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In the body physiology, gonads (i.e. testes and ovaries) and lymphoid organs are most important tissues in terms of metabolism and dynamicity as functional activities of lymphoid organ and gonad are multistep and energy consuming processes they are always performing a number of biochemical reactions. As a causative effect of the same generation of free radicals are quite obvious. Thus, enormous production of free radicals can limit the proper functional management of lymphoid organ and gonad. We noted significantly high levels of SOD, Catalase, GPx activities and ABTS levels in lymphoid organs and gonads of goats during monsoon and significantly low during winter particularly in lymphoid organs. However, all the parameters were significantly high in gonads during winter only. Malonaldihyde; MDA a marker for lipid peroxidation presented a reverse pattern of activity level than SOD being significantly high during summer but the level was significantly low during monsoon and winter. The glucocorticoid receptor expression was significantly high in spleen and thymus of males during monsoon but the level was significantly high only during monsoon in lymphoid organs of males. All the free radical parameters cumulatively suggest that, monsoon and winter are the seasons of stress for both the sexes of goats as suggested by elevated level of glucocorticoid receptor and thus to counteract the elevated stress level melatonin acted as a “coupler” which not only increased the free radical scavenging enzymes but also scavenged free radicals as an amphipatic free molecules particularly during winter. Winter is the most challenging season for female goats due to “cold stress” as well as “gestational stress” along with energy demanding mega two major events i.e. Maintenance of immunity and gestation is occurring simultaneously.

The immune system is coordinated by a number of cytokines which are regarded as chemical messengers of immunity. Some of them are pro-inflammatory (e.g. IL-2), some are anti-inflammatory (e.g. IL-6), some can be regarded as a switch between pro and anti-inflammatory processes (e.g. TNF-α). Further, immune regulation in body is a proper balance between mitosis and apoptosis occurring simultaneously in the body. In the present chapter we explored the spleen and thymus functions by assessing %SR and % apoptotic rate of splenocytes and thymocytes being significantly high levels of cell proliferation (in terms of %SR) and apoptosis rate during monsoon and winter seasons. We noted IL-2 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine), IL-6 (an anti-inflammatory cykine), TNF-α (a switch between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine) and IFN-γ (a marker of viral infection) in circulation of goats. We noted significantly high levels of IL-2 and TNF-α levels during monsoon and winter but IFN-γ and IL-6 levels were only high during monsoon. Hence, to ameliorate the elevated inflammatory stress level particularly during monsoon goats have evolved a number of adaptive strategies. But, simultaneously during monsoon the gonadal steroid levels are also high which are reported as immune suppressor. Thus, the basic query may arise how goats are proved to be a better survivor under the season of stress (particularly during monsoon) when the level of potent immune enhancer neurohormone melatonin level is also low.

The processes of modern urbanization across the Global South have generated an intense debate. While mainstream researchers view it as largely inclusive and advocating for slum development, critics...

Melatonin loaded PLA-Nano particles are nowadays important in biological system for it’s biodegradable nature for targetted drug delivery. Hence, aim of the study is to note applicability and toxicity of Mel-PLA-Nano particles in osteoprosis. Different concentrations of melatonin and PLA were prepared by dissolving in dichloromethane (DCM). The final dried nano-paticles were used for structural analysis by SEM, TEM, FTIR. Toxicity and immunological impact of nano-particles were evaluated on rats; control and nano-particle treated, (n=5/group) for 7 days. Afterwards animals were sacrificed and blood, liver and kidney were collected. A fraction of blood was processed for TLC, DLC and % LC, remaining was centrifuged at 3000x g at 4°C for 30 min. Seperated plasma was used for measurements of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, urea, creatinine and BUN. Both plasma and tissue homogenates were used for AST, ALT, ACP, ALP estimations. We noted signifacntly high (p < 0.05) levels of TLC, DLC, %LC and IL-2, TNF-α upon treatment. Rest of the parametrs were found to be significantly low (IL-6, IL-1β, AST, ALT; p > 0.05) or un-affected (IFN-γ, ACP and ALP). From our preliminary study we may conclude that we have synthesized Mel-PLA-nano-particles and their effects were non-toxic to animals.

