Effect of cobalt doping on the electrochemical performance of trimanganese tetraoxide.

Nanostructured transition metal oxides (TMO) are potential materials widely explored by researchers for energy storage applications. In this study, spinel trimanganese tetraoxide (Mn3O4) and cobalt doped trimanganese tetraoxide (Co-Mn3O4) was synthesized by using a simple solvent assisted hydrothermal route. Pure Mn3O4 and Co-Mn3O4 nanomaterials were characterized by an x-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). XRD analysis revealed the body centered tetragonal spinel structure of Mn3O4 and Co-Mn3O4 with a space group as l41/amd (141) and an approximate crystallite size of 45-33 nm. The presence of an Mn-O bond vibration was confirmed using FTIR and the band gap properties were analyzed through UV-DRS. Surface morphology and average grain size were examined using FESEM and HRTEM micrographs as nanosquares and nanospheres with diameter 126 nm and 118 nm, respectively. Electrochemical properties of Mn3O4 and Co-Mn3O4 were evaluated using cyclic voltammograms, charge-discharge curves, and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). Pure Mn3O4 showed a specific capacitance of 971 F g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 current density while Co-Mn3O4 achieved relatively higher specific capacitance of 1852 F g-1 at the same current density. It is observed that the increased specific capacitance of Co-Mn3O4 mainly arises from the doping effect. Electrochemical analysis shows that the Co doped Mn3O4 nanomaterials can be a promising electrode material for supercapacitor.

Triple insecticide resistance in Anopheles culicifacies: A practical impediment for malaria control in Odisha State, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In Odisha State, the control of malaria vectors has become dependent on synthetic pyrethroids, which are used for treatment of all approved long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). The vast use of just one class of insecticide has led to the problem of resistance to insecticides in malaria vectors. One of the major malaria vectors in Odisha State is Anopheles culicifacies Giles. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance status of An. culicifacies to deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid and other common insecticides used by the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) for indoor residual spraying in Odisha State. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected during April 2014 - June 2014 from 15 randomly selected villages in five p0 lasmodium falciparum endemic southern districts of Odisha State. The blood-fed wild caught females were exposed to the diagnostic dosage of DDT (4.0%), malathion (5.0%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) for one hour. Mortality was recorded at 24 h after the exposure. RESULTS: Results indicated that An. culicifacies was resistant to all the three insecticides used in the malaria control programme in the five districts of Odisha State. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Resistance management strategy by appropriate rotation of different groups of insecticides including carbamates and incorporating a synergist with synthetic pyrethroids for treating mosquito nets should be considered for the control of malaria vectors in the area, especially where An. culicifacies is predominant. Periodical monitoring of susceptibility/resistance status of An. culicifacies to different insecticides is warranted.

Correlations of Insulin Resistance and Serum Testosterone Levels with LH:FSH Ratio and Oxidative Stress in Women with Functional Ovarian Hyperandrogenism.

Functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) is a form of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by elevated circulating levels of androgens derived from the ovary. Insulin resistance (IR) is the most common etiological factor in women with FOH. IR causes the generation of increased oxidative stress (OS) and diminished antioxidant status. OS is directly correlated with both IR and testosterone levels, which consequently contribute to endocrine and biochemical alterations in FOH women. In the current study, elevations in total testosterone, free testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels accompanied by a decrease in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level leading to higher LH:FSH ratio were the prominent endocrine changes observed in women with FOH. A significant increase in fasting blood levels of glucose and insulin, as well as an elevated IR were also seen in FOH women, as compared to their age matched controls. Women with FOH have higher pro-oxidant and lower anti-oxidant levels in blood than their age matched controls. In FOH women, elevations in LH:FSH ratio and OS are correlated more with hyperandrogenemia than with IR. Of the androgens, free rather than total testosterone has better positive correlations with elevated LH:FSH ratio and OS, and hence, the former is a better predictive marker for the development of biochemical PCOS in women with FOH.

