High prevalence of alpha thalassemia in the tribal community of the western part of India! Reality or myth? Can simple hematology parameters; MCV and MCH act as screening tools at birth?

Background: The majority of adult tribal subjects in the western part of India, show microcytic hypochromic red cells, and borderline anemia with a normal iron profile, suggesting a high prevalence of thalassemia in this population. Methods: The current study was designed to perform qualitative (to screen for Hb Bart’s) and quantitative (to estimate percentage of Hb Bart’s) hemoglobin electrophoresis with modification of the method, to evaluate the prevalence of ? thalassemia and to determine gene frequency of ?+ thal gene. Furthermore, the present study also aimed to evaluate common hematology parameters like MCV and MCH as screening tools to suspect ? thalassemia at birth. Results: Based on hemoglobin electrophoresis, the prevalence of ? thalassemia in all its forms was found to be 66.66%. The estimated gene frequency for ?+ thal was found to be 0.7453 and based on that, the extrapolated prevalence of ? thalassemia was 93.52% (55.55% homozygous and 37.97% heterozygous). MCV<100 fl and MCH<31 pg were found to be reliable screening tools to predict ? thalassemia at birth in full-term uncomplicated pregnancy. Conclusions: Tribal community in the western part of India bears a very high prevalence of ? thalassemia, it’s a reality and not a myth. Simple hematological parameters like MCV (<100 fl) and MCH (<31 pg) measured at birth can prove to be cost-effective surrogate markers for ? thalassemia. Large scale study using confirmatory genetic analysis is required to validate the findings.

Z score analysis: A novel approach to interpretation of an erythrogram

Context: Z score defines the shift of an observed value from the mean. Aims: By determining the direction of this shift and its absolute value for mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), one can quickly screen the hemogram for any spurious results in RBC parameters and also predict the type of anemia. This is because MCH and MCHC are derived parameters (from Hb, RBC, MCV) and thereby reflect the true as well as false changes in an erythrogram. Materials and Methods: A total of 975 hemograms were studied retrospectively. Basic statistical formulae using mean and standard deviation were applied to calculate z scores for MCH and MCHC. Results obtained were compared with the standard method and validated by an independent cohort of 100 random samples run on a different machine. Results and Statistical Analysis: Z score was found to be statistically significant (p <.001) in diagnosing iron deficiency anemias, megaloblastic anemias, hemolytic anemias, regenerative anemias, anemia of chronic disease and spurious findings. Z score was not significant (p = 0.9) in predicting beta thalassemia trait. The sensitivity was low for the differentials of microcytic hypochromic anemias. Conclusions: Despite this, Z score can be of immense help to the clinicians and pathologists in making quick interpretation of the underlying red cell abnormalities. Also, it can be used as a quality assessment tool in hematology laboratories taking pre analytical and analytical factors into account.

Issues in Utilisation of MCH Services: Qualitative Insights from Tribal Women of Himachal Pradesh, India

Mothers and children in any country comprise a large vulnerable population subgroup. In order to address the myriad health needs of women and children, maternal and child health (MCH) services have been bolstered in India. Tribal women are facing many hurdles in the utilisation of MCH services which is ultimately affecting their health outcomes.This study aimed to explore the issues and challenges faced by tribal women during the utilisation of MCH services. Beneficiaries were facing issues like hospital environment and sub-centre issues, travelling/ transportation problems, lack of family support, awareness issues, and personal, social, and political issues while utilising maternal and child health services of tribal areas.It was concluded that there is a need to reduce the problems faced by tribal women regarding the utilisation of MCH services to enhance their level of satisfaction in order to promote maternal and child health which will ultimately help in achievement of SDGs.

