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We present a theory to quantify the formation of spatiotemporal macrostructures (or the non-homogeneous regions of high viscosity at moderate to high fluid inertia) for viscoelastic sub-diffusive flows, by introducing a mathematically consistent decomposition of the polymer conformation tensor, into the so-called structure tensor. Our approach bypasses an inherent problem in the standard arithmetic decomposition, namely, the fluctuating conformation tensor fields may not be positive definite and hence, do not retain their physical meaning. Using well-established results in matrix analysis, the space of positive definite matrices is transformed into a Riemannian manifold by defining and constructing a geodesic via the inner product on its tangent space. This geodesic is utilized to define three scalar invariants of the structure tensor, which do not suffer from the caveats of the regular invariants (such as trace and determinant) of the polymer conformation tensor. First, we consider the problem of formulating perturbative expansions of the structure tensor using the geodesic, which is consistent with the Riemannian manifold geometry. A constraint on the maximum time, during which the evolution of the perturbative solution can be well approximated by linear theory along the Euclidean manifold, is found. A comparison between the linear and the nonlinear dynamics, identifies the role of nonlinearities in initiating the symmetry breaking of the flow variables about the centerline. Finally, fully nonlinear simulations of the viscoelastic sub-diffusive channel flows, underscore the advantage of using these invariants in effectively quantifying the macrostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Multi-nutrient insufficiencies as a consequence of nutritional and economic factors are common in India and other developing countries. We have examined the impact of multi-nutrient insufficiency on markers of one carbon (1C) metabolism in the blood, and response to a methionine load in clinically healthy young women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Young women from Pune, India (n = 10) and Cleveland, USA (n = 13) were studied. Blood samples were obtained in the basal state and following an oral methionine load (50 mg/kg of body weight in orange juice). Plasma concentrations of vitamin B12, folate and B6 were measured in the basal state. The effect of methionine load on the levels of methionine, total homocysteine, cysteine, glutathione and amino acids was examined. RESULTS: Indian women were significantly shorter and lighter compared with the American women and had lower plasma concentration of vitamins B12, folate and B6, essential amino acids and glutathione, but higher concentration of total homocysteine. The homocysteine response to methionine load was higher in Indian women. The plasma concentrations of glycine and serine increased in the Indian women after methionine (in juice) load. A significant negative correlation between plasma B6 and homocysteine (r = - 0.70), and plasma folate and glycine and serine levels were observed in the Indian group (P < 0.05) but not in the American group. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-nutrient insufficiency in the Indian women caused unique changes in markers of whole body protein and 1C metabolism. These data would be useful in developing nutrient intervention strategies. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2016) 70, 687-693; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2015.155; published online 16 September 2015, INTRODUCTION Folate one carbon (1C) transfers, present ubiquitously in every cell in the body, are key components of cell metabolism. They are involved in the transfer of methyl groups for [...]

Six male and six female black bucks were observed in the Trivandrum Zoo for one year. Sequential patterns of behavior were homogeneous throughout all observation periods. Sequences were longer with more acts occurring during morning hours than evening hours. However, acts were of shorter duration during noon hours. Sexually dimorphic features were reflected in the behavior sequences. The dominant buck was more active and aggressive than other group members. The behavior sequences of the black bucks are explained in terms of a first order Markov chain with five states. Inhibiting and directing behavior patterns are discussed within an ecological, functional framework.

Abstract Human height is strongly influenced by genetics but the contribution of modifiable epigenetic factors is under-explored, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). We investigate links between blood DNA methylation and child height in four LMIC cohorts (n = 1927) and identify a robust association at three CpGs in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) gene which replicates in a high-income country cohort (n = 879). SOCS3 methylation (SOCS3m)—height associations are independent of genetic effects. Mendelian randomization analysis confirms a causal effect of SOCS3m on height. In longitudinal analysis, SOCS3m explains a maximum 9.5% of height variance in mid-childhood while the variance explained by height polygenic risk score increases from birth to 21 years. Children’s SOCS3m is associated with prenatal maternal folate and socio-economic status. In-vitro characterization confirms a regulatory effect of SOCS3m on gene expression. Our findings suggest epigenetic modifications may play an important role in driving child height in LMIC.

