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Introduction: Researches had shown that Men who have sex with men (MSM) have higher chances of having psychiatric disorder as compared to heterosexual men. Ongoing homophobia, stigma and discrimination have negative effects on mental health of MSM. Many MSM do not seek care from mental health provider because of fear of discrimination Objectives: This study was carried out to assess psychiatric health problem among MSM and also assess their health seeking behavior. Method: The Snowball sampling technique was used. First participants were recruited through a non-profit peer group. Further participants were subsequently referred by participants from their peer circles. Data obtained from total 52 MSM using pretested questionnaire and General health questionnaire (GHQ-28) was analyzed using MS Excel. Results: Two-fifth (40.38%) of MSM had self-reported psychiatric health problem. While on GHQ, 57.69% of MSM were found to have psychiatric health problem with GHQ score of ≥24. MSM who were completely homosexual and who were victims/doer of violence with sex partners had significantly higher chances of having psychiatric health problem.57.15% MSM sought treatment for their psychiatric problem from an Allopathic doctor. Rest of them either went for a self treatment (28.57%) or not taken any treatment (14.28%). 75% MSM reportedly sought treatment from private health facility. Better facility, cost effectiveness, someone known recommended were most commonly cited reason for preferring a mental health provider. Conclusion: High prevalence of psychiatric health problems was found among MSM who engage in higher-risk sexual behavior. MSM require access to mental health screening services.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted illnesses. The gross stigmatization of homosexuality and discrimination has always affected their health-seeking behavior. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the magnitude of sexual health problems, factors associated, and their health-seeking behavior. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Agra city, Uttar Pradesh during December 2017 and November 2019 among a sample of 52 MSM. The Snowball technique of sampling was used to recruit the eligible subjects. Data were collected by interview and analyzed using MS excel. Results: Overall prevalence of any sexual health problem in past 1 year was 71.2%. Anal/perianal problems (26.9%) and genital/oral vesicles (26.9%) were the most commonly encountered illnesses MSM who had all their sexual encounters with men (completely homosexual), those MSM who used to play both insertive and receptive roles, had 5 or more sexual partners, used condom irregularly had significantly higher chances of having sexual health problems. Most (70.3%) MSM sought treatment for their sexual health problem from an Allopathic doctor; 29.4% took treatment from a government health facility. The majority (94.1%) of them were reportedly satisfied with the health care facility. Most (79.4%) respondents preferred not to disclose their sexual behavior during interaction with their sexual health care provider. Conclusion: High prevalence of sexual health problems was found among MSM who engage in high-risk sexual behavior. MSM requires access to STIs screening. Behavior change communication is needed to improve their health-seeking behavior.

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.

Background: Neonatal health remains a thrust area of public health, and an increased out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) may hamper efforts toward universal health coverage. Public spending on health remains low and insurance schemes few, thereby forcing impoverishment upon individuals already close to poverty line. Objective: To determine catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in neonates admitted to the government neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and factors associated with of out-of-pocket expenditure. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a governmental NICU at Agra from May 2017 to April 2018. A sample of 450 neonatal admissions was studied. Respondents were interviewed for required data. OOPE included costs at NICU, intervening health facilities, and transport as well. SPSS version (23.0 Trial) and Epi Info were used for analysis. Results: Of the 450 neonates analyzed, the median total OOPE was Rs. 3000. CHE was found among 55.8% of cases with 22% spending more than their household monthly income. On binary logistic regression, a higher total OOPE of Rs. 3000 or more was found to be significantly associated with higher odds of residing outside Agra (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.829), delay in first cry (AOR = 1.623), referral points ≥3 (AOR = 3.449), private sector as first referral (AOR = 2.476), and when treatment was accorded during transport (AOR = 1.972). Conclusions: OOPE on neonates amounts to a substantial figure and is more than the country average. This needs to be addressed sufficiently and comprehensively through government schemes, private enterprises, and public–private partnerships.

A One pot four-component domino reactions were developed for the synthesis of 5-methyl-4-(2-(3-methyl-4-nitroisoxazol-5-yl)-1-arylethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-ols derivatives in excellent yield from hydrazine hydrate (1), ethyl acetoacetate (2), aldehyde (3) and 3,5-dimethyl-4-nitro-isoxazole (4) using 10 mol% of piperidine. This method is simple, efficient and multiple bonds were generated (two C−C, one C−N, one O−H and one C=N) in a single step. These novel 5-methyl-4-(2-(3-methyl-4-nitroisoxazol-5-yl)-1-arylethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-ol derivatives are evaluated as anti-bacterial agents.

Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) are increasing among the adult population in both developed and developing countries, resulting diabetes, cardiovascular diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Due to increase in life expectancy and change in life style and behavior of people and clustering of metabolic abnormalities in individuals leads to development of metabolic syndrome. To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and their associated risks factors belonging the age group of 18 years and above of urban Agra population. Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out among 18 years and above age group of urban population of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. A multi stage simple random sampling technique is used to reach the subjects. Results: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found 37.1% in study subjects, more common in females (65.9%). The metabolic syndrome was also found higher in the educated group between class 8 to class 12 and among socio economic status III. Higher risk showed by serum triglyceride component of metabolic syndrome among study group. Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in female study population is higher as compared to the male study population in every selected bio social characteristics.

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health problem. With approximately 56% HIV patients in India receiving treatment, adherence to drugs is a crucial element for successful management. Sustainable development goals, National Strategic plan for HIV/AIDS and STI (2017-24) and 90-90-90 target pushing towards ending of AIDS epidemic require adequate adherence and this research estimates the adherence, associated factors and reasons for non-compliance.Methods: This analytical cross sectional study was undertaken on 160 HIV patients from an ART Centre. A pre-structured, pilot tested, face validated questionnaire was used and data collected by face to face interviews, through random selection of participants from outpatient department register. Data was analysed using Epi Info software and chi squared test applied.Results: Of the 160 study subjects, 86.8% remained adherent to the treatment with forgetfulness (71.4%) being the most common cause for non-adherence. Statistically significant treatment adherence was observed to be associated with socio-economic status (p=0.021) and period elapsed since diagnosis (p=0.041).Conclusions: Improving adherence to drug therapy through intensive counselling, streamlined drug supply and increased family participation would go a long way in reducing the menace of HIV.

Background: Hypertension once considered a problem of adults only in the high income countries, now dramatically is on the rise in low and middle income countries. An established predictor of adult hypertension and organ damage is childhood hypertension. Thus for the control, effective treatment and prevention of its complications, early diagnosis of hypertension in adolescents in an important strategy. The objective was to study the blood pressure profile and its socio-demographic determinants among school going adolescents in urban Agra.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done among 534 adolescent in age group of 13-18 years studying in various government and private schools in urban Agra. Socio demographic details, anthropometric measurements and family history of hypertension were obtained. Also the dietary habits, physical activity, mode of transport to school were included in the present study. Blood pressure was measured at 0 and 30 minutes and average of two readings was taken as the final reading of that individual.Results: It was found that 49.82% of the study subjects had above normal blood pressure and among them 21.16% were hypertensive and 28.66% had pre-hypertension. Higher blood pressure showed a statistically significant (p

Background: Timely referral and safe transport form a crucial link for the survival and safety of sick newborn. Thus the study aimed at assessing referral and transport of sick neonates admitted to NICU of a tertiary care government hospital and the factors associated with direct referral and safe final transport.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out in among 450 neonates and was based on face to face interview with caregivers. The data was analyzed using proportions and mean values Chi square test of significance and independent t test were appropriately applied and p

