Assessment of antimicrobial activity of Meliponula ferrugica in pathogenic wound samples

Background: Honey is a naturally occurring sweet material that bees make from nectar from flowers, secretions from plant parts, or excretions from plants that suck insects from plant parts. Honey’s antibacterial and antifungal qualities are widely known, and it has been used to heal burns, surgical wounds, and decubitus ulcers. Honey instantly sterilizes wounds affected by Staphylococcus aureus. The honey’s ability to fight bacteria can be ascertained by the nectar’s origin. Many antibiotic resistances among the bacteria that cause infections in humans have directly evolved as a result of the use of antibiotics in clinical practice. Methods: This study found that Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology can be used to identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. According to the study’s findings, honey has a capacity to neutralise Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus that have been isolated from infected wounds. Honey’s antibacterial characteristics account for a significant portion of its antibacterial activity. Results: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were both susceptible to the antibacterial activity of the honey sample. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited lower activity compared to Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: The results of this investigation show that Bergey’s handbook of determinative bacteriology can be used to identify Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the study’s findings, honey has the ability to neutralise Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus that have been isolated from infected wounds.

A randomized, double-blind, parallel and placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KaraCalm™: a dietary supplement to support sleep and manage stress

Background: KaraCalm™ is a novel polyherbal formulation obtained from the combination of Valeriana officinalis extract, Passiflora incarnata extract, Ocimum sanctum extract, Ziziphus jujuba extract, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, and Nigella sativa extract. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the efficacy and safety of KaraCalm™ to manage stress and improve sleep in healthy subjects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Methods: A total of 60 healthy volunteers were randomized into two groups, with 30 subjects in the KaraCalm™ group and 30 in the placebo group. Participants were asked to take KaraCalm™ 500 mg or placebo once daily for 56 days. As primary outcomes, sleep analysis was performed by using Actiwatch, while stress level was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores from baseline to the end of the study period. Serum cortisol, and hs-CRP from baseline to the end of the study period were assessed as secondary endpoints. Results: An increase in overall sleep quality was observed in the KaraCalm™ group compared to the placebo as measured by total sleep time, onset latency, wake after sleep onset minutes, and number of awakenings. There was also a reduction in PSS scores in the KaraCalm™ group from baseline to the end of the study, indicating reduced stress levels. A significant reduction in Serum cortisol and hs-C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the KaraCalm™ group from baseline to the end of the study further supported the effectiveness of KaraCalm™ in reducing stress. There was no significant change in the safety analyses of the patients in the intervention group when assessed from the start of the study to the end. Conclusions: KaraCalm™ can be considered a safe and effective dietary herbal Supplement to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Assessment of KaraShieldTM properties in supporting the immune health of healthy subjects: a randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

Background: This study aims to investigate whether a novel herbal extract blend, KaraShieldTM could be used to help build a healthy immune system that could reduce the number of incidences or severity of common upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods: A randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of 60 days was done on 120 healthy subjects allocated to a treatment arm (500 mg/day, KaraShieldTM) or placebo arm (500 mg/day). Results: A 500 mg daily dosage of KaraShieldTM significantly improved the subjects' immune health as measured by parameters such as the frequency and severity of upper respiratory tract conditions, the serum IgG level, mean ISQ raw score, WURSS scale score, CRP level in the serum and WHOQOL-BREF score at the end of the study period of sixty days from the baseline compared to that of the placebo. The investigated product was found to be safe and well tolerated by the subjects. Conclusions: KaraShieldTM may represent a promising safe and effective formulation for building a healthy immune system that could then counteract URTIs.