Abstract Objective: To identify peri-conceptional diet patterns among women in Bangalore and examine their associations with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Design: BAngalore Nutrition Gestational diabetes LifEstyle Study, started in June 2016, was a prospective observational study, in which women were recruited at 5–16 weeks’ gestation. Peri-conceptional diet was recalled at recruitment, using a validated 224-item FFQ. GDM was assessed by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks’ gestation, applying WHO 2013 criteria. Diet patterns were identified using principal component analysis, and diet pattern–GDM associations were examined using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for ‘a priori’ confounders. Setting: Antenatal clinics of two hospitals, Bangalore, South India. Participants: Seven hundred and eighty-five pregnant women of varied socio-economic status. Results: GDM prevalence was 22 %. Three diet patterns were identified: (a) high-diversity, urban (HDU) characterised by diverse, home-cooked and processed foods was associated with older, more affluent, better-educated and urban women; (b) rice-fried snacks-chicken-sweets (RFCS), characterised by low diet diversity, was associated with younger, less-educated, and lower-income, rural and joint families; and (c) healthy, traditional vegetarian (HTV), characterised by home-cooked vegetarian and non-processed foods, was associated with less-educated, more affluent, and rural and joint families. The HDU pattern was associated with a lower GDM risk (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0·80/sd, 95 % CI (0·64, 0·99), P = 0·04) after adjusting for confounders. BMI was strongly related to GDM risk and possibly mediated diet–GDM associations. Conclusions: The findings support global recommendations to encourage women to attain a healthy pre-pregnancy BMI and increase diet diversity. Both healthy and unhealthy foods in the patterns indicate low awareness about healthy foods and a need for public education.

Background/Objective: With strong evidence of physical inactivity's link to chronic disease and economic burden – particularly with childhood active living behaviors tracking into adulthood – it is imperative to promote physical activity among children and adolescents in India. Objectives: To evaluate active living patterns among Indian children and adolescents. Methods: The India Report Card (IRC) team, which consists of experts in India and Canada, systematically collected and appraised evidence on 11 indicators of active living, including 5 behavioral (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior), 2 individual-level (Physical Fitness, Yoga) and 4 sources of influence (Family and Peers, School, Community and Built Environment, Government). Peer-reviewed articles were appraised based on national representativeness, sample size, and data quality. Grey literature was appraised based on comprehensiveness, validity of the sources, and representativeness. All indicators were assessed against parameters provided by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. Results: Active Transportation and Government Strategies were ranked highest with a B- and C+ grade, respectively. Overall Physical Activity and Schools were assigned a C grade, while Sedentary Behavior and Community and Built Environment were given D grades. Yoga was the lowest ranking indicator with a D- grade. Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Family and Peers, and Physical Fitness were all graded incomplete. Conclusions: Active Transportation, Government Strategies, and Overall Physical Activity have improved since the 2018 IRC, a positive trend that needs to be translated to other indicators. However, Sedentary Behavior has consistently worsened, with grades C, C-, and D-, in 2016, 2018, and 2022, respectively. Evidence generated by the 2022 IRC suggests opportunities for improvement not only in India, but also the 56 other countries taking part in Global Matrix 4.0.

Abstract Changes in brain morphology have been reported during development, ageing and in relation to different pathologies. Brain morphology described by the shape complexity of gyri and sulci can be captured and quantified using fractal dimension (FD). This measure of brain structural complexity, as well as brain volume, are associated with intelligence, but less is known about the sexual dimorphism of these relationships. In this paper, sex differences in the relationship between brain structural complexity and general intelligence (g) in two diverse geographic and cultural populations (UK and Indian) are investigated. 3D T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and a battery of cognitive tests were acquired from participants belonging to three different cohorts: Mysore Parthenon Cohort (MPC); Aberdeen Children of the 1950s (ACONF) and UK Biobank. We computed MRI derived structural brain complexity and g estimated from a battery of cognitive tests for each group. Brain complexity and volume were both positively corelated with intelligence, with the correlations being significant in women but not always in men. This relationship is seen across populations of differing ages and geographical locations and improves understanding of neurobiological sex-differences.

