Small Molecule Optical Probes for Detection of H2S in Water Samples: A Review.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is closely linked to not only environmental hazards, but also it affects human health due to its toxic nature and the exposure risks associated with several occupational settings. Therefore, detection of this pollutant in water sources has garnered immense importance in the analytical research arena. Several research groups have devoted great efforts to explore the selective as well as sensitive methods to detect H2S concentrations in water. Recent studies describe different strategies for sensing this ubiquitous gas in real-life water samples. Though many of the designed and developed H2S detection approaches based on the use of organic small molecules facilitate qualitative/quantitative detection of the toxic contaminant in water, optical detection has been acknowledged as one of the best, attributed to the simple, highly sensitive, selective, and good repeatability features of the technique. Therefore, this review is an attempt to offer a general perspective of easy-to-use and fast response optical detection techniques for H2S, fluorimetry and colorimetry, over a wide variety of other instrumental platforms. The review affords a concise summary of the various design strategies adopted by various researchers in constructing small organic molecules as H2S sensors and offers insight into their mechanistic pathways. Moreover, it collates the salient aspects of optical detection techniques and highlights the future scope for prospective exploration in this field based on the limitations of the existing H2S probes.

Intermittent Fasting Activates AMP-Kinase to Restructure Right Ventricular Lipid Metabolism and Microtubules.

Intermittent fasting (IF) extends life span via pleotropic mechanisms, but one important molecular mediator is adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK enhances lipid metabolism and modulates microtubule dynamics. Dysregulation of these molecular pathways causes right ventricular (RV) failure in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In rodent pulmonary arterial hypertension, IF activates RV AMPK, which restores mitochondrial and peroxisomal morphology and restructures mitochondrial and peroxisomal lipid metabolism protein regulation. In addition, IF increases electron transport chain protein abundance and activity in the right ventricle. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic measures of RV function are positively associated with fatty acid oxidation and electron transport chain protein levels. IF also combats heightened microtubule density, which normalizes transverse tubule structure.

Radiologic-pathologic correlation of lesions in resected liver specimens with an ex vivo MRI-compatible localization device.

OBJECTIVE: Liver lesion characterization is limited by the lack of an established gold standard for precise correlation of radiologic characteristics with their histologic features. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using an ex vivo MRI-compatible sectioning device for radiologic-pathologic co-localization of lesions in resected liver specimens. METHODS: In this prospective feasibility study, adults undergoing curative partial hepatectomy from February 2018 to January 2019 were enrolled. Gadoxetic acid was administered intraoperatively prior to hepatic vascular inflow ligation. Liver specimens were stabilized in an MRI-compatible acrylic lesion localization device (27 × 14 × 14 cm3) featuring slicing channels and a silicone gel 3D matrix. High-resolution 3D T1-weighted fast spoiled gradient echo and 3D T2-weighted fast-spin-echo images were acquired using a single channel quadrature head coil. Radiologic lesion coordinates guided pathologic sectioning. A final histopathologic diagnosis was prepared for all lesions. The proportion of successfully co-localized lesions was determined. RESULTS: A total of 57 lesions were identified radiologically and sectioned in liver specimens from 10 participants with liver metastases (n = 8), primary biliary mucinous cystic neoplasm (n = 1), and hepatic adenomatosis (n = 1). Of these, 38 lesions (67%) were < 1 cm. Overall, 52/57 (91%) of radiologically identified lesions were identified pathologically using the device. Of these, 5 lesions (10%) were not initially identified on gross examination but were confirmed histologically using MRI-guided localization. One lesion was identified grossly but not on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of a clinical method for image-guided co-localization and histological characterization of liver lesions using an ex vivo MRI-compatible sectioning device. KEY POINTS: • The ex vivo MRI-compatible sectioning device provides a reliable method for radiologic-pathologic correlation of small (< 1 cm) liver lesions in human liver specimens. • The sectioning method can be feasibly implemented within a clinical practice setting and used in future efforts to study liver lesion characterization. • Intraoperative administration of gadoxetic acid results in enhancement in ex vivo MRI images of liver specimens hours later with excellent image quality.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Monoclonal Anti-Rh (D) Immunoglobulin with Polyclonal Anti-Rh (D) Immunoglobulin for the Prevention of Maternal Rh-Isoimmunization.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of monoclonal anti-Rhesus (anti-D) immunoglobulin (IgG) with polyclonal anti-D IgG in the prevention of maternal Rh-isoimmunization. METHODS: This was a randomized, multicenter, open-label, comparative clinical trial conducted in the obstetric in-patient departments of nine tertiary care hospitals in India. 206 Rhesus (D)-negative women, not sensitized to Rh antigen, and delivering Rh positive babies, received postpartum intramuscular administration of monoclonal or polyclonal anti-D IgG. The main outcome measures were the proportion of subjects protected from Rh-isoimmunization, identified by a negative indirect Coombs test (ICT) result, at day 180 after anti-D IgG administration, and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: 105 subjects were randomized to the monoclonal group and 101 to the polyclonal group. 94 from the monoclonal group had a negative ICT result and none had a positive ICT result at day 180, whereas 87 from the polyclonal group had a negative ICT result and one had a positive ICT result; the rest (11 and 13 subjects respectively) were lost to follow-up. A total of 5 adverse events were reported (3 in the monoclonal group and 2 in the polyclonal group); only one of these was serious. All the adverse events were judged to be unrelated to the interventional drug. None of the subjects in the monoclonal group developed immunogenic reaction to the monoclonal anti-D. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of the monoclonal preparation of anti-D was comparable to the polyclonal preparation of anti-D when used in the prevention of maternal Rh-isoimmunization.Trial registration Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2015/09/006172.

