Determinants of substance use among young people attending primary health centers in India.

Background: Substance use is a complex condition with multidimensional determinants. The present study aims to find the prevalence and determinants of substance use among young people attending primary healthcare centers in India. Methods: A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted across 15 states in India on 1,630 young people (10-24 years) attending primary health centers. The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to capture data on substance use. The degree of substance involvement was assessed and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors of substance use. Results: The prevalence of substance use was 32.8%, with a median substance initiation age of 18 years. Among the substance users, 75.5% began before completing adolescence. Tobacco (26.4%), alcohol (26.1%) and cannabis (9.5%) were commonly consumed. Sociodemographic determinants included higher age, male gender, urban residence, positive family history, northeastern state residence and lower socioeconomic class. Over 80% of users had moderate or high involvement. Conclusions: High substance use prevalence among young people in Indian healthcare centers underscores the urgency of targeted intervention. Insights on determinants guide effective prevention strategies for this complex public health issue.

Hospital corneal retrieval program: A long way to go.

PURPOSE: The Hospital Corneal Retrieval Program (HCRP) aims to counsel and encourage the family of a critically ill or deceased person in the hospital for eye donation. Adequately sensitized health-care workers (HCWs) may play a pivotal role in boosting HCRP. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentric, cross-sectional, descriptive study. METHODS: Study participants included all HCWs of three medical colleges, including one with eye bank and corneal transplant services. A pretested, structured questionnaire was used to record the awareness, knowledge, and attitude about eye donation among HCWs. The expected outcome was to seek differences in awareness, if any, among medical and paramedical workers of medical colleges with (group A) or without (group B) eye bank and corneal transplant facilities. RESULTS: Of the 4060 study participants, 2100 HCWs were in group A and the rest (1960) were in group B. For eight out of 13 questions assessing awareness and perception, a statistically insignificant difference in responses was observed between the two groups. Regarding questions related to attitude, although the majority of HCWs in both groups were comfortable talking about eye donation, they did feel that counseling relatives of a terminally ill patient about eye donation was insensitive. Less than half of HCWs showed a willingness to donate eyes, and about half of the participants wanted to acquire more knowledge about eye donation. CONCLUSION: Awareness regarding eye donation among HCWs was mostly found to be at dismal levels, irrespective of whether they worked in an institute with or without eye bank and corneal transplant services. This warrants an accelerated effort at sensitizing HCWs as a strengthening measure for HCRP.

Production and characterization of volatile compounds and phytase from potentially probiotic yeasts isolated from traditional fermented cereal foods in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic strains are incorporated into food substrates to contribute to fermentation process. The technological suitability of such strains to improve the flavor and nutritional value of fermented food is strain-specific. Potentially probiotic yeasts isolated from Nigerian traditional fermented foods were assessed for production of volatile compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry. Phytases were characterized for activity and stability at different pH (3-8) and temperatures (25-50 °C). RESULTS: A total of 45 volatiles compounds were identified from intracellular cell-free extracts of Pichia kluyveri LKC17, Issatchenkia orientalis OSL11, P. kudriavzevii OG32, P. kudriavzevii ROM11, and Candida tropicalis BOM21. They include alcohols (14), carbonyls (13), esters (10), and organic acids (8). Phenylethyl alcohol was the highest higher-alcohol in Issatchenkia orientalis OSL11 (27.51 %). The largest proportion of esters was detected in P. kudriavzevii OG32 (17.38 %). Pichia kudriavzevii OG32 and C. tropicalis BOM21 showed vigorous gowth in minimal medium supplemented with sodium phytate (2 g L-1). Extracellular phytases from P. kudriavzevii OG32 and Candida tropicalis BOM2 showed optimal activiy at pH 4.6 (104.28 U) and pH 3.6 (81.43 U) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained revealed species- and strain-specific potentials of the yeast strains to improve flavor and mineral bioavailability of fermented food products. Therefore, the application of these yeasts as starter cultures during food fermentation process is a very promising method to enhance the flavor profile and enhance mineral bioavailability in indigenous cereal-based fermented food products.

Out of pocket expenditure and its associated factors in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care government hospital of Agra District, Uttar Pradesh.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal health remains a thrust area of public health, and an increased out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) may hamper efforts toward universal health coverage. Public spending on health remains low and insurance schemes few, thereby forcing impoverishment upon individuals already close to poverty line. OBJECTIVE: To determine catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in neonates admitted to the government neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and factors associated with of out-of-pocket expenditure. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a governmental NICU at Agra from May 2017 to April 2018. A sample of 450 neonatal admissions was studied. Respondents were interviewed for required data. OOPE included costs at NICU, intervening health facilities, and transport as well. SPSS version (23.0 Trial) and Epi Info were used for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 450 neonates analyzed, the median total OOPE was Rs. 3000. CHE was found among 55.8% of cases with 22% spending more than their household monthly income. On binary logistic regression, a higher total OOPE of Rs. 3000 or more was found to be significantly associated with higher odds of residing outside Agra (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.829), delay in first cry (AOR = 1.623), referral points ≥3 (AOR = 3.449), private sector as first referral (AOR = 2.476), and when treatment was accorded during transport (AOR = 1.972). CONCLUSIONS: OOPE on neonates amounts to a substantial figure and is more than the country average. This needs to be addressed sufficiently and comprehensively through government schemes, private enterprises, and public-private partnerships.

