Assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice towards vector borne diseases in urban area of Bagalkote, Karnataka, India

Background: Vector-borne diseases are a widespread and serious issue that affects populations all over the world and represent a global health challenge. These diseases, like malaria, dengue and chikungunya pose immense challenges due to their rapid transmission and leading to major public health crises during outbreaks. Effective management strategies, including vector control, public health interventions are crucial to curb their impact. The burden of VBDs extends beyond public health, impacting society and economies. These diseases can strain healthcare systems, reduce workforce productivity, and impose significant financial costs. Annually, alarming 700,000 deaths are attributed to vector-borne diseases, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. Aim was to assess and evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice towards vector borne diseases in urban area of Bagalkote. Methods: This is an educational interventional study. This study will be conducted among the urban area of Bagalkote. The study was carried out for 6 months. Results: In this study among 165 participant抯 knowledge of vector borne diseases was quite good. Majority of study subjects were aware about VBD causes death if untreated. Regarding the most frequent mosquito biting period maximum participants 99.39% responded with evening/night time. Almost 95.75% resonance had knowledge, that mosquito bite is the cause of dengue, malaria, chikungunya. The study revealed that majority participants considered dengue, malaria, chikungunya is serious health problem and their attitude vector control measures were positive in almost all study subjects. Conclusions: The results are very positive and we suggest that people should continue to strengthen their knowledge, attitude and practice towards vector borne diseases. Participants showed adequate awareness towards vector borne diseases.

Influence of maternal and child factors on the dental service utilization among preschool children in Bangalore urban district: a cross-sectional study

Background: Dental visit is considered primary marker of oral care. Maternal characteristics, attitudes and psychosocial factors and the child’s oral health may influence dental visits of preschool children. This study aimed to determine the influence of maternal and child factors on dental services utilization among preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 preschool children and mothers visiting Anganwadis and Primary Health Centres in Bangalore Urban District. Mothers answered questions on socio-demographic characteristics and dental attendance. Maternal dental anxiety and child’s oral health-related quality of life were assessed using modified dental anxiety scale and early childhood oral health impact scale respectively. Oral health of children and mothers were assessed using WHO oral health assessment form 2013 for children and adults respectively. Descriptive statistics, Poisson’s regression with robust variance and mediation analysis were performed and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The proportion of dental visit among preschool children was 13.5%. Majority of the mothers had high dental anxiety (76.2%) and perceived their children’s oral health-related quality of life to be good (71.2%). The caries experience in mothers and children were 63.5% and 54.2% respectively. Mothers with higher education (PR=2.05, p=0.037), caries experience (PR=3.17, p<0.001) and poor perception of child’s oral health-related quality of life (PR=5.88, p<0.001), and children with pain experience (PR=1.62, p=0.003) and decayed teeth (PR=1.81, p=0.017) influenced children’s dental visit. Maternal perception on child’s oral health-related quality of life mediates the relationship between child’s oral health and dental visit. Conclusions: The utilization of dental services among preschool children was low. Maternal and child oral health factors influenced the child’s dental service utilization. Hence, oral health promotion approaches towards mothers and children is the need for the hour.

