The genomes of two key bumblebee species with primitive eusocial organization

Background: The shift from solitary to social behavior is one of the major evolutionary transitions. Primitively eusocial bumblebees are uniquely placed to illuminate the evolution of highly eusocial insect societies. Bumblebees are also invaluable natural and agricultural pollinators, and there is widespread concern over recent population declines in some species. High-quality genomic data will inform key aspects of bumblebee biology, including susceptibility to implicated population viability threats. Results: We report the high quality draft genome sequences of Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens, two ecologically dominant bumblebees and widely utilized study species. Comparing these new genomes to those of the highly eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera and other Hymenoptera, we identify deeply conserved similarities, as well as novelties key to the biology of these organisms. Some honeybee genome features thought to underpin advanced eusociality are also present in bumblebees, indicating an earlier evolution in the bee lineage. Xenobiotic detoxification and immune genes are similarly depauperate in bumblebees and honeybees, and multiple categories of genes linked to social organization, including development and behavior, show high conservation. Key differences identified include a bias in bumblebee chemoreception towards gustation from olfaction, and striking differences in microRNAs, potentially responsible for gene regulation underlying social and other traits. Conclusions: These two bumblebee genomes provide a foundation for post-genomic research on these key pollinators and insect societies. Overall, gene repertoires suggest that the route to advanced eusociality in bees was mediated by many small changes in many genes and processes, and not by notable expansion or depauperation

Protocol of randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led intervention on weight reduction among adults with obesity in urban areas of Puducherry

Background: A large percentage of non-communicable diseases are preventable through the reduction of behavioral risk factors which is due to physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. Reducing the burden of obesity is likely to make a substantial impact on mitigating the mortality and morbidity due to non-communicable diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention on weight reduction among urban adults. Methods: This trial is a two-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention arm-nurse-led intervention (NLI, n = 219) with the control arm-general care (GC, n = 219). Participants randomized to the NLI group will receive the interventional package for 12 months which includes health education and motivational strategies during follow-up. Baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups will be conducted to assess primary and secondary outcomes for both arms using the WHO Steps questionnaire. The analysis will use an intention-to-treat approach to examine the change in behavioral and physical and biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The nurse-led intervention aims to provide an evidence-based acceptable and flexible support strategy for weight reduction in obese adults. This will impart healthy life skills to adults and also improve their health status and enable an adult to take charge of their health and this will ultimately prevent or delay non-communicable diseases. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry India, CTRI/2021/12/038785. Registered prospectively with CTRI on 21/12/2021

Effectiveness of multipurpose health-worker-led exercise therapy on pain reduction among patients with chronic nonspecific low backache in primary health-care setting: A randomized control trial

Objective: The trial aimed to study the effectiveness of multipurpose health-worker-led exercise therapy on women patients of 30–50 years of age with chronic nonspecific low backache (LBA) in a primary health center. Materials and Methods: The multipurpose health worker had undergone 2 days training for exercises to relief chronic nonspecific LBA in the Department of Orthopaedic, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry. Patients were allocated to either intervention arm (who received exercise therapy) or control arm (who received pharmacological therapy of analgesics). Patients with less than 3 months of pain, acute onset of pain, localized pain, or straight leg raising test positive were excluded. The pain score on three different positions (motion, sitting, and standing) was assessed on visual analogue scale before starting the exercise therapy or the pharmacological therapy and after 1 month of the exercise therapy or pharmacological therapy. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS Software. Wilcoxon sign-rank test is used to compare the scores before and after intervention depending upon normality of distribution. Difference in difference analysis is used to compare the scores between the two groups. Results: Multipurpose health-worker-led exercise therapy is found to be equally effective as compared to pharmacological therapy. Significant difference in reduction of pain score was not obtained between control and intervention arm (P value: 0.343, 0.819, and 0.335 in motion, standing, and sitting position). However, significant reduction in pain score in all the three positions was obtained in intervention (P value < 0.001, <0.001, <0.001 in motion, standing, and sitting, respectively). Therefore, it can be suggested that multipurpose health-worker-led exercise therapy may be implemented in a primary health-care setting which will help to reduce the analgesics load on the health center and prevent the adverse effect profile of the drugs on patients

Household survey on public awareness and attitudes toward dengue infection in rural Tamil Nadu, South India

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most common life-threatening arboviral infection contributing to 92 million infections worldwide. India alone contributes for 34% of the global burden. Success of dengue control depends largely on adequate knowledge and good practices of preventive measures. However, there is a need to find the existing awareness among the general population, especially in rural areas. Thus, our present study was done to determine the awareness, attitude, and practice measures regarding dengue fever in rural Tamil Nadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional survey was done among 303 individuals belonging to the selected village in rural Tamil Nadu during November 2016. Information regarding sociodemographic details and awareness, attitude, and practice toward dengue were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Adequacy of knowledge and attitude was summarized as proportion with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Among 303 participants, 204 (67.3%) were above 30 years of age; 196 (64.6%) were females; 255 (84.1%) were ever married; 149 (49.1%) were employed and most of them 93 (30.6%) were educated up to secondary level; 103 (33.9%) belonged to the Class 4 socioeconomic status. About 33.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.2–38.8) of the study participants had adequate knowledge and 56.1% (95% CI: 50.5–61.6) had positive attitude toward dengue prevention. About 57.7% (95% CI: 52.1–63.2) were practicing preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The current study found that only one-third of the participants had adequate knowledge regarding dengue but more than half of them had positive attitude toward dengue prevention and practicing mosquito control measures. Hence, large-scale information, education, and communication campaigns need to done at frequent intervals for rural population

