Regional variation in body size and estimated secular change among adult Indian males born in the 1890s-1950s

Regional variation in the body size of Indian men 18-84 years of age (birth years 1891-1957) was considered. Heights, weights, and BMIs of Indian males from four regions of the country - North, East-Northeast, Central, and West were compared. Heights of men 35+ years of age were adjusted for estimated height loss with age; the estimate was added to observed height to provide an estimate of maximum height. Linear regressions of measured height and estimated maximum height on year of birth were used to evaluate secular change by region. Differences in measured and estimated maximum heights and weight among regions were significant in all age groups, while differences in the BMI were significant in all age groups except 55+ years. Men from the North region were tallest and those from the East-Northeast region were shortest, while body weight and the BMI varied among regions. Regression analyses of year of birth on measured and estimated maximum heights indicated small differences in estimates of secular change among regions but suggested a decline in estimated maximum heights with age among men in the four regions born in 1891 through the 1930s, and small but variable estimates of secular change in heights among men born in the 1930s through 1957. The variation likely reflected socio-economic disparities and ecological differences among regions, and by inference nutritional status though data are limited.

Nutritional status of infants and young children in India across three decades: Analysis of five national family health surveys

BACKGROUND

Three indicators of early childhood undernutrition and associated factors are evaluated among under-5 children in five National Family Health Surveys in India spanning 1992 to 2021.

METHODS

Data for 533,495 children under 5 years of age (U-5) were analysed in the context of three commonly used indicators of early childhood undernutrition - wasting, stunting and underweight. In addition to descriptive and inferential statistics, binary logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of specific explanatory factors on the three indicators using adjusted odds ratios.

RESULTS

Over the three-decade interval, stunting was reduced by 22.1% in boys and 20.9% in girls, followed by underweight, 19.3% in boys and 17.4% in girls; wasting, in contrast, was reduced to a considerably lesser extent, 2.8% in boys and 0.9% in girls. Demographic, maternal and socioeconomic factors were associated with the incidence of early childhood undernutrition, specifically among young mothers and those with less education in low-income families, and among children from Scheduled Tribes or Scheduled Castes. Stunting and underweight declined significantly over the past three decades while wasting changed negligibly. The disparity in the occurrence of early childhood undernutrition was apparent throughout socioeconomic categories and regions of India.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the need for special programs aimed at reducing waste among children and also the need for customized initiatives focused on the improvement of maternal education and wealth in addition to other ancillary factors related to regional variation.

Variation in body size and weight status among Hindu and Muslim Indian males born in the 1890s through the 1950s

Hindus and Muslims represent the two largest religions in India, and also differ in nutritional status, health-related habits and standard of living associated with economic disparities. In this context, the present study considered estimated secular changes in body size, proportions, and weight status among Hindu and Muslim Indian men. The data are from anthropological surveys in the 1970s which included measurements of height, weight and sitting height of 43,950 males 18-84 years (birth years 1891-1957). Leg length was estimated; the BMI and sitting height/height ratio were calculated. Heights of men 35 + years were adjusted for estimated height loss with age. Weight status was also classified relative to WHO criteria for the BMI. Anthropometric characteristics of the two groups were compared with MANCOVA with age and geographic region as covariates. Linear regression of height on year of birth was also used to estimate secular change in each group. Heights, weights, and BMIs tended to be, on average, greater among Muslim than Hindu men at most ages, while distributions by weight status between groups were negligible. Sitting height was greater among Muslim men but estimated leg length did not differ between groups; the sitting height/height ratio thus suggested proportionally shorter legs among Muslim men. Results of the regression analyses indicated negligible differences in secular change between groups across the total span of birth years but indicated a decline in adjusted heights of men in both groups born between 1891 through 1930s and little secular change among those born in the 1930s through 1957. The variation in heights, weights and BMIs between Muslim and Hindu men at most ages suggested variation in socio-economic status and dietary habits between the groups, whereas the negligible estimated secular changes in height between groups likely reflected economic, social, and nutritional conditions during the interval of British rule and the transition to independence.

Development of Ti-10Nb alloy by powder metallurgy processing route for dental application

Titanium and its alloys are used to make dental implants because of its low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance. This paper describes the development of a potential biomaterial Ti-10Nb by powder metallurgy utilizing four different compaction pressures and analyses its microstructural, physical, mechanical, electrochemical, biological, and tribological behavior under various situations. The alloys were fabricated using four different compaction pressures, that is, 600, 650, 700, and 750 MPa, and sintered in a vacuum atmosphere at 1000°C for 1.5 h. The density of the samples was measured using Archimedes principle. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to investigate the phase composition and microstructure, and a profilometer was used to examine the surface roughness of various samples. Vickers hardness tester was used to evaluate hardness, and a universal testing machine was used for compression testing. Corrosion and wear behavior were examined using a potentiostat and a Bio-Tribometer, respectively. This Ti-10Nb alloys consist of α + β phase, and have 16% highest porosity in sample compacted at 600 MPa. The samples compacted at 750 MPa achieved highest hardness, yield strength, compressive strength, and elastic modulus of 450 ± 29.72 HV, 718.22 ± 16.37 MPa, 1543.59 ± 24.37 MPa, and 41.27 ± 3.29 GPa, respectively. In addition, it also possesses highest corrosion and wear resistance with lowest icorr of 0.3954 ± 0.008 μA/cm2 and wear volume of (31.25 ± 0.206) × 10-3  mm3 . These results indicate that the developed alloys have a variety of desirable properties, including high hardness, adequate compressive strength, good corrosion and wear resistance, apatite-forming capability, and a low elastic modulus, which is advantageous for avoiding stress shielding. Therefore, it may be recommended to use it as a dental implant material.

Body size and weight status of adult Indian males born in the 1890s-1950s: Age and secular change in the context of demographic, economic, and political transformation

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate secular change in body size and weight status of adult Indian males born in 1891-1957 and surveyed in the 1970s.

METHODS

Data are from Anthropological Surveys. Only men were included in the surveys due to high female illiteracy and lack of female researchers. Indian society was also strongly conservative at the time, especially in rural areas, and the measurement of women by men was not permitted. Heights and weights of 43 950 males 18-84 years (born 1891-1957) were measured. The BMI was calculated; weight status of individuals was classified relative to WHO criteria and suggested criteria for the Asia-Pacific region. Heights of men 35+ years were also adjusted for age-related stature loss. Trends in measured and adjusted heights, body weight and the BMI, and in weight status were evaluated by age groups. Linear regression of measured height and adjusted height on year of birth was used to estimate secular effects.