Detection of biofilm among uropathogenic Escherichia coli and its correlation with antibiotic resistance pattern.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli accounts for 70%-95% of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTI is a serious health problem with respect to antibiotic resistance and biofilms formation being the prime cause for the antibiotic resistance. Biofilm can restrict the diffusion of substances and binding of antimicrobials. In this context, the present study is aimed to perform in vitro detection of biofilm formation among E. coli strains isolated from urine and to correlate their susceptibility pattern with biofilm formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 E. coli strains isolated from patients suffering from UTI were included in the study. The identification of E. coli was performed by colony morphology, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests. The detection of biofilm was carried out by Congo Red Agar (CRA) method, tube method (TM), and tissue culture plate (TCP) method. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar plate. RESULTS: Of the 100 E. coli strains, 49 (49%) and 51 (51%) were from catheterized and noncatheterized patients, respectively. Biofilm production was positive by CRA, TM, and TCP method were 49 (49%), 55 (55%), and 69 (69%), respectively. Biofilm producers showed maximum resistance to co-trimoxazole (73.9%), gentamicin (94.2%), and imipenem (11.6%) when compared to nonbiofilm producers. Significant association was seen between resistance to antibiotic and biofilm formation with a P = 0.01 (<0.05). CONCLUSION: A greater understanding of biofilm detection in E. coli will help in the development of newer and more effective treatment. The detection of biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility pattern helps in choosing the correct antibiotic therapy.

A Multicenter Phase IV Study to Investigate the Immunogenicity of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Females Undergoing Controlled Ovarian Stimulation.

CONTEXT: Therapeutic proteins can cause immune responses, which may have clinical implications. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the immunogenicity of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH), when used for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter study conducted at reproductive medicine clinics in India and Vietnam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 285 women, aged 20-40 years, undergoing 354 COS cycles for either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) were studied. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of development of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and their neutralization potential. Other outcome measures were follicle development, dose and duration of r-hFSH, positive serum pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, cycle cancellation, and adverse events (AEs). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: A sample size of 250 was planned. Descriptive statistics are presented. RESULTS: Four patients tested positive for ADA after r-hFSH administration at different time points; all of them tested negative, subsequently. None were found to have neutralization potential. The mean dose and duration of r-hFSH were 816 IU and 8.1 days in IUI and 2183 IU and 9.5 days in IVF, respectively. The serum and clinical pregnancy rates were 12.4% and 11.6% in IUI and 32.7% and 29.9% in IVF cycles, respectively. Seven AEs were reported, including two cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; two AEs were judged to be serious. CONCLUSIONS: The tested r-hFSH has very low immunogenic potential and did not lead to the development of neutralizing antibodies. The overall efficacy and safety of the drug were in-line with existing literature data, and no specific clinical impact of immunogenicity could be identified.

