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Influenza, COVID-19, tetanus, pertussis and hepatitis B pose increased risk for pregnant women and infants and could be mitigated by maternal immunization. In India Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, while influenza and tetanus-acellular pertussis-diphtheria (Tdap) vaccines are not. We conducted a multicenter study from November 2021 to June 2022 among pregnant women ( n  = 172) attending antenatal clinics in three public hospitals in West Bengal, to understand the factors that influence women's decisions to get vaccinated during pregnancy. Questions assessed vaccination coverage, knowledge, intention and willingness to pay for influenza vaccine, and factors influencing decisions to get Td, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. 152/172 (88.4%) women were vaccinated with Td, 159/172 (93%) with COVID-19, 1/172 (0.6%) with influenza, and none with Tdap. 10/168 (6%) had received hepatitis B vaccine (HBV). Community health workers advice was crucial for Td uptake and, the belief of protection from COVID for COVID-19 vaccines. Most women were unaware about Tdap (96%), influenza (75%), and influenza severity during pregnancy and infancy (85%). None were advised for influenza vaccination by healthcare providers (HCP), albeit, 93% expressed willingness to take, and pay INR 100-300 (95% CI: ≤100 to 300-500) [$ 1.3-4.0 (95% CI: ≤1.3, 4-6.7)] for it. Vaccination on flexible dates and time, HCP's recommendation, proximity to vaccination center, and husband's support were most important for their vaccination decisions. Women were generally vaccine acceptors and had high uptake of vaccines included in the Universal Immunization Program (UIP). Inclusion of influenza, Tdap, and HBV into UIP may improve maternal vaccine uptake.

Spanning across Bangladesh and India, the Sundarban Delta consists of over a thousand islands, the majority of which are protected. These islands are important for the rich biodiversity and unique species found here. However, these islands are also at the forefront of climate change due to the impact of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Therefore, we analyzed the long-term transformations in the land use land cover (LULC) between 1999 and 2020. We used a variety of geostatistical methods, including optimized hot spots cold spots and join count statistics, to examine the spatial patterns of changes in LULC across the study area. The results of our analysis revealed substantial changes in the spatial patterns of mangroves and pond aquaculture. The changes revealed a distinct north-south demarcation in spatial patterns, in the form of clustering of mangroves in the uninhabited islands located in the south and pond aquaculture clustered in the northern inhabited islands. The loss of area under mangroves was concentrated in the southern edges of the islands, which were most exposed to erosion in the open ocean. Nevertheless, we observed an increase in the area under mangroves in some of the northern riverine islands (17 km 2 ). In the case of pond aquaculture, it was mostly concentrated in inhabited islands in the north. Most of the expansions were concentrated in the Indian part of the delta (631 km 2 ). It is noteworthy that because of effective conservation measures, there was very limited overlap between mangroves and pond aquaculture, denoting the conversion of agricultural land to pond aquaculture instead of mangroves. Thus, the results of our study revealed the importance of local level conservation policies and anthropogenic activities, such as deforestation and local level disturbance like over-extraction of water and pollution, on the changing patterns of LULC across this unique, fragile ecosystem. Future studies may incorporate a finer resolution time series of LULC changes over time and space to enable more detailed analysis., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Mangrove shoreline retreat or advance is a natural process in a mangrove delta. However, due to various natural and anthropogenic stressors, mangrove shoreline retreat is the second largest cause of mangrove loss globally. It is important to understand the scale at which mangrove shoreline changes are causing biophysical changes along the mangrove shorelines and, in turn, understand if certain biophysical characteristics can explain the changes along the shoreline. This will help identify the response of mangroves to shoreline changes. Videography and spatial mapping were used to study temporarily and permanently changing mangrove shorelines in the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world (~10,000 km 2 ), located in India and Bangladesh. Data was collected along a ~ 239 km shoreline at 54 sites. 36.4 % of all the studied shorelines were experiencing major retreat, 63.8 % and 27.2 % of all (major and minor) retreating areas had 1-25 % and > 25 % dead trees. The biophysical characteristics statistically (P < 0.0001) associated with retreating mangrove shorelines were - cliff-type shoreline profiles, number of dead trees, and absence of stream and grass, with shoreline profiles as the strongest predictor of shoreline retreat. Moreover, 68.7 % and 73 % of historically retreating shorelines had a cliff-type shoreline profile and Excoecaria agallocha as the dominating species, respectively. Moreover, due to the strong correlation between historical changes and current shoreline types, it was concluded that characteristics along the shoreline are partly a product of historical shoreline transitions. Thus, the present status of the shoreline can not only predict the history of the shoreline but can also give insights into the future biophysical changes in the mangrove forests., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Radhika Bhargava reports financial support was provided by National Geographic Society. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background Social media platforms, especially Facebook and WhatsApp, can spread public health information effectively. We aimed to estimate the influence of health-related messages circulated through these social media platforms on health-related decision-making and its associated factors. Methods We did a cross-sectional analytical study among adults (aged >18 years) who visited the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in suburban West Bengal, during July-September 2021. A structured questionnaire was used regarding receiving health-related messages on social media and the subsequent effect on health-related decision-making in the past year. Results A total of 673 individuals participated in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 34.4 (10.2) years and 56.8% (382) were men, 50.8% (342) were graduates, 63.6% (428) were from rural areas and 82.9% (558) were active users of more than one social media platform. A total of 474 (70.4%; 95% CI 67.0-73.9) study participants reported health-related decision-making based on social media messages, whereas 44.7% (301) reported checking the authenticity of forwarded messages or posts or updates with healthcare professionals before making a decision. On adjusted analysis, participants who had secondary education (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.40; 95% CI 1.01-1.94), used both the media (aPR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09-1.58) and checked the authenticity of the messages with a healthcare professional (aPR 1.52, 95% CI 1.38-1.68) were significantly more influenced by the messages, posts or updates received on social media platforms. Conclusion WhatsApp forwards or updates and Facebook posts or updates influence health-related decision-making among the Indian adult population.

