslim women are reasonably well-informed about modern methods of contraception, but their usage remains relatively low. Outreach initiatives, health worker mobilization from within the community, and health education and information sharing are examples of program interventions that could help address this issue.

Farmer's mental health and well-being: Qualitative findings on protective factors.

Objectives: Agriculture is associated with various physical and mental health risks. There has been growing concern about the psychological hazards associated with farming including high stress levels, depression, anxiety, and increasing rates of suicide. To bolster resilience and overall survival within the farmers, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the protective factors that contribute to mental and psychological well-being. Materials and Methods: The study followed an explorative research design and used purposive sampling to select samples from Chikkaballapur District in Karnataka. Nine farmers were interviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interview schedule was prepared based on the literature review. Experts in the field did content and face validation. The transcribed data were coded using the free version of QDA Miner. The thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis. Results: Three broader themes and 15 sub-themes emerged: (1) Personal protective factors: feeling of autonomy, purpose in life, passion for work, problem-solving skills, positive mindset and building resilience, learning new skills, and spiritual and religious beliefs; (2) social protective factors: friends and peer group, belongingness, family, and social engagements; and (3) environmental protective factors: lifestyle and being physically active, rural environment, government/institutional support, and recognition in the society. Conclusion: The study successfully emerged three overarching protective factors that farmers perceived as significant for their mental health and well-being, entitled personal, social, and environmental. The study findings provide valuable insights for social work practitioners, guiding them in developing interventions and strategies to support the mental health and well-being of the farming population.

Averting catastrophic tuberculosis costs in an Indian state: integration of Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka with National Tuberculosis Elimination Program.

The WHO's "End TB" initiative aims to reduce catastrophic expenses, incidence, and mortality by 90%, 80%, and 0%, respectively by 2030 and Government of India has committed to reaching these goals by 2025. Despite tremendous progress, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the main public health issues. To limit TB transmission and expedite reduction in incidence, further measures are needed. These milestones and objectives remain aspirational until we achieve "Universal access" to high-quality TB diagnosis and treatment. The goals of the study include outlining the process of 'Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Arogya Karnataka' (AB-PMJAY-ArK) integration with the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) in Karnataka, the types of TB patients who used AB-PMJAY-ArK services, and calculating the cost per TB patient at primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities, both public and private, stratified by type of service. Increased coverage, elimination of treatment delays, early and free treatment, and prevention of missing patients are benefits of integrating NTEP with Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.

Post-Vaccination Sero-Monitoring of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Sheep and Goats in Karnataka: Progress towards PPR Eradication in India.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) presents economic challenges in enzootic countries impacting small ruminant productivity. The state of Karnataka, India, implemented a mass vaccination campaign in alignment with the PPR-Global Eradication Programme (GEP) and the National Strategic Plan for PPR eradication. This study was conducted from January to March 2023 to assess seroconversion in post-vaccinated goats and sheep at the epidemiological unit (epi-unit) level, aligning with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines in the PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy (GCES). Before vaccination, 3466 random serum samples were collected from small ruminants of three age groups (6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years) across 116 epi-units, spanning 82 taluks in 28 districts. Post-vaccination sero-monitoring included 1102 serum samples collected from small ruminants of the 6-12-month age group only, across 111 epi-units covering 64 taluks in 23 districts. The PPRV antibody status was determined using an indigenous hemagglutinin (H) protein monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA kit. Pre-vaccination, the PPR seropositivity rates were 55%, 62%, and 66% in the age groups of 6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years, respectively, with a 61% PPRV antibody prevalence across all the age groups. Notably, 41% of the epi-units exhibited antibody prevalence rates of ≥70%, indicating a substantial population immunity, possibly attributed to the previous vaccination program in the state since 2011. In contrast, only 17% of the epi-units had below 30% seroprevalence rates, emphasizing the need for intensified vaccination. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the presence of PPRV antibodies and host factors such as species, breed, and sex. Post-vaccination seroprevalence in the 6-12 months age group was found to be 73.4%, indicating the use of an efficacious vaccine. On the evaluation of vaccination immunity in the 6-12 months age group, it was revealed that over 69% of the epi-units achieved a response surpassing ≥70%, indicating a significant improvement from 42% of the epi-units in pre-vaccination. For active PPR eradication, a mass vaccination campaign (>95% coverage) targeting small ruminant populations aged >4 months is advocated, aiming to achieve the desired herd immunity of >80%. This study offers crucial insights into PPR baseline seroprevalence/immunity status and vaccine efficacy, guiding national strategies towards a PPR-free India and further supporting the global eradication initiative.