ummary A preliminary trial was conducted to study the effect of ruminal lactic acidosis on electrolyte changes in rumen liquor and serum in buffalo calves. Rumen acidosis was induced in four adult buffalo calves by oral feeding of molasses at the rate of 10g/kg body weight. In the rumen liquor a decrease in pH was accompained by a decrease in sodium and potassium and an increase in calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus levels. Serum values of inorganic phosphorus and sodium increased, while calcium, magnesium and potassium concentrations decreased. There was a decrease in the pH of urine which was associated with an increased urinary excretion of inorganic phosphorus. Zusammenfassung Einflus der Milchsaureazidose auf den Elektrolytgehalt im Blut und im Pansensaft von Buffeln Bei Buffeln wurden praliminarische Untersuchungen uber den Einflus der ruminalen Milchsaureazidose auf die Elektrolytveranderungen im Pansensaft und im Blutserum durchgefuhrt. Die Pansenazidose wurde bei vier zweijahrigen Buffeln durch Melassenverfutterung (10 g/kg Kgew.) ausgelost. Ergebnisse: pH-Senkung; Natrium- und Kaliumabnahme; Zunahme von Calcium, Magnesium und anorganischem Phosphor im Pansensaft. Im Serum erhohte sich der Gehalt an anorganischem Phosphor und Natrium. Die Konzentration von Calcium, Magnesium und Kalium nahm hingegen ab. Der pH des Harnes sank und die Ausscheidung von anorganischem Phosphor erhohte sich. Resume Influence de l'acidose de l'acide lactique sur le taux des electrolytes dans le sang et le suc de la panse chez des buffles Des recherches preliminaires ont ete faites chez des buffles concernant l'influence de l'acidose de l'acide lactique durant la rumination sur les modifications des electrolytes dans le suc de la panse et dans le serum snaguin. L'acidose de la panse a ete declenchee chez quatre buffles de deux ans en affourrageant de la melasse (10 g/kg de poids). Resultats: abaissement du pH; diminution du sodium et du potassium; augmentation du calcium, du magnesium et du phosphore inorganique dans le suc de la panse. Le taux du phosphore inorganique et du sodium a augmente dans le serum alors que la concentration du calcium, du magnesium et du potassium a baisse. Le pH de l'urine s'est abaisse et l'excretion du phosphore inorganique s'est elevee. Resumen Influjo de la acidosis acidolactica sobre el contenido de electrolitos en sangre y liquido ruminal de bufalos Se efectuaron en bufalos estudios preliminares relativos al influjo de la acidosis acidolactica ruminal sobre las modificaciones electroliticas en el liquido de la panza y en el suero sanguineo. La acidosis de la panza se indujo en cuatro bufalos de dos anos de edad por medio de alimentacion a base de melaza (10 g./kg. peso en vivo). Resultados: descenso del pH; disminucion del sodio y potasio; aumento del calcio, magnesio y fosforo inorganico en el liquido ruminal. En el suero sanguineo aumento el contenido en fesforo inorganico y sodio Sin embargo, disminuyo la concentracion de calcio, magnesio y potasio. El pH de la orina descendio, aumentando la excrecion urinaria de fosforo inorganico.

Background: With antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) coming into picture, quality of life (QOL) has gained importance. Knowledge on the factors affecting QOL would be helpful in making important policy decisions and health care interventions. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life of people living with HIV and to identify the factors influencing their QOL.Methods: The Cross-sectional study was done among 160 HIV patients registered with ART Centre, at SNMC Agra (UP), India. QOL was assessed using HIV specific WHOQOLHIV-BREF questionnaire which has six domains. Association were find out by using chi square test for categorical variables and ANOVA were used for comparisons means scores among continuous variables. Correlation between continuous quantitative variables was found out by Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: Mean age of the study subjects was 37.89 years and 61.2% of the participants were males. Quality of life score was highest in level of independence domain (12.79±2.28) and lowest in SRPB domain (10.51±3.63). A significant negative correlation (-0.49) was observed between age and physical domain. Male Subjects had significant better mean score in social and environmental domain. Family support associated with social relationship and psychological domain. Higher CD4 count is associated with better in psychological and SRPB domain. Younger age, female gender, rural background, shorter duration of HIV, non-intake of ART were the high risk factors of poor QOL.Conclusions: Interventions such as ART, family, vocational and peer counselling would address these modifiable factors influencing QOL, thereby improving the QOL of PLWH.

Zusammenfassung Der Einflus einer perakuten laktischen Acidose auf physiko-chemische Veranderungen von Parotis-Speichel bei Kreuzungskalbern An vier Kreuzungskalbern wurde der Einflus einer perakuten laktischen Acidose auf physiko-chemische Veranderungen des Parotis-Speichel untersucht. Die Kalber erhielten an der linken Seite eine Parotis-Fistel. Die Acidose wurde mit Hilfe von oral verabreichter Melasse (25 g/kg Korpergewicht) induziert. Es wurden Speichel-, Pansensaft- und Blutproben vor, 6 Std., 9 Std. und 12 Std. nach der Acidose-Induktion untersucht. Mit fortschreitender Acidose erfolgte ein Abfall des pH-Wertes im Speichel, der Sekretionsrate und des Gehaltes an Bikarbonat und ein Anstieg der Konzentration an Na, anorga-nischem P, Milchsaure und Protein. Die Ca- und Mg-Konzentrationen im Speichel bleiben unverandert. Die Osmolaritat des Speichels und Blutes wechselte von hypertonisch zu hy-potonisch im Vergleich zur Pansenflussigkeit.