Acanthamoeba spp. are rare etiological agents of meningoencephalitis with high mortality. We present three cases of Acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis in immunocompetent individuals from Eastern India. The first patient presented with fever and headache; the second with headache, visual disturbance, and squint; and the third presented in a drowsy state. The cases presented on March 3, 18, and 21, 2023 respectively. The first two patients had concomitant tubercular meningitis for which they received antitubercular therapy and steroid. Their cerebrospinal fluid showed slight lymphocytic pleocytosis and increased protein. The diagnosis was done by microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction. They received a combination therapy comprising rifampicin, fluconazole, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The first patient additionally received miltefosine. She responded well to therapy and survived, but the other two patients died despite intensive care. Detection of three cases within a period of 1 month from Eastern India is unusual. It is imperative to sensitize healthcare providers about Acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Background: Cancer is, no doubt, a life-threatening illness, and it has a long-term effect on the physical and mental health of the patients, particularly on their quality of life (QOL). The present article is an attempt to examine the role of socioeconomic factors, illness duration and spirituality on the QOL of cancer patients., Methods: The sample consisted of 200 cancer patients (100 men and 100 women patients) belonging to the state of Tripura, a Northeastern state of India. Out of 200 cancer patients, most of them (100, 50%) were suffering from oral cancer, followed by lung and breast cancer. General Information Schedule, Quality of Life Patient/Cancer Survivor Version (developed by Ferrell, Hassey-Dow and Grant), and The Spiritual Experience Index- Revised (developed by Genia) were used for data collection. For analysis of data, independent t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were computed. The statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Version 25.0., Results: The findings showed no significant difference in QOL scores among the subgroups of cancer patients in socioeconomic and illness factor, except for family income. Further analysis revealed that only spirituality and educational qualification of cancer patients significantly predicted their QOL., Conclusion: The current article can act as a springboard for further studies in this area and provide aid for socioeconomic development while improvising cancer patients' QOL., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Cancer.)

Climatic variables can have localized variations within a region and these localized climate patterns can have significant effect on production of climate-sensitive crops such as tea. Even though tea cultivation and industries significantly contribute to employment generation and foreign earnings of several South Asian nations including India, sub-regional differences in the effects of climatic and soil variables on tea yield have remained unexplored since past studies focused on a tea-producing region as a whole and did not account for local agro-climatic conditions. Here, using a garden-level panel dataset based on tea gardens of Dooars region, a prominent tea-producing region in India, we explored how sub-regional variations in climatic and land variables might differently affect tea yield within a tea-producing region. Our analysis showed that the Dooars region harboured significant spatial variability for different climatic (temperature, precipitation, surface solar radiation) and soil temperature variables. Using graph-based Louvain clustering of tea gardens, we identified four spatial sub-regions which varied in terms of topography, annual and seasonal distribution of climatic and land variables and tea yield. Our sub-region-specific panel regression analyses revealed differential effects of climatic and land variables on tea yield of different sub-regions. Finally, for different emission scenario, we also projected future (2025-2100) tea yield in each sub-region based on predictions of climatic variables from three GCMs (MIROC5, CCSM4 and CESM1(CAM5)). A large variation in future seasonal production changes was projected across sub-regions (-23.4-35.7% changes in premonsoon, -4.2-3.1% changes in monsoon and -10.9-10.7% changes in postmonsoon tea production, respectively)., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Society of Biometeorology.)

The Early Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits of India are known for their diverse sauropod fauna, while little is known from the Middle and Late Jurassic. Here we report the first ever remains of a dicraeosaurid sauropod from India, Tharosaurus indicus gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Jurassic (early-middle Bathonian) strata of Jaisalmer Basin, western India. Known from elements of the axial skeleton, the new taxon is phylogenetically among the earlier-diverging dicraeosaurids, and its stratigraphic age makes it the earliest known diplodocoid globally. Palaeobiogeographic considerations of Tharosaurus, seen in conjunction with the other Indian Jurassic sauropods, suggest that the new Indian taxon is a relic of a lineage that originated in India and underwent rapid dispersal across the rest of Pangaea. Here we emphasize the importance of Gondwanan India in tracing the origin and early evolutionary history of neosauropod dinosaurs., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

Low dietary diversity significantly interplays with children’s growth failure. However, evidence of its crucial role in children’s health remains inconclusive in developing countries such as India. This study attempts to find the association between dietary diversity and growth outcomes among children aged between 6 and 23 months in India using the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), 2015−2016. A total of 67,278 mother-child pairs of children between the ages of 6−23 months and mothers aged 15−49 years were included in this study. Pearson’s chi-square significance test and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the association between dietary diversity and child growth outcomes (stunted, wasted, and underweight). The study found that the prevalence of stunting and severe stunting among children aged between 6 and 23 months were 35.9% and 16.2%; 23.8% and 8.5% represented wasting, and severe wasting; and more than 32%, 10% were underweight and severely underweight respectively. This present study found that having an inadequate minimum dietary diversity (<4 food groups) significantly increases the risk of being stunted (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.21−1.38), wasted (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI; 1.21−1.38), and underweight (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI; 1.39−1.56). Further, it was noted that children who did not intake dairy products, eggs, and other fruits and vegetables were more likely to be stunted, wasted, and underweight and more likely to be severely stunted, wasted, and underweight. Therefore, additional nutrition-specific interventions are urgently needed to strengthen and enhance existing feeding interventions aimed at improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, including complementary feeding practices among children aged between 6 and 23 months in India. The Government should focus such interventions more on states or regions where the prevalence of adequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and malnutrition is high.

The occurrence of overweight and obesity has increased in recent years in India. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of overweight/obesity among children aged 0-59 months in India. Using data from the 2015-2016 National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4), the research sample included 176,255 children aged 0 to 59 months. Bivariate and multivariate techniques were used to analyze children's risk factors for overweight/obesity. We identified that the prevalence of overweight/obesity among children aged 0-59 was 2.6% in India. The study findings reveal that factors such as child sex, age, birth weight, birth rank, maternal education, number of children, age at marriage, mother's BMI, media exposure, social group, and dietary diversity score were most significantly correlated with childhood overweight and obesity in India. Furthermore, we found that male children (ARR: 1.08) aged between 0 and 11 months (ARR: 3.77) with low birth rank (ARR: 1.24), obese (ARR: 1.81) children whose mothers married after the age of 18 (ARR: 1.15), children who belong to a scheduled tribe family (ARR: 1.46), and children who consumed 7-9 food items (ARR: 1.22) were at highest risk of being overweight and obese. However, breastfeeding (ARR: 0.85) and Muslim families (ARR: 0.87) appeared to be protective factors with respect to childhood overweight and obesity in India. Pertinent public health programs, clinical follow-up, and awareness about sedentary lifestyles can help to reduce overweight/obesity risks in children.