Association of insulin resistance with adipocytokine levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) results from the derangement of adipocyte physiology and carbohydrate metabolism. Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are integral features of MetS. The adipokine alterations in MetS often correlate with IR and body fat content. High adipose tissue content is associated with a decreased production of adiponectin and excessive production of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), all of which induce IR. The present study evaluated the adipokine alterations in MetS and their association with IR. The findings of the current study indicate that MetS is associated with significant decrease in adiponectin and increase in TNF-α and IL-6. The present study also found that the adipocyte derived inflammatory adipokines, TNF-α and IL-6 correlate with IR while the anti-inflammatory adipokines, adiponectin does not correlate with the degree and severity of IR.

Comparison of efficacy of five types of long-lasting insecticidal nets against Anopheles fluviatilis, the primary malaria vector in east-central India.

Five types of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LNs), namely, Olyset, Netprotect, PermaNet, DuraNet, and Interceptor, were tested after 20 washes for efficacy in terms of mortality, deterrence effect, blood-feeding inhibition, and induced exophily of the malaria vector Anopheles fluviatilis in experimental huts in Malkangiri district of Odisha State, India. Efficacy of the three synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) used in the LNs was also analyzed. Use of LNs reduced the entry of An. fluviatilis into the huts by 73.3-83.2%, and the five LNs were comparable in terms of deterrence. The exit rate of An. fluviatilis from the huts with untreated net was 56.3%, and relative to this, Olyset followed by DuraNet induced significantly a higher exophily. In contrast, the exit rate was significantly lower with Interceptor. Among the three SPs, permethrin induced significantly greater exophily relative to the untreated control, and as a result of this, permethrin-treated Olyset produced a lower mortality. Blood-feeding rate of An. fluviatilis was significantly lower with all the five LNs than the control. Similarly, all the three SPs significantly inhibited blood feeding compared with the control. Interceptor and DuraNet, both alphacypermethrin-treated LNs, caused relatively a higher mortality of An. fluviatilis than the other LNs. The five brands of LNs and three SPs tested in the current study were equally effective in terms of deterrence and blood-feeding inhibition; only exiting and killing effect differed among them. Permethrin-treated LNs induced greater exophily, while, overall, alphacypermethrin-treated LNs killed more An. fluviatilis that entered the huts. Advantage of deterrence, excito-repellent, and killing effects of LNs and appropriate selection of SP for net treatment are discussed in this paper.

Effect of house spraying with lambdacyhalothrin 10 per cent capsule suspension (CS) formulation in comparison with 10 per cent wettable powder (WP) against malaria vector in Malkangiri district, Odisha, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Selection of an insecticide and its appropriate formulation is a prerequisite of formulating any chemical control strategy against vectors. A hut scale field trial was carried out to study the effectiveness of house spraying with capsule suspension (CS) formulation of lambdacyhalothrin in comparison with its wettable powder (WP) formulation on mortality, density and behaviour of malaria vector in Malkangiri district, Odisha, India. METHODS: The two formulations were tested at 20 and 30 mg (a.i.)/m 2 for their effectiveness in terms of deterrence, excito-repellency, blood-feeding success, mortality and residual activity against Anopheles fluviatilis, the major malaria vector, in experimental huts in Malkangiri district, Odisha State, India. RESULTS: Both CS and WP formulations prevented the entry of An. fluviatilis in to the sprayed huts by >90 per cent for >6 months, the entire peak malaria transmission season in the area. The exit rate increased (90-99%) with different treatments and the feeding rate was reduced (91-97%). There was no significant difference between WP 30, CS 20 and CS 30 mg/m 2 in these respects. However, WP 20 mg/m 2 caused a lesser effect than the other three groups. The formulations or the dosages differed only in causing vector mortalities. Overall, the total mortality rate of An. fluviatilis was higher in the huts sprayed with CS 30 (58%) than the huts sprayed with CS 20 (48%), WP 20 (37%) and WP 30 mg/m 2 (47%). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Considering the duration of residual action and the effect on entry, exit, feeding and mortality of An. fluviatilis, the dosage 20 mg/m 2 of CS formulation of lambdacyhalothrin could be considered for further use.