Water Scarcity is one of the most important environmental hazards world-over associated with atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. In spite of receiving intensive orographic rainfall, different sources of fresh water; most parts of the population is facing increasing water scarcity day by day. It is more prevalent in the under developed as well as developing countries, than in comparison to the developed ones. The water scarcity is having multiple reasons behind it. in the broader sense, the causes behind the water crisis are mainly of two types. They are either natural or anthropological. The present paper tries to focus on the mechanisms of water scarcity from the perspectives of physical processes and anthropogenic processes. Today's water scarcity in the developing and under developed world is mostly triggered by anthropogenic activities decreasing water supply both in relative term and absolute term. This paper finally presents some measures that can be taken to reduce the hazardous effects of water scarcity for sustainable development of the ecologically fragile ecosystems. At the end, this paper also tries to throw some light as a solution to this problem (in a long term way) for betterment of inhabitants of those water scarce regions of the world.

Cannabis sativa is a cheap hallucinating agent used in different parts of the world from time unknown as a part of various religious as well as social practices. Cannabis which is a special type of Marijuana can provide temporary relief from analgesia, body pain, and in some other clinical conditions. But impacts of Cannabis on reproductive health of males and females are multi-faceted and differentially fatal. In males, Cannabis can cause changes in testicular morphology, sperm parameters (in terms of semen quality, sperm morphology, sperm mortality, and sperm motility), male reproductive hormones and finally causing reduced libido. In females, Cannabis can reduce female fertility by disrupting hypothalamic release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced estrogen and progesterone production and anovulatory menstrual cycles. Current research suggest that Cannabis may negatively impact on male and female fertility conditions. However, male sterility considering the Cannabis impact is totally lacking in human as well as in sub-human primates. However, very limited studies are available on Cannabis effect on primate female reproduction considering Rhesus monkeys. Hence, further studies are needed to validate that robust findings in animal models will carry over into human experience.

The abrupt-hit of Covid-19 pandemic has not only wrecked terrible damage in India’s public health but also plunged the country into a deesocio-economic crisis

Melatonin-loaded PLA nanoparticles are nowadays important in biological system for its biodegradable nature for targeted drug delivery. Hence, aim of the study is to note applicability and toxicity of Mel-PLA nanoparticles in osteoporosis. Different concentrations of melatonin and PLA were prepared by dissolving in dichloromethane (DCM). The final dried nanoparticles were used for structural analysis by SEM, TEM, and FTIR. Toxicity and immunological impact of nanoparticles were evaluated on rats: control and nanoparticle treated (n = 5/group) for 7 days. Afterward animals were sacrificed and blood, liver, and kidney were collected. A fraction of blood was processed for TLC, DLC, and %LC, and the remaining was centrifuged at 3000x g at 4 °C for 30 min. Separated plasma was used for measurements of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, urea, creatinine, and BUN. Both plasma and tissue homogenates were used for AST, ALT, ACP, and ALP estimations. We noted significantly high (p 0.05) or unaffected (IFN-γ, ACP, and ALP). From our preliminary study, we may conclude that we have synthesized Mel-PLA nanoparticles and their effects were nontoxic to animals.

The abrupt-hit of Covid-19 pandemic has not only wrecked terrible damage in India’s public health but also plunged the country into a deep socio-economic crisis. The prevalence of pandemic in cities has unquestionably augmented chronic distress among the urban poor living in a slum. Thus the paper strives to examine the contributing physical, social and economic factors that multiply the vulnerability of the slum dwellers due to Covid-19. And it also critically analyses the measures designed by the State to enable the slum dwellers in coping against Covid-19.

Background Indian youths aged 13-15 years, are exposed to cigarette advertisements on billboards, increased from 71.6% in 2006 to 74.4% in 2009 as revealed by GYTS 2006 and 2009. In West Bengal 28.6% of adults are exposed to cigarette advertising and while 31.1 and 36.2 percent are exposed to Bidi and smokeless tobacco advertisements respectively as showed by GATS 2010. However, COTPA, 2003 prohibits advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of all tobacco products under Section 5. Methods 4 Boroughs (cluster of 10-115 Municipal wards) out of total 15 have been selected randomly keeping in mind their location- i.e. South, North, Central and East for collecting samples. The sample size has been enumerated at the level of 95% confidence interval with 50% compliance rate while the design effect of the study was 1.0. The Epi-info 7 software has been used for the purpose. The data was collected with help of the checklist prepared by The Union. The focus was on the POS advertisements only. For documentary evidences to be produced before the Kolkata Municipal Corporation photographs of POSs were taken. Results 64.1% POSs in Kolkata display various kinds of advertisements. 39% POSs display board either with colour or brand name, but only 13.7% Boards are having health warnings on tobacco out of which only 19% is written in local language. 28.3% out of them promote tobacco product through attractive messages. 19.1% POSs have a full body tobacco advertisement. In 92.6% POSs, tobacco products are visible to the minors Conclusions The findings are justifying the immediate need of effective enforcement of Section 5 of COTPA 2003. he documentary evidences led to the writing of letter by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to 4 major tobacco companies to remove the POS boards.

