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Aims: Advanced practice providers are a rapidly growing sector of the health-care field. Despite their relatively new place in the medical establishment, these providers are held to high standards of education, practice, and communication skills. However, the communication needs of these practitioners are somewhat different than those of nurses or physicians. These skills are even more necessary in specialized fields where providers frequently are involved in discussions of prognosis, goals of care, and end of life. Design: This was a mixed-methods study. Methods: We completed a needs assessment of communication skills for advanced practice providers at a large cancer center in the northeastern United States from June to July 2017. Results: Participants were confident in their skills across several areas of communication, but also endorsed the need for communication skills training, particularly for challenging interactions with patients and families. Advanced practice providers described many challenges similar to those descried by other health-care providers, including general communication skills problems, navigating team dynamics, and goals-of-care planning. However, participants also endorsed communication skills needs specific to their field, including certain patient-centered challenges, perceived/real limitations of their role, serving as the “middleman,” and understanding the advanced practice provider’s role. Conclusion: Given the general and unique communication challenges advanced practice providers in oncology face, we conclude with recommendations for further institutional and educational changes to better address these needs.

This essay focuses on a fragment of the Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar’s star text, the dada figure, to analyse the contours of melodramatic enunciations and masculinity that appear in the 1970s’ popular films. This decade is identified with the radical politics associated with the Naxal movement that erupted in varied expressions of rage and anger at institutional and systemic failures. Since Uttam typified a bhadralok masculine subjectivity, his evolution in domestic melodramas especially in male weepies from the period enables me to read the specifics of regional cinema and its response to social and political contexts of the times.

With the dramatic increase in the older adult population, assessment and care of chronic diseases of aging, notably cancer, cognitive impairment and functional decline, have increasing clinical importance. Most healthcare practitioners (HCPs) receive minimal education in geriatrics and/or communication skills and are not optimally prepared to treat older cancer patients. Geriatric Oncology: Cognition and Communication (Geri-Onc CC) trains HCPs to identify cognitive impairment and/or functional decline and improve communication with patients and caregivers. Geri-Onc CC is a 2-day virtual training. Day 1 covers depression, dementia, delirium, pharmacology, cognitive rehabilitation, language barriers, and decision-making capacity. Day 2 focuses on communication skills experiential practice in geriatric syndromes, cognitive syndromes and shared decision making. In addition, HCPs engage in 6 bimonthly web-based collaborative learning activities post-training. Thus far, three cohorts have participated (n=56). Participants were primarily female (88%), 68% non-Hispanic White, and represented multiple disciplines [psychologists (29%) social workers (25%), physicians (21%), others(25%)] and they work in various settings: comprehensive cancer centers (43%),community hospitals (18%), and others (33%). Most (48%) have been caring for older cancer patients for 1-5 years. All reported the training had value to them as a clinician, increased their knowledge of geriatrics, and helped them meet their training goals and 84% were extremely satisfied with the program. Recruitment has been successful. Participants have been diverse in terms of race/ethnicity, profession, practice characteristics and the populations they serve. Overall, participants have found the training valuable, future work will describe outcomes of the training.

The capability of adaptive antenna array lies in forming higher gain in the user directions and lower gain in the interferer directions. The technique used to produce such radiation pattern by calculating the excitation weights are called the adaptive beamforming (ABF) techniques. It tries to minimize the error between the desired and actual signal and maximize the signal to interference ratio (SIR). But in severe interference environment when the actual signal is weak, the effect of SIR on the radiation pattern needs to be considered. This paper describes the effect of signal to interference ratio on different adaptive beamforming techniques such as non-blind least mean square (LMS), blind constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The performance and validation of beamforming algorithms are studied through MATLAB simulation by varying SIR parameters for different desired and interference direction. Different weights are obtained using this beamforming algorithm to optimize the radiation pattern. The parameters for comparison are the main beam and null placement keeping signal to noise (SNR) constant for different angles of user and interferer. The mean SLL and directivity are also studied. Keywords: Adaptive antenna, Beamforming, Particle swarm optimization, Least mean square, Constant modulus algorithm, Signal to interference ratio

Drilling deep wells in the Mahanadi Basin of the east coast of India is highly challenging because of the variations in pore pressure in the Miocene formations. We have observed that the wells drilled in the northern part of the study area have more drilling hazards due to the presence of high pore pressure (modular dynamic test measurements of up to 18.5 ppg) when compared with wells drilled in the southern part of the basin. In the northern part, pore pressure prediction assuming disequilibrium compaction (DC) underpredicts by approximately 2–3.5 ppg when compared with observed pressures; however, in the southern part, pressure prediction matches the observed pressures in the drilled wells. Analysis of sonic velocity-density crossplots suggests that along with DC, some other secondary mechanism also plays an important role in generating excess overpressure in the northern part of the study area; however, the well data do not indicate the presence of an established secondary mechanism, such as fluid expansion, clay conversion, or cementation. The prime difference between the northern and southern areas is the presence of multiple canyon cuts in the northern part and the observation that very high overpressures occur below these canyon cuts. Hence, an attempt was made to ascertain the relationship between the presence of canyon cuts and the observed high pressure with the help of burial history modeling that incorporates the canyon cut features. Pressure estimation based on this approach closely matches the observed pressures in the drilled wells. This very high overpressure observed in the northern part is most likely generated by the combined effect of porosity rebound (due to overburden removal) along with persistence of overpressures that developed prior to erosion. This burial history modeling approach helps in recognizing and understanding the impact of erosional canyon cut events on generation of excess overpressure in the study area. Furthermore, effective stress methods that take secondary pressure generating mechanisms (unloading) into account are used to quantify the difference in pore pressure.