Optimization of ingredients for noodle preparation using response surface methodology.

In the present investigation, the composite flour combinations using whole wheat flour (X1), tapioca flour (X2) and defatted soy flour (X3) for the noodle preparation were made through central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The analyzed responses were bulk density (BD), proximate composition, water uptake ratio (WUR), cooking volume expansion (VE), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC), gruel solid loss (GSL), and sensory characteristics. A second order quadratic polynomial equation was fitted to the data of all responses for prediction. The maximum protein content of 16 g% was achieved by the combination of 75.54 g of whole wheat flour, 10 g of tapioca flour and 19.78 g of defatted soy flour. Since the inclusion of defatted soy flour >10 g resulted negative influence on good quality determining responses, the Chinese salted noodles of excellent quality with maximum WAC, WUR, VE, SC, protein, carbohydrate, ash and minimum GSL, BD, fat, moisture could be made from ratio of combination of three independent variables at 77.33 g (X1): 22.19 g (X2): 8.92 g (X3) respectively. The cost of production per kg of noodles with optimum level of ingredient was Rs.75.50/-.

Molecular studies on coronary artery disease-a review.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the major cause of mortality and morbidity in the entire world population. The conventional risk factors of CAD include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, family history, smoking etc. These factors contribute only 50 % of the total risk of CAD. For providing a complete risk assessment in CAD, it is mandatory to have well-planned clinical, biochemical and genetic studies in patients with CAD and subjects who are at risk of developing CAD. In this review an attempt is made to critically evaluate the conventional and emerging risk factors which predispose the individual to CAD. Specifically, the molecular basis of CAD including high oxidative stress, low antioxidant status and increased DNA damage are covered. A comprehensive and multifactorial approach to the problem is the better way to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the disease.

In-silico comparison of cytochrome P450 inhibitory and dopaminergic activity of Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin.

Psychiatric disorders are a heterogeneous group of mental disorders that manifest as abnormal mental or behavioral habits that cause the individual discomfort or disability. Dopamine imbalance plays a major role in many psychiatric disorders. Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin are CYP P450 3A4 & 2D6 inhibitors. The objective of this study is to determine the dopaminergic activity of Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin and also to compare cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2D6 inhibition activity by in-silico methods. In this in-silico study, we utilised compounds such as Piperine, Curcumin and Capsaicin were subjected to Lipinski's rule of five, and ligands were also evaluated for toxicity profile and ADMET properties. Furthermore, the ligands were performed in docking studies. All three compounds were docked with three different targeted proteins (PDB IDs: 4D7D, 4WNW and 6LUQ). According to the docking result, Piperine has higher binding energy(-8.55 kcal/mol)(-8.1 kcal/mol)(-8.57 kcal/mol) when compared with Curcumin(-7.39 kcal/mol)(-5.61 kcal/mol)(-6.57 kcal/mol) and Capsaicin (-6.86 kcal/mol)(-6.57 kcal/mol)(-5.42 kcal/mol) and also with standard drug (-8.61 kcal/mol)(-7.65 kcal/mol)(-6.16 kcal/mol). The present study concluded that the bioactive compound Piperine has a better inhibitory activity of CYP 3A4, 2D6 enzymes and dopamine D2 receptor among the three compounds and also with the standard drug thioridazine.

Experimental and Computational studies on Intramolecular charge transfer, Terahertz and Two photon absorption of 3-[(4-Nitrophenyl Azo)]-9H-Carbazole-9-Ethanol (NPACE) from their Vibrational spectra for Optical limiting and NLO applications.

