Musculoskeletal problems of hand-sewn crafted footwear manufacturing artisans in Kolhapur, India.

BACKGROUND: Kolhapuri hand-sewn crafted footwear is one of the well-designed and traditional footwear in India. Many of the processes in these industries are manual. The study was carried out to establish the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in different body parts of artisans engaged in crafted footwear manufacturing activity. Due to the difficult physical activities carried out by artisans, there was a possibility of evolving different kinds of MSDs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of MSD symptoms in various body regions of crafted footwear manufacturing artisans. This work further aims to assess different working postures. METHODS: The existing working environment and the occurrences of MSD indications of 105 artisans of Kolhapuri crafted footwear manufacturing were evaluated in this study. The data collection was done through an interview and using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. The work uses the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method for posture analysis. Multiple regression investigation was used to evaluate different risk factors linked with MSDs symptoms. RESULTS: It has been cleared that there are high occurrences of MSD pain between crafted footwear manufacturing artisans. The most frequently affected body areas were low back, neck, hips/thighs/buttocks, shoulder, elbows, hand and wrist, knees and upper back. The final RULA grand total of 6.1 specifies that artisans' posture needs to be change. CONCLUSION: The artisans who were associated with the manufacturing of Kolhapuri footwear had a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Analysis of data suggests that the necessity of operational implementation program for handcrafted footwear manufacturing artisans.

Ultrasonic investigation of materials-An avenue for project-based learning.

Project-based learning (PBL) provides an effective practical application to the learners. Further, PBL develops problem-solving, critical thinking, etc., in the learner. This paper describes a type of project offered to the students at the collegiate level to enhance the students' ability to work in a team, manage a project, and present their results. These projects use acoustic waves in the ultrasound frequency range that can be used as a powerful nondestructive tool for the characterization of the materials. In situ measurement of the ultrasonic longitudinal velocity and evaluation of the elastic constants carried out on the materials in solid pellet form over a wide range of temperatures at a fundamental frequency of 5 MHz enables the study of various phase transitions, such as metal to insulator, ferromagnetic to paramagnetic, and even structural phase transitions that occur in the materials. Here, the investigation is elaborated on using ultrasonic waves on some materials in pellet form and the results obtained are presented.

Phylogeny and polyploidy: resolving the classification of cyprinine fishes (Teleostei: Cypriniformes).

Cyprininae is the largest subfamily (>1300 species) of the family Cyprinidae and contains more polyploid species (∼400) than any other group of fishes. We examined the phylogenetic relationships of the Cyprininae based on extensive taxon, geographical, and genomic sampling of the taxa, using both mitochondrial and nuclear genes to address the phylogenetic challenges posed by polyploidy. Four datasets were analyzed in this study: two mitochondrial gene datasets (465 and 791 taxa, 5604bp), a mitogenome dataset (85 taxa, 14,771bp), and a cloned nuclear RAG1 dataset (97 taxa, 1497bp). Based on resulting trees, the subfamily Cyprininae was subdivided into 11 tribes: Probarbini (new; Probarbus+Catlocarpio), Labeonini Bleeker, 1859 (Labeo & allies), Torini Karaman, 1971 (Tor, Labeobarbus & allies), Smiliogastrini Bleeker, 1863 (Puntius, Enteromius & allies), Poropuntiini (Poropuntius & allies), Cyprinini Rafinesque, 1815 (Cyprinus & allies), Acrossocheilini (new; Acrossocheilus & allies), Spinibarbini (new; Spinibarbus), Schizothoracini McClelland, 1842 (Schizothorax & allies), Schizopygopsini Mirza, 1991 (Schizopygopsis & allies), and Barbini Bleeker, 1859 (Barbus & allies). Phylogenetic relationships within each tribe were discussed. Two or three distinct RAG1 lineages were identified for each of the following tribes Torini, Cyprinini, Spinibarbini, and Barbini, indicating their hybrid origin. The hexaploid African Labeobarbus & allies and Western Asian Capoeta are likely derived from two independent hybridization events between their respective maternal tetraploid ancestors and Cyprinion.