Anatomical description of the skulls of peccaries (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus 1758) by computed tomography / [Descrição anatômica de crânio de catetos (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758) por tomografia computadorizada]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical structures of the skulls of peccaries to establish the basis for their clinical study and future preclinical research. Ten skulls of adult peccaries were subjected to tomographic examination. The data obtained were processed via three-dimensional image reconstruction software (3D images). The reconstructions obtained from the neurocranium of the studied specimens allowed the identification and description of the following structures: nasal bone, frontal bone, parietal bones, incisor bone, maxillary bone, zygomatic bone, temporal bone, palatal bone, occipital bone, vomer bone, pterygoid bone, sphenoid bone, paranasal sinuses and orbit. Computed tomography proved to be an important diagnostic tool in the investigation of the skull of this species, allowing the acquisition of anatomical values not yet documented for the species in the literature.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as estruturas anatômicas dos crânios de catetos, a fim de se estabelecerem as bases para seu estudo clínico e futuras pesquisas pré-clínicas. Dez crânios de catetos adultos foram submetidos a exame tomográfico. Os dados obtidos foram introduzidos em um software de reconstrução de imagens tridimensionais (imagens em 3D). As reconstruções obtidas do neurocrânio dos espécimes estudados permitiram a identificação e a descrição das seguintes estruturas: osso nasal, osso frontal, ossos parietais, osso incisivo, osso maxilar, osso zigomático, osso temporal, osso palatino, osso occipital, osso vômer, osso pterigoide, osso esfenoide, seios paranasais e órbita. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou-se como uma ferramenta diagnóstica importante na investigação do crânio dessa espécie, permitindo a aquisição de valores anatômicos ainda não documentados para a espécie na literatura.(AU)

Histological and Histochemical Characterization of the Midgut of Healthy Aedes aegypti Larvae

Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) is the predominant mosquito vector of several arboviruses such as dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika. The larval stage is the major period of feeding and growth of these insects. Many of the products tested for Ae. aegypti control are ingested by the larvae in their natural environment or under laboratory conditions. In some situations, the identification of tissue lesions caused by the ingestion of such products serves as the primary way to understand their mechanism of action and confirm their effectiveness. Therefore, we aimed to conduct studies on the histological and histochemical characteristics of Ae. aegypti larvae in order to contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenicity caused by chemical or biological products for larval control. Therefore, we characterized tissues in the midgut of healthy Ae. aegypti larvae and present high quality images. These images are intended for comparison with results of morphohistochemical studies testing the effect of control substances in mosquito larvae.

Capim-piatã adubado com fontes de fósforo de diferente solubilidade em água / Piata palisadegrass fertilized with different sources of phosphorus for solubility in water

The development of piatã grass fertilized with phosphorus sources with different solubilities in water was evaluated. The experiment was developed in the unit of Aquidauana of UEMS, MS, from February to August, 2012. Four treatments were evaluated: control (without phosphorus fertilization), slow solubility, fast solubility (readily available), and mixed solubility sources of phosphorus (FH Pasture(r)). It was adopted a randomized blocks design with four blocks and four replicates in a total of 16 pastures (0.5 ha each one). Measurements were performed weekly to evaluate structural characteristics and morphogenic variables of the plants. Data were submitted to a variance analysis according to the model. When necessary, the means of treatments with different phosphorus fertilizer sources were compared with the control using the Dunnett test and with other treatments by using student's t test. The significance level of 5% was adopted in all analysis. No significant effect was observed (P 0.05) in the evaluated traits in the first year of the experiment.

Detecção de locos de características quantitativas nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X de suínos: características de desempenho / Detection of quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, X in pigs: performance characteristics

Mapeou-se quantitative trait loci (QTL) associados a características de desempenho nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X de suínos pertencentes a uma população F2, formada a partir do cruzamento entre dois machos da raça naturalizada brasileira Piau e 18 fêmeas comerciais (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). O mapa genético de ligação da população foi construído após a genotipagem dos animais para 35 marcadores microssatélites. As estimativas do conteúdo de informação polimórfica indicaram que os marcadores microssatélites foram adequados para as análises de QTL. Os dados foram analisados pelo mapeamento por intervalo usando-se o programa GridQTL. Encontraram-se seis QTL, sendo que o QTL genômico para idade ao abate atingiu a significância de 5% de probabilidade. As informações dos QTL detectados neste estudo são úteis para identificar genes que podem ser usados em conjunto com os métodos convencionais de seleção, aumentar a acurácia deles e prover uma compreensão dos fenótipos produtivos de suínos.