Non-linear optical (NLO) features of 3-[(4-Nitrophenyl Azo)]-9H-Carbazole-9-Ethanol (NPACE) chromophore were investigated by FT-IR, FT-Raman, and UV-visible spectra aided by Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set of Gaussian 16 W package. It is observed from the DFT calculation that the slight increase in the endocyclic angle of C13 -C14 -C15 and the reduction in exocyclic angle of N40 -N39 -C14 and C15 -C14 -N39 ascertained by experimental XRD values indicating the intramolecular charge-transfer interaction between the carbazole and nitrophenyl group through the diazo bridge. The vibrational contribution to the linear electro-optic effect is 15% of the total hyperpolarizability being calculated at B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) for the NPACE molecule. It is also observed that the 8a, 19a, and 19b modes of the carbazole ring and the 8a, 8b, and 19b modes of the phenyl ring are found to be simultaneously and intensely active in IR and Raman spectra explaining the charge transfer interactions throughout the molecule. The low value of the HOMO- LUMO energy gap (2.5843 eV) and the deviation between the measured absorption wavelength (3.36 eV) from the computed (3.87 eV), both these facts substantiate the intramolecular charge transfer. The polarizability and first-order hyperpolarizability were calculated as 6.48 × 10-24 and 3.8 × 10-29 esu, respectively. The second harmonic generation (SHG) measurement experiment of NPACE was carried out using the powder method. The SHG efficiency is measured in comparison with the urea standard. The calculated torsional mode at 20 cm-1 is in excellent quantitative agreement with the experimentally determined terahertz absorption peak. The two-photon absorption coefficient of NPACE was estimated to be 0.9 × 10-11 mW-1, which is mainly due to the D-π-A type of molecular structure, and the optical limiting threshold for NPACE was estimated to be 1.52 × 1013 Wm-2 enabling this material as a potential candidate for optical limiting applications.

Duration of seroprotection of the live attenuated SA-14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine in children in India.

BACKGROUND: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a major public health concern in India, and the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus is the most common cause of viral encephalitis in Asia affecting children under the age of 15 years. In India, despite the introduction of the JE vaccine (SA-14-14-2) in the immunization programme, JE continues to account for 15-20% of AES cases to date. This study evaluates the immunogenicity of live attenuated SA-14-14-2 JE vaccine in terms of persistence of the humoral response after two doses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 266 children belonging to one of the JE endemic regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. Blood samples were taken from children (2-10 years) and grouped according to the duration (in years) after two doses of the vaccine (5 groups with a class interval of 2 years). Informed written consent was obtained from the parents/guardians. All the samples collected were tested for the presence of anti-JEV-specific IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and further confirmed by micro neutralization test (MNT) and immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: Of the 266 samples tested by ELISA for anti-JEV-specific IgG antibodies, 260 (97.74%) were negative and 6 (2.26%) were equivocal. The geometric mean immune status ratio across the five groups, 0-2 years (n = 59), 2-4 years (n = 73), 4-6 years (n = 65), 6-8 years (n = 48) and 8-10 years (n = 21) post-two doses of SA-14-14-2 JE vaccine was 1.143, 1.059, 1.138, 1.075 and 1.130, respectively, and the geometric mean titre obtained from MNT across the five groups was 10.77, 8.400, 8.453, 9.517 and 9.674, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study showed a decreasing trend of anti-JEV specific IgG antibody titres across the five groups based on the duration following two doses of SA-14-14-2 vaccine. The results emphasize the significance of booster doses of vaccine for children living in endemic areas.

Decorating MnO2 nanosheets on MOF-derived Co3O4 as a battery-type electrode for hybrid supercapacitors.