RESULTS

Mean heights declined slightly with age to 50 years and declined sharply through 60+ years, while mean weights increased into the 40s and then declined. Mean BMIs were relatively stable from 30 to 60 years. The prevalence of thinness and normal weight was high, while that of overweight and obesity was low. Regression analyses indicated limited secular change across the total range of birth years but suggested a decline in adjusted heights among men born in 1891 through the 1930s, and little change among men born subsequently.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related trends and results of the regression analyses by year of birth indicated negligible secular change in heights of Indian men 18-84 years born between 1891 and 1957. BMIs indicated a high prevalence of thinness and normal weight and low prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Revitalizing miRNAs mediated agronomical advantageous traits improvement in rice

One of the key enigmas in conventional and modern crop improvement programmes is how to introduce beneficial traits without any penalty impairment. Rice (Oryza sativa L.), among the essential staple food crops grown and utilized worldwide, needs to improve genotypes in multifaceted ways. With the global view to feed ten billion under the climatic perturbation, only a potent functional master regulator can withstand with hope for the next green revolution and food security. miRNAs are such, miniature, fine tuners for crop improvement and provide a value addition in emerging technologies, namely large-scale genotyping, phenotyping, genome editing, marker-assisted selection, and genomic selection, to make rice production feasible. There has been surplus research output generated since the last decade on miRNAs in rice, however, recent functional knowledge is limited to reaping the benefits for conventional and modern improvements in rice to avoid ambiguity and redundancy in the generated data. Here, we present the latest functional understanding of miRNAs in rice. In addition, their biogenesis, intra- and inter-kingdom signaling and communication, implication of amiRNAs, and consequences upon integration with CRISPR-Cas9. Further, highlights refer to the application of miRNAs for rice agronomical trait improvements, broadly classified into three functional domains. The majority of functionally established miRNAs are responsible for growth and development, followed by biotic and abiotic stresses. Tabular cataloguing reveals and highlights two multifaceted modules that were extensively studied. These belong to miRNA families 156 and 396, orchestrate multifarious aspects of advantageous agronomical traits. Moreover, updated and exhaustive functional aspects of different supplemental miRNA modules that would strengthen rice improvement are also being discussed.

The determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention: a meta-review

Background

A large number of systematic reviews have been published that synthesized various determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention (CVI). However, they reported inconsistent evidence. Therefore, we conducted a meta-review (systematic review of systematic reviews) to provide a comprehensive synthesis of factors influencing CVI.

Methods

This meta-review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched for systematic reviews published from 2020 to 2022 that examined the determinants of CVI. AMSTAR-2 critical appraisal tool was used to ensure the quality of included reviews, and ROBIS tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias.

Results

Globally, the average rate of COVID-19 vaccination intention was 56.97%. We identified 21 main determinants of CVI: socio-demographic, geographical location, social, political, government role, study timeline, attitude, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control, norms, trust, conspiracy theory/propaganda/misinformation, knowledge, information and communication, vaccination recommendation, vaccination history, history of COVID-19 infection, and health status and well-being.

Conclusions

These results suggest that COVID-19 vaccination intention is a complex process and is affected by numerous multidimensional factors. Therefore, integrated communication strategies and multifaceted interventions may be effective for improving vaccination intention against COVID-19.

How Well the Constructs of Health Belief Model Predict Vaccination Intention: A Systematic Review on COVID-19 Primary Series and Booster Vaccines

This systematic review synthesizes the findings of quantitative studies examining the relationships between Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs and COVID-19 vaccination intention. We searched PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and identified 109 eligible studies. The overall vaccination intention rate was 68.19%. Perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action were the three most frequently demonstrated predictors of vaccination intention for both primary series and booster vaccines. For booster doses, the influence of susceptibility slightly increased, but the impact of severity, self-efficacy, and cues to action on vaccination intention declined. The impact of susceptibility increased, but severity's effect declined sharply from 2020 to 2022. The influence of barriers slightly declined from 2020 to 2021, but it skyrocketed in 2022. Conversely, the role of self-efficacy dipped in 2022. Susceptibility, severity, and barriers were dominant predictors in Saudi Arabia, but self-efficacy and cues to action had weaker effects in the USA. Susceptibility and severity had a lower impact on students, especially in North America, and barriers had a lower impact on health care workers. However, cues to action and self-efficacy had a dominant influence among parents. The most prevalent modifying variables were age, gender, education, income, and occupation. The results show that HBM is useful in predicting vaccine intention.

From little girls to adult women: Changes in age at marriage in Scheduled Castes from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND

Research confirms the negative relationship between early marriage and mothers' and children's health outcomes. This is why studies of the changes in age at marriage are an important task from the point of view of the health status and well-being of a mother and her offspring, especially in groups represented by extremely disadvantaged social strata in India. The results of such studies may influence the future family planning policy in the country.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the trend of age at marriage among the Scheduled Castes (SCs) women from two Indian states: Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh relative to the level of education and also to socioeconomic changes in the states. These states manifest the highest proportion of girls getting married below the age of 18 years-far above the proportion observed in entire India.

METHODS

Women from Scheduled Caste, N = 1,612, aged 25-65, born in 1950-1990 were investigated. A modern semiparametric regression approach was used. To capture the relationship between age at marriage and year of birth, categories of women's level of education (illiterate; primary: 1st-5th standards; middle school: 6th-8th standards; high school: 9th-10th standards; higher secondary: 11th-12th standards), and categories of the profession (women working in the agricultural sector or the non-agricultural sector), flexible framework of the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was applied.

RESULTS

A significant impact of the cohort defined by the year of birth (<0.001), and women's education (<0.001) on age at marriage was noted, while the influence of women's occupation was not significant (p = 0.642). Mean age at marriage differed significantly with different education level. Women who graduated from primary school married 0.631 years later on average than illiterate ones, while those who graduated from middle schools, high schools (9th-10th standards) and higher secondary schools married significantly later than illiterate ones by 1.454 years and 2.463 years, respectively. Age at marriage increased over time: from slightly above 15 years in the cohort of illiterate women born in 1950 to almost 19 years in quite well-educated women born in 1990. The average age at marriage estimated for four education levels in 1990 ranged between 16.39 years (95%CI: 15.29-17.50) in the group of illiterate women and 18.86 years (95%CI: 17.76-19.95) in women graduated from high and higher secondary schools.

