Epidemiological Determinants of Depression among the Geriatric Population Residing in a Slum of Urban India: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Worldwide interest in geriatric depression has increased but studies to assess the depression among the elderly population in urban slums has hardly been done. So this study would shed light on the risk factors of depression among geriatrics in urban slums. Aim & Objective: To study the epidemiological determinants such as age, marital status, education, financial dependency, economic status and chronic illness in relation to of depression among the geriatric population (60–80 years). Settings and Design: Community-based, cross-sectional study for 24 months with a samplesize of 209. Methods & Material: Urban slum area represented by one health post was selectedas the study area which caters to around 96,630 slum residents. Pre-tested semi-structuredinterviews were conducted after selecting households by systematic random sampling. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. A chi-square test was applied. Result: The present study shows overall prevalence of depression among the elderly above 60 years of age to be 48.6%. Depression is found to been significantly associated with an increase in age, living alone (72.7%), lower class economic status (100%), financial dependency (54%), history of chronic family illness (54.7%) and with no formal education (62.1%) among elderly dwelling in slums. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of depression in the community and hence, a need to sensitize Primary level Health Care Services to institute screening tests considering the association of these determinants with depression and link them to specialized services for further management.

Anti-Biofilm Activity of Monolaurin on Staphylococcus aureus: An in-silico Study

Background: Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-negative bacterium that can build strong biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, quickly acquire drug resistance mechanisms, and cause major issues with the treatment of hospital infections. The creation of new therapeutic options has become important due to the limited supply of new antibacterial medications. One of the main sources of bioactive molecules is medicinal plants, and monolaurin is a naturally occurring substance with a variety of biological functions. In light of this, the goal of this study was to assess monolaurin's antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. Methods: Using the AutoDock programme, a docking study of monolaurin against Clf A (clumping factor A) was carried out, and Pymol software was used to evaluate the generated hydrogen bonds in the docked complex. This study demonstrates the positive potential of monolaurin as an antibacterial product and lends support to upcoming pharmacological research on this molecule with an eye toward its therapeutic use. Results: Research was done to support the theoretical absorption of monolaurin in this work and in silico. It was feasible to forecast if the monolaurin molecule may be produced as a medication based on the values of the physical-chemical parameters evaluated using the online tool Swiss ADME. Conclusion: The compound monolaurin demonstrated good receptor ClfA binding affinity with an estimated binding energy of kcal/mol. Natural anti-staphylococcal chemical monolaurin was used as a possible medicine for treating staphylococcal infections in humans by carrying out drug design studies for S. aureus.

Preference for male child among married adults in rural and urban field practice areas of Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: Reduction of national fertility levels was directly proportional to the preference of male child in many families in India. We conducted this study on 214 married adults, in both sexes to find out whether this strong preference still exists in this decade or not, and if it does what could be the reasons.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study done by face to face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire containing both qualitative and quantitative variables, among 214 married adults.Results: Upon analysing the results, we identified that higher son preference (61.23%) is seen in many rural families, and is strongly associated with low socio-economic status, literacy rate and caste. The reasons by which these families prefer male child were also broadly categorized and identified. Economic utility (78%) and old age security (61%) was found to be the major reasons most families has quoted in preferring a son.Conclusions: By improving the literacy rate and job opportunities in the community, fertility rate can be reduced, especially in rural areas where the other options are limited.

Variation of grain quality characters and marker-trait association in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A set of 24 genotypes were studied for 17 grain quality characters and validated with the reported associated rice microsatellite markers with grain quality characters. Using 23 polymorphic markers distributed across 11 chromosomes marker-trait associations were studied. The percentage of polymorphism information content (PIC) of the markers ranged between 54.0 and 86.7. Eight markers with [80% and seven markers with[70% of PIC were found to be efficient in differentiating the studied grain quality characters. A total of 37 significant marker-trait associations (P B 0.09) were found with R2 ranging from 4.70% to 43.80%. Eight markers a (RM246, RM11, RM241, RM16427, RM421, RM3, RM234 and RM257) showed association with more than one character suggesting their utility for the selection for grain quality characters which can be deployed in the rice crop improvement programme

