The Promise of Cilnidipine in Hypertension with Comorbidities: National Consensus Statement: National Consensus Group Comprises Cardiologists, Nephrologists, and Diabetologists from India in a National Meet at New Delhi held on 22nd May 2022.

The rapidly increasing burden of hypertension is responsible for premature deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal disease, and stroke, with a tremendous public health and financial burden. Hypertension detection, treatment, and control vary worldwide; it is still low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). High blood pressure (BP) and CVD risk have a strong, linear, and independent association. They contribute to alarming numbers of all-cause and CVD deaths. A major culprit for increased hypertension is sympathetic activity, and further complications of hypertension are heart failure, ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and renal failure. Now, antihypertensive interventions have emerged as a global public health priority to reduce BP-related morbidity and mortality. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are highly effective vasodilators. and the most common drugs used for managing hypertension and CVD. Cilnidipine, with both L- and N-type calcium channel blocking activity, is a promising 4th generation CCB. It causes vasodilation via L-type calcium channel blockade and inhibits the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) via N-type calcium channel blockade. Cilnidipine, which acts as a dual L/N-type CCB, is linked to a reduced occurrence of pedal edema compared to amlodipine, which solely blocks L-type calcium channels. The antihypertensive properties of cilnidipine are very substantial, with low BP variability and long-acting properties. It is beneficial for hypertensive patients to deal with morning hypertension and for patients with abnormal nocturnal BP due to exaggerated sympathetic nerve activation. Besides its BP-lowering effect, it also exhibits organ protection via sympathetic nerve inhibition and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition; it controls heart rate and proteinuria. Reno-protective, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects of cilnidipine have been well-documented and demonstrated.

Consensus Statement from India on the Renal Benefits of ARNi, SGLT-2i, and Bisoprolol in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in India. CKD often coexists with heart failure (HF), diabetes, and hypertension. All these comorbidities are risk factors for renal impairment. HF and CKD are pathophysiologically intertwined, and the deterioration of one can worsen the prognosis of the other. There is a need for safe renal pharmacological therapies that target both CKD and HF and are also useful in hypertension and diabetes. Neurohormonal activation achieved through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and the natriuretic peptide system (NPS) is fundamental in the pathogenesis and progression of CKD and HF. Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), and selective ß1-blocker (B1B) bisoprolol suppress this neurohormonal activation. They also have many other cardiorenal benefits across a wide range of CKD patients with or without concomitant HF, diabetes, or hypertension. This consensus statement from India explores the place of ARNi, SGLT-2i, and bisoprolol in the management of CKD patients with or without HF and other comorbidities.

Current Place of SGLT2i in the Management of Heart Failure: An Expert Opinion from India.

Heart failure (HF) is a global health concern that is prevalent in India as well. HF is reported at a younger age in Indian patients with comorbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in approximately 50% of patients. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), originally approved for T2DM, are new guideline-recommended and approved treatment strategies for HF. Extensive evidence highlights that SGLT2i exhibits profound cardiovascular (CV) benefits beyond glycemic control. SGLT2i, in conjunction with other guideline-directed medical therapies (GMDT), has additive effects in improving heart function and reducing adverse HF outcomes. The benefits of SGLT2i are across a spectrum of patients, with and without diabetes, suggesting their potential place in broader HF populations irrespective of ejection fraction (EF). This consensus builds on the updated evidence of the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in HF and recommends its place in therapy with a focus on Indian patients with HF.

Sediment modeling using laboratory-scale rainfall simulator and laser precipitation monitor.

The characterization of a rainfall simulator provides an excellent opportunity to study the potential of soil erosivity without waiting for natural rain. But, precise instrumentation is required to estimate the parameters, which is seldom available. To overcome this problem, the empirical and conceptual relationships obtained through physically-based modeling help to correlate the rain parameters contributing to soil erosion. The present laboratory study used five pressurized nozzles of different capacities and a Laser Precipitation Monitor (LPM) to generate different rain intensities (21.0-79.0 mm h-1) and to register drop size distribution, respectively. The sediment transportation induced by rain and runoff was measured with an erosion flume of 2.50 × 1.25 × 0.56 m with an adjustable longitudinal slope. The spatial uniformity, drop size distribution, drop velocity, and kinetic energy were used to evaluate the simulator's performance. The different rain erosivity parameters were correlated and tested statistically using linear and non-linear regression analysis. The rain simulation experiments of different intensities at different pressure ranges were performed on flat, 5, 10, and 15% slopes of the erosion flume to evaluate rain characteristics and record the surface runoff and sediment yield. The median drop sizes produced during the simulator ranged from 0.38 to 2.11 mm, coinciding with natural rain. The empirical relationships were developed to correlate surface discharge and sediment yield with rain intensity by optimizing the parameters for further study of experimental field plots of different slopes. The observed and estimated rain erosivity parameters showed a significant relationship (R2 = 0.75 to 0.93; P < 0.001) in multiple regression analysis, and the metrics used to test the developed regression equations showed lower MAE, MSE, and RMSE errors indicating the adequacy of the relationships. The results indicated that the simulator helps to understand the complex task of soil erosion with hydrologic and geomorphic processes in laboratory experimentation with sufficient accuracy in measuring sediment transport events.