CONCLUSION

The rise of age at marriage can be partly explained by the increase of females enrolled in schools, the alleviation of poverty, and the implementation of social programs for women.

Corrosion and wear behavior of Ti-5Cu-xNb biomedical alloy in simulated body fluid for dental implant applications

The present study examined the corrosion and tribological behavior of novel Ti-5Cu-xNb alloy synthesized via powder metallurgy as a new biomedical material in a simulated bodily fluid (SBF) solution. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study reveals the formation of two protective layers on the surface of alloys during the test. The alloys spontaneously produce a passivating oxide coating on their surfaces, and the breakdown potential (1.14-1.17 V) and re-passivation current density (2.07-3.04 μAcm^-2) were observed during the potentiodynamic polarization test. The highest corrosion resistance was observed for the alloy Ti-5Cu-10Nb (i_corr = 21.44 nA-cm^-2). The SEM and XPS analysis of the corroded surface showed the formation of oxide on the surfaces of the alloys. The samples were tested at 10 N, 15 N, and 20 N loads against the zirconia counterpart to investigate the effect of loading on friction and wear. The lowest coefficient of friction was obtained for Ti-5Cu-5Nb (0.25-0.41) at 20 N loading, while the maximum for Ti-5Cu-10Nb at 15 N load falls in the range of (0.71-0.25). Additionally, they present the wear rate in the range of (5.3 × 10^-8-1.45 × 10^-6 mm³/mm), in accordance with the change in microstructure and mechanical properties. However, the wear rate increases with the addition of niobium and reaches the maximum for Ti-5Cu-15Nb at 20 N loading condition, but it is relatively deficient compared to commonly used implant material. Therefore, it is suggested that this β-type Ti-5Cu-xNb alloy is a promising candidate, more suitable than the commercially used Ti and Ti-6Al-4V for dental applications.

Predicting Vaccination Intention against COVID-19 Using Theory of Planned Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study systematically analyzed the literature using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework to examine the influence of its constructs on vaccination intention against COVID-19. Quantitative studies were searched in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines. The average rate of COVID-19 vaccination intention was 73.19%, ranging from 31% to 88.86%. Attitude had the strongest association with vaccination intention (r₊ = 0.487, 95% CI: 0.368-0.590), followed by subjective norms (r₊ = 0.409, 95% CI: 0.300-0.507), and perceived behavioral control (r₊ = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.198-0.369). Subgroup analyses showed that the pooled effect sizes of TPB constructs on vaccination intention varied across geographic regions and study populations. Attitude had large effect sizes in Asia, Europe, and Oceania, especially among the adult general population, parents, and patients. Subjective norms had large effect sizes in Asia and Oceania, especially among parents and patients. Perceived behavioral control was the most dominant predictor of vaccination acceptance in Africa among patients. These findings suggest that TPB provides a useful framework for predicting intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Hence, public awareness and educational programs aimed at promoting COVID-19 vaccination intention should consider using TPB as a framework to achieve the goal.

Microstructure, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and antibacterial behavior of Ti-5Cu-x%Nb biomedical alloy

Titanium-based biomedical alloys are susceptible as they are used as a substitute for human bone. In this study, titanium alloy, Ti-5Cu-x%Nb (x= 0, 5, 10, 15) (%wt) was developed by powder metallurgy route. The effect of alloying niobium with Ti-5Cu alloy and its effect on the microstructure, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial properties have been evaluated. The results show that the sintered alloy has bothα-Ti and Ti₂Cu phases. With increasing niobium content in the alloy,β-Ti was also detected. Additionally, it was found that the micro-hardness and compressive strength of the studied alloy was better than commercially pure titanium (cpTi), while the Young's modulus was lower than cpTi. These properties are highly favorable for using this alloy to replicate the human cortical bone. The alloy was also tested for anticorrosive property in Ringer's solution. The antibacterial activity was also examined forStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia colibacteria. The alloy showed promising anticorrosive and antibacterial ability.

The Health Belief Model Applied to COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Systematic Review

This study systematically analyzes the research that used the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical basis to examine the influence of HBM constructs on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched for quantitative studies. Sixteen studies with 30,242 participants met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 33.23% (95% CI 24.71–41.39%). Perceived barriers and perceived benefits were the most common HBM constructs that were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy. While perceived benefits was inversely associated, a positive association was found between perceived barriers and vaccine hesitancy. Other HBM constructs that were frequently examined and inversely associated were perceived susceptibility, cues to action, perceived severity, and self-efficacy. The most common HBM modifying factor that was directly associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was gender, followed by education, age, geographical locations, occupation, income, employment, marital status, race, and ethnicity; however, a few studies report inconsistent results. Other modifying variables that influenced vaccine hesitancy were knowledge of COVID-19, prior diagnosis of COVID-19, history of flu vaccination, religion, nationality, and political affiliation. The results show that HBM is useful in predicting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Deciphering core phyllomicrobiome assemblage on rice genotypes grown in contrasting agroclimatic zones: implications for phyllomicrobiome engineering against blast disease

BACKGROUND

With its adapted microbial diversity, the phyllosphere contributes microbial metagenome to the plant holobiont and modulates a host of ecological functions. Phyllosphere microbiome (hereafter termed phyllomicrobiome) structure and the consequent ecological functions are vulnerable to a host of biotic (Genotypes) and abiotic factors (Environment) which is further compounded by agronomic transactions. However, the ecological forces driving the phyllomicrobiome assemblage and functions are among the most understudied aspects of plant biology. Despite the reports on the occurrence of diverse prokaryotic phyla such as Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Actinobacteria in phyllosphere habitat, the functional characterization leading to their utilization for agricultural sustainability is not yet explored. Currently, the metabarcoding by Next-Generation-Sequencing (mNGS) technique is a widely practised strategy for microbiome investigations. However, the validation of mNGS annotations by culturomics methods is not integrated with the microbiome exploration program. In the present study, we combined the mNGS with culturomics to decipher the core functional phyllomicrobiome of rice genotypes varying for blast disease resistance planted in two agroclimatic zones in India. There is a growing consensus among the various stakeholder of rice farming for an ecofriendly method of disease management. Here, we proposed phyllomicrobiome assisted rice blast management as a novel strategy for rice farming in the future.