Anthrax is one of the top 10 diseases reported in India and also one of the major causes of death in livestock. This study was conducted to confirm the outbreak of suspected anthrax, determine the transmission mechanism, and implement control measures in Bhatar block of Burdwan district, West Bengal, India. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted through house-to-house visits in Oregram and Kathaldanga villages during the period from May 30, 2013 to June 8, 2013. Out of the 93 persons exposed to anthrax, 11 persons had history of slaughtering, while 82 consumed the meat. All of the 7 cases of suspected anthrax were male (mean age 41.14 ± 10.04 years) and involved in slaughtering the animal. Most cases presented with papule and vesicle over the upper extremity and the trunk. One patient among the suspected cases died. The outbreak was labeled as a suspected anthrax outbreak. A health awareness camp was organized to improve awareness of anthrax among villagers.

Introduction In human, the age dependent changes in the micro-anatomy and histology of different organs are most prevalent along with causes of death. As pineal is a neuro-endocrine gland and is target of various hormones of physiological importance hence, the effect of age and different unnatural causes of death may affect its histology. This aspect of histomorphology has never been studied previously. Therefore, aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in morphology and histology of human pineal gland in different age groups in relation to different causes of death. Methods We collected human samples from young (5–20 yrs), middle aged (21–55 yrs) and old aged (56–95 yrs) individuals under different causes of death like septicemia (S), poisoning (P), hanging (H), burning (B), injury (I) and other reasons which are regarded as control (C) and were processed for morphometric and histological observations. Results Anatomically significant decrease in pineal weight, length, breadth was noted in an age dependent manner. Histological observations suggest a significant increase in numbers as well as size in pineal concretions with increasing age. Further, huge degeneration of pinealocytes and neuronal glial cells was observed upon poisoning and burning cases in comparison to control. But in case of hanging, septicemia and injury there was no significant difference in comparison to control. Discussion It may be concluded that not only the age but also the different causes of death may severely affect the basic micro-architecture of human pineal gland.

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine different domains of quality of life (QOL) and their relationship to sociodemographic characteristics among older people in an urban slum in India. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted (n = 120). Selected individuals were interviewed, and their QOL was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire. Statistical analysis was then performed. Results Of those included in the study population, 61.7% were men, all were Hindus, 46.7% were members of the general caste, 19.2% were illiterate, 35% were unemployed, and 72.5% lived with their joint family (i.e. extended family). Mean scores in each domain studied did not significantly differ between the sexes, age groups, castes, and family types. Subjects with more education, who were married, and with greater income had significantly better QOL scores. Mean scores were also better in certain domains among persons who had their own income and who resided with their children. Conclusion Having low education, being single, lacking personal income, and not living with their children significantly reduced QOL in the elderly subjects. Attention should be given to these factors to help elderly individuals age in a healthy manner.

Addressing the importance of infrastructure development towards inclusive city, the study aims to see the change in the condition of housing, road, latrine, drainage, sewerage, etc. within the slums across states and over time in India. The study has been done with the help of three rounds (49th, 58th and 69th) of NSSO data on slum. Though the condition of slums seems to have improved over time, but it is not satisfactory. However, it seems the improvement of one infrastructural aspect in slum is very much associated with the improvement of others. The factors like ‘Workforce Participation Rate of slums' and overall infrastructure of the state have a positive influence on the infrastructural condition of slums, whereas, per capita NSDP is affecting it negatively. The ‘associations made by the residents of slum for improvement' within the slums seems to have played no role to improve it.