Role of HRCT in Smoking Related Interstitial Lung Diseases

Background: Smoking induced lung diseases constitute a complex group of disorders, varying from the well-known entity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to the more recently described interstitial lung diseases. Aim and objectives: The aim of the study was to delineate the relation between cigarette smoking and the development of interstitial lung disease with declaration of the different types of the interstitial lung associated with smoking. Materials and methods: This was prospective study consisting of patients with smoking history referred to Department of Radiodiagnosis of NRIGH for HRCT with symptoms of progressive dyspnea. Inclusion criteria were smokers with progressive dyspnea, (age range 30-90 years, mean age 54 years ± 8). HRCT was done to all subjects using GE Light Speed Multislice 4 channels. CT scan examination was performed using GE Light Speed Multislice 4 channels present in our radiology department. The examination was done in supine position. A scout was taken with kV 120 and mA 120, then helical scanning was done in caudo-cranial direction to minimize respiration artifacts, using detector row 4, helical thickness 1.25, pitch 1.5:1, speed (mm/rot) 7.5, Detector configuration 4 · 1.25, beam collimation 5.00 mm, interval 1.00, gantry tilt 0.0, FOV depends on the patients’ body build, but is about 35 cm, kV 120–140, mA 120–160, total exposure time about 16 s during breath hold in inspiration. The images acquired were sent to a separate workstation to be processed, manipulated and reconstructed. Reconstruction of the images was done using reconstruction software available at the workstation to attain HRCT axial, coronal and sagittal images. Also mediastinal window images were done for each case. Results: In the present study, the most common seen HRCT pattern was Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, most affected gender were males and most affected age group was between 60-70 years. Sreedevi Meka, D Ankamma Rao. Role of HRCT in Smoking Related Interstitial Lung Diseases. IAIM, 2019; 6(8): 78-94. Page 79 Conclusion: In the appropriate clinical evaluation and in the presence of typical findings, high - resolution CT plays an essential role in evaluation and definite diagnosis of Smoking Related – Interstitial Lung Disease, and this may obviate further testing. However, lung biopsy may be needed when the high-resolution CT are relatively non-specific or when a confident definitive diagnosis is needed.

High resolution computed tomography in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation with varied presentations (bronchitis and emphysema). High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) plays an important role in identifying the various morphologies thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of high resolution computed tomography in COPD patients. The Objectives of the present study was to differentiate emphysema predominant, airway predominant and mixed phenotypes and to identify other disease processes and complications.Methods: 50 COPD patients attending Respiratory medicine Department, NRI general hospital were advised for chest x-rays and pulmonary function tests. All the patients selected were smokers with no other co-morbid illnesses. Those patients whose chest x-rays showed no other changes except for COPD changes were selected for HRCT chest.Results: Out of 50 COPD patients emphysema predominance was present in 28 patients (56%), bronchitis predominance in 19 patients (38%) and 3(6%) patients had mixed pattern. In emphysema centriacinar pattern was commonly seen (42.9%), paraseptal in 35.71%, panacinar in 3.57% and bullae in 17.8% cases. All the patients were chronic smokers with pack years >20. All are males with average age above 45 years. Emphysema was common in elderly patients with age above 50 years. Chronic bronchitis is predominantly seen in the age group 40-50 years. Additional diagnoses like bronchiectasis, mass, ILD were identified in 28% cases.Conclusions: HRCT plays a significant role in COPD patients in differentiating phenotypes which have different modes of therapy. Other subtle changes in lungs which cannot be identified on chest x ray are discernible on HRCT. Early identification of complications reduces morbidity and mortality.