RESULTS

The tropical "Island Zone" displayed marginally more bacterial diversity than that of the temperate 'Mountain Zone' on the phyllosphere. Principal coordinate analysis indicated converging phyllomicrobiome profiles on rice genotypes sharing the same agroclimatic zone. Interestingly, the rice genotype grown in the contrasting zones displayed divergent phyllomicrobiomes suggestive of the role of environment on phyllomicrobiome assembly. The predominance of phyla such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes was observed in the phyllosphere irrespective of the genotypes and climatic zones. The core-microbiome analysis revealed an association of Acidovorax, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Clavibacter, Clostridium, Cronobacter, Curtobacterium, Deinococcus, Erwinia, Exiguobacterium, Hymenobacter, Kineococcus, Klebsiella, Methylobacterium, Methylocella, Microbacterium, Nocardioides, Pantoea, Pedobacter, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Serratia, Sphingomonas and Streptomyces on phyllosphere. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) method revealed distinct bacterial genera in blast-resistant and susceptible genotypes, as well as mountain and island climate zones. SparCC based network analysis of phyllomicrobiome showed complex intra-microbial cooperative or competitive interactions on the rice genotypes. The culturomic validation of mNGS data confirmed the occurrence of Acinetobacter, Aureimonas, Curtobacterium, Enterobacter, Exiguobacterium, Microbacterium, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Sphingomonas in the phyllosphere. Strikingly, the contrasting agroclimatic zones showed genetically identical bacterial isolates suggestive of vertical microbiome transmission. The core-phyllobacterial communities showed secreted and volatile compound mediated antifungal activity on M. oryzae. Upon phyllobacterization (a term coined for spraying bacterial cells on the phyllosphere), Acinetobacter, Aureimonas, Pantoea, and Pseudomonas conferred immunocompetence against blast disease. Transcriptional analysis revealed activation of defense genes such as OsPR1.1, OsNPR1, OsPDF2.2, OsFMO, OsPAD4, OsCEBiP, and OsCERK1 in phyllobacterized rice seedlings.

CONCLUSIONS

PCoA indicated the key role of agro-climatic zones to drive phyllomicrobiome assembly on the rice genotypes. The mNGS and culturomic methods showed Acinetobacter, Aureimonas, Curtobacterium, Enterobacter, Exiguobacterium, Microbacterium, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Sphingomonas as core phyllomicrobiome of rice. Genetically identical Pantoea intercepted on the phyllosphere from the well-separated agroclimatic zones is suggestive of vertical transmission of phyllomicrobiome. The phyllobacterization showed potential for blast disease suppression by direct antibiosis and defense elicitation. Identification of functional core-bacterial communities on the phyllosphere and their co-occurrence dynamics presents an opportunity to devise novel strategies for rice blast management through phyllomicrobiome reengineering in the future.

Intra-regional diversity of rice bacterial blight pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, in the Andaman Islands, India: revelation by pathotyping and multilocus sequence typing

AIM

To investigate the genetic and pathogenic variability of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae causing bacterial blight in rice on the remote Andaman Islands, India.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 27 yellow-pigmented bacterial isolates representing rice fields of Andaman Islands incited blight on the susceptible-rice cultivar, C14-8. Phenotypic, pathogenic traits and 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed their identity as X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Virulence profiling indicated the prevalence of seven pathotypes of X. oryzae pv. oryzae on the Islands. Pathotypes-VI and -VII were highly virulent, whereas the pathotype-I was less virulent. Multilocus sequence typing based on nucleotide sequence polymorphism in nine housekeeping genes dnaK; fyuA; gyrB (two loci): rpoD; fusA; gapA; gltA and lepA clustered 27 isolates into 17 sequence types (STs) segregated into two clonal-complexes (CC). While CC-I comprised of isolates from Andaman Island, the CC-II is a mixture of isolates representing mainland India and Andaman Island. The data revealed trans-boundary pathogen introduction and a consequent intra-regional diversification on these islands due to the deployment of different rice cultivars in different regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotyping and pathotyping of sland isolates revealed seven pathotypes distributed in two clonal complexes with strong indications for trans-boundary movement and consequent diversification of the bacterial pathogen. Highly virulent pathotypes of X. oryzae pv. oryzae that could overcome combinations of R-genes, xa13+Xa21 as well as xa5+xa13 were found prevalent in the Andaman Islands SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Genetic and virulence analysis of X. oryzae pv. oryzae in the Andaman Islands revealed introduction and host-mediated regional diversification and local adaptation of X oryzae pv. oryzae. The study calls for the need of multi-gene pyramiding for durable disease resistance and establishing stringent quarantine measures for safeguarding island agricultural practices in the future.

Harmonizing technological advances in phenomics and genomics for enhanced salt tolerance in rice from a practical perspective

Half of the global human population is dependent on rice as a staple food crop and more than 25% increase in rice productivity is required to feed the global population by 2030. With increase in irrigation, global warming and rising sea level, rising salinity has become one of the major challenges to enhance the rice productivity. Since the loss on this account is to the tune of US$12 billion per annum, it necessitates the global attention. In the era of technological advancement, substantial progress has been made on phenomics and genomics data generation but reaping benefit of this in rice salinity variety development in terms of cost, time and precision requires their harmonization. There is hardly any comprehensive holistic review for such combined approach. Present review describes classical salinity phenotyping approaches having morphological, physiological and biochemical components. It also gives a detailed account of invasive and non-invasive approaches of phenomic data generation and utilization. Classical work of rice salinity QLTs mapping in the form of chromosomal atlas has been updated. This review describes how QTLs can be further dissected into QTN by GWAS and transcriptomic approaches. Opportunities and progress made by transgenic, genome editing, metagenomics approaches in combating rice salinity problems are discussed. Major aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive over-view of hitherto progress made in rice salinity tolerance research which is required to understand bridging of phenotype based breeding with molecular breeding. This review is expected to assist rice breeders in their endeavours by fetching greater harmonization of technological advances in phenomics and genomics for better pragmatic approach having practical perspective.

Allometric scaling of weight to height and resulting body mass index thresholds in two Asian populations

BACKGROUND

Body mass index (BMI) represents a normalization of weight to height and is used to classify adiposity. While the capacity of BMI as an adiposity index has been experimentally validated in Caucasians, but there has been little testing Asian populations.

