Characterization of the anopheline vector breeding habitats: Implications for elimination of malaria in tribal inhabited Car Nicobar Island.

Background & objectives: Malaria is an important public health problem in Andaman & Nicobar archipelago. Among the three districts, Nicobar is the most endemic district where API is >2. In this district, the malaria incidence in Car Nicobar Tehsil has declined steadily over the past 10 years. A renewed initiative to consolidate this gain is being made with the ultimate objective of achieving zero indigenous transmission of malaria in Car Nicobar. So, the present study undertook a close environmental monitoring of water bodies for assessing changes in the risk potential of mosquito vector breeding habitats which can augment the elimination programme. Methods: The breeding habitats of anopheline mosquitoes were sampled in 16 areas of Car Nicobar Island for eight time periods during 2017-2020. Along with anophelines, various associated water parameters (n=60) were estimated, viz. physicochemical (n=13), and biological, which included culicine mosquito immatures, insect predators (n=5), phytoplanktons (n=31) and zooplanktons (n=10). Results: In the 16 study sites, overall 1126 surface water stagnating bodies constituting 21 different habitat types were surveyed. Of these, 17 were positive for anopheline breeding. Water bodies from three villages were consistently found to be positive for anopheline breeding. However, early instars of anopheline larvae were more abundant compared to the late instars. Four anopheline species were recorded, including Anopheles sundaicus, A. barbirostris, A. insulaeflorum and A. subpictus, in which 48 per cent were A. sundaicus. Multivariable analysis indicated that anopheline density was significantly higher in permanent water bodies than in temporary habitats (P<0.05) (high risk of anophelines). The highest pH (≥8.2), dissolved solids (≥0.39) levels showed significantly (P<0.05) decreased larval densities (lower risk of breeding), adjusted with breeding sites and season. Nitrite levels increased (P=0.022) larval densities. Interpretation & conclusions: The present study facilitated estimating the productive period of a larval habitat enabling target larval sources to reduce adult populations. Implementing larviciding strategy before monsoon season is presumably the most cost-effective strategy. The output can be utilized for environmental monitoring of mosquito breeding risk in other malaria endemic areas, particularly where medium/large water bodies are the predominant breeding sites for malaria vectors.

Elimination of diurnally sub-periodic Wuchereria bancrofti in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, using mass DEC-fortified salt as a supplementary intervention to MDA.

Feasibility of implementing a DEC-fortified (DEC at 0.2% w/w and iodine) salt strategy to hasten elimination of diurnally sub-periodic Wuchereria bancrofti (DspWB) from the lone foci in Nancowry islands, Nicobar district, India, was assessed. This is a two-arm community-based study: one arm (12 villages, population 2936) received double fortified salt along with annual mass drug administration (MDA) of DEC plus albendazole (DEC-salt+MDA-arm), and another (14 villages; population 4840) received MDA under the National Filaria Elimination Programme. DEC salt was distributed on camp mode supplemented by door delivery. Monthly survey was carried out in fixed and random households to assess the coverage, usage of DEC salt and DEC content. The impact on prevalence of mf at community level and antigenaemia among children was assessed. A total of 21 metric tonnes of free-flow DEC salt manufactured by Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation, India, was distributed for 1 year. In the DEC-salt+MDA-arm, > 90% of the households received and used the DEC salt. DEC was within therapeutic range (0.2-0.32% w/w) in the samples collected from kitchens. Community mf prevalence reduced from 2.27 to 0.14% in the DEC-salt-arm (< 1% in all the villages) and 1.26 to 0.74% (> 1% in 4 out of 14 villages) in the MDA-arm. Ag prevalence reduced to zero from 1.0 (DEC-salt+MDA-arm) and 6.3% (MDA-arm) in 2-3 years old, 1.2 and 3.6% from 2.9 in the DEC-salt-arm and 4.5% in the MDA-arm among 6-7 years old. It was feasible to deliver DEC-fortified salt covering > 90% of the households with compliance reaching the elimination target in the islands.