Comparative Study of Total Thyroidectomy and Subtotal Thyroidectomy Regarding the Surgical Management of Multinodular Goiter

Background : Multinodular goitre refers to a generalised enlarged thyroid gland with recognisable nodules within it. The most frequent cause of multinodular goitre is iodine deficiency. Medical care or radioactive iodine may be used for larger goitres; but the best choice of MNG treatment is surgery, especially in cosmetic problem, compressive symptom, toxicity and suspicion of malignancy. There are several methods for thyroid gland operation such as Subtotal Thyroidectomy (STT), Near-Total Thyroidectomy (NTT), Hemi-thyroidectomy plus Subtotal resection (Dunhill procedure) and Total Thyroidectomy (TT). But the surgical method of benign thyroid disease treatment is still controversial. Objective : The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of total or near-total thyroidectomy compared to subtotal thyroidectomy for multinodular non-toxic goitre. Materials and Methods : The study included fifty seven patients admitted at Gandhi Hospital referred with a prior diagnosis of TMNG. 28 patients had undergone Subtotal Thyroidectomy where as 29 patients had undergone Total Thyroidectomy. Results were interpreted based on the Thyroid profile, serum Calcium values; Incidence of post-operative complications and recurrence of goitre. Results : The results showed that among the patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy only two patients had developed the complications of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, superior laryngeal nerve injury, hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, whereas among the patients who underwent subtotal thyroidectomy none of these complications were seen; 5 patients out of 28 who had undergone subtotal thyroidectomy had developed recurrence at the end of 1 year, whereas there was no evidence of recurrence among the patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Cocnclusions : It has been concluded that despite of the higher rate of post-operative complications, total thyroidectomy will be more effective and beneficial in the surgical treatment of Multinodular Goitre.

Phytochemical Screening and Anti Microbial Studies of Hemidesmus Indicus.

Many forms of alternative medicines were available for those who cannot be helped by conventional medicine. Ayurvedha and Herbal medicine were two important forms of alternative medicine that was widely available in India. This work was mainly concerned with the identification of the therapeutic properties of Hemidesmus indicus. The ethanolic extract of hemidesmus indicus root was used for its anti oxidant and antimicrobial activity. Hemidesmus indicus root extract has very well anti oxidant and anti microbial activity. The ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus was checked for anti microbial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as staphylococcus aures, pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi Aspergillus niger.

Unusual complications of Ventriculo Peritoneal Shunt: 15 years experience.

Ventriculo-Peritoneal shunt is the most commonly performed surgery for hydrocephalus, universally Many complications are reported, of which the shunt malfunction and infection are most commonly encountered. These common complications can be minimized, by precautions like– senior surgeons operating shunt cases, as the first case in the operation, with minimal personnel in the operation and thoroughly scrubbing the part for minimum five minutes. However, in few cases, – even in the experienced hands and with all precautions, some rare complications like extrusion of the lower end through anus, vagina, into scrotum were described. In our experience of over 15 years, wide range of complications was seen apart from malfunction and infection. Exposure of the part of shunt system, with excoriation of overlying skin, peritubal leaks, disconnection of shunt system with CSF leaking out, loculation in between the loops of bowel/ omentum, extrusion of the lower end through anus etc. were encountered and probable factors for these unusual complications were discussed.

Effect of Foliar Nutrition on Water Potential, Photosynthetic Rate, Dry Matter Production and Yield of Mung Bean Under Receding Soil Moisture Condition.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2012-13 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, with an aim to find out the effect of foliar nutrition on water potential, photosynthetic rate, dry matter production and yield of mung bean under receding soil moisture conditions in split plot design with irrigation and no irrigation as main treatments and foliar sprays as sub treatments. Under receding soil moisture condition (moisture stress) KNO3 @ 1% proved superior over other foliar sprays by recording more plant height, leaf area, shoot dry weight, and photosynthetic rate by maintaining high chlorophyll content, high proline and high leaf water potential. KNO3 @ 1% gave higher yields under receding soil moisture condition compared to other foliar sprays. Under irrigated conditions urea @ 2% recorded higher yield. Among all treatments controlled (no spray) under unirrigated conditions recorded lower yields due to moisture stress and nutrient deficiency.

Spectrum of malignancies in human immunodeficiency virus – positive patients at a tertiary care centre in South India.