METHODS

To determine whether weight scales to height squared in Asian Indians across the general population and in Asian Indian tribes an allometric analysis on the power law model, W = αHβ, where W is weight (kg) and H is height (m) was performed on cross-sectional weight and height data from India (N = 43,880) collected through the Anthropological Survey of India. The database contained males 18-84 years of age spanning 161 districts of 14 states and including 33 different tribes (N = 5,549). Models were developed that were unadjusted and adjusted for tribe membership. The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) was used to compare to height-weight data from the Anthropological Survey of India and to calculate BMI thresholds for obesity status using a receiver operating characteristic.

RESULTS

The unadjusted power was β = 2.08 (s = 0.02). The power for the general population (non-tribal) was β = 2.11 (s = 0.02). Powers when adjusted for tribe ranged from 1.87 to 2.35 with 24 of the 33 tribes resulting in statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in powers from the general population. The coefficients of the adjusted terms ranged from -0.22 to 0.26 and therefore the scaling exponent does not deviate far from 2. Thresholds for BMI classification of overweight in the KNHANES database were BMI = 21 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.89) for males 18 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.97) for females. Obesity classification was calculated as BMI = 26 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.81) and 23 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.83) for females.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that weight scales to height squared in Asian Indian males even after adjusting for tribe membership. We also demonstrate that optimal BMI thresholds are lower in a Korean population in comparison to currently used BMI thresholds. These results support the application of BMI in Asian populations with potentially lower thresholds.

Trauma-induced Focal Nodular Mucinoses: A Rare Entity

Cutaneous mucinoses refer to disorders with abnormal accumulation of mucin in the skin. Mucin is an amorphous material that is a part of the extracellular matrix in dermis. Cutaneous mucinoses could be primary or secondary. The latter is associated with systemic disorders such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus, paraproteinemia, or altered thyroid function. Here, we report an adult female patient with trauma-induced cutaneous focal nodular mucinoses on left-sided scapular region. Histology showed replacement of collagen bundles by mucinous deposits in superficial and mid-dermis. Mucinous substance was present in peri-eccrine location on Alcian blue staining.

Identification of mega-environments and rice genotypes for general and specific adaptation to saline and alkaline stresses in India

In the present study, a total of 53 promising salt-tolerant genotypes were tested across 18 salt-affected diverse locations for three years. An attempt was made to identify ideal test locations and mega-environments using GGE biplot analysis. The CSSRI sodic environment was the most discriminating location in individual years as well as over the years and could be used to screen out unstable and salt-sensitive genotypes. Genotypes CSR36, CSR-2K-219, and CSR-2K-262 were found ideal across years. Overall, Genotypes CSR-2K-219, CSR-2K-262, and CSR-2K-242 were found superior and stable among all genotypes with higher mean yields. Different sets of genotypes emerged as winners in saline soils but not in sodic soils; however, Genotype CSR-2K-262 was the only genotype that was best under both saline and alkaline environments over the years. The lack of repeatable associations among locations and repeatable mega-environment groupings indicated the complexity of soil salinity. Hence, a multi-location and multi-year evaluation is indispensable for evaluating the test sites as well as identifying genotypes with consistently specific and wider adaptation to particular agro-climatic zones. The genotypes identified in the present study could be used for commercial cultivation across edaphically challenged areas for sustainable production.

Prevalence of hypertension in rural population of Central India

Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem in both rural and urban areas of economically developed as well as developing nations. It is a chronic medical condition and is one of the most common life threatening non-communicable disease. It is an asymptomatic condition, symptoms do not arise unless the complications develop which result in delayed diagnosis and treatment especially among the uneducated and unexplained social groups such as rural population. Present study was an attempt to provide data on hypertension in rural area of central India. The objective of present study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in rural population above 18 years of age in Etawah and neighbouring districts of Uttar Pradesh, India.Methods: The study was planned to determine the prevalence of hypertension in rural community by health camp and door to door approach. BP measurements were made after the subject had rested for at least 5 minutes in a seated position using mercury sphygmomanometer. The first blood pressure measurement was taken after obtaining socio-demographic information from the study subject, while the second was recorded after 5 minutes.Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 17%, which was observed to be higher among female i.e. 170 (18.3%) individuals than males 153 (15.8%) individuals. The prevalence of hypertension was observed to be higher among the older individuals. It was found to be 5.26 times higher in older (>50 years) than the younger (<30 years) age group. We found prehypertension in 65.74%, Stage I hypertension in 11.33% and stage II hypertension in 5.69% individuals.Conclusions: Present study showed that high prevalence of hypertension in rural area of Western Uttar Pradesh, Central India.

Mutilating Keratoderma with Concomitant Alopecia and Keratoses Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans: X-Linked Olmsted Syndrome and its Response to Isotretinoin

We report a case of mutilating keratoderma with alopecia and keratoses follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD), which was initially diagnosed as ectodermal dysplasia and Olmsted syndrome but was revisited as a case of X-linked Olmsted (XLO) syndrome. We focus on this uncommon entity (XLO) to highlight the differentials of alopecia with palmoplantar keratoderma.

Effect of narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy on T helper 17 cell specific cytokines (interleukins-17, 22 and 23) in psoriasis vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is mediated by a T helper 17 (Th17) cell inflammatory process. This study describes the changes in serum levels of IL-17, 22 and 23 in patients of psoriasis vulgaris treated with narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB).

METHODS

The serum levels of IL-17, 22 and 23 were compared with a control group (n = 30) before and after NBUVB. In addition, post-NBUVB levels were compared with healthy controls. Psoriasis Area Severity Score (PASI) and Body Surface Area scoring were used to evaluate severity of disease.

RESULTS

When compared with the non-psoriasis control group, IL-17, 22 and 23 were higher in psoriasis patients (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The serum levels of all three interleukins strongly correlated with severity of disease. Although IL-17, 22 and 23 decreased after NBUVB, decline in IL-17 was not significant after phototherapy as compared to controls (p = 0.634). IL-22 and 23 continued to remain elevated post-phototherapy when compared with control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The serum levels of IL-17, 22 and 23 decrease after phototherapy in psoriasis. Post-phototherapy only the IL-17 levels decrease to that of non-psoriasis controls. Our study supports the role of T helper 17 cell specific cytokines in psoriasis and a possible mechanism of action of NBUVB via inhibition of these cytokines.