The evolution of viral variants and their impact on viral transmission have been an area of considerable importance in this pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We analyzed the viral variants in different phases of the pandemic in West Bengal, a state in India that is important geographically, and compared the variants with other states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, located in other regions of the country. We have identified 57 pango-lineages in 3,198 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, alteration in their distribution, as well as contrasting profiles of amino acid mutational dynamics across different waves in different states. The evolving characteristics of Delta (B.1.617.2) sublineages and alterations in hydrophobicity profiles of the viral proteins caused by these mutations were also studied. Additionally, implications of predictive host miRNA binding/unbinding to emerging spike or nucleocapsid mutations were highlighted. Our results throw considerable light on interesting aspects of the viral genomic variation and provide valuable information for improved understanding of wave-defining mutations in unfolding the pandemic. IMPORTANCE Multiple waves of infection were observed in many states in India during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic. Fine-scale evolution of major SARS-CoV-2 lineages and sublineages during four wave-window categories: Pre-Wave 1, Wave 1, Pre-Wave 2, and Wave 2 in four major states of India: Delhi (North), Maharashtra (West), Karnataka (South), and West Bengal (East) was studied using large-scale virus genome sequencing data. Our comprehensive analysis reveals contrasting molecular profiles of the wave-defining mutations and their implications in host miRNA binding/unbinding of the lineages in the major states of India.

Introduction: There have been 214 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with a total death tally of 4.4 million. The current study aims to determine the predictive value of various scores in the assessment of progression of mild COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care hospital in North India., Methods: The study population consisted of adults (age more than 18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal specimens. Patients with only mild illness were enrolled. After the patients were admitted to the isolation ward, the presenting history, comorbidity status, vital signs and laboratory parameters were recorded. The 3 and 6 minutes walk test was performed daily from admission till discharge or progression of the severity of COVID- 19, and it was used to calculate Borg Dyspnoea Score (BDS) and National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) scores., Results: Our study consisted of 50 patients with 34 (68%) males, and the mean (SD) age of the patient population was 28.1 (6.4) years. The most common symptoms were fever, sore throat, and cough. All laboratory parameters were within normal ranges for all the patients. 96% recovered without progression, while only 4% of them progressed to moderate illness. Results of the 3 and 6 minutes walk tests, BDS and NEWS2 scores showed improvement over the course of the hospital stay., Conclusion: Although the walk tests and the scores improved over time, they failed to predict the disease progression., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Aims: To evaluate the dose-effect association between COVID-19 vaccination and probability of turning RT-PCR positive and to assess the correlation between disease severity and vaccination status., Methods: A single centre cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 583 individuals presenting to COVID-19 testing clinic and 55 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Vaccination status was assessed by the number of doses and duration since the last dose. Disease severity was evaluated by the requirement of hospitalisation and ICU admission/death. The association between the vaccination status and development of disease and its severity were statistically analyzed., Results: The mean age of the population was 36.6 years and 82.6% had no comorbidities. The odds of turning RT-PCR positive was 0.17(95% CI: 0.11-0.27) among the clinical suspects who had taken both doses of the vaccine at least 14 days before (fully vaccinated). The odds of hospitalisation was 0.12(95% CI: 0.03-0.45) and ICU admission/death was 0.07(95% CI: 0.01-0.36) among fully vaccinated individuals. The protective role of vaccination was observed to start 14 days after receiving the first dose., Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination provides dose-dependent protection against the development of the disease. It also lowers the risk of hospitalisation and ICU admission/death in RT-PCR positive patients in a dose-dependent manner., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There is no conflicts of interest between the authors., (Copyright © 2021 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: COVID-19 is expected to have a significant impact on the socio-behavioural aspect of citizens' lives, although the effects are expected to manifest differently in different population groups. The current study was conducted to assess the socio-behavioural impact of COVID-19 among the general population across India between the first and the second wave of pandemic., Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15th March -25th March 2021 using a pre-validated validated questionnaire upon the general population using e-survey, telephonic and face-to-face interview. The participants were recruited from the different regions of India by the purposive and snowball sampling technique following the principle of maximum diversity. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to study the association between the various sociodemographic variables and different behaviours., Results: A total of 1079 responses were analysed for the study. Almost half of the participants feared contracting the COVID-19 infection. Overall, female participants, elderly people (more than 60 years of age) and urban dwellers reported a greater fear in the survey. More than half of the participants (53.39%) reported significant difficulties due to home confinement. People have become more inclined to adopt healthy lifestyles. There are mixed responses in the area of following preventive practices., Conclusion: People have a significant amount of fear and anxiety related to the pandemic, leading to several social and behavioural changes that might have a considerable impact on their everyday lives., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The Greater one-horned (GoH) rhinoceros is one of the most charismatic endemic megaherbivores of the Indian subcontinent. Threatened by poaching, habitat loss and disease, the species is found only in small areas of its historical distribution. Increasing demands for rhino horns in chinese traditional medicine has put the existing population under continuing threat, and large profits and low conviction rates make poaching difficult to contain. DNA forensics such as the RhoDIS-Africa program has helped in combating illegal rhino horn trade, but the approach is yet to be optimised for Indian GoH rhinoceros. Here we followed the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) guidelines to establish a 14 dinucleotide microsatellite panel for Indian GoH rhinoceros DNA profiling. Selected from a large initial pool (n = 34), the microsatellite markers showed high polymorphism, stable peak characteristics, consistent allele calls and produced precise, reproducible genotypes from different types of rhino samples. The panel also showed low genotyping error and produced high statistical power during individual identification (P IDsibs value of 1.2*10 -4 ). As part of the official RhoDIS-India program, we used this panel to match poached rhino carcass with seized contraband as scientific evidence in court procedure. This program now moves to generate detailed allele-frequency maps of all GoH rhinoceros populations in India and Nepal for development of a genetic database and identification of poaching hotspots and trade routes across the subcontinent and beyond., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the major health hazards among farmers. Pre-adolescents are mainly associated with agricultural work due to poor socioeconomic conditions., Objectives: This study aims to implement a new ergonomics aid for the betterment of job procedures and improvement of productivity, health, and safety of the preadolescent farmers., Methods: 100 male and 100 female preadolescent farmers were randomly selected from the villages of Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, to evaluate and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, physiological stress. Modified Nordic questionnaires, Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale, and handgrip strength were assessed before and after using the ergonomics aid., Results: The results of the study show that there was a significant change (decrease) in discomfort in the lower back, wrists, shoulder, and hands among preadolescent farmers when using the newly designed ergonomic aid. Handgrip strength increased and physiological stress was decreased among preadolescent farmers in post-intervention than pre-intervention in just after work conditions. Productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work with the use of ergonomic aid., Conclusion: This study concludes that productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work as well as by using the ergonomic aid the discomfort feeling has been decreased markedly.