Metal-organic framework-derived materials are now considered potential next-generation electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this present investigation, Co3O4@MnO2 nanosheets are synthesized using ZIF-67, which is used as a sacrificial template through a facile hydrothermal method. The unique vertically grown nanosheets provide an effective pathway for rapidly transporting electrons and ions. As a result, the ZIF-67 derived Co3O4@MnO2-3 electrode material shows a high specific capacitance of 768 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 current density with outstanding cycling stability (86% retention after 5000 cycles) and the porous structure of the material has a good BET surface area of 160.8 m2 g-1. As a hybrid supercapacitor, Co3O4@MnO2-3//activated carbon exhibits a high specific capacitance (82.9 C g-1) and long cycle life (85.5% retention after 5000 cycles). Moreover, a high energy density of 60.17 W h kg-1 and power density of 2674.37 W kg-1 has been achieved. This attractive performance reveals that Co3O4@MnO2 nanosheets could find potential applications as an electrode material for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.

Safety and Efficacy of Saroglitazar in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Patients With Diabetic Dyslipidemia-A Prospective, Interventional, Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Saroglitazar-a unique dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist was approved marketing authorization in India in 2013 for diabetic dyslipidemia. Postmarketing studies have additionally shown improvement in liver parameters in diabetic dyslipidemia patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who received saroglitazar. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of saroglitazar on liver function test, liver fibrosis score by FibroScan, lipid profiles, HbA1c in NAFLD patients with diabetic dyslipidemia in southern India. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, interventional, pilot study was performed to study the safety and efficacy of saroglitazar in NAFLD patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus. About 97 patients were screened, of which 85 patients were involved in the study based on the inclusion criteria. The clinical parameters and liver stiffness were measured at the baseline and also after 12 weeks of treatment with administration of saroglitazar 4 mg once daily. The change in the parameters at the baseline and after the end of the treatment was measured and was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software. RESULTS: The recruited patients received saroglitazar and were followed up for a period of 12 weeks. The clinical parameters such as fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, SGPT, and liver stiffness showed significant difference after 12 weeks of treatment when compared with the baseline values. No adverse drug reaction was reported in patients receiving saroglitazar during the study. CONCLUSION: Saroglitazar was found to show significant improvement in liver parameters in NAFLD patients with a significant reduction in liver fibrosis and triglycerides level.

Glutathione S transferase activity in Indian vectors of malaria: A defense mechanism against DDT.

Glutathione S transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes involved in detoxification of xenobiotic compounds in majority of the insect groups. Significance of insect GSTs is their elevated level of activity in association with insecticide resistance. This investigation was to explore the metabolic status of GSTs in two Indian DDT-resistant malaria vectors, Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles annularis, and one DDT-susceptible vector, Anopheles fluviatilis. Malkangiri and Koraput districts of Orissa State, endemic for falciparum malaria and having a long insecticide spraying history, were the study areas. F1 progeny was raised from wild-caught females of the three vectors and used for biochemical assays to detect the GST-mediated DDT resistance mechanism. Results of the enzyme assay showed a significant 3-fold increase in GST activity in DDT-resistant An. annularis compared with its susceptible population. In DDT-resistant An. culicifacies, the median GST activity (71.8 micromol/min/mg) was almost the same as estimated in the DDT-resistant An. annularis (74.6 micromol/ min/mg), suggesting that the GST activity estimated in An. culicifacies could be an elevated level for detoxification of DDT. Furthermore, the GST activity in DDT-resistant An. culicifacies and An. annularis was significantly higher than that in the DDT-susceptible An. fluviatilis, which had a GST activity of 20.0 micromol/min/mg. Also, the GST-mediated DDT detoxification was confirmed by comparing GST activity in wild-caught females with that in their F1 progeny.

Strong and nonspecific synergistic antibacterial/antibiofilm impact of nano-silver biosynthesized and decorated with active ingredients of Oscimum basilicum L.

In this study, Ocimum basilicum (a proven broad spectrum medicinal plant for broad-spectrum pharmacological activities) leaf extract was used as conjugates for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Color change of the reaction mixture and UV-Visible spectrophotometry indicated the fabrication of silver nanoparticles, further X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopic images (TEM), and Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) confirms the purity, monodispersity, and morphology including size (22.4 nm) and conjugated functional group of Ocimum basilicum. The conjugation of functional OH, N-O, and C=O groups was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The engineered AgNP have shown significantly efficient antibacterial and antibiofilm activities (92.7% biofilm inhibition) on diverse clinical strains and thus showed its potential for use in clinical applications.