Community based sensitization to address maternal and child health problems in tribal population of India

Background: India fights with substantial maternal and child health (MCH) concerns, accounting about one quarter of the global burden of maternal and childhood mortality.The current study was tried to assess the impact of community partnerships between medical students, community stakeholders (TBAs and local tribal girls) and general community members on their awareness levels about MCH care and services. Methods:a community-based pilot interventional study was conducted at one of the rural blocks of Maharashtra state of India. Of 120, sixty (50%) first year undergraduate MBBS medical students (intervention group) posted at two months rural healthcare training programme’ participated in preparing MCH related health education material (HEM) in local language. Similarly local tribal girls, TBAs and general community people were trained about MCH and their knowledge levels were assessed. Results:Pre and post training assessment scores of participants (students, TBAs, tribal girls and general people) indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in their knowledge about MCH. The used approach of community collaborations in this study upgraded the knowledge of stakeholders (TBAs, tribal girls) and common tribal peopleabout basic aspects of MCH and associated welfare schemes. The study also reported positive attitudes of all participants about an intervention. Conclusions:Productive and synergistic community partnerships can be created among health care providers, community health workers and other stakeholders to ensure commitment and engagement towards positive health.

THYROID PROFILE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING AT MATERNITY AND CHILDREN HOSPITAL, QASSIM.

Introduction: Thyroid gland that regulate the body's metabolic rate controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Thyroid problems are quite common in pregnancy and can be affected both maternal and foetal, also can lead to various adverse outcomes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Maternity and Children Hospital, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Study participants data included from July 2020 to March 2021 and included all the women attending the antenatal clinics subjected for thyroid function test. The sample size of 195 and analyzed for thyroid hormone pro?le which included free T3, free T4, TSH and haemoglobin (HGB) levels. The data were retrieved from the electronic ?les of pregnant women at Maternity and Children Hospital and appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: In the current study, mean age and standard deviation observed in the study population was 34.87 ± 5.67 and 53.8% were in the age group of 31-40 years age group, sub clinical hypothyroidism was 9.2%. Among the pregnant women, about 16.4% were Diabetes and 8.7% were having gestational Diabetes. Mean haemoglobin and standard deviation was 11.24 ± 1.29. There was statistically signi?cant association was observed between personal history of thyroid disease versus classi?cation of thyroid disease in the study population. (87.4% and 15%, P<0.001). Conclusions: Based on the study ?ndings, increase prevalence of Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes was more among the pregnant thyroid people. Relatively Hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and sub clinical hypothyroidism was more in the present study. Nearly close to half (44%) of pregnant women thyroid status was only controlled. Still, there is health education and counselling sessions periodically required to the women visiting at MCH hospital with thyroid disorder

Knowledge of rural women regarding activities of accredited social health activist in three different villages of District Amritsar: A cross-sectional study

Background: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is the grass root level worker and hence plays a prime role in making primary healthcare accessible to rural areas. She creates awareness on health and persuading the community toward local health planning and hence plays major role in increasing utilization of health services. The knowledge of the people about the availability of ASHA in their area and about the activities performed by her also play important role in utilization of services given by ASHA. Hence, keeping this in view the present study was conducted. Aim and Objectives: (1) The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the rural women about the availability of ASHA in their area and (2) to assess the knowledge of the rural women about the activities performed by ASHA. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in rural field practice area of Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab. The study was a cross-sectional type and the adult decision maker female of the family was interviewed using a pre-designed and semi-structured pro forma after approval from Institutional Ethics committee. A total of 1521 females were interviewed. Results: The present study revealed that majority (52.3%) of the respondents were in the age group of 24–45 years, 41.7% illiterate and 54.6% in the upper lower class. It was found that 45.8% respondents were visited by ASHA and out of these, majority of the respondents (78.2%) were visited for Maternal and child health services followed by health awareness (20.7%) and minor illnesses (9.9%). Conclusion: The visits by ASHA were irregular and majority of the respondents were visited by ASHA for maternal and child health services in all the three villages and hence knowledge regarding these activities was seen to be more among the respondents. However, overall less knowledge was seen among the villagers about other activities being performed by ASHA worker.