Artificial Intelligence Based Skin Classification Using GMM.

This study describes the usage of neural community based on the texture evaluation of pores and skin a variety of similarities in their signs, inclusive of Measles (rubella), German measles (rubella), and Chickenpox etc. In fashionable, these illnesses have similarities in sample of infection and symptoms along with redness and rash. Various skin problems have similar symptoms. For example, in German measles (rubella), Chicken pox and Measles (rubella) a similarity can be observed in skin rashes and redness. The prognosis of skin problems take a long time as the patient's previous medical records, physical examination report and the respective laboratory diagnostic reports have to be studied. The recognition and diagnosis get tough due to the complexity involved. Subsequently, a computer aided analysis and recognition gadget would be handy in such cases. Computer algorithm steps include image processing, picture characteristic extraction and categorize facts with the help of a classifier with Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The ANN can analyze the patterns of symptoms of a particular disease and present faster prognosis and reputation than a human doctor. For this reason, the patients can undergo the treatment for the pores and skin problems based totally on the symptoms detected.

Anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm potential of Alternaria alternata, a foliar endophyte of Carica papaya, evidenced by QS assays and in-silico analysis.

In the present study, secondary metabolites from an endophytic fungus, Alternaria alternata, colonizing Carica papaya, demonstrated antiquorum sensing properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study reports the antagonistic effects of fungal crude extract of A. alternata against the various quorum sensing (QS) associated virulent factors such as percentage decrease in production of pyocyanin, alginate, chitinase and rhamnolipid; significant decrease in proteases activity such as LasA protease activity, staphylolytic activity, Las B elastase; and a marked decrease in biofilm formation and associated factors such as exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). Further, motility pattern i.e., swimming and swarming was also found to be inhibited. This down regulation of QS and associated factors are further supported by in-silico analysis of interaction between QS receptor LasR and bioactive molecules viz., sulfurous acid, 2-propyl tridecyl ester and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester present in fungal crude extract, found based on GCMS analysis, sketches the modulating ability of QS expression. This is the first report on an endophytic fungus of C. papaya having a role in QS inhibition against P. aeruginosa and lays a platform to explore further the endophytes for potent therapeutic agents in QS.

Normal Development of the Perineuronal Net in Humans; In Patients with and without Epilepsy.

The perineuronal net (PN), a highly organized extracellular matrix structure, is believed to play an important role in synaptic function, including maturation and stabilization. In addition to its role in restricting plasticity, alterations in the PN are implicated in disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. However, the time course of PN development is not known in humans. Therefore we set out to document the developmental timeline of the PN formation in humans in 14 frontal and hippocampal specimens from donors aged 27 days to 31 years old. Using immunohistochemistry and western blotting, we demonstrate that the PN begins to form as early as the second month of life but does not reach its robust, mature appearance until around 8 years of age, though aggrecan cleavage products are observed prior to this. A similar developmental time course was observed in specimens from epilepsy patients. Our data suggest that aggrecan is present early in development but the structured PN develops throughout early childhood, similar to what has been observed in rodents. This timeline provides information for future pathological studies on the role of the PN in disease and an additional parallel between human and rodent development.

