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A novel synthesis of chromenopyridine derivatives has been developed using formyl chromone and β-enaminoester under an indium (III)-mediated approach, which exhibit diverse biological activities. The newly synthesized compounds are characterized and tested for their antifungal activity against the panel of Candida test pathogens. Out of 16 tested compounds, 12 samples exhibited antifungal activity, while four (3c, 3f, 3g and 3n) of them showed good inhibition towards all pathogens. These four samples were further subjected to microbial least inhibition concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration determination; the values were observed between 7.8 and 250 μg/mL towards the selected fungal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate compounds were found to disrupt the endocrine system and alter transcriptomes during human embryonic development. In our previous work, we have isolated and reported two such phthalates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) from Brevibacterium mcbrellneri bacteria and evaluated their bioactive properties. Naturally derived phthalates might be less toxic compared with synthesized molecules. We have investigated biologically isolated phthalates to understand the possible genotoxic effects in mice and further investigated in silico binding and polymerization of β-tubulin. Three sub-lethal concentrations of DEHP (150 μM, 175 μM, and 200 μM) and DBP (10 μM, 15 μM, and 30 μM) were studied. The results showed that the phthalates were found to be highly genotoxic in nature. However, the pattern of genotoxic effects was not found to be dose-dependent in the induction of chromosome aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), and changes in the mitotic index (MI) in cells. In silico studies of phthalates on polymerization of β-tubulin suggested that both DBP and DEHP were able to interact with the hydrogen bonds and make strong van der Waals interactions with β-tubulin thereby possibly causing destabilization of microtubule network. Our study suggests that these phthalates might be playing an important role in normal cell division thereby showing highly genotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pongamol, the furanochalcone present in different parts of karanj (Pongamia glabra) tree has been taken in this investigation to undergo Biginelli reaction with thiourea and p-substituted benzaldehydes. These three component cyclo-condensation reaction in acetic acid catalyzed by hydrochloric acid resulted in the formation of a new series of 4-methoxybenzofuran-5-oyl conjugated 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-thiones (4a to 4g). Synthesized new derivatives were characterized by NMR (1H and 13C) and mass (HRESI-MS). Screening of the antibacterial activity against some selected bacterial strains showed that the derivatives 4a, 4b, 4c and 4f exhibited excellent antibacterial activity specifically against Klebsiella planticola. Derivative 4c also showed potency against Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus. Based on this promising result, further screening of these four compounds was carried out for minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and anti-biofilm activity. Excellent bactericidal activity (MBC, 1.9 μg/mL) of compound 4c and 4f was observed respectively against M. luteus and K. planticola, at par with the reference drug ciprofloxacin. Potent derivatives were also assayed for anti-biofilm activity. Results indicated that the compound 4f exhibited excellent anti-biofilm activity against K. planticola with IC50 value 3.6 μg/mL equivalents to ciprofloxacin. Thus, this new class of 4-methoxybenzofuran-5-oyl conjugated 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-thione derivatives has the potential to be an active bactericidal agent with anti-biofilm activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichen secondary metabolites are well explored medicinal agents with diverse pharmacological properties. One of the important antibiotic lichen secondary metabolites is usnic acid. Its diverse medicinal profiles prompted us to explore it as a potential antitubercular molecule. Towards this direction, continuing our efforts on the discovery and development of new analogs with potent antitubercular properties we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a set of 37 usnic acid enaminone-coupled aryl-n-hexanamides (3–39). The study yielded a 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl compound (13, 5.3 µM) as the most active anti-TB molecule. The docking studies were performed on 7 different enzymes to better understand the binding modes, where it was observed that compound 13 bound strongly with glucose dehydrogenase (Gscore: − 9.03). Further antibacterial investigations revealed compound 2 with potent inhibition on Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis (MIC 3 µM) and MIC values of 7 and 14 µM on Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli respectively. Compound 19 (3-F-5-CF3-phenyl) displayed encouraging antibacterial profiles against E. coli, S. typhi and S. mutans with MIC values of 10 µM respectively. Interestingly, compound 20 (2,6-difluorophenyl) also displayed good antibacterial activity against E. coli with an MIC value of 6 µM. These encouraging pharmacological results will help for better designing and developing usnic acid-based semi-synthetic derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents. A set of 37 new usnic acid enaminone-coupled aryl-n-hexanamides were synthesized and evaluated as potential antimicrobial agents. Compound 13 was identified as the most active antitubercular molecule. 