Research progress of melanin concentrating hormone on depression / 中国药理学通报

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is an essential neuromodulator involved with multiple neurophysiological functions,such as feeding, mood and sleep-wake cycle. In recent years, the effects of melanin concentrating hormone on depression have attracted much attention, gradually becoming a highlight of developing advanced antidepressants. This article focuses on the research progress of MCHergic system and depression, looking forward to its future research direction.

Study of Morphological Pattern of Anaemia at a Tertiary Care Centre.

Anaemia is a disease of low erythrocyte count and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration less than the normal range. The main causes of anaemia are a decrease in RBCs, their destruction and decrease of Hb synthesis. A useful method for diagnosis and classification of anaemias is based on the morphological appearance of RBCs on an ideal stained blood smear. The main terms used in such classification are normocytic normochromic, microcytic hypochromic and macrocytic anaemia. In general, microcytic hypochromic anaemias are caused by reduced haemoglobin synthesis (most commonly because of iron deficiency), while macrocytic anaemias caused by reduced DNA synthesis that impair the maturation of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. Normocytic normochromic anaemias have diverse aetiologies; in some of these anaemias, specific abnormalities of red cell size and shape which is best appreciated through visual inspection of peripheral smears provide an important clue as to cause.METHODSRetrospectively and prospectively we evaluated the results of complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood picture (PBP) of all anaemic patients attending during the year 2018 (from 1st January to 31st December), in the Department of Pathology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal (M.P.).RESULTSOut of a total of 500 patients, 220 were males and 280 were females. Results of CBC and PBP showed that 145 (29%), 275 (55%) and 80 (18%) of the patients had normocytic normochromic, microcytic hypochromic and macrocytic pattern of anaemia respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe microcytic hypochromic pattern of anaemia is highly frequent among this sample of patients while the macrocytic pattern of anaemia is the lowest. According to gender groups, microcytic hypochromic pattern of anaemia is more common among females; malnutrition, increase of blood loss due to pregnancy or menstruation, and lack of iron absorption are the main causes, while the normocytic normochromic anaemia is highly prevalent among males, which is mainly due to blood loss or chronic diseases.

Health starts with maternal and child safety:maternal and child health of Shanghai under the Suitable Public Health System / 上海预防医学

The maternal and child health (MCH) is of great significance to human health.Focusing on the goal of "improving the quality of the birth population, reducing maternal mortality, infant mortality, the incidence of birth defects, and the sex ratio of the birth population", Shanghai has always attached importance to MCH and achieved remarkable results, highly praised by then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.In 2018, the average life expectancy of women (86.08 years), maternal mortality rate (1.18/105) and infant mortality rate (3.5‰) in Shanghai, the main indicators of MCH, have reached the most advanced level in the world.An evaluation on MCH system of Shanghai has been conducted with "Evaluation Criteria for Suitable Public Health System", which was developed by Research Institute of Health Development Strategies, Fudan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Health Risks Governance.MCH of Shanghai ranked first among 10 representative global cities(885.0 points and 937.1 points).Reviewing the development of MCH in Shanghai, five experiences were summarized.Firstly, the government was as the lead to continuously improve the MCH system (Government-led score of 836.6 points).Secondly, service network was continually improved as "five networks, one channel and two priorities" (Organizational soundness score of 1 000.0).Thirdly, focusing on overall coordination and continually taking advantages of high-quality medical resources (Coordination score of 613.4 and 667.6).Fourthly, emphasizing sustainable development and continuing to optimize resource investment (Financial suitability score of 756.3 and Personnel competence score of 677.6).Fifthly, adhering to construction of regulations and continuous improvement of MCH management and service capabilities (Regulation content integrity score of 884.1).MCH system in Shanghai has explored a development path suitable for the city itself.Next step, if more efforts can be made to "clarify the responsibilities of relevant departments and ensure their implementation", Shanghai's MCH system is expected to become a role model for global cities in 4-5 years.