Relationship of Anatomical Lengths of Forearm plusHand to the Length of Femur in Healthy Subjects

The commonest procedure for adult diaphyseal femoral fractures is intramedullary nailing. A thorough preoperative examination of facture pattern and its morphology are necessary. Previous studies are non-homogenous and with conflicting results. So the study was planned to find out, any relation between femur and forearm plus little finger length and its association with height/ arm span and upper segment/lower segment ratios in an individual, with its statistical validity. The study was carried on 75 male and 75 female students of more than 18 years of age, studying at AIIMS Rishikesh after taking their informed consent and ethical approval. The forearm plus hand length and the length offemur were measured as per protocol, by simple measuring tape. The mean forearm plus hand length and the length of femur were 42.85 (SD, ±1.87) and 45.88 (SD, ±2.95) cm, respectively with the mean difference between these 2 measurements of -3.03 (95% CI, -3.83 to -2.22) cm, in male and 39.56(SD, ±1.68), 40.96 (SD, ± 2.75) cm and -1.400 (95% CI, -1.917 to -0.883) cm in female volunteers. The Pearson correlation co efficient and p value 0.575, 0.0001 and 0.585, 0.0001 in male and female respectively. There was no significant variation with height, upper segment and lower segment ratios. So we conclude that there is extremely significant correlation between the forearm plus hand length and the length of femur of the individuals. The forearm plus hand length represents the maximum length of the nail to be used in femur. The length of the femur nail can be definitely predicted by the forearm plus hand length in both sexes but it has to be different in both, for the same femoral fracture and there is no significant variation in the femur length with height, upper segment and lower segment variation in the same individ

Diagnostic histopathology of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case-based review.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignant neoplasm in adults. Clinically, it tends to present late, and its prognosis historically has been poor, due to limited treatment options at the more advanced stage. A multidisciplinary approach for surveillance and early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk populations, combined with advances in surgical and other forms of ablative or chemotherapy, has greatly improved outcomes for patients with this tumor. Liver biopsies for HCC are becoming rare, being performed only for lesions that are atypical on imaging, to avoid the risk of bleeding or of inadvertently seeding the needle tract with HCC. HCC, a tumor of varied appearance, can be diagnostically challenging, particularly on a liver biopsy, due to sampling errors. Although HCC typically occurs on a background of cirrhosis, or advanced fibrosis, it may also arise in the noncirrhotic liver. Well-differentiated HCC may be hard to distinguish from benign lesions in the noncirrhotic liver and premalignant lesions in the cirrhotic liver, whereas a poorly-differentiated neoplasm may be difficult to tell apart from metastases or primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Additionally, variant forms of HCC may mimic other neoplasms. This case-based review discusses typical HCC, the increasingly recognized steatohepatitic variant of HCC, the rare scirrhous variant of HCC and the extremely rare and clinically challenging cirrhotomimetic HCC.

A comparative study of odontogenic keratocyst and orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst using Ki67 and α smooth muscle actin.

AIM: This study aimed to demonstrate and evaluate the expression of stromal myofibroblasts (MFs) and epithelial cell proliferation using α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Ki67 markers, respectively, in odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) to correlate their aggressive behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty cases of OKC and twenty cases of OOC were stained with α-SMA and Ki67 markers for demonstration of stromal MFs and epithelial cell proliferation, respectively, and ten cases of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma were used as positive control. Assessment of the number of α-SMA-positive stromal cells and Ki67-positive epithelial cells determined by MFs and proliferative epithelial cell frequency in 10 high-power fields (×400) was presented as the mean number of positive cells per field. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze the difference in the mean number of α-SMA- and Ki67-positive cells per field between OKC and OOC. RESULTS: The mean number of positively stained cells for α-SMA and Ki67 is significantly higher in OKC compared to OOC. CONCLUSION: Impression is that, the different behaviors of these two entities are compatible with their immunohistochemical view. The high value of stromal MFs and proliferative epithelial cells in OKC in comparison to OOC indicates its aggressiveness and potential for recurrence.