Mapping and visualizing the research contribution of India on telemedicine: A scientometric study.

Background: The term "Telemedicine" is being used in the medical and health sector to treat patients and to provide medical guidance remotely. The intellectual output from India in terms of publications was harvested from Scopus® with the keyword "Telemedicine" and analyzed by using bibliometric techniques. Methods: The source data was downloaded from the Scopus® database. All the publications on telemedicine and indexed in the database up to the year 2021 were considered for scientometric analysis. The software tools VOSviewer® version 1.6.18 to visualize bibliometric networks, statistical software R Studio® version 3.6.1 with the Bibliometrix package Biblioshiny® were used for analysis and data visualization, and EdrawMind® was used for mind mapping. Result: India contributed 2,391 (4.32%) publications on telemedicine to a total of 55,304 publications worldwide until 2021. There were 886 (37.05%) papers that appeared in open access mode. The analysis revealed that the first paper was published in the year 1995 from India. Steep growth in the number of publications was observed in 2020 with 458 publications. The highest, 54 research publications, appeared in the "Journal of Medical Systems." The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, contributed the highest number of publications (n = 134). A considerable overseas collaboration was observed (USA: 11%; UK: 5.85%). Conclusions: This is the first such attempt to address the intellectual output of India in the emerging medical discipline of telemedicine and has yielded useful information such as leading authors, institutions, their impact, and year-wise topic trends.

Transcription pattern of key molecular chaperones in heat shocked caprine cardiac fibroblasts.

The present study was attempted to unveil the impact of heat stress on transcription pattern of major heat shock response genes in caprine cardiac fibroblasts. Cardiac tissues (n = 6) were collected and primary cardiac cell culture was done. Cultured cardiac fibroblasts were kept in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air at 38.5 °C. Cardiac cells achieved 70-75% confluence after 72 hours of incubation. Heat stress was induced on confluent cardiac fibroblasts at 42 °C for 0 (control), 20, 60, 100 and 200 min. Quantitative RT-PCR for ß2m (internal control), HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP110 was done and their transcription pattern was assessed by Pfaffl method. HSP60, HSP90, and HSP110 transcription did not differ at 20 min, up-regulated (p < 0.05) from 60 to 200 min and registered highest at 200 min of heat exposure. HSP70 transcription was gradually escalated (p < 0.05) time dependently from 20 to 200 min and reached zenith at 200 min of heat exposure. Differential induction in transcription of key molecular chaperones at various durations of heat exposure might reduce cardiac fibroblasts apoptosis and thus could maintain cardiac tissue function during heat stress.

Cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in children with cerebral malaria.

This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in children with cerebral malaria (CM) and its role in the differentiation of CM from non-cerebral severe malaria. CSF TNF-α was measured using a human TNF-α enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit of 39 cases of CM and 19 cases of non-cerebral severe malaria. CSF TNF-α levels were significantly higher in CM (p < 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristics curve, a cutoff value of CSF TNF-α was 5.7 pg/ml for diagnosis of CM with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.2%, 94.7%, 97.1% and 78.3% respectively. The cutoff value of CSF TNF-α was 13.7 pg/ml for predicting adverse outcomes in CM with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 100%, 96.8%, 88.9% and 100%, respectively. However, the cutoff value of CSF TNF-α was 4.96 pg/ml for predicting adverse outcomes in non-cerebral severe malaria with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 100%, 94.1%, 88.9% and 100% respectively. So, CSF TNF-α is an excellent biomarker and can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. More studies are needed to establish CSF TNF-α as a predictor of neurological sequelae.

Hyper-transcription of heat shock factors and heat shock proteins safeguard caprine cardiac cells against heat stress.

