The crossroads of work and home: linkages between smoke-free policies at work and household environments.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use causes over eight million global deaths annually, with seven million directly attributed to tobacco use and 1.2 million to second hand smoke (SHS). Smoke-free environments are crucial to counter SHS. Although India banned smoking in public places in 2008, SHS exposure remains high. Studies have noted that limiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants, etc., helps to reduce overall smoking and reduce SHS exposure. Under this background, the study explores the linkages between smoke-free workplaces and living in smoke-free homes in India. METHODS: The two rounds of the GATS India (2009-10 and 2016-17) have been used for the study. The study focuses on male tobacco smokers working indoors or outdoors or both indoors and outdoors. The sample for the study was 2,969 for GATS 1 and 2,801 for GATS 2. Dependent variables include living in a smoke-free home, while the independent variables were adherence to a smoke-free office policy and socio-demographic variables. The two rounds of the GATS data were pooled for analysis. Statistical analysis involves bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Findings reveal that 41% of respondents worked in smoke-free workplaces in GATS 2. Nationally, smoke-free homes increased from 35% in 2009-2010 to 44% in 2016-17. Individuals with smoke-free workplaces were more likely to have smoke-free homes. The Southern region consistently exhibited the highest proportion of smoke-free homes. Urban areas and higher education correlated with increased smoke-free homes. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that workplace smoke-free status is a significant predictor of smoke-free homes. In GATS 2, respondents aged 30 years and above were less likely to have smoke-free homes, while education and Southern region residence positively influenced smoke-free homes. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between smoke-free workplaces and smoke-free homes is linked to stringent workplace no-smoking policies, potentially deterring individuals from smoking at home. Opportunities exist for the expansion and stringent implementation of the smoke-free policies among Indian working adults, leveraging the workplace as a key setting for evidence-based tobacco control. The study highlights positive trends in India's smoke-free homes, crediting workplace policies. Effective policies, education, and regional strategies can advance smoke-free homes, stressing the pivotal role of workplace policies and advocating broader implementation.

Outcome of Implant Diameter and Length on the Distribution of Stress with Immediate Loaded Implants: A 3D Finite Element Analysis.

Objectives: To assess the outcome of implant diameter and length on THE distribution of stress using a three-dimensional (3D) finite elements (FE) analysis, with immediate loading implants. Materials and Methods: This study made use of a 3D FE model of an implant encased in a chunk of bone. The LEADER/ITALIA-Fix type implant was created specifically for immediate loading. To create a solid model of the implant and bone and to carry out the FE analysis, the ANSYS V.12 programme was used. Results: The findings indicated that the neck of dental implants is the area of highest stress for all implant diameters and lengths, with an increase in implant length from 10 mm to 12 mm resulting in a slight raise in stress at the interface of implant-bone, and an increase in diameter from 3.75 mm to 4.25 mm having no appreciable impact on the value of stresses around dental implants. Conclusion: It was concluded that an increase in length has a negative effect on stress, while a diameter increase has no discernible impact on stress values.

Barriers in quest for cancer care access in two states of northeast India.

BACKGROUND: The cancer burden in northeast India is high, with low survival and low case detection. Despite the availability of cancer institutes in the region, existing literature remarks on the increasing travel outside the region for cancer care. However, research is sparse on identifying impediment factors to the access of state cancer institutes. OBJECTIVE: To examine the barriers to cancer care in five common cancer sites: oral, lungs, stomach, breast and cervix. METHOD: Following a descriptive multiple-embedded case study design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, 388 participants were selected in phase one by stratified random sampling. In phase two, by purposive sampling, 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted. RESULT: The result suggests that family decision is the central factor in cancer care access. Treatment initiation is delayed because the existing government health insurance scheme does not cover diagnostic tests. Adverse steps are taken to fund cancer treatment. Besides, opting for alternative medicines were due to fear of surgery, chemotherapy and recommendations by relatives. Arranging accommodation, transportation and infrastructure shortage was another hurdle. In contrast, the lack of awareness of the state cancer institutes was a barrier to its access. CONCLUSION: This paper identifies and describes factors that hinder access to state cancer institutes. The findings could enhance policy interventions for efficient cancer care access in the region. Integration with NGOs working at the state level for cancer services would support ease of access by providing funds for diagnostic tests, accommodation and transportation, especially for those who cannot afford it.