Background: The first thousand days window does not include the pre-conceptional period. Maternal pre-conceptional health has a profound influence on early embryonic development (implantation, gastrulation, placentation etc). Nutrition provided by B-complex vitamins is important for fetal growth, especially neural development. We report effects of a maternal pre-conceptional vitamin B12 and multi micronutrient (MMN) supplementation on offspring neurodevelopmental performance.Methods: In the Pune Rural Intervention in Young Adolescents trial (PRIYA), adolescents (N = 557, 266 females) were provided with vitamin B12 (2 μg/day) with or without multiple micronutrients, or a placebo, from preconception until delivery. All groups received mandatory iron and folic acid. We used the Bayley's Scale of Infant Development (BSID-III) at 24–42 months of age to investigate effects on offspring neurodevelopment.Results: Participants had similar baseline B12 levels. The levels improved in the B12 supplemented groups during pre-conception and pregnancy (28 weeks gestation), and were reflected in higher cord blood holotranscobalamin (holo-TC) levels compared to the placebo group. Neurodevelopmental outcomes in the B12 alone group (n = 21) were better than the placebo (n = 27) in cognition (p = 0.044) and language (p = 0.020) domains (adjusted for maternal baseline B12 levels). There was no difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes between the B12 + MMN (n = 26) and placebo group. Cord blood Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels were highest in the B12 alone group, though not significant.Conclusion: Pre-conceptional vitamin B12 supplementation improved maternal B12 status and offspring neurodevelopment at 2 years of age. The usefulness of cord BDNF as a marker of brain development needs further investigation. Our results highlight the importance of intervening during pre-conception.

Background: In India, stress levels are increasing steadily among youth. We aimed to explore the factors that contribute to psychological stress and coping strategies among adolescents in Mysore, India to inform the development of an intervention. Methods: We recruited 16 volunteers in Mysore, India including 6 younger (12-15 years; 3 girls) and 10 older adolescents/ young adults (17-25 years; 5 girls) using a purposive sampling technique. Older adolescents were recruited from ongoing birth cohort study, and the younger adolescents by word-of-mouth from the community. Individual in-depth interviews were carried out based on a semi-structured interview guide comprising open-ended questions. The interviews were analysed to derive themes and emerging constructs related to stress and coping strategies. Results: Adolescents generally perceived stress in their daily lives. Family conflicts and academic pressures were the main triggers for increased stress. Issues around peer relationships, and social position were also important contributors. Adolescents reported that they had robust coping strategies. These included stress release through rationalising and acceptance of the situation, distraction activities, spirituality, and self-comforting methods. However, they felt the need for further support from their family, and the society in general. In particular they expressed the need for a space to share their concerns and obtain guidance through healthy discussions with adults. Conclusions: Our study indicates that adolescents in India are exposed to a wide range of stressors in their daily lives. The conflict between ‘traditional’ society’s opinions of what adolescents should do and the new age adolescents’ aspirations for autonomy to find ‘informed’ solutions for their issues may hinder the stress management efforts. Moving forward, we propose to develop a culturally acceptable intervention tool that accommodates adolescents’ perspectives and psychosocial context.

Objectives We investigated whether the relationship between components of height and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk may be explained by body composition. We also examined relationships between parental heights and offspring CVD risk.Design A cohort study using cross-sectional data.Setting A secondary care hospital setting in Pune, India.Participants We studied 357 young adults and their parents in the Pune Children’s Study. Primary and secondary outcomes: we measured weight, total height, leg length, sitting height, plasma glucose, insulin and lipids, and blood pressure (BP). Total and regional lean and fat mass were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry.Results Leg length was inversely related, and sitting height was directly related to BMI. Total height and leg length were directly related to lean mass, while sitting height was directly related to both lean and fat mass. Leg length was inversely related to systolic BP and 120 min glucose, independent of lean and fat mass. Sitting height was directly related to systolic BP and triglycerides; these relationships were attenuated on adjustment for lean and fat mass. When examined simultaneously, greater leg length was protective and greater sitting height was associated with a more detrimental CVD risk profile.Conclusions Shorter adult leg length and greater sitting height are associated with a more adverse CVD risk factor profile. The mechanisms need further study, but our findings suggest a role for lean and fat mass.