Diversity of Ralstonia solanacearum Strains on the Andaman Islands in India

Fourteen Ralstonia solanacearum strains from solanaceous vegetables on the Andaman Islands, India, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strains wilted their respective hosts within 1 to 3 weeks postinoculation. Virulence assays on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), brinjal (eggplant; S. melongena), and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) revealed that all strains were infective on all three hosts. However, tomato was more susceptible than eggplant and chili pepper. Strains were identified as R. solanacearum based on carbon substrate utilization profiling with Biolog similarity coefficients >0.82. Species identity was further confirmed by 16S ribosomal RNA and recN gene sequence analysis. Intraspecific identification of strains revealed the presence of race 1 biovar 3 and race 1 biovar 4. Both biovars wilted plants with similar aggressiveness. All strains were identified as phylotype I, and multilocus sequence typing revealed that the strains belong to a small number of clonal complexes that also comprise strains from mainland India, especially West Bengal state and Kerala.

Nutritional status among boys and girls of a central Indian Town (Sagar)

The prevalence of undernutrition is a significant area of concern in many developing countries, where it is a major public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition among school-going boys and girls of central Indian city Sagar, MP. A total of 612 individuals (312 girls and 300 boys) aged 5–18 years were examined and compared to the NCHS reference data. The nutritional status was assessed using following anthropometric indicators: body height and weight, body mass index (BMI) and composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF). It was found that girls were heavier (1 kg) and taller (2–5 cm) than boys up to 15 and 13 years of age, respectively. After that, boys became taller with 1 to 13 cm. The mean BMI of boys was higher to girls up to 10 year of age after that the trend was reversed. Comparison of the present findings with NCHS reference data revealed that Indian girls and boys were lagging behind. The difference in body weight between the reference data and the present sample was around 5 to 6 kg. The pattern of difference in body height revealed small amount during early childhood (6.6.cm and 9.6 cm in girls and boys 5 years of age). This difference more than doubled at the age of 14 years in girls 16.7 cm and in boys 17.5 cm (p<0.01). Similar pattern was found for BMI with 6.5 kg/m2 and 6.3 kg/m2 in 14 years old girls and 16 years old boys (p<0.01). Z-score values of weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age revealed that that boys were more likely to be stunted than girls whereas girls were more likely to be underweight and undernourished than boys. In terms of CIAF 10.6% girls and 10% boys were undernourished. The results of the present study indicate that there is great need for implementation of health programmes to eliminate gender inequalities and improve children’s health.

Natural selection among coastal populations of India: trend and extent

BACKGROUND

Coastal populations have always been exposed to socio-cultural and natural vulnerability. The correlates between these coastal populations and their selection potentials have not been previously described.

AIM

To describe selection potentials, their trend and extent among coastal and non-coastal populations of the Indian continent.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data on fertility and mortality differentials among five coastal populations were collected from 448 women of Orissa and Goa. Selection potential was computed. In addition, 48 studies among 100 different populations of India were reviewed for similar parameters, for comparison.

RESULTS

Total index of selection (I(t)) varied from 0.221-0.417 in the population of Orissa; whereas the population of Goa showed a moderate index of selection. Regression analysis showed that among the coastal population the contribution of index of mortality (I(m)) is higher (92.5%) in total selection index (I(t)) as compared to non-coastal populations (56.4%). After 1991, there was a radical shift in the role of mortality in the entire region. Simultaneously, the selection intensity (I(t)) has gradually declined.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant difference in the extent and process of natural selection among coastal and non-coastal populations. Mortality is playing a greater role in the total selection intensity of coastal populations, although the trend is declining in the entire region and reversal in the roles of I(m) and index of fertility (I(f)) is witnessed.

Epidemiological trends of leprosy in an urban leprosy centre of Delhi: a retrospective study of 16 years

This study was done by collecting the retrospective data from 1994 to 2009 of patients attending the urban leprosy centre attached to the department of dermatology, STD & leprosy of PGIMER & Dr. R M L Hospital, New Delhi. The data was analysed according to age, sex, type of leprosy, leprosy reactions, deformities and relapse and compared with the national figures by comparison of proportions after taking the national data per 10,000 population. A total of 3659 patients attended our ULC (Urban Leprosy Centre) among which 2741 were male and 945 females (M:F-3:1). 669 patients (18.2%) were children. The data analysed show a gradual decline in new case detection rate with a marginal rise in 2005 and 2008. Percentage of MB cases was falling consistently till 2005 after which it showed an abrupt rise. The incidence of type 1 reaction varied from 21% in 1994 to 10% in 2009 in PB patients and from 6% in 1994 to 8% in 2009 in MB patients. The trend of type 2 reactions in MB patients showed a slow declining trend. MDT completion rate showed an impressive improvement from 56% in 1994 to 90% in 2009. The number of patients revisiting the ULC with features of relapse also showed a decrease in number. The pattern of visible deformities showed an almost constant trend similar to national figures. Improved MDT completion rate helps in reducing the disease transmission, severity, reactions and disabilities.

Natural selection among Kinnaura of the Himalayan highland: A comparative analysis with other Indian and Himalayan populations

The present investigation on fertility and mortality differential among Kinnaura of the Himalayan highland is based on data collected from 160 post-menopausal women belonging to the middle and high altitude region of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh (Indian Himalayas). Selection potential based on differential fertility and mortality was computed for middle-and high-altitude women. Irrespective of the methodology, the total index of selection was found to be highest among middle-altitude women (0.386) as compared with high-altitude (0.370) women, whereas for the total population it is estimated to be 0.384. It was found that the Kinnaura of the Himalayan highland showing moderate index of total selection and relative contribution of the mortality component (Im) to the index of total selection is higher than the corresponding fertility component (If). The analysis of embryonic and post-natal mortality components shows that the post-natal mortality components are higher in comparison with the embryonic mortality components among highlanders and needs special intervention and health care. The present findings are compared with other Indian tribes as well as non-tribes of the Himalayan region and other parts of the country. It reveals that this index among Kinnaura is moderate than the other population groups; among the Himalayan population, the highest was reported for Galong (It = 1.07) of Arunachal, whereas the lowest was reported from Ahom (It = 0.218) of Manipur. The correlation and regression analysis between total index of selection (It) and fertility (If) and mortality (Im) components for pooled data of populations of the Indian Himalayan states show that If and Im account for 21.6 and 29.1% variability, respectively. In Crow's total index of selection (It) along with strong association, which is significant at the 1% level, this indicates that mortality plays a greater role in natural selection in comparison with fertility among populations of the Indian Himalayas.

