Relationship of MTHFD1 G1958A and CBS 844ins68 polymorphism with congenital heart defects in North Indian population (Jammu and Kashmir): A case-control study

Objectives: There are many multifactorial causes for Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) in which both genetic and non-genetic factors play role. MTHFD1 and CBS are two of the key enzymes that plays pivotal role in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine. Most of the studies revealed that genes involved in folate/homocysteine pathways are involved in the occurrence of CHDs. The present study was planned to investigate the role of common polymorphisms in MTHFD1 and CBS gene in children with CHD in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir UT. Material and Methods: A total of 160 (80 CHD patients and 80 controls) children were enrolled for the present case-control study. After extraction of genomic DNA genotyping of SNP MTHFD1 G1958A(rs2236225) was done by PCR-RFLP and CBS 844ins68 polymorphism was done by PCR technique. Results: Our results show that there is no significant association between MTHFD1G1958A and CBS 844ins68 polymorphism with CHD. In case of SNP MTHFD1 G1958A allele A found to be higher in both patient and control group and inCBS 844ins68 polymorphism frequency of risk allele ‘I’ found higher in cases (0.06) as compared to controls (0.04). The homozygous genotype for 844ins68 (II) was found absent in both the patients and control group. Conclusion: We conclude that both MTHFD1 G1958A and CBS 844ins68 polymorphism were not found to be genetic risk factor in the development of CHD in population of Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir UT

Distribution pattern of ABO and Rh (D) blood group system among 1st-year medical students

Background: Clinical studies, reliable geospatial data, and blood bank management all require an understanding of blood group trends. The prevalence of ABO in the blood group varies from one community to another. Every transfusion center/hematology lab is required to keep a statistical record of the blood group among their population, staff, and students. Aim and Objectives: Determining ABO and Rh blood group and study the pattern of these blood groups with an estimation of gene frequencies among first phase medical students of GMC Jammu. Materials and Methods: 250 medical students were recruited for the study. The finger-prick technique was done to obtain blood. On clean glass slides, a drop of monoclonal anti-A, B, and D was added to a drop of red blood cell suspension made from finger-prick blood and normal saline and thoroughly mixed. The agglutination results were subsequently recorded. Percentages were used to represent the data. Results: ABO blood group prevalent in this study was B, which accounted for 39.6% of all cases (36.8% B+ and 2.8% B-) followed by O with 34% (33.2% O+ and 0.8% O-), A with 21.2% (20% A+ and 1.2% A-), and AB with 5.2% (5.2% AB+ and 0% AB-). Among Rh group 95.2% were positive whereas 4.8% were found to be negative. The gene frequency for IA (p) - 0.1599, for IB (q) - 0.2571, and IO (r) - 0.5830. Conclusion: The B blood group is more ubiquitous than the others, with the AB blood group being the least common. Rh-positive is more common than Rh-negative blood types. Gender had no effect on the ABO and Rh blood groups.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Trend Analysis with Respect to District Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, Northern India

With 1st case being reported in Wuhan city of China in December 2019, COVID?19 infection cases made their way to every corner of the world. Then, on January 07, 2020, laboratory results led to pneumonia being named as COVID?19. Scant data is available from Northern India, thus to reveal the trend of COVID?19 infection since last year of COVID?19 pandemic onset, this study took shape. The unit of analysis of our study was District Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. Till February 05, 2021, a total of 4625 cases of COVID?19 virus were reported in District Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. Negative history of close contact with COVID?19 patient (66.1%) constituted the most common exposure, majority (84.4%) were asymptomatic and comorbidities were present in 68 (1.5%). COVID?19 infection was more prevalent among younger age group, with higher male predominance, with comorbid being at higher risk, hence most stringent measures must be adopted.

Prevalence of vitamin D and B12 deficiency in pregnant women in Jammu, India

Background: Micronutrient deficiency is pandemic proportions among pregnant women in India, but there is scarcity of searchable data on  coexistence vitamin D status  and Vitamin B 12 in pregnant women in Jammu and Kashmir, hence we have assessed the vitamin D as well as Vitamin B12 status in pregnant women attending outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital Jammu.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry Government Medical College Jammu during June 2019 to February, 2020 and after obtaining informed consent, a total of 150 pregnant women, attending SMGS Hospital Jammu were screened for their vitamin D (25 OH-D) and vitamin B12 status by using Abbott architect chemiluminescent micro particle immunoassay.Results: A total of 150 pregnant women were  screened in the study , 129 (86%) were found to be having insufficient vitamin D levels in their blood (<30 ngm/dl) and 105 ( 70%)  women showed severe deficiency with vitamin D levels below 20 ngm/dl.108 (72%) pregnant women had vitamin B12 deficiency with levels below 200 pgm/ml.Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of coexistence of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant women, despite of abundant sunshine throughout the year and also with the consideration that people of this region are well off economically and can afford good nutrition.