Summary: On clinical examination of 1232 sheep belonging to the urban and rural areas of Punjab (India) lesions of ringworm could be detected in 22 animals giving an incidence of 1.78%. Animals below the age of 6 months were more frequently affected (7.4%), than those above 6 months (1.03%). Culturally, T. verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum could be isolated from the skin scrapings of four, two and one sheep respectively. Zusammenfassung: Bei der klinischen Untersuchung von 1.232 Schafen aus der stadtischen und landlichen Gegend von Punjab (Indien) wurden bei 22 Tieren Veranderungen gefunden, die auf eine Hautmykose verdachtig waren (1,78%). Tiere, die junger als 6 Monate waren, schienen haufiger befallen zu sein (7,4%) als die alteren Tiere (1,03%). Kulturell konnten T. verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes und M. gypseum aus der Haut von 4, bzw. 2, bzw. 1 Tier isoliert werden.

Summary: In an extensive survey involving 2176 goats 1.56% of goats manifested clinical lesions of ringworm infection. Animals below the age of 6 months were affected most (4.20%). The incidence of infection was higher during the winter months. T. verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum were isolated from the skin scrapings of 12, 4, and 2 goats respectively. It is suggested that the infected animals could be a source of disease to human population in which the zoophilic dermatophyte invasion is characterized by severe inflammatory lesions of the skin. The zoonotic importance of different dermatophytes is stressed. Zusammenfassung: In einer ausgedehnten Untersuchung an 2176 Ziegen wurden bei 1,56% klinische Zeichen einer Hautmykose festgestellt. Tiere, die juhger als 6 Monate alt waren, zeigten mit 4,20% am hafigsten Krankheitssymptome. In den Wintermonaten war die Erkrankungshaufigkeit am groBten. T. vermcosum, T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum wurden jeweils von 12,4 bzw. 2 Ziegen isoliert. Die inflzierten Tiere koinnen eine Infektionsquelle fur die menschliche Bevolkerung darstellen und dort Mykosen mit stark entzundlichen Veranderungen auslosen. Die Bedeutung verschiedener Dermatophyten als Erreger von Zoonosen wird hervorgehoben.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) was launched in April 2005, to promote institutional deliveries through provision of cash assistance, transport, escort, and referral services. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the antenatal registrations, postnatal checkups, and institutional deliveries, and to compare the various social groups. Married women of the reproductive age group, having at least two children, were interviewed regarding antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care in both pregnancies, latest as well as previous. Post JSY implementation, antenatal registrations increased from 61.79 to 96.34%, Deliveries at the Government Health Facility increased from 25.20 to 53.25% and postnatal check-ups increased from 45.93 to 69.51%. In the post-JSY-implementation phase, the Government Health Facility was preferred more by Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) (SC/ST = 56.87%, OBC = 60.2%, and general = 43.68%), educated (Illiterate = 17.39%, Primary = 88.14, and Middle or above = 81.94%) and the lower socioeconomic classes (Lower SEC 71.83% and Upper lower and above = 45.71%) for their deliveries. It appears that the socially backward groups have benefited more from JSY.

Background: Pregnancy and child birth are normal event in the life of women. Most pregnancy results in normal birth but any pregnancy can develop complication at any stage so timely provision of obstetric services is extremely important and to the care by a skill birth attendant. So knowledge, skills and practices of these are very important. In light of above the study was carried out with objective to assess the knowledge and practices of medical officer and paramedical staffs (staff nurses and ANM) regarding antenatal services, intra-natal services, postnatal services.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at first referral units (FRUs) of Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India from June 2015–August 2016. Structured open ended interview schedule were use d to collect the desired information. Before commencing the interview, informed written consent were taken from respondents. All medical officer and all staff nurse, public health nurse and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANM) were included as study subjects. Data were collected by first author himself. A total of 25 medical officers and 30 paramedical staff were interview for the study.Results: Almost all the medical staffs (100%) have knowledge regarding antenatal care except minimum ANC visit (80%) as practice of ANC services concerned less than half of them doing it as routine, nearly 1/3rd of medical staff (32.0%) conducted or assists delivery (i.e. only LSCS) in routine practices.Conclusions: Knowledge about maternal health services was more among medical staffs than paramedical staffs. Paramedical staffs have less knowledge as well as practice about neonatal resuscitation and infection control measure. Only less than 1/3rd of medical staffs conducting or assisting deliveries.