High prevalence of circulating autoantibodies against thyroid hormones in vitiligo and correlation with clinical and historical parameters of patients.

BACKGROUND: Autoantibodies against thyroid hormones (THAbs) directed towards triiodothyronine (T3-Ab) and/or thyroxine (T4-Ab) are very rare in the general population. They are increased in some nonthyroidal autoimmune diseases, where they seem to predict autoimmune thyroid disorders (ATDs). So far, their presence in patients with vitiligo has not been evaluated, but it might have a possible predictive role. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of THAbs in a group of vitiligo patients and to correlate their presence with clinical and historical parameters. METHODS: In total 79 patients with nonsegmental vitiligo and 100 controls were examined. Clinical characteristics of vitiligo and family and personal medical history were evaluated. Antinuclear autoantibodies, thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies were measured. IgM T3-Ab, IgG T3-Ab, IgM T4-Ab and IgG T4-Ab were assayed by a radioimmunoprecipitation technique. Fisher's test, Student's t-test and χ(2)-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overall 77 of 79 patients (97%) had at least one type of THAb (11 T3-Ab, 10 T4-Ab, 56 both). In the control group, only one person (1%) had THAbs. In patients with vitiligo, T3-Abs were significantly associated with leucotrichia (IgM+IgG, P = 0.033; IgG, P = 0.039; IgM, P = 0.005) and thyroglobulin autoantibodies (IgM+IgG, P = 0.031; IgG, P = 0.058), while the absence of T3-Ab was related to personal history of cancer (IgM+IgG, P = 0.021; IgG, P = 0.039). T4-Abs were significantly associated with vitiligo activity (IgM+IgG, P < 0.001; IgM, P = 0.037) and duration (IgG, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The surprisingly high prevalence of THAb in patients with vitiligo and their associations suggest a possible pathogenetic role in the disease and stress the tight link between vitiligo and ATDs. Further evaluation in a larger group of patients and an adequate follow-up are needed to define their potential predictive role.

Non-segmental vitiligo and psoriasis comorbidity - a case-control study in Italian patients.

BACKGROUND: A recent systematic evaluation of vitiligo and psoriasis comorbidity has not yet been reported in a large series of patients with vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the practical/clinical implications in subjects with both vitiligo and psoriasis compared to those with vitiligo alone. METHODS: This was a case-control study on 463 vitiligo patients in our clinic from March 2008 to April 2011. Medical assessment was performed by dermatologists using the modified Vitiligo European Task Force form. RESULTS: In an univariate analysis, inflammation/pruritus [odds ratio (OR) 2.42, P = 0.03], use of drugs that can induce psoriasis (OR 2.74, P = 0.01), a family history (FH) of psoriasis (OR 2.87, P = 0.02), cardiovascular disease (OR 5.70, P = 0.001), hypertension (OR 4.7, P = 0.006) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 3.87, P = 0.004), were significantly correlated with patients exhibiting vitiligo and psoriasis comorbidity. A trend was found in personal history of cardiovascular disease in patients with both diseases (OR 2.99, P = 0.07). FH of vitiligo was significantly associated with patients having only vitiligo (OR 0.35, P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that inflammation/pruritus in vitiligo macules (OR 2.56, P = 0.047) and a FH of cardiovascular disease (OR 4.07, P = 0.02) were the most significant predictors of patients having both psoriasis and vitiligo, while the presence of organ-specific autoantibodies (OR 0.24, P = 0.007) was significantly associated with patients having only vitiligo. CONCLUSION: The presence of vitiligo and even mild psoriasis is significantly correlated with a family history of cardiovascular disease, a factor that requires greater attention and follow-up with respect to that necessary for vitiligo patients.

Autoimmune signals in non-segmental vitiligo patients are associated with distinct clinical parameters and toxic exposures.