Senior Friendly Hospitals: Development and Application of Criteria: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: The world's population is rapidly aging. Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over the age of 60 will double from about 11% to 22%; more so in the developing countries. The prevalence of frailty and morbidity among the elderly is high. There is a need to assess the "preparedness" of the health care system including hospitals to respond to the needs of the elderly. AIM: 1. To develop criteria for a senior friendly hospital and 2. To assess the feasibility of application of these criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was done at Bangalore, India, involving 100 subjects sampled by purposive sampling. Study population consisted of senior citizens, their caretakers, physicians, hospital support staff, nurses, geriatricians, hospital administrators, and architects. They were interviewed using a validated translated interview schedule. The study consisted of two phases; Phase 1: Developing a checklist to assess senior friendliness of a hospital by using modified Delphi technique. Phase 2: Application of the checklist thus developed to selected hospitals in order to assess the feasibility of administration. The data was then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for frequencies, proportions, central tendency and dispersion, interclass reliability, intraclass reliability, and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: A checklist containing 44 items to assess the senior friendliness of a hospital was developed. The checklist was found feasible and easy to administer. CONCLUSIONS: The checklist thus developed to assess senior friendliness of a hospital has wider application as it has a potential to be considered for framing senior friendly hospital guidelines/policies.

Haematological and biochemical markers as predictors of dengue infection.

Dengue is a viral infection which has become a serious problem in recent years. It is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. The present study is a prospective, hospital-based, observational study done from August 2014 to October 2014. The objective of our study was to consider whether dengue infection can be suspected based on haematological and biochemical findings. The study included 100 patients positive for dengue infection. Complete hemogram, transaminases for liver injury, blood urea and serum creatinine levels for renal assessment were performed for these patients. The most common haematological findings were thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, an increase in the mixed cell fraction of the leucocytes and the presence of reactive lymphocytes. Biochemical parameters like the aminotranferases, blood urea and serum creatinine levels were significantly raised. Hence, a platelet count of <100,000 cells/µl, leucopenia of <4000 cells/µl and aspartate aminotransferase levels of >82.2 U/L can be considered as predictors of dengue infection.

Efficacy of Transcerebellar Diameter/Abdominal Circumference Versus Head Circumference/Abdominal Circumference in Predicting Asymmetric Intrauterine Growth Retardation.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of IUGR and its low recognition lead to increasing perinatal morbidity and mortality for which prediction of IUGR with timely management decisions is of paramount importance. Many studies have compared the efficacy of several gestational age independent parameters and found that TCD/AC is a better predictor of asymmetric IUGR. AIM: To compare the accuracy of transcerebellar diameter/abdominal circumference with head circumference/abdominal circumference in predicting asymmetric intrauterine growth retardation after 20 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study was conducted over a period of one year on 50 clinically suspected IUGR pregnancies who were evaluated with 3.5 MHz frequency ultrasound scanner by a single sonologist. BPD, HC, AC and FL along with TCD were measured for assessing the sonological gestational age. Two morphometric ratios- TCD/AC and HC/AC were calculated. Estimated fetal weight was calculated for all these pregnancies and its percentile was determined. STATISTICAL METHODS: The TCD/AC and HC/AC ratios were correlated with advancing gestational age to know if these were related to GA. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy (DA) for TCD/AC and HC/AC ratios in evaluating IUGR fetuses were calculated. RESULTS: In the present study, linear relation of TCD and HC in IUGR fetuses with gestation was noted. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV & DA were 88%, 93.5%, 77.1%, 96.3% & 92.4% respectively for TCD/AC ratio versus 84%, 92%, 72.4%, 95.8% & 90.4% respectively for HC/AC ratio in predicting IUGR. CONCLUSION: Both ratios were gestational age independent and can be used in detecting IUGR with good diagnostic accuracy. However, TCD/AC ratio had a better diagnostic validity and accuracy compared to HC/AC ratio in predicting asymmetric IUGR.