Introduction: The incidents of violence against doctors, leading to grievous injury and even death, seem to be on an increasing trend in recent years. There is a paucity of studies on workplace violence against doctors and its effect, in India. The present study was conducted to assess workplace violence faced by doctors, its effect on the psycho-social wellbeing of the treating doctor and, subsequently, on patient management., Methods: The present nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 -April 2020. The sample size was calculated assuming the prevalence of workplace violence as 50%, with 20% non-response. Doctors, working in private and/or public set-up, with ≥1 year clinical experience, were included. A pre-tested study tool- Google form-was sent to study participants via social media platforms. The Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was downloaded from google drive and data was analysed using STATA-12 statistical software., Results: A total of 617 responses were received from doctors all over India; out of which 477 (77.3%) doctors had ever faced workplace violence. "Actual or perceived non-improvement or deterioration of patient's condition" (40.0%), followed by "perception of wrong treatment given" (37.3%) were the main causes of workplace violence; and the family members/relatives were the major perpetrators (82.2%). More than half of the participants reported "loss of self-esteem", "feeling of shame" and "stress/depression/anxiety/ideas of persecution" after the incident. Management by surgical interventions (p-value<0.001) and handling of emergency/complicated cases (p-value<0.001) decreased significantly with an increase in severity of workplace violence; while the suggestion of investigations and referrals increased (p-value<0.001)., Conclusions: Workplace violence has a significant effect on the psycho-social well-being of doctors, as well as on patient management; which may escalate discontent and distrust among the general public, thereby increasing incidents of workplace violence-in a self-propagating vicious cycle., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Direct massively parallel sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genome was undertaken from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples of infected individuals in Eastern India. Seven of the isolates belonged to the A2a clade, while one belonged to the B4 clade. Specific mutations, characteristic of the A2a clade, were also detected, which included the P323L in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and D614G in the Spike glycoprotein. Further, our data revealed emergence of novel subclones harbouring nonsynonymous mutations, viz. G1124V in Spike (S) protein, R203K, and G204R in the nucleocapsid (N) protein. The N protein mutations reside in the SR-rich region involved in viral capsid formation and the S protein mutation is in the S 2 domain, which is involved in triggering viral fusion with the host cell membrane. Interesting correlation was observed between these mutations and travel or contact history of COVID-19 positive cases. Consequent alterations of miRNA binding and structure were also predicted for these mutations. More importantly, the possible implications of mutation D614G (in S D domain) and G1124V (in S 2 subunit) on the structural stability of S protein have also been discussed. Results report for the first time a bird's eye view on the accumulation of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genome in Eastern India.

Globally, ~1 billion people, mostly residing in Africa and South Asia (e.g. India), still lack access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Resulting, unsafe disposal of fecal waste from open-defecation to nearby drinking water sources severely endanger public health. Until recently, India had a huge open-defecating population, leading declining public health from water-borne diseases like diarrhoea by ingesting polluted water, mostly sourced to groundwater. However, in recent past, sanitation development to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been encouraged throughout India, but their effect to groundwater quality and human health conditions are yet-unquantified. Here, for the first time, using long term, high-spatial resolution measurements (>1.7 million) across India and analyses, we quantified that over the years, groundwater fecal coliform concentration (2002-2017, -2.56 ± 0.06%/year) and acute diarrheal cases (1990-2016, -3.05 ± 0.01%/year) have significantly reduced, potentially influenced by sanitation development (1990-2017, 2.63 ± 0.01%/year). Enhanced alleviation of groundwater quality and human health have been observed since 2014, with initiation of acceletated constructions of sanitation infrastructures through Clean India (Swachh Bharat) Mission. However, the goal of completely faecal-pollution free, clean drinking water is yet to be achieved. We also evaluated the suitability of using satellite-derived night-time light (NL an , 1992-2013, 4.26 ± 0.05%/year) as potential predictor for such economic development. We observed that in more than 80% of the study region, night-time light demonstrated to be a strong predictor for observed changes in groundwater quality, sanitation development and water-borne disease cases. While sanitation and economic development can improve public health, poor education level and improper human practices can strongly influence on water-borne diseases loads and thus health in parts of India.

Burgeoning pressures of habitat loss is a major cause of herbivore decline across India, forcing them to coexist with humans in non-protected areas. Their conservation in such landscapes is challenging due to paucity of ecological and demographic information. The northern subspecies of swamp deer, Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii , is one such herbivore that lives across human dominated landscapes in Terai region and upper Gangetic plains of north India. Here, we describe species-specific molecular markers and a cervid-specific molecular sexing assay for swamp deer and four other coexisting cervids sambar, chital, barking deer and hog deer. Our markers show species-specific band patterns and a high success rate of 88.21% in large number of field collected referencesamples for all species. Faecal pellets from pilot swamp deer survey samples from upper Ganges basin show 93.81% success rate, and only 5.5% misidentification based on morphological characteristics. Our cervid-specific molecular sexing multiplex assay accurately ascertained 81.15% samples to respective sexes. These molecular approaches provide an easy, quick and cheap option to generate critical information on herbivore population parameters and aid their conservation in this mosaic of protected and non-protected grassland habitats.