Health starts with maternal and child safety:maternal and child health of Shanghai under the Suitable Public Health System / 上海预防医学

The maternal and child health (MCH) is of great significance to human health.Focusing on the goal of "improving the quality of the birth population, reducing maternal mortality, infant mortality, the incidence of birth defects, and the sex ratio of the birth population", Shanghai has always attached importance to MCH and achieved remarkable results, highly praised by then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.In 2018, the average life expectancy of women (86.08 years), maternal mortality rate (1.18/105) and infant mortality rate (3.5‰) in Shanghai, the main indicators of MCH, have reached the most advanced level in the world.An evaluation on MCH system of Shanghai has been conducted with "Evaluation Criteria for Suitable Public Health System", which was developed by Research Institute of Health Development Strategies, Fudan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Health Risks Governance.MCH of Shanghai ranked first among 10 representative global cities(885.0 points and 937.1 points).Reviewing the development of MCH in Shanghai, five experiences were summarized.Firstly, the government was as the lead to continuously improve the MCH system (Government-led score of 836.6 points).Secondly, service network was continually improved as "five networks, one channel and two priorities" (Organizational soundness score of 1 000.0).Thirdly, focusing on overall coordination and continually taking advantages of high-quality medical resources (Coordination score of 613.4 and 667.6).Fourthly, emphasizing sustainable development and continuing to optimize resource investment (Financial suitability score of 756.3 and Personnel competence score of 677.6).Fifthly, adhering to construction of regulations and continuous improvement of MCH management and service capabilities (Regulation content integrity score of 884.1).MCH system in Shanghai has explored a development path suitable for the city itself.Next step, if more efforts can be made to "clarify the responsibilities of relevant departments and ensure their implementation", Shanghai's MCH system is expected to become a role model for global cities in 4-5 years.

Optimal Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) Cut-Off Value for Differentiating Alpha Plus and Alpha Zero Thalassaemia in Thalassaemia Screening

@#Introduction: The aim of thalassaemia screening is to reduce thalassaemia syndromes with significant clinical implication. Therefore, detection of α0 thalassaemia with two genes deletion is clinically more important than α+ thalassaemia with one gene deletion. The aim of this study is to determine the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) cut-off point for α0 thalassaemia screening. Method: A total of 688 α0 and α+ thalassaemia cases confirmed by DNA analysis were analysed. Red cell indices (MCV, MCH, RBC, Hb) were retrieved from the laboratory information system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is generated to determine the MCH cut-off point for α0 thalassaemia. The diagnostic performance of MCH cut-off value was evaluated with a validation group comprising 100 samples of alpha thalassaemia carriers. Results: ROC curve analysis with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.969 showed that MCH at cut-off of 23.5pg has high sensitivity and specificity in detecting α0 thalassaemia with 98% sensitivity and 85% specificity. Conclusion: MCH cut-off value of 23.5pg can be adopted as the cut-off point for α0 thalassaemia screening to detect clinically significant thalassaemia syndrome and reduce cost and burden of screening.

Complications in Previous/Index Pregnancies: A Predictor of Utilization of Maternal Health Services

Background: Maternal mortality is on decline throughout the world, and still India accounts for around 15% maternal mortality of the world. Most of these deaths are preventable and avoidable if high quality care is given to a women. In order to achieve this it is very essential to examine healthcare needs and identify the demand side barriers in access to healthcare services by the women of reproductive age group. The study was thus planned to assess the current level of utilization of maternal health care services and factors associated with it. Methods: This descriptive, community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of urban health training centre (UHTC) of Department of Community Medicine, J N Medical College, AMU, Aligarh. It was carried out on 211 recently delivered women and the data was analysed using SPSS20. Results: More than 27%women reported some kind of complication in their last pregnancy. The commonest complications were found to be Anemia and Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Significant number of women in our study recognised the need of utilizing MCH care only after experiencing complications. Conclusions: A large number of women suffer from complications during pregnancy and complications like anemia go unnoticed, which can have grave complications. Most of the women opt for health care only if they had suffered from any complication during the last pregnancy.

