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While progress has been made to reduce under-five mortality in India from 52 to 39 per thousand live births by 2015 to meet Millennium Development Goal, it is unequally distributed between regions and remains insufficient to reach by 2015. Further, fishermen community possesses unique characteristics features, and remains homogeneous in socioeconomic and cultural matters. Objectives: 1) To assess the health seeking behaviour of parents for child care in children under five years of age among the fisherman community of Kovalam. 2) To assess the factors associated with health seeking behaviour among the above mentioned population. Material and methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among 260 parents of children under five years of age in fishermen community with six months recall period in Kovalam, India during May to October, 2014 using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of common childhood illness in the previous six months was 93.46% for ARI, 77.69% for ADD, and 69.23% for fever. Majority of them took their sick children (90.82%) immediately to health care facility especially. Conclusion: Health seeking behaviour among parents of children of this specific population was fairly adequate but the prevalence of childhood illnesses was quite high which needs further evaluation.

In this study, seismic behaviour of exterior (T) and corner (L) beam-column joints with conventional reinforcement detailing in the joint region as well as beamcolumn joints with different anchorage patterns were investigated. The behaviour of specimens with conventional reinforcement pattern (CS-T& CS-L) in the joint region is compared with TS-A, TS-B, LS-A and LS-B.TS-A and LS-A indicate specimen with four inclined bars that extend from column to beam, two from the column portion above the joint and two from the column portion below the joint. TS-B and LS-B are the specimens with four bars in beam, two at top and two at the bottom, which were intersected to form ‘X’ shape, provided with round hook anchorage. Steel fibres are included as 1.5% by volume to study the impact of steel fibres in enhancing the performance of beam-column joints. These specimens are indicated as CSF-T, TSF-A, TSF-B, CSF-L, CSF-A, CSF-B. The performances of these 12 specimens are compared in terms of lateral load-displacement hysteresis loop, maximal moment capacity, maximum of shear capacity, load ratio, enegy dissipation capacity, and crack pattern. In this paper the comparison of performances of CS-T, TS-A, TS-B and CSF-T are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While nutrients are administered through various sources and combinations, herbicides are used for pre-plant and pre-emergence weed control in the tomato fields. Therefore, a study was conducted to understand the effects of nutrient fertilisation through inorganic and organic sources along with farmers practice and the application of three herbicides, namely glyphosate, pendimethalin, and metribuzin, individually or in combinations, on earthworm activity in tomato crops. The herbicides caused a significant reduction in earthworm biomass and escapement to the lower 15 cm depth. Application of pendimethalin and metribuzin to soils inorganically fertilised with major and micronutrients resulted in low survival rates and a high ecological risk quotient. The effect was attenuated when farmyard manure was applied. The study suggests that when 2 to 3 herbicides are applied in succession and combined with inorganic fertilisers as nutrient sources, stringent measures like adding organic nutrient sources, applying the correct herbicide combination, etc., must be followed to reduce their toxicity to earthworms. This helps to protect and sustain earthworm activity and biodiversity in the soil.

Universal platforms to analyze biomolecules using sensor devices can address critical diagnostic challenges. Sensor devices like electrical-based field-effect transistors play an essential role in sensing biomolecules by charge probing. Graphene-based devices are more suitable for these applications. It has been previously reported that Graphene Field-Effect Transistor (GFET) devices detect DNA hybridization, pH sensors, and protein molecules. Graphene became a promising material for electrical-based field-effect transistor devices in sensing biomarkers, including biomolecules and proteins. In the last decade, FET devices have detected biomolecules such as DNA molecules, pH, glucose, and protein. These studies have suggested that the reference electrode is placed externally and measures the transfer characteristics. However, the external probing method damages the samples, requiring safety measurements and a substantial amount of time. To control this problem, the graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) device is fabricated with an inbuilt gate that acts as a reference electrode to measure the biomolecules. Herein, the monolayer graphene is exfoliated, and the GFET is designed with an in-built gate to detect the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine which plays a significant role in immune regulation and metabolism. Additionally, IL-6 subsidizes a variability of disease states, including many types of cancer development, and metastasis, progression, and increased levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of cancer and can also serve as a prognostic marker for cancer. Here, the protein is desiccated on the GFET device and measured, and Dirac point shifting in the transfer characteristics systematically evaluates the device’s performance. Our work yielded a conductive and electrical response with the IL-6 protein. This graphene-based transducer with an inbuilt gate gives a promising platform to enable low-cost, compact, facile, real-time, and sensitive amperometric sensors to detect IL-6. Targeting this pathway may help develop treatments for several other symptoms, such as neuromyelitis optica, uveitis, and, more recently, COVID-19 pneumonia.