BACKGROUND: Although non-segmental vitiligo is commonly considered an autoimmune disease, the possible differences between non-segmental vitiligo patients with and without autoimmune signals have not been clearly established. OBJECTIVE: To perform a comparison of non-segmental vitiligo patients with autoimmune signals (AIS) vs. those without autoimmune signals (NAIS) in regards to clinical characteristics and toxic/drug exposure. METHODS: 112 vitiligo patients were selected for a sex and age matched (1 : 1) case control study at an university based dermatology outpatient hospital specialized in pigmentary disorders. Medical assessment was performed by dermatologists using the modified Vitiligo European Task Force form and serological and clinical signs of autoimmunity were evaluated. RESULTS: Disease duration, age of onset, patient history of cardiovascular disease, past smoking history, use of drugs, and consummation of goitrogenic foods were all significantly increased in the AIS group using McNemar's test for matched pairs. In our conditional regression model, the simultaneous presence of disease duration, use of prescription drugs, and consummation of goitrogenic foods were the best predictors of AIS vitiligo patients. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of non-segmental vitiligo patients according to the presence vs. the absence of autoimmune signals allows us to correlate patients exhibiting autoimmune phenomenon with certain clinical characteristics, namely long disease duration, use of prescription drugs, and consumption of goitrogenic substances. In the presence of the aforementioned clinical profile, we suggest an evaluation of autoimmune signals.

Malassezia skin diseases in humans.

Although Malassezia yeasts are a part of the normal microflora, under certain conditions they can cause superficial skin infection, such as pityriasis versicolor (PV) and Malassezia folliculitis. Moreover the yeasts of the genus Malassezia have been associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and, less commonly, with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, onychomycosis, and transient acantholytic dermatosis. The study of the clinical role of Malassezia species has been surrounded by controversy due to the relative difficulty in isolation, cultivation, and identification. This review focuses on the clinical, mycologic, and immunologic aspects of the various skin diseases associated with Malassezia. Moreover, since there exists little information about the epidemiology and ecology of Malassezia species in the Italian population and the clinical significance of these species is not fully distinguished, we will report data about a study we carried out. The aim of our study was the isolation and the identification of Malassezia species in PV-affected skin and non-affected skin in patients with PV and in clinically healthy individuals without any Malassezia associated skin disease.

Guidelines for endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): Joint Indian Chest Society (ICS)/Indian Association for Bronchology (IAB) recommendations.

Over the past decade, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has become an indispensable tool in the diagnostic armamentarium of the pulmonologist. As the expertise with EBUS-TBNA has evolved and several innovations have occurred, the indications for its use have expanded. However, several aspects of EBUS-TBNA are still not standardized. Hence, evidence-based guidelines are needed to optimize the diagnostic yield and safety of EBUS-TBNA. For this purpose, a working group of experts from India was constituted. A detailed and systematic search was performed to extract relevant literature pertaining to various aspects of EBUS-TBNA. The modified GRADE system was used for evaluating the level of evidence and assigning the strength of recommendations. The final recommendations were framed with the consensus of the working group after several rounds of online discussions and a two-day in-person meeting. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations encompassing indications of EBUS-TBNA, pre-procedure evaluation, sedation and anesthesia, technical and procedural aspects, sample processing, EBUS-TBNA in special situations, and training for EBUS-TBNA.

Molecular phylogeny of the cyprinid tribe Labeonini (Teleostei: Cypriniformes).

