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Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common complaint among patients attending Physical Medicine Department. Psychological factors like depression, anxiety and somatisation were found to be associated with it. 100 patients with CLBP and their age, sex and economic conditions matched controls were screened with a validated Bengali version of GHQ-28. Study subjects with GHQ score four or more were evaluated for psychiatric disorder with standardized diagnostic interview. Among 100 cases 99% scored for or more in GHQ-28 and 91% had some form of psychiatric disorders was more among females both among cases and controls. Depression, somatisation disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were more prevalent among CLBP patients.

A community-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during June-July 2008 to assess the infant- and young child-feeding (IYCF) practices in Bankura district, West Bengal, India. In total, 647 children aged less than two years selected through revised 40-cluster sampling using the indicators of the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) and World Health Organization. The proportions of infants with early initiation of breastfeeding (13.6%) and exclusive breastfeeding under six months (57.1%) and infants who received complementary feeding at the age of 6-8 months (55.7%) were low. Appropriate feeding as per the IMNCI protocol was significantly less among infants aged 6-11 months (15.2%) and children aged 12-23 months (8.7%) compared to infants aged less than six months (57.1%), which could be attributable to low frequency and amount of complementary feeding. The main problems revealed from the study were late initiation of breastfeeding, low rates of exclusive breastfeeding, and inappropriate complementary feeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical thinking is considered as the essential set of skills for medical practice, particularly during emergencies. However, there is lack of conceptual clarity around it and it was not explicitly included in the undergraduate medical curriculum in India. The present study has been planned to assess the critical thinking disposition and clinical reasoning skills among medical undergraduate students in a medical college in West Bengal, India. The perceived definition and attributes of critical thinking in medical education will be explored and the contexts where application of critical thinking skills may be crucial for medical practice will be identified. The content validity index, test-retest agreement; internal consistency and construct validity of the Critical Thinking Disposition Assessment Questionnaire (CTDAQ) will be assessed through step-by-step procedure. CTDAQ and the case-based objective-type questions for the clinical reasoning skills will be applied to around 200 medical undergraduate students. Their perception and experience on critical thinking in medical education will be assessed with structured open-ended questions. In-depth interviews with medical teachers of the second and third phases of undergraduate medical curriculum will be conducted to assess their perception and experiences on critical thinking. The quantitative analysis will be conducted with MS excel and R software using the relevant packages. The qualitative data will be transcribed and translated in English, close to the participants' verbatim. The thematic analysis will be conducted with inductive coding and memoing. The study will be conducted maintaining ethical standards for epidemiological studies. The present study, one of the first a few studies in India, will help to meet the conceptual gap in understanding the attributes of critical thinking, its association with clinical reasoning and the contexts of preferred application in medical practice., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2024 Mukhopadhyay DK and Choudhari SG.)

Background: High proportion of multibacillary (MB) among newly diagnosed leprosy cases poses a public health challenge., Objectives: This study aimed to find out the factors associated with the high burden of MB leprosy in West Bengal., Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted from August 2020 to December 2022 in three high-endemic districts (annual new case detection rate ≥10/lakh) of West Bengal., Objectives: MB cases registered under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme were considered as case and paucibacillary (PB) cases were considered as control. Weighted sample sizes for cases and controls in each of the three districts were selected using simple random sampling from the list of registered leprosy patients. Requisite data were collected through structured interview with a validated questionnaire in Bengali. R, version 4.1.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, 2021, Vienna, Austria) was used for data analysis. A binary logistic regression model was prepared with the type of leprosy as a dependent variable., Results: Three hundred and ninety-eight individuals, 204 MB and 194 PB, participated in this study with 1.97% nonresponse rate. Gender, marital status, and diagnostic delay (adjusted odds ratio = 2.75 [1.66,4.65]) were associated with developing MB. Not perceiving the symptoms seriously (90, 56% [PB], 97, 51% [MB]), lack of knowledge about the disease and its complications (47, 29% [PB], 53, 28% [MB]), delayed referral by the private practitioners (11, 7% [PB], 22, 12% [MB]) were the major reasons of delay., Conclusion: This study identified a vulnerable group - married and migrated males. Changing from annual screening to quarterly screening along with capacity building and awareness generation of the targeted population is the need of the hour for eradicating the disease., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Public Health.)