Background and objectiveBirth weight and post-natal growth are important predictors of adult health. Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with low birth weight and may have long term effects on the health of the children. The current study aims to compare anthropometry and blood pressure between children of mothers with and without PE in an Indian cohort.MethodsWe studied children born to women with (PE; n = 211) and without preeclampsia (non-PE; n = 470) at Bharati Hospital, Pune, India. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured in children at 3-7 years of age. Weight and height Z-scores were calculated using the WHO 2006 growth reference. Independent t-tests were used to compare means between the two groups, and associations between preeclampsia and child outcomes were analyzed using multiple linear regression, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsWeight and height Z-scores (p = 0.04 and 0.008), and subscapular skinfold thickness (p = 0.03) were higher among children of PE compared with children of non-PE mothers. Systolic blood pressure was also higher in children of PE mothers (1.70 mmHg [95% CI 0.05, 2.90] p = 0.006). BMI and diastolic blood pressure did not differ between groups. In regression models adjusted for newborn weight and gestational age, current age and sex, and maternal height, BMI and socio-economic status, children of PE mothers had higher weight Z-score (0.27 SD [95%CI 0.06, 0.48] p = 0.01), height Z-score (0.28 SD [95%CI 0.09, 0.47] p = 0.005), and subscapular skinfold thickness (0.38 mm [95%CI 0.00, 0.76] p = 0.049). A trend for higher systolic blood pressure (1.59 mmHg [95%CI -0.02, 3.20] p = 0.053) in the children was also observed in the adjusted model. The difference in systolic blood pressure was attenuated after adjusting further for the child's weight and height (1.09 mmHg [95%CI -0.48, 2.67] p = 0.17). There was no evidence of differences in effects between boys and girls.ConclusionChildren of PE mothers were taller and heavier, and had higher systolic blood pressure, partly explained by their increased body size, than children of non-PE mothers. In utero exposure to preeclampsia may increase the risk of future cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Background Animal studies have shown that nutritional exposures during pregnancy can modify epigenetic marks regulating fetal development and susceptibility to later disease, providing a plausible mechanism to explain the developmental origins of health and disease. Human observational studies have shown that maternal peri-conceptional diet predicts DNA methylation in offspring. However, a causal pathway from maternal diet, through changes in DNA methylation, to later health outcomes has yet to be established. The EMPHASIS study (Epigenetic Mechanisms linking Pre-conceptional nutrition and Health Assessed in India and Sub-Saharan Africa, ISRCTN14266771) will investigate epigenetically mediated links between peri-conceptional nutrition and health-related outcomes in children whose mothers participated in two randomized controlled trials of micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy. Methods The original trials were the Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Project (MMNP, ISRCTN62811278) in which Indian women were offered a daily snack made from micronutrient-rich foods or low-micronutrient foods (controls), and the Peri-conceptional Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Trial (PMMST, ISRCTN13687662) in rural Gambia, in which women were offered a daily multiple micronutrient (UNIMMAP) tablet or placebo. In the EMPHASIS study, DNA methylation will be analysed in the children of these women (~1100 children aged 5–7 y in MMNP and 298 children aged 7–9 y in PMMST). Cohort-specific and cross-cohort effects will be explored. Differences in DNA methylation between allocation groups will be identified using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array, and by pyrosequencing top hits and selected candidate loci. Associations will be analysed between DNA methylation and health-related phenotypic outcomes, including size at birth, and children’s post-natal growth, body composition, skeletal development, cardio-metabolic risk markers (blood pressure, serum lipids, plasma glucose and insulin) and cognitive function. Pathways analysis will be used to test for enrichment of nutrition-sensitive loci in biological pathways. Causal mechanisms for nutrition-methylation-phenotype associations will be explored using Mendelian Randomization. Associations between methylation unrelated to supplementation and phenotypes will also be analysed. Conclusion The study will increase understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underpinning the long-term impact of maternal nutrition on offspring health. It will potentially lead to better nutritional interventions for mothers preparing for pregnancy, and to identification of early life biomarkers of later disease risk.

Abstract Background The Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (PMNS) was established to prospectively study the relationship of maternal nutrition to fetal growth and later cardiometabolic risk in the offspring. High homocysteine and low vitamin B12 levels in pregnancy predicted lower birthweight and higher insulin resistance at 6 years in the offspring. B12 deficiency was widespread in this population, due to low dietary intake. We therefore commenced a community-based intervention study with the underlying hypothesis that vitamin B12 supplementation of adolescent members of the PMNS cohort will improve birth weight, B12 status, and reduce future diabetes risk, in their offspring. Methods The individually randomised controlled trial commenced in September 2012, with boys and girls randomized into 3 groups, to receive daily for at least 3 years or until the birth of their first child: 1) vitamin B12 2 μg; or 2) vitamin B12 2 μg plus multiple micronutrients (MMN) plus 20 g of milk powder or 3) placebo. Iron and folic acid is given to all participants. Compliance is assessed by monthly supplement counts. Adverse events are recorded using a standardised questionnaire. The primary outcome is cord blood B12 concentration; based on 180–200 pregnancies in the girls, the study has ~80% power to detect a 0.5 SD change in newborn B12, in the B12 supplementation groups compared with controls, at the 5% significance level. Primary analysis will be by intention to treat. Discussion Our study tests a primordial prevention strategy through an intergenerational intervention started pre-conceptionally in both boys and girls using physiological doses of micronutrients to improve immediate pregnancy-related and long-term cardio metabolic outcomes. The results will have significant public health implications in a setting with widespread B12 deficiency but relative folate sufficiency. The randomised controlled trial design allows us to be confident that our findings will be causally relevant. Trial registration ISRCTN 32921044 , applied on 14/09/2012. CTRI 2012/12/003212, registered on 02/12/2012. Retrospectively registered.