Coastal erosion is a natural hazard which causes significant loss to properties as well as coastal habitats. Coastal districts of Mahanadi delta, one of the most populated deltas of the Indian subcontinent, are suffering from the ill effects of coastal erosion. An important amount of assets is being lost every year along with forced migration of huge portions of coastal communities due to erosion. An attempt has been made in this study to predict the future coastline of the Mahanadi Delta based on historical trends. Historical coastlines of the delta have been extracted using semi-automated Tasselled Cap technique from the LANDSAT satellite imageries of the year 1990, 1995, 2000, 2006 and 2010. Using Digital Shoreline Assessment System (DSAS) tool of USGS, the trend of the coastline has been assessed in the form of End Point Rate (EPR) and Linear Regression Rate (LRR). A hybrid methodology has been adopted using statistical (EPR) and trigonometric functions to predict the future positions of the coastlines of the years 2020, 2035 and 2050. The result showed that most of the coastline (≈65%) is facing erosion at present. The predicted outcome shows that by the end of year 2050 the erosion scenario will worsen which in turn would lead to very high erosion risk for 30% of the total coastal mouzas (small administrative blocks). This study revealed the coastal erosion trend of Mahanadi delta and based on the predicted coastlines it can be inferred that the coastal communities in near future would be facing substantial threat due to erosion particularly in areas surrounding Puri (a renowned tourist pilgrimage) and Paradwip (one of the busiest ports and harbours of the country)., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cognitive development of children is influenced by different environmental factors like nutritional and socio-economic status. The objectives of the present study were to determine the influence of grades of undernutrition and socio-economic status (SES) on the cognitive development of school children of Kolkata. Five hundred sixty six (566) school children having 5-12 years of age were selected from different schools of Kolkata. The cognitive development was measured by the scores of Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM). The chronic and acute nutritional statuses were measured from height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) Z scores respectively with reference to the values of WHO. SES was determined by updated Kuppuswamy scale. The prevalences of undernutrition in the observed children were 57.95% (according to HAZ) and 52.82% (according to WAZ). The age dependent growth curve of RCPM scores of the observed children remains in between the 10th and 25th centile of British children. The children belonging to superior and intellectual deficit IQ classes were 21.55 and 36.40%, respectively of the total subjects. Most of the subjects belong to lower middle (39.93%) and upper middle (36.40%) class of SES. RCPM scores of school children were gradually decreased with the grades of undernutrition and SES. RCPM scores were significantly correlated with HAZ, WAZ, SES, age, and sex (P < 0.001) and strongly associated with HAZ, SES, age, and sex (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). Present study indicates that cognitive development of school children of Kolkata is influenced by the grade of undernutrition and SES., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: Lung function tests have become an integral part of assessment of pulmonary disease. Diseases of the respiratory system induced by occupational dusts are influenced by the duration of exposure. The aim of the study is to investigate the impairment of lung function and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among the rice mill workers., Methods: A total of 120 rice mill workers from three districts of Karnataka were included in this study. Fifty urban dwellers from the same socio-economic level were selected as controls. The study included clinical examination, assessment of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function test, measurement of peak expiratory flow rate, absolute eosinophil count, ESR estimation, total IgE estimation and radiographic test., Results: The present study has shown that the rice mill workers complained of several types of respiratory disorders like phlegm (40.8 %), dyspnea (44.2 %), chest tightness (26.7 %), cough (21.7 %), and nose irritation (27.5 %). Rice mill workers exposed to dust presented significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of FVC (3.44 ± 0.11), FEV1 (2.73 ± 0.15) and PEFR (304.95 ± 28.79) than the controls. The rice mill workers are having significantly higher absolute eosinophil counts, total IgE and ESR than control groups. The hematological findings suggest that the harmful effects may be linked to both non-specific irritation and allergic responses to rice husk dust among rice mill workers., Conclusion: Dust exposure in the working environment affects the lung function values and increased the respiratory symptoms among the rice mill workers.

The main aim of the study was to determine the nature and extent of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physiological and thermal working stress among the groundnut farmers. In the present investigation, eighty-five groundnut farmers were recruited from the villages of Tarakeswar of West Bengal, India. Eighty-five control office workers were also selected as a control group. The modified Nordic questionnaire and a posture analysis using the OWAS method were applied in the case of groundnut farmers. The working environment and physiological stress of the groundnut cultivators were also assessed. The analysis of working posture indicated that most of the groundnut cultivation activities needed corrective measures as soon as possible. Most of the groundnut farmers suffered from discomfort at different parts of the body, especially at the lower back (99%), knee (92%), ankle (66%), shoulder (61%) and hand (60%) regions. This study also showed that groundnut farmers suffered from excessive thermal (33.4 degrees C) and physiological stress (heart rate rose up to 121.5 beats/min, systolic and diastolic blood pressure up to 132 and 80 mm/Hg, respectively, PEFR values are 403 lit/min) which affects their health. From the observation and analysis of the results, it was concluded that the health of the groundnut farmers was highly affected by improper body postures and work-load. Twisting, bending, and awkward postures during work could lead to musculoskeletal disorders among them.

The gravitational pull of the moon on the earth is not the same in all phases of the lunar month, i.e. new moon (NM), first quarter (FQ), full moon (FM) and third quarter (TQ), and as a result the amplitude of tide differs in different phases. The gravitational pull of the moon may have effects on the fluid compartments of the human body and hence the cardiovascular system may be affected differentially in the different phases of the lunar month. In the present study resting heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), physical fitness index (PFI), peak HR and BP immediately after step test, and recovery HR and BP after step test were measured during different phases of the lunar month in 76 male university students (age 23.7 ± 1.7 years). At rest, both systolic and mean arterial BP were ∼5 mmHg lower in NM and FM compared to FQ and TQ, but resting HR was not significantly different between phases. Further, peak HR and peak systolic BP after step test were lower (∼4 beat/min and ∼5 mmHg, respectively) in NM and FM compared to FQ and TQ. PFI was also higher (∼5) in NM and FM compared to FQ and TQ. Recovery of HR after step test was quicker in NM and FM compared to that of FQ and TQ. It appears from this study that gravitational pull of the moon may affect the cardiovascular functions of the human body. Moreover, the physical efficiency of humans is increased in NM and FM due to these altered cardiovascular regulations.