The cyprinid tribe Labeonini (sensuRainboth, 1991) is a large group of freshwater fishes containing around 40 genera and 400 species. They are characterized by an amazing diversity of modifications to their lips and associated structures. In this study, a total of 34 genera and 142 species of putative members of this tribe, which represent most of the generic diversity and more than one third of the species diversity of the group, were sampled and sequenced for four nuclear genes and five mitochondrial genes (totaling 9465bp). Phylogenetic relationships and subdivision of this tribe were investigated and the placement and status of most genera are discussed. Partitioned maximum likelihood analyses were performed based on the nuclear dataset, mitochondrial dataset, combined dataset, and the dataset for each nuclear gene. Inclusion of the genera Paracrossochilus, Barbichthys, Thynnichthys, and Linichthys in the Labeonini was either confirmed or proposed for the first time. None of the genera Labeo, Garra, Bangana, Cirrhinus, and Crossocheilus are monophyletic. Taxonomic revisions of some genera were made: the generic names Gymnostomus Heckel, 1843, Ageneiogarra Garman, 1912 and Gonorhynchus McClelland, 1839 were revalidated; Akrokolioplax Zhang and Kottelat, 2006 becomes a junior synonym of Gonorhynchus; the species Osteochilus nashii was found to be a member of the barbin genus Osteochilichthys. Five historical hypotheses on the classification of the Labeonini were tested and rejected. We proposed to subdivide the tribe, which is strongly supported as monophyletic, into four subtribes: Labeoina, Garraina, Osteochilina, and Semilabeoina. The taxa included in each subtribe were listed and those taxa that need taxonomic revision were discussed.

Autoimmune markers in vitiligo patients appear correlated with obsession and phobia.

BACKGROUND: Current studies have treated a limited portion of the subjective aspects of vitiligo patients and have yet to elucidate possible psychological differences between those with autoimmune markers (AIM) with respect to those without autoimmune markers (NAIM). OBJECTIVE: To perform an age and gender-matched 1:1 case-control study through a comparison of non-segmental vitiligo patients with autoimmune features vs. those without autoimmune features in regards to psychiatric features, psychosomatic aspects and social parameters. METHODS: A total of 112 non-segmental vitiligo patients have been examined at the Florence University dermatology outpatient service (2nd dermatology unit). Vitiligo with an autoimmune background was defined by the presence of autoimmune antibodies and/or autoimmune diseases. Psychiatric screening was performed by dermatologists using the modified Middlesex Healthcare Questionnaire (MHQ); psychosomatic aspects and social impact were analysed with a standardized, Florentine questionnaire. RESULTS: Upon performing a conditional regression model, age, phobia and obsession were significantly predictive of the presence of AIM and a low total MHQ score was significantly predictive of NAIM in vitiligo patients. With univariate analysis, we found significant differences in: identifiable stress related to the onset of vitiligo, vitiligo triggered by stress, and modified interpersonal relationships related to vitiligo, which were associated with the subgroup containing autoimmunity markers. CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher prevalence of age, obsession and phobia among vitiligo patients AIM as compared to vitiligo patients NAIM. Thus, in the presence of demonstrated autoimmunity, screening for particular psychiatric aspects may be useful in the clinical practice of vitiligo.

Population genomics of wild and laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Understanding a wider range of genotype-phenotype associations can be achieved through ecological and evolutionary studies of traditional laboratory models. Here, we conducted the first large-scale geographic analysis of genetic variation within and among wild zebrafish (Danio rerio) populations occurring in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, and we genetically compared wild populations to several commonly used lab strains. We examined genetic variation at 1832 polymorphic EST-based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the cytb mitochondrial gene in 13 wild populations and three lab strains. Natural populations were subdivided into three major mitochondrial DNA clades with an average among-clade sequence divergence of 5.8%. SNPs revealed five major evolutionarily and genetically distinct groups with an overall FST of 0.170 (95% CI 0.105-0.254). These genetic groups corresponded to discrete geographic regions and appear to reflect isolation in refugia during past climate cycles. We detected 71 significantly divergent outlier loci (3.4%) and nine loci (0.5%) with significantly low FST values. Valleys of reduced heterozygosity, consistent with selective sweeps, surrounded six of the 71 outliers (8.5%). The lab strains formed two additional groups that were genetically distinct from all wild populations. An additional subset of outlier loci was consistent with domestication selection within lab strains. Substantial genetic variation that exists in zebrafish as a whole is missing from lab strains that we analysed. A combination of laboratory and field studies that incorporates genetic variation from divergent wild populations along with the wealth of molecular information available for this model organism provides an opportunity to advance our understanding of genetic influences on phenotypic variation for a vertebrate species.