UNESCO Global Geoparks were established in 2015. With respect to sustainable development, there are numerous sites globally that have potential for immediate substantial economic development because of the diverse range of geological phenomena they offer including, among many others, structures, minerals and fossils. UNESCO Global Geoparks play an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This study explored how UNESCO Global Geoparks have been contributing to the local economic development by promoting sustainable geotourism. Literature review was carried out to understand UNESCO Global Geoparks’ strategies on sustainable geotourism, and local community’s participation and involvement in economic activities in UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide. A case study with three UNESCO Global Geoparks in Asia showed that the designation of UNESCO Global Geoparks vitalized economic activities by local communities and brought more visitors to the regions. Moreover, UNESCO Global Geoparks can be a brand with the image of treasured Earth heritage sites, and local communities can utilize the image as a marketing strategy as well as create their own brands along with geoparks.

This study demonstrated the effective reduction of graphene oxide (GO) by employing thiourea as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Two fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus) were used for anti-fungal assay. Cell viability, cell cycle analysis, DNA fragmentation, and cell morphology were assessed to determine the toxicity of thiourea-reduced graphene oxide (T-rGO) on human lung cancer cells. The results revealed that GO and T-rGO were hazardous to cells in a dose-dependent trend. The viability of both A. fumigatus and A. flavus was affected by GO and T-rGO. The reactive oxygen species produced by T-rGO caused the death of A. flavus and A. fumigatus cells. This study highlighted the effectiveness of T-rGO as an antifungal agent. In addition, T-rGO was found to be more harmful to cancer cells than GO. Thus, T-rGO manifested great potential in biological and biomedical applications.

The current research focuses on the fabrication of water-soluble, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) employing thiourea (T) using a simple cost-effective method, and subsequently examining its anticancer characteristics. The cytotoxicity caused by graphene oxide (GO) and T-rGO is investigated in detail. Biological results reveal a concentration-dependent toxicity of GO and T-rGO in human colon cancer cells HT-29. A decrease in cell viability alongside DNA fragmentation is observed. Flow cytometry analysis confirms the cytotoxic effects. The novelty in this work is the use of raw graphite powder, and oxidants such as KMNO4, NaNO3, and 98 percent H2SO4 to produce graphene oxide by a modified Hummers method. This study demonstrates a simple and affordable procedure for utilising thiourea to fabricate a water-soluble reduced graphene oxide, which will be useful in a variety of biomedical applications.

Iron oxide nanoparticles are produced using simple auto combustion methods with honey as a metal-stabilizing and -reducing agent. Herein, α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles are produced using an iron nitrate precursor. These prepared samples are analyzed by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, UV-DRS, and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD results confirm a rhombohedral structure with an R3c¯ space group single-phase formation of α-Fe2O3 in all samples. FESEM images reveal the different morphologies for the entire three samples. TEM analysis exhibits spherical shapes and their distribution on the surfaces. XPS spectroscopy confirms the Fe-2p and O-1s state and their valency. The VSM study shows strong ferromagnetic behavior. The prepared α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles exhibit exceptional charge carriers and radical production. The prepared sample retains excellent photocatalytic, antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Study region: Asia. Study focus: Internationally shared aquifers (Transboundary aquifers; TBAs) are recognised as an important water resource in Asia. Despite their importance, studies on the assessment of TBA resources have received less attention in comparison to transboundary rivers. A lack of expertise, experience, and institutional support has restricted the cooperative and sustainable management of the shared aquifer resources. This study attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the status of transboundary groundwater resources in Asia, including the TBA inventories, socio-economic implications, and future perspectives. Specifically, the study focuses on the progress of the assessment of TBAs in Asia as a result of the Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management Initiative (ISRAM). New hydrological insights for the region: In Asia, TBAs have played a major role in providing freshwater resources and sustaining socio-economic development. Since 2000, many regional cooperative initiatives have achieved considerable progress in developing TBA inventories of Asia, but the level of understanding of the shared aquifer systems remains limited, particularly for the developing countries. Legal and institutional frameworks for regional TBA cooperation are vital, and many countries in Asia have come to recognise the need to cooperate with their neighbours in dealing with TBA governance. Sustainable and equitable management of TBA in Asia requires an increasing effort from different sectors and countries in order to reach mutual acceptance of effective cooperation. Keywords: Transboundary aquifers (TBAs), Groundwater, Asia region, ISARM