13 was further docked against 7 different enzymes of tuberculosis. The molecule displayed maximum binding energy with the enzyme Glucose dehydrogenase (Gscore: − 9.03), indicating that these hexanamides possibly act by inhibiting the glucose metabolic pathway of the bacterium. Surprisingly, the intermediate hexanoic acid 2 was identified as potent antibacterial agent, acting on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains (3–14 μM). The active compounds may be subjected to structural iterations to develop further leads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of useful products from toxic or hazardous waste is a unique strategy to overcome their disposal. In this work, we report the valorization of the toxic flowers of Thevetia peruviana (TP) into blue fluorescent nitrogen doped carbon dots (N‐CDs) with ∼6.6 % nitrogen doping from a single source of biomass without using any external dopant. The hydrophilic N‐CDs are biocompatible and show excitation‐dependent emission. Cytotoxity studies revealed the N‐CDs are selectively toxic towards the cancerous cells (DU‐145, MDA MB‐231, HepG2, and B16) but more biocompatible with normal CHO‐K1 and HEK‐293 cells. It has been observed that generation of reactive oxygen species in presence of N‐CDs cause DNA damage and the unrepaired cells undergo apoptosis in G2/M phase. To investigate the toxicity to normal cells, we further carried out in‐vitro and in‐vivo genotoxicity studies to reveal its non‐mitotoxic, non‐clastogenic, and non‐aneugenic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anilinopyridine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. The detail SAR study was carried out using various analogues including positional isomers. The screening data revealed that the free −NH2 on pyridine ring is crucial for antitubercular activity. The current study identified three promising leads 16 e, 16 i and 16 o with MIC 3.1, 3.1 and 1.2 μM, respectively. Important to note that the compound 16 o showed excellent selectivity index of 135.58 when its antitubercular activity was compared with the inhibition of CHO−K1 cells. The other notable compounds were 16 b, 16 d, 16 e, 16 f, 16 g, 16 h, 16 i, 16 l and 16 q which exhibited anti‐TB activity with MIC ≤25 μM. Interestingly, compounds 16 e, 16 i and 16 o did not show inhibition of bacterial pathogen panel indicating the selectivity of this class of compounds towards Mtb. Furthermore, physico‐chemical and ADMET properties of the synthesized derivatives were studied. The compounds fulfill the criteria of Lipinski's rule of five for drug‐likeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoroquinolones are broad spectrum antibiofilm agents. Herein, synthesized are a series of hexafluoro functionalized quinoline‐3‐carboxylate derivatives (4 a–7 d) from aryl amines as novel chemotherapeutic agents. The compound ethyl 5‐chloro‐6‐(1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐hydroxypropan‐2‐yl)‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxylate (4 b) exhibited the most potent promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus MTCC96 with a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 1.8 μg/mL and an IC50 value of 15.6 ± 0.04 μM. The presence of ester linkage, electron withdrawing chlorine ortho (5‐Cl) to hexafluoro‐2‐propanol and an unsubstituted nitrogen in the quinolone scaffold enhanced the antimicrobial activity. The compounds ethyl 5‐chloro‐6‐(1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐hydroxypropan‐2‐yl)‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxylate (4 b), ethyl 8‐chloro‐1‐ethyl‐6‐(1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐hydroxypropan‐2‐yl)‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxylate (5 d) and 6‐(2‐ethoxy‐1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoropropan‐2‐yl)‐1‐ethyl‐8‐fluoro‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydro quino‐ line‐3‐carboxylic acid (6 c) have displayed a significant cytotoxicity towards cancer cells without any toxic effects towards the normal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel structured monoacylglycerol (MAG)‐based phenolic lipids are synthesized from11‐bromoundecanoic acid, phenolic acids, and solketal. Selected phenolic acids namely 4‐hydroxy benzoic, vanillic, syringic, cinnamic, p‐coumaric, sinapic, 4‐fluorocinnamic, 4‐hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) propanoic and dihydrocaffeic acids are employed for the synthesis of ten novel MAG‐based phenolic lipids. The synthesized phenolic lipids are characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, and mass spectra analysis. All the compounds are evaluated for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. MAG derivative 8g of sinapic acid exhibits excellent antioxidant activity in both DPPH assay and inhibition of lipid oxidation assay. MAG derivative 8f bearing p‐coumaric acid shows good antimicrobial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 6.25 µm mL−1. All the synthesized compounds are found to exhibit cytotoxicity against B16, DU145, and CHO cell lines, while sinapic and p‐coumaric acid derivatives exhibit better activities compared to other derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compound 1-O-methyl chrysophanol (OMC) which belongs to a class of hydroxyanthraquinones was isolated from Amycolatopsis thermoflava strain SFMA-103 and studied for their anti-diabetic properties. OMC was evaluated as an anti-diabetic agent based on in silico studies which initially predicted the binding energy with α-amylase (−188.81 KJ mol−1) and with α-glucosidase (70.53 KJ mol−1). Further, these results were validated based on enzyme inhibition assays where OMC demonstrated enzyme inhibitory activity towards α-amylase (IC50 3.4 mg mL−1) and α-glucosidase (IC50 38.49 μg mL−1). To confirm the anti-diabetic activity, in vivo studies (oral dose in Wistar rats) revealed that OMC inhibited significantly the increase in glucose concentration at 100 mg/kg as compared to starch control (p < 0.05). Further, to understand the safety of OMC as a therapeutic agent, the genotoxic analysis was performed in both in vitro Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (250, 500, and 1000 µM/mL) and in vivo Swiss albino mice (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). In vitro