Biosocial Correlates of Nutrition and Chronic Energy Deficiency among Adult Females of two Ecological Zones in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India

The paper aims to draw out biosocial correlates of nutrition through body mass index (BMI) and chronic energy deficiency (CED). The findings are based on cross-sectional data of 446 women aged 18-60 years from six different endogamous groups of two ecological zones. The mean age of studied women varied from 31 to 36 years. The mean age at menarche was found to be 14.50±1.32 years. Similarly mean age at menopause was found to be 46.22±4.00 years. The mean of reproductive life span varied from 27 to 35 years. Average number of pregnancies per women was 4.44±2.52, average foetal loss was 0.11, children surviving per women was 3.61, whereas average child loss per women was found to be 0.62 and average family size was 9.51. Variations in mean BMI kg/m2 between populations ranged between 18.56 and 20.71. Prevalence of CED was highest among the Brahmin women of Uttarakhand (58.3%) followed by Ahirwar of Madhya Pradesh (47.1%). Incidence of CED was found lowest among Brahmin women of Madhya Pradesh (24.0%). Linear regression coefficient (b ± standard error) of BMI on Cormic Index for these women was 33.1 ± 8.1 (t=4.0, p=0.001), and correlation coefficient (R) was 0.189. Out of 6 anthropometric variables considered for regression analysis, 5, namely weight, hip circumference, waist circumference, mid arm circumference and sitting height showed significant correlations with BMI. Significant differences in sitting height and Cormic Index of women from the hills and plains indicate the role of ecology in shaping its habitants. Out of 9 demographic variables, only age of respondent and family size were found to have a significant impact on low BMI status. The present study postulates that the nutritional status of women has improved over the last decades.

Non-familial multiple keratoacanthomas in a 70 year-old long-term non-progressor HIV-seropositive man

We describe here multiple keratoacanthomas in an Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-seropositive 70 year-old man. The patient had multiple epithelial tumors of the skin showing rapid growth, histopathological features of a keratoacanthoma and a conspicuous tendency toward spontaneous remission. A diagnosis of nonfamilial multiple keratoacanthoma was established. The patient had a CD4 count of 633 cells/microL. The HIV disease in our patient was of a nonprogressive nature with CCR5-positive T cells.

BIOSOCIAL COVARIATES OF ADULT MALE BODY MASS INDEX IN CENTRAL INDIA

Body mass index (BMI) is the ‘measuring rod’ of nutritional status. This study investigates the type and extent of correlation between adult male BMI and socioeconomic, cultural and bio-demographical variables using data from 11,496 individuals from 38 districts of Central India. For each individual, stature, body weight and sitting height data were collected, their Cormic index and BMI computed, and averages for each district calculated. Mean BMI was found to be lowest for the population of Tikamgarh (17·90±1·91 kg m−2) and highest for that of Durg district (19·33±2·16 kg m−2), whereas the mean BMI for the total population of Central India was 18·67±2·18 kg m−2, which is lower than that of well-to-do individuals in India as a whole. The F ratio indicates that there is inter-district variation in anthropometric characteristics of populations. District-wise biosocial indicators were obtained, namely population density per square kilometre, percentage urban population, percentage of population that is of scheduled caste/tribe, sex ratio, average rural population per PHC/CHC (primary or community health centre), literacy rate, life expectancy, total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, gender development index and human development index. Most of these variables were found to be significantly correlated with each other, but BMI was only significantly correlated with three of them, viz. gender development index (R2=0·211), life expectancy (R2=0·130) and infant mortality rate (R2=0·128). Gender development index and life expectancy were positively correlated with BMI, whereas infant mortality rate was negatively correlated. It is concluded that if BMI increases then life expectancy will also increase. Thus better nutritional status may be a helpful tool for reducing infant mortality rate, which is an indicator of socioeconomic status, health condition, health care and ultimately overall development of a region or population.

Serum leptin levels in obese Indian children relation to clinical and biochemical parameters

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate serum leptin levels in obese Indian children and its correlation to anthropometric and biochemical parameters.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Referral tertiary hospital.

METHODOLOGY

Leptin levels were measured in 36 children (26 boys, age 1.5 to 15 years) and 37 adults (21 men, age 25 to 69 years) with obesity and 29 normal weight controls (15 children and 14 adults).

RESULTS

Leptin levels were higher than controls in obese children (19.4 +/- 6.4 ng/mL against 5.4 +/- 1.7 ng/mL, p = 0.0001) and obese adults (18.9 +/- 6.4 ng/mL against 7.8 +/- 5.6 ng/mL, p = 0.0001). Leptin levels were higher than males in obese girls (23.5 +/- 1.7 ng/mL against 18.0 +/-7.6 ng/mL, p = 0.040) and women (21.3 +/- 4.4 ng/mL against 15.8 +/- 7.4 ng/mL). Leptin levels correlated with body mass index, waist circumference and waist to-hip ratio. A positive correlation was observed between serum leptin and cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol. No correlation was seen with fasting blood glucose and HDL-cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin levels correlate significantly with anthropometric and laboratory parameters in obese children. There is a need for further studies on the role of leptin in childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Population, health and nutrition in central India: a situational analysis

India is the second most populous in the world, having crossed the population mark of 1 billion in the year 2000. The different geographical regions exhibit different levels of health and nutritional status. Out of 35 states, some are identified as demographically lagging behind, called BIMARU. Central India falls in this category and the present paper provides a situational analysis of the region with respect to population growth, socio-economic condition, health scenario and level of nutrition in the region. The level of socio-economic development is relatively poor in this part when compared to other parts of the country. The population growth is higher than the national average. The Infant mortality rate (IMR) continues to be higher in Central India, varying from 70 to 164 across the districts in the region. Regression analysis shows a negative correlation between Human development index (HDI) and infant mortality rate. Considering 18.5 as a cut-off point for screening the individuals into normal and chronic energy deficiency (CED) groups, it is found that the prevalence of CED is lower among the populations of non-backward districts (50.5 %) than that in the backward districts (53.6 %). It is suggested that the overall socio-economic development should be accelerated and infant mortality controlled in order to improve the health and nutritional status of the people in Central India.