The present study was undertaken to document the transcriptional abundance of heat shock factors and heat shock proteins and their role in survivability of caprine cardiac cells during heat stress. Cardiac tissues were collected from different goats (n = 6) and primary cardiac cell culture was done in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air at 38.5 °C. Cardiac cells accomplished 70-75% confluence after 72 h of incubation. Confluent cardiac cells were exposed to heat stress at 42 °C for 0 (control), 20, 60, 100 and 200 min. Quantitative RT-PCR for ß2m (internal control), heat shock factors (HSF1, HSF2, HSF4, HSF5), heat shock proteins (HSP10, HSP40), and Caspase-3 was done and their transcriptional abundance was assessed by Pfaffl method. Transcriptional abundance of HSF1, HSF2, and HSF4 did not change at 20 min, increased (P < 0.05) from 60 to 200 min and reached zenith at 200 min of heat exposure. However, transcriptional abundance of HSF5 was gradually escalated (P < 0.05) from 20 to 200 min and registered highest at 200 min of heat exposure. Transcriptional abundance of HSP10 and HSP40 followed an similar pattern like that of HSF5. Transcriptional abundance of Caspase-3 was significantly down-regulated at 200 min of heat exposure. It could be speculated that over-expression of HSFs and HSPs might have reduced Caspase-3 expression at 200 min of heat exposure suggesting their involvement in cardiac cells survival under heat stress. Moreover, hyper-expression of HSFs and HSPs could maintain the integrity and endurance of cardiac tissues of goats under heat stress.

Role of Iron Therapy in Heart Failure: A Consensus Statement from India.

Iron deficiency (ID) with or without anemia is frequently observed in patients with heart failure (HF). Uncorrected ID is associated with higher hospitalization and mortality in patients with acute HF (AHF) and chronic HF (CHF). Hence, in addition to chronic renal insufficiency, anemia, and diabetes, ID appears as a novel comorbidity and a treatment target of CHF. Intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) reduces the hospitalization risk due to HF worsening and improves functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) in HF patients. The current consensus document provides criteria, an expert opinion on the diagnosis of ID in HF, patient profiles for IV FCM, and correct administration and monitoring of such patients.

Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor Therapy and Cardiac Remodeling in Heart Failure: Consensus Statement from India.

Adverse cardiac remodeling refers to progressive structural and functional modifications in the heart because of increased wall stress in the myocardium, loss of viable myocardium, and neurohormonal stimulation. The guideline-directed medical therapy for Heart failure (HF) includes Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) (sacubitril/valsartan), ß-blockers, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). ARNI is under-prescribed in India despite its attractive safety and efficacy profile. Therefore, the consensus discusses objectives and topics related to ARNI in the management of cardiac remodeling, and experts shared their views on the early timely intervention of effective dosage of ARNI to improve the diagnosis and enhance mortality and morbidity benefits in cardiac reverse remodeling (CRR).

The Power and Promise of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) in Heart Failure Management: National Consensus Statement.

;Heart failure (HF) is a huge global public health task due to morbidity, mortality, disturbed quality of life, and major economic burden. It is an area of active research and newer treatment strategies are evolving. Recently angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), a class of drugs (the first agent in this class, Sacubitril-Valsartan), reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in chronic HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Positive therapeutic effects have led to a decrease in cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalizations (HFH), with a favorable safety profile, and have been documented in several clinical studies with an unquestionable survival benefit with ARNI, Sacubitril-Valsartan. This consensus statement of the Indian group of experts in cardiology, nephrology, and diabetes provides a comprehensive review of the power and promise of ARNI in HF management and an evidence-based appraisal of the use of ARNI as an essential treatment strategy for HF patients in clinical practice. Consensus in this review favors an early utility of Sacubitril-Valsartan in patients with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), regardless of the previous therapy being given. A lower rate of hospitalizations for HF with Sacubitril-Valsartan in HF patients with preserved EF who are phenotypically heterogeneous suggests possible benefits of ARNI in patients having 40-50% of LVEF, frequent subtle systolic dysfunction, and higher hospitalization risk.

Role of Bisoprolol in Heart Failure Management: A Consensus Statement from India.

In India, heart failure (HF) is an important health concern affecting younger age groups than the western population. A limited number of Indian patients receive guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). Selective ß-1 blockers (BB) are one of the GDMTs in HF and play an important role by decreasing the sympathetic overdrive. The BB reduces heart rate (HR) reverse the adverse cardiac (both ventricular and atrial), vascular, and renovascular remodeling seen in HF. Bisoprolol, a ß-1 blocker, has several advantages and can be used across a wide spectrum of HF presentations and in patients with HF and comorbid conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF), post-myocardial infarction (MI), uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and renal impairment. Despite its advantages, bisoprolol is not optimally utilized for managing HF in India. This consensus builds on updated evidence on the efficacy and safety of bisoprolol in HF and recommends its place in therapy with a focus on Indian patients with HF.

