Release of copper from CuT 380A co-incubated with human semen and its effect on sperm function in vitro.

Release of copper and its effect on functional integrity of human sperms in vitro were assessed following co-incubation of semen with CuT 380A. After 30 min of incubation with semen, release of copper ions from CuT 380A was found to be 9.2 to 40 times higher compared to control incubations with PBS. Sperm function tests, when simultaneously performed following loss of motility in sperms (>95%) after 120 min of copper exposure, depicted a significant (P<0.001) reduction in sperm viability and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) response. However, the affected sperm populations revealed no significant alterations in other functional tests like acrosomal status or nuclear chromatin decondensation. It is therefore concluded that the high release of copper from CuT 380A drastically lowers sperm motility. viability and HOS response but only marginally affects the acrosome status or nuclear chromatin condensation in short term incubations.

Complementary feeding practices in rural area of district Agra.

The study was conducted to assess the prevailing complementary feeding practices. Strikingly 30.9 percent infants were not receiving complementary foods. 21.9 percent mothers initiated complementary feeding at the right age. This was significantly associated with the literacy status of the mothers (p<0.05). 87.1 percent infants were receiving family pot feeding. The complementary foods fed to the infants were mostly (88.6%) of semi-solid consistency. Demand feeding was being practiced by 66.7 percent mothers. The practice of cleaning hands before feeding was very poor with only 17.1%. Thus to conclude the complementary feeding practices were not satisfactory in the rural area of Agra and need to be improved.

Reproductive tract infection in women of reproductive age group in Sitapur/Shahjahanpur District of Uttar Pradesh.

CARE India with its UP Office has initiated demand generation and acceptability of services for reproductive health and birth spacing services at community level in two districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh. A total of 3,49,000 women of reproductive age will benefit from participation in program activities over the next five years. Out of total surveyed population of 3662, 798 women of reproductive age group were identified of whom 272 were found to be symptomatically positive in relation of STDs/RTIs giving the overall prevalence rate of 34%. Clinical as well as the microbiological examination was carried out on 193 of these 272 women in field conditions. Those found clinically and/or microbiologically positive were provided treatment and preventive advice. Total of 150 (77.7%) women were diagnosed on the basis of symptoms (syndromic approach) and 151 (78.2%) were diagnosed on the basis of clinical examinations. However, 137 (70.9%) were confirmed microbiologically positive. A large extent was found in the age group of 15 to 24 years. Confirmed cases were comparatively less among nulliparous women (63.6%) than multipara (73.2%) cases. 64.1% women were having watery discharge while 29.1% were having complaint of curd discharge. The discharge was offensive in only 1.9% cases while 4.9% reported mixed discharge. 54.4% women complaining of vaginal discharge were suffering from PID. The discharge were either bacterial alone (26.1%) or bacterial mixed with candidiasis (16.5%) or trichomoniasis (8.7%). Compared to syndromic approach, an improvement in the sensitivity (81.8%) and predictive accuracy (74.1%) was noted when cases were detected with the help of clinical examination.

Delivery practices in west Uttar Pradesh.

The present study has been planned to identify healthy and unhealthy delivery practices in rural U.P. specially with reference to five cleans recommended under national C.S.S.M. programme. A total 120 women who had delivered in recent past were interviewed. Only in 3.1 percent deliveries, proper washing of floor was done, in 43 percent deliveries the cord cutting instrument was not sterilized and in about 65 percent deliveries mustard oil and ghee was used as first cord applicant.

Role of traditional healers and indigenous medical practitioners in health care.

Nearly three-fourth of the indigenous medical practitioners (74.37%) in the rural area of Agra were treating 15 patients in a day. Maximum number of patients was attended by trained practitioners. Only 21.82 percent of the practitioners were providing preventive services apart from curative services. Inspite of wide variations in level of training with consequent difference in knowledge, skills and practice, these practitioners still make a significant contribution to health care of the community provided they get some training of modern health system and state patronage. To start with, at least they should be given orientation towards vaccination as they are still giving tetanus toxoid only at the time of injury. In the same way training should be given regarding distribution of vitamin 'A' for prevention of night blindness and iron folic acid tablets for control of anaemia in vulnerable groups.