A comparative analysis of serum phosphorus levels and mineral metabolic markers in non-dialysis and dialysis chronic kidney disease patient: a cross-sectional study

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem worldwide. As kidney function declines, it leads to several metabolic abnormalities including dysregulation of mineral metabolism. It is also reported that hyperphosphatemia in patients with advanced kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular events, and is higher in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients compared to non-dialysis CKD. However, data in the Indian context is limited. Objectives were to evaluate and compare serum phosphorus levels and associated factors in non-dialysis and dialysis CKD patients. Also, the impact of dietary phosphate restriction and the use of phosphate binders on serum phosphorus is analysed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, India, with 100 CKD patients: 50 non-dialysis CKD patients and 50 dialysis-dependent CKD patients. Relevant demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters including serum phosphorus, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were collected. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Mean serum phosphorus was significantly higher in the dialysis CKD group (6.12±0.34 mg/dl) compared to the non-dialysis CKD group (4.56±0.80 mg/dl). Serum calcium and PTH were also higher while eGFR and albumin were lower in the dialysis CKD group. Serum phosphorus levels increased with advancing CKD stages in the non-dialysis group. Phosphate binder helped phosphorus control in dialysis CKD patients. Conclusions: Our study is in confluence with other reports and dietary phosphate restriction and the use of phosphate binders help optimize phosphorus levels in CKD patients.

Effects of extraction temperature on phytoconstituents of leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica and its antiparasitic efficacy against Argulus sp.

Aim: To understand the effect of extraction temperatures on the phytoconstituents of dried and fresh neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts and its antiparasitic efficacy (AE %) against Argulus sp., an ectoparasite of fish. Methodology: Extracts of fresh and dried neem leaf were prepared using water at three different temperatures viz. room temperature (26 °C) for 24 hr, cold extraction (4 °C) for 24 hr and hot extraction (60°C) for 15 min, respectively. The preliminary qualitative and high-performance thin liquid chromatography analysis was conducted to estimate the phytoconstituents of each extract. The antiparasitic efficacy and 6 hr median effective concentration (EC50) of each extract was estimated against Argulus sp. Results: The qualitative test revealed all the estimated phytoconstituents in aqueous dried and fresh leaf extract prepared at 26 °C. Whereas the hot extract of dried leaf lacked alkaloids, and similarly among the fresh leaf extract, the absence of saponin in the cold, and hot extract lacked terpenoids and tannin. Further, thin layer chromatography analysis revealed more phytoconstituents in dried leaf than fresh neem leaf extracts at all extraction temperatures. Significantly higher 6 hr antiparasitic efficacy of 100 % and 61 % with an estimated median effective concentration (EC50) of 2.75 and 3.24 were found for dried and fresh neem leaf extracts, respectively, extracted at 26 °C in 3.5 g l-1 compared to cold and hot extracts. Interpretation: The present study recommends room temperature as the best condition for extracting active phytoconstituents from neem leaf extracts, additionally dried neem leaf extract could be a potent argulocidal agent in the aquaculture industry

Arterial complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: single centre experience

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgeries done in general surgical practice. Arterial complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are not uncommon and usually results due to iatrogenic injury. Mostly patients are managed by interventional radiological procedures, but very rarely we may have to resort to surgical procedures also. Our first patient a 40-year-old female patient presented with haemetemesis and malena. She was diagnosed with a right hepatic artery aneurysm following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy done 2 months back. Due to sudden haemodynamic instability, the patient underwent laparotomy aneurysmal excision and T tube drainage. Later T tube was removed. Another patient, a 41-year-old female patient presented to us with haemetemesis and malena 2 weeks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She developed a post-operative biliary leak and was managed with USG-guided pigtail drainage. She was later diagnosed with a GDA aneurysm along with mid-CBD transection. The patient was later managed with hepatico jejunostomy. Our third patient is a 52-year-old gentleman, underwent interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy following acute calculus cholecystitis. Intra operatively following profuse bleeding, RHA artery sectoral branch repair was done. Patient continued to have bleeding and he underwent emergency angioembolisation of right hepatic artery pseudo aneurysm. Arterial complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy result either from direct arterial or combined Bilio arterial injuries. Interventional radiological procedures are still considered the standard of care in these situations. Surgical interventions hold equally good in ongoing bile leak and in failure of embolization techniques. Management strategy depends on the clinical profile of the patient and the injuries associated with it.