Role of melatonin in regulation of immunity and reproduction has never been studied in detail in goats. The aim of the present study was to explore hormonal regulation of immunity in goats with special reference to melatonin. Plasma of male and female goats (n ¼ 18 per sex per season) was processed for hormonal (estrogen, testostrone, and melatonin) and cytokine (interleukin [IL-2], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor a) measurements during three seasons, i.e., summer, monsoon, and winter. To assess cell-mediated immune response, percent stimulation ratio of thymocytes was recorded during three seasons. To support and establish the modulation by hormones, Western blot analysis for expressions of melatonin receptors (MT1, MT2), androgen receptor, and estrogen receptor a and estimations of marker enzymes, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase for melatonin and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities for steroidogenesis were performed in thymus. All the hormones and cytokines were estimated by commercial kits. Biochemical, immunologic, and Western blot analyses were done by standardized protocols. We noted a significant increase in estrogen and testosterone levels (P < 0.05) in circulation during monsoon along with melatonin (P < 0.05) presenting a parallel relationship. Expressions of melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) in thymus of both the sexes were significantly high (P < 0.01) during winter. Estrogen receptor a expression in female thymus was significantly high during monsoon (P < 0.05). However, androgen receptor showed almost static expression pattern in male thymus during three seasons. Further, both arylalkylamineNacetyltransferase and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme activities were significantly high (P < 0.05; P < 0.01, respectively) during monsoon. These results suggest that there may be a functional parallelism between gonadal steroids and melatonin as melatonin is progonadotrophic in goats. Cell-mediated immune parameters (percent stimulation ratio of thymocytes) and circulatory levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor a) were significantly high (P < 0.01) during monsoon. In vitro supplementation of gonadal steroids to T-cell culture suppressed immunity but cosupplementation with melatonin restored it. Further, we may also suggest that reproductive and immune seasonality are maintained by variations in circulatory hormones and local synthesis of melatonin and gonadal steroids. These functional interactions between melatonin and gonadal steroid might be of great importance in regulating the goat immunity by developing some hormonal microcircuit (gonadal steroid and melatonin) in lymphatic organs.

Objective: Though the adverse effects of pesticides used in agriculture may not immediately be visible in the human population however its long term exposure may cause detrimental effects by biomagnifications and bioaccumulation. Nowadays bioinformatics serves as an in silico tool not only for homology alignment but also for prediction of quaternary structures of biochemicals. The present study was aimed to compare the potential toxicities of triazophos and chlorpyrifos (organophosphates; OPs) and cypermethrin and deltamethrin (pyrethroids) and their interactions with cytochrome P 450 functioning. Methods: The authors performed the BLAST for homology alignment for cytochrome P 450 of human and Zebra fish and further proceeded for docking analysis of all the pesticides with cytochrome P 450. Results: It was noted that 99% of query cover with 32% of homology in the sequences of cytochrome P 450 between human and Zebra fish. Upon docking, the pesticide deltamethrin showed the highest interaction with cytochrome P 450 with highest binding energy and least dissociation constant for Deltamethrin which was found to be 8.233 [kcal/mol] and 922849.687 [pM]. Conclusion: Our preliminary results thus encompass/indicate that the deltamethrin is not only having detrimental effect on enzyme kinetics in general but also such similar effects be apprehended for human also.

This study was carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of tamoxifen (Tmx) loaded poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles (Tmx-NPs) for breast cancer. An in vivo study was conducted to determine the effect of Tmx-NPs on DMBA induced mammary tumor in female Wistar rat. The experimental results showed that the mean diameter of Tmx-NPs was 224 ± 3 nm with 68 ± 2% (w/w) of entrapment efficiency. In in vivo study, the tumor size in rat was significantly reduced (P

Daily variation in circulatory melatonin level, during different seasons, has been reported to influence immune system and free-radical scavenging capacity in mammals, including human beings. Similar studies have not been carried out on small ruminant viz. goats that are susceptible to opportunistic infections, increased oxidative load and sickness during free-grazing activity and frequent exposure to agro-chemicals. Therefore, daily variation in immune status, antioxidant enzyme activity and its possible correlation with circulatory melatonin level during two different seasons, summer (long day) and winter (short day) were studied in the Indian goat, Capra hircus. The clinically important immune parameters, such as total leukocyte count, % lymphocyte count and % stimulation ratio of T-lymphocytes presented a day/night rhythm prominently in the winter. The oxidative load in terms of malonedialdehyde was always low during night while antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant status were high during nighttime (1800 to 0600 hrs). Interestingly, the studied parameters were significantly higher during the winter in both the sexes. Rhythmometric analyses showed prominent rhythmicity in above parameters. The data presented strong positive correlation between high levels of nighttime melatonin levels and immune parameters during winter. It suggests that melatonin possesses immunoenhacing as well as antioxidative property during winter. This might be a necessity for maintenance of physiological harmony in goats to protect them from winter stress.