Introduction: A structured dedicated health programme for Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been initiated in the state of West Bengal, India., Aim: The aim is to provide comprehensive healthcare to all children, adolescents and young adults living with T1DM, along with the provision of free supply of insulin, glucose measuring devices, blood glucose test strips, and other logistics. The strategic framework for programme implementation is to utilise the infrastructure and manpower of the already existing non-communicable disease (NCD) clinic under National Health Mission., Methodology: Establishing dedicated T1DM clinics in each district hospital by utilising existing healthcare delivery systems, intensive training and hand-holding of named human resources; providing comprehensive healthcare service and structured diabetes education to all T1DM patients; and building an electronic registry of patients are important components of the programme. T1DM clinics run once a week on the same day throughout the state. All T1DM patients are treated with the correct dose of insulin, both human regular insulin and glargine insulin. Patients are routinely monitored monthly to ensure good glycaemic control and prevent complications of the disease. Routine anthropometric examination and required laboratory investigations are conducted in the set-up of the already existing NCD clinic. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the T1DM programme are being conducted in terms of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values, growth and development, complication rates, psychological well-being, quality of life, and direct and indirect expenditure incurred by families. Through this programme, any bottlenecks or gaps in service delivery will be identified and corrective measures will be adopted to ensure better health outcomes for those living with T1DM., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.)

Background: Research on different measures of food security and their interrelation in order to identify vulnerable households are scarce in India., Objectives: The objective was to assess household food security (HHFS), nutrient adequacy, dietary diversity, and nutritional status of under-five children along with their interrelation in the slums of Bankura Municipality, West Bengal., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2016-2017 among 240 households using two-stage 30-cluster random sampling. Information regarding socioeconomic characteristics, availability, and utilization of different poverty alleviation schemes was collected. HHFS was assessed by a validated HHFS scale-short form in Bengali and nutrient adequacy with 24-h recall method. The eldest under-five child in the family was measured for anthropometry using standard procedure and for dietary diversity with the Individual Dietary Diversity Score., Results: Overall, 74 (29.1%) households had "food security," whereas 102 (44.3%) and 64 (26.6%) had, respectively, low and very low food security. Among 190 under-five children, 63 (35.3%) had single and 50 (25.5%) had multiple anthropometric failures. Overall, 89 (36.1%) households were deficient for both energy and protein and 111 (47.6%) had deficiency of either of these two. Indicators on the utilization of different poverty alleviation schemes were associated with low/very low food security. A "Composite Index of Food Scarcity" comprising of HHFS, nutrient adequacy, and dietary diversity was proposed which was found to have dose-response relationship with grades of anthropometric failure of under-five children., Conclusions: An index comprising of three indicators might help identify the vulnerable households in relation to food security more effectively than a single indicator., Competing Interests: None

