Prevalence And Determinants of Anemia Among Adolescents in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu – A School Based Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Context: The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of anemia among adolescents 10 to 19 years of age disaggregated by age group and gender. We also assessed the determinants of anemia among ad-olescents. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out between July and November 2019 in a senior secondary public school, located in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India using a predesigned, semi-structured, pretested proforma that included haemoglobin estimation using oxyhemoglobin method. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 88.6% (95% CI 87.2 to 89.8); it was ten percent points higher in females (93.8%, 95% CI 92.1 to 95.1) compared to males (83.9%, 95% CI 81.7 to 85.8). Multivariate regres-sion analysis showed that early adolescents (AOR 3.05, 95% CI 2.19 to 4.24), females (AOR 6.94, 95% CI 4.90 to 9.83), those with A or B or AB blood groups (AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.92 to 3.49), physical inactivity (AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.43 to 3.33) and attainment of menarche (AOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.73 to 4.21) were independent predic-tors of anemia in adolescents. Conclusion: It is the need of the hour to identify vulnerable groups; factors that predict occurrence, prioritize them to design and implement an effective public health action. Also, the effectiveness of existing strategies in the form of periodic deworming, Iron and Folic acid tablets (IFA) should be reassessed.

Cytological intracellular glycogen evaluation using PAS and PAS-D stains to correlate plasma glucose in diabetics

Background: Oral cytology studies have claimed that cytoplasmic Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) positivity in type-2 diabetics is due to glycogen content. But, it can also be due to mucin and glycoconjugates. Aim: 1. To confirm that cytoplasmic PAS positivity in type-2 diabetics is due to glycogen using diastase. 2. To know the effect of diabetes by determining the number of glycogen-containing cells in the smear. 3. To assess the impact of duration of diabetes based on PAS staining of cells. 4. To correlate between random blood glucose level and the number of PAS-positive cells. Materials and Methods: Study population comprised 45 individuals with 30 type-2 diabetics as case group (Group I < 5 years duration; Group II > 5 years duration) and 15 healthy volunteers (age and gender-matched) as control. For all subjects, random blood glucose was estimated and two cytosmears were obtained. The smears were stained with PAS and PAS-diastase stains (PAS-D). Staining intensity was documented as score 1 (mild-to-moderate) and score 2 (moderate-to-intense) and data obtained were statistically analyzed in SPSS version 16.0. Results: Mann-Whitney U test revealed that in diabetics cytoplasmic PAS positivity is because of glycogen (P < 0.05). There is an increase in the number of glycogen-containing cells (P < 0.05) in diabetics. The duration of diabetes had less impact on intracellular glycogen accumulation (P > 0.05). Spearman's correlation test revealed no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between random blood glucose and a number of PAS-positive cells. Conclusion: PAS positivity is because of intracellular glycogen accumulation in type-2 diabetics. It can convey the glycaemic status of an individual in the recent past, thus a beneficial role in screening and therapeutic monitoring.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the extracts of different parts of Excoecaria agallocha L.

Scientific evaluated that, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of ethanol with water in the ratio of 3:1 extracts were obtained from different parts viz., leaves, seeds and latex of Excoecaria agallocha. The latex was sequentially soxhlated with petroleum ether and methanol dried latex in anti-inflammatory processes and analgesic activity in two concentrations (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that, presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, saponins were found maximum in the seed extract. Acute inflammatory studies showed that, latex, leaves and seed extracts of both concentration of chosen plant produced significant inhibition of carrageenin induced rat paw edema at 3rd hour (p<0.005) as compared to the control causing 63.15%, 62.15% and 69.69% respectively. In addition that, the seed extract at the concentration of 500 mg/kg showed maximum inhibition at 57.03% as compared to control in cotton pellet induced granuloma test. The analgesic activity of seed extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg. caused significant inhibitions in the acetic acid induced writhing. Moreover, the tail immersion model, seed extract at the concentration of 500 mg/kg. possess an maximum activity (80.29%) as compared to control.

Effects of saline tolerant Azospirillum species on the growth parameters of mangrove seedlings.