Nephroprotective potential of syringic acid in experimental diabetic nephropathy: Focus on oxidative stress and autophagy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic hyperglycemic manifestation of microvascular damage in the kidneys. Widespread research in this area suggests the involvement of perturbed redox homeostasis and autophagy in renal cells phrase- promote the progression of DN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reframed sentences-The present study investigates the pharmacological effect of Syringic acid (SYA), in streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg, i.p) induced diabetic nephropathy model and in high glucose (30 mM) challenged rat renal epithelial cells (NRK 52E) cells with a focus on oxidative stress and autophagy mechanisms. RESULTS: Both in vivo and in vitro experimental data revealed elevated oxidative stress markers along with compromised levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a pivotal cellular redox-regulated transcription factor in renal cells upon glycemic stress. Elevated blood glucose also reduced the autophagy process as indicated by low expression of light chain (LC) 3-IIB in diabetic kidney and in NRK 52E cells subjected to excess glucose. SYA (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) administration for 4 weeks to diabetic rats, Reframed sentence-preserved the renal function as evidenced by reduced serum creatinine levels as well as improved urine creatinine and urea levles as compared to non treated diabetic animals. At the molecular level, SYA improved renal expression of Nrf2 and autophagy-related proteins (Atg5, Atg3, and Atg7) in diabetic rats. Similarly, SYA (10 and 20 µM) co-treatment in high glucose-treated NRK 52E cells displayed increased levels of Nrf2 and autophagy induction. CONCLUSION: Results from this study signify the renoprotective effect of SYA and highlight the modulation of oxidative stress and autophagy mechanisms to mitigate diabetic kidney disease.

Assessment of Workplace Hygiene among Contractual Workers in the Steel and Power Industry of Odisha, India.

Background: Workplace hygiene is vital in controlling infectious diseases in industries. The factors like unhealthy environment, unhygienic workplace, and contact between healthy and disease-affected employees cause industrial hazards in workplaces. Objectives: This study assessed various components of workplace hygiene among industrial workers. Materials and Methods: A quantitative survey has been conducted in a steel, and power industry limited in Odisha. The study surveyed 425 male contractual workers for primary data on workplace hygiene. Probability proportion to sample technique adopted for justification of the sample. The univariate and bivariate analysis models have been done according to the study's objective. Results: Nearly 92% of respondents reported proper use of washing facilities, and 97% used toilet and urinal appropriately. One-fourth of respondents use personal disinfected clothing, and 92.2% have access to safe drinking water. The factors such as education, technical education, and occupation are significantly associated with respondents' use of washing facilities, dining hall, personal protective clothing, safe drinking water, proper cleaning, and sanitation at the workplace. Conclusion: Workplace hygiene strengthens the safety measures at the workplace and reduces the incidences of occupational hazards.

Preventive measures and self-protective rights at workplace: A study on steel and power industry workers in Odisha, India.

This study aims to assess the preventive measures and self-protective rights of employees at the workplace. A survey has been conducted in a steel and power industry of Angul district of Odisha (India) using a semi-structured interview schedule to assess the determinants of occupational hazards. Occupational health practices among 425 male workers were assessed from the steel and power industry using the population proportion to sample technique (PPS). Respondents from the higher educational background, skilled workers, Hindu religious group, general category, and employees with high-household income were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with self-protective rights at the workplace. Industrial workers are considered a vulnerable group with respect to the power of self-protective rights in the industry. The factors such as job insecurity, financial hardship, less education, and unskilled profession make them vulnerable, which forces them to settle with a lower level of rights at the workplace.

Functionalized Cu-based metal oxide nanoparticles with enhanced Cd+2 adsorption capacity and their ecotoxicity assessment by molecular docking.

In the present study, synthesis of eco-friendly Cu-based metal oxides nanoparticles [CuO, Cu2O, and CuO&Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs)] without and with functionalization with Diethylene glycol (DEG) has been demonstrated. The synthesized NPs were screened for their ability to adsorb multiple heavy metal ions from an aqueous solution. Based on the maximum Cadmium (Cd+2) ion adsorption capacity, functionalized Cu2O (fCu2O) NPs were selected for the detailed characterization and batch studies. The average size of fCu2O NPs was found to be 57.4 ± 6.14 nm in comparison to NPs without capping (72.6 ± 5.19 nm). The experimental parameters viz. contact time, initial pH, and initial concentration were optimized, and the obtained results were interpreted using standard isotherms and kinetic models. The maximum Cd+2 adsorption on fCu2O NPs was observed at initial solution pH 7. The adsorption of Cd+2 was found to be decreased at acidic pH due to the protonation of functional groups present on the NPs surface. A maximum Cd+2 adsorption capacity of 204 ± 6.2 mg g-1 was obtained from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The crystal structure of NPs was prepared and docked with the protein targets of selected soil microbes in order to determine their ecotoxicity. The obtained results showed that NPs exhibited low affinity towards protein targets in comparison to the standard used. It suggests that NPs have less impact on the functionality of soil microbes and are thus safe for their disposal into the soil micro-environment.