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Use of social networking sites (SNS) and prevalence of anxiety and depression among the young population is on the rise., Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the pattern of use of SNS and the prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students as well as to examine the relation, if any, between the use of SNS and anxiety and depression., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate students of a medical college in Kolkata, West Bengal during 2017. Information on individual characteristics and use of SNS of medical students were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were measured using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and becks depression inventory (BDI). Prevalence was expressed in percentage and association was examined with Mann-Whitney U-test., Results: More than 90% of students use more than one SNS or instant messaging system. One-third remained active in SNSs all through the day and around 80% for ≥4 h. Use of SNSs during odd hours was reported by 55% participants, and 23.5% expressed their inability to spend a day without SNSs. Nearly 24% reported depression and 68.5% had state anxiety. STAI and BDI scores were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher among students who used SNSs for 4 h or more, used it during odd hours or stated inability to spend a day without SNSs than their counterparts., Conclusion: The use of SNS by medical students was pervasive. More use of SNSs and dependence on it were associated with anxiety and depression., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Stigma among caregivers of people with mental illness has a serious impact on the disease outcome and lives of people with mental illness as well as other family members., Objectives: The objectives of this study were (i) To determine the level of self-perceived stigma toward mental illness, (ii) To measure perception to it among caregivers of people with mental illness, and (iii) To identify the factors associated with self-perceived stigma of caregivers., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a structured interview was conducted among 200 caregivers of people with mental illness in the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India. Stigma and perception regarding mental illness were assessed with a validated 12-item Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue and 20-item perception scale, respectively. Information on their sociodemographic characteristics was also collected., Results: Average stigma score (53.3 ± 13.2) was higher than 50% of maximum attainable score. Caregivers of higher age, female gender, low income, higher education, manual job, rural residence, and those who are single or widowed scored higher in stigma scale. Caregivers with female gender (P = 0.007) and rural residence (P = 0.01) were more likely to have stigma while the perception score was negatively associated (P < 0.001) with stigma score., Conclusion: The study highlighted that health-care providers can play a pivotal role to address caregivers' stigma in order to alleviate its effect on the course of illness and improve family life., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Early diagnosis and effective treatment are the key areas in malaria control in India., Objective: The present study was carried out to assess the knowledge and skill of health personnel at primary care level and the logistic support related to the program at subcenter (SC) level., Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among medical and paramedical personnel working at primary health-care institutions in two districts of West Bengal. Knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire while diagnostic skill and logistic support were assessed with structured checklists. Clinical skill was assessed with case vignettes., Results: Requisite knowledge on diagnostic procedure was found in two-third to three-fourth of health personnel while only 26.7% and 12.4%, respectively, knew the correct treatment of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Median standardized score for knowledge was 50.0 while the scores for skill of preparing blood slide and for rapid diagnostic test were 70.0 and 57.1, respectively. Education and work experience were related to diagnostic skill but had little effect on knowledge. In clinical skill, medical personnel scored 50% or more in investigation and treatment aspects only. In another case vignette, health workers excelled over medical officers and other staff in all axes other than history taking and clinical examination although their performance was also suboptimal. Formal training on malaria did not show any bearing on median knowledge and skill score. Supply of diagnostics and drugs was insufficient in majority of SCs., Conclusion: Renewed efforts are needed to create competent workforce and ensure adequate logistic supply.

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an emergency which is critical in averting maternal morbidity and mortality., Objectives: To find out awareness and practices regarding BPCR among pregnant and recently delivered women in Bankura, West Bengal., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based study was carried out among 120 pregnant women and 235 recently delivered women. Information on sociodemographic variables as well as awareness and practices regarding BPCR were collected through semi-structured interview. For statistical analysis Z-test was used., Results: The majority of respondents (69.3%) had registered for antenatal care within the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy and 74.0% of the recently delivered women had four or more antenatal check-ups and 81.3% had institutional delivery. The BPCR index of pregnant women and recently delivered women was 45.2 and 59.0, respectively, whereas BPCR index of the total was 52.1., Conclusion: Although the BPCR indicators are satisfying, the health system should use the opportunity during visits to health institutions to increase awareness among the pregnant women and her family on how to plan for the pregnancy and identify danger signs.

Introduction: Nutrient adequacy is the level of intake of an essential nutrient in relation to the nutrient requirement for adequate health, which is expressed as the percentage of recommended dietary allowance. To develop an effective nationwide preventive program to combat malnutrition, it is necessary not only to assess the nature and magnitude of the problem of nutrient inadequacy but to identify factors affecting it especially at the household level., Objective: To estimate the prevalence of nutrient adequacy in a sample of households in a rural area of Darjeeling district and to find out the factors associated with nutrient adequacy., Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2014 to December 2014 in 821 households of Darjeeling district, India. The major dependent variable used in this study was the mean nutrient adequacy ratio of a household and the independent variables were number of family members, number of under-five children in the family, literacy of head of the family, literacy of the wife of the head of the family, income of the family, and percentage expenditure on food., Results: The prevalence of nutrient adequate households was found to be 35.3% among the study households. It was observed that the percentage expenditure on food had the highest contribution toward nutrient adequacy, followed by number of under-five children in the family and literacy of the wife of the head of the family. Undernutrition was found to be prevalent in 56.6% of the households., Conclusion: Majority of the study population had a diet less than the required amount and expectedly, undernutrition was also present in huge proportions.