Five species of Azospirillum isolated from Manakkudi mangrove ecosystem were subjected for their efficiency to find out their growth parameters potential for the successful establishment of mangrove seedlings. Of the isolated five Azospirillum species, Azospirillum lipoferum (60%) was found to be the dominant one. But the level of maximum indole acetic acid (IAA) production (19.8mg.ml-1) and nitrogen fixation (5.9 C2H2hr-1) was identified with A. brasilense. Further, A. brasilense showed significant (p<0.05) level of increased growth parameters [maximum root length (29.55%), average root length (7.39%), total Chl (55.36%), carrotenoids (28.57%), Chl b (37.50%), carbohydrates (90.91%) and total amino acids (78.95%)] in Avicennia officinals when compared with control group. Further, A. brasilense also showed significant (p<0.05) level of increased growth parameters [average number of primary roots (40%), average biomass (44.44%), average shoot biomass (55.56%), total Chl (20%), Chl b (77.78%) and carotenoid (1.54%)] in C. decandra seedlings when compared with control group. Similarly, the average number of primary roots (23.08%), average root biomass (15.52%), average shoot biomass (15.30%), carbohydrate (20%) and total amino acids (44.44%) were found significant (p<0.05) in A. irakense inoculated R. apiculata seedlings. In conclusion, Azospirillum brasilense was found better for the growth of Avicennia officinalis and Ceriops decandra seedlings, but Azospirillum irakense was found better for Rhizophora apiculata seedlings.

Population dynamics of free living, nitrogen fixing bacteria Azospirillum in Manakkudi mangrove ecosystem, India.

Seasonal variations of population dynamics of free living nitrogen fixing bacteria, Azospirillum in relation to chemical parameters in Manakkudi mangrove eco system was assessed in root and rhizosphere soil samples of mangroves and mangrove associated plants. In rhizosphere soil and root samples, the counts of Azospirillum were recorded maximum in Acrostichum aureum as 8.63±0.92 x104 and 115.48±17.36 x 104 CFU g-1, respectively. The counts of Azospirillum in non-rhizosphere soil varied from 0.01±0.001x 104 to 5.77±0.92x 104 CFU g-1 and found maximum in February and minimum in March and September. Azospirillum counts in water samples were found maximum (2.24 x 104 CFU l-1) in February. During seasonal variations maximum counts of Azospirillum were recorded during southwest monsoon season in Avicennia officinalis (1.40 x 104 CFU g-1 ) followed by Rhizophora mucronata (1.07 x 104 CFU g-1). The average maximum population density of Azospirillum counts was found during non monsoon season (9.73 x 104 CFU g-1 ) and the average maximum population density of Azospirillum counts was found with the mangrove associated root samples (13.73 x 104 CFU g-1 ). Of the selected isolates Azospirillum lipoferum (60%) was found to be predominant followed by Azospirillum brasilense (25%), Azospirillum irakense (5%), Azospirillum halopraeferens (5%) and Azospirillum amazonense (5%). Of the isolated species, A. halopraeferens exhibited better growth at 35 g l-1 NaCl. The level of Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn were varied from 0.91 to 15.93 ppm. The level of Mn (12.13 ppm) was found maximum during non-monsoon of rhizosphere soil sample. Highest rainfall (192.80 mm) and atmospheric temperature (25.10 oC) were recorded during south west monsoon and non monsoon seasons. The increased population density was greatly influenced by the pH (r=+0.686). The present finding provides enough information on the nitrogen flow through biological process in Manakkudi mangrove ecosystem which can be useful for the effective implementation of mangrove management plan.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort ethanolic extract on concanavalin-A induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort on concanavalin-A induced stress in Wistar albino rats have been reported. Rats were administered with ethanolic extract of Suaeda maritima at the concentration of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg of body wt. for 9 days and concanavalin-A was administrated (iv) 12 mg/kg on 9th day. Rats in concanavalin-A administered group showed elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilurubin. Pretreatment of rats with ethanolic extract (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced these serum parameters compared to concavalin-A administered group. Histopathological examination of liver sections showed that, normal liver architecture was disturbed by hepatotoxin intoxication. The extract treated group and silymarin treated group retained the normal cell architecture, although less visible changes were observed. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of triterpenioids and may be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity. The LD50 was calculated as 3 g/kg of the body weight. IC50 values of hydroxyl (52.21±1.32g/ml) and nitric oxide radicals (09.14±0.94 g/ml) scavenging results showed comparable activity with vitamin-C. Results of this study may be useful for the development of herbal medicine from Suaeda maritima for the treatment of hepatitis.