Biochemical and genetic studies on cardiometabolic syndrome.

Cardiometabolic syndrome is one of the major public health issues of this century which describes a cluster of clinical characteristics. Seventy two patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiometabolic syndrome and forty healthy age and sex matched normal controls were selected for this study. Detailed clinical epidemiological and anthropometric characteristics were noted. Lipid profile and Cytokinesis-block micronuclei (CBMN) assay using cytochalasin B were carried out in all the subjects. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol was significantly higher and HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in patients compared to their normal counter-parts (P<0.05). CBMN frequency of the patients was significantly higher at all ages compared to their normal counter parts (P<0.05). Various risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, smoking and alcoholism were found influenced the CBMN frequency; but the changes were not significant. From this study it can be concluded that DNA damage was found to be higher in patients with cardiometabolic syndrome which may be attributed to the generation of free radicals associated with alcohol consumption, tobacco use, dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance and the accumulation of free radicals with increase in age.

Safety and efficacy of newer biologics DMARDs in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review.

Objective: To analyze the safety and efficacy of certain biologics DMARDs (Adalimumab, Baricitinib, Pefacitinib and Sirukumab) either used alone or as a combination with MTX for management of rheumatoid arthritis. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review on various phase 3 Randomized controlled trails, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group clinical trials for 52 weeks from 2017 to 2019 conforming to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The primary efficacy endpoints were American College of Rheumatology 20 response rate improvement criteria, other secondary endpoints were American College of Rheumatology 50/70 response rates, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, Disease Activity Score-28 for rheumatoid arthritis with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate/C Reactive Protein and Radiographic outcomes. Results: Finally, four studies were included for qualitative synthesis in which we observed improvement in ACR 20 response rate was found in the newer agents study group. SB5 (72.4%) at week 24, Baricitinib (70%) at week 12, Pefacitinib 100 mg and 150 mg (57.7% & 74.5%) at week 12 and Sirukumab 50 mg and 100 mg (55% & 54%) at week 16 respectively. ACR 50 and ACR 70 response rate at different point in time was also found to be higher in the study group which indicates their efficacy. Conclusion: In this systematic review, we observed an improvement in ACR 20 response rate and other secondary efficacy outcomes with an acceptable safety margin. From the evidence of RCTs, we have identified that newer therapeutic agents has beneficial effects when compared to existing therapy.

Larvicidal & emergence inhibitory activities of NeemAzal T/S 1.2 per cent EC against vectors of malaria, filariasis & dengue.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Vector control, using agents of chemical origin, continues to be practiced in the control of vector borne diseases. However, due to some drawbacks including lack of selectivity, environmental contamination, and emergence and spread of vector resistance, development of natural products for vector control has been a priority in this area. In the present study we evaluated the larvicidal and emergence inhibitory activities of a neem based formulation Neem Azal T/S 1.2 per cent EC against the vectors of malaria, filariasis and dengue. METHODS: Larvicidal and emergence inhibition (EI) activity of a neem formulation, NeemAzal T/S 1.2 per cent EC, was studied in the laboratory respectively against early 4(th) and early 3(rd) instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti following standard procedures. RESULTS: Among the three vector species studied, An. stephensi was highly susceptible to NeemAzal T/S as revealed by the LC(50) and LC(90) values (1.92 and 2.76 ppm). The formulation produced an overall mortality or inhibition of emergence of 90 per cent (EI(90), when 3(rd) instar larvae were treated) at 0.046, 0.208 and 0.866 ppm in An. stephensi, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively. The corresponding EI(50) values were 0.006, 0.048 and 0.249 ppm. On treatment, NeemAzal T/S induced certain morphogenetic abnormalities, broadly characterized in five types, in larvae, pupae and adults of all the three vector species. The percentage of dead specimens of any stage showing morphogenetic abnormalities was the maximum in Cx. quinquefasciatus (14.4%; n=2113) followed by Ae. aegypti. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that because of its emergence inhibition activity, NeemAzal T/S 1.2 per cent EC could be a promising candidate for the use in integrated vector management programme and replace chemical insecticides.