The nutritional status of the children can be measured by biochemical and hematological parameters and dietary assessment. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the causes of the undernutrition in the surveyed Santal children, where high degree of undernutrition exists, by measuring selected hematological and biochemical parameters and dietary intake. Nutritional status was assessed by height-for-age Z-score. Total count of red blood cells (RBC count), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb%), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were measured. Biochemical parameters such as serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin, serum transferrin, transferrin saturation (TS) and serum albumin were also measured. Serum iron, serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, hemoglobin level and serum albumin of stunted children were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those in children of normal stature. Total iron binding capacity and serum transferrin of stunted children were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the values in children of normal stature. More than 29% of surveyed children were suffering from iron deficiency. Hemoglobin concentration was found to be strongly associated (p<0.001) with the nutritional status. Dietary intake of almost all nutrients in all age groups was found to be lower than the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) in both sexes. A mild iron deficiency was found in stunted Santal children. The stunting may be associated with the deficiency of specific nutrients such as iron and protein in surveyed Santal children., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Sex determination is routinely performed in forensic casework using the amelogenin-based sex test. The human amelogenin gene resides on homologous regions of the sex chromosomes. However, a deletion in the AmelY locus may sometimes lead to gender misidentification. The pentanucleotide microsatellite DXYS156 maps to the pseudoautosomal region of both the sex chromosomes and helps in sex determination. This STR offers an advantage of being multi-allelic, with delimited and demographically restricted alleles for the X and Y chromosomes. Also, the Y-specific alleles can be discerned from their X chromosomal counterpart due to an adenine insertion in the (TAAAA)(n) repeat units of the STR. The present study examines the differential variation pattern at the X and Y locus of this STR in unrelated males from linguistically and geographically diverse populations of India. The study also attempts to undertake a comparison between the two sex-determining markers through validation studies. Two population samples and few validation samples which showed erroneous results for the amelogenin locus produced alleles specific to each of the sex chromosomes at the DXYS156 locus. The error rate for the amelogenin locus was observed to be 0.27% in case of the population samples and 0.5% in case of validation samples. Statistical parameters of forensic interest indicate that the DXYS156 locus is polymorphic and discriminating for the Indian population.

Objective: Children are universally considered to be the most important asset for any nation. The main aims of the present study were 1) to investigate the causation of discomfort related to working postures 2) to assess the physiological strain among the child farmers and 3) to assess the thermal stress during work in an agricultural field., Methods: For this study, 120 child agricultural workers and 120 control subjects aged 10-16 years were selected randomly, and a detailed posture analysis was performed among them by REBA and OWAS methods. The Modified Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort felt among both groups of workers. Physiological assessment of workload was carried out by recording the heart rate and blood pressure of the workers prior to work and just after work in the field., Results: Child agricultural workers suffered from pain especially in the low back (98%), knees (88%), hands (82%), shoulder (77%) and neck (68%). Among the agricultural activities in potato cultivation, the child potato workers, felt discomfort during spading (99%), sprinkling water (90%) and picking crops (87%). The post-activity heart rate of the child agricultural workers was 170.1 beats/min, whereas the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 129.0 and 67.0 mm/Hg respectively., Conclusions: Most of the agricultural activities in potato cultivation were strenuous ones that affect the children, who suffered from acute pain and discomfort for a long period of time, which mainly hampers and restricts their education.

The present study was undertaken to explore whether the skinfold thickness can be used in assessing the nutritional status in 5-12 years aged Santal children of Purulia district of West Bengal and to determine the sensitivity of these parameters for measuring the nutritional status. Height, weight and skinfold thickness of triceps (TRSF), biceps, suprailiac, subscapula (SBSF) and calf of Santal children were measured. Growth curves of TRSF-forage and SBSF-for-age in Santal children are placed at lower level of reference values indicating prevailed undernutrition in surveyed children. The SBSF for boys and TRSF for girls are significantly associated with nutritional status. Present study suggests that SBSF for boys and TRSF for girls are more sensitive than other skinfold thickness for the assessment of nutritional status in Santal children. Relationship of growth pattern of skinfold thickness is different in undernourished Santal children compared to well-nourished Santal children.

Hemoglobinopathies are common genetic disorders of hemoglobin, which can be prevented by population screening and offering genetic counseling. In absence of population-based screening for hemoglobinopathies, the hospital-based diagnosis register provide idea about the extent of problem in the community. The present study was undertaken to find out the burden of hemoglobinopathies and spectrum of this disorders among the population who were screened in the hospital-based screening program. A record-basedanalysis of subjects who underwent screening for hemoglobinopathies in Burdwan Medical College and Hospital over a period of 3 years and 4 months revealed that overall 29.3% of subjects were positive for hemoglobinopathies. Beta thalassemia heterozygous was the most commonhemoglobinopathy in this region closely followed by hemoglobin E heterozygous. In view of high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in this region, a routine premarital screening program is needed for identification and prevention of high-risk marriages.

Genetic alterations in the genes expressing drug metabolizing enzymes can make an individual susceptible to various cancers. This study detects the polymorphisms at CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genes in a section of North Indian population and determines the susceptibility to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In this case-control study one hundred and two OSF patients were genotyped to detect the GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1 polymorphism. Two hundred healthy controls were also included. Genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach. The frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype was higher in OSF patients, as compared to controls. A trend risk analysis showed 7.6 fold increase in risk, when both the genes were absent. The frequency of CYP1A1 (m1) and CYP1A1 (m2) genotypes was higher in controls. No polymorphic alleles were detected in the m4 site. CYP1A1 (m1) wild genotype in the absence of GSTM1 null genotype, falls under the highest risk group (OR 3.74). Our findings suggest that CYP1A1 (m1) genotype and (m2) genotype singly acts as a protective factor but in the absence of GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 gene significantly alters risk towards OSF.