The accomplishment of the present study had the objective of mapping Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) related to performance traits in a F2 pig population developed by mating two Brazilian Piau breed sires with 18 dams from a commercial line (Landrace × Large White × Pietrain). The linkage map for this population was constructed after genotyping the animals for 35 microsatellite markers. Estimates of polymorphic information content indicated that the microsatellite markers were appropriate for QTL analyses. The genotypes were analyzed by interval mapping using the GridQTL program. A total of six QTL were found, of which the QTL for slaughter age (days) was significant at the 5% genome-wise level. The information of the significant QTL detected in this study is useful for future fine-mapping studies for the identification of genes. Such information can be used together with traditional methods in breeding programs or even for a better understanding of the phenotypes of swine production.

Mapeamento de QTL nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X em suínos: características de carcaça e qualidade de carne / Mapping of QTL on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 and X in pigs: characteristics carcass and quality of meat

A realização do presente estudo teve como objetivo mapear Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) de carcaça e qualidade de carne em uma população F2 de suínos desenvolvida pelo cruzamento de dois reprodutores da raça brasileira Piau com 18 fêmeas comerciais (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). O mapa de ligação para essa população foi construído após a genotipagem de 684 animais para 35 marcadores microssatélites. Os dados foram analisados pelo mapeamento por intervalo usando-se sexo, lote e genótipo halotano como efeitos fixos e peso de carcaça ao abate, peso da carcaça direita e idade ao abate como covariáveis. Um total de 18 QTLs foi encontrado; os QTLs para maior espessura de toucinho na região da copa, na linha dorsolombar, e a perda por cozimento foram significativos em nível de 5% genômico. A característica espessura de toucinho foi essencialmente associada aos alelos da raça Piau, conhecido como porco tipo banha. As informações dos QTLs significativos encontrados servem para futuros estudos de mapeamento fino para identificação de genes a serem usados em conjunto com os métodos tradicionais de seleção, para melhorar a eficiência dos programas de melhoramento, assim como prover informação acerca da fisiologia envolvida no desenvolvimento das características quantitativas dos suínos.

The accomplishment of the present study had as objective to map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated to carcass and quality traits in a F2 pig population developed by mating two Brazilian Piau breed sires with 18 dams from a commercial line (Landrace × Large White × Pietrain). The linkage map for this population was constructed after genotyping the 684 animals for 35 microsatellite markers. Data were analyzed by interval mapping using sex, batch and halothane genotype as fixed effects and carcass weight at slaughter, direct carcass weight and slaugher age as covariables. A total of 18 QTL were identified, the QTL for higher backfat thickness on the shoulder region and cooking loss was significant at 5% genome-wise level. The backfat thickness trait was mainly associated with the Piau breed allele, known as a fat pig. The information of the significant QTL detected in this study is useful for future fine-mapping studies for identification of genes and might be used together with traditional selection methods to improve the efficiency of breeding programs, moreover, this information can also provide new insights to the understanding of the physiology of the quantatiative traits in pigs.

Effects of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) on the performance of broiler chickens / Efeitos do líquido da casca da castanha de caju (LCC) sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte

The effects of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) on growth performance, carcass yield, relative weight of internal organs and microbiology of digestive tract of broiler chickens were investigated. Five hundred and forty male broiler chicks at one day of age were arranged in a completely randomized design with six treatments and six repetitions with 15 broiler chicks each. The treatments were: control (T1 - without growth promoter virginiamycin and CNSL); inclusion levels of 0.10mL (T2), 0.20mL (T3), 0.30mL (T4) and 0.40mL (T5) of CNSL/kg of feed; and commercial promoter virginiamycin (T6). At 21 and 40 days of age, body weight, feed intake, feed conversion and viability of birds were similar in all treatments. Carcass yield was higher in the treatment with the growth promoter when compared to the control treatment. There was a linear increase in carcass yield when the level of CNSL was increased in the diet. The relative weight of the intestine was lower in the treatment containing virginiamycin when compared to the treatment without the inclusion of additives. The relative weight of the intestines decreased when the levels of inclusion of CNSL were increased. There was a gradual reduction of Escherichia coli concentration reaching the lowest number on the CNSL level of 0.30mL/kg. It was concluded that CNSL showed similar performance and slaughter yield as the growth promoter and reduced the concentration of Escherichia coli in the intestinal contents.

