Prevalence of hypertension among individuals with diabetes and its determinants: evidences from the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, India.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has escalated in recent decades, and the risk of diabetes-related mortality has increased dramatically due to the co-existence of hypertension (HTN). DM and HTN, having similar aetiology and disease mechanisms, are influenced by lifestyle factors and greatly contribute to critical health complications. AIM: This study attempted to explore the co-existence of DM-HTN and the potential determinants considering the rapid upsurge of both these diseases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: National Family Health Survey data were used, which included 7092 adult diabetic individuals, to find out the prevalence rate of HTN in diabetic persons in India. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed to accomplish the study objectives. RESULTS: Prevalence rate of HTN in diabetic individuals was approximately 37%. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with DM-HTN co-existence. In males, increased age, higher BMI, alcohol consumption, poorest wealth index, and non-smoking (tobacco) were the significant determinants of the co-existence of DM-HTN, while in females, they were increased age, higher BMI, and geographical region. CONCLUSIONS: This study unveiled the significance of healthy lifestyle maintenance and equitable health care services to prevent HTN among diabetics, along with promotion of the awareness and management of DM and HTN through appropriate pharmacological treatments.

Prevalence of low birth weight in India and its determinants: Insights from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), 2015-2016.

The aetiology of low birth weight (LBW) is the outcome of complex interactions of numerous physical and environmental factors. Present study aims to identify the factors determining LBW in India as well as estimate the prevalence of LBW. The study used the data of latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS), a nationally representative sample consisting 81,869 ever married Indian women of reproductive age. Data on birth weight of the full-term singleton infants born within three years prior to survey and background characteristics of mothers were obtained from 57,582 mother-infant pairs. Birth weight less than 2500 g was considered as LBW. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Prevalence of LBW was highest in Central region of India (20.73%). Mother's area of residence, education, economic condition, habit of tobacco chewing appeared as the significant determinants of LBW in infants. Mothers receiving no food supplementation during pregnancy, skipping ANC visits and vaccination, having caesarean or home-based delivery had greater odds of giving birth to LBW children. Female child had greater risk of LBW. The impact of low education reflects in present study in terms of lack of awareness regarding antenatal care, ignorance towards health check-ups and immunization during pregnancy. The study highlighted that low maternal education is an important key determinant to deal with in order to eradicate its major role in determining LBW among the infants.

Effects of menstrual characteristics, symptoms and hygiene-related practices on menstrual experience: A comparative study between freeholder and tenant adolescent schoolgirls of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India.

Adolescence is a significant event in woman's life when the process of menstruation occurs with several physical, mental and physiological developments. Menstrual experience of women is largely determined by environmental factors occurring during this period. In India, disparities in numerous factors result in different menstrual characteristics, menstruation-related symptoms and menstrual hygiene-related practices. However, the effect of residential status on the menstrual characteristics of adolescent girls is still unknown. In this context, the present study attempted to explore the variation in overall socio-economic condition and menstrual experience of tenant adolescent girls in comparison to freeholder adolescent girls. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 167 freeholder and 133 tenant adolescent schoolgirls on socio-economic and menstrual characteristics, menstruation-related symptoms and menstrual hygiene-related practices. Results showed that differences existed for these traits between freeholder and tenant adolescents. The key factors behind unsatisfied menstrual experience of tenant adolescent girls were lack of privacy, unsuitable sanitation facilities and use of cloth as preferred absorbent.

Novel Triazole linked 2-phenyl benzoxazole derivatives induce apoptosis by inhibiting miR-2, miR-13 and miR-14 function in Drosophila melanogaster.

Apoptosis is an important phenomenon in multi cellular organisms for maintaining tissue homeostasis and embryonic development. Defect in apoptosis leads to a number of disorders like- autoimmune disorder, immunodeficiency and cancer. 21-22 nucleotides containing micro RNAs (miRNAs/miRs) function as a crucial regulator of apoptosis alike other cellular pathways. Recently, small molecules have been identified as a potent inducer of apoptosis. In this study, we have identified novel Triazole linked 2-phenyl benzoxazole derivatives (13j and 13h) as a negative regulator of apoptosis inhibiting micro RNAs (miR-2, miR-13 and miR-14) in a well established in vivo model Drosophila melanogaster where the process of apoptosis is very similar to human apoptosis. These compounds inhibit miR-2, miR-13 and miR-14 activity at their target sites, which induce an increased caspase activity, and in turn influence the caspase dependent apoptotic pathway. These two compounds also increase the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level to trigger apoptotic cell death.