This chapter analyses Bimal Roy’s Bandini (1963) as an example of a woman’s story of guilt, transgression and desire through a focus on the protagonist Kalyani, who is a prisoner, serving time for manslaughter. The film is adapted from a Bengali novel Tamashi written by prison officer turned acclaimed writer, Jarasandha. My reading focuses on the manner and method of incarceration and prisoner reform undertaken to correct this deviant prisoner and how Kalyani is able to escape ‘correction’ to remain transgressive. Using insights from Bengal Vaishnavism/Bhakti philosophy, I read Kalyani’s transgressions as expressed via the romantic songs used in the film that deploy the Radha image central to this devotional tradition. A productive engagement with the film songs and this mode of devotional love enables a reading that foregrounds the construction of a woman’s life story expressed through her agency and point of view.

Adaptive beamforming (ABF) techniques are used to produce higher gain in the user directions and lower gain in the interferer directions by calculating the excitation weights. It tries to reduce the difference between the desired and actual signal and maximize the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR). But in severe interference environment when the actual signal is weak, the effect of SIR on the radiation pattern needs to be considered. This paper describes the effect of signal-to-interference ratio on different adaptive beamforming techniques such as non-blind least mean square (LMS) and evolutionary particle swarm optimization (PSO). The performance and validation of beamforming algorithms are studied through MATLAB simulation by varying SIR parameter for desired and interference direction. Different weights are obtained using this beamforming algorithm to optimize the radiation pattern. The parameters for comparison are the main beam and null placement keeping signal-to-noise (SNR) constant for specified user and interferer.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) analysis was used in combination with morphological characters to investigate genetic variations and population structure of Callosobruchus maculatus and Callosobruchus chinensis species from Bundelkhand region of India. It has proved its usefulness to get information quickly in comparatively less-studied species. For RAPD-PCR analysis, out of 25 decanucleotide primers, 15 were selected based on amplification (RAn series). For inter and intra specific analysis, the data indicates that 55 out of total 75 DNA markers detected in both insect pests are polymorphic and can be considered as useful analytical markers. The molecular weight of scorable bands generated by these primers ranges from 150 to ~1500 bp. Mean BS (Band Sharing) value for all primers was scored as 0.228 with 77.2 % mean inter species polymorphism. The highest number of RAPD bands detected for primer RAn 11 was 8 bands while lowest for primer RAn 18 as 2 bands. Out of 15, primer RAn 7, RAn 11, RAn 13 and RAn 18 are considered specific as they produced specific banding pattern for both insect pests in both sexes of different cultures. 100 % sexual and intra species specific genetic similarity was observed. Thus RAPD-PCR technique, along with appropriate statistical procedures, is suitable for the analysis of genetic variations, molecular characterization and relationships among stored grain beetles. The authors have reported the first assessment on the genetic diversity of C. maculatus and C. chinensis populations of central India in the present study.

The present work is an attempt to explore immunomodulatory activity of some natural products taking into account the major cellular immune reaction, nodulation, in the short horned grasshopper Poekilocerus pictus. It has been shown that two different groups of natural products i.e. quinones, juglone and plumbagin and azadirachtins, neemazal and TN MP-100 inhibit the nodulation reaction against four different species of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and bacteria isolated from the gut of P. pictus itself (‘self bacteria’),used to artificially infect the grasshopper. Role of eicosanoid in mediation of nodule formation has been shown by studying the effects of eicosanoid inhibitor dexamethasone and rescue experiments using the precursor, arachidonic acid. Significant reduction in the number of nodules by dexamethasone and their restoration by arachidonic acid has shown that eicosanoids function for nodulation in P. pictus. Most interesting result of the present work has been revealed by the fact that all the four natural products inhibit nodule formation in P. pictus, which would lead to impaired immunity in the insect. These results can be exploited in insect pest management by inducing immunodeficiency.

A skill set is the ability of performing a particular job. Skill set is acquired by improving the psychomotor domain of the human being. Deficiencies in skills need to be measured and addressed. This may improve the level of skill and reduce deficiency. Deficiency diagnosis is a process of identification of the skills that are lacking in any learner. In this research work, authors have proposed a model that identifies the various deficiencies of a learner.

Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are one of the most frequently occurring tumors found worldwide. Surgery remains the primary treatment for most solid tumors and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are limited by lack of specificity and toxicity. In view of the poor survival rate, there is a great need to introduce new and effective therapeutic modalities. Recently, dendritic cells (DCs)-based vaccines are being explored as a promising therapeutic strategy but their success is limited by the tumor-induced immune escape mechanisms. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials conducted using this approach. It also showcases the necessity of exploring nano-engineered strategies for improving the clinical utility of DC-vaccination for GI tract malignancies to overcome immune tolerance.

The present work is an attempt to explore haemagglutination activity of haemolymph of the short horned grasshopper Poekilocerus pictus as an impact of induced infection and modulation of the effects by naturally occurring quinones, Juglone and Plumbagin. The grasshoppers were artificially infected using three different species of bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aerugenosa, and Escherichia coli. The naturally occurring bacteria in the grasshopper have been isolated, cultured and used as above to compare the results elicited by exogenous microbes. Effects of administration of two plant derived quinones, Juglone and Plumbagin on haemagglutinin (lectin) activity was studied in healthy and infected grasshoppers. The study has mainly involved haemagglutination tests and SDS-PAGE of haemolymph of the above experimental groups. The results have revealed that both the quinones adversely affect haemagglutinin activity of haemolymph. The protein profile obtained by electrophoresis analysis also showed lesser number of bands in haemolymph of infected and quinone treated as well as infected quinone treated (synergistically treated) grasshoppers in comparison to healthy individuals. It is expected that the results would be useful addition to the field of insect immunity as well as to studies on mode of action of quinones which also have insect growth regulatory properties.

Liver is often exposed to plethora of chemical toxins. Owing to its profound physiological role and central function in metabolism and homeostasis, pertinent succession of cell cycle in liver epithelial cells is of prime importance to maintain cellular proliferation. Although recent evidence has displayed a strong association between exposures to methyl isocyanate (MIC), one of the most toxic isocyanates, and neoplastic transformation, molecular characterization of the longitudinal effects of MIC on cell cycle regulation has never been performed. Here, we sequentially delineated the status of different proteins arbitrating the deregulation of cell cycle in liver epithelial cells treated with MIC. Our data reaffirms the oncogenic capability of MIC with elevated DNA damage response proteins pATM and γ-H2AX, deregulation of DNA damage check point genes CHK1 and CHK2, altered expression of p53 and p21 proteins involved in cell cycle arrest with perturbation in GADD-45 expression in the treated cells. Further, alterations in cyclin A, cyclin E, CDK2 levels along with overexpression of mitotic spindle checkpoints proteins Aurora A/B, centrosomal pericentrin protein, chromosomal aberrations, and loss of Pot1a was observed. Thus, MIC impacts key proteins involved in cell cycle regulation to trigger genomic instability as a possible mechanism of developmental basis of liver carcinogenesis.

Vasicine, isolated from the shrub Adhatoda vasica, is a well-known pyrroloquinazoline alkaloidal compound which has been used for the treatment of various diseases and disorders, mostly for the respiratory-tract ailments. To counter the present low content in leaves and uneconomical chemical synthesis, alternate ways to produce vasicine have been required; but vasicine remains subtle in cell cultures of A. vasica despite the wide studies undertaken. This work reports the successful approach for production of vasicine by cell cultures of A. vasica. High and fast-growing leaf-derived cell culture was established from A. vasica. In the present study, elicitation as the yield enhancement strategy was developed by the addition of selected elicitor like methyl jasmonate (MeJ), chitosan, yeast extract, ascorbic acid, and sodium salicylate at optimized concentrations. This resulted in 0.45 and 0.39% (on dry weight basis) vasicine, which was 3.7 and 3.2-fold higher yield over the control cultures (0.121%) with 20 μM MeJ and 50 mg l−1 yeast extract treatment, respectively.

Combinations of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) and some plant extracts, namely Acacia arabica (Lam.) Willd., Annona squamosa L., Datura stramonium L., Eucalyptus globulus (Labille), Ipomoea carnea Jacq., Lantana camara L., Nicotiana tabacum L. and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre, were studied for their efficacy and synergistic activity against Spodoptera litura (Fab.) larvae. D. stramonium seed extract fortified with Btk recorded highest mean larval mortality of 74.7%, followed by 61% with A. arabica seed extract, 54.4% with N. tabacum leaf extract and 53% with A. squamosa seed extract. Combination of A. arabica seed extract at 25% concentration and Btk resulted in considerable mortality within 24 h. All Btk fortified extracts caused higher larval mortality than with Btk alone, indicating synergistic action except for the A. arabica leaf extract and Btk combination, which showed antagonistic effect.

Isocyanates, a group of low molecular weight aromatic and aliphatic compounds containing the isocyanate group (-NCO), are important raw materials with diverse industrial applications; however, pathophysiological implications resulting from occupational and accidental exposures of these compounds are hitherto unknown. Although preliminary evidence