Mercaptothiazolinyl functionalized hexapodal and tripodal receptors on benzene platform: formation of silver ion assisted hexanuclear metallocage vs metal-organic polymer.

Mercaptothiazolinyl functionalized hexapodal (L(1)) and tripodal (L(2)) receptors on the benzene platform have been synthesized easily in good yields and structurally characterized by a single-crystal X-ray crystallographic study. In the solid state, L(1) shows an orientation of six arms in 1,3,5 vs 2,4,6 facial steric gearing fashion, whereas L(2) adopted C(2v) symmetry where two of its thiazolinyl arms are oriented in one direction and the third arm in the another direction. Two silver complexes of L(1), 1 ([2(L(1))·6(AgClO(4))·2(CHCl(3))·HClO(4)]) and 2 ([2(L(1))·6(AgClO(4))]), that are suitable for single-crystal X-ray studies are isolated upon the slow diffusion of a dimethylformamide solution of AgClO(4) to the solution of L(1) in chloroform and dichloromethane, respectively. Similarly, upon the slow diffusion of an acetonitrile solution of AgClO(4) to the chloroform solution of L(2), colorless crystals of the silver complex of L(2), 3, are successfully isolated. The structural analyses of 1 and 2 show the formation of a silver ion assisted hexanuclear metallocage Ag(6)(L(1))(2) via dimeric assembly of L(1) with multiple clefts and pockets toward guests binding. In 1, two chloroform molecules sit in top and bottom pockets, whereas six perchlorate counteranions are bound in six clefts between the silver ion pillared side arms of the metallocage. Though complex 2 shows the formation of a metallocage like 1, the single crystal structural analysis depicts perchlorate counteranions bonded to the silver atoms of the metallocage. On the contrary, the silver complex of tripodal receptor L(2), 3, shows the formation of a metallo-organic polymeric network of L(2) and Ag(+). To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first report on the formation of an M(6)L(2) type metallosupramolecular cage topology with multiple clefts for guest binding by a semirigid hexapodal receptor.

The cricothyroid versus the spray-as-you-go method for topical anesthesia during flexible bronchoscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Lignocaine can be administered during bronchoscopy using either a direct injection through the cricothyroid membrane (the cricothyroid method) or a spray of lignocaine solution through the bronchoscope working channel (the spray-as-you-go method). In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we compared the efficacy of these two methods for topical anesthesia during flexible bronchoscopy. METHODS: We performed a systematic search to extract the relevant RCTs comparing the two techniques. RESULTS: Five RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria (747 subjects) were identified. The cricothyroid method was associated with significantly less cough (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.75, -0.62], P < 0.001, significant heterogeneity I2 = 86%, P < 0.001). On analysis of secondary outcomes, the cricothyroid method was associated with a greater operator-rated procedure satisfaction (SMD = 1.00, 95% CI [0.74, 1.25], P < 0.001), less time for upper airway negotiation (mean difference, MD = -0.99, 95% CI [-1.37, -0.6], P < 0.001), and a significantly less cumulative dose of lignocaine administered (MD = -68.12, 95% CI [-130.18, -6.06], P = 0.03). The overall procedure duration (MD = 0.08, 95% CI [-0.09, 0.24], P = 0.36) and patient discomfort (MD = -0.08, 95% CI [-0.38, 0.22], P = 0.59) were not different between the two methods. There was no significant publication bias (P = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: The cricothyroid method is associated with less cough during flexible bronchoscopy. Other advantages are a greater operator-rated procedure satisfaction at a less cumulative lignocaine dose. These findings highlight the superior performance characteristics of the cricothyroid method for lignocaine administration for flexible bronchoscopy.

A versatile tripodal amide receptor for the encapsulation of anions or hydrated anions via formation of dimeric capsules.