The Influence Of Maternal And Child Health Services On Neonatal Death Of Low Birth Weight Neonates In Aceh Province

@#Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most crucial problem related to neonatal mortality and infant mortality. The LBW is defined as babies born with a birth weight less than 2500 grams. LBW does not only contribute to neonatal morbidity, but may lead to neonatal mortality. This study aim to determine the influence of maternal and child health services (MCH) services to neonatal death among LBW babies in Aceh province, Indonesia.This study is observational study with mix method, using quantitative (Unmatched case control study) and qualitative (case study). The study was conducted between 2011-2015 in 8 district/municipality in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Total sample for quantitative study was 500 neonates (1:1), 250 neonates who died in neonatal period (case) and 250 LBW neonates who survived in the neonatal period (control group). Meanwhile, the total sample for qualitative study was 22, there were 12 (mother) and 10 (midwife).The result of A simple logistic regression analysis for MCH factors found that 4 of 7 variable were significant association with neonatal death among LBW (P value < 0.05), these variables include: Antenatal care (ANC), place of delivery, level of health facilities and neonatal visit. Multiple logistic regression found the ANC has a strongest influence on neonatal death among LBW babies in Aceh Province (OR=3.6; 95% CI: 2.3-5.7). The LBW neonates who were born to mothers who received number of ANC equal to or less than 3 times had a 3.6 times higher risk of death, than neonates who were born to mothers who received ANC ≥ 4 times. The appropriate of health services in health facilities are needed to reduce the NMR and improve the health of neonate.

Rouleaux formation of white blood cells and platelets in leukemia / Formação de rouleaux de glóbulos brancos e plaquetas em leucemia

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of glucose and salt level on white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets (PLTs) in the blood of a leukemic patient by using a white light microscope. Different concentrations of glucose and salt in the range of 0 mM to 500 mM were admixed in the blood sample to prepare blood smear. We revealed that shape of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets changes and form aggregates. Increasing concentrations of glucose cause to increases aggregation process of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. And the increasing concentration of sodium chloride causes to increase rouleaux formation and aggregation of platelets but dehydration due to increased sodium chloride concentration causes to break the aggregation of white blood cells. Comparison of CBC reports of these samples with and without analytes shows that total leukocyte count (TLC) decreases gradually towards normal ranges of leukocytes which is favorable in the treatment of leukemia but at the same time decreasing level of hemoglobin HGB, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and increasing level of red blood cell (RBCs) causes to reduce oxygen supply which is in favor of cancer growth and anemia. This work provides us the base for translation this in vitro study towards the in vivo case of blood microvasculature as a non-invasive methodology.

O objetivo deste estudo foi medir os efeitos da glicose e do nível de sal nos glóbulos brancos, glóbulos vermelhos e plaquetas (PLTs) no sangue de um paciente leucêmico usando um microscópio de luz branca. Foram misturadas diferentes concentrações de glicose e sal na gama de 0 mM a 500 mM na amostra de sangue para preparar esfregaço de sangue. Descrevemos que a forma dos eritrócitos, leucócitos e plaquetas muda e forma agregados. O aumento das concentrações de glicose aumenta o processo de agregação de glóbulos brancos, glóbulos vermelhos e plaquetas. E a crescente concentração de cloreto de sódio causa o aumento da formação de rouleaux e a agregação de plaquetas, mas a desidratação devido ao aumento da concentração de cloreto de sódio causa a quebra da agregação de glóbulos brancos. A comparação dos relatórios de CBC dessas amostras com e sem analitos mostra que a contagem total de leucócitos (TLC) diminui gradualmente para os intervalos normais de leucócitos, o que é favorável no tratamento da leucemia, mas ao mesmo tempo diminui o nível de hemoglobina HGB, hemoglobina corpuscular média (MCH ), a concentração média de hemoglobina corpuscular (MCHC) e o aumento do nível de glóbulos vermelhos (RBCs) reduz o suprimento de oxigênio, o que é a favor do crescimento do câncer e da anemia. Este trabalho fornece a base para a tradução deste estudo in vitro para o caso in vivo de microvasculatura de sangue como uma metodologia não-invasiva.