Background: India launched the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) on the principles of conditional cash transfer providing monetary incentive to needy women to improve access to institutional childbirth., Objectives: This study was conducted among JSY-eligible women who delivered between April 2012 and June 2012 to assess the utilization of cash incentives toward institutional delivery, along with other associated factors influencing institutional delivery., Methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted between July 2012 and May 2013 on 946 women selected through stratified random sampling of subcentres from better and worse performing districts of West Bengal., Results: 74.7% of the study population was JSY-eligible. 90.2% of those who took three antenatal check-ups (ANCs) and 36.8% JSY-noneligible women received cash. Government institutions were preferred for childbirth among all groups irrespective of JSY eligibility, receipt of cash, and number of antenatal visits. Overall, 78.8% opted for institutional delivery if they had received cash, which was significantly more than those who did not (64.5%). JSY-eligible women were 1.5 times more likely to deliver in government institutions compared to JSY-noneligible women. With no incentive, the likelihood of institutional delivery was halved. The distance of a 24 Χ 7 delivery hub beyond 5 km (74.8% vs. 81.8%), the religion of Islam (62.7% vs. 83.2%), and multiparity (63.9% vs. 83.6%) were significant deterring factors., Conclusion: Despite some inclusion and exclusion errors, cash incentive under JSY was associated with increased institutional delivery, especially in government institutions though there were other factors influencing the decision as well.

Background: Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) was launched in India to ensure cost-free institutional delivery., Objectives: 1) To assess the awareness of recently delivered women regarding JSSK 2) To estimate the cost of institutional delivery and its differentials., Materials and Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural community in Bankura, West Bengal, India in 2013, among 210 women who delivered babies in the last 12 months. Information regarding sociodemographic and health service-related variables as well as item-wise costs incurred for institutional delivery were collected. Costs were expressed in Indian National Rupee (INR). A nonparametric, bivariate analysis was performed to examine the difference in median cost., Results: All components of JSSK were known to 12.9% women; the highest (77.1%) for admission and lowest (29.0%) for blood transfusion. The median (±IQR) costs of delivery in the Block level Primary Health Center (PHC), medical college, and private facilities were INR 205.0 (±825.0), 900.0 (±1013.0), and 6600.0 (±16195.0), respectively. Median cost of normal delivery in a private facility (INR 2750.0) was 3.6 times of that in a government facility (INR 765.0). Median direct cost of caesarian section (CS) in a government facility (INR 1100.0) was nearly one-fifteenth of that in a private facility (INR 16,350.0). Cash incentives under Janani Suraksha Yojana for poor and socially marginalized women could not cover the cost of CS delivery in a government facility., Conclusion: Gaps existed in the awareness of beneficiaries regarding entitlement under JSSK. Drugs and transport were two major causes of out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure in public health facilities.

Objectives: We conducted the present study to assess the prevalence of hypertension, prehypertension, normotension and the associated factors along with awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among police personnel in Bankura, West Bengal, India., Methods: We collected information on individual, lifestyle, service-related and anthropometric characteristics of 1817 police personnel. We also measured blood pressure (BP) and plasma glucose level of the participants. Individuals were classified as hypertensive (BP ≥ 140/ 90 mmHg), prehypertensive (BP 120-139/ 80-89 mmHg) and normotensive (BP < 120/ 80 mmHg) on the basis of BP and their prevalence were expressed in percentages. Relation of individual, lifestyle, service-related and anthropometric characteristics with hypertension and/or prehypertension was examined with binary logistic regression., Results: Prevalence of hypertension, prehypertension and normotension are 41.9%, 42.9% and 15.2% respectively. Even one-quarter of below 40 years subjects have hypertension. Mean BP remains in the prehypertensive range. Prevalence of hypertension and mean BP increases with age. Cardiovascular risk factors show clustering in higher age and with hypertension. Older age group, male gender, abdominal obesity, diabetes and service length are positively associated with hypertension and/or prehypertension. Around 40% of hypertensive knew their status, three-quarter of aware subjects received treatment and only one-third of treated subjects have controlled BP (< 140/ 90 mmHg)., Conclusion: High prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension, high mean BP, mean age above 40 years and clustering of other risk factors pose a greater risk of cardiovascular morbidity in the current study population.

Background: Lack of motorized transport in remote areas and cash in resource-constrained settings are major obstacles to women accessing skilled care when giving birth. To address these issues, a cashless voucher transport scheme to enable women to give birth in a health-care institution, covering poor and marginalized women, was initiated by the National Rural Health Mission in selected districts of India in 2009., Methods: The access to and utilization of the voucher scheme were assessed between December 2010 and February 2011 through a qualitative study in the district of Purulia, West Bengal, India. Data were collected from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women, front-line health-care workers, programme managers and service providers., Results: The main factors influencing coverage and utilization of the scheme were: reliance on ill-prepared gram panchayats (village councils) for identification of eligible women; poor birth preparedness initiatives by health-care workers; over-reliance on telephone communication; restricted availability of vehicles, especially at night and in remote areas; no routine monitoring; drivers' demand for extra money in certain situations; and low reimbursement for drivers for long-distance travel., Conclusion: Departure from guidelines, ritualistic implementation and little stress on preparedness of both the community and the health system were major obstacles. Increased enthusiasm among stakeholders and involvement of the community would provide opportunities for strengthening the scheme.