A novel reaction for the dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as most other chlorinated aromatic and aliphatic compounds is evaluated and discussed in terms of its potential for analytical purposes. The active dechlorinating agent is prepared through the reaction of molten sodium or potassium with polyethylene glycols (MW >200), in the absence of oxygen, to form the corresponding alkali metal glycolate, a powerful nucleophilic agent. Special emphasis is given to the mechanistic aspects of the reaction and their importance in terms of achieving high and reproducible yields with analytical quantities of substrate, in short periods of time. The contribution of the techniques: ESR, NMR, IR, UV, MS, GC-ECD, LC-EC, CIDNP-NMR, conductimetry and chloride analysis (amperometric) in elucidating the reaction mechanism and providing valuable kinetic data is illustrated. This reaction can potentially be applied to the determination of PCBs in waste oils.

The present study was designed to investigate whether calcium ionophore-induced activation and apoptosis are associated with the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in rat eggs cultured in vitro. Culture of metaphase-II (M-II) arrested eggs in Ca(2+)/Mg(2+)-deficient medium did not induce egg activation, while a second polar body was observed in 20% of eggs when cultured in Ca(2+)/Mg(2+)-supplemented medium. In Ca(2+)/Mg(2+)-deficient medium, lower concentrations of calcium ionophore (0.2,0.4 and 0.8 microm) not only induced egg activation in a dose-dependent manner but also generation of intracellular H(2)O(2) (84.40+/-0.50 ng/egg) when compared to control eggs (80.46+/-1.34 ng/egg). The higher concentration of calcium ionophore (1.6 microm) induced apoptosis and pronounced generation of intracellular H(2)O(2) (92.43+/-0.93 ng/egg) in treated eggs. Conversely, cell-permeant antioxidant such as 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) reduced intracellular H(2)O(2) level (81.20+/-1.42 ng/egg) and protected against calcium ionophore-induced morphological changes characteristics of egg activation and apoptosis. These results clearly suggest that calcium ionophore-induced activation and apoptosis are associated with the generation of intracellular H(2)O(2) in rat eggs.

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, cross-sectional, 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.

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 cross-sectional, 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.

Research question : (i) What is the community's perception (assessment & analysis) of causes underlying neonatal, infant and under five deaths? (ii) What action does the community take thereafter? Objectives : To stimulate the community to assess and analyze the causes and underlying social delays responsible for neonatal, infant and under five deaths in their villages and subsequently take collective action to prevent these deaths in future using Social Audits for Community Action (SACA). Design : Retrospective Participatory study. Setting : Rural community development blocks, district Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods : SACA were conducted in a total of 152 villages of Fathehpur Sikri and Bichpuri blocks of district Agra, U.P. One SACA was conducted in each of the 211 anganwadi catchment areas, wherein 10-15 women from different socio­clusters of the community participated in a participatory discussion on issues pertaining to number of births and deaths of children less than five years of age in the last one-year. Results : 7656 live births and 749 under-five deaths were reported during the year 2002. The neonatal, infant and under-five mortality rate was 39.4, 73.5 and 85 per 1,000 live births respectively. Hypothermia, pneumonia, birth asphyxia, prematurity and low birth weight emerged as major causes of neonatal deaths. Majority of deaths of infants and children 1-5 years of age were found to have occurred due to severe malnutrition and diarrhoea. The community realized that majority of deaths occurred because of the delay in recognition of the seriousness of problem, delay in taking decision to seek appropriate care and delay in arranging transport/money. Subsequently, behaviour change communication strategies were re-defined to help community assess signs of illness and take preparedness measures to prevent child deaths in future. Conclusion : Strategies like dialoguing with the community using social audits for community action is a more useful and cost effective approach for initiating behaviour change at community level.

The multitest V. cholerae medium (VC medium) for rapid presumptive identification of Vibrio cholerae was evaluated. On the basis of reactions in the VC medium, 379 strains recovered during a yearlong ecological study in Calcutta were presumptively identified as V. cholerae. Further phenotypic characterization of these strains revealed that the reactions of 371 (97.9%) isolates were consistent with that of V. cholerae. False-positive reactions were exhibited by eight (2.1%) strains, three of which were identified as Vibrio fluvialis biotype 1. By slightly varying the basic formulation of the VC medium, we could eliminate some false-positive reactions. On the basis of the present evaluation, we recommend the routine use of the VC medium.