results showed that OMC concentration of up to 250 µM/mL did not elicit significant changes in CAs, MI, and MN counts in CHO cells. Similarly, in mice experiments (i.p. injection), no significant changes in CAs, MI, and MN induction were observed till 500 mg/kg of OMC when compared with chrysophanic acid (Cy) (200 mg/kg). In addition, mice that received the lowest dose of OMC (250 mg/kg) did not show any histological changes in liver, kidney, and heart. The study concluded that five times higher therapeutic dose (100 mg/kg) of OMC can be utilized against hyperglycemia with no genotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) refer to all males (of any age) who engage in sexual relations with other males. The gross stigmatization and discrimination of homosexuals have affected the life and health of MSM. Aims & objective: To get an insight on circumstances of initiation and continuation of same sex behavior among MSM. Material & Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in MSM population in Agra district in India. Audio recorded in-depth interviews were transcribed into verbatim. Potential themes were extracted as a part of analysis as per relevant experiences of the participants. Data saturation achieved after 13 In-depth interviews. Results: The initiation of same sex behavior among MSM was at a young age and was mostly without their consent. Almost all participants were below the legal age of giving consent for sex and their first homosexual partner was a familiar, elderly in position of authority. They played a passive role in their initial sexual encounter and none of them was able to discuss it freely with their family members or friends. They mostly felt depressed after their first homosexual encounter. They had continued this sexual behavior as they have accepted their attraction towards same sex. Conclusion: There is a need to include concepts of sexuality in education curriculum and sensitize parents also and counseling of those exposed to homosexuality at a tender age is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic lipids are well-known excipients for nanometric liposomal gene delivery systems. However, because of the suspected, collateral toxicity in normal cells, the use of cationic lipids for the treatment of human tumor is largely limited. Recently, we developed a glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-targeted liposomal, anticancer delivery system (DXE nano-lipoplex), which carried cationic lipid of saturated twin aliphatic chains. It exhibited efficient anti-tumor effect in aggressive and drug-resistant tumor models. Toward exploring lipoplex's human clinical use, we incorporated another nano-lipoplex (D1XE) group that carried cationic lipid with one of its aliphatic chain carrying unsaturation and compared in vivo genotoxicological profiling-based safety assessment and the respective anti-tumor efficacy of the lipoplexes. Thus, both the lipoplexes differ only by the chemical identity of one of their constituent cationic lipid. Unsaturated aliphatic chains in lipid generally impart efficient cell surface fusogenic property in lipid formulations. Herein, we report that nanoplex with unsaturated cationic lipid (D1XE) exhibited better physical appearance with less flocculent behavior than nanoplex with saturated lipid (DXE). Upon multiple injections, D1XE nanoplex imparted better tumor regression but most importantly, exhibited much lower overall toxicity (e.g. genotoxicity, weight loss, etc.) than DXE nanoplex. With a higher antitumor effect but a lower genotoxic effect, D1XE is proved to be a better nanoplex than DXE for the potential clinical trial. Thus, this study clearly delineates the importance of incorporating a constituent lipid that carries a single unsaturated aliphatic chain toward developing efficient anti-tumor nano-lipoplexes with reduced genotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As per the Child Mortality Report 2018 by UNICEF the current neonatal mortality rate in India stands at 24 per 1000 live births with it being more than the national average for Uttar Pradesh. The neonatal morbidity and outcome pattern in terms of discharge or otherwise shows considerable national, state, district and sub-district variations due to a multitude of diverse factors contributing to it at various levels. Aim & Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the mortality rate and outcome in NICU setting, and factors influencing the outcomes. Methods and Material: This government NICU based follow-up study comprised of data analysed from 450 neonates through a semi-structured questionnaire using face to face interview technique. Data was evaluated in SPSS and; independent t test and chi square test were applied. Statistical analysis used: Data was evaluated in SPSS and; independent t test and chi square test were applied. Results: For morbidity low birth weight (LBW) (14.4%) and for mortality LBW/prematurity (56%) were the most common causes. The discharge rate was 64.4%. Good outcome in the form of successful discharge was statistically significant with birth weight (p=0.000), gestational age (0.001), length of stay at NICU (p=0.003) male sex (p=0.003) and feeding of newborn (p=0.002) Conclusions: The study enunciates a high discharge rate in tertiary care government NICU with a mixed morbidity and mortality profile. The causes are mainly preventable and hence can be largely mitigated through dedicated ante natal, intra natal and post-natal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study mainly focuses on the cytogenetic toxicity induction by zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen containing bisphosphonate (N-BPs) in the male germline cells of Swiss albino mice. A single intraperitoneal exposure with three different doses of ZA (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg body weight), toxicity was assessed by analyzing spermatogonial metaphase chromosome aberrations at 24 h, aberrant primary spermatocytes at week 4, and abnormal