Sorption behavior studies of Cs and its migration in soil samples around Visakhapatnam, India.

Meeting the requirement of high specific activity of radioisotopes and carrying out comprehensive research and development activities in the nuclear field, different nuclear facilities, including their waste disposal facilities, are going to be operational at Visakhapatnam, India. Due to environmental processes, the engineered disposal modules may lose their structural integrity and may release some radioactivity to the geo-environment. The subsequent migration of radionuclides reaching the geological environment will be governed by the distribution coefficient (Kd). Cs was chosen for the sorption study in two soil samples (soil-29 and 31) and to estimate the Kd in all the 40 soil samples through the laboratory batch method at the new campus of DAE, Visakhapatnam, India. Different soil chemical parameters like pH, organic matter, CaCO3, and cation exchange capacity were determined in 40 soil samples and their effect on Cs sorption was investigated. The effect of solution pH and initial concentration of Cs on sorption was also studied. The results show that the sorption of Cs increases with increasing pH. The Cs sorption was well explained by Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models. Site-specific distribution coefficients (Kd) were also estimated and the values were found to vary from 75 ± 1 to 540 ± 12 L kg-1. The observed wide variation in Kd could be due to large variations in the physico-chemical properties of collected soil. The competitive ions effect study suggests that K+ has higher interference for Cs+ sorption as compared to Na+. The present study results will help assess the environmental impact due to Cs release in any unforeseen scenario and in planning effective remediation strategies.

Supplementation of nano-selenium (SeNPs) improved growth, immunity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and selenium retention in broiler chicken during summer season.

The present experiment was aimed at finding the optimal supplemental dose of nano-selenium in broiler chicken during the summer season for better performance in terms of growth, blood metabolites, immune response, antioxidant status, and selenium concentration in vital organs. Three-hundred-day-old Vencobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatment groups with six replicates of 10 chicks each. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 (control group), basal diet; T2, basal diet with 0.0375 ppm of nano-Se; T3, basal diet with 0.075 ppm of nano-Se; T4, basal diet with 0.15 ppm of nano-Se; T5, basal diet with 0.3 ppm of nano-Se. The experiment was carried out for 35 days. The average gain and feed conversion ratio were best observed in T4 and T5. The antibody titres were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treated birds. At the 5th week, erythrocytic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly (P < 0.05) higher and lipid peroxidation values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in all the nano-Se-treated groups. The Se levels in the liver, breast muscle, kidney, brain, and gizzard were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increased dietary nano-Se. Histological studies of the liver and kidney in the highest nano-Se-treated groups (T4 and T5) did not show any abnormal changes. It is concluded that supplementation of nano-selenium at 0.15 ppm over and above the basal level improved the performance and protect the birds from summer stress without any adverse effect on the vital organs of chicken.

Corneal transplantation: A walk to vision.

Corneal diseases are a major cause of blindness in the world. Corneal transplantation has been a cornerstone in the management of several of these advanced pathologies. This article discusses the evolution of corneal transplantation over a century, its indications, complications and briefly the various surgical techniques. Such tremendous technical improvisations from total corneal transplantation to lamellar keratoplasties have generated significant interest in the ophthalmic world and garnered momentum to the fight against blindness. Armed Forces Medical Services are also in vogue more than ever in this forward surge.

EXPLORING CLINICAL VARIATIONS AND CO-MORBID TRENDS IN PD-MCI GROUPS.

Parkinson's Disease in Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI) is a complex condition characterized by a variety of cognitive problems that coexist with the physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aims to examine the different medical indicators and associated tendencies among different PD-MCI groups. We investigated 132 people who had been given PD-MCI diagnoses. Utilizing SPSS, statistical evaluations are carried out. In overall PD-MCI variants, this investigation found that visuospatial ability and attentional/executive performance are the most impaired cognitive areas. It was also noticed that distinct PD-MCI groups had variances in their neurological characteristics, in multi domain amnesia (Non-Memory) PD-MCI patients exhibiting especially severe issues with unstable posture and walking. The intricacy of PD- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is highlighted by those results, which also imply that the interplay between mental and physical signs may be controlled by a number of interrelated factors, such as particular cognitive areas, brain surfaces, and the general level of cognitive impairment.

IMPLICATION OF THREAT FACTORS AND PREEXISTING DISORDERS IN DIFFERENT ISCHEMIC STROKE SUBGROUPS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE: A SYSTEMATIC STUDY.