Assessing the Burden of COVID-19 among Children Aged 6-14 Years in Karnataka, India: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Background: India experienced three coronavirus disease (COVID-19) waves, with the third attributed to the highly contagious Omicron variant. Before the national vaccination rollout for children above 6, understanding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) positivity in the pediatric population was essential. This study aims to assess the burden of Covid-19 infection and to estimate the seroprevalence in children aged 6 to 14 years in the state of Karnataka. Material and Methods: We surveyed 5,358 children aged 6-14 across Karnataka using 232 health facilities, from June 6 to 14, 2022. We determined the sample size using the PPS (Population Proportional to Size) technique and employed cluster sampling. We tested all participants for SARS-CoV-2 IgG with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and SARS-CoV-2 RNA with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We sequenced samples with a cycle threshold (CT) value below 25 using whole genomic sequencing (WGS). Result: We found an adjusted seroprevalence of IgG at 75.38% statewide, and we found 0.04% of children RT-PCR positive for COVID-19. We determined a case-to-infection ratio of 1:37 and identified the SARS-CoV-2 strains as Omicron, BA.5, and BA.2.10. Conclusion: The study showed a high seroprevalence of IgG among children with low active infection. Omicron, BA. 5, and BA. 2.10 variants were detected through WGS.

Clinical, epidemiological, and molecular investigation of Kyasanur forest disease from Karnataka state, India during 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we carried out an investigation of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) suspected human cases reported in Karnataka state, India from December 2018 to June 2019. METHODS: The clinical samples of KFD suspected cases (n = 1955) from 14 districts of Karnataka were tested for KFD using real-time RT-PCR and IgM ELISA. Further, the KFD-negative samples were tested for IgM antibodies against dengue and chikungunya viruses. Monkey samples (n = 276) and tick pools (n = 11582) were also screened using real-time RT-PCR. KFD-positive samples were further analysed using next-generation sequencing along with clinico-epidemiological analysis. RESULTS: Of all, 173 (8.8%) cases tested positive for KFD either by real-time RT-PCR (n = 124), IgM ELISA (n = 53) or both tests (n = 4) from seven districts. Among KFD-negative cases, IgM antibody positivity was observed for dengue (2.6%), chikungunya (5.8%), dengue and chikungunya coinfection (3.7%). KFD cases peaked in January 2019 with fever, conjunctivitis, and myalgia as the predominant symptoms and a mortality of 4.6%. Among confirmed cases, 41% received a single dose and 20% received two doses of the KFD vaccine. Of the seven districts with KFDV positivity, Shivamogga and Hassan districts reported KFD viral RNA positivity in humans, monkeys, and ticks. Sequencing analysis of 2019 cases demonstrated a difference of less than 1.5% amino acid compared to prototype KFDV. CONCLUSION: Although the KFD has been endemic in many districts of Karnataka state, our study confirms the presence of KFDV for the first time in two new districts, i.e. Hassan and Mysore. A comparative analysis of KFDV infection among the KFD-vaccinated and non-vaccinated populations demonstrated an insignificant difference.

Molecular epidemiology of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Karnataka, India in 2022.

BACKGROUND: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an enteroviral disease that occurs as outbreaks and sporadic cases in India. In this study, we investigated and characterized the aetiology of HFMD cases that occurred in Karnataka, South India from April to October 2022. METHODS: Throat swabs, vesicular swabs, urine, and blood samples from suspected cases were analysed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of enteroviruses. Molecular typing of the enterovirus-positive samples was carried out by amplifying the partial virion protein 1(VP1) gene sequence, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 187 samples received from 82 cases, 93 (50%) tested positive (55/82 cases, 67%) for enteroviruses, with the majority of the HFMD cases reported in paediatric population of less than 5 years (36/55, 65.4%), while 3 cases (3/55, 5.4%) were adults. Out of the 55 enterovirus-positive cases, 31 showed partial VP1 region amplification and 19 of these cases were typed as coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) (13/19, 68.4%) and CV-A6 (6/19, 31.6%). The CV-A16 strains identified belonged to subclade B1c while two CV-A6 strains belonged to subclade E2. On molecular testing for other viruses causing fever-rash symptoms, 4/27 (15%) enterovirus-negative cases were detected as herpes simplex virus (1 case) and varicella zoster virus (3 cases) positive. CONCLUSION: The main causative agent of HFMD in Karnataka in 2022 was CV-A16, followed by CV-A6. Apart from the common paediatric HFMD cases, adult cases were also reported during this period. Further studies involving laboratory and clinical investigations are essential for monitoring and managing HFMD in the community.