The outcome of different studies on the role of Zn & Mo in esophageal cancer (EC) is conflicting. Here, the levels of those elements in hair as well as food grain of two different ethnic populations across two continents have been studied to explore their role in EC. Two different ethnic populations are taken from (i) Eastern Cape, South Africa (RSA), an area of very high incidence of EC and (ii) West Bengal, India, an area of low incidence of that disease. Each ethnic population is divided into two groups: case and control (n=30 for all groups). Hair samples from all groups and food grain from RSA and India are analyzed for Zn & Mo content. This study shows a strong correlation between reduced levels of those elements in hair and the development of EC in RSA (both Zn &Mo: p < 0.0001), though it is only suggestive in Indian context (both Zn & Mo p ? 0.05). Interestingly, control group of RSA shows significantly reduced level of those elements in hair even with respect to Indian case group (Zn: p<0.001 & Mo: p< 0.00001). Food grain from RSA has significantly reduced level of those elements with respect to India (both Zn & Mo: p <0.0001). This deficiency of Zn & Mo in food grains can be correlated to the deficiency of those elements in hair of RSA population. The deficiency of Zn & Mo can be correlated to the development of EC.

Introduction: Oxidative stress plays key role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), a family of phase-II isoenzymes, play a critical role in providing protection against electrophiles and products of oxidative stress. Among different classes of GSTs, GSTM1 (Mu) and GSTT1 (theta) are found to be genetically deleted which results in decreased expression of the concerned enzyme. This study aims at preliminary analysis of the frequency of deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and their association with late-onset Alzheimer's disease., Material and Methods: In this study, association of the deletion type polymorphism of GST M1 and T1 as possible risk factors for dementia of Alzheimer's type was studied in 50 patients and 100 controls. Dementia was diagnosed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. Genotyping was done by multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Associations between null genotype of either GSTM1 and GSTT1 or both with Alzheimer's disease were analyzed by Chi-Square test., Results: Deletion of GSTT1 was found significantly associated with Alzheimer's disease (χ(2)=5.08, p=0.02*)., Conclusions: The odds of Alzheimer's disease in null GSTT1 is found to be increased by 2.47 times in comparison to positive GSTT1., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Allele frequencies and forensic parameters were estimated for 11 X chromosome STRs (DXS9898, DXS7424, DXS981, DXS8377, DXS9895, DXS10161, DXS10164, DXS6800, DXS6801, DXS9902 and DXS7423) from 749 samples of unrelated male individuals belonging to eleven populations of India., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Feasibility of an irrigation project is evaluated by two criteria viz., reservoir capacity to irrigate its command area and economic returns by incremental crop production versus capital investment for dam construction. The annual water requirement of different crops in the command area is estimated and compared with the availability of water from the dam for irrigation purpose. The annual crop water requirement is estimated as the sum of evapotranspiration for crops and transmission and other losses. Evapotranspiration is estimated by modified Penman formula. Economics of crop production is analyzed by first estimating the monetary value of existing crop production under current rain fed conditions and then estimating the incremental production of irrigated command area for the proposed crop pattern. The proposed cropping pattern is prepared so as to maximize the benefit of crop production and fodder requirement while maintaining a better crop rotation to improve and maintain physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the soil. The dam is to be used for irrigation and water supply only. Command area served by this reservoir will be 76,500 ha. The existing annual agricultural return is Rs. 2995.56 lakhs and with the proposed irrigation scheme, it is estimated as Rs. 1,77,91.90 lakhs. The incremental annual return would be Rs. 1,47,96.35 lakhs i.e., 642.68% increase in annual return.

Background: Difference in the capacity of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes might be an important factor in genetic susceptibility to cancer., Methods: A case control study involving forty one gastric cancer patients and one hundred and thirty controls was carried out to determine the frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes. The frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype was observed by carrying out multiplex PCR., Results: There was no difference in the frequencies of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null and the combined GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype between patients and control., Conclusions: Our data suggest that GSTM1 and GSTT1 status may not influence the risk of developing gastric cancer., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Seventeen short tandem repeats (DYS389I, DYS390, DYS389II, DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS393, DYS391, DYS392, DYS439, DYS438, DYS456, DYS458, DYS635, Y(GATA)H4, DYS437, and DYS448) from the non-recombining region of the human Y-chromosome were analyzed in 750 unrelated males representing four major linguistic families of India using AmpFlSTR(®) Yfiler(®) PCR Amplification kit. A total of 612 distinct haplotypes were observed, of which 545 were unique. Rare alleles for the loci DYS456, DYS458, DYS635, Y(GATA)H4, and duplication at the loci DYS389I and DYS389II were also observed. To understand the genetic diversity of the Indian population, and utility of Y-STRs in forensics, the locus diversity, haplotype diversity, and discrimination capacity in all populations was determined. MDS plot based on pairwise Φ(st) and AMOVA revealed the high genetic heterogeneity among the Indian populations due to linguistic diversity and social stratification., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cognitive development of children depends on nutritional and socioeconomic factors., Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess the cognitive development and to investigate the relationship of nutritional and socioeconomic status (SES) to cognitive development in 5-12 year old Santal children of Purulia district of West Bengal, India., Methods: The nutritional status of each child was assessed by z-score of height-for-age, weight-for-height and weight-for-age parameters. SES was measured using the updated Kuppusswami scale. Cognitive development was measured by Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM)., Results: The growth curve of RCPM scores of Santal children remained around the 5(th) percentile values of British children. The RCPM scores of the adequately nourished children and upper-lower SES were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the children with lower SES and nutritional status. About 42.96% and 27.69% of Santal children were found to be in the intellectually deficient and below average groups, respectively. RCPM scores of Santal children were significantly correlated with nutritional status and socioeconomic factors (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: The surveyed children showed poor cognitive functions. The vulnerable nutritional and socioeconomic statuses of Santal children are the major causes for their poor cognitive development.