BackgroundVitamin B-12 deficiency is often considered synonymous with pernicious anemia, a rare condition in which severe malabsorption of the vitamin requires high-dose parenteral treatment. In developing countries such as India, inadequate dietary intake of B-12 due to socio-cultural factors leads to widely prevalent asymptomatic low B-12 status. In this scenario, lower doses of oral B-12 may be effective, safer and more affordable.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of oral B-12 treatment at physiological doses on hematological and biochemical indices and peripheral nerve function in B-12 deficient rural Indian adolescent women.MethodsThirty-nine women with B-12 deficiency who were excluded from a community based B-12 supplementation trial (Pune Rural Intervention in Young Adolescents (PRIYA)) received oral B-12 2μg/day, either alone (n = 19) or with multiple micronutrients (UNIMAPP formula + 20gm milk powder, n = 20) for 11 months. Hematological indices, nutrients (B-12, folate), metabolites (homocysteine) and peripheral nerve function (SUDOSCAN, Impetomedical, Paris and sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of median and sural nerves) were assessed at baseline and after 11 months of B-12 treatment.ResultsResults were similar in the two treatment allocation groups, which were therefore combined. At baseline, all women had B-12 concentration ConclusionWe document clinically beneficial effects of supplementation with a physiological dose of oral B-12 in asymptomatic rural Indian adolescent women with very low B-12 status. These findings support a public health approach to tackle the widely prevalent low B-12 status in young Indians.

A year round study was conducted in Trivandrum city during the period of March 1984 to February 1985 to elucidate the relation between certain physico-chemical factors and seasonal density of Mansonia larvae (Culicidae: Diptera). Mansonia uniformis was found to be the predominant species during this period, whereas Mansonia annulifera was less than 10% of the total Mansonia collected. The period of high prevalence was found to be January-March. Out of the 6 physico-chemical factors studied Na, K, and pH showed statistically significant correlation with the larval density, while Ca, Mg and rainfall showed no significant relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study relating to seasonal prevalence and host visitation of Mansonia mosquitoes in Trivandrum city was carried out between August 1984 and July 1985. The area chosen was the one which is a perennial breeding source for Mansonia mosquitoes. Only Mansonia uniformis and Mansonia annulifera were prevalent in this area of which the former was found to be the predominant species. Decrease in the number of Mansonia annulifera from the survey conducted during the previous year may be due to the disappearance of Pistia stratiotes and its replacement by Salvinia auriculata. Rainfall and temperature are the two important environmental factors which influence the number of Mansonia mosquitoes visiting the host. The maximum number of adults of Mansonia uniformis was collected during February to June 1985. No swarm of Mansonia uniformis was encountered during the present study, however, males were found to wait and mate with the resting as well as blood fed females in the vicinity of the host. Both sexes of Mansonia mosquitoes were parasitized by Arrenurus and limnesiid species of water mites. Maximum parasitization was seen during July 1985. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient with early onset of myotonic dystrophy, with associated neuropathy and epilepsy, is presented. It is postulated that his disorder was inherited through a recessive, pleomorphic gene. His differential diagnosis is discussed and the literature reviewed. The clinical variability of myotonic dystrophy is stressed and the diagnostic difficulties encountered in the younger age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicopathological correlations are presented in a case of facial myokymia with facial palsy. The causative lesions were considered to be metastatic tumours to the pons and it was concluded that both the facial palsy and the myokymia were due to interruption of supranuclear pathways impinging on the facial nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction We now have the opportunity to disentangle the complexities of lifespan brain health through linking rich birth cohorts data to novel information utilizing health informatics techniques. Wellcome Trust evidenced that efforts to manage and link digital health data require exploring the attitudes of public and data guardians towards this initiative. Objectives and Approach Our teams in Aberdeen, Mysore and Mumbai have established general population cohorts that have provided evidence on the early-life origins of later-life diseases. In 2016, we engaged with the participants of the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s (62-68,N~8,400) in an event attended by 350 study members. We are also engaging with members and data guardians of Mysore Parthenon Cohort (20-21y,N~500), Mysore Birth Records Cohort (51-83y,N~750), and Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Cohort (5-11y,N~1,600). This qualitative project utilises focus groups and individual interviews. The goal is to understand their attitudes and perceived public benefits towards future novel data collection, data platforms and biorepositories. Results The ACONF event attendees were very willing to volunteer for further studies. The highest support was for ‘provide a blood sample’ (92%) and the lowest for ‘take an online survey’ (83%). They were satisfied with data governance but had incomplete understanding of linkage possibilities with their data. Through the ongoing activities in Mysore and in Mumbai, we aim to achieve the following: 1) Develop awareness of health informatics through public engagement with participants and researchers; 2) Explore attitudes and potential barriers to creation of secure data linkage between imaging, laboratory, health data and outcomes to facilitate future linkage studies; 3) Understand what is required for interoperable, secure data storage and plan future biorepository as a resource for researchers that will build over time in India. Conclusion/Implications The proposed activities will inform preparation of a large scale grant to investigate the hypothesis that early life environment affects future risk of mental illness and cognitive ability globally. They will also begin to create a platform of enduring value for future cross-cultural population research.

