Differential in Utilization of Maternal Care Services in Empowered Action Group States, India (1990-2006)

Background: Low use of maternal care services is one of the reasons why child mortality and maternal mortality is still considerably high in India. Most maternal deaths are preventable if mothers receive essential health care before, during, and after childbirth. In India, the eight socioeconomically backward states referred to as the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states; lag behind in the demographic transition and low utilization of maternal health care services. Addressing the maternity care needs of women may have considerable ramifications for achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG – 5). Aims & Objectives:  To explore the prevalence, trends and factors associated with the utilization of maternal care services in Empowered Action Group States, India (1990-2006). Material Methods: Data from three rounds of the round of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), known as the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of India were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate-pooled logistic regression model were applied to examine the utilization of the maternal and child health care trends over time. Result: The results from analysis indicate that the full ANC and skilled birth attendant (SBA) has increased from 17% and 20% to 25% and35% respectively during the last one and half decade (1990-2006). Conclusion: Various socioeconomic and demographic factors are associated with the utilization of maternal care services in EAG states, India. Promoting the use of family planning, female education, targeting vulnerable groups such as poor, illiterate, high parity women, involving media and grass root level workers and collaboration between community leaders and health care system could be some important policy level interventions to address the unmet need of maternal and child health care services among women. The study concludes that much of these differentials are social constructs that can be reduced by prioritizing the needs of the disadvantaged and adopting appropriate policy change options in EAG states in Indi

The role of intravenous aminoacid infusion in case of oligohydramnios in improving pregnancy outcome

Background: Adequate amniotic fluid volume is essential for the normal growth and well-being of the foetus. Diminished liquor or oligohydramnios is quite often associated with abnormal foetal outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, foetal anomaly, malpresentation, post maturity syndrome and foetal distress in labour.Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, at PDZH, RNT Medical College, Udaipur in the year 2020-2021. The study group comprised sonographically proven cases of Oligohydramnios in third trimester attending antenatal clinic and those admitted in wards and clean labour room.Results: Patient with severe oligohydramnios (AFI<5) 17% chance of persistent oligohydramnios and patient with borderline oligohydramnios (AFI 5-8) had 83% on 1st ANC visit, which improved at the time of delivery to 28% with normal AFI and 67% (5-8 AFI).Conclusions: Antepartum AFI assessment is one of the most reliable and inexpensive standard technique for assessment of foetal wellbeing in antepartum period. This is a good predictor of foetal wellbeing. oligohydramnios means that the foetus is in a compromised condition. Amniotic fluid index assessment is a helpful tool in determine who is at risk for adverse outcome during labour and delivery. This helps in instituting appropriate corrective measures so that interventional procedures can be undertaken in the interest of unborn baby.

Effect of certain indigenous technical knowledge on the management of red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae) in tea

An investigation was carried out at Deha Tea Estate, Jorhat, Assam during 2015-16 by using different indigenous technicalknowledge (ITK) prevalent among different small tea growers. Fish extract at (0.25, 0.5 and 1%), Polygonum hydropiper at (2.5,5 and 7.5%) and Azadirachtin (Neemazal-F 5%) were evaluated in field conditions against tea mite. The result showed that fishextract in combination with cow dung, cow urine and water when sprayed at one per cent concentration, significantly reduced redspider mite population (96.5%), percentage of leaves infestation (5.2%) and leaf area infested by the mite (11.6%). P. hydropiperin combination with cow urine and water when sprayed at 7.5 per cent concentration significantly reduced red spider mitepopulation (87.5%), percentage of infestation (9.1%) and leaf area infested by the mite (12.9%). Among all the ITKs, fish extractat one per cent caused higher reduction of infestation of red spider mite followed by P. hydropiper extract at 7.5 per cent.Influence of both the treatments on the management of red spider mite was at par with that of commercial Azadirachtin

Evaluation of insecticides against cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and their safety to important predators