Correction: Crystal-defect-induced facet-dependent electrocatalytic activity of 3D gold nanoflowers for the selective nanomolar detection of ascorbic acid.

Correction for 'Crystal-defect-induced facet-dependent electrocatalytic activity of 3D gold nanoflowers for the selective nanomolar detection of ascorbic acid' by Sandip Kumar De, et al., Nanoscale, 2018, 10, 11091-11102.

Crystal-defect-induced facet-dependent electrocatalytic activity of 3D gold nanoflowers for the selective nanomolar detection of ascorbic acid.

Understanding and exploring the decisive factors responsible for superlative catalytic efficiency is necessary to formulate active electrode materials for improved electrocatalysis and high-throughput sensing. This research demonstrates the ability of bud-shaped gold nanoflowers (AuNFs), intermediates in the bud-to-blossom gold nanoflower synthesis, to offer remarkable electrocatalytic efficiency in the oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA) at nanomolar concentrations. Multicomponent sensing in a single potential sweep is measured using differential pulse voltammetry while the kinetic parameters are estimated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The outstanding catalytic activity of bud-structured AuNF [iAuNFp(Bud)/iGCp ≅ 100] compared with other bud-to-blossom intermediate nanostructures is explained by studying their structural transitions, charge distributions, crystalline patterns, and intrinsic irregularities/defects. Detailed microscopic analysis shows that density of crystal defects, such as edges, terraces, steps, ledges, kinks, and dislocation, plays a major role in producing the high catalytic efficiency. An associated ab initio simulation provides necessary support for the projected role of different crystal facets as selective catalytic sites. Density functional theory corroborates the appearance of inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding within AA molecules to control the resultant fingerprint peak potentials at variable concentrations. Bud-structured AuNF facilitates AA detection at nanomolar levels in a multicomponent pathological sample.

Label-Free and Nondestructive Separation Technique for Isolation of Targeted DNA from DNA-Protein Mixture Using Magnetic Au-Fe3O4 Nanoprobes.

The interest in DNA-protein-based diagnostics has recently been growing enormously, which makes the separation process of DNA or protein from a cell extract extremely important. Unlike the traditional separation process, a novel approach is in demand which can nondestructively isolate the target biomolecules without sacrificing the other components in the mixture. In this study, we have demonstrated a new and simple separation technique by using well-established bifunctional Au-Fe3O4 nanocomposites as the separation nanoprobes to efficiently isolate the specifically targeted nanomolar concentrated DNA over 70% from its associate DNA-protein mixture in the presence of a magnetic field. The sensing accuracy of both as-separated DNA and protein are quantitatively examined by UV-vis spectroscopy, and then qualitatively validated by gel analysis. Results obtained in this study clearly demonstrated that this newly developed separation procedure not only provides the efficient separation for the targeted DNA but can also maintain the bioactivity of as-separated protein and DNA solutions. The superiority of this technique can open an avenue to establish a label-free and nondestructive platform for a wide variety of biomolecule separation applications.

DETERMINATION OF THE OPTIMAL DURATION OF WORK EXPOSURE WHILE SITTING IN A SQUATTING POSITION TO AVOID LOW BACK PAIN: A SIMULATION STUDY.

The objective of this stuay was to determine the optimal duration of work exposure while sitting in a squatting posture. A simulation study was formulated on work similar to the traditional jewellery manufacturing activity. The task of metal setting was simulated in a controlled environment. Fifteen young adult males participated in this study. The results of 12 participants were included as others discontinued the study for their personal reasons. The study continued for 2 hours. Trunk muscle strength and body part discomfort (BPD) were measured before and after completion of the task. BPD ratings in CR 10 scale were also collected after each 15 minutes of work. The mean age (year), height (cm), weight (kg) and BMI (kg/n2) of the subject were 24.25 ± 2.14, 172.47 ± 3.88, 65.08 ± 4.52 and 21.88 ± 1.33, respectively. Using inferential statistics, a predictive equation was developed to determine the optimal duration of exposure in a squatting position similar to traditional jewellery manufacturing activity. An hour of work with a small break was suggested after considering the study result for the workers who worked in a squatting posture like traditional jewellery manufacturing.