CONTEXT: India has a very large number of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Opportunistic infections in these patients are commonly encountered. However, malignancies in such patients also do occur. AIM: The aim was to study the spectrum of malignancies in HIV‑positive patients at a tertiary health care center. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases were retrieved from pathology record files at our Institute from January 2003 to December 2008. The follow‑up was obtained from Medical oncology records. The morphology of each case was reviewed along with immunohistochemistry wherever done. RESULTS: There were 61 such cases (51 males, 10 females). The age range was 7–78 years with a median of 35 years. The clinical presentation varied according to the malignancy. The largest group was non‑Hodgkin lymphoma (18 nodal, 23 extra‑nodal). The others included carcinoma breast (4), chronic myeloid leukemia (3), Burkitt Leukemia (2), squamous cell carcinoma anal region (2), multiple myeloma (2) and one each of miscellaneous malignancies (7). CONCLUSION: Malignancies in HIV positive individual occurred in younger individuals. Non‑Hodgkin lymphomas, especially extra‑nodal lymphomas, were the most common malignancy. There were no cases of proven Kaposi’s sarcoma or invasive cervical carcinomas. There were two cases of multiple myeloma which are infrequently reported.

Heavy Metals Concentration in Fish Mugil cephalus from Machilipatnam Coast and Possible Health Risks to Fish Consumers.

Heavy metals are dangerous to aquatic organisms and it can be bioaccumulated in the food chain leading to diseases in humans. Cumulative effects of metals or chronic poisoning may occur as a result of long term expore even to low concentrations. The accumulation of heavy metals conditions depending upon the species, environmental conditions and inhibitory processes. Considering the human health risk due to the consumption of fish, the concentration of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, Cr and Hg) are investigated in fish samples collected from the Machilipatnam coast. The fish was examined for metal constituents are the basis on the human nutrition in the study area. These metal concentrations were exceeding the limits set by the world health organization (WHO). The study provides an insight into the potential impact of increased levels of metals in the environmental as well as estimated of the contaminated of fish tissues with metals.

Detection of histidine rich protein & lactate dehydrogenase of Plasmodium falciparum in malaria patients by sandwich ELISA using in-house reagents.

Background & objectives: Despite major control efforts, malaria remains a major public health problem that still causes high mortality rate worldwide especially in Africa and Asia. Accurate and confirmatory diagnosis before treatment initiation is the only way to control the disease. The present study was undertaken to develop reagents using sandwich ELISA for simultaneous detection of PfHRP2 (Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein) and PfLDH (P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase) antigens in the proven malaria cases. Methods: The antibodies were raised against two epitopes of PfHRP2 protein and three unique and unexplored epitopes of PfLDH protein. These antibodies were able to detect PfHRP2 and PfLDH antigens in culture supernatant and parasitized RBC lysate of P. falciparum, respectively up to 50 parasites/μl. The in-house reagents were tested in 200 P. falciparum positive patients residing in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. Results: Microsphere (PLGA) with CpG ODN were used to generate high titre and high affinity antibodies against selected peptides of PfHRP-2 and pLDH antigen in mice and rabbit. The peptide specific peak titre varied from 12,800 - 102,400 with an affinity ranging 0.73 - 3.0 mM. The indigenously developed reagents are able to detect PfHRP2 and PfLDH antigens as low as 75 parasites/μl of blood with a very high sensitivity (96-100%) and specificity (100%). Interpretation & conclusions: The study highlight the identification of unique epitopes of PfHRP2 and PfLDH, and the generated antibodies against these antigens were used for quantitative estimation of these two antigens using sandwich ELISA. No corresreactivity with P. vivax infected patients was observed with the sera.

Success of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C infection relates to functional status of myeloid dendritic cells.