Variation in Exon 29 of the NOS1 Gene Does Not Contribute to Parkinson's Disease in the North Karnataka Population.

INTRODUCTION: Nitric oxide (NO) overproduction has been found to have neurotoxic effects on the brain. Moreover, in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced, the suppression of the NO-synthesizing enzymes, such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS), has neuroprotective benefits in Parkinson's disease (PD). These findings imply that NOS may have a role in regulating the nigral dopaminergic neurons' tolerance to environmental stressors in PD. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigated variations in the NOS1 gene that may raise the likelihood of PD. METHODS: PD patients who visited the neurology departments of several medical colleges and hospitals in North Karnataka, India, between 2009 and 2011 were included in the study. The detailed clinic pathological details were obtained from 100 PD patients. Genomic DNA was isolated using the kit method followed by the evaluation of the quality and quantity of isolated gDNA. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of exon 29 was performed, and sequencing was performed using the Applied Biosystems ABI 3500 Sanger sequencing platform. RESULTS: The present study is comprised of 100 PD patients, which includes 65 males and 35 females. There were 64 sporadic, 34 idiopathic, and two familial PD cases. The majority (67.1%) of PD cases were from metropolitan areas. Community-based segregation showed that the maximum cases were from Hindu Lingayat. A proportion (90.8%) of the patients had tremors, 32.7% of them displayed slowness in their daily tasks, and 8.1% of them had dyskinesia. Molecular analysis showed two untranslated region (UTR) variations g.151787 del T (rs1434015950) and g.151745 C>T (rs2682826) in our study group. CONCLUSION: The absence of mutations in the targeted NOS1 gene in the PD patients from North Karnataka shows the involvement of other genes in the molecular pathophysiology. Thus, it is crucial to screen other possible genes using cutting-edge technology to obtain a clear picture of the genetics of PD.

Tobacco use and Oral Premalignant Lesions among Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Belagavi, North Karnataka.

Background: Auto-rickshaw drivers (ARDs) are under constant physical and mental pressure due to illiteracy, poverty, lack of awareness about hazards of addictions, and other factors that lead to various habits majority being tobacco use. Studies have found that tobacco use is very prevalent among ARDs in comparison to general population. Tobacco use is commonly associated with cancers. Oral Pre-Malignant Lesions (OPMLs) are the strongest risk factor for majority of oral cancers. We studied the prevalence of OPML among ARDs of Belagavi and their association with tobacco use. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 600 regular ARDs of Belagavi City during January to December 2016. We selected two ARDs that were the last in line from 300 major auto-rickshaw stands. We adapted the questionnaire from Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. After getting informed consent, we collected the data by personal interview and performed an oral visual examination for OPML for all the study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Institutional Ethics Committee approved the study. Results: Prevalence of tobacco was 62.17%. One-third of participants (30.17%) had OPMLs. Leukoplakia (62.43%) was the most common lesion. OPMLs were significantly associated with tobacco use and duration of tobacco use. Conclusions: About 30% of ARDs had an OPML. Chewing tobacco, gutkha, lime with tobacco, and cigarette were significantly associated with OPML.

Detection of spatiotemporal patterns of rainfall trends, using non-parametric statistical techniques, in Karnataka state, India.