Assessment of quality of life based on psychological, somatovegetative, and urogenital health problems among postmenopausal women in Urban Puducherry, South India: A cross-sectional observational study

Background: An average Indian woman spends almost one-third of her lifespan in the postmenopausal phase enduring the consequences of hormonal decline. This can have a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). Hence, this study was conducted to assess the QOL and health problems among postmenopausal women in urban Puducherry, South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among postmenopausal women attending urban primary health center between April and May 2017. Information about social, economic, and demographic characteristics was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and menopause rating scale was used to assess the QOL. Results: Among 204 participants, 55.4% belonged to elderly age group (≥60 years); 61.3% did not have any formal education; 55.9% of the participants were unemployed; 68.7% were widowed, separated, or divorced; 89.7% belonged to Hindu religion; and 42.2% belonged to lower socioeconomic class. Majority (78%) suffered from psychological problems followed by somatovegetative (62%) and urogenital problems (33%). The prevalence of poor QOL was 37.2% (95% confidence interval: 30.8%–44.0%). Participants belonging to Hindu religion (annual percentage rate [aPR]-4.14), in nuclear family (aPR-2.31), and with chronic comorbidity (aPR-5.52) and alcohol/tobacco users (aPR-6.03) had significantly higher risk of poor QOL. Conclusion: The current study found that more than one-third of the postmenopausal women in urban Puducherry have poor QOL with majority suffering from psychological problems. Hence, more focus needs to be given to this target population to achieve physical, social, and mental well-being among females

Facilitators and Challenges in Patient's Satisfaction with Quality of Cervical Cancer Care in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Puducherry, India: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Shikha Yadav Background Chronic diseases require more attention in terms of patient satisfaction due to their physically and mentally exhausting nature. Cancer burden in India for 2021 was 26.7 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and is projected to rise to 29.8 million by 2025. The second most common cause of cancer DALYs among females was cervix uteri (98.6 per 100,000). Evaluation of factors that influence satisfaction can assist in finding solutions to improve the quality of services provided. Methods This study was conducted in the Regional Cancer Centre, Puducherry. One focused group discussion (FGD) was conducted among seven cervical cancer patients and eight key informant interviews (KII) with their healthcare providers (HCPs). The details collected included perceptions of patient satisfaction, difficulties they faced in achieving patient satisfaction, and possible recommendations for improvement. Thematic analysis was done after preparing transcripts. Results The major facilitating factors reported were proper information exchange, the approachability of staff, and assisting patients with transportation concession certificates. Obstacles highlighted by patients included lack of family support, side effects of treatment, inability to do routine work, and long travel time. HCP reported misalignment between and within departments, overworked staff, lack of equipment for smooth telemedicine services, and inadequate space for OPD, counseling, and waiting as barriers to providing satisfactory services to patients. Conclusions Most challenges were attributed to overworked staff, inequitable distribution of cancer center, and patients' knowledge and understanding of disease. Therefore, it is important to make patients aware of the disease, treatment, and value of the quality of life. It can enable them to make better use of resources, in addition to improvements in the health system

Prevalence of osteoarthritis of knee joint among adult population in a rural area of Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative disorders among the elderly population; although aging is the most important cause, research has shown that it is a complex disease with many etiologies. It is not an inevitable part of aging but rather the result of a combination of factors, many of which can be modified or prevented. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the burden and determinants of OA knee among the adult population. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study among 1986 adult persons living in a rural area in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, South India, was interviewed and examined from January 2014 to December 2014. Data collection was done by the postgraduates, trained health workers under the supervision of principal investigator. Written and informed consent was obtained before data collection. OA was diagnosed using the criteria laid down by the American College of Rheumatology, and it was validated and tested in the study area. Results: A total of 1986 adult respondents were interviewed out of which 27.1% had OA of knee. Age more than 50 years, female gender, tobacco usage, illiteracy, lower socioeconomic class, positive family history of OA, diabetes, and hypertension were found to be associated with OA knee (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The burden of osteoarthritis knee was high in this region. Hence, effective preventive strategy has to be taken to minimize this burden

Effectiveness of mind mapping technique in information retrieval among medical college students in Puducherry-A pilot study

Background: The traditional teaching learning methods involve a one way process of transmission of knowledge leaving the students lacking behind in creative abilities. Medical schools need to change their teaching strategies to keep the interest of students and empower them for future self- learning and critical thinking. Objective: To assess the impact of mind mapping technique in information retrieval among medical college students in Puducherry. Methods: A pilot study was conducted using experimental study design among sixth semester MBBS students (n = 64) at a medical college in Puducherry, India. One group (n = 32) followed the text reading method and another group (n = 32) followed the mind mapping technique to learn the same passage given to them. The knowledge about the topic was assessed using a pre designed questionnaire at baseline, day 0 and day 7. The knowledge gain is the primary outcome variable and is compared between two groups. The feedback regarding the teaching methods was obtained from the participants. Results: Mean knowledge score in the text group was lesser than the mind map group at baseline (2.6 Vs 3.5; p = 0.08). On Day 0, the mean score in text group was slightly lesser than the mind map group (8.7 Vs 9.0; p = 0.26). On Day 7, the mean score in mind map group is significantly more than the text group (8.9 Vs 8.5; p = 0.03). Conclusion: The mind mapping technique is an innovative and effective method in remembering things better than the routine way of reading texts