A bowl-shaped tripodal receptor with an appropriately positioned amide functionality on the benzene platform and electron-withdrawing p-nitrophenyl terminals (L(1)) has been designed, synthesized, and studied for the anion binding properties. The single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis on crystals of L(1) with tetrabutylammonium salts of nitrate (1), acetate (2), fluoride (3), and chloride (4) obtained in moist dioxane medium showed encapsulation of two NO(3)(-), [(AcO)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](2-), [F(2)(H(2)O)(6)](2-), and [Cl(2)(H(2)O)(4)](2-) respectively as the anionic guests inside the staggered dimeric capsular assembly of L(1). The p-nitro substitution in the aryl terminals assisted the formation of dimeric capsular assembly of L(1) exclusively upon binding/encapsulating above different guests. Though L(1) demonstrates capsule formation upon anion or hydrated anion complexation for all of the anions studied here, its positional isomer with the o-nitro-substituted tripodal triamide receptor L(2) selectively formed the dimeric capsular assembly upon encapsulation of [F(2)(H(2)O)(6)](2-) and noncapsular aggregates in the cases of other anions such as Cl(-), NO(3)(-), and AcO(-). Interestingly, structural investigations upon anion exchange of the complexes revealed that both isomers have selectivity toward the formation of a [F(2)(H(2)O)(6)](2-) encapsulated dimeric capsule. In contrast, solution-state (1)H NMR titration studies of L(1) and L(2) in DMSO-d(6) with AcO(-) indicated 1:3 (host:guest) binding.

Thiomethoxychalcone-functionalized ferrocene ligands as selective chemodosimeters for mercury(II): single-crystal X-ray structural signature of the [Hg8(mu8-S)(SCH3)12]2+ cluster.

Thiomethoxychalcone-based ligands bis[3,3-bis(methylsulfanyl)]-1,1'-eta(5)-ferrocenyl-2-propen-1-one (L(1)), 3,3-bis(methylsulfanyl)-1-eta(5)-ferrocenyl-2-propen-1-one (L(2)), and 3-methylsulfanyl-3-sulfanyl-1-eta(5)-ferrocenyl-2-propen-1-one (L(3)) have been synthesized on the ferrocene backbone by varying the number of chalcone arms and thiomethoxy substitutents. The single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses of all three ligands are reported in which crystals of L(1) were obtained as both syn and anti conformers and showed the conformational freedom of the two cyclopentadienyl (Cp) units. L(1)-L(3) are studied extensively toward their applicability in the colorimetric sensing of metal ions in solution. The solution-state study of mono- and bis(thiomethoxy)ferrocenylchalcone-functionalized ligands L(1) and L(2) showed selective colorimetric sensing for Hg(2+) over Li(+), Na(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cr(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Au(3+) in acetonitrile. In both cases, a selective color change from orange to purple was observed with Hg(2+) and the resultant solution showed the appearance of a new peak at 565 nm (epsilon = 3920 M(-1) cm(-1)) for L(1) and 600 nm (epsilon = 1140 M(-1) cm(-1)) for L(2) in the UV/vis experiments. The UV/vis titration profiles of L(1) and L(2) indicate the formation of 2:1 (L(1)/Hg(2+)) and 1:1 (L(2)/Hg(2+)) initial complexations in solution. On the other hand, L(3) with thiomethoxy- and thiol-functionalized ferrocenylchalcone showed no appreciable color change with Hg(2+) under the same experimental conditions. Attempts were made to isolate single crystals of the resulting purple solution obtained in the cases of L(1) and L(2) with Hg(2+). In both cases, crystals suitable for a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study were isolated in very low yield by a layer diffusion technique. The single-crystal structural investigations demonstrated the formation of a sulfide-encapsulated mercury thiolate cuboctahedron cluster, [Hg(8)S(SCH(3))(12)](2+), upon a selective chemodosimetric desulfurization reaction between Hg(2+) and L(1) or L(2). Cyclic voltammetric studies also support the Hg(2+)-induced cleavage of thiomethoxy groups.

