The Government of Kerala is the state government of the Indian state of Kerala. The government is led by a chief minister, who selects all the other ministers. The chief minister and their most senior ministers belong to the supreme decision-making committee, known as the cabinet.Ministers of the Kerala Government are responsible to the Kerala Legislative Assembly; they make statements in the assembly and take questions from members of the assembly. The government is dependent on Kerala Legislative Assembly to make primary legislation. Legislative assembly elections are held every five years to elect a new assembly, unless there is a successful vote of no confidence in the government or a two-thirds vote for a snap election in the assembly, in which case an election may be held sooner. After an election, the governor selects as chief minister the leader of the party most likely to command the confidence of the assembly, usually by possessing a majority of MLAs.Under the Indian constitution, executive authority lies with the governor, although this authority is exercised only by, or on the advice of, the chief minister and the cabinet. In most cases, the cabinet members exercise power directly as leaders of the government departments, though some cabinet positions are sinecures to a greater or lesser degree.
Aquaculture is developing in many countries to meet the rising protein demand associated with a rapidly growing human population. However, intensification of production brings with it challenges such as deteriorating water quality and increasing disease outbreaks. These conditions lead to an increased risk of infectious diseases and led to higher mortality rates, which causes economic losses. Lactococcosis, particularly that caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Lactococcus garvieae, is one of the most common of these problems and can cause significant losses in various fish species. The intensive use of antibiotics for control purposes creates additional risks in terms of antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution, and food safety. Therefore, natural feed additives have gained importance in recent years. Certain additives that support immune responses and increase disease resistance in fish have become prominent. Among these, phytobiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are the most well-known and effective. Their widespread availability, lower cost, and environmental safety make these additives considered an alternative approach to aquaculture. Studies show that these additives strengthen both innate and adaptive immune responses, reduce infection severity, and reduce mortality associated with L. garvieae infections. However, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding how these substances regulate mechanisms such as the immune system, inflammatory processes, antioxidant defenses, and interactions with pathogens. This review aims to clarify these mechanisms by bringing together scientific data obtained in recent years. It also discusses how the information obtained can contribute to the development of safer feed additive strategies and the development of new vaccine approaches. This aims to support the establishment of a more sustainable production structure in the aquaculture sector.
Postoperative pain, facial swelling, and trismus are common sequelae following the surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. This study aimed to compare intramucosal dexamethasone injection and peri-extraction photobiomodulation therapy in controlling these postoperative outcomes. An open-label, split-mouth randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 patients undergoing bilateral surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. One surgical site received an intramucosal dexamethasone injection (Group 1), while the contralateral site was treated with peri-extraction photobiomodulation therapy (Group 2). Postoperative pain, facial swelling, and mouth opening were evaluated at predetermined time intervals. Sixty surgical sites (30 per group) were analyzed. Both groups demonstrated significant (p = 0.000**) reductions in postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus. Group 1 showed significantly lower pain scores on the 2nd (p = 0.000**) and 7th postoperative days (p = 0.000**). Group 2 exhibited greater, though statistically nonsignificant (p = 0.150), improvement in mouth opening on the 7th postoperative day. Both treatment modalities are effective in reducing postoperative morbidity following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Intramucosal dexamethasone provides superior pain control, whereas photobiomodulation therapy is associated with improved postoperative mouth opening.
Lifestyle modification, including dietary interventions, physical activity, and stress management, has proven crucial in the non-pharmacological management of cardiometabolic diseases. However, the implementation of these interventions in the context of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) within the unique demographic and cultural milieu of India is inadequately explored, despite Indians exhibiting distinct susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. This community-based study aims to address existing knowledge gaps by implementing a culturally tailored lifestyle toolkit based on the WHO-HEARTS framework among individuals with CMM and exploring the intergenerational preventive dimension. The study adopts a two-arm non-blinded cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (cRCT) design to include adults diagnosed with CMM, defined by the presence of two or more of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, or coronary heart disease, aged 18 years and above, providing informed consent, and agreeing to follow-up. The trial spans the ‘Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases in Rural Areas’ (ENDIRA) cohort in Ernakulam, Kerala. The intervention, ‘SHRADDHA lifestyle toolkit,' integrates guidance on diet, physical activity, stress management, tobacco and alcohol cessation, and drug adherence. It leverages frontline health workers and a digital health platform for implementation. Measurements involve use of point-of-care devices and digital tools. The study duration is 24-months, with a sample size of 2000 participants distributed across 18 clusters. Statistical analysis includes repeated-measures ANOVA and multilevel models, employing an intention-to-treat approach. The study's novelty lies in its holistic approach, addressing various facets of CMM comprehensively. Trial Registration: The trail has been registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) Reference Number - CTRI/2025/08/092529
BACKGROUND/AIMS:Homeopathic medicines, including Arsenicum iodatum, have attracted increasing interest as potential adjunctive approaches in cancer research. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying their reported biological effects remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of homeopathic Arsenicum iodatum on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and caspase activation in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS:A549 cells were treated with Arsenicum iodatum potencies (6C, 12C, 30C, and 200C). Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were assessed by flow cytometry, while Caspase-7 and Caspase-9 activities were determined using indirect ELISA to evaluate the involvement of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. RESULTS:All tested potencies increased apoptotic cell populations compared with the control groups. The most pronounced biological effects were observed at the 30C and 200C potencies. These higher potencies were also associated with increased Caspase-7 and Caspase-9 activities, suggesting activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Vehicle-treated cells exhibited only minimal changes, indicating that the observed effects were not attributable to the solvent alone. CONCLUSION:Homeopathic Arsenicum iodatum induced measurable apoptosis-associated and cell cycle-related changes in A549 cells, accompanied by increased caspase activity. The strongest responses were observed at the 30C and 200C potencies. These findings suggest the involvement of intrinsic apoptotic signaling and warrant further mechanistic investigation. As this study represents an exploratory in vitro analysis, validation in additional experimental models and independent biological systems is required before broader conclusions can be drawn.
India accounts for nearly half the global mortality attributed to snakebite envenoming (SBE). In response, the Government of India launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming in 2024, targeting a 50% reduction in deaths and disabilities by 2030. Kerala's use of mobile apps, certification of snake rescuers, and overall health system preparedness have enabled early care and reduced mortality. Based on these success stories, we are proposing a scalable roadmap, 'The Kerala Model,' for achieving zero snakebite deaths in India. Kerala has initiated the Zero Snakebite Deaths Initiative, building on national policy and state-level success. A multidisciplinary conclave held at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences on February 13th, 2025, brought together stakeholders from the fields of health, forestry, basic sciences, and civil society to develop a comprehensive state action plan for the prevention of snakebite envenoming (SAPSE). The strategy includes community empowerment through school-based education, training first responders and healthcare workers, improving pre-hospital care, ensuring access to quality ASV, and establishing a digital snakebite registry integrated with ecological and surveillance data. Kerala's evidence-informed, multi-stakeholder framework aligned to the NAP-SE offers a replicable model for high-burden states. With continued investment in digital data systems, community outreach, and healthcare training, the goal of zero snakebite deaths in India is not aspirational but achievable.