spermatozoa at week 8 posttreatment. Cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) and 0.9% NaCl were used as positive and vehicle controls respectively in the study. The results showed that there was a significant induction in the number of chromosomal aberrations especially at two doses of ZA (4 and 8 mg/kg) after 24 h in the spermatogonial cells (p < 0.001) compared to vehicle control. The transmission genetic damages were noticed as aberrant spermatocytes with atypical bivalents (X-Y/autosomal asynapsis) at 4 mg/kg of ZA (p < 0.01) and at 8 mg/kg of ZA (p < 0.001) at week 4 posttreatment. A statistically significant higher number of abnormal spermatozoa (sperm) were also noticed at week 8 posttreatment of both at 4 and 8 mg/kg of ZA (p < 0.001). Hence, from these genotoxicity studies, it can be concluded that ZA is genotoxic in male germline cells and has the potential of transmitting the genotoxic effects from spermatogonial cells to sperm in male Swiss mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to find a new class of cytotoxic agents, a series of 3,6-disubstituted-[1,2,4] triazolo[3,4-b] [1,3,4]thiadiazoles have been synthesized using undecenoic acid and various cinnamic acids. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been confirmed using ¹H and 13C NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. The prepared compounds have been evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines namely, HeLa, B16-F10, SKOV3, MCF7 and CHO-K1 Normal Cell line using MTT assay. Compounds 6a and 6h show promising activity against HeLa (IC50 value 8.92μM) and SKOV3 cell lines (IC50 value 9.43 μM). Majority of the compounds show significant activities against HeLa cell line with the IC50 values ranging from 8.92 to 13.44 μM. All the compounds show good activity against SKOV3 cell line with the IC50 values ranging from 9.43 to 19.34 μM. Majority of the compounds are non toxic towards the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) normal cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Costunolide (CE) is a sesquiterpene lactone well-known for its antihepatotoxic, antiulcer, and anticancer activities. The present study focused on the evaluation of the cytogenetic toxicity and cellular death-inducing potential of CE in CHO cells, an epithelial cell line derived from normal ovary cells of Chinese hamster. The cytotoxic effect denoting MTT assay has shown an IC50 value of 7.56 μM CE, where 50% proliferation inhibition occurs. The oxidative stress caused by CE was confirmed based on GSH depletion induced cell death, conspicuously absent in N-acetylcysteine (GSH precursor) pretreated cells. The evaluation of genotoxic effects of CE using cytokinesis block micronucleus assay and chromosomal aberration test has shown prominent induction of binucleated micronucleated cells and aberrant metaphases bearing chromatid and chromosomal breaks, indicating CE’s clastogenic and aneugenic potential. The apoptotic death in CE treated cells was confirmed by an increase in the number of cells in subG1 phase, exhibiting chromatin condensation and membranous phosphatidylserine translocation. The apoptosis induction follows mitochondrial mediation, evident from an increase in the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3/7 activity, and mitochondrial membrane permeability. CE also induces cytostasis in addition to apoptosis, substantiated by the reduced cytokinetic (replicative indices) and mitotic (mitotic indices and histone H3 Ser-10 phosphorylation) activities. Overall, the cellular GSH depletion and potential genotoxic effects by CE led the CHO cells to commit apoptosis and lowered cell division. The observed sensitivity of CHO cells doubts unintended adverse effects of CE on normal healthy cells, suggesting higher essentiality of further studies in order to establish its safety efficacy in therapeutic explorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With increasing life expectancy people are living longer but they are not necessarily healthier than before. Nearly a quarter (23%) of the overall global burden of death and illness is in people aged over 60, and much of this burden is attributable to long-term illness like non-communicable diseases and mental health problems. Aims & Objectives: Aim of the study the magnitude of depression among elderly population of Agra. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of depression in elderly population of Agra. 2. To study the factors associated with depression among elderly population of Agra. Material and Methods: This study was conducted among 355 elderly in urban Agra. Data was collected by house to house visit using pre-designed and pre-tested schedule. Geriatric depression scale (GDS-30) was used to assess the burden of depression in study population. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 68.05 years. Depression was found in 50.1% among study population and 15.5% had severe depression. Depression was more among the Illiterates, Muslims, financial dependents, those who were suffering from chronic disease/s, encountered a stressor in the last 6 months, less religious, not living with partner or suffered elderly abuse. Conclusion: High burden of depression was found among the victims of elderly abuse. Stressful life events and absence of spouse were found to be significant risk factors for depression. To deal with these factors we suggest a link worker Geriatric Age Social Health Agent (G-ASHA) to act as a link between family, community and authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) showed that nearly 7 crore people in India were suffering from diabetes in 2015 and this number is projected to be 12.5 crore by 2040. India's economic boom has been accompanied by a dramatic upsurge of diabetes. Globalization of unhealthy lifestyles are closing the gap between urban and rural diabetes. So it has become important to estimate the diabetes prevalence and risk factors in rural Agra, India where no community based data was available. Material and Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural Agra from June 2013 to 2014. The sample size was calculated to 1209. Data was collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire while fasting blood glucose measured with the help of Glucocard - Vital Glucometer. The data was compiled and statistically analyzed using SPSS-22 software. Results: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in rural Agra was found to be 7% with a diagnostic gap of 37%. Prevalence of Diabetes was observed significantly associated with the age, occupation and socioeconomic status. Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was significantly more in people with higher Body mass index (13.3%), centrally obesity (10.3%) and higher Waist Hip Ratio (8.4%) than with normal BMI (4.4%), non-obese (4.2%) and normal WHR category (1.6%). On multiple logistic regression age, hypertension, BMI and WHR contribute as risk factors for developing Diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: As evident from findings diabetes is becoming common in rural population also, adding to the problem is poor awareness. Health care systems should be strengthened for early detection and effective treatment of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: There are inconsistencies in the literature regarding the clinical significance of cystic components in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). This may be related to differences in the identification of cystic NET through imaging and/or pathology. Tumors may also be microscopically or macroscopically cystic. Our primary objective is to determine radiology-pathology correlation for the identification of cystic components. Our secondary objective is to determine if cystic components are associated with indices of tumor aggression. Methods 60 tumors with correlative surgical pathology were assessed retrospectively for cystic components on CT and pathology. Tumor was categorized as solid or cystic on CT and pathology. If cystic on pathology, cystic components were categorized as macroscopic or microscopic. Cystic components were estimated as <50% and ≥50% tumor volume. WHO/Hochwald grade and presence of metastases were used to stratify disease aggression. Associations were tested with Chi square/Fisher's exact test and differences were tested with t -test/Wilcoxon rank sums test. Results There is moderate agreement between CT and histology for presence of cystic components. Discrepancies were mostly attributable to the presence of microscopic cystic components in tumors appearing solid on CT. There was no difference in size between cystic and solid tumors on CT or pathology. No association between CT-determined cystic components and tumor grade was found. Tumors with cystic components (cystic by CT, and macroscopically cystic by pathology) demonstrated less association with metastases than solid tumors. Conclusions Cystic components, comprising ≥50% of the tumor by CT and observed macroscopically on pathology, are associated with less aggressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International travel to India is on the rise and the travellers comprise a diverse group of individuals in terms of their country of origin, preferences and risk taking behaviour. Different environment coupled with all other factors makes them more vulnerable to health problems. Aims & Objectives: To find out the health problems faced by the international travellers visiting Agra City, their perception and the factors associated with them. Material & Methods: Cross - sectional study design was used and International travellers in the age group 15 to 65 years were recruited from prominent tourist places and train stations of Agra, which was sometimes during their tour and just before their departure respectively. Data collection was carried out for a period of six months i.e. from November 2015 to April 2016.Results: Out of the total 422 study subjects, 208 (48.2%) faced one or more health problems. Primary purpose of visit (religious, educational, visiting friends and relatives) and the duration of visit (more than two weeks) were found to be significantly associated with a negative health outcome. Diarrhoea (131, 63%), fever (87, 41.8%) and respiratory problems (50, 24%) were the most frequent problems and many of them had more than one problem. A majority of the participants perceived the risk of health problems to be high and more than half of the them reported having experienced culture shock (57.4%). Conclusions: There may be a need for a travel clinic at the destination. The benefit of such a new offer must be validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health services are designed to meet the health needs of the community through the use of available knowledge and resources. Secondary Level of Health Care essentially including Community health centers (CHCs) constituting the First Referral Units (FRUs) and the Sub-district and district hospital, designed to provide referral health services. Aims & Objectives: To assess the available resources and minimum services at FRUs as per IPHS Standards in District Agra. Material & Methods: A Cross- sectional study was conducted in Four FRUs of Agra District, from June 2015 - August 2016. All four FRUs were evaluated for infrastructure, drugs and consumables, equipment, manpower, as per IPHS standards and minimum services provided by first referral units (FRUs). Status of FRUs as against revised (2012) IPHS Standard. Results: All the four FRUs (100%) have their own government building. Availability of drugs and consumable, equipment, were good which was 100% while 25% of FRUs had blood storage facility. 