Context: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is crucial in averting maternal morbidity and mortality., Objectives: To find out awareness and practices regarding BPCR among pregnant and recently delivered women in Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal., Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, community-based, mixed methods study. Two-stage, 40 cluster sampling technique was used to select three pregnant and six recently delivered women separately. Information on socio-demographic variables as well as awareness and practices regarding BPCR were collected through semi-structured interview. In-depth interviews with one respondent per cluster were also conducted. For statistical analysis Z test was used., Results: Around 50% of the respondents planned for first antenatal check-up (ANC) within 12 weeks, four or more ANCs and institutional delivery. Proportion of women aware of at least one key danger sign each of pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and newborn ranged from 12.1% to 37.2%, whereas 58.3% knew at least one key component of essential newborn care. Around two-thirds and one-third of women, respectively, especially those from backward and below poverty line (BPL) families knew about cash incentive and referral transport schemes. Proportions of women with first ANC within 12 weeks, four or more ANCs, institutional delivery, saving money, identifying transport, and blood donor were 50.4%, 33.6%, 46.2%, 40.8%, 27.3%, and 9.6%, respectively. Hindu religion, backward castes, BPL status, and education ≥ 5 years influenced the practices except for two regarding ANC. Overall BPCR index of the study population was 34.5., Conclusion: Preparedness in health system, ensuring competence, and motivation of workers are needed for promoting BPCR among the study population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 under-two slum-dwelling children in Bankura town, West Bengal, to assess their feeding practices and its association with nutritional status. Child's gender, number of family members, standard of living (SLI), and household food security (HFS) were assessed through interview of mothers/ caregivers. Child feeding practices were measured with Composite Child Feeding Index comprising of age-appropriate, multiple, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators and expressed in standardized IYCF score. Weight and length of the children were measured and the nutritional status was assessed using World Health Organization Growth Standard 2006. Standardized IYCF score was significantly lower in undernourished children than those with normal grades. Per unit increase in standardized IYCF score was likely to reduce the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting by 2-3% after adjusting for other variables. Low/ very low HFS, low SLI and female gender were associated with underweight and stunting.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among police personnel (N = 1817) in Bankura District, West Bengal, India to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and its correlates during July-November, 2011. Participants were enquired about their age, gender, physical activity, and predominant occupational activity. Diagnosis of DM, IFG, and IGT was based on a history, fasting, and 2-h post-load blood glucose estimation as per World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) were estimated. Out of 1817 subjects, DM was found in 15%, 1.1% had IFG and 5.7% had IGT. Age >50 years, family history of diabetes, hypertension, and abdominal obesity were found to be significantly associated with DM and IGT, whereas IFG was significantly associated with the family history of diabetes and hypertension. High prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetic condition warrants early effective intervention to keep the police force healthy and agile.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the prevalence of composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) among 117 slum dwelling under-five children in Bankura town, West Bengal and its relation with some common socio-economic factors. Among study population, the prevalence of underweight was 41.6%, whereas CIAF was 80.3%. CIAF gave a near complete estimation of undernutrition unlike underweight. Children who were unimmunized, with more number of siblings, living in a nuclear family, or with illiterate mothers were more likely to be undernourished.

'Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)' was implemented in India to promote institutional deliveries among the poorer section of the society. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bankura district among 324 women who delivered in last 12 months selected through 40 cluster technique to find out institutional delivery rate, utilization of JSY during antenatal period and relation between cash benefit under JSY during antenatal period and institutional delivery. Overall institutional delivery rate was 73.1% and utilization of JSY among eligible women was 50.5%. Institutional delivery (84.0%), consumption of 100 iron-folic acid tablets (46.0%) and three or more antenatal check-ups (91.0%) were better in women who received financial assistance from JSY during antenatal period than other women. After adjustment for socio-demographic factors, JSY utilization came out to be significantly (P=0.031) associated with institutional deliveries. The study showed that cash incentive under JSY in antenatal period had positive association on institutional deliveries.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Purulia district, West Bengal, India, to assess the skill of 155 frontline workers implementing Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) and the logistic support thereof. The skills of counting respiratory rate, assessing immunization status in both age groups, assessment of breastfeeding in young infants and plotting of weight in a growth chart in case of children aged 2-59 months were acquired by majority of workers. Around two-thirds workers synthesized correct classification and nearly 60% gave appropriate management of at least one subgroup. In 30-40% cases, carers received feeding advices. Around 50% casesheets were complete and timely report submission rate was nearly 70%. Necessary equipments were available with majority of workers except the utensils for preparation of ORS. The supply of essential drugs varied from 33.5 to 71.6%. These findings suggest that IMNCI program offered a scope for capacity-building and infrastructure strengthening of the health system.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 188 tribal children aged 6-59 months using two-stage sampling in Bankura-I Block of Bankura district, West Bengal, India, to assess their nutritional status and its relation with household food security. Weight and height/length were measured and analyzed as per new WHO Growth Standards. Mothers of the study children were interviewed to obtain relevant information. Prevalence of Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure was 69.1%; and multiple anthropometric failures were more likely among tribal children aged 24-59 months with irregular utilization of supplementary nutrition and from households with severe grades of food security.

Background: Strengthening food security enhancement intervention should be based on the assessment of household food security and its correlates., Objectives: The objective was to find out the prevalence and factors contributing to household food security in a tribal population in Bankura., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 tribal households in Bankura-I CD Block selected through cluster random sampling. Household food security was assessed using a validated Bengali version of Household Food Security Scale-Short Form along with the collection of information regarding the monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE), total to earning member ratio, BPL card holding, utilization of the public distribution system (PDS) and receipt of any social assistance through a house-to-house survey., Result and Conclusion: Overall, 47.2% of study households were food secure whereas 29.6% and 23.2% were low and very low food secure, respectively. MPCE ≥ Rs. 356, total to earning member ratio ≤ 4:1, regular utilization of PDS, and nonholding of the BPL card were significantly related with household food security.

A cross-sectional, community based study was undertaken in Patpur slum of Bankura to determine the prevalence of chest symptomatics, their health care seeking Behavior and its correlates. Prevalence of chest symptomatics (cough for 3 weeks or more) was found to be 5.5%, three fourths of whom sought relief from a health care provider. Among them, 70.8% did so within 2 weeks, median being 7 days. No preference for either government or private health care provider was seen in first visit, where the major reason for choosing facilities was advice by family & friends (43.8%). Most of the chest symptomatics (75%) were retained in the same facility. Shift from private to government facility for subsequent visits (33.3%) was higher than from government to private facility (16.7%). The main reason (50%) for changing health facility was expectation for better service.

A cross-sectional study using lot quality technique was undertaken among a sample of 198 women in 18 sub-centers (lots) of Bankura-I Community Development Block who had delivered in last 12 months preceding the survey to find out the sub-center(s) with 'acceptable' coverage (> or = 50%) and overall coverage of 'appropriate' antenatal care of the block. Registration before 12 weeks, three antenatal check-ups with checking of BP, weight, edema and abdominal examination, distribution of 100 IFA tablets and adequate tetanus prophylaxis were taken collectively as a measure of'appropriate' antenatal care. Out of 18 sub-centers, only one had 'acceptable' coverage of appropriate antenatal care. The overall coverage of 'appropriate' antenatal care was 29.1% in the study Block.

Undernutrition is the major threat to the health and well-being of preschool children in India. To assess the prevalence of undernutrition along with the risk factors among 1-3 years children, a community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in villages served by Matigara sub-centre in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurement of 256 children was done as per WHO guidelines along with collection of sociocultural and healthcare related information. Z-score was calculated (NCHS reference) and the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 46.9%, 52.3% and 15.2% respectively. Composite, index of anthropometric failure was 65.6%. Anthropometric failure was significantly associated with low income, more number of siblings, nuclear family, short duration of exclusive breastfeeding, later initiation of complementary feeding, immunisation status, mothers' BMI, episodes of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection. Multipronged intervention is to be initiated to address this staggering problem of undernutrition.