Antenatal Care (Anc) Services Utilization In Maternal And Child Health (Mch) Clinics Of Kinabatangan (Rural) And Sandakan (Urban) Of Sabah, Malaysia

This paper investigates the antenatal care (ANC) services utilization in currently pregnant women during their visits to maternal and child health (MCH) clinics of rural (Kinabatangan) and urban (Sandakan), Sabah. A community clinic based, cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. In total, 800 currently pregnant women attending two MCH clinics, from April to September 2012, were participated using tested set questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was used for background characteristics and chi-square analysis was applied to identify the rural-urban differences among the variables.In both study areas, previous births delivered by skilled birth personnel were same. In pregnant women from rural, less income, more grand-multiparity, earlier antenatal care booking, more frequent post-natal care, more use of contraception compared to those in urban. In comparison, urban pregnant women had more anti-tetanus toxoid injection in their previous pregnancies, past history of antenatal care for at least four times, increase in household members. As this study found the differences in ANC services utilization at Rural and Urban, further study is needed to explore concrete reasons for above findings. By delivering services according to the needs of all clients, irrespective of their place of residence, it will improve ANC services utilization in both areas of Sabah and hence will improve more on existing health status of the Nation.

Clinical study of MCV, MCH and RDW in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in children / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To study the clinical diagnostic value of MCV, MCH and RDW in children with iron deficiency anemia.Methods40 cases of children with iron deficiency anemia in our hospital from May 2014 to May 2016, were selected as iron deficiency anemia group, another 40 healthy children were chosen in our hospital underwent the healthy control group, using imported reagent in 2h in the MCV, MCH and RDW index value is read out, and then the children of the two groups of MCV, MCH and RDW values were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe levels of iron, and zinc in children with iron deficiency anemia were significantly lower than those in healthy control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in copper, calcium and magnesium levels between the two groups;The MCV and MCH values of children with iron deficiency anemia group were significantly lower than those in healthy control group (P<0.05),the RDW value was significantly higher than that in healthy control group (P<0.05).ConclusionMCV, MCH and RDW detection for clinical diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in children is high, can be an effective basis for clinical prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children, it is worthy of clinical application.

Utilisation of Maternal Health Services and its Predictors in Slum Population.

Introduction: The particularly sorry plight of disadvantaged slum population with ample scope of further research into such areas as vulnerability to health risk and access to treatment, reduced economical choice and social support besides natural disasters and emotional stress of displacement. Material & Methods: An observational (cross-sectional) study was designed on a pre designed and pre tested questionnaire to understand women’s fertility and contraceptive behavior and to study Socio behavioral Determinants of Utilization of MCH services. Results: The prevalence of <18 marriage was 78.03%.The teenage pregnancy was as high as 46.36% with 47.90% having parity of 4 or more.And of those not seeking ANC 53.42% did not feel the need for care during pregnancy. A very important finding was that 64.23% had home delivery and of these, 74% did not have any trained birth attendant. Conclusion: Levels of education in the family, caste, affordability (asset-holding) and accessibility were the factors which determined the utilization pattern. In general, those with better levels of education and those with better affordability preferred private practitioners and were willing to travel longer distances to avail health services as there was more awareness, motivation and felt need.