50% of FRUs had general surgeon, dental surgeon, gynecologist and anesthetist while 100% of FRUs had medical superintendent, medical officer and availability of staff nurse and pharmacist were 75% and 91.7% respectively among all four FRUs. Conclusion: Physical infrastructure, drugs and consumables, equipment, availability found adequate in all FRUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facile synthesis of 2–10 nm-sized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from graphite powder by organic solvent-assisted liquid exfoliation using a sonochemical method is reported in this study. Synthesized GQDs are well dispersed in organic solvents like ethyl acetoacetate (EAA), dimethyl formamide (DMF) and also in water. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry reveals its selective mass fragmentation. Detailed characterizations by various techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirm the formation of disordered, functional GQDs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation confirms HOMO–LUMO energy gap variation with changing size and functionalities. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of as-prepared GQDs were studied in detail. The ensemble studies of GQDs showed excellent photoluminescence properties comprising normal and upconverted fluorescence, delayed fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence. PL decay dynamics of GQDs has been explored using time-correlated single-photon technique (TCSPC) as well as femtosecond fluorescence upconversion technique. In vitro cytotoxicity study reveals its biocompatibility and high cell viability (＞91%) even at high concentration (400 μg mL−1) of GQDs in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our group already demonstrated that europium hydroxide nanorods (EHNs) show none or mild toxicity in C57BL/6 mice even at high dose and exhibited excellent pro-angiogenic activity towardsin vitroandin vivomodels. In the present study, we evaluated thein vivocytogenetic toxicity of intraperitoneally administered EHNs (12.5–250 mg/kg/b.w.) in male and female Swiss albino mice by analyzing chromosomal aberrations (CAs), mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN) from bone marrow and peripheral blood. Furthermore, we performed the cytogenetic toxicity study of EHNs towards Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, in order to compare with thein vivoresults. The results of CA assay of mice treated with EHNs (12.5–125 mg/kg/b.w.) showed no significant change in the formation of aberrant metaphases compared to the control group. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of dividing cells between the control group and EHNs-treated groups observed by MI study, suggesting the non-cytotoxicity of EHNs. Additionally, FACS study revealed that EHNs do not arrest cells at any phase of cell cycle in the mouse model. Furthermore, MN test of both bone marrow and peripheral blood showed no significant differences in the induction of MNs when compared with the control group.In vitroresults from CHO cells also support ourin vivoobservations. Considering the role of angiogenesis by EHNs and the absence of its genotoxicity in mouse model, we strongly believe the future application of EHNs in treating various diseases, where angiogenesis plays an important role such as cardiovascular diseases, ischemic diseases and wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the inception of childhood nutritional programs in India, underweight has been taken to judge the nutritional status of children; but is it a true indicator of overall prevalence of malnutrition in a community? Objective: To estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition by using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) and to assess its usefulness over various conventional anthropometric indicators among under 5 children residing in Agra city. Materials and Methods: A crosssectional, community-based study was conducted among under 5 years age children, from June 2012 to July 2013 in an urban slum of Agra. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometry and clinical examination, and classified as per World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 Growth Standards and CIAF. Results: Of the 458 children studied, 42.8% were underweight, 41.9% had stunting, while 22.7% had wasting. However, 60.04% of children were found to be malnourished as per the CIAF. Unlike three conventional anthropometric indicators of malnutrition, CIAF was observed to have a much consistent association with morbidity like diarrhea episodes in past 3 months (odds ratio (OR) = 2.09), acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) episode in past 3 months (OR = 1.58), and any illness requiring hospitalization (OR = 1.29). Conclusion: The CIAF should supplement the conventional indices of malnourishment, to provide a single, aggregated figure of actual number of undernourished children in a given population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a maternal protection scheme that promotes institutional delivery by providing cash incentive to the mothers who deliver their babies in a health facility. With the purpose of improving maternal and neo-natal mortality and morbidity indicators, the investment and emphasis on JSY is continued. Utilization pattern and perception in the community regarding a particular health program is important to study for assessing the success or failure of the program. Objectives: To assess the utilization of JSY and its perception among mothers and health care providers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, crosssectional, community based study was Conducted at Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, among 246 married women of reproductive age group who had childbirth after JSY implementation for assessing their utilization pattern and perception regarding JSY services. Perception regarding the strengths and weaknesses of JSY among the health care providers was also studied. Results: Nearly half (53.25%) of the mothers studied had an institutional delivery and were eligible for the JSY benefits. Postnatal home visits by Accredited Social Health Activists were done in 48% of home and 100% of institutional deliveries. Nearly half (48.09%) of the beneficiaries were benefited by free transport