Bioactive potential of seagrass bacteria against human bacterial pathogens.

Study of marine organisms for their bioactive potential, being an important part of marine ecosystem, has picked up the rhythm in recent years with the growing recognition of their importance in human life. Investigation was carried out to isolate 32 strains of endo and epiphytic bacteria in 2 seagrass species viz., Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea serrulata. Morphologically different bacterial strains were tested against 5 antibiotic resistant human bacterial pathogens, of which 10 associated bacteria shown inhibitory activity against one or more bacterial pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) determination with extracellular bioactive compounds from the associated bacteria reveals that, the strain ENC 5 showed inhibitory activity against all the bacterial pathogens with the maximum sensitivity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the MIC value of 500 µg ml-1.

Impact of HIV/AIDS on quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in Chitradurga district, Karnataka.

Background: HIV/AIDS is fatal illness which leaves the victim vulnerable. Quality of life in individuals living with HIV/AIDS is becoming crucial for measuring commonly used endpoints. The study of psychosocial factors also influences the health outcome of People Living with HIV/AIDS. Aim: To assess the Quality of life of PLHA in relation to various socio-demographic and clinical correlates. Setting and Design: A community care center in Chitradurga district and it is a Cross sectional study. Methods and Materials: About 395 PLHAs registered in the centre constituted the sample. WHOQOL - 120 instrument was used for assessing quality of life. The socio demographic factors were also obtained in pre designed proforma. Statistical Analysis Used: Proportions, Mean, Std deviation, One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results and Conclusion: The Quality of Life scores for all domains were intermediate for the PLHAs between (10 - 14). The mean scores were highest for psychological domain. There was a significant difference in QOL of PLHA who were on ART and Not on ART in some domains. PLHAs who were literates, married, Single, employed, income more than 1500 not on ART, CD4 count more than 200, earlier stages of HIV, living with spouse and students had high mean scores. Mean difference of QOL scores with duration of ART intake were statistically significant in psychological and Spirituality domains. QOL was found to be determined by education, income, occupation, ART status, duration of taking ART and clinical categories of the disease.

A preliminary study on the anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of Ulva lactuca in rat.

Anti-inflammatory drugs presently available for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders have diverse and undesirable side effects. In recent years; active principles of varied chemical structures have been isolated from plants possessing anti-inflammatory activity. Sulfated polysaccharides present in algae were shown to posses anti-inflammatory properties. Ulva lactuca the green alga available in Tuticorin coast was found to show anti-inflammatory effect as evidenced by the reduction in the inhibition of oedema at the 4th day of the experiment compared with the positive control drug and control. Microscopic examination of the elite organs did not show any alteration compared with the control and reference group. Moreover, the hematological parameters were found normal compared with the control. The present study suggests the need for further studies for the development of anti-inflammatory drug of marine origin with proper clinical trials.

Cadmium induced effect on growth and physiology in halophilic phosphobacteria.

The chosen phosphobacterial species are well tolerated to the wide range of salinity (20-40 ppt) and found to be pure marine forms. Effect of different concentrations of cadmium on the growth, phosphate solubilising activity and content of extracellular macromolecules in eight species of phosphate solubilising bacteria were carried-out in the present study at optimum level of salinity and found that these activities are found maximum at lower concentrations of cadmium and further reduction in the activities were noticed at higher concentrations. The maximum content of total sugar was noticed in S. aureus at 1 ppm level of cadmium. The content of protein was found maximum in B. megaterium and M. roseus without the addition of cadmium and also the phosphate solubilizing activity was found higher in all the chosen phosphobacterial strains with the addition of cadmium.

Antimicrobial activity of tissue and associated bacteria from benthic sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni against microbial pathogens.