Functional Connectivity of Basolateral Amygdala Neurons Carrying Orexin Receptors and Melanin-concentrating Hormone Receptors in Regulating Sociability and Mood-related Behaviors

Chronic stress induces changes in neuronal functions in specific brain regions regulating sociability and mood-related behaviors. Recently we reported that stress-induced persistent upregulation of the neuropeptides orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the resulting activation of orexin receptors or MCH receptors within the BLA produced deficits in sociability and mood-related behaviors. In the present study, we investigated the neural targets that were innervated by BLA neurons containing orexin receptors or MCH receptors. The viral vector system AAV2-CaMKII-ChR2-eYFP was injected into the BLA to trace the axonal tracts of BLA neurons. This axon labeling analysis led us to identify the prelimbic and infralimbic cortices, nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum, paraventricular nucleus (PVN), interstitial nucleus of the posterior limb of the anterior commissure, habenula, CA3 pyramidal neurons, central amygdala, and ventral hippocampus as the neuroanatomical sites receiving synaptic inputs of BLA neurons. Focusing on these regions, we then carried out stimulus-dependent c-Fos induction analysis after activating orexin receptors or MCH receptors of BLA neurons. Stereotaxic injection of an orexin receptor agonist or an MCH receptor agonist in the BLA induced c-Fos expression in the NAc, PVN, central amygdala, ventral hippocampus, lateral habenula and lateral hypothalamus, which are all potentially important for depression-related behaviors. Among these neural correlates, the NAc, PVN and central amygdala were strongly activated by stimulation of orexin receptors or MCH receptors in the BLA, whereas other BLA targets were differentially and weakly activated. These results identify a functional connectivity of BLA neurons regulated by orexin and MCH receptor systems in sociability and mood-related behaviors.

Physical Exercise Counteracts Stress-induced Upregulation of Melanin-concentrating Hormone in the Brain and Stress-induced Persisting Anxiety-like Behaviors

Chronic stress induces anxiety disorders, whereas physical exercise is believed to help people with clinical anxiety. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying stress-induced anxiety and its counteraction by exercise using an established animal model of anxiety. Mice treated with restraint for 2 h daily for 14 days exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, including social and nonsocial behavioral symptoms, and these behavioral impairments lasted for more than 12 weeks after the stress treatment was removed. Despite these lasting behavioral changes, wheel-running exercise treatment for 1 h daily from post-stress days 1 - 21 counteracted anxiety-like behaviors, and these anxiolytic effects of exercise persisted for more than 2 months, suggesting that anxiolytic effects of exercise stably induced. Repeated restraint treatment up-regulated the expression of the neuropeptide, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), in the lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala, the brain regions important for emotional behaviors. In an in vitro study, treatment of HT22 hippocampal cells with glucocorticoid increased MCH expression, suggesting that MCH upregulation can be initially triggered by the stress hormone, corticosterone. In contrast, post-stress treatment with wheel-running exercise reduced the stress-induced increase in MCH expression to control levels in the lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus and basolateral amygdala. Administration of an MCH receptor antagonist (SNAP94847) to stress-treated mice was therapeutic against stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that repeated stress produces long-lasting anxiety-like behaviors and upregulates MCH in the brain, while exercise counteracts stress-induced MCH expression and persisting anxiety-like behaviors.

A study to know infant & young child feeding practices of mothers attending mother and child health clinic at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Davangere, India.

Background: Feeding pattern during infancy has several health related implications. Infant and young child feeding [IYCF] practices comprising breastfeeding as well as complimentary feeding have major role in determining the nutritional status of children. Most of the studies conducted in India focus on breastfeeding aspects only, our study will also include practices regarding complementary diet diversity & frequency aspects of IYCF using the WHO standard IYCF indicators. Objective of the study was to know the IYCF practices among mothers with children aged 0-23months. Methods: Study design - Cross sectional study Study setting - Mother and child health [MCH] clinic of tertiary care teaching hospital, Davangere. Study Period - Six months from September 1st 2013 to January 31st 2014. Sample size – 350 mothers with children 0-23months old attending MCH clinic. Results: 39% of the mothers initiated breastfeeding within half an hour of childbirth. 9% of them gave history of giving pre-lacteal feeds. 26% of the mothers were found to be giving WHO recommended minimum adequate diet to their children. Conclusions: The study highlights that inappropriate IYCF practices are still very much prevalent in the community.