facility under JSY. Although all of the health care providers perceived JSY as beneficial for improving maternal health, 44% of them had the notion that cash incentives under JSY can have a negative effect on family planning practices. Conclusion: The utilization rate of the JSY services was found to be low in certain aspects like institutional deliveries, transport facility etc., and there is scope for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: WHO states that the proportion of deaths and casualty registrations of RTA cases represents only the tip of the iceberg. A similar tip of the iceberg phenomenon exists between the visible expenses incurred due to the accidents and the much larger invisible losses are there that imperceptibly disable the family budget. Objective: (1) To estimate the total expenditure on treatment of RTA cases and its proportion to their monthly family income on treatment.(2) To estimate the loss of wages of RTA cases and project the other losses.(3) To enquire reimbursement of losses of RTA cases. Materials and methods: A hospital based cross sectional study, conducted at ED and Hospital of S.N. Medical College, Agra. Data were collected by using semi structured questionnaire from RTA cases or their attendants. Results: Out of 425 admitted RTA cases, 318 (74.8%) had spent Rs > 5,000 on the treatment and 304(71.5%) had lost their wages Rs >1, 000. 73.2% had incurred hospital expenses from 1to10 times or even more of their monthly family income. About 1/4th cases recovered completely and 64.01% recovered with temporary physical deficit. 3.5% had health insurance. 75.8% cases had remained hospitalized for more than1 week or up to a month duration and a strong positive correlation (r = 0.83) was found between the length of stay in the hospital and the amount spent on the treatment. Conclusion: The financial assault suffered by the road traffic accident cases and their families even if they are treated in Government Hospital are so huge that cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite great progress in the last decades, more than 120 million women worldwide want to prevent pregnancy but are not using contraceptives. Objective: To assess the prevalence of contraceptive use among the study group. To calculate the current unmet need of family planning Material& Methods: Community based, Cross-sectional study was done among 280 married women of reproductive age group residing in Agra City, using a standardized questionnaire to assess their fertility preferences & practices. Results: The Contraceptive Prevalence Rate is calculated as 45.4%. The unmet need of spacing is 21.0% and unmet need of limiting is 22.2%. Thus unmet need of family planning is 43.2% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thesis work conducted by post-graduate students of Community Medicine is critically appraised by not only their examiners but also by many other public health experts and researchers. Issues related to the repetition of work and quality of thesis work is raised by various authors. Objective: To assess the time trend in the thesis work done by post-graduate students of Community Medicine. Material and methods: This is a record based descriptive observational study conducted in the department of Community Medicine of S. N. Medical College, Agra (Uttar Pradesh). Data from all the 66 theses which were submitted by the Post Graduate students of our department till date was collected and assessed systematically. Result: Most preferred areas of research were MCH/Family Planning (28.79%) and Programme/Service evaluation (22.73%). 77.27% of theses were community based, 36.37% were done exclusively in a rural area, 24.24% of theses had children/adolescent as their study subjects and 28.79% were conducted exclusively among females. A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) or Knowledge, attitude, behavior and practice (KABP) study was part of many theses but exclusive KAP/KABP study was done only in 12.12% of theses. A purposive or convenience sampling was done in only 18.33% of theses, 86.67% were cross-sectional in design and median sample size was 450 participants per thesis. In comparison to the theses done upto the year 2000, theses thereafter were more often based in an urban area and less often done in an exclusive rural area (p=0.0003) and all KAP/KABP studies were done after the year 2000 (p=0.004). Conclusion: There is no repetition or excessive use of KAP/KABP studies in the theses done by post-graduate students of the department of Community Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spaced IFA Supplementation is recognized as an efficacious public health program and effective preventive approach in combating anemia in adolescent girls, is cost effective and results in fewer side effects. Aim: To study the effect of: bi-weekly supplementation of IFA with and without Albendazole administration on the status of hemoglobin level in college going adolescent girls. Material and methods: An interventional study was conducted among college going girls in Agra in the age group of 16-19 years (n=300) who were randomly selected. Their Hemoglobin levels were estimated before and after intervention by the Cynmeth-hemoglobin method using Drabkin's solution. Three groups [two study A and B and one control] of hundred girls each were randomly constituted. To the study groups, supervised bi-weekly IFA with and without Albendazole were administered respectively for three months. Data collected was analyzed using suitable statistical tools. Results & Discussion: The overall prevalence of anemia was 65.3%.The initial prevalence in study group reduced significantly from 80.7% to 35.5% whereas in study group B it reduced from 73.5% to 58.8% and in control it remained almost same 84.3% and 81.2% pre and post intervention respectively. The mean Hemoglobin rise observed in the study group A and B was 2.5gm/dl and 2.3 gm/dl respectively while in control group fall in the mean Hb was observed (0.1gm/dl). Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls is high. Supervised IFA therapy twice a week is an effective strategy to lower the prevalence of anemia either combined or uncombined with Albendazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a research conducted in order to identify the strains of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori for tolerance to high temperature. It discusses the development of strains for thermotolerance on the basis of overall silkworm rearing performance. The study revealed the use of screening for thermotolerance in the silkworm for the development of thermotolerant breeds and hybrids and their effective commercial utilization in the sericulture industry.