Non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of cholesterol using ß-cyclodextrin functionalized graphene.

A non-enzymatic approach towards cholesterol detection is presented here, exploiting the electrochemical non-enzymatic route of sensing which has a distinct advantage over other conventional enzymatic processes. Chemically converted Graphene modified with ß-CD, being hydrophilic, electroactive and high surface area material, provides a platform for the electrochemical detection of cholesterol using Methylene Blue as redox indicator. Methylene Blue (MB) forms an inclusion complex with Grp-ß-CD and emerges as a cholesterol sensing matrix. MB molecule is replaced by cholesterol molecule and moves out in the buffer solution, hence, detected electrochemically using Differential Pulse Voltammetric (DPV) technique. The sensing matrix is characterised using FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Transmission Electron Microscopy is carried out to study the morphology of functionalized graphene sheets.

Evaluation of the working posture and prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among medical laboratory technicians.

BACKGROUND: Technological advancement in the medical laboratories has exposed the laboratory technicians to various ergonomic hazards due to nature of their work. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the working postures, to find out the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders and to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders with individual factors, work characteristics and the working postures. METHODS: The study was conducted among 60 medical laboratory technicians. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and RULA were used for this study. RESULTS: Mean and SD of age, BMI and work experience of the technicians were 28.6 ± 9.04 years, 22.07 ± 4.5 and 7.1 ± 8.2 years respectively. The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal problems experienced by the technicians was 73.3% and the major affected areas were trunk, knees, neck and ankles/feet. Statistical analysis shows significant associations between musculoskeletal symptoms and VAS scores. Also a significant difference was found between the means of pre and post work shift scores of neck, low back and knee pain. Postural analysis showed that the subject's mean Score A, B and Grand Score were found to be 3.98 ± 0.8, 4.95 ± 1.6 and 6 ± 1.02 respectively. The final RULA score 6 ± 1.02 emphasizes on poor workstation design which resulted in unnatural posture. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted the prevalence of postural and musculoskeletal problems among medical laboratory technicians. Intervention of administrative and engineering controls can significantly reduce ergonomic hazards.

Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among Indian tabla players.

Playing a percussion instrument demands great force and effort, which may make percussionists prone to playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). Of all of the percussion instruments in India, tabla is the most popular. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of discomforts among professional tabla players. Eighty-five professional tabla players voluntarily participated in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and visual analog scale were administered to all the participants. Demographic details, music-related activities, and symptoms of discomfort were also recorded. It was found that prone anatomical areas were the low back, right shoulder, neck, left shoulder, upper back, and knees. The frequency of discomfort was found to be mostly weekly for the shoulders and monthly for neck, low back, and knees. There was an association between visual analog scale and prevalence of self-reported discomforts in some body parts. It can be said that the prolonged, unsupported, folded-knee sitting posture may be the cause of discomforts.

Study on lumbar kinematics and the risk of low back disorder in female university students by using shoes of different heel heights.

The study was taken up to investigate the effects of heel heights on lumbar kinematics and the risk of Low Back Disorder (LBD) in females. Nineteen female university students (24.5 ± 3.36 yrs) volunteered in the study. Lumbar kinematics was measured by using Industrial Lumbar Motion Monitor (iLMM). The volunteers were asked to walk for a distance of 50 meters in 3 different given conditions i.e bare foot (Heel 0), with flat heels (Heel 1) and with high heels (Heel 2). Heights of Heel 1 and Heel 2 were 1.5 ± 0.84 cm and 5.5 ± 1.70 cm respectively. The Lumbar kinematic parameters studied were- Average Twisting Velocity (ATV), Maximum Sagital Flexion (MSF) and Maximum Lateral Velocity (MLV). It was observed that all the above mentioned Lumbar kinematics - ATV, MSF and MLV increases with increase of heel heights, which in turn increases the risk of LBD. As a result of increase in Lumbar kinematic values with increase in heel heights, LBD risk has also increased. Mean and SD of the LBD risk with Heel 0, Heel 1 and Heel 2 were 16.79 ± 6.04%, 19.00 ± 7.38% and 22.11 ± 6.98% respectively. Lower stature with high heels showed higher risk of LBD than the higher stature with high heels.