Background: Early life nutrition may affect individuals’ susceptibility to adult non-communicable diseases (NCD). Psychological stress is a well-recognised NCD risk factor. Recent evidence suggests that impaired foetal nutrition alters neuro-endocrine pathways, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis feedback systems, resulting in abnormal stress responses, and NCD risk. This study aims to examine adolescent cortisol and cardiovascular stress responses in relation to maternal nutrition and contemporaneous NCD risk markers. Methods: The study sample will be drawn from three well-established birth cohorts in India; the Parthenon cohort, Mysore (N=550, age~20y), the SARAS KIDS prenatal intervention cohort, Mumbai (N=300, age~10-12y) and the Pune Rural Intervention in Young Adults/ PRIYA cohort, Pune (N=100, age~22y). We will perform the ‘Trier Social Stress Test (TSST)’, a well-accepted stress-test module which involves participants performing 5-minutes each of public speaking and mental arithmetic tasks in front of unfamiliar ‘judges’ (stressor). Repeated measures of salivary cortisol and autonomic cardiovascular outcomes relative to the stressor will be assessed. Measures of psychological stress, cognitive function, blood pressure, glucose-insulin metabolism and depression will be carried out. Mechanistic studies including DNA methylation in gluco-corticoid receptor (NR3C1) and 11β-HSD2 gene loci and neuroimaging will be carried out in a subsample. Qualitative interviews and focus group discussions in a subsample of the Parthenon cohort will explore the perception of stress and stressors among the youth. We will convert repeated measures into time-weighted averages before analysis. We will carry out multivariable regression analysis to test the associations. We will further refine the analyses using the mixed-model regression and conditional analyses for the association with repeated measures. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the research ethics committee of CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore. The findings will be disseminated locally and at international meetings, and reports will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals.

Background: The role of antioxidants in the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been given limited attention. Vitamin C is a nutrient with radical quenching property and has been claimed to influence glucose tolerance. Aim: To study the association between vitamin C status (dietary intake and plasma concentrations) and GDM. Material and Methods: Using a case-control design with 1:3 ratio we examined 42 pregnant women with GDM and 158 normal glucose tolerant (NGT) gestational age-matched healthy pregnant women at an average of 26 weeks of gestation. Maternal vitamin C intake was determined using detailed semi food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) and 24 hour diet recall. Plasma vitamin C was determined using a spectrophotometric method in non-fasting samples. GDM was diagnosed by 75 gm oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using International Association for Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria (fasting ≥92mg%, 1hour ≥180mg%, 2 hour ≥153mg %). Results: GDM women had lower median intake of vitamin C (35.0 mg/day vs. 66.7; p

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, affect individuals in all countries worldwide. Given the very high worldwide prevalence of NCDs across a range of human pathology, it is clear that traditional approaches targeting those at most risk in older adulthood will not efficiently ameliorate this growing burden. It will thus be essential to robustly identify determinants of NCDs across the entire lifecourse and, subsequently, appropriate interventions at every stage to reduce an individual’s risk of developing these conditions. A lifecourse approach has the potential to prevent NCDs, from before conception through fetal life, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and into older age. In this paper, we describe the origins of the lifecourse concept, the importance of early life influences, for example during pregnancy, examine potential underlying mechanisms in both cell biology and behavior change, and finally describe current efforts to develop interventions that take a lifecourse approach to NCD prevention. Two principal approaches to improving women’s nutritional status are outlined: nutritional supplementation and behavior change.