Oral ulcer as an unusual feature of visceral leishmaniasis in an AIDS patient

Leishmaniasis, a globally prevalent parasitic disease, occurs in three forms, viz, visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous. It is transmitted by female Phlebotomus sandflies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is increasing worldwide and several reports indicate a rising trend of VL / HIV co-infection, modifying the traditional anthroponotic pattern of VL transmission. India is one of the countries having the largest burden of leishmaniasis; nevertheless, there are very few HIV / leishmania co-infection cases reported so far. We report a 35-year-old homemaker infected with the human immunodeficiency virus; she presented with an oral ulcer. The investigations carried out on her revealed that she was afflicted by visceral leishmaniasis and the oral ulceration was a part of the same. This is only the second such case from the Indian subcontinent and more significantly from a non-endemic area.

Body mass index in Central India: inter district variation

Basic causes of poor state of nutrition and infections in developing countries are poverty, low level of hygienic conditions and little access to preventive and health care. Central India is known for its high rate of population growth and mortality, which persisted over time along with a low level of social, economic and infrastructure development. In the present study the body mass index (BMI) of 31 populations residing in 38 districts of Central India (comprising the States of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) is assessed. Anthropometric data collected by the Anthropological Survey of India were utilized in this context. The mean body mass index values of the populations of total backward and non-backward districts are found to be lower than that of well-to-do individuals of India (Bharati 1989, Khongsdier 1997, Reddy 1998), but it is not as low as that found among the South Indian populations (Ferro-Luzzi et al. 1992). In the present investigation, it is also found that the majority of the backward districts fall in the category of different grade of chronic energy deficiency (CED), while in the non-backward districts a considerably less number of districts follows this trend. A better level of the nutritional status among the populations of the non-backward districts corroborates the findings of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (NFHS 1992). It reveals that the apparently healthy individuals with CED grade I in the present study may be thin but physically active and healthy. The present study, however, narrates further intensive investigations in these populations, because the BMI as a measure of the CED should incorporate the aspects like morbidity and health status of a population.

Body mass index and chronic energy deficiency of adult males of Central Indian populations

Data on body weight, height, and sitting height from 11,496 adult males, age 18-62 years, belonging to 38 different populations of five major social groups (scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, "other backward castes," general castes, and Muslims) of Central India were taken for our analysis to assess the nutritional status of these groups. Cormic index and body mass index (BMI) were computed, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out among different populations as well as among social groups separately on Cormic index and BMI. Shape, size, and generalized distances among the different social groups were computed and dendrograms were drawn. The level of malnutrition is the lowest among the general castes. The opposite is the case with the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Comparison of the coefficient of variation shows that there is variation in weight and BMI but that there is no marked variation in the other anthropometric variables. The ANOVA on Cormic index and BMI suggests that the people within a population are more homogeneous than the people between populations. There is a positive but statistically insignificant correlation between Cormic index and BMI. The five social groups differ more in size distance than in shape distance. According to the dendrogram of generalized distance values, the Muslims and the general castes can be grouped into one cluster and the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward castes can be grouped into another cluster.

Angiosarcoma of scalp: a case report

Cutaneous angiosarcomas are rare and constitute less than 1% of all malignant mesenchymal tumours. Most angiosarcomas of skin arise in the following clinical settings: 1. face and scalp of elderly 2. following lymphoedema and 3. post radiation. We present a case of an elderly man presenting with scalp lesion of 18 months duration. Histological examination of the biopsy revealed features of an angiosarcoma, which showed imunohistochemical positivity for factor VIII related antigen.

Late-onset polymyositis in a case of poikilodermatomyositis

A case of poikiloderma developed polymyositis ten years after the onset of skin changes. This rare case of poikilodermatomyositis, hitherto not reported from Asian continent, is documented.

Histoid leprosy with ENL reaction

A 23-year old man presented with firm cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules of histoid leprosy. Some of the nodules suppurated after multidrug therapy (MDT) and these nodules showed features of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) on histopathological examination. ENL is a rare phenomenon observed in histoid leprosy.

Isonicotinic acid hydrazide induced anagen effluvium and associated lichenoid eruption

A 32 year-old woman developed generalised lichenoid eruptions on her body followed by diffuse loss of scalp hair of the anagen effluvium type. She was receiving several anti-tubercular drugs, including rifampicin, isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH), pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, for abdominal tuberculosis. INH, which is a leading cause of drug eruptions in the above group of drugs was withdrawn. However, the other antitubercular drugs were continued along with 40 mg of prednisolone in a single daily morning dose. The latter was discontinued slowly over a period of 10 weeks. There was complete recovery of hair loss and the regrowth started after 12 weeks of alopecia. Such anagen effluvium with lichenoid eruption following INH therapy has not been observed previously. The complete recovery from anagen effluvium is difficult to explain, but it could have been because of the early initiation of corticosteroid.

Epidemic dropsy: a study of cutaneous manifestations with histopathological correlation

Clinical and histopathological features of epidemic dropsy were studied in 19 patients. Bilateral pitting pedal oedema, erythrocyanosis and tachycardia without fever were the predominant clinical features. Histology revealed deposition of hyaline material on the walls of dermal blood vessels.

Abdominal hernia following abdominal herpes zoster

We report a case of abdominal hernia in TIO and 11 segments following herpes zoster at T11 segment.

Non-arthropathic psoriasis associated with uveitis

A patient with non-arthropathic psoriasis and associated uveitis is reported.

Erythromycin in pityriasis rosea: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The study stemmed from an incidental observation of improvement in 2 patients with pityriasis rosea while receiving erythromycin.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of erythromycin in patients with pityriasis rosea.

METHODS

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed in an outpatient setting in a major hospital. Ninety patients over a period of 2 years were alternatively assigned to treatment group or placebo group. Patients in the treatment group received erythromycin in divided doses for 14 days. The response was categorized as complete response, partial response, or no response. All patients were followed up for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable with regard to age at presentation, sex, and average duration of disease at the time of reporting to the clinic. Upper respiratory tract infection before the appearance of skin lesions was reported in 68.8% of all patients. Complete response was observed in 33 patients (73.33%) in the treatment group and none in the placebo group (P <.0001).

CONCLUSION

Oral erythromycin was effective in treating patients with pityriasis rosea.