RESUMO

Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2) data for a period of 40 years (1980-2019) was used to detect the trend characteristics of daily average temperature in the state of Kerala, India. Data extracted from a total of fifty locations in the state were statistically processed using Mann-Kendall (MK) and Spearman's Rho (SR) tests to detect the trend, Pettitt test to identify the single change point, and Theil-Sen's method for the calculation of the rate of change. The MERRA-2 product is validated for the study region according to statistical indicators. The daily average temperature in the state during the period of study varies between 16.56 and 32.64 °C. The spatial pattern of daily average maximum temperature shows higher temperature domains in the central and southern parts of the state. Trend characteristics of daily average temperature assessed through MK and SR tests show a significant increasing trend in all stations, with maximum values in stations located in the northern part of the state. Change point detected through the Pettitt test divided the sampling stations into three groups based on the change in daily average temperature characteristics in the years 2002 (north zone), 2009 (south zone), and 2012 (central zone), indicating nonunique spatial variability in temperature characteristics in the state. The rate of change in the daily average temperature assessed indicates an increase at the rate of an average of 0.013 °C.year-1. During the whole study period, the daily average temperature showed an overall increase of 0.54 °C, and for the 100-year futuristic prediction, the daily average temperature in the state shows an average increase of 1.35 °C. Among the stations, a higher rate of increase in daily average temperature is shown by stations located in the eastern part of the Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Kollam districts. Though the rise in daily average temperature is not much higher, its spatial characteristics require more attention because, in recent times, the study area has faced repeated, severe, and long drought conditions along with sunburn incidents. As an agrarian state, a change in the temperature domain will adversely affect the overall agricultural production and will evoke not only a food crisis but also economic as well as water resources issues. The result obtained can be used as holistic basic information for understanding the impending effect of climate change in the state to frame better mitigation as well as management strategies.

Assuntos

RESUMO

A new species of argentinid fish, Glossanodon macrocephalus Bineesh Endo, from the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India, is described on the basis of four specimens (129-164 mm SL). The new species clearly differs from its congeners in the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays 10-11; pectoral-fin rays 21-23; anal-fin rays 12-13; pelvic-fin rays 11-12; branchiostegal rays 5; gill rakers on first arch 30-36; vertebrae 47-48; a patch of small conical teeth on middle of lower jaws; predorsal 49-51% SL; prepectoral 36-39% SL; prepelvic 57-58% SL; distance from pelvic to anal-fin origin 26-28% SL; head length 35-39% SL; eye diameter 22-26% HL; snout length 28-30% HL; location of anus immediately anterior to anal-fin origin; broad longitudinal black stripe above lateral line; dark spot on the base to half of pectoral fin; and no teeth on tongue. The new species is a benthopelagic dweller on muddy bottoms in depths of around 300-600 m.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Nipah virus (NiV) encephalitis first reported in "Sungai Nipah" in Malaysia in 1999 has emerged as a global public health threat in the Southeast Asia region. From 1998 to 2018, more than 630 cases of NiV human infections were reported. NiV is transmitted by zoonotic (from bats to humans, or from bats to pigs, and then to humans) as well as human-to-human routes. Deforestation and urbanization of some areas have contributed to greater overlap between human and bat habitats resulting in NiV outbreaks. Common symptoms of NiV infection in humans are similar to that of influenza such as fever and muscle pain and in some cases, the inflammation of the brain occurs leading to encephalitis. The recent epidemic in May 2018 in Kerala for the first time has killed over 17 people in 7 days with high case fatality and highlighted the importance of One Health approach. The diagnosis is often not suspected at the time of presentation and creates challenges in outbreak detection, timely control measures, and outbreak response activities. Currently, there are no drugs or vaccines specific for NiV infection although this is a priority disease on the World Health Organization's agenda. Antivirals (Ribavirin, HR2-based fusion inhibitor), biologicals (convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies), immunomodulators, and intensive supportive care are the mainstay to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications. There is a great need for strengthening animal health surveillance system, using a One Health approach, to detect new cases and provide early warning for veterinary and human public health authorities.

RESUMO

Sandfly prevalence in the Kani tribe settlements of Western Ghats in India was investigated. A total of 1,279 sandflies comprising 17 species was obtained. Sandfly abundance showed a negative correlation (r = -0.97, p = 0.003) with increase in altitudinal ranges from 0-1,000 m. When sandfly samples were grouped according to landscape characteristics of the location, the estimated Shannon-Weiner index (H) and species richness index (S) were high and species evenness index (J) was low in settlements located at 0-300 m altitudinal range. On the contrary, the values of H and J were high, while S was low at 301-600 m altitudinal range. With further increase in altitude, species diversity, S and J were low. Though the relative abundance of sandflies decreased with increase in altitude, the influence of altitudinal variation could not be attributed to determine sandfly diversity, since the number of sampling units were not uniform at all the altitudinal gradients due to nonavailability of suitable resting shelters. Sandfly species showed great aggregation at 0-300 m altitude interval, where not only the number of settlements were maximum (n = 19), but also the environmental conditions favoured sandfly abundance due to the concentration of tribal settlements, human dwellings and his activities.

Assuntos

RESUMO

India was affected by a major outbreak of chikungunya fever caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) during 2006-2007. Kerala was the worst affected state during 2007 with a contribution of 55.8 percent suspected cases in the country. However, except for clinically reported case records, no systematic information is available on infection status of CHIKV in the region. Hence, we carried out a post-epidemic survey to estimate seroprevalence status [immunoglobulin G (IgG)] in the community using commercially available indirect immunofluorescence test. This methodology had been reported to be highly specific and sensitive for CHIKV infection. The study area selected was the worst affected mid-highlands region of Kerala which harbour vast area of rubber plantations. The study evidenced 68 percent of the population to be seropositive for CHIKV IgG. Males were found more affected than females (χ2 = 9.86; p = 0.002). Among males, prevalence was significantly higher in the age classes 21-30 (χ2 = 5.46; p = 0.019) and 31-40 (χ2 = 5.84; p = 0.016) years. This may be due to high occupational risk of the male population engaged in plantation activities exposed to infective bites of Aedes albopictus. The current study provides an insight into the magnitude of CHIKV outbreak in Kerala.

Assuntos