Evaluation of Maize and Pulses Intercropping System under Rainfed Condition in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

A field experiment was conducted in rabi seasons (2022) at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore to study the maize-based intercropping with different legumes under rainfed condition as there are less research work regarding intercropping of maize in this area. Greengram (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) were selected as intercrops in 4:1 and 6:1 row ratio. The result of the study indicated that intercropping of greengram and cowpea with maize (Zea mays L.) in 4:1 gave higher total grain yield and stover yield compared to the sole cropping of maize under rainfed condition. Other intercropping indices like grain equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, competition index and income equivalent ratio were calculated. Intercropping system of maize + greengram (4:1) recorded the higher net return and B: C ratio followed by it maize+ cowpea (4:1). Therefore, under rainfed conditions of western zone of Tamil Nadu, maize + greengram 4:1 intercropping system may be suggested to get greater net return and B: C ratio.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Irrigated Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of irrigated black gram. Pulses are also known as food legumes and they are second only to cereals in terms of production and consumption in India. A field experiment was carried out at Research Farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during rabi season, (2022-2023) to Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on growth and yield of irrigated blackgram crop with seven treatments and three replications under Randomized block design (RBD). The results indicated that the treatment with 50% RDF + 25% farmyard manure (FYM) + 25% Vermicompost (T7) performed well among all the treatments and recorded higher plant height (36.73cm), total dry matter production (2325 kg ha-1), grain yield (930 kg ha-1), stover yield ( 1395 kg ha-1), number of pods (20.65). The net return (25892 Rs ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.88) was recorded higher in 100% RDF.

Baby Corn Yield Performance on Silty Clay Loam Soil as Impacted by Organic Nutrient Management Practises of Coimbatore

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022 in the farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore to study the effect on organic nutrient management on yield and economic returns of baby corn which was grown in silty clay loam soil. Among all the treatment 12.5 t FYM + groundnut cake equivalent to 60 kg fertilizer N provided much better outcomes in terms of yield attributing character and cob yield followed by vermi-compost equivalent to N in 12.5 t FYM + groundnut cake equivalent to 60 Kg fertilizer N. B:C ratio was found higher in 60-30-30 kg NPK through fertilizer alone.

Effect of System of Rice Intensification Practices in Increasing the Yield of Traditional Varieties of Rice

The experiment to evaluate the “Effect of SRI (System of Rice Intensification) practices in increasing the yield of traditional varieties of rice was carried out in the samba season of 2022 at south farm in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Division of Agronomy, Coimbatore. The soil of the experimental field was clay loam, moderately drained low in available N 212 kg ha-1), high (17.4 kg ha-1) medium K (410 kg ha-1) level of organic carbon (0.73%). The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design and replicated three times. The treatments consisted of 7 rice varieties namely Illupaipoo samba (T1), Vaalan samba (T2), Mysore malli (T3), Thanga samba (T4), Thooyamalli (T5), Kitcheli samba (T6) and Bhavani (T7). The Data collected includes the yield attributes of different traditional rice varieties and was analyzed using analysis of variance. In the recent past, research on the country's rice crop has mostly been concentrated on increasing output, crop resilience to pests and diseases, and has given little attention to cultivating the traditional rice varieties or management options for better establishment and production. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct SRI technique experiments with a few chosen rice varieties in order to gather data and provide guidance on the best variety to choose for the production of high-quality rice and its commercialization The results showed that the variety Thanga samba (T4) produced significantly higher grain yield of 6564 kg ha-1 and registered a yield increase ranging from 12 to 63 per cent over the other varieties under evaluation. The highest net return of 176472 ₹ ha-1 with B:C ratio of 2.6 was realised under the variety Thanga samba (T4). In conclusion the variety Thanga samba (T4) performed better under SRI method of cultivation.