254-262Cotton plays an important role in the world economy by supplying raw materials to different manufacturing units. Of late, it is being seriously attacked by the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. The biological control involving coccinellid beetles and chrysopids as predators could lead to ecologically sustainable mealybug control. Here, in the context of conservation of natural enemies, we exploredthe efficacy of insecticides on the cotton mealybug and also safety to other predators. Six insecticides viz; chlorpyrifos 20 EC (0.05%), endosulfan 35 EC (0.07%), monocrotophos 36 SL (0.04%), malathion 50 EC (0.12%), dichlorvos 76 EC (0.15%), and alphamethrin 10 EC (0.01%) were tested for their residual toxicity against the mealybug, P. solenopsis and its coccinellid predators. Studies revealed that, both chlorpyrifos and malathion showed highest toxicity in terms of mean mortality (100%) to female mealybugs at 24 h of exposure as against lowest in endosulfan (35%). Interestingly, chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos, which proved toxic to mealybug were less toxic to the grubs of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, registering only 21.66 per cent and 34.16 per cent mortality, respectively. These insecticides when offered to the adults along with honey differed in toxicity as stomach poison at 24 hrs of exposure. Endosulfan registered mortality to the tune of 60 and 70% against Coccinella septempunctata and Cheilomenes sexmaculata, respectively. However, stomach toxicity pertaining to the insecticide-sprayed mealybugs as prey offered to all the three species of predators indicated that the insecticides, chlorpyrifos and endosulfan were lesser toxic to these wherein mean mortality ranged from 38.09 to 56.66 and 50 to 65.71%, respectively. Dichlorvos was the most toxic, registering 100% mortality for all 3 predators viz. Nephus regularis, Scymnus coccivora and Hyperaspis maindroni. The release of C. montrouzieri coupled with chlorpyrifos is likely to be a better option for the management of mealybugs infesting several agri-horticultural crops

Evaluation of insecticides against cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and their safety to important predators

Cotton plays an important role in the world economy by supplying raw materials to different manufacturing units. Of late, it is being seriously attacked by the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. The biological control involving coccinellid beetles and chrysopids as predators could lead to ecologically sustainable mealybug control. Here, in the context of conservation of natural enemies, we exploredthe efficacy of insecticides on the cotton mealybug and also safety to other predators. Six insecticides viz; chlorpyrifos 20 EC (0.05%), endosulfan 35 EC (0.07%), monocrotophos 36 SL (0.04%), malathion 50 EC (0.12%), dichlorvos 76 EC (0.15%), and alphamethrin 10 EC (0.01%) were tested for their residual toxicity against the mealybug, P. solenopsis and its coccinellid predators. Studies revealed that, both chlorpyrifos and malathion showed highest toxicity in terms of mean mortality (100%) to female mealybugs at 24 h of exposure as against lowest in endosulfan (35%). Interestingly, chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos, which proved toxic to mealybug were less toxic to the grubs of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, registering only 21.66 per cent and 34.16 per cent mortality, respectively. These insecticides when offered to the adults along with honey differed in toxicity as stomach poison at 24 hrs of exposure. Endosulfan registered mortality to the tune of 60 and 70% against Coccinella septempunctata and Cheilomenes sexmaculata, respectively. However, stomach toxicity pertaining to the insecticide-sprayed mealybugs as prey offered to all the three species of predators indicated that the insecticides, chlorpyrifos and endosulfan were lesser toxic to these wherein mean mortality ranged from 38.09 to 56.66 and 50 to 65.71%, respectively. Dichlorvos was the most toxic, registering 100% mortality for all 3 predators viz. Nephus regularis, Scymnus coccivora and Hyperaspis maindroni. The release of C. montrouzieri coupled with chlorpyrifos is likely to be a better option for the management of mealybugs infesting several agri-horticultural crops