A study of subjective visual disturbances in jewellery manufacturing.

Subjective Visual Disturbances are silent adversaries that appear over a period of continued exposure and arise when the visual demands of the tasks exceed the visual abilities of the user. Jewellery manufacturing activity involves precision designs, setting the metal and stones, polishing and filing which requires higher visual demand. Therefore, it is expected that the jewellery manufacturing workers may experience subjective visual disturbances. This study was taken up with the following objectives 1) To study the presence of subjective visual disturbances among jewellery manufacturing workers and compare the same with VDT operators 2) To study the effect of work exposures on subjective visual disturbances and 3) to ascertain whether subjective visual disturbances have any permanent vision related problems. The study was carried out on jewellery manufacturing workers, VDT operators and on graduate students. The symptoms of subjective visual disturbances were identified using a questionnaire developed by Sheedy (2003). Viewing distances were measured and visual angles were calculated. The eye check--ups were also carried out. The subjective visual disturbances were higher in jewellery manufacturing workers. The findings suggest that work exposure has an impact on the causation of subjective visual disturbances. No pathological conditions of the eyes were observed.

5'-Chloro-spiro-[1,3-dioxolane-2,3'-indolin]-2'-one: a potential anti-convulsant.

The title compound, C(10)H(8)ClNO(3), is a significant anti-convulsant agent. The indolinone system is essentially planar, the dihedral angle between the rings being 2.24 (8)°. The dioxolane ring adopts an envelope conformation; the dihedral angle between the plane through its four coplanar atoms and the indolinone system is 89.8 (1)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by a three-dimensional network of inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Giant dielectric constant in titania nanoparticles embedded in conducting polymer matrix.

Complex impedance and dielectric permittivity of titania-polypyrrole nanocomposites have been investigated as a function of frequency and temperature at different compositions. A very large dielectric constant of about 13,000 at room temperature has been observed. The colossal dielectric constant is mainly dominated by interfacial polarization due to Maxwell-Wagner relaxation effect. Two completely separate groups of dielectric relaxation have been observed. The low frequency dielectric relaxation arises from surface defect states of titania nanoparticles. The broad peak at high frequency region is attributed to Maxwell-Wagner type polarization originating from the inhomogeneous property of nanocomposite. An abrupt change in grain boundary conductivity and dielectric relaxation associated with titania was observed at around 150 K. Anomalous behavior in conductivity and dielectric relaxation is qualitatively explained by band tail structure of titania nanoparticle.

Electrical transport and dielectric relaxation in Fe3O4-polypyrrole hybrid nanocomposites.

The polymerization of pyrrole in an aqueous medium in the presence of nanodimensional Fe3O4 using ammonium peroxodisulphate (APS) as oxidant results in the formation of polypyrrole-Fe3O4 nanocomposites. Characterization of the composites was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The magnetization data exhibit a small hysteresis loop at room temperature. The Mössbauer spectra at room temperature reveal the doublet structure, characteristic of the superparamagnetic phase in magnetite (Fe3O4). The composite samples reveal ordered semiconducting behaviour. Polypyrrole is the dominating component in the transport process of the nanocomposites. A very large dielectric constant of about 11 000 at room temperature has been observed. The interface between polypyrrole and Fe3O4 plays an important role in producing a large dielectric constant in the composite.