Efficacy of High Frequency Ultrasound in Localization and Characterization of Orbital Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The complicated anatomy of orbit and the wide spectrum of pathological conditions present a formidable challenge for early diagnosis, which is critical for management. Ultrasonography provides a detailed cross sectional anatomy of the entire globe with excellent topographic visualization and real time display of the moving organ. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the efficacy of high frequency Ultrasound in localization of orbital diseases and to characterize various orbital pathologies sonologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred eyes of 85 patients were examined with ultrasound using linear high frequency probe (5 to 17 MHz) of PHILPS IU22 ultrasound system. Sonological diagnosis was made based on location, acoustic characteristics, kinetic properties and Doppler flow dynamics. Final diagnosis was made based on clinical & laboratory findings/higher cross-sectional imaging/surgery & histopathology (as applicable). Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was evaluated and compared with final diagnosis. RESULTS: The distinction between ocular and extraocular pathologies was made in 100% of cases. The overall sensitivity, specificity, NPV and accuracy of ultrasonography were 94.2%, 98.8%, 92.2% & 94.9% respectively for diagnosis of ocular pathologies and 94.2%, 99.2%, 95.9% & 95.2% respectively for extra ocular pathologies. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a readily available, simple, cost effective, non ionizing and non invasive modality with overall high diagnostic accuracy in localising and characterising orbital pathologies. It has higher spatial and temporal resolution compared to CT/MRI. However, CT/MRI may be indicated in certain cases for the evaluation of calcifications, bony involvement, extension to adjacent structures and intracranial extension.

Improved Detection of Microsatellite Instability in Early Colorectal Lesions.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) occurs in over 90% of Lynch syndrome cancers and is considered a hallmark of the disease. MSI is an early event in colon tumor development, but screening polyps for MSI remains controversial because of reduced sensitivity compared to more advanced neoplasms. To increase sensitivity, we investigated the use of a novel type of marker consisting of long mononucleotide repeat (LMR) tracts. Adenomas from 160 patients, ranging in age from 29-55 years old, were screened for MSI using the new markers and compared with current marker panels and immunohistochemistry standards. Overall, 15 tumors were scored as MSI-High using the LMRs compared to 9 for the NCI panel and 8 for the MSI Analysis System (Promega). This difference represents at least a 1.7-fold increase in detection of MSI-High lesions over currently available markers. Moreover, the number of MSI-positive markers per sample and the size of allelic changes were significantly greater with the LMRs (p = 0.001), which increased confidence in MSI classification. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the LMR panel for detection of mismatch repair deficient lesions were 100% and 96%, respectively. In comparison, the sensitivity and specificity of the MSI Analysis System were 67% and 100%; and for the NCI panel, 75% and 97%. The difference in sensitivity between the LMR panel and the other panels was statistically significant (p<0.001). The increased sensitivity for detection of MSI-High phenotype in early colorectal lesions with the new LMR markers indicates that MSI screening for the early detection of Lynch syndrome might be feasible.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Relationship with Scholastic Performance among Primary and Secondary School Children in Two Select Private Schools in Bangalore Rural District (India).

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a serious problem among children in developing countries. In India; a school meal program is in place to combat malnutrition, but only in government schools. This study is an attempt to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in primary and secondary school children in private schools and to also assess the relationship between malnutrition and academic performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 582 students from class 1-7 from two select schools in rural Bangalore, India were included in the study. Information on age of study subjects were collected from school records. Height and weight measurements were taken. BMI was calculated. Children were clinically examined for pallor. Data on height, weight and BMI was transformed into WHO 2007 Z scores and then was categorized as < -3 SD, -2 to -3 SD, > -2 SD, > 2 SD. Mathematics and English scores of the previous two class tests were taken, average scores were calculated. Statistical tests used were Chi square test, Odd's ratio, Chi square for trend. RESULTS: A total of 582 students participated in this study. Males were 54% (315) and females were 46% (267). One hundred and fifty-nine (27%) of the children had pallor, 81 (20%) had under nutrition, 38 (7%) had stunting, 197 (34%) had thinness and 5 (1%) were found to be obese. Positive relationship was found between weight for ageZscores and English as well as Maths; Height for age Z scores with English. CONCLUSION: Hence we conclude that the prevalence of malnutrition is high among children in private schools also; and the nutritional status of the children is strongly associated with their academic performance.