The unpredictability of the climate has drawn a lot of interest worldwide, especially that of the annual mean temperatures and rainfall. In this study, non-parametric tests such as the LOWESS curve method, Mann-Kendall (MK), SNHT test, Pettitt's test (PT), and Buishand range test (BRT) were used to evaluate long-term (2000-2020) rainfall data series to examine rainfall variability. The Dakshina Kannada district has the highest average rainfall is 3495.6 mm with a magnitude change% of about 26.2, while the Koppala district has the lowest average rainfall roughly about 530.4 mm, with a magnitude change % of about 11.49 mm in a year. The statistics from the fitted prediction line were utilized to determine the maximum coefficient determination (R2 = 0.8808) in the Uttara Kannada region. Because of the commencement of the present rising era, 2015 is the shift year in rainfall with the highest potential of being a change point in the state's Western Ghats region. It was also revealed that the majority of the districts exhibit positive trends before the change point and vice versa. The current research can be used to plan for and minimize the agricultural and water resource challenges in the state of Karnataka. To link observable patterns to climate variability, the next inquiry must identify the source of these changes. Overall, the study's findings will help organize and improve drought, flood, and water resource management techniques in the state.

A remarkable new genus of Thripinae (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) without anteocellar setae from India.

Nandithripspouzolziaegen. et sp. nov. (Thripidae, Thripinae) is described from the flowers of Pouzolziapetandrasubsp.wightii (Urticaceae) found in Nandi hills, Karnataka, India. This new genus is characterised by an apomorphy, ocellar setae pairs I and II are both absent, and also has a unique discontinuous pore plate distribution, with a single circular or oval pore plate medially on abdominal sternites II and V-VII of males. Partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene sequence of N.pouzolziae was sequenced and the annotated sequence was submitted to NCBI GenBank.

Diversity and phylogeography of begomoviruses and DNA satellites associated with the leaf curl and mosaic disease complex of eggplant.

Eggplant is one of the important vegetable crops grown across the world, and its production is threatened by both biotic and abiotic stresses. Diseases caused by viruses are becoming major limiting factors for its successful cultivation. A survey for begomovirus-like symptoms in 72 eggplant fields located in six different Indian states revealed a prevalence of disease ranging from 5.2 to 40.2%, and the symptoms recorded were mosaic, mottling, petiole bending, yellowing, and upward curling, vein thickening, and enation of the leaves, and stunting of plants. The causal agent associated with these plants was transmitted from infected leaf samples to healthy eggplant seedlings via grafting and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). The presence of begomovirus was confirmed in 72 infected eggplant samples collected from the surveyed fields exhibiting leaf curl and mosaic disease by PCR using begomovirus specifc primers (DNA-A componet), which resulted in an expected amplicon of 1.2 kb. The partial genome sequence obtained from amplified 1.2 kb from all samples indicated that they are closely related begomovirus species, tomato leaf Karnataka virus (ToLCKV, two samples), tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPalV, fifty eggplant samples), and chilli leaf curl virus (ChLCuV, twenty samples). Based on the partial genome sequence analysis, fourteen representative samples were selected for full viral genome amplification by the rolling circle DNA amplification (RCA) technique. Analyses of fourteen eggplant isolates genome sequences using the Sequence Demarcation Tool (SDT) indicated that one isolate had the maximum nucleotide (nt) identity with ToLCKV and eight isolates with ToLCPalV. Whereas, four isolates four isolates (BLC1-CH, BLC2-CH, BLC3-CH, BLC4-CH) are showing nucleotide identity of less than 91% with chilli infecting viruses begomoviruses with chilli infecting begomoviruses and as per the guidelines given by the ICTV study group for the classification of begomoviruses these isolates are considered as one novel begomovirus species, for which name, Eggplant leaf curl Chhattisgarh virus (EgLCuChV) is proposed. For DNA-B component, seven eggplant isolates had the highest nt identity with ToLCPalV infecting other crops. Further, DNA satellites sequence analysis indicated that four betasatellites identified shared maximum nucleotide identity with the tomato leaf curl betasatellite and five alphasatellites shared maximum nucleotide identity with the ageratum enation alphasatellite. Recombination and GC plot analyses indicated that the bulk of begomovirus genome and associated satellites presumably originated from of previously known mono and bipartite begomoviruses and DNA satellites. To the best of our knowledge, this is India's first report of ToLCKV and a noval virus, eggplant leaf curl Chhattisgarh virus associated with eggplant leaf curl disease.

Towards Eradication of PPR: Disease Status, Economic Cost and Perception of Veterinarians in Karnataka, India.