Due to the availability of a huge amount of epidemiological and public health data that require analysis and interpretation by using appropriate mathematical tools to support the existing method to control the mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases in a more effective way, data-mining tools are used to make sense from the chaos. Using data-mining tools, one can develop predictive models, patterns, association rules, and clusters of diseases, which can help the decision-makers in controlling the diseases. This paper mainly focuses on the applications of data-mining tools that have been used for the first time to prioritize the malaria endemic regions in Manipur state by using Self Organizing Maps (SOM). The SOM results (in two-dimensional images called Kohonen maps) clearly show the visual classification of malaria endemic zones into high, medium and low in the different districts of Manipur, and will be discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pre-Elementary Education Longitudinal Study (PEELS) examines the preschool and early elementary school experiences of a nationally representative sample of 3,104 children ages 3–5 with disabilities from 2004 through 2009. This paper describes the special education and related services received by a subsample of 186 preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in 2003–2004 and parental satisfaction with those services. Past research and patterns of litigation suggest that parents of children with ASD are not wholly satisfied with the special education and related services their children receive. In the current study, the authors found many similarities between children with ASD and children with other disabilities in the type of services received under IDEA and in parent satisfaction with these services. Still, some significant differences emerged in the number of services received, the amount of time children with ASD spent in special education settings, and parent satisfaction with the amount of time children spent with typically developing peers. Implications about the importance of parent satisfaction and social validity measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial transformation of ferulic acid to acetovanillone was studied using growing cells of Rhizopus oryzae. Ferulic acid was added to the growing medium (0.5 g L-1) and incubated for 12 days. The progress of formation of metabolites was monitored by GC and GC-MS after extraction with ethyl acetate. The major metabolite was acetovanillone with minor metabolites formed, such as dihydroferulic acid, coniferyl alcohol and dihydroconiferyl alcohol. Traces of metabolites (≤1-3%), such as vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, vanillic acid and phenyl ethyl alcohol, were also produced. Formation of 4-vinyl guaiacol increased from day 1 (12.4%), reaching a maximum on day 4 (31.7%), and reducing to a minimum on day 12 (3.1%). The formation of acetovanillone increased only from day 2 onward, and reached a maximum (49.2%) on day 12. The optimum concentration of ferulic acid to be added into the medium was found to be only 0.5 g L-1, as any increase in concentration (0.75 and 1.0 g L-1) precipitated the precursor, resulting in no further degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes special education alternative route (AR) teacher preparation programs. The authors developed a national database of programs and collected information on program sponsorship, length and intensity, features, and participant demographics. Most of the 235 programs in the database were in states that had significant shortages of special education teachers, and the authors received 101 responses to the survey Active collaboration and use of professional standards in program development were commonplace. Most programs required full-time teaching, although the length of preteaching preparation varied dramatically, as did overall program length. Although many participants were general education teachers or recent degree recipients, the largest subgroup consisted of midcareer changers. This article discusses these findings and provides recommendations for additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of [Cu(EPh3)3X] with the title ligands yield [Cu(EPh3)2(LH)X] (LH=Hcct and Hcbt). Twelve complexes have been prepared and characterized on the basis of analytical, IR, electronic and NMR spectral and magnetic measurements. These complexes have a tetrahedral structure with the aromatic ligand bonded to copper(I) through sulfur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-Carboethoxy-4-chlorobenzene thioamide (Hcct or HL) and N-carboethoxy-4-bromobenzene thioamide (Hcbt or HL) react with bivalent (Ni, Co, Cu, Ru, Pd and Pt), trivalent (Ru and Rh) and tetravalent (Pt) transition metal ions to give [MII(L)2], [RuIII(L)3], [RhIII(L)(HL)Cl2] and [Pt(L)2Cl2] complexes, respectively. In the presence of pyridine, CoII and NiII salts react with the ligands (HL) to give [MII(L)2Py] (M = Co and Ni) complexes. Soft metal ions abstract sulphur from the ligands to yield the corresponding sulphide, together with oxygenated forms of the ligands. All the metal complexes have been characterised by chemical analyses, conductivity, spectroscopic and magnetic measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]