The aim of this study was to examine different domains of quality of life (QOL) and their relationship to sociodemographic characteristics among older people in an urban slum in India.A cross-sectional study was conducted (n = 120). Selected individuals were interviewed, and their QOL was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire. Statistical analysis was then performed.Of those included in the study population, 61.7% were men, all were Hindus, 46.7% were members of the general caste, 19.2% were illiterate, 35% were unemployed, and 72.5% lived with their joint family (i.e. extended family). Mean scores in each domain studied did not significantly differ between the sexes, age groups, castes, and family types. Subjects with more education, who were married, and with greater income had significantly better QOL scores. Mean scores were also better in certain domains among persons who had their own income and who resided with their children.Having low education, being single, lacking personal income, and not living with their children significantly reduced QOL in the elderly subjects. Attention should be given to these factors to help elderly individuals age in a healthy manner.

Background: Obesity, physical inactivity, and altered estrogen metabolism play integrated role contributing to the disease risk profiles of postmenopausal women (PMW). Aim: To study the correlation of body fat and blood lipids with autonomic nervous system activity in PM Indian women. Subjects and Methods: A total of 60 PM sedentary women without any gross systemic disease were selected as a control group and 23 PMW, who were regularly doing morning walk for 1‑year was selected as a study group. Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip (W/H) ratio were recorded; lipid profile analyzed, and conventional autonomic function tests were carried. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: There was a significant difference in BMI, W/H ratio, lipid profile, autonomic function tests between the two groups. Aging and menopausal duration (MD) were positively correlated with pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, orthostatic tolerance test (OTT), and negatively correlated with Valsalva ratio (VR), deep breath test (DBT), 30:15 relative risk (RR) intervals ratio, isometric hand‑grip test (HGT), cold pressor test (CPT). BMI and W/H ratio were positively correlated with TC, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, OTT, and negatively correlated with isometric HGT, CPT. TC and LDL were negatively correlated with VR, deep breath difference test, 30:15 RR interval ratios, isometric HGT, CPT, and positively correlated with OTT. Multiple regression analysis revealed LDL cholesterol as the only significant independent explanatory variable of DBT. LDL cholesterol and age were the significant independent explanatory variables of 30:15 RR interval ratios, CPT. TC, LDL cholesterol, and age were the significant independent explanatory variables of isometric HGT.Conclusions: Aging, MD, BMI, and W/H ratio all contribute significantly to worsening of autonomic functions and lipid profile. Multiple regression analysis revealed LDL cholesterol as the most significant contributor of worsening of autonomic functions in PM females and regular exercise can improve theseparameters significantly.KEY WORDS: Autonomic functions, blood lipids, body fat, menopause

Background: Thyroid dysfunction has a great impact on lipid profile and other cardiovascular risk factors. Aims: This study was conducted to assess the association between electrocardiography (ECG) changes and lipid profile in newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients in a rural population of eastern India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional pilot project was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in a time span of 1-year on hundred newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients. Fasting blood samples were drawn for assessment of lipid profile followed by Anthropometric measurements. Basal heart rate and blood pressure were recorded, followed by ECG. Results: A total of 85 subjects were female and rest 15 were male. Eleven (73.33%) male hypothyroid patient and 41 (48.24%) female hypothyroid patient had thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level >10. Four (26.67%) male hypothyroid patients and 44 (51.76%) female hypothyroid patients had TSH level ≤10. Fifty-seven hypothyroid patients showed cholesterol level ≤200. Eight (53.33%) male hypothyroid patients and 43 (50.89%) female hypothyroid patient had triglyceride level ≤150 mg/dl. Among 100 hypothyroid patients, 13 (15.29%) female hypothyroid patient had sinus bradycardia and 9 (10.59%) had poor progression of R wave. Two (13.33%) male hypothyroid patient and 19 (22.35%) female hypothyroid patients showed low voltage ECG. QRS complex of ECG showed statistically significant relationship (P < 0.000) with TSH level. All parameters of lipid profile except high-density lipoprotein had a significant negative co-relation with QRS complex. Conclusions: The present study shows that there are exit significant changes in ECG with increased TSH levels and dyslipidemia. Early diagnosis of these changes may help in proper management of these patients.

The modification of a flood hydrograph in a uniformly wide river reach with no downstream control that takes into account the effect of pseudoviscosity terms has been studied graphically by using the method of characteristics as discussed by Abbott. The routed profiles in the ux, hx, ut, and ht planes indicate the usual reduction in peak height and velocity with distance, and the stage discharge curve shows the familiar loop pattern.