Prevalence and outcome of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants, with low birth weight at KMCH, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Premature infants have avascular or incompletely vascularized retina at birth and ROP evolves over 4-5 weeks after birth. The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants, with birth weight ? 1500 grams and/or gestational age ?32 weeks in a tertiary care center.Methods: The study was conducted in Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital Coimbatore in 2016. The sample size is 95 babies. All preterm infants admitted with a birth weight of ?1500 grams and/or ? 32 weeks of gestation and baby those at risk of ROP.Results: 95 babies have enrolled during the study period of which 78 babies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed this prospective study.12 babies could not complete the follow-up protocol and 5 babies died before full vascularization of the retina. 78 babies who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were screened and 15 babies were found to have ROP. The prevalence of ROP in this study is 19.2%.Conclusions: Among the preventable causes of blindness in children, ROP figures very high on the agenda. Low birth weight and gestational age were found to be the most important risk factors for the development of ROP.

A study of prevalence of culture positive UTI in children: clinical profile, risk factor analysis, and microbiological profile

Background: Urinary infection is one of the common infections occurring in children. Different literature says different definition for UTI. Indian Academy of Pediatrics defines urinary tract infection as the growth of a significant number of organisms of single species in urine culture with the presence of symptoms of UTI. The objective is to study the clinical profile of children with urine culture positive UTI.Methods: The study was conducted in Kovai medical centre and hospital Coimbatore. The sample size is 150 children. The study population includes children with culture-positive UTI who are admitted between October 2015 to September 2016 over a period of 1 year. Child's history was then recorded as answers to the pre-prepared questionnaire in a proforma. Clinical examination was done, and the findings were recorded. Blood sampling was done for all patients and sent to a laboratory to measure total count, differential count, ESR.Results: Previous urinary tract infection was present in 2.7% of children. All children had the same organism grown in urine culture as in previous episode suggesting unresolved or persistent bacteremia. This is comparable with the literature stating unresolved bacteremia as the most common type of recurrent.Conclusions: The study group in which the risk factors were analysed had a female preponderance (may be due to the short urethra, easy ascending infection). In present study population fever and increased frequency are two important symptoms followed by abdominal pain.

Expression studies on NA+/K+-ATPase in gills of Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) acclimated to different salinities.

The decapod crustacean Penaeus monodon survives large fluctuations in salinity through osmoregulation in which Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity in the gills plays a central role. Adult P. monodon specimens were gradually acclimatized to 5, 25 and 35‰ salinities and maintained for 20 days to observe long term alterations in NKA expression. Specific NKA activity assayed in gill tissues was found to be 3 folds higher at 5‰ compared to 25‰ (isosmotic salinity) and 0.48 folds lower at 35‰. The enzyme was immunolocalized in gills using mouse α-5 monoclonal antibody that cross reacts with P. monodon NKA α-subunit. At 5‰ the immunopositive cells were distributed on lamellar tips and basal lamellar epithelium of the secondary gill filaments and their number was visibly higher. At both 25‰ and 35‰ NKA positive cells were observed in the inter-lamellar region but the expression was more pronounced at 25‰. Gill architecture was normal at all salinities. However, the 1.5 fold increase in NKA α-subunit mRNA at 5‰ measured by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) using EF1α as reference gene was not statistically significant. The study confirms the osmoregulating ability of P. monodon like other crustaceans at lower salinities. It is likely that significant increase in NKA transcript level happens at an earlier time point. At higher salinities all three methods record only marginal or no change from isosmotic controls confirming the hypothesis that the animal largely osmoconforms in hyperosmotic environment.

A Prevalence Study on Myopia Among School Going Children in a Rural Area of South India.

Introduction: Myopia or short sightedness is a type of refractive error in which parallel rays coming from infinity are focused in front of retina when accommodation is at rest. It is a vision condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. Myopia occurs if the eyeball is too long or cornea has too much curvature. Myopia is a common vision condition affecting nearly 30% of population. It occur more frequently among school children aged between 8 and 12 years. Because the eye continues to grow during childhood, it typically progresses until about age 20. Aims and objectives: This study aimed at finding the prevalence of myopia among the students aged 10-12 years of a school in a rural area of Kollam and the influence of environmental factors, indoor activities like reading, computer games and outdoor activities and genetic factors in development of myopia. Materials and methods: Study population included students of a nearby school. Students of age >10 years were considered, so students of 5th, 6th and 7th standard students were selected. Each of the division was considered as one strata and simple random sample of clusters had been selected from each standard. All the students of the selected division were selected to sample. Thus, a total of 68 students from that school were taken for the study. The study setting was in a rural area in Kollam district of Kerala. Results: Snellen’s chart along with unilateral vision blinders were used for evaluating vision. Details of factors influencing were obtained using a pretested questionnaire in a pilot study. The prevalence of myopia in school children of rural community in Kollam was found to be 51.47% in which a group of hidden myopic of 43.1% were discovered.

Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Medical College in South India: A Pilot Study.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in India with projected rates of 79.4 million in 2030 — a 15.1% increase from 31.7 million in 2000. The increased prevalence is attributed to the aging population structure, urbanization, the obesity epidemic and physical inactivity. Though prevalence of diabetes is alarmingly high among Indians, there have been very few studies assessing the effect of diabetes on pregnancy outcomes. Diabetes in pregnancy causes maternal and neonatal complications like stillbirth, hydramnios, etc. Among ethnic groups in South Asian countries, Indian women especially south Indians have the highest frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) necessitating universal screening. The recognition of glucose intolerance during pregnancy is more relevant as Indian women have 11-fold increased risk of developing GDM compared to other places. Aims and objectives: To find the prevalence of GDM in Kollam and to find the relation of GDM with various risk factors like age, obesity, previous large baby, abortion, previous abnormal glucose tolerance test (GTT), complications in previous pregnancy like hydramnios, bleeding, etc. Study design: A retrospective study of prevalence and possible risk factors associated with gestational diabetes was undertaken on 71 mothers between the age group of 20 and 35 years who were screened. Setting: Details on the medical history, family history of diabetes and obstetric history were collected using a performa. All the study subjects underwent a complete physical examination and biochemical assessment was done. Results and conclusion: This study on prevalence of GDM in Kollam district showed that the prevalence of GDM was 17%. It was found out that the factors such as increased age of pregnant women, overweight and obesity, lack of exercise and diet control, GDM in first-degree relatives, previous abnormal GTT predispose to GDM. Also women with previous large weight babies (macrosomia), previous loss of pregnancy, GDM in previous pregnancy, complications in previous pregnancy like hydramnios, bleeding, etc. have increased chances of getting GDM.

Identification and estimation of phthalate esters in the commonly used deodorants in UAE by using HPTLC method

The study aims to identify and estimate four phthalate esters viz., Dibutyl phthalate [DBP], Diethyl phthalate [DEP], Di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate [DEHP], Dimehtyl phthalate [DMP] in commonly used deodorants by using High performance Thin Layer Chromatography [HPTLC]. 10 brands of most commonly used deodorants; the volume and frequency of their use were selected based on a questionnaire based survey in UAE. DBP, DEP, DEHP, and DMP were identified in deodorants by comparing the R[f] value with their respective standards by using HPTLC. The estimated phthalate contents were extrapolated to calculate the hazard indices. The results showed that these 4 different phthalates were present in various brands of deodorants. DBP was found to be present in highest concentrations in most of the deodorants. The hazard indices of all four phthalates were found to be less than 1. In our study, the different phthalates [DBP, DEP, DEHP and DMP] contents in 10 brands of commonly used deodorants in UAE were identified and estimated. The Hazard Indices for phthalates estimated [DBP, DEP, DEHP and DMP] in different brands of commonly used deodorants in UAE were found to be below 1 indicates the safety of these products for human use

Detection of stability and degradation of piperacillin and tazobactam in injectables from in-patient wards and pharmacy by RP-HPLC method