Ischemic stroke is a major health issue, especially for the older population and it may have severe effects. Stroke diagnosis and treatment have advanced over the last 20 years, which has resulted in considerable reductions in death, long-term impairment, and the need for institutional care. Younger age groups have seen the majority of trials for acute, interventional, and preventive therapy. The purpose of this research was to identify distinct subgroups of older people who had suffered an ischemic stroke and examine the role that risk factors and previous illnesses played in their development. Ischemic stroke risk factors varied by age, gender and exhibited their own unique features. Smoking, cholesterol, and psychological/emotional stress were shown to have the greatest prevalence (p<0.06) among stroke patients aged 45-60. Smoking is associated with a significant (p<0.07) decline in health in elderly people. Our results imply that there are significant patterns of risk factors and preexisting illnesses among the various subgroups of older people who have had an ischemic stroke. Atherosclerotic (large-artery) and cardio embolic (small-artery) ischemic strokes were shown to be the most prevalent among the elderly. Strong associations were found between these subtypes and other risk factors, including higher cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation. This research emphasizes the need for individualized preventative methods and therapeutic therapy, as well as the need to recognize the variability of ischemic stroke in the elderly.

COVID-19 vaccination and breakthrough infections in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is an important preventive health measure to protect against symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Impaired immunity secondary to an underlying malignancy or recent receipt of antineoplastic systemic therapies can result in less robust antibody titers following vaccination and possible risk of breakthrough infection. As clinical trials evaluating COVID-19 vaccines largely excluded patients with a history of cancer and those on active immunosuppression (including chemotherapy), limited evidence is available to inform the clinical efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination across the spectrum of patients with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe the clinical features of patients with cancer who developed symptomatic COVID-19 following vaccination and compare weighted outcomes with those of contemporary unvaccinated patients, after adjustment for confounders, using data from the multi-institutional COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19). RESULTS: Patients with cancer who develop COVID-19 following vaccination have substantial comorbidities and can present with severe and even lethal infection. Patients harboring hematologic malignancies are over-represented among vaccinated patients with cancer who develop symptomatic COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination against COVID-19 remains an essential strategy in protecting vulnerable populations, including patients with cancer. Patients with cancer who develop breakthrough infection despite full vaccination, however, remain at risk of severe outcomes. A multilayered public health mitigation approach that includes vaccination of close contacts, boosters, social distancing, and mask-wearing should be continued for the foreseeable future.

Genetic admixture and population structure analysis of Indian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using STR markers.

BACKGROUND: India has a vast riverine and swamp buffalo diversity adapted to various agro-ecological conditions. In the present study, genetic diversity data for 10 different buffalo populations of India, using 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers has been generated for the genetic diversity analysis. The buffalo populations of Eastern Odisha state, were the primary focus. METHODS AND RESULTS: The minimal spanning network based on Bruvo's distance, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) based on the Fst (Fixation Index) values, and genetic admixture analysis using both the STRUCTURE and 'snapclust' were performed. The analysis could identify the Manda population as distinct from other Odisha buffalo breeds as well as adjoining Chhattisgarhi buffalo breeds. The total observed number of alleles ranged between 143 (Manda) and 301 (Paralakhemundi) with an average of 204 alleles per breed. The Sambhalpuri buffalo population also clustered into two separate subpopulations, half of the unique sub-population located geographically south-wards, displayed no admixture with any of the adjacent buffalo populations. The Manda buffalo population has shown sufficient allelic richness and heterozygosity under random mating being practiced in the field conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The study has led to the identification of the Manda as a distinct buffalo population, and the germplasm has been registered as a new Indian buffalo breed. Whereas, the Sambhalpuri population requires elaborate analysis to confirm the existence of two distinct sub-populations.

Targeted (PCR-based) screening of antibiotic resistance genes' prevalence in the gut microbiota of tribal people of Nabarangpur, Odisha, India.

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. The gut microbiota harbours multiple antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) that contribute to the existing and future microbial population in a community or ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of 35 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of the tribal people of Nabarangpur, Odisha, India. A total of 83 faecal samples were collected from three different tribes (Bhatra, Gond, and Paraja). Total faecal DNA was extracted, and the simplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect selected ARGs. Further analysis was done to estimate the incidence of these ARGs across these tribes based on alcohol consumption habits. We identified a higher prevalence of tetracycline resistance genes (tetW, tetQ and tetM) in the gut microbiota among three populations. Furthermore, a significant (P = 0·024) difference in ARG prevalence against vancomycin in individuals with and without alcohol consumption habits was noticed. The overall distribution of ARGs among the three major tribes of this location was found to be very similar. Together, irrespective of the tribes, the people of this location have gut microbiota harbouring different kinds of ARGs and tetracycline-resistant genes are the most commonly found ARGs.