A case of iridofundal coloboma with persistent fetal vasculature and lens subluxation.

Persistent fetal vasculature and fundal coloboma are important congenital vitreoretinal disorders that can severely affect a child's visual acuity. Each disorder has its own set of potential complications. We discuss the case of a visually challenged child who presented with a combination of both these disorders, along with inferior lens subluxation.

Foreign body in ocular coats causing a pseudo optic nerve head shadow.

Small intraocular foreign body in the outer coats of the eye may be wrongly interpreted as optic nerve head on ultrasound imaging. Such errors can be avoided by performing multiple sonography scans in different axes.

A newborn with teratogenic effect of imatinib mesylate: a very rare case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of teratogenic effect of imatinib mesylate (IM) in a newborn, whose mother was suffering from chronic myelogenous leukemia and was treated with IM for 4 years, including during her pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: The newborn was diagnosed with microtia of the right ear, preauricular tag on the left side, absence of right depressor angular oris muscle, and imperforate anus. Infantogram showed dextrocardia, hemivertebrae in the thoracic region and cervical spina bifida occulta. The newborn was operated on for the imperforate anus and was discharged in good condition. CONCLUSION: This case revealed that IM is not safe for the fetus and leads to teratogenicity. Hence, we recommend that pregnant women should not be treated with IM.

Development of cereal-based functional food using cereal-mix substrate fermented with probiotic strain - Pichia kudriavzevii OG32.

Probiotic strains contribute to the functionality of foods during fermentation. In this present work, cereal-mix was fermented with probiotic Pichia kudriavzevii OG32. Selected fermentation parameters and functional properties of the product were determined. The growth of Pichia kudriavzevii OG32 was supported by the cereal-mix containing 1% salt and 0.2% red chili powder to counts of between 7.46 and 8.22 Log10 cfu/mL within 24 h. Pichia kudriavzevii OG32 increased the viscosity of cereal-mix with the highest inoculum size (1.84x105cfu/ml) giving the highest viscosity of 1793.6 mPa.S. An inoculum size of 1.98 × 10(4) cfu/mL gave the most acceptable product based on the sensory evaluation by the panelist. Forty volatile compounds were identified in the fermented product, while acids (32.21%) and esters (32.37%) accounted for the largest proportions. The cereal-based fermented product scavenged DPPH from 200 µmol/L methanolic solution by 55.71%. Probiotic yeast improved the sensory and some functional properties of cereal-based substrate during fermentation. This is one of the first reports on the volatile composition of cereal-based functional food produced with probiotic yeast.

Antioxidant activity and fatty acid profile of fermented milk prepared by Pediococcus pentosaceus.

Probiotics are the class of beneficial microorganisms that have positive influence on the health when ingested in adequate amounts. Probiotic fermented milk is one of the dairy products that is prepared by using probiotic lactic acid bacteria. The study comprised preparation of fermented milk from various sources such as cow, goat and camel. Pediococcus pentosaceus which is a native laboratory isolate from cheese was utilized for the product formation. Changes in functional properties in the fermented milks obtained from three different species were evaluated. Antioxidant activity determined by DPPH assay showed activity in probiotic fermented milk obtained from all the products being highest in goat milk (93 %) followed by product from camel milk (86 %) and then product from cow milk (79 %). The composition of beneficial fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid were higher in fermented milk than the unfermented ones. Results suggested that probiotic bacteria are able to utilize the nutrients in goat and camel milk more efficiently compared to cow milk. Increase in antioxidant activity and fatty acid profile of fermented milks enhances the therapeutic value of the products.

Synergistic effects of probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Bacillus subtilis in malted ragi (Eleucine corocana) food for antagonistic activity against V. cholerae and other beneficial properties.

Finger millet (Elucine corocana), locally known as ragi, and probiotics have been recognized for their health benefits. In the present work we describe novel probiotic ragi malt (functional food) that has been prepared using ragi and probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides (Lm) and Bacillus subtilis natto (Bs), alone and in combination, for antagonistic activity against Vibrio cholerae (Vc). In vitro studies using pure cultures showed that each probiotic strain (Lm or Bs) was able to inhibit the planktonic growth of Vc as well as its ability to make biofilms and adhere to extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, Fn) that may function in vivo as initial ports of entrance of the pathogen. Interestingly, the combination of both probiotic strains (Lm plus Bs) produced the strongest activity against the Vc. When both cultures were used together in the ragi malt the antimicrobial activity against Vc was enhanced due to synergistic effect of both probiotic strains. The inclusion of both probiotic strains in the functional food produced higher amounts of beneficial fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic acid and increased the mineral content (iron and zinc). The viability and activity of Lm and Bs against Vc was further enhanced with the use of adjuvants like ascorbic acid, tryptone, cysteine hydrochloride and casein hydrolysate in the ragi malt. In sum, the intake of probiotic ragi malt supplemented with Lm and Bs may provide nutrition, energy, compounds of therapeutic importance and antagonistic activity against Vc to a large extent to the consumer.