Nickel-catalyzed Chan-Lam cross-coupling: chemoselective N-arylation of 2-aminobenzimidazoles.

A complementary set of Ni- and Cu-based catalyst systems for the selective N-arylation of 2-aminobenzimidazoles have been developed. Selective N-arylation of the primary amine (C-NH2) group was achieved by Ni-catalyzed, boronic acid promoted cross-coupling reactions in air, whereas, selective N-arylation of the azole nitrogen was achieved with Cu-catalysis and aryl halides. These protocols are general and give rapid access to an array of both the N-arylated isomers of 2-aminobenzimidazoles.

Site-Selective Intermolecular Oxidative C-3 Alkenylation of 7-Azaindoles at Room Temperature.

A previously unexplored palladium-catalyzed C-3 selective alkenylation of 7-azaindoles, performed in the presence of Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst, PPh3 as the ligand, Cu(OTf)2 as an oxidative cocatalyst, and molecular oxygen (O2) as the terminal oxidant at room temperature, has been reported. This direct alkenylation strategy offers a new approach in functionalizing pharmaceutically important 7-azaindoles.

C-Glycosylated flavonoids from black gram husk: Protection against DNA and erythrocytes from oxidative damage and their cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells.

C-Glycosyl flavones are present in different plant tissues and they exhibit health benefits. In the present study, it was found that C-glycosyl flavones are distributed in different milled fractions of black gram and among these fractions, husk had the highest content of C-glycosyl flavones. Two C-glycosyl flavones from black gram husk were extracted and purified by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column. The purity of each compound was assessed by analytical C18 column. The structure of each compound was confirmed by LC-MS/MS, NMR. The molecular mass of these compounds were found to be [M-H]-, m/z 431.36 and [M-H]-, m/z 431.35 and were identified as vitexin and isovitexin, respectively. Content of vitexin and isovitexin in aqueous ethanol extract was found to be 76 and 65 mg/g of extract, respectively. These C-glycosyl flavones protected DNA and erythrocytes from oxidative damage. The IC50 values for vitexin, isovitexin and quercetin for hemolysis were 6, 5.7 and 2.37 µg, respectively. These compounds also triggered the process of apoptosis in HeLa cells by downregulating Bcl-2 level with the simultaneous upregulation of Bax and caspase-3 protein expression. Thus, C-glycosyl flavones from black gram husk protected DNA and erythrocytes from oxidative damage and exhibited anticancer activity.

Mothers' caregiving resources and practices for children under 5 years in the slums of Hyderabad, India: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The extended care model of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) identifies knowledge/beliefs, nutritional status, mental health, control of resources/autonomy, workload/time constraints and social support as important caregiver resources for childcare. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of mothers' caregiving resources in child-care practices in slums. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 slums of Hyderabad, to appraise the caregiving practices and health status of children under 5 years. Data were collected from 506 households, selected through multistage stratified random sampling, and data relating to 451 children aged 6-59 months were analysed. Four caregiving practices were studied: psychosocial stimulation, as assessed by the Home Observation Measurement of the Environment inventory; hygienic care rated by spot-check observation; and meal frequency and dietary diversity based on maternal recall. The role of the mother's caregiving resources was examined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: More than 50% of the children received good psychosocial stimulation and close to 60% had good hygienic care. About 75% of the children aged 6-23 months had the recommended minimum meal frequency and 13% had the recommended dietary diversity. Mother's media exposure (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-3.77), participation in household budgeting (OR 2.19, CI 1.25-3.83) and husband's support (OR 2.04, CI 1.28-3.24) were predictors of psychosocial stimulation. Mother's younger age (OR 1.11, CI 1.04-1.18), poor media exposure (OR 1.95, CI 1.15-3.29), dissatisfaction with life (OR 1.84, CI 1.05-3.24), workload (OR 1.79, CI 1-3.18) and having no money for their own use (OR 1.52, CI 0.95-2.45) placed children at higher odds for receiving poor hygienic care. Leisure time (OR 2.75, CI 1.25-6.06) and participation in budgeting (OR 1.97, CI 1-3.86) were predictors of meal frequency. CONCLUSION: Mother's workload, poor media exposure, dissatisfaction with life, lack of husband's support and absence of economic autonomy are constraints to good child care in slums.

High-throughput screening assays for cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase, the targets for inflammatory disorders.