Um estudo foi conduzido para investigar os efeitos do líquido da casca da castanha de caju (LCC) sobre o desempenho, o rendimento de carcaça, o peso relativo dos órgãos internos e a microbiologia do trato digestivo de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 540 pintos machos de um dia de idade, distribuídos num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos e seis repetições de 15 aves cada. Os tratamentos consistiram em: controle (T1 - sem promotor comercial e sem LCC), níveis de inclusão de 0,10mL (T2), 0,20mL (T3), 0,30mL (T4) e 0,40mL (T5) de LCC/kg de ração e T6 (promotor comercial - virginiamicina). Aos 21 e 40 dias de idade, o peso corporal, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar e a viabilidade das aves foram semelhantes em todos os tratamentos. O rendimento de carcaça foi superior no tratamento com promotor de crescimento em relação ao tratamento-controle. Ocorreu uma resposta linear de incremento no rendimento de carcaça com o aumento do nível de LCC na dieta. O peso relativo dos intestinos foi menor no tratamento com virginiamicina em relação ao tratamento-controle. O peso relativo dos intestinos diminuiu com o aumento do nível de inclusão do LCC. Houve uma redução gradual da concentração de Escherichia coli, cuja menor concentração atingiu o nível de 0,30mL/kg. Conclui-se que o LCC mostrou desempenho e rendimento de abate semelhantes ao promotor de crescimento e reduziu a concentração de Escherichia Coli no conteúdo intestinal.

Quantitative determination of Cimetidine in both bulk and formulations using neutralization titrations.

Cimetidine is the selective H2 receptor antagonist and inhibits the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. In the present study, simple titrimetric method was developed. Respective quantities of Cimetidine were taken in aqueous methanol and acetic acid titrated against 0.1N hydrochloric acid and 0.1N perchloric acid using methyl orange and crystal violet as indicators for neutralization and non-aqueous titrations. All the titrations are carried out by running simultaneous blank determinations. The final titer values are subtracted from blank to get actual amount of acid consumed was determined. These methods were found to be sensitive and inexpensive, do not require any sample processing steps and can be utilized for estimation of cimetidine in bulk and formulations.

Development of validated liquid chromatographic method for estimation of levocetirizine from pharmaceutical dosage forms.

A simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination levocetirizine has been developed. The chromatographic system consisted of a Water 2695 binary gradient pump, Water 2487 dual wavelength absorbance detector, and Empower 2 software. Separation was achieved on the XTerra symmetry C18 column at room temperature. The sample was introduced through an injector valve with a 20 μL sample loop. The results obtained showed a good agreement with the declared content. Recovery values of levocetirizine in tablets were from 99.57-100.48 %. The proposed method is rapid, accurate and selective; it may be used for the quantitative analysis of levocetirizine from raw materials, in bulk drugs and other dosage formulations.

Decolorization of different azo dyes by Phanerochaete chrysosporium RP78 under optimal condition

Detoxification of synthetic dyes is one of the main challenges in clearing textile industry wastes. Biodegradation of azo-dyes using Phanerochaete chrysosporium is one the most environmentally friendly methods available. The main enzymes responsible for mycodecolorization process are lignin and manganese peroxidases. Here, optimization of expression conditions has been carried out with manipulating culture condition and nutrient sources. Therefore, the effects of buffer and temperature as well as nitrogen source on lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase production were investigated at two levels and four levels, respectively. For this purpose, P. chrysosporium RP78 based on Taguchi design of experiment has been applied. Maximum lignin and manganese peroxidase activities of 182 +/- 2.5 U/L and 850 +/- 41 U/L were obtained under predicted optimum conditions, respectively. Thereby, about 100% decolorization was achieved after 24 h for two most widely used groups of azo dyes in textile industry consisting reactive and acidic. The physical adsorption of the azo dyes by mycelia was not significant which indicated that the enzymatic degradation of the dyes was occurred. Time profile of these enzymes showed that manganese peroxidase was peaked on 9 th day while lignin peroxidase peaked on 13 th. day and remained stable in the culture. The extracellular expression profiles of both were studied by 2 dimensional gel electrophoresis to partially characterize the enzymes

Bees wax polyphenols as suppressor of CC1--induced oxidative stress in rats.