Serological, Isolation and Molecular Studies on Brucellosis in an Organized Farm, Jammu and Kashmir, India

The present study was conducted in an organized farm of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir state having history of late-term abortions in cattle and buffaloes to elucidate the role of brucellosis in causing abortions on the farm. The farm had 46 animals (23 adults, 15 heifers and 9 calves). The farm was positive in herd test (milk ring test). Serological tests viz., Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) were conducted on 30 serum samples and 11 samples were found positive in both tests. Five vaginal swabs from abortion cases were processed for isolation and 3 isolates of Brucella were obtained which on further characterization by biochemical tests, genus-specific PCR and species-specific PCR were identified as B. abortus biovar 1. As brucellosis is an anthropozoonoses, the high prevalence of brucellosis in livestock of farm demands the surveillance of disease in humans working on the farm and necessitates the control of disease on the farm.

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in school children in Jammu: a whistle blower

Background: Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions among school going children in India, but there is scarcity of searchable data on vitamin D status in school children in Jammu and Kashmir; hence we have assessed the vitamin D status in school going children attending outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital Jammu.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry Government Medical College Jammu during June to December, 2018 and after obtaining informed consent, a total of 104 school going children between the age group of 6 years to 12 years, attending SMGS Hospital Jammu were screened for their vitamin D (25 OH-D) status by using Abbott architect chemiluminescent micro particle immunoassay.Results: Out of a total of 104 school going children screened in the study, 91 (87.5%) were found to be having insufficient vitamin D levels in their blood (<30ngm/dl) whereas 63 (60.5%) children showed severe deficiency with vitamin D levels below 20ngm/dl.Conclusions: Despite of abundant sunshine throughout the year and also with the consideration that people of this region are well off economically and can afford good nutrition, the results of our study revealing  high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in school going children can be taken as a whistle blower for the health policy makers of the region.

Epidemiological study of neural tube defects in Jammu division, India

Background: Prevalence and spectrum of neural tube defects has undergone seasonal and secular variations in different regions of the world since the turn of last century. However precise etiology inspite of lot of research has not been clearly elucidated.Methods: The study was conducted in Government Medical College Hospital and SMGS Hospital Jammu in patients diagnosed to have a neural tube defect from birth to 19 years. History regarding sociodemographic profile, antenatal history and significant birth history was elicited. Complete general physical examination, Local examination of the lesion was carried out and neural tube defects were classified. All the cases were subjected to ultrasound head to determine ventricular size and rule out hydrocephalus. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel and results were presented in form of percentages and proportions.Results: Maximum children admitted were in the age group of <1 month and belonged to Jammu district. Commonest anomaly seen was lumbosacral meningomyelocele with associated hydrocephalus and neural deficit. Mothers who gave birth to an NTD affected child were commonly in the age group of 20-30 years, with commonest NTD affected sib being 1stborn and most of parents being from very low socio-economic strata of society. Only 7 mothers had received antenatal advice with ultrasound and almost none had received folic acid either before or after conception.Conclusions: Neural tube defects appear to be fairly common anomaly among females of lower socioeconomic strata, living in far flung mountainous regions of the state, devoid of proper health care facilities and education.

Incidence of congenital anomalies in a rural population of Jammu - A prospective study

Background: Congenital anomalies (CAs) are a major cause of stillbirths and neonatal mortality in India. Its magnitude and pattern reportedly vary over time and across geographical locations. Objectives: The objective of the study is to estimate the incidence of CAs in community development block RS Pura of District Jammu. Methods: The present study is a community-based prospective study. The field workers were trained with the help of “Birth Defect Surveillance” Atlas issued by WHO and ICBDMS (International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Monitoring Systems) 2014. Pregnant women (registered or unregistered) with all health institutions in RS Pura Block on or after April 1, 2014, were followed till September 2015 for the ascertainment of CAs. All CAs detected during antenatal period (by ultrasonography), after delivery and abortion at any site were counted as events and classified by organ system according to the 10th version of the WHO International Classification of Diseases-10. Results: A total of 1670 mothers were followed till their pregnancy outcome was recorded. Among 1600 live births recorded, 54 babies had CAs resulting in the incidence rate of 33.7/1000 live births. The incidence rate was comparatively higher among women aged <20 years (71.4/1000 live births) and with Para 4 (43.5/1000 live births) as compared to other women. Digestive system was the most common system involved (35%) followed by the Central nervous system (26.6%). The U-shaped pattern in the incidence of CAs with regards to parity and maternal age was observed. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the CAs continue to occur in Jammu at a similar magnitude as reported from other parts of the country.