Serum siderocalin levels in patients with tuberculosis and HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES: Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces high-affinity siderophores that play essential roles in iron acquisition and tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis. In response, host cells secrete a siderophore-binding protein, siderocalin, to limit the bacteria's access to iron. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the levels of siderocalin in patients with TB with or without HIV infection compared to controls. METHODS: Siderocalin levels were tested using a neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) ELISA kit in four populations: HIV-infected patients with TB (HIVpos, TBpos), non-HIV-infected patients with TB (HIVneg, TBpos), HIV-infected patients without TB (HIVpos, TBneg), and healthy controls (HIVneg, TBneg). RESULTS: Serum siderocalin levels were significantly elevated in patients with TB regardless of their HIV status (HIVneg, TBpos 920 (480-1050) pg/ml; HIVpos, TBpos 494 (166-1050) pg/ml), whereas lower levels of siderocalin were seen in HIV-positive patients (HIVpos, TBneg 268 (77-937) pg/ml; HIVneg, TBneg 453 (193-994) pg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that active TB leads to an up-regulation of serum siderocalin regardless of HIV status, whereas HIV infection leads to a down-regulation of serum siderocalin levels in both TB-negative and TB-positive individuals. Further studies are needed to evaluate siderocalin as a potential marker of active TB and to clarify its role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated TB.

Umbilical cord blood nutrients in low birth weight babies in relation to birth weight & gestational age.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Low birth weight (LBW) babies are a vulnerable group and represent two outcomes--preterm birth (preterm LBW) and term with intrauterine growth retardation (term LBW). LBW babies are considered to have low nutrient reserve, but the extent of deficiency as compared to the normal babies and the differences between preterm LBW and term LBW are unclear. This study was carried out to look at key anthropometric, biochemical and clinical (ABC) parameters of LBW babies, both preterm and term, in comparison to a control group of term normal weight babies. METHODS: A group of 500 babies was selected at birth from a tertiary care teaching hospital and categorized into LBW (n = 251) with preterm LBW (n = 59), term LBW (n = 192) and term controls (n = 249). Two controls were dropped as tests could not be performed in the available cord blood sample. Key anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. Socio-economic status, age, parity, height and pre-delivery haemoglobin of the mothers were also recorded. RESULTS: The maternal characteristics were comparable in the three groups. Socio-economically, majority of them belonged to lower middle or upper lower class (Class III and IV) representing the non affluent. All the anthropometric measurements and nutrients measured namely total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron were significantly lower in LBW babies compared to term control babies. These values were lowest in preterm LBW followed by term LBW. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) showed inverse association with iron. Some of the babies including control babies had protein, albumin, calcium and iron below the normal range and mean albumin, calcium and iron levels were below the normal range in all the three subsets. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Preterm and term LBW babies are born with significantly lower nutrient reserves at birth compared to term control babies. Normal weight babies from the non affluent sections also have low nutrients especially albumin, calcium and iron. As these levels are liable to be further lowered by recurrent infections and inappropriate feeding habits, nutritional surveillance, extra feeding and supplements like calcium and iron are recommended for such vulnerable babies to promote optimum growth and to prevent deficiencies. This is important as currently, there are no clear or uniform recommendations for extra feeding and nutrient supplements to LBW babies and no supplements other than exclusive breast feeding are recommended for term normal birth weight babies. Extra nutritional inputs for LBW and selected non affluent babies along with care of the prospective and prenatal mothers for ensuring adequate transfer of nutrients to the offspring seem necessary. Such interventions can be integrated with the existing health care programmes to reach all the beneficiaries.