In this study, we assessed the PPR disease status, its economic cost, the financial viability of vaccination, and the perspectives of field veterinarians on the PPR vaccination programme implemented in Karnataka state, India. In addition to secondary data, cross-sectional surveys undertaken during 2016-17 (survey I) and 2018-19 (survey II) from 673 sheep and goat flocks and data collected from 62 veterinarians were analysed. The economic costs and perceptions of veterinarians were analysed using deterministic models and the Likert scale, respectively, and the financial viability of vaccination programmes under the best (15%), base (20%), and worst-case (25%) PPR incidence scenarios, considering two different vaccination plans (plan I and plan II), was assessed. The disease incidence in sheep and goats was found to be 9.8% and 4.8% in survey I and survey II, respectively. In consonance with the increased vaccination coverage, the number of reported PPR outbreaks in the state declined significantly. The estimated farm-level loss of PPR varied between the surveyed years. Even under the best-incidence scenario, under vaccination plan-I and plan-II, the estimated benefit-cost ratio (18.4:1; 19.7:1), the net present value (USD 932 million; USD 936 million) and the internal rate of return (412%) implied that the vaccination programmes were financially viable and the benefits outweighed the cost. Though the majority of veterinarians perceived that the control programme was well planned and rolled out in the state, a few of them disagreed or were neutral towards the plan per se, towards the coordination between functionaries, the availability of funding, and the programme acceptance by farmers. Despite many years of vaccination, PPR still persists in the Karnataka state for various reasons and in order to eradicate the disease, a review of the existing control programme with strong facilitation from the federal government is needed.

DNA barcoding and nutritional profiling of underutilized native indigenous plant species of Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND: Locally adapted native indigenous plant species (NIPS) could restore the crop diversity in sustainable agriculture. METHODS: Here, we report the molecular identification and nutritional profiling of some five NIPS of Karnataka; Musa paradisiaca cv. Nanjangud rasabale, Piper betle L. cv. Mysore betel leaf, Jasminum grandiflorum cv Mysore mallige, Solanum melongena L. cv. Udupi Mattu Gulla and S. melongena L. cv. Erangere badane of which the first four are Geographical Indication (GI) tagged. The samples were procured, authenticated and sequenced using two standard DNA barcodes: nuclear ITS2 and plastid rbcl. RESULTS: The phylogenetic analysis using Neighborhood joining method revealed all the ITS2 tree topologies with higher genetic divergence than rbcl. All the rbcl tree topologies were monophyletic indicating sequence conservation. Though the concatenated ITS2 + rbcl trees had higher bootstrap support (> 98% except Solanum sp.) differences were observed because of the lack of available sequence deposition at species level. The proximate and nutritional profiling of the NIPS displayed superiority in terms of their nutritional profile and their potential application in phytopharmaceutical sector as nutritional supplements. CONCLUSION: To our best knowledge this is the first study reporting the screening of five NIPS plant species of Karnataka for phylogeny and nutritional analysis. We also anticipate that if research towards the identification of NIPS species is accelerated, these nutritionally enhanced crops could be used as a safe and sustainable food in changing global climatic conditions.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus annulatus from selected states of southern India.

Ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus infesting cattle are the primary animal pests responsible for the annual economic loss of billions of dollars. Due to the morphological resemblance among the members of the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) genus, species identification is very difficult. In this study, the adult R. annulatus and R. microplus ticks from two south Indian states viz., Kerala and Karnataka were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization. The R. microplus isolates from south India differed morphologically from true R. microplus clade A ticks. The ventral spur on the first pedipalp observed in male R. microplus was similar to that of R. australis. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the R. microplus from these states clustered with R. microplus clade C. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) was identified as the preferred molecular marker compared to the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). The interspecific divergence between R. microplus and R. annulatus isolates from South India was 7.9 per cent based on COI. Moreover, based on COI, the R. microplus isolates revealed higher intraspecific divergence (2.9%) than R. annulatus (1%). The ITS2 sequences failed to differentiate R. microplus and R. annulatus.

Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Plasma Elements in Autistic Children from India.