Prevalence of early childhood caries among preschool children of low socioeconomic status in district Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Introduction: Dental caries is also one of the major issues which interfere with the healthy life of an individual, especially in children. Due to its high prevalence worldwide, caries in children has often been described as a ‘pandemic’ disease. In preschool age children, this disease is called Early Childhood Caries (ECC), but is commonly known as “baby bottle tooth decay” or maxillary anterior caries. About 90% of school children worldwide experience dental caries with the disease being most prevalent in Asia and Latin American countries and least prevalent in African countries. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing prevalence of ECC among preschool children of low socioeconomic status in Srinagar city. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study, approved by the institutional Ethical Committee was designed. Children were selected from various Anganwadi centres in Srinagar city, Jammu and Kashmir, India. All children 24–59 months old, attending the selected Anganwadi centres, forming a total of 466 were selected. Clinical examination was carried out at Anganwadi centres or concerned schools by a single calibrated examiner. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0 software. Results: Out of the 466 children examined, 229 (49.1%) were boys and 237 (50.9%) were girls. The prevalence of ECC was 39.9% (186 out of 466) out of which 102 (54.8%) were boys and 84 (45.2%)were girls. Whereas prevalence of ECC was significantly higher among 36-47 month months old children as compared with other groups (χ2 = 14.03, P = 0.001). The overall mean deft for ECC was 1.80 ± 3.18 ranging from 0 to 17 teeth. Mean deft was significantly higher in 36-47 months age group as compared with others (F = 10.89,p=0.000). Conclusion: There is an urgent need to implement Preventive and Curative Oral Health Programs for children. As Anganwadis are run by State Government, a public-private partnership between government, Private Dental Colleges, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) would prove useful toward providing oral health care to these children.

Nile Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus) as a successful biological invader in Jammu (J&K) and its impacts on native ecosystem.

The Nile tilapia is considered an omnivorous species and it ingest zooplanktons, phytoplanktons, or debris present in rivers. As a consequence, the release of Nile tilapia into non-native aquatic ecosystems may result in competition for food and space, thereby damaging native species. The wide environmental tolerance and high reproductive rate of Nile tilapia facilitate its use for aquaculture, but also render the species highly invasive. Here, we review the high frequency of Nile tilapia in non-native biodiversity and indicate the existence of the species under feral conditions and there impacts on the non-native ecosystem.

Diversity and impact of invasive alien plant species of family Asteraceae in Jammu district (Jammu and Kashmir, India).

The present study deals with comprehensive list and impact of invasive alien plants species of family Asteraceae in Jammu district (J&K, India) with background information on habit and nativity. A total of 15 invasive alien plant species under have been recorded. These include Ageratum conyzoides L., Anthemis tinctoria L., Aster pilosum Willd., Bidens pilosa L., Cichorium intibus L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Sonchus arvensis L., Sonchus asper (L.) Hill, Tridax procumbens L., Xanthium strumarium L., Youngia japonica (L.) DC. The analysis of invasive species reveals that most species have been introduced unintentionally through trade while only 2species intentionally introduced. Most of the species are of American origin. A better planning is needed for early detection to control and reporting of infestations of spread of new and naturalized weeds to be monitored.

Record of Some Hemipteran Insect Pests of Mango (Mangifera indica) From Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir State.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), a member of family Anacardiaceae is one of the ancient fruit of Indian origin. India accounts for 54% of world’s total mango production. In J&K state plant is most widespread in district Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and Reasi. The major reason for its low productivity is the threat of insect pests, out of which insects belonging to order Hemiptera damaged mostly the plants. Species diversity analyzed through consistent survey and sampling conducted in various districts of Jammu region from March 2013 to Feb. 2014 indicated that the mango plantations are damaged mostly by insects belonging to order Hemiptera. Adults and nymphs both cause damage to the trees by sucking sap from the tender leaves and cause damage on fruits by hard brownish punctures or black spots. These punctures affect the fruit’s edible quality and lower its market value.

Documentation of Aquatic Invasive Alien flora of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir.

The present study deals with the first ever inventorisation and documentation of aquatic invasive alien plant species of Jammu region with background information on family, habit and nativity . Total 55 invasive alien plant species belonging to 24 families were documented. It was prepared based on history, species origin, species behaviour and field observations. A total of 15 different geographic regions in terms of nativity are recorded in the present study. Among these, more than 90% are contributed by four major geographical regions, viz., continent of America, Africa, Europe and Mediterranean. The American continents contributed majority of noxious invasive plants in Jammu region followed by the Europe and Africa respectively. The families Potamogetonaceae and Cyperaceae are the most dominant family with (7 sp. each) followed by Hydrocharitaceae (5 sp.) , Menyanthaceae , Poaceae and Alismataceae (3 sp. each ) , Amaranthaceae , Ceratophyllaceae , Polygonaceae , Convolvulaceae ,Typhaceae ,Najadaceae , Ranunculaceae , Brassicaceae and Characeae with ( 2 sp. each) and least contributing families are Pontederiaceae , Cabombaceae , Salviniaceae , Isoetaceae , Marsileaceae , Aplaceae , Juncaceae , Azollaceae and Plantiginaceae with (1 sp. each). Habit wise analysis shows herbaceous species share 65% (36 sp.) , followed by graminoid 20% (11sp.) , sedges 5.45% (3sp.) , algae 3.6% (2sp.) , Shrub ,climber and fern share 1.8% (1 sp. each).