Introduction: Basic life support (BLS) with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provided at the right time greatly improves survival following cardiac arrest. Adequate knowledge and skills related to BLS are essential requisites for medical students. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to BLS among undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among 241 undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Tamil Nadu, between May and July 2012, using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire devised based on American Heart Association Guidelines for BLS and CPR 2010. Results: The mean knowledge score of the participants was 4.55 ± 1.21 out of a possible high score of 6. The level of knowledge and attitudes related to BLS varied depending on the year of study, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The knowledge score decreased with increasing duration of training. The higher the year of study, the more positive the participants' attitudes were. Only 12.9% of the participants had ever practised BLS. Twenty-one (21) participants (8.7%) expressed reluctance about performing BLS in a hospital setting, and 57.3% of the participants expressed reluctance about performing BLS in an out-of-hospital setting. Fear of acquiring infection, causing harm to the victim, and lack of confidence were the common causes for participants' reluctance. Conclusions: The study reveals inadequate knowledge and practices related to BLS among students. The differences in knowledge and attitudes among students, depending on the year of study, point to the need for frequent refresher training and motivation of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices on organ donation is essential for better understanding of the community on different aspects of organ donation. It will further help us in improving health education initiatives thereby removing the hurdles behind organ donation. Purpose: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about organ donation among college students in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and to study the association of sociodemographic factors with knowledge, attitude and practice of organ donation among college students in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 440 students aged 18 years and above in Hindustan Arts & Science College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The students were interviewed with a pretested questionnaire. The study was conducted between January 2012 to September 2012. Results: Though all the participants were aware of the term organ donation, knowledge about different aspects was low. 86.1% were not aware of legislation. 75%of respondents were in favor of organ donation, but only about 2% were registered for organ donation. Conclusion: This study implies the need for intensified and sustained education campaign to raise the knowledge on organ donation and its practice among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of disease-related gene expression by DNA hybridization is a useful diagnostic method. In this study a monolayer graphene field effect transistor (GFET) was fabricated for the detection of a particular single-stranded DNA (target DNA). The probe DNA, which is a single-stranded DNA with a complementary nucleotide sequence, was directly immobilized onto the graphene surface without any linker. The VDirac was shifted to the negative direction in the probe DNA immobilization. A further shift of VDirac in the negative direction was observed when the target DNA was applied to GFET, but no shift was observed upon the application of non-complementary mismatched DNA. Direct immobilization of double-stranded DNA onto the graphene surface also shifted the VDirac in the negative direction to the same extent as that of the shift induced by the immobilization of probe DNA and following target DNA application. These results suggest that the further shift of VDirac after application of the target DNA to the GFET was caused by the hybridization between the probe DNA and target DNA.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a major global health problem, causing an estimated 8.8 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths during 2010. The role of private sector in countering this global problem cannot be underestimated. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of two months duration (February - March 2013) was conducted among all the clinical teaching faculty of various departments of a private Medical College in Kancheepuram district. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was designed after thoroughly studying the Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) training modules (Modules 1-4). All the study participants were administered the questionnaire after obtaining their informed consent. Data entry and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17. Results: Out of the 51 study participants only 4(7.8%) were trained in RNTCP. Almost 28(54.9%) participants wrongly responded that three sputum examinations are recommended for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Approximately, half 25(49%) of the clinicians could not correctly ascertain the duration of treatment of TB . Conclusions: As the private sector plays a significant role in diagnosis of a major proportion of TB cases, the RNTCP cannot afford to disregard this sector. The study findings demonstrate wide gaps in knowledge about RNTCP guidelines among clinical faculties. The findings of the study should be an eye-opener for the health policy makers and program managers. Need of the hour is to train all private sector doctors in RNTCP and motivate them to comply with RNTCP guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. It is not only the degree of excess fat that is important, but also its distribution in the body that determines the health risks associated with the condition. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge of medical students pertaining to obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among first-year medical students in March of 2013. A universal sampling method was employed, and all first-year students were included as subjects in the study. The total sample included 138 students. After obtaining informed consent, a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was admini-stered to each of the participants. Utmost care was taken to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17. Frequency distributions and percentages were calculated for all the variables. Results: A lack of physical activity and the presence of stress were identified as the most common risk factors for obesity development. Approximately, 73(52.9%) students were of the incorrect opinion that gynaecoid obesity was more dangerous than android obesity. The most common strategy cited by 107(77.5%) respondents for prevention of obesity was regular exercise. Conclusion: The study revealed that although the majority of the medical students were aware of the risk factors of obesity, many gaps, which need to be bridged, were identified in their knowledge. These medical students could be actively involved in awareness campaigns for delaying the onset of lifestyle diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is a social disease with medical aspects accounting for 8.7 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths in the year 2011 worldwide. International standards for TB care (ISTC) were formulated to