The pure recombinant and synthetic antigens used in modern day vaccines are generally less immunogenic than older style live/attenuated and killed whole organism vaccines. One can improve the quality of vaccine production by incorporating immunomodulators or adjuvants with modified delivery vehicles viz. liposomes, immune stimulating complexes (ISCOMs), micro/nanospheres apart from alum, being used as gold standard. Adjuvants are used to augment the effect of a vaccine by stimulating the immune system to respond to the vaccine, more vigorously, and thus providing increased immunity to a particular disease. Adjuvants accomplish this task by mimicking specific sets of evolutionary conserved molecules which include lipopolysaccharides (LPS), components of bacterial cell wall, endocytosed nucleic acids such as dsRNA, ssDNA and unmethylated CpG dinucleotide containing DNA. This review provides information on various vaccine adjuvants and delivery vehicles being developed to date. From literature, it seems that the humoral immune responses have been observed for most adjuvants and delivery platforms while viral-vector, ISCOMs and Montanides have shown cytotoxic T-cell response in the clinical trials. MF59 and MPL® have elicited Th1 responses, and virus-like particles (VLPs), non-degradable nanoparticle and liposomes have also generated cellular immunity. Such vaccine components have also been evaluated for alternative routes of administration with clinical success reported for intranasal delivery of viral-vectors and proteosomes and oral delivery of VLP vaccines.

In-vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of aqueous pericarp extract of Punica granatum.

The study aimed to evaluate the anti microbial against human pathogenic organisms and antioxidant activities of aqueous pericarp extract of Punica granatum. The antimicrobial activity was tested against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The aqueous pericarp extract of Punica granatum was showed significant inhibitory activity. 11 mm was the highest inhibitory zone against Staphylococcus aureus but not active against C. albicans. The MIC of pericarp extract was found to be the range between 10- 100 μg/ml. 10 μg/ml was the lowest MIC to most of the bacteria. Radical scavenging activity of pericarp extract of P. granutum was carried out to assess antioxidant activity with employing acorbic acid as standard drug. 6.8, 36.3, 4, 65.2, 10.0, 185 μg/ml were the IC50 values of seed coat extract to Superoxide, Hydroxyl, Hydrogen peroxide, DPPH, Nitric oxide, Lipid peroxide radical scavenging activities respectively. The antimicrobial as well as antioxidant activities were dose dependently increased with pericarp extract concentration. The present study revealed that pericarp of Punica granatum has shown significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Dual and Axenic culture of Sclerospora graminicola on Pearl Millet and in vitro raised disease resistant host germplasm.

Mother axis of the infected suppressed ear-head of pearl-millet with embryoids was sliced (2-3 mm) and surface sterilized with 0.2 % Ethyl mercuric chloride followed by repeated washings with sterile antioxidant solution (50 mg/L citric acid, 25 mg/L ascorbic acid and 50 mg/L P.V.P). Sterilized slices were cultured on modified MS medium supplemented with 10 mg/L IAA, 0.5 mg/L Kinetin, 2.5 mg/L 2,4-D, 3.0 mg/L casein hydrolysate, 25 mg /L ascorbic acid and 150 mg/L coconut water. Two types of calli were formed after 10-15 days. Slow growing compact milky coloured was embryogenic and the other hyaline fast-growing was non-embryogenic. The fungus grew on the callus after 20-25 days of inoculation. It grew axenically on the surface of the medium after sometime. Slow growing embryogenic callus was subcultured to auxin free ¾ strength MS medium with 25 mg/L ascorbic acid, 100 ml/L coconut water and 0.5 mg/L Kinetin. Regeneration plantlets were transferred for rooting on ½ strength MS medium containing 1.5 mg/L IBA and 25 mg/L ascorbic acid. The regenerated plantlets with strong root system were transferred to 4 earthen pots. The plantlets raised were subjected for disease resistance by growing them on the medium containing different concentrations of the fungus filtrate. The plantlets showing resistance have been accepted as diseases resistant.

Phytochemical screening and insilico approach for the identification of anti stress compounds from medicinal plants.

In India, many forms of alternative medicines are available for those who cannot be helped by conventional medicine. Ayurvedha and Herbal medicine are two important forms of alternative medicine that is widely available in India. This work was mainly concerned with the identification of the therapeutic properties of Indian medicinal plant extracts. Everyone knows that medicinal plants have disease curing properties and this is due to the compounds presents in the extracts used for the treatment. So we identified the compounds of different medicinal plants like Celastrus paniculatus, Withania somnifera, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Rauvoifia Serpentina etc which are used as medicine for Stress in Ayurvedha from previous literature. After identification using chemsketch software these compounds were designed and screened for antistress property. The proteins responsible for stress in Homo sapiens were collected using Protein databank (PDB). Active sites were identified and used for docking with the compounds. Then the compounds were docked to the Calcium channel in order find better inhibitor. Among 33 compounds 10 compounds showed best docking results for each protein. ADMET studies were performed using Molinspiration and OSIRIS server.