Butterflies of family Pieridae reported from Jammu region (Jammu and Kashmir) of India.

The present article incorporates detailed field observations of family Pieridae in Jammu region at different altitudes during spring, summer and autumn seasons of 2012-2013. The study revealed that 13 species of butterflies belonging to 10 genera of family Pieridae exist in the study area. Most members of Family Pieridae are white or yellow. Pieridae is a large family of butterflies with about 76 genera containing approximately 1,100 species mostly from tropical Africa and Asia.

Diversity of invasive alien species of Jammu district (Jammu and Kashmir).

The present study deals with comprehensive list of Invasive alien plants of Indian Himalayan Region with background information on family, habit and nativity. A total of 60 invasive alien species under 51 genera, belonging to 33families have been recorded. Among these, the dicotyledons represent by 28families and 52 species; monocotyledons represent by 5 families and 8 species. The analysis of invasive species reveals that most species have been introduced unintentionally through trade while only 11species intentionally introduced. Most of the species are of American origin. While in life form analysis, the herbs (45 species) are dominant, followed by shrubs (6 species), Grass (3 species), Trees, sedges and climbers (2 species each). Most of the invasive species are annual habit (57%). A better planning is needed for early detection to control and reporting of infestations of spread of new and naturalized weeds to be monitored.

Consanguinity and Its Sociodemographic Differentials in Bhimber District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

Kashmiri population in the northeast of Pakistan has strong historical, cultural and linguistic affinities with the neighbouring populations of upper Punjab and Potohar region of Pakistan. However, the study of consanguineous unions, which are customarily practised in many populations of Pakistan, revealed marked differences between the Kashmiris and other populations of northern Pakistan with respect to the distribution of marriage types and inbreeding coefficient (F). The current descriptive epidemiological study carried out in Bhimber district of Mirpur division, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, demonstrated that consanguineous marriages were 62% of the total marriages (F=0.0348). First-cousin unions were the predominant type of marriages and constituted 50.13% of total marital unions. The estimates of inbreeding coefficient were higher in the literate subjects, and consanguinity was witnessed to be rising with increasing literacy level. Additionally, consanguinity was observed to be associated with ethnicity, family structure, language, and marriage arrangements. Based upon these data, a distinct sociobiological structure, with increased stratification and higher genomic homozygosity, is expected for this Kashmiri population. In this communication, we present detailed distribution of the types of marital unions and the incidences of consanguinity and inbreeding coefficient (F) across various sociodemographic strata of Bhimber/Mirpuri population. The results of this study would have implication not only for other endogamous populations of Pakistan but also for the sizeable Kashmiri community immigrated to Europe.

Twin load of hypertension and diabetes amongst adults: community based study from Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Background: Data regarding the occurrence of hypertension and diabetes in the community are crucial for optimum allocation and utilization of health resources. Objective was to assess the efficacy of such field based exercise in detection of new undiagnosed cases and calculation of the consequent prevalence. Methods: A cross sectional community based study was carried out to find out prevalence of hypertension and diabetes amongst adults (35-64 years) in Chatergam, Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir) during Oct 2011 to Feb 2012 on a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured in 2077 adults and random blood sugar (RBS) was measured in 1732 subjects to detect diabetes. Data was analyzed to find out the distribution of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) and the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes along with 95 percent confidence intervals. Results: Mean SBP and DBP of 2077 subjects were 130.7 ± 40.3 and 83.1 ± 11.4 mm of mercury respectively. Values were the highest for both SBP and DBP amongst women of urban areas and in the 55 – 64 years of age. Quarter of studied persons (24.4%) had the family history of hypertension or diabetes or both. Based on the criteria of JNC 7, 41.1% subjects (95 % CI 38.9 – 43.2) were found hypertensive including 593 known cases (496 alone & 97 in combinations with diabetes). Prevalence of new cases of hypertension was 17.5 percent; it significantly increased with increasing age and was high amongst males and those residing in urban areas. 4.6% subjects (95% CI 3.6-5.7) were positive for diabetes based on RBS. Conclusions: Considering high load of twin diseases and their impact on coronary vascular diseases (CVD), study emphasizes the need to implement an integrated population-based cost-effective control program with a focus on primordial and primary prevention.