MRI to assess chemoprevention in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The current method to determine the efficacy of chemoprevention in TRAMP mouse model of carcinoma of prostate (CaP) is by extracting and weighing the prostate at different time points or by immunohistochemistry analysis. Non-invasive determination of volumes of prostate glands and seminal vesicles before, during and after treatment would be valuable in investigating the efficacy of newer chemopreventive agents in CaP. The purpose of this study was to determine whether <it>in vivo </it>magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 3 tesla clinical MRI system can be used to follow the effect of chemoprevention in TRAMP model of mouse CaP.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Mice were randomized into control and treated groups. The animals in treated group received 10 µmol/kg of CDDO, 5 days a week for 20 weeks. Animals underwent <it>in vivo </it>MRI of prostate gland and seminal vesicles by a clinical 3 Tesla MRI system just before (at 5 weeks), during and at the end of treatment, at 25 weeks. T1-weighted and fat saturation (FATSAT) multiecho fast spin echo T2- weighted images (T2WI) were acquired. Volume of the prostate glands and seminal vesicles was determined from MR images. T2 signal intensity changes in the seminal vesicles were determined by subtracting higher echo time (TE) from lower TE T2WI. Following treatments all animals were sacrificed, prostate and seminal vesicles collected, and the tissues prepared for histological staining. All data were expressed as mean ± 1 standard deviation. Two-way or multivariate analysis of variance followed by post-hoc test was applied to determine the significant differences. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Histological analysis indicated tumor in 100% of control mice, whereas 10% of the treated mice showed tumor in prostate gland. Both MRI and measured prostate weights showed higher volume/weight in control mouse group. MRI showed significantly higher volume of seminal vesicles in control animals and T2 signal intensity changes in seminal vesicles of control mice indicating higher number of tumor foci, which was also proven by histology.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p><it>In vivo </it>MRI is helpful in determining the efficacy of chemoprevention of prostate cancer in TRAMP mice.</p

Tolfenamic Acid Induces Apoptosis and Growth Inhibition in Head and Neck Cancer: Involvement of NAG-1 Expression

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) is induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and possesses proapoptotic and antitumorigenic activities. Although tolfenamic acid (TA) induces apoptosis in head and neck cancer cells, the relationship between NAG-1 and TA has not been determined. This study investigated the induction of apoptosis in head and neck cancer cells treated by TA and the role of NAG-1 expression in this induction. TA reduced head and neck cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. The induced apoptosis was coincident with the expression of NAG-1. Overexpression of NAG-1 enhanced the apoptotic effect of TA, whereas suppression of NAG-1 expression by small interfering RNA attenuated TA-induced apoptosis. TA significantly inhibited tumor formation as assessed by xenograft models, and this result accompanied the induction of apoptotic cells and NAG-1 expression in tumor tissue samples. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TA induces apoptosis via NAG-1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, providing an additional mechanistic explanation for the apoptotic activity of TA

NOXA-Induced Alterations in the Bax/Smac Axis Enhance Sensitivity of Ovarian Cancer Cells to Cisplatin

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death from gynecologic malignancy. Deregulation of p53 and/or p73-associated apoptotic pathways contribute to the platinum-based resistance in ovarian cancer. NOXA, a pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein, is identified as a transcription target of p53 and/or p73. In this study, we found that genetic variants of Bcl-2 proteins exist among cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant ovarian cancer cells, and the responses of NOXA and Bax to cisplatin are regulated mainly by p53. We further evaluated the effect of NOXA on cisplatin. NOXA induced apoptosis and sensitized A2780s and SKOV3 cells to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. The effects were mediated by elevated Bax expression, enhanced caspase activation, release of Cyt C and Smac into the cytosol. Furthermore, gene silencing of Bax or Smac significantly attenuated NOXA and/or cisplatin-induced apoptosis in chemosensitive A2780s cells, whereas overexpression of Bax or addition of Smac-N7 peptide significantly increased NOXA and/or cisplatin-induced apoptosis in chemoresistant SKOV3 cells. To our knowledge, these data suggest a new mechanism by which NOXA chemosensitized ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by inducing alterations in the Bax/Smac axis. Taken together, our findings show that NOXA is potentially useful as a chemosensitizer in ovarian cancer therapy

ECOHYDROLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES OF DEGRADING BAOLIS DURING MEDIEVAL PERIOD IN DELHI: traditional practices of water management