Associated bacteria from Stichodactyla haddoni are found maximum in tentacle tissues than the body tissue. There are eight associated bacterial species viz., Alcaligenes sp, Corynebacterium sp, Aeromonas sp, Sporosarcina sp, Renibacterium sp, Camobacterium sp1, Camobacterium sp2 and Salinococcus sp were recorded. The culture extracts from the associated bacterial species showed sensitivity against human bacterial and fungalpathogens. However, the hexane tissue extract of sea anemone showed maximum sensitivity (24 mm dia.) against the fish bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila than the other chosen pathogens. Comparatively the tissue extracts showed promising antimicrobial sensitivity than the cell free extracts of associated bacteria, and hence, the tissue samples from the sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni is recommended for further exploration of novel antimicrobial drugs than the associated bacteria.

Growth of Avicennia marina and Ceriops decandra seedlings inoculated with halophilic azotobacters.

Inoculation of azotobacter has significant positive effects on the growth characteristics and pigments in mangrove seedlings of Avicennia marina and Ceriops decandra. The bacterial inoculation significantly increased the root dry biomass at the maximum of 75.8% at 30 gl(-1) salinity in Ceriops decandra. But in Avicennia marina, the shoot dry biomass was increased significantly at the maximum of 56.12% at 30 gl(-1) salinity in general, the Azotobacter beijerinkii improved the growth characteristics better in both species of mangroves preferably at higher salinity levels in A. marina and at a range of salinity in C. decandra. The results recommend this forraising vigorous seedlings under nursery conditions.

Effect of heavy metals (Hg and Zn) on the growth and phosphate solubilising activity in halophilic phosphobacteria isolated from Manakudi mangrove.

The diversity of phosphobacteria in Manakudi mangrove ecosystem of Tamil Nadu was carried out in root and rhizosphere soil samples. The counts of phosphobacteria were found higher in root samples than in soil samples particularly in Hymenachene acutigluma. The abundance of phosphobacterial diversity in Manakudi mangrove showed high degree of positive correlation with the content of phosphate in rhizosphere soil of all the mangrove and associated plant species. Nine phosphobacterial species belonging to 7 genera were reported from Manakudi mangrove ecosystem. All the identified bacterial species are sensitive to both the heavy metals (mercury and zinc) in terms of growth and physiology even at lower concentrations. The content of protein and total sugars were increased by the higher concentrations of heavy metals whereas decreased trend was noticed in lower concentrations of heavy metals.

Metabolic dysregulation and inhibition of spermatogenesis by gibberellic acid in rat testicular cells.

Enzymatic and histological change in the testicular cells of rats treated orally and intradermally for 45 days with gibberellic acid (GBA) in independent studies is reported. Assay of hexokinase (HK), acid phosphatase (AcP) and alkaline phosphatase (AkP) in rat testicular tissue homogenate preparations yielded results that suggested changes in these enzyme activities relative to their respective controls. Histological studies showed loss of germ cells, derangement of the germinal cells, and reduction in the size of the seminiferous tubules and dystrophy of Leydig cells. More importantly decreased sperm count in the lumen was observed. A dysregulatory role is thus established for GBA in rat testicular cell function. This compound may serve as an inhibitor of testicular cell function.

Antibacterial activity of traditional therapeutic coastal medicinal plants against some pathogens.

Antimicrobial activity of 10 traditional coastal medicinal plant species from South west coast of India were tested against 12 human bacterial pathogens and two cattle pathogens. Among the plant species tested, a butanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri showed maximum inhibitory activity against the human pathogen Escherichia coli, whereas the butanolic extract of Aristolochia indica. L showed maximum inhibitory activity against the cattle pathogen Listeria monocytogen. The mean zone of inhibition indicates that the growth of Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly inhibited by the coastal medicinal plant extract than the other bacterial species and also the antibacterial activity was found higher in the butanolic extract than water extract.

Effect of phytohormones on the growth dynamics and macromolecular contents of two extreme halophilic Cyanobacteria (Phormidium sps).

Two non-heterocystous, filamentous solar saltern extreme halophilic cyanobacteria viz., Phormidium tenue and Phormidium fragile were allowed to grow in different concentrations of phytohormones. Among the phytohormones, Indole-3 acetic acid and Indole-3-butyric acid at 0. l ppm concentration enhanced the growth, pigments and carbohydrate content in P. fragile. The phycobiliprotein production was found higher at 0. l ppm concentration of Indole-3-acetic acid in P. tenue, whereas Indole-3-butyric acid at 50 ppm and 0. 1 ppm concentrations proved to be inhibitory in the protein and carbohydrate contents in P. tenue.