Arsenic in Eggs and Excreta of Laying Hens in Bangladesh: A Preliminary Study

The aim of this study was to detect arsenic concentrations in feed, well-water for drinking, eggs, and excreta of laying hens in arsenic-prone areas of Bangladesh and to assess the effect of arsenic-containing feed and well-water on the accumulation of arsenic in eggs and excreta of the same subject. One egg from each laying hen (n=248) and its excreta, feed, and well-water for drinking were collected. Total arsenic concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, coupled with hydride generator. Effects of arsenic-containing feed and drinking-water on the accumulation of arsenic in eggs and excreta were analyzed by multivariate regression model, using Stata software. Mean arsenic concentrations in drinkingwater, feed (dry weight [DW]), egg (wet weight [WW]), and excreta (DW) of hens were 77.3, 176.6, 19.2, and 1,439.9 ppb respectively. Significant (p<0.01) positive correlations were found between the arsenic contents in eggs and drinking-water (r=0.602), drinking-water and excreta (r=0.716), feed and excreta (r=0.402) as well as between the arsenic content in eggs and the age of the layer (r=0.243). On an average, 55% and 82% of the total variation in arsenic contents of eggs and excreta respectively could be attributed to the variation in the geographic area, age, feed type, and arsenic contents of drinking-water and feed. For each week’s increase in age of hens, arsenic content in eggs increased by 0.94%. For every 1% elevation of arsenic in drinking-water, arsenic in eggs and excreta increased by 0.41% and 0.44% respectively whereas for a 1% rise of arsenic in feed, arsenic in eggs and excreta increased by 0.40% and 0.52% respectively. These results provide evidence that, although high arsenic level prevails in well-water for drinking in Bangladesh, the arsenic shows low biological transmission capability from body to eggs and, thus, the value was below the maximum tolerable limit for humans. However, arsenic in drinking-water and/or feed makes a significant contribution to the arsenic accumulations in eggs and excreta of laying hens.

A study on nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms on growth and Physiology of Plumbago Zeylanica.L.

Organisms that are commonly used as biofertilizers component are nitrogen fixers (N-fixer), potassium solubilizer (K-solubilizer) and phosphorus solubilizer (P- solubilizer), or with the combination of molds or fungi. Most of the bacteria included in biofertilizer have close relationship with plant roots. In this work we have selected plumbago zeylanica.L plant to study the effect of Azotobacter on the growth of roots, stem, and leaves. Also biochemical characterization was done to identify the effect of Azotobacter in Plumbago. The maximum shoot length was recorded in T4 plants (43.51) on 90th days of plant growth after transplanting the plants. There was a significant increase at 5 % level in the root length from 30th days to 90th days in all the treatments. The maximum number of leaves were found in T4 treatment followed by T3 and T2. Minimum numbers of leaves were found in T1 (1083). On 60th day and 90th day also the total chlorophyll content was maximum in T4 treated plants followed by T3, T2 plants. The amount of reducing sugars (μg/g) in shoots of T4, T3 and T2 plants on 30th, 60th and 90th days were significantly high when compared to T1 plants. The content of protein in roots of T2, T3 and T4 plants on 30th, 60th and 90th days were significantly high when compared to protein content of T1 plants.

Estimation of levels of carbohydrates in mealey bug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus) infected stem of hibiscus rosa sinensis.

Mealey bug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus) causes dreadful infection in Hibiscus rosa sinensis.Infections are highly virulent and alters biochemical componenets of the species. Therefore an attempt has been made to evaluate the alteration of biochemical components in Hibiscus stem at various stages of infection. The results reveal that partial infected stem had shown 14.2% increase in its total soluble sugars whereas highly infected had shown 40% decrease.The results also show that total soluble sugars had increased significantly(14%) in highly infected stem and noticeable increase (3%) in partial infected.