Efforts to adapt and extend graphic arts printing techniques for demanding device applications in electronics, biotechnology and microelectromechanical systems have grown rapidly in recent years. Here, we describe the use of electrohydrodynamically induced fluid flows through fine microcapillary nozzles for jet printing of patterns and functional devices with submicrometre resolution. Key aspects of the physics of this approach, which has some features in common with related but comparatively low-resolution techniques for graphic arts, are revealed through direct high-speed imaging of the droplet formation processes. Printing of complex patterns of inks, ranging from insulating and conducting polymers, to solution suspensions of silicon nanoparticles and rods, to single-walled carbon nanotubes, using integrated computer-controlled printer systems illustrates some of the capabilities. High-resolution printed metal interconnects, electrodes and probing pads for representative circuit patterns and functional transistors with critical dimensions as small as 1 mum demonstrate potential applications in printed electronics.

Effects of methanolic extract (ME) of Cassia fistula seed on the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and on the life span of tumor bearing mice were studied. ME treatment showed an increase of life span, and a decrease in the tumor volume and viable tumor cell count in the EAC tumor hosts. Cytological studies have revealed a reduction in the mitotic activity, and the appearance of membrane blebbing and intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the treated tumor cells. Improvement in the hematological parameters following ME treatment, like hemoglobin content, red blood cell count and bone marrow cell count of the tumor bearing mice have also been observed. The results of the present study suggest that ME of C. fistula seed has an antitumor activity.

Through energy minimization using molecular mechanics force field four ruthenium cordinate complexes have been synthesized. Compound I to IV showed antineoplastic activity with varying degree on EAC bearing mice. Mode of action may be through inhibition of antioxidant property of tumor cell as evident from lipid peroxidase activity. Among the complexes Bis pyridine tetrachloro ruthenium exhibits highest order of activity with respect to increase mean survival time, inhibition of tumour volume, total blood count, hemoglobin and lipid peroxidase activity.

Genetically marked hepatocytes from dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV+ Fischer 344 rats were transplanted into the liver of DPPIV- mutant Fischer 344 rats after a combined treatment with retrorsine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid that blocks the hepatocyte cell cycle, and two-thirds partial hepatectomy. In female rats, clusters of proliferated DPPIV+ hepatocytes containing 20 to 50 cells/cluster, mostly derived from single transplanted cells, were evident at 2 weeks, increasing in size to hundreds of cells per cluster at 1 month and 1000 to several thousand cells per cluster at 2 months, representing 40 to 60% of total hepatocyte mass. This level of hepatocyte replacement remained constant for up to 1 year, the duration of experiments conducted. In male rats, liver replacement occurred more rapidly and was more extensive, with transplanted hepatocytes representing 10 to 15% of hepatocyte mass at 2 weeks, 40 to 50% at 1 month, 90 to 95% at 2 months, 98% at 4 months, and 99% at 9 months. Transplanted hepatocytes were integrated into the parenchymal plates, exhibited unique hepatic biochemical functions, and fully reconstituted a normal hepatic lobular structure. The extensive proliferation of transplanted cells in this setting of persistent inhibition of resident hepatocytes represents a new general model to study basic aspects of liver repopulation with potential applications in chronic liver disease and ex vivo gene therapy.

A new mycotoxin product (NMP) was isolated from the culture of mutated wild strain of P. nigricans which is less toxic and has sterol derivative. NMP (LD50 > 1 g/kg) showed antimicrobial and antineoplastic activities and does not affect the hematological parameters like RBC count and hemoglobin. It maintained normal blood glucose level by increasing the enzyme activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC-1.1.1.49; G-6-PDH) by 30%. It also maintained the normal ion balance in the blood of mice. NMP decreased Km value of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and thus increased substrate affinity of the enzyme. Reduction of toxicity of NMP has been well explained by higher activity of G-6-PDH which is highly specific for production of NADPH.

Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography was performed using an ultrasound fiberscope in 20 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension (6 alcoholic patients, 4 patients with hepatitis B surface antigen positive, and 10 cryptogenic patients) and in 10 patients with irritable bowel syndrome as controls. Rectal varices were diagnosed endoscopically when either tortuous or saccular distended veins were seen beneath the mucosa. At rectal endoscopic ultrasonography rectal varices were seen as rounded or oval echo-free structures in the submucosa. Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography also showed perirectal veins outside the rectal wall. Rectal varices were detected by endoscopy in 9 patients and by rectal endoscopic ultrasonography in 17 patients. Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography also detected submucosal veins in 3 of 10 controls. The number and size of submucosal veins seen on rectal endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with portal hypertension were greater than in controls (p < 0.01 for both number and size). The size of perirectal veins was greater in patients than in controls (p < 0.05), although their number was no different (p = NS). A perforating vein communicating between a submucosal and perirectal vein was seen in only one patient. Rectal wall thickness was not different in patients and controls (p = NS). Rectal endoscopic ultrasonography was superior to endoscopy in detecting the presence (85% versus 45%, p < 0.01), and number (p < 0.01) of rectal varices. Our study suggests that rectal endoscopic ultrasonography is useful in detecting changes in rectal and perirectal vasculature in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.