Trace elements are essential for the human body's various physiological processes but if they are present in higher concentration, these elements turn to be toxic and cause adverse effect on physiological processes. Similarly, deficiency of these essential elements also affects physiological processes and leads to abnormal metabolic activities. There is a lot of interest in recent years to know the mystery behind the involvement of trace elements in the metabolic activities of autistic children suspecting that it may be a risk factor in the aetiology of autism. The present study aims to analyse the plasma trace elements in autistic children using the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) technique. Plasma samples from 70 autistic children (mean age: 11.5 ± 3.1) were analysed with 70 age- and sex-matched healthy children as controls (mean age: 12 ± 2.5). TXRF analysis revealed the higher concentration of copper (1227.8 ± 17.8), chromium (7.1 ± 2.5), bromine (2695.1 ± 24) and arsenic (126.3 ± 10) and lower concentration of potassium (440.1 ± 25), iron (1039.6 ± 28), zinc (635.7 ± 21), selenium (52.3 ± 8.5), rubidium (1528.9 ± 28) and molybdenum (162,800.8 ± 14) elements in the plasma of autistic children in comparison to healthy controls. Findings of the first study from India suggest these altered concentrations in elements in autistic children over normal healthy children affect the physiological processes and metabolism. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between the altered element concentration and physiology of autism in the North Karnataka population in India.

Socio-demographic, behavioural and clinical factors influencing control of diabetes and hypertension in urban Mysore, South India: a mixed-method study conducted in 2018.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate control of diabetes and hypertension is a major concern in India because of rising mortality and morbidity. Few studies in India have explored factors that influence control of diabetes and hypertension. The current study aimed to improve the understanding of multifactorial influence on the control of diabetes and hypertension among patients in Primary Health Care Settings(PHC) of urban Karnataka. METHODS: We used a mixed-method study design, within a project aiming to improve non-communicable disease (NCD) continuum of care across PHC in Mysore city, India, conducted in 2018. The quantitative study was conducted among 399 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension and a logistic regression model was used to assess the factors responsible for biological control levels of diabetes and hypertension measured through Glycated Haemoglobin(HbA1c) and blood pressure. Further, in-depth interviews(IDI) were conducted among these patients and the counsellors at PHCs to understand the barriers and enablers for better control. RESULT: The quantitative assessment found odds of poor control amongst diabetics' increased with older age, longer duration of disease, additional chronic conditions, and tobacco consumption. For hypertensives, odds of poor control increased with higher body mass index(BMI), alcohol consumption, and belongingness to lower social groups. These findings were elaborated through qualitative assessment which found that the control status was affected by stress as a result of family or financial worries. Stress, poor lifestyle, and poor health-seeking behaviour interplay with other factors like diet and exercise leading to poor control of diabetes and hypertension. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of determinants associated with disease control can assist in designing focused patient outreach plans, customized communication strategies, need-based care delivery plans, and specific competency-based capacity-building models for health care workers. Patient-centric care focusing on biological, social and behavioural determinants is pivotal for appropriate management of NCDs at community level in low-middle income countries.

A Demographic Profile of Disability Assessed Patients in Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals in Coastal Karnataka, India: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Disability assessment is a critical component in getting a comprehensive and amicable compensation in medico-legal cases. The data regarding acquired disability among the hospital-admitted patients are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic profile of disability-assessed patients in tertiary care hospitals in Coastal Karnataka, India between 2010 and 2019. The study also aims to evaluate the pitfalls in the present assessment method. Materials and Methods: A record-based retrospective study of all the cases assessed by the investigator in tertiary care hospitals in Coastal Karnataka between 2010 and 2019 was analyzed. The disability was assessed using Govt. of India guidelines. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 2004 cases were analyzed; among them, 85% were males. The average percentage of disability was 26% (SD = 16.2). Mean age of the patients was 38 years, the median calculated for duration of hospital stay was 15 days, and 15% patients had multiple disabilities. The Brachial plexus injury resulted in the highest percentage of disability (76%) followed by spine (43%) and head injury (38%). Locomotor disability was found in 77% of cases, and lower limbs and right side were involved twice more than the upper limbs and left side. Conclusion: The study reveals the demographic profile of disability-assessed patients admitted in hospitals. This database will help to create awareness among health care professionals, Govt. bodies, and insurance companies about the magnitude of the problem. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-022-00706-4.