Summary Rumen acidosis was produced in seven fistulated buffalo-calves by intraruminal administration of wheat grains. Rumen acidosis was characterised by decrease in rumen pH, venous pH, bicarbonate, venous Po2 and venous bicarbonate / carbonic acid ratio. Venous Pco2, carbonic acid and P.C.V. increased. Biochemical observations indicated that rumen acidosis is manifested by uncompensated metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, pulmonary insufficiency and haemoconcentration. Administration of fluids and alkalizers was effective in correcting rumen and metabolic acidosis. Zusammenfassung Experimentelle Untersuchungen uber den Saure-Basen-Haushalt bei der Pansenazidose von Buffeln Durch intraruminale Verabreichung von gequetschten Weizenkornern bei sieben mit Pansenfisteln versehenen 2jahrigen Buffeln wurde eine Pansenazidose erzeugt. Ergebnisse: Abnahme von: pH im Pansen und im venosen Blut, Bikarbonat, Po2 des Venenblutes sowie des Bikarbonat/Kohlensaure-Quotienten. Der PCo2 und der Kohlensauregehalt im Venenblut sowie der Hamatokritwert (PCV) waren erhoht. Die biochemischen Befunde sprechen fur das Vorliegen einer nichtkompensierten metabolischen Azidose, und einer respiratorischen Azidose sowie einer Atmungsinsuffizienz und Bluteindickung. Die Verabreichung von Flussigkeiten und Alkalien erwies sich als wirksames Mittel zur Behebung der Pansen- und metabolischen Azidose. Resume Recherches experimentales sur l'equilibre acido-basique lors d'une acidose de la panse chez des buffles Une acidose de la panse a ete provoquee par introduction dans la panse de grains de ble ecrases chez sept buffles de deux ans avec une fistule de la panse. Les resultats furent bases sur les parametres suivants: pH dans la panse et du sang veineux, bicarbonate, Po2 du sang veineux et quotient bicarbonate/acide carbonique. Le Pco2 et le taux d'acide carbonique dans le sang veineux ainsi que la valeur de l'hematocrite (PCV) furent augmentes. Les resultats biochimiques indiquent l'existence d'une acidose metabolique non compensee, d'une acidose respiratoire, d'une insuffisance respiratoire et d'un epaississement du sang. L'application de liquides et d'alcali a ete un moyen efficace pour supprimer l'acidose de la panse et metabolique. Resumen Estudios experimentales sobre el gobierno acidobasico en la acidosis ruminal de bufalos Mediante la administracion intrarruminal de granos machacados de trigo a siete bufalos de 2 anos provistos de fistula de panza, se produjo una acidosis ruminal. La misma estaba caracterizada por disminucion del pH ruminal y venoso, del bicarbonato, PO2 venoso y del cociente acido carbonico venoso/bicarbonato. Se hallaban aumentados el PCO2 y el contenido de acido carbonico venosos y el valor del hematocrito (PCV). Los hallazgos bioquimicos indican que la acidosis ruminal se manifiesta por una acidosis metabolica no compensada, acidosis respiratoria, insuficiencia pulmonar y hemoconcentracion. La administracion de liquidos y alcalizantes resulto ser un remedio efectivo para atajar la acidosis ruminal y metabolica.

The fortuitous finding that Aeromonas spp. grew well on Butzler Campylobacter selective medium (BCSA) in a microaerobic atmosphere at 42 degrees C prompted us to evaluate the performance of BCSA for selective isolation of aeromonads in comparison with ampicillin (30 micrograms/ml) sheep blood agar (ASBA30). Overall recovery rates of aeromonads from 563 stool samples from patients with acute diarrhea were higher on ASBA30 (70.4%) than on BCSA (56.3%); however, 21 (29.5%) grew only on BCSA. The three human-associated Aeromonas spp. could be recovered on BCSA and ASBA30. We recommend the use of BCSA to laboratories reluctant to include a specific selective medium for aeromonads.

Physicochcmical changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were studied in buffalo calves before and after inducing acute ruminai acidosis by feeding crushed wheat grain. CSF from acidotic calves had a yellowish tinge with turbidity and clots. A significant increase in the levels of glucose, total protein and total leucocyte count in the CSF was observed throughout the acidotic period. Patho-morphological examination of brain revealed marked congestion, perivascular lymphocytic culling, chromatolysis of neurons, satcllitosis and neuronophagia. The nervous symptoms observed in the acidotic animals are attributed to the changes in the CSF and hrain.