Common variable immunodeficiency in vitiligo.

Three cases of adult, non-segmental vitiligo patients in which primary, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) was present are described. In two of the three cases, psoriasis was also present. Onset of CVID was diagnosed before vitiligo in two patients, and subsequent to the onset of vitiligo in the remaining patient. A family history of CVID was negative in all three cases. In contrast, a family history of vitiligo was present in two cases and a family history of psoriasis was present in one case. In regards to vitiligo, disease onset was gradual, with active disease in two cases, while the third case had an abrupt disease onset with borderline activity during clinical presentation. Cutaneous disease extension ranged from 2% to 12.3% in the three cases. Upon physical exam, Koebner phenomenon and signs of inflammation, such as pruritus were present in two patients; one of whom had scalp leukotrikia as well. Stress was a triggering factor in the development of vitiligo in two cases. The presence of CVID due to drugs or diseases known to cause secondary antibody deficiency were excluded in all three patients. Lastly, all patients were under treatment with immunoglobulin replacement therapy, which did not change the outcourse of vitiligo.

Ergonomics and efficient workplace design for hand-sewn footwear artisans in Kolhapur, India.

BACKGROUND: The footwear manufacturing industry is one of the significant sectors of leather businesses in India. In the Indian footwear production industry, there is an enormous potential for employment, export, and development. Kolhapuri footwear is a popular handmade craft in India. It is a well-designed craft used by Indian people for many years. Artisans using traditional tools manufacture this footwear manually. Workers of this craft use traditional methods and work in cottage-based enterprises where organized laws and legislations are not applicable. Therefore, any occupational hazard-related documentation is not available. Due to the nature of the job, workers occupy various apparent non-optimal postures that may cause multiple work-related disorders such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to study and assess different footwear manufacturing workstations and working postures. The work further aimed to improve the design of current workstations and evaluate the proposed design using virtual ergonomic assessment techniques. METHODS: An anthropometric database for the Kolhapuri footwear making population was developed. This work measured 35 different body dimensions of the footwear manufacturing artisans. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used for postural analysis of the artisans. RESULTS: It was observed that the entire footwear making activity was carried out in awkward postures. RULA scores suggested that 'a change in posture' to improve the efficiency of artisans was required for most of the workstations. This work proposed a novel workstation design to reduce the high risk of MSDs. The design was evaluated for thigh clearance, vision analysis and RULA analysis with the help of Digital Human Modelling (DHM). The virtual ergonomics assessment of this design revealed that the vision, thigh clearances, and RULA scores were satisfactory in the new design. CONCLUSION: The anthropometric database proposed in this study is likely to be useful in designing Kolhapuri footwear manufacturing tools. The proposed workstation and work layout are helpful to improve the accessibility of required tools and materials to footwear workers. It also helps to reduce occupational risks by easing uncomfortable work positions.

Formation of a nitrate zipped dimeric capsule and un-zipping by chloride doping.

A dimeric capsular aggregation of two units of arene capped tripodal receptor stitched together by a planar anion, such as nitrate, and ruptured by a spherical anion like chloride in aqueous medium.

A new hexaaza bicyclic cyclophane with dual binding sites.

A new C3-symmetric drum-shaped homoditopic haxaamino bicyclic cyclophane and its hexachloride and hexaiodide complexes have been synthesized and characterized and dual recognition of guests has been demonstrated. Single-crystal X-ray analysis illustrates that bicyclic cyclophane has a cavity and side pockets for acetone molecules. The hexaprotonated state of this bicycle shows encapsulation of an iodide inside its cavity, and in hexachloride complex, chloride is recognized as Cl(-)...H2O in each of the three side pockets which are in extensive hydrogen bonding interactions with the water and chlorides. (1)H NMR experiments have also been carried out on hexatosylated cyclophane with the halides to study solution state binding.