Baolis are water reservoir in architectural monuments which had been built by various sultanate of Delhi in different time period and most of Baolis were built during the medieval time period. The Baolis are found throughout the country but all are different in respect of art and architecture. The sultanates of Delhi had built a number of Baolis in Delhi to show their control and prestige in the society. There are about 12 Baolis existing in Delhi and out of them, four Baolis are almost about to extinct and few Baolis such as Nizamuddin, Firoz Shah and Rajon ki Baolis are being used by local people. This paper comprises the information related with Baolis which was built by sultanates of Delhi during the medieval time period in Delhi. Present paper attempts to describe the traditional method of water management as Baolis in medieval period and their present status. Study is based on primary as well secondary sources of information and primary survey and personal observation has been conducted and secondary sources of data and information have been used in this paper. Paper concluded that Baolis are not having good conditions and these are very much polluted and degraded and its degradation also leads the eco hydrological loss in their adjacent areas. The careless approaches of people towards these Baolis are major causes behind the extinction and degradation of these Baolis. The community’s awareness and participation is only way to protect these Baolis from the extinction. Keywords: Baolis; Architectural; Monument; Medieval; Degradation; Eco hydrology; Pollution; Management. PERSPECTIVAS ECOHIDROLÓGICAS DE DEGRADAÇÃO DOS BAOLIS DURANTE O PERÍODO MEDIEVAL EM DELHI: práticas tradicionais de gestão da água RESUMO Baolis são reservatórios de água em monumentos arquitetônicos que tinham sido construídos por vários sultanatos de Delhi em diferentes períodos de tempo e a maioria dos Baolis foram construídos durante a Idade Média. Os Baolis são encontrados em todo o país, mas todos são diferentes no que diz respeito à arte e arquitetura. Os sultanatos de Delhi tinham construído uma série de Baolis na cidade, para mostrar seu controle e prestígio na sociedade. Há 12 Baolis existentes em Delhi e, fora dela, quatro Baolis estão prestes a se extinguir e poucos Baolis, como Nizamuddin, Firoz Shah e Rajon ki, estão sendo usados pela população local. Este artigo compreende a informação relacionada com Baolis, que foi construído por sultanatos de Delhi, durante o período medieval na Índia. O presente artigo tenta descrever o método tradicional de gestão da água como Baolis no período medieval e seu status atual. O estudo baseia-se em fontes primárias e secundárias de informação, pesquisa primária e a observação foi conduzida através de fontes secundárias de dados e informações. Concluiu-se que os Baolis não apresentam boas condições devido à poluição e degradação. Essa degradação também leva à perda ecohidrológica em suas áreas adjacentes. As aproximações descuidadas de pessoas nestes locais são as causas principais por trás da extinção e da degradação destes Baolis. A conscientização e participação da comunidade é apenas uma maneira de proteger esses Baolis da extinção. Palavras-chave: Baolis; Arquitetônico; Monumento; Medieval; Degradação; Ecohidrologia; Poluição; Gestão. PERSPECTIVAS ECOHIDROLÓGICAS DE LA DEGRADACIÓN BAOLIS DURANTE EL PERIODO MEDIEVAL EN DELHI: prácticas tradicionales de la gestión del agua RESUMEN Baolis es el depósito de agua en los monumentos arquitectónicos que habían sido construidos por varios sultanato de Delhi en diferentes períodos de tiempo y la mayoría de Baolis fueron construidos durante el período de tiempo medieval. Los Baolis se encuentran en todo el país, pero todos son diferentes en lo que respecta al arte y la arquitectura. Los sultanatos de Delhi habían construido una serie de Baolis en Delhi para mostrar su control y prestigio en la sociedad. Hay alrededor de 12 Baolis existentes en Delhi y de ellos, cuatro Baolis están a punto de extinguirse y pocos Baolis como Nizamuddin, Firoz Shah y Rajon ki Baolis están siendo utilizados por la gente local. Este artículo comprende la información relacionada con Baolis que fue construida por sultanatos de Delhi durante el período de tiempo medieval en Delhi. El presente trabajo intenta describir el método tradicional de gestión del agua como Baolis en época medieval y su estado actual. El estudio se basa en fuentes primarias y secundarias de información y se realizó una encuesta primaria y personal y se han utilizado fuentes secundarias de datos e información en este documento. El artículo concluyó que Baolis no está teniendo buenas condiciones y estas están muy contaminadas y degradadas y su degradación también conduce a la pérdida ecológica hidrológica en sus áreas adyacentes. Los acercamientos descuidados de la gente hacia estos Baolis son causas principales detrás de la extinción y de la degradación de estos Baolis. La conciencia de la comunidad y la participación es la única manera de proteger a estos Baolis de la extinción. Palabras clave: Baolis; Arquitectónico; Monumento; Medieval; Degradación; Eco hidrología; Contaminación; Manejo