New RP-HPLC method for the detection of degradants and quantification piperacillin and tazobactam in injectables stored in inpatient wards and pharmacy has been developed on C[8] column [250 x 4.6, 5 micron] using methanol and water [55:45% v/v] as mobile phase and Diode array detection at 215 nm. Linearity regression coefficients were more than 0.999 and % RSD for intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy were less than 2. Selectivity of the method for all possible degradants and analytes were established by mild acidic and alkaline stress degradation using 0.001M HCl and 0.001M NaOH. Method was applied on various samples of injectables collected from inpatients wards and pharmacy. Results revealed that few minor degradants were observed in samples collected from refrigerator and 9 degradants were found in samples collected from trays of inpatient ward. Formed degradants were identical with acid/base hydrolytic products of stress studies. This RP-HPLC method is highly reliable in hospitals and clinical analysis of Piperacillin and Tazobactam in Injectables to preserve potency, to prevent resistance and to ensure efficacy. This study educates the paramedical staff in handling and storage of Piperacillin and Tazobactam in injectables in wards and pharmacy stores

Ethnomedicinal plants used to cure diarrhoea and dysentery in Pachalur hills of Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, Southern India.

The people residing in Pachalur hills in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu mostly depend on the vegetation around them for the prevention as well as the treatment of diseases and ailments. Information on ethnomedicinal uses of plants, their doses and mode of administration have been collected from the local traditional medicine practitioners (Vaithiyar) as well experienced men and women. The paper deals with 54 ethnomedicinal plants of 52 genera belonging to 31 families used by the villagers for diarrhoea and dysentery in Pachalur hills. Most of these plants are commonly available in natural sources and some were obtained from local dealers. Isolation of active principles, pharmacological investigations, and the potent anti–microbial activity should be studied on these medicinally important species. Attention should also be made on proper exploitation and utilization of these medicinal plants.

Influence of relative humidity in Vibrio cholerae infection: A time series model.

Background & objectives : Spread of cholera in West Bengal is known to be related to its ecosystem which favours Vibrio cholerae. Incidence of cholera has not been correlated with temperature, relative humidity and rainfall, which may act as favourable factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relational impact of climate changes on cholera. Methods : Monthly V. cholerae infection data for of the past 13 years (1996-2008), average relative humidity (RH), temperature and rainfall in Kolkata were considered for the time series analysis of Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model to investigate relational impact of climatic association of V. cholerae infection and General Linear Model (GLM) for point estimation. Results : The SARIMA (1,0,0)(0,1,1) model revealed that monthly average RH was consistently linear related to V. cholerae infection during monsoon season as well as temperature and rainfall were non-stationary, AR(1), SMA(1) and SI(1) (P<0.001) were highly significant with seasonal difference. The GLM has identified that consistent (<10%) range of RH (86.78 ± 4.13, CV=5.0, P <0.001) with moderate to highest (>7 cm) rainfall (10.1 ± 5.1, CV=50.1, P <0.001) and wide (>5-10°C) range of temperature (29.00 ± 1.64, CV=5.6, P <0.001) collectively acted as an ideal climatic condition for V. cholerae infection. Increase of RH to 21 per cent influenced an unusual V. cholerae infection in December 2008 compared to previous years. Interpretation & conclusions : V. cholerae infection was associated higher RH (>80%) with 29°C temperature with intermittent average (10 cm) rainfall. This model also identified periodicity and seasonal patterns of cholera in Kolkata. Heavy rainfall indirectly influenced the V. cholerae infection, whereas no correlation was found with high temperature.

Morphological variation, histology, histochemistry and nutrient contents of Frankia root nodules in Casuarina equisetifolia.

Root nodules were collected from the existing plantation of Casuarina equisetifolia from three different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India. Morphological variation, histology, histochemistry and nutrient contents of the nodules were studied. The nodules were found to be simple, dichotomously branched and coralloid. The stele in simple and branched nodules reached up to the tip of the nodules. Structure of Frankia nodules was described using histochemical methods to elucidate the nature of micro-symbiont within the nodules. The nodule consisted of a distinct periderm enclosing the cortex. The cortex showed patches of infected cells interspersed among the uninfected ones. Inside the cortex was a stele bound by an endodermis, which contained high amount of tannin. The micro-symbiont was observed in the nodule tisues in hyphal form and spore packed sporocorp was also seen in the cortex. The histochemical tests revealed the presence of proteins, insoluble polysaccharides and polyphenols.