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Background: Microscopic, biochemical, molecular, and computer-based approaches are extensively used to identify and classify bacterial populations. Advances in DNA sequencing and bioinformatics workflows have facilitated sophisticated genome-based methods for microbial taxonomy although sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene is widely employed to identify and classify the bacterial community as a cost-effective and single-gene approach. However, the 16S rRNA sequence-based species identification accuracy is limited by multiple copies of the gene and their higher sequence identity between closely related species. The availability of a large volume of bacterial whole-genome data provided an opportunity to develop comprehensive species-specific 16S rRNA reference libraries. Methods: The 16S rRNA copies were retrieved from the whole genomes in the complete stage at the Genome database. With defined rules, four 16S rRNA gene copy variants were concatenated to develop a species-specific reference library. The sequence similarity search was performed with a web-based BLAST program, and MEGA software was used to construct the phylogenetic tree. Results: Using this approach, species-specific 16S rRNA gene libraries were developed for four closely related Streptococcus species ( S. gordonii, S. mitis, S. oralis, and S. pneumoniae). Sequence similarity and phylogenetic analysis using concatenated 16S rRNA copies yielded better resolution than single gene copy approaches. Conclusions: The approach is very effective in classifying genetically related species and may reduce misclassification of bacterial species and genome assemblies.

Objective This prospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health education intervention on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among school teachers. Methods The study, conducted from August 2016 to May 2017, involved teachers from four schools in Baruipur, West Bengal, India. It was a multicentric, quasi-experimental study with an intervention group receiving tailored health education promoting lifestyle modifications, while the control group received no intervention. Baseline and endline assessments included behavioural and biological characteristics related to cardiovascular health and risk assessment. Data were analysed using JAMOVI. Results The intervention group showed significant improvements in physical activity levels [Cohen’s d (Cd): 0.43, p  = 0.006] and the consumption of fruits and vegetables (Cd: 1.00, p  = < 0.001). Notably, there was a considerable reduction in the consumption of salt (Cd: -0.93, p  = 0.039), oil (Cd: -0.98, p  = < 0.001), fast food (Cd: -0.99, p  = < 0.001), junk food (Cd: -0.99, p  = < 0.001), and red meat (Cd: -1.00, p  = < 0.001) among participants. However, there were no significant improvements in biological characteristics within the intervention group. In contrast, the control group exhibited no significant changes in behavioural and biological characteristics compared to baseline. The intervention group showed a minor non-significant reduction (3.0%) in their 10-year cardiovascular risk compared to baseline (Cd: -1.00, p  = 0.50), while the control group had a negligible non-significant increase (0.7%) in their cardiovascular risk (Cd: 1.00, p  = 1.00). Conclusion Health education intervention positively influenced behavioural characteristics, such as physical activity and dietary habits, among school teachers. However, no significant improvements were observed in biological characteristics or cardiovascular risk factors.

Background: Globally, vector-borne diseases account for 17% of infectious disease burden. In India, despite accelerated efforts, both malaria and dengue are major public health concern. Understanding local community perspectives is essential to strengthen ongoing program activities. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the community perceptions and risk reduction practices toward prevention and control of malaria and dengue at slums of Chetla in South Kolkata and to explore the perspectives of relevant local stakeholders in this regard. Methods: This cross-sectional study with mixed-method design was conducted from June to September 2018. Quantitative data were collected in 288 sampled households through face-to-face interview of respondents and environmental checklist, whereas, qualitative exploration was done with five key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 Software. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using \"cut and sort\" processing technique. Results: In household survey, majority had unsatisfactory knowledge (68.4%), attitude (64.2%), and practices (62.8%) regarding diseases prevention/control, which was further substantiated by qualitative findings. The use of electric fans (79.5%), mosquito repellents (53.8%) were predominant practices; however, only a few used bed nets regularly (26.0%). Reportedly, \"heat\" and \"poor ventilation\" were key reasons behind reluctance to use bed nets. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that increasing age, proximity to a nearby canal, and unsatisfactory knowledge significantly predicted unfavorable attitude, whereas, respondents' gender and unfavorable attitude significantly predicted poor practices. Conclusions: Intensified social behavior change communication with active community participation is the need of the hour to prevent malaria and dengue occurrence and future outbreaks.

[4] Taking cognizance of the quantum of morbidity and poor quality of life that a woman would have to bear in the absence of proper MHM perception and practices in the country, Government of India has incorporated MHM into national policies and programs as part of initiatives for improving health, well-being, and nutritional status of adolescent girls and women, as well as for reducing school absenteeism of adolescent girls. [11] Efforts are being made to provide sanitary napkins to school-going girls by installing napkin-vending machines at schools and to increase accessibility of environmentally safe disposal mechanisms such as low-cost incinerators attached to the girls' toilets in schools for disposal of used MHM products. Capacity building of school teachers and health service providers including AWWs to disseminate timely and accurate information to both boys and girls on the biological and psychosocial aspects of puberty, menstruation, and MHM customized to local contexts, rather than focusing only on the practical aspects of managing menstruation, i.e. product use, would holistically improve the effectiveness of the awareness programs. Compostable disposables (e.g., sanitary pads made out of locally grown materials such as bamboo, banana stem fiber, and sugarcane waste, and reusable cloth pads) have limited availability and higher cost while noncompostable disposables (e.g., cellulose-based sanitary pads with plastic barriers) with the largest market share are a double-edged sword.