develop uniform guidelines for ensuring the delivery of a widely accepted level of care by all health care practitioners in managing TB patients, or those suspected to have tuberculosis. India alone has contributed 25% of the globally reported new cases of TB in 2011 and is also the leading nation in accounting for drug resistant TB (DR-TB). Thus to develop uniform standards of TB care and to engage private sector which caters to more than 70% of TB patients, the "central TB division" has developed standards of TB care in India (STCI). These local standards have been designed after taking into account the guidelines of the World Health Organization and ISTC disease control STCI has proposed 26 standards (viz. diagnosis - 1 to 6; treatment - 7 to 11; public health - 12 to 21; social inclusion - 22 to 26) for effective prevention and control of TB. To conclude, the Indian standards of TB care have been proposed to emphasize on individual patient care and public health principles of disease control for ultimately reducing not only the suffering but also the economic losses from tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of resistance to first-line drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB) has become a significant public health concern and an obstacle in implementation of effective TB control activities globally. In India, Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) introduced the programmatic management of drug-resistant TB (PMDT) services to address the needs of MDR-TB patients. To execute the plan with perfection, RNTCP has devised MDR suspect criteria - A, B, and C so that gradually PMDT services can be extended to the whole country. These criteria were framed to run in tandem with the strengthening of the laboratory services so that the existing certified laboratories can carry out the culture and DST services without being overburdened. Altogether, RNTCP is committed for the strengthening and capacity building of its resources to offer culture and DST services right at the time of diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite access to an array of different contraceptive measures, overpopulation persists in being a major public health concern. Vasectomy is a safe, simple, cost-effective outpatient technique for male sterilization performed under local anesthesia. Irrespective of the multiple benefits associated with vasectomy, acceptance rates among clients have been extremely poor in different settings. To counter this lack, the following have been advocated by program managers: 1) the implementation of multiple measures, such as using mass media to undo the myths and misconceptions associated with vasectomy; 2) the active involvement of men in decision-making pertaining to matters of reproductive health and family planning; 3) the engagement of both spouses in assisting the couple to take an informed decision; 4) the provision of manpower with adequate training regarding procedure and men's reproductive health needs; 5) the involvement of different stakeholders; and 6) the integration of all reproductive health and family planning services under one roof. To conclude, vasectomy is the most dependable and cost-effective approach of contraception for couples who have completed their family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the main target of all child health programs is to ensure a reduction in infant/under-five mortality. Globally the progress has been observed in reducing child mortality rate the average annual rate of reduction has remained persistently low in many developing countries. The Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a cost-effective strategy that advocates use of evidence-based protocol in the management of common etiology of childhood illness. Despite availability of data on the effectiveness of IMCI in child health and health system, current global coverage of IMCI is far from expected. The objective of the present article is to suggest long- term, cost-effective and primary health care based measures which will aid in extending the child health services to the inaccessible areas. IMCI targets children aged between 0-2 months and 2-5 years and encourages the use of simple clinical signs for detecting cases. To maximize the scope of benefit, IMCI program assessment should be done to ascertain the barriers in effective implementation. To conclude, systematic implementation of the IMCI strategy in community well backed by trained health workers can definitely improve the prognosis of childhood illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005 with a vision to provide universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care. In order to ensure that these outcomes are achieved and quality and accountable health services which are responsive and are taking care of the needs of the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. There are flexible mechanisms built into the mission so that local needs and priorities can be identified and addressed and local initiatives promoted. Community based monitoring involves drawing in, activating, motivating, capacity building and allowing the community and its representatives to directly give feedback about the functioning of public health services, including giving inputs for improved planning of the same. In this monitoring process thrust is mainly on 'fact-finding' and 'learning lessons for improvement' rather than 'fault finding'. It is a three-way partnership between healthcare providers and managers; the community and Panchayati Raj Institutions. To conclude, CBM of health services is a key strategy of NRHM to ensure that the services reach to those for whom they are meant. This framework is consistent with the 'Right to Health Care' approach since it places health rights of the community at the center of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased fetal hemoglobin levels lessen the severity of symptoms and increase the lifespan of patients with sickle cell disease. Hydroxyurea, the only drug currently approved for the treatment of sickle cell disease, is not effective in a large proportion of patients and therefore new pharmacological agents that increase fetal hemoglobin levels have long been sought. Recent studies identifying LSD-1 as a repressor of γ-globin expression led to experiments demonstrating that the LSD-1 inhibitor RN-1 increased γ-globin expression in the sickle cell mouse model. Because the arrangement and developmental stage-specific expression pattern of the β-like globin genes is highly conserved between man and baboon, the baboon model remains the best predictor of activity of fetal hemoglobin-inducing agents in man. In this report, we demonstrate that RN-1 increases γ-globin synthesis, fetal hemoglobin, and F cells to high levels in both anemic and non-anemic baboons with activity comparable to decitabine, the most potent fetal hemoglobin-inducing agent known. RN-1 not only restores high levels of fetal hemoglobin but causes the individual 5′ Iγ- and 3′ Vγ-globin chains to be synthesized in the ratio characteristic of fetal development. Increased fetal hemoglobin was associated with increased levels of acetylated Histone H3, H3K4Me2, H3K4Me3, and RNA polymerase II at the γ-globin gene, and diminished γ-globin promoter DNA methylation. RN-1 is likely to induce clinically relevant levels of fetal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell disease, although careful titration of the dose may be required to minimize myelotoxicity.