High-throughput screening (HTS) involves testing of compound libraries against validated drug targets using quantitative bioassays to identify 'hit' molecules that modulate the activity of target, which forms the starting point of a drug discovery effort. Eicosanoids formed via cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways are major players in various inflammatory disorders. As the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit both the constitutive (COX-1) and the inducible (COX-2) isoforms have gastric and renal side effects and the recently developed COX-2 selective anti-inflammatory drugs (COXIBs) have cardiac side effects, efforts are being made to develop more potent and safer antiinflammatory drugs. Current assay methods for these enzymes, such as oxygraphic, radioisotopic, spectrophotometric etc. are not compatible for screening of large number of compounds as in drug discovery programs. In the present study, HTS-compatible assays for COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX were developed for screening of compound libraries with the view to identify potential anti-inflammatory drug candidates. A spectrophotometric assay involving co-oxidation of tetramethyl-p-phenylene diamine (TMPD) during the reduction of prostaglandin G2 (PGG2) to PGH2 was adopted and standardized for screening of compounds against COX-1 and COX-2. Similarly, the HTS-compatible FOX (ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange) based spectrophotometric assay involving the formation of Fe3+/xylenol orange complex showing absorption in the visible range was developed for screening of compounds against 5-LOX.

Fluoroquinolone salts with carboxylic acids.

The crystallization of fluoroquinolone antibiotics norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin with carboxylic acids gave six new salts that were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Five of these salts are hydrates with different levels of water content. The molecular composition, stoichiometry, and proton transfer state in these salts are confirmed from the crystal structure. The effect of carboxylate counterion, such as oxalate, tartarate, benzoate, malonate, and citrate, and hydration state on the solubility and dissolution profile of drug salts are reported in pure water (pH 6.4), 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2), and phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8). These salts are more soluble and exhibit faster dissolution in pure water and phosphate buffer medium than the reference drugs, but the order is reversed in acidic medium. These salts are chemically stable to the dissolution measurement conditions, whereas the reference drug norfloxacin undergoes phase transformation to norfloxacin hydrate at the end of the experiment.

A new three-component reaction: green synthesis of novel isoindolo[2,1-a]quinazoline derivatives as potent inhibitors of TNF-α.

Concurrent construction of five and six membered fused N-heretocyclic ring was achieved via a conceptually new three-component reaction affording 6,6a-dihydroisoindolo[2,1-a]quinazoline-5,11-diones as novel inhibitors of TNF-αin vitro. This represents one of the few examples of direct TNF-α inhibition by small molecules.

HIV risk behaviours among contracted and non-contracted male migrant workers in India: potential role of labour contractors and contractual systems in HIV prevention.

OBJECTIVE(S): To assess the HIV risk behaviours of male migrant contracted and non-contracted labourers in India and to understand the role of contract labour systems for use in HIV prevention efforts. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys (N = 11 219) were conducted with male migrant workers, aged 18-49 years from 21 districts in four high HIV prevalence states of India. Analyses involved data from the subsample of contracted labour (n = 3880; 35% of total sample) to assess the prevalence of HIV risk behaviours and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms and further comparisons with non-contracted labourers. RESULTS: Contracted male labourers are largely young; 70% were between the ages of 18 and 29 years. Over half (55%) were married, and a third (34%) resided away from their wives because of migrant work. More than one in six contract labourers (17%) reported having sex with a sex worker, and two-fifths of these reported an inconsistent use of condoms. One in 10 reported sex with both sex workers and non-spousal unpaid female partners in the past year in the places they had migrated to, and 31% reported sex with either a sex worker or non-spousal unpaid female partner in their places of origin over the past 2 years. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, the contracted labourers were significantly more likely to report alcohol use and HIV risk behaviours than non-contracted labourers. CONCLUSION: The existence of a wide network of labour contractors and a structured infrastructure of the contract system provides opportunities for effective and sustained worksite HIV prevention programmes among contracted male migrant workers in India.

Screening of the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase gene in Indian women with ovarian failure.

The present study was aimed at mutational screening of the gene coding for galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase in females with premature ovarian failure within an Indian population. A case-control-based study approach was used. It included females with premature ovarian failure (n = 108), primary amenorrhoea (n = 37) and secondary amenorrhoea (n = 9), and a control group of 136 women with a normal ovarian pattern. Gene sequencing analysis for the presence of mutations in the promoter and the coding regions of GALT has shown the absence of any mutation. A hexanucleotide deletion was found in the third intronic region of GALT in both cases and controls. These data support the hypothesis that there is no significant association between GALT mutations and ovarian failure, and hence the present authors conclude that there is no relationship between ovarian failure and GALT polymorphisms in Indian women.