A prospective case control study was conducted in 50 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and 10 age and sex matched controls to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in patients with NUD and to correlate symptoms, histology and presence of H pylori in gastric biopsies. Endoscopic biopsies from antrum and fundus were subjected to urease test and histological examination. On histology, H pylori was identified in 27 (54%) NUD patients and in one of 10 controls. Urease test was positive in 31 (62%) antral and 21 (42%) fundal biopsies in patients with NUD and in only one (10%) of 10 antral biopsies in the control group. On histology, gastritis was present in the antrum in 46 (92%) NUD patients and in the fundus in 40 (80%) cases; of these, 27 (54%) and 15 (30%) had H pylori in antral and fundal biopsies respectively. The severity of antral gastritis correlated with the density of H pylori (p < 0.05).

Ribosomal RNA genes were isolated from the germinated conidial and mycelial cells of N. crassa by repeated cycles of 3H-DNA:rRNA reactions followed by hydroxyapatite chromatography. Specificity of multiple copies of those rDNAs with respect to N. crassa cell types was studied. The fraction of N. crassa germinated conidial in vitro labelled 3H-DNA recovered in the presence of rRNA isolated from the same cell type was about 2.2%, when compared with approximately 1.2% rDNAs obtained in mycelial cells. These isolated rDNAs reacted specifically to 26S and 17S rRNAs of eukaryotic (N. crassa) organisms and did not react with 4S tRNAs. rRNA:rDNA reassociation kinetics studies indicate that 90% of the rRNA genes were homogeneous and not identical with the other 10% rRNA genes isolated from N. crassa mycelia. These studies suggest that the possible heterogeneity of rDNA sequences of N. crassa cannot be attributed to inclusion of any tDNA sequences as has been shown in the heterogeneity of rDNA sequences of the bacterium Escherichia coli. The heterogeneity of multiple copies of N. crassa rDNAs could be due to differences in internal or external spacer regions of N. crassa rRNA genes.

The Archean Kolar Schist Belt, south India, is a suture zone where two gneiss terranes and at least two amphibolite terranes with distinct histories were accrted. Amphibolites from the eastern and western sides of the schist belt have distinct incompatible element and isotopic characteristics sugesting that their volcanic protoliths were derived from dint mantle sources. The amphibolite and gneiss terranes were juxtaposed by horizontal compression and shearing between 2530 and 2420 million years ago (Ma) along a zone marked by the Kolar Schist Belt. This history of accretion of discrete crustal terranes resembles those of Phanerozoic convergent margins and thus suggests that plate tectonics operated on Earth by 2500 Ma.

RNase-sensitive DNA polymerase activity (RSDP) was tested in different cell fractions of Neurospora crassa cell types and its morphological mutants. This RSDP was found localized in the microsomal pellet fraction and absent in the purified nuclear pellets isolated from different N. crassa cell types: conidia, germinated conidia, and mycelia. This enzyme is capable of synthesizing a DNA product only in the presence of all four deoxyribonucleoside-5' - triphosphates and Mg2+. Removal of RNA from the pellet fraction by RNase strongly inhibited the DNA synthesis. The endogenous synthesis of DNA in the microsomal pellet fraction was associated with the formation of an RNA:DNA hybrid as analyzed by Cs2SO4 equilibrium density gradient centrifugation. The DNA product after alkali hydrolysis hybridizes with the RNA isolated from the same pellet fraction, as analyzed by elution from hydroxylapatite column at 60C. This DNa product did not hybridize with poly (A). A few mutants tested showed this RNase-sensitive DNA polymerase activity.

We report the use of ketoconazole to control disseminated intravascular coagulation due to prostatic carcinoma. Clinical improvement in the condition of the patient was noted in 48 hours and coagulation profile became normal in 10 days.