Introduction: The high prevalence among elderly individuals and potential adverse impact on their overall life quality make chronic musculoskeletal pain a significant public health concern. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is an important cause of self-medication, which must be addressed to avoid various side effects and improve elderly health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain and its associated factors among individuals (age ≥60 years) in rural West Bengal and explore their perspectives and perceived barriers regarding pain and its management. Methods: This mixed-method study was conducted in rural West Bengal from December 2021 to June 2022. The quantitative strand was conducted by interviewing 255 elderly participants (age ≥60 years) using a structured questionnaire. The qualitative strand was conducted via in-depth interviews of 10 patients with chronic pain. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, and chronic pain-related factors were analyzed using logistic regression models. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Among the participants, 56.8% reported chronic musculoskeletal pain. The most frequently affected site was the knee joint. Comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=7.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.2–17.5), age (aOR=5.16, 95% CI=2.2–13.5), depression (aOR=2.96, 95% CI=1.2–6.7) and over-the-counter drug usage (aOR=2.51, 95% CI=1.1–6.4) were significantly associated with chronic pain. Analgesic dependency, lack of motivation to adopt lifestyle modifications, lack of knowledge on analgesic side effects were considered pain management barriers. Conclusion: Managing comorbidities, providing mental support, generating awareness of analgesic side effects, strengthening healthcare facilities should be prioritized for holistic chronic musculoskeletal pain management.

Introduction: Despite policy actions and strategic efforts for improving the reproductive and sexual health of adolescents by promoting the uptake of adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) services, the utilisation rate remains significantly low, especially in rural areas of India. This study aimed to assess the utilisation of these services by adolescents in rural West Bengal and its associated determinants. Methods: This mixed-method study was conducted from May to September 2021 in the Gosaba rural block of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Quantitative data were collected from 326 adolescents using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected via four focus group discussions among 30 adolescents and key-informant interviews among six healthcare workers. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: Ninety-six (29.4%) adolescents had utilised ARSH services at least once during adolescence. The factors associated with non-utilisation of ARSH services were younger age, female sex, increasing reproductive health stigma and decreasing parent–adolescent communication related to sexual health. Qualitative exploration revealed that unawareness regarding services, perceived lack of privacy and confidentiality at healthcare facilities and disruption of services post-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic were some major barriers to ARSH service utilisation. Conclusion: A multi-component strategy, including promotion of adolescent-friendly health clinics, community support interventions associated with motivation and counselling of parents regarding the importance of adolescent reproductive health, is needed to improve the utilisation of ARSH services. Necessary steps to correct the deficiencies at the facility level should also be prioritised.

The high-quality genome of coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.) is a crucial resource for enhancing agronomic traits and studying genome evolution within the Arecaceae family. We sequenced the Chowghat Green Dwarf cultivar, which is resistant to the root (wilt) disease, utilizing Illumina, PacBio, ONT, and Hi-C technologies to produce a chromosome-level genome of ~ 2.68 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 174 Mb; approximately 97% of the genome could be anchored to 16 pseudo-molecules (2.62 Gb). In total, 34,483 protein-coding genes were annotated; the BUSCO completeness score was 96.80%, while the k-mer completeness was ~ 87%. The assembled genome includes 2.19 Gb (81.64%) of repetitive sequences, with long terminal repeats (LTRs) constituting the most abundant class at 53.76%. Additionally, our analysis confirms two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events in the C. nucifera lineage. A genome-wide analysis of LTR insertion time revealed ancient divergence and proliferation of c opia and gypsy elements. In addition, 1368 RGAs were discovered in the CGD genome. We also developed a web server ‘Kalpa Genome Resource’ ( http://210.89.54.198:3000/ ), to manage and store a comprehensive array of genomic data, including genome sequences, genetic markers, structural and functional annotations like metabolic pathways, and transcriptomic profiles. The web server has an embedded genome browser to analyze and visualize the genome, its genomics elements, and transcriptome data. The in-built BLAST server allows sequence homology searches against genome, annotated transcriptome & proteome sequences. The genomic dataset and the database will support comparative genome analysis and can expedite genome-driven breeding and enhancement efforts for tapping genetic gains in coconut.

BACKGROUND: Multi-transfused thalassemic children are at higher risk of acquiring transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). There are limited data available on TTIs among thalassemic children, especially on its impact on their quality of life (QoL). AIM: The aim of this study is to find out the proportion of multi-transfused β-thalassemia major (β-TM) children suffering from TTIs, its risk factors and impact on QoL. METHODS: This was a hospital-based, analytical observational study, cross-sectional in design, conducted among 328 β-TM children and their caregivers attending thalassemia day care unit of a medical college during May 2015-April 2016, with a structured schedule. Data were analyzed with appropriate statistical methods using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTS: Two-fifth (39.9%) of them were found to have TTIs with hepatitis C being the most common (34.5%), followed by hepatitis B (4.5%) and human immunodeficiency virus (1.8%). In the multivariable model, place of residence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] - 2.23 [1.19-4.17]), per capita monthly family income (AOR - 1.84 [1.10-3.07]), and blood transfusion frequency (AOR - 1.19 [1.10-1.29]) were significant predictors of TTIs adjusted with their age, age at diagnosis, last pretransfusional hemoglobin level, size of spleen, and caregivers knowledge regarding the disease. The study participants with TTIs had a lower QoL compared to others as there were significant differences in between the total QoL scores ([49.9 ± 15.6 vs. 57.4 ± 15.5], P ≤ 0.001) and its various domains. CONCLUSION: There was high burden of TTIs among multi-transfused β-TM children and it has significant negative impact on their quality of lives.

Indian health sector is a complex admixture of public and private providers, but several lacunae of public health service delivery system in terms of human resource, access, and quality have resulted in unprecedented growth of private sector. Although seamless delivery of services at rural and urban areas, timely approach, and improved information technology system are the strength of the private sector, this package comes at the cost of high out-of-pocket expenditure. Mobilization of private sector health workforce by their capacity building in terms of orientation toward public health services is one of the available solutions to move toward wider coverage of public health services. However, numerous challenges need to be addressed before realization of this vision.