Nanoporous Au-Fe alloy was synthesized via a wet chemistry route using ordered nanoporous silica as a hard template. The nanoporous Au-Fe consisted of aligned arrays of nanopores that were uniform in composition and ordered in hexagonal lattice, whereas Au-Fe nanoparticles synthesized without templates exhibited broad dispersions in the chemical composition and/or particle size. Nanoporous Au-Fe has potential for applications as catalysts and/or adsorbents because of the large specific surface area of 81.2 m2·g−1 and high pore volume of 0.56 cm3·g−1.

We have shown previously that preterm infants are at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an inflammatory bowel necrosis typically seen in infants born prior to 32 weeks' gestation, because of the developmental deficiency of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 in the intestine. The present study was designed to investigate all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) as an inducer of TGF-β2 in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and to elucidate the involved signaling mechanisms.AtRA effects on intestinal epithelium were investigated using IEC6 cells. TGF-β2 expression was measured using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blots. Signaling pathways were investigated using Western blots, transiently-transfected/transduced cells, kinase arrays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and selective small molecule inhibitors.AtRA-treatment of IEC6 cells selectively increased TGF-β2 mRNA and protein expression in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, and increased the activity of the TGF-β2 promoter. AtRA effects were mediated via RhoA GTPase, Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), p38α MAPK, and activating transcription factor (ATF)-2. AtRA increased phospho-ATF2 binding to the TGF-β2 promoter and increased histone H2B acetylation in the TGF-β2 nucleosome, which is typically associated with transcriptional activation.AtRA induces TGF-β2 expression in IECs via RhoA- and p38α MAPK-mediated activation of the transcription factor ATF2. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of atRA as a protective/therapeutic agent in gut mucosal inflammation.