Detection of Sugarcane bacilliform virus in diseased sugarcane plants in Andhra Pradesh, India by serological and molecular methods.

Sugarcane leaf fleck incited by Sugarcane bacilliform virus is emerging as a major disease and affecting exchange of sugarcane germplasm and cultivation worldwide. Roving surveys conducted in 162 fields belonging to 81 villages spread over 14 sugarcane growing districts of Andhra Pradesh during 2021-2022 revealed 8 to 44% incidence of the disease. Mean maximum fleck disease incidence was reported in Anakapalli district (33.00%) followed by Srikakulam district (22.66%), whereas least incidence was observed in Alluri Sitharamaraju district (9.33%). The early and sensitive detection of pathogens is vital and necessary to reduce the danger of introducing new diseases or pathogen strains into sugarcane growing regions. Both serological and molecular methods were used in proposed investigation to identify the virus at the protein and nucleic acid levels. DAS-ELISA results were positive for 50 suspected SCBV infected sugarcane leaf samples out of 81, with mean absorbance (A405) values ranging from 0.50 to 2.20. Further PCR assays were performed using SCBV-specific primers targeting RT/RNase H coding region which is frequently employed as a taxonomic marker for species delineation in Badnaviruses. Out of 81 symptomatic samples collected, 61 samples gave positive results, and no amplification was observed in healthy control and negative control. Results made it evident that PCR was more sensitive than DAS-ELISA. Low virus concentration or variation in virus strains may be the reason for the low detection rate in DAS-ELISA in the current study. Extensive roving surveys conducted for the incidence of leaf fleck disease for the first time in the state of Andhra Pradesh revealed severe occurrence of leaf fleck disease under field conditions.

Prevalence of hoarding disorder among primary care patients

Objectives: Despite the inclusion of hoarding disorder (HD) in the DSM-5, there is little epidemiological data on hoarding from low and middle-income countries. This study, the first from India, examines the prevalence and correlates of HD among primary care patients in the state of Kerala, India. Methods: To assess correlates, the Hoarding Rating Scale-Interview (HRS-I) and other structured instruments were administered to 7,555 subjects selected by stratified random sampling from 71 primary health centers. Results: The prevalence of HD was 1.02% (95%CI 0.8-1.3). Those with HD were more likely to be older and live alone. In the binary logistic regression analysis, after controlling for significant sociodemographic variables, subjects with HD had a higher odds of reporting chronic illness, depression, anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse, and tobacco dependence. Subjects with HD had significantly higher disability scores than unaffected individuals. Conclusion: Although HD is not uncommon in India, this disorder is rarely reported in specialty settings in India, which suggests that awareness and detection should be improved, considering the co-occurring negative correlates and disability among affected individuals.

Prevalence of hoarding disorder among primary care patients.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the inclusion of hoarding disorder (HD) in the DSM-5, there is little epidemiological data on hoarding from low and middle-income countries. This study, the first from India, examines the prevalence and correlates of HD among primary care patients in the state of Kerala, India. METHODS: To assess correlates, the Hoarding Rating Scale-Interview (HRS-I) and other structured instruments were administered to 7,555 subjects selected by stratified random sampling from 71 primary health centers. RESULTS: The prevalence of HD was 1.02% (95%CI 0.8-1.3). Those with HD were more likely to be older and live alone. In the binary logistic regression analysis, after controlling for significant sociodemographic variables, subjects with HD had a higher odds of reporting chronic illness, depression, anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse, and tobacco dependence. Subjects with HD had significantly higher disability scores than unaffected individuals. CONCLUSION: Although HD is not uncommon in India, this disorder is rarely reported in specialty settings in India, which suggests that awareness and detection should be improved, considering the co-occurring negative correlates and disability among affected individuals.

Myocardial infarction in Guyana - abstract

This retrospective study represents 237 cases of myocardial infarction seen in a single practice over a three-year period. The diagnosis was confirmed by electrocardiography in all cases. There was a preponderance of East Indians 87 percent, who make up 60 percent of the national population. Afro-Guyanese accounted for only 8 percent, the remainder being of other races. 83 percent of cases were in the 40-69 age group, and 81 percent were males. Associated features were diabetes mellitus 23 percent, hypertension 23 percent, both diabetes and hypertension 22 percent. Six patients had gout. Two females were premenopausal, and although neither had hypertension or diabetes, one was obese. Obesity was present in 44 percent of the males and 53 percent of the females. Smoking was found in 90 patients; 25 less than 10 cigarettes per day, 41 between 11-20 per day and 24, more than 20 per day. Alcohol was consumed by 114 patients; 9 taking 1 to 6 ounces daily, 83 between 6 and 12 ounces per day and 22 between 12 and 24 ounces daily. Cholesterol and lipid studies were available for 83 cases. Thirty-two had increased cholesterol, 29 increased serum lipids and 14 had a combined increase of lipids and cholesterol. The pattern of myocardial infarction seen in this practice may be explained by the dietary intake and lifestyle of the patients. A family history of associated medical disorders may have been important (AU)