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize the motor development of 5-12 year-old Santal children of the Purulia district of West Bengal, India. The effect of socioeconomic and nutritional status on motor development was also examined., Study Design: 841 (427 boys and 414 girls) Santal children were examined in this cross-sectional study. The nutritional status of each child was assessed by height-for-age z-score based on WHO reference data. Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured by the updated Kuppusswami scale. Motor development was measured using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition, Short Form (BOT-2)., Results: Sex had a significant (p<0.05) effect on children's score of running speed and agility, upper-limb coordination and strength with higher scores for boys than girls. Children with a height-for-age z-score of -2 or less were significantly more likely to have a total BOT-2 z-score of -2 or less compared with children at a healthier height-for-age range (Χ(2)=271.136, p<0.0001). Well-nourished children scored significantly higher (p<0.05) than undernourished children in total BOT-2 score and in all individual motor subtests. Regression analysis showed that nutritional status, socioeconomic status and height have a significant impact on total BOT-2 score (p<0.001). Age and sex were found to be influencing factors in motor development., Conclusion: Santal children's motor proficiency is around the 1st percentile when compared with normative BOT-2 data. This may be, in part, a result of nutritional and economic disparities between children on who the BOT-2 was normed and Santal children, supporting the role of nutrition in motor development. Additionally, Santal children with lower SES and poorer nutritional status have lower motor proficiency compared with Santal children with comparatively higher SES and nutritional status., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To find out the clinicoradiomycopathological profile of allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) and incidences of aspergillus hypersensitivity (AH) among asthma patients, 215 consecutive extrinsic asthma patients were screened with aspergillus intradermal test and those found positive for AH were investigated further for ABPA. Out of 215 asthma patients (124 males and 91 females), 54 were hypersensitive to AH and 15 of them fulfilled criteria for ABPA. On repeated culture of sputum and/or broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, A flavuswas the most common isolate (40%), followed by A fumigatus (26.67%). No species was isolated in 4 cases (26.6%). AH/ABPA is not very uncommon in this part of the country. Diseases similar to ABPA caused by other fungus might be diagnosed if allergen tests for other fungal antigens are made widely available. A strong clinical suspicion and proper laboratory backup is essential for diagnosing ABPA and related diseases.

X chromosomal short tandem repeats have the potential to complement the analyses of the autosomal, Y chromosomal, and mitochondrial DNA markers in forensics and population genetics, and extensive research on X chromosomal markers is being carried out. In the present study, a decaplex for the co-amplification of ten X chromosomal microsatellite loci (DXS6807, DXS8378, DXS7132, DXS6809, DXS6789, DXS101, DXS7133, GATA172D05, HPRTB, and GATA31E08) was optimized and 749 blood samples of unrelated male individuals from the four major linguistic families of India were analyzed. The number of alleles for the studied loci ranged from 7-16 while the gene diversity values varied from 0.408 to 0.855. Two new alleles were observed for the loci DXS101 and HPRTB. Statistical parameters of forensic interest were calculated and all loci were found to be polymorphic. High power of discrimination was observed for the loci DXS101, DXS6809, and DXS6789. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of these X-linked markers for human identification and kinship analysis.

The sand core making process is performed manually in West Bengal involving a large number of workers of lowest economic strata. The core making workers most often work for a prolonged period of time and they are forced to handle various amounts of heavy load during the entire period of work. In this study an attempt was made to identify the work related musculoskeletal disorders among the sand core-making workers. Fifty male workers engaged in carbon dioxide and chemical core making work at an unorganized sector at Baruipur, Calcutta were randomly selected for this study. A detailed modified Nordic questionnaire study on discomfort feeling was performed among the core making workers. REBA method was applied to analyze the working posture. Finally, discomfort level and risk level of the individual working postures were calculated by the use of risk level and discomfort level scale. From the questionnaire study it was revealed that most of the core making workers grind often in awkward postures. The workers were affected by musculoskeletal disorders like pain at low back (100%), hand (40%), shoulder (30%), wrist (20%) and neck (20%). It has been also found that there is a significant (p < 0.05) correlation between discomfort level and risk level of the individual working postures of the workers. It was concluded from the study that health of the core-making workers was highly affected by different awkward postures and that they suffer from posture-related musculoskeletal disorders primarily affecting the low back region.

The safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) were evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially, 60 infertile male patients were assessed and those having total sperm counts below 20 million ml(-1) semen were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study (n = 35). PS capsule (100 mg) was administered twice daily after major meals for 90 days. Total semenogram and serum testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were estimated before and at the end of the treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. Twenty-eight patients who completed the treatment showed significant (P < 0.001) improvement in spermia (+37.6%), total sperm count (+61.4%), motility (12.4-17.4% after different time intervals), normal sperm count (+18.9%) with concomitant decrease in pus and epithelial cell count compared with baseline value. Significant decrease of semen MDA content (-18.7%) was observed. Moreover, serum testosterone (+23.5%; P < 0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; P < 0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profiles of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as PS.

Stonecutting and setting are important tasks in a construction site. A field study was conducted to assess occupational-related disorders and to conduct ergonomics assessment among stonecutters. The study focused on (a) the duration of work per day, (b) the working environment and working activities and (c) the feeling of discomfort in different parts of the body. A detailed posture analysis was performed with the Ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS). It was observed that stonecutters worked continuously in awkward postures during stonecutting and setting. Consequently, they suffered from discomfort in different parts of their body, specifically in the lower back, knees and shoulders, which mainly prevented them from continuing their work. This study also revealed that stonecutters had to work in congested work areas with a poor level of illumination. The noise level and dust particles emitted during stonecutting activities could affect stonecutters.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine the growth pattern of upper arm muscle area (UAMA), upper arm fat area (UAFA) and upper arm muscle area by height (UAMAH) and assessment of magnitude of undernutrition on the basis of these parameters in Santal children., Methods: UAMA and UAFA of 890 (473 boys and 417 girls) Santal children aged 5-12 years were calculated from mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold., Results: Growth curves of UAFA-for-age and UAMA by height in Santal boys and girls are placed at lower level of reference curve indicating severe undernutrition. The growth curves of UAMA-for-age in Santal children of both sexes do not indicate severe undernutrition. 17.13% Santal boys and 20.63% girls were truly undernourished on the basis of three Z-scores of height-for-age, weight-for-height and UAMAH of each subject. Santal children have more UAMA and less UAFA compared to similar undernourished children of Sugalis., Conclusion: Growth curves of UAFA-for-age and UAMA by height are good indicators of nutritional status in Santal children. UAMA and UAFA may not be similarly affected in undernourished children of every community. A comprehensive approach to identify the truly undernourished child has been suggested from this study.