Curcumin prevents experimental diabetic retinopathy in rats through its hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of oral curcumin (1 g/kg body weight of rat) in the prevention and treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy in Wistar albino rats. METHODS: The treatment was carried out for a period of 16 weeks in diabetic rats and evaluated for hyperglycemic, antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione), and inflammatory parameters (tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor). Rat fundus was observed weekly to see any visible changes in the retina, such as tortuosity and dilation of retinal vessels. Histological changes were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Treatment with curcumin showed significant hypoglycemic activity compared with the diabetic group. Retinal glutathione levels were decreased by 1.5-fold, and antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, showed >2-fold decrease in activity in the diabetic group; on the other hand, curcumin positively modulated the antioxidant system. Proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor, were elevated >2-fold in the diabetic retinae, but prevented by curcumin. Transmission electron microscopy showed degeneration of endothelial cell organelles and increase in capillary basement membrane thickness in diabetic retina, but curcumin prevented the structural degeneration and increase in capillary basement membrane thickness in the diabetic rat retinae. CONCLUSION: Based on the above results, it may be concluded that curcumin may have potential benefits in the prevention of retinopathy in diabetic patients.

Formation of volatiles and fattyacids of therapeutic importance in the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum LPcfr adapted to resist GIT conditions.

Probiotics are the microorganisms that impart therapeutic effect and promote health by preventing various diseases. In the present work, the volatile compounds were studied in the native isolate Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and after adaptation to resist gastro intestinal tract (GIT) conditions, which was coded as LPcfr. A number of therapeutically important compounds were present in LPcfr like butanediol (2.5%) and propionic acid (2.8%), which were not found in LP. Hexadecane (3%), butanoic acid (2%), dodecanal (2%), hexanal (7.5%), hexadecanoic acid (4%) and heptanal (6%) were found in higher concentrations in LPcfr as compared to the parent strain LP. Production of oleic acid (LP-19.2%; LPcfr -33.5%), known for reducing blood cholesterol and linoleic acid (LPcfr 2.3%), and a conjugated fatty acid known as a novel beneficial functional lipid was noticed. Linoleic acid was absent in LP. These important fatty acids were found in larger quantities in the probiotic adapted culture strain LPcfr as compared to the parent strain LP.

A potent probiotic strain from cheddar cheese.

A lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc paramesenteroides was isolated and characterized from cheddar cheese and was adapted to grow at low pH (2.0) and high bile salt concentration (2%) by sequential sub-culturing so that it can survive the extreme environmental condition of gut. Cell hydrophobicity assay shows the maximum adherence of the culture to toluene (46.11%). Adhesion ability was confirmed by in vitro assay using rat intestinal epithelial layer. The culture has an antimicrobial activity against food borne pathogens and is vancomycin sensitive. The culture shows a ß-galactosidase activity of 3.42 µM/mg protein, which indicates the ability of the culture to hydrolyze lactose for easy absorption. All these properties determine the ability of the culture to be used as a probiotic.

Supplementation of adjuvants for increasing the nutritive value and cell viability of probiotic fermented milk beverage.

Probiotic are microorganisms that, upon ingestion in adequate amounts, exert a beneficial effect on the host. In the present work, the potent probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides was used as a starter culture in the preparation of fermented milk beverage. The product was analyzed for protein, titrable acidity, fat, total sugar, fatty acids and minerals. The viability of culture and nutrition in the product was further enhanced with supplementation of adjuvants like tryptone, casein hydrolysate, cysteine hydrochloride and ascorbic acid. After 5 days, maximum viability was observed on supplementation of tryptone (100 mg/l). The protein content was enhanced by 1.1-fold in the presence of tryptone (100 mg/l) as compared with control after 5 days of storage. Fermented milk supplemented with tryptone (100 mg/l) showed maximum bioavailability of the minerals like iron (92.05%), zinc (95.02%) and magnesium (92.04%) as compared with control. The increase in the composition of beneficial fatty acids on supplementation of adjuvants supports the therapeutic value of the product.

Enhanced production of verbenol, a highly valued food flavourant, by an intergeneric fusant strain of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum.

An intergeneric hybrid, obtained from Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum, biotransformed (-)-cis-alpha-pinene (5 mg/25 ml) into (-)-cis-verbenol (60%; 1.08 mg/g of biomass) in 6 h compared with 0.18 mg/g of biomass for verbenol (10-15%; 0.18-0.27 mg/g of biomass) in the initial parent cultures.