Bee's wax produced by honeybees is rich in polyphenols. As the polyphenols are thought to protect cell constituents against oxidative damage through scavenging of free radicals, the present work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of polyphenols extracted from bees wax on the oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. The polyphenols extracted by 80% methanol from bee wax (PBW) were fed to Wistar rats at 100 mg/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 days in order to study its antioxidative and antihepatotoxic effects against CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg body weight)-induced stress. On 15th day all the rats were sacrificed, blood was collected for serum and organs/tissues were excised for biochemical analysis. The results showed a significant decrease in hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities viz. catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a significant increase in glutathione S-transferase (GST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) by CCl4, probably due to the peroxidative effects. The prophylactic use of PBW at 200 mg/kg level resulted in a significant increase in CCl4-induced reduction in catalase, G-6-PDH, GSSGR and SOD. The hepatic levels of lipid peroxides viz. malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes and lipid hydroperoxides, enhanced by the administration of CCl4 were brought down by the ingestion of PBW at a level of 200 mg/kg. The hepatotoxicity caused by the administration of CCl4 was reduced significantly. Hence, it is concluded that the polyphenols from bees wax exhibit hepatoprotective and antioxidative properties in

Identification, sequencing and structural analysis of a nifA-like gene of Acetobacter diazotrophicus

A recombinant plasmid, pAD101, containing a DNA fragment of Acetobacter diazotrophicus strain PAL5 was isolated by its ability to restore Nif+ phenotype to a nifA- ntrC- double mutant of Azotobacter vinelandii. Hybridization with the nifA genes of Azospirillum brasilense located the nifA gene more precisely to specific fragments of pAD101. DNA sequencing of appropriate subclones of pAD101 revealed that the nifA gene was adjacent to the nifB gene in A. diazotrophicus, and the 5' end of the nifB gene was located downstream of the nitrogenase MoFe subunit gene, nifK. The deduced aminoacid sequence of A. diazotrophicus nifA and nifB gene were most similar to the NifA and NifB proteins of Azorhizobium caulinodans and Rhodobacter capsulatus, respectively. In addition, nucleotide sequences upstream of the A. diazotrophicus nifA-encoding region indicate features similar to those in the A. caulinodans nifA promoter region involved in O2 and fixed N regulation of nifA expression.

Estudo das alteraçöes pulmonares em doentes com artrite reumatóide: correlaçäo clínico-radiológica funcional / Pulmonary changes in patients with rheumathoid arthritis: functional clinico-radiological correlation

Durante uma investigación de 21 pacientes consecutivos portadores de artrite reumatóide clássica (AR), foram encontradas anormalidades na funçäo pulmonar atribuíveis à AR em 52,4%, tendo a reduçäo da capacidade de difusäo e da queda da PaO2 após exercício sido as anormalidades mais comuns. Outras alteraçöes encontradas foram o shunt patológico, distúrbio espirográfico restritivo e hipoxemia em repouso. Os sintomas atribuíveis à AR foram infreqüentes, assim como as alteraçöes radiológicas. Em um caso, ocorreu alteraçäo radiológica com funçäo pulmonar normal. Desses 21 pacientes, seis estavam em tratamento com sais de ouro, droga esta que vem sendo descrita na literatura como capaz de desencadear doença intersticial pulmonar. No grupo estudado, näo houve correlaçäo entre a presença de deformidades e/ou erosäo óssea ou de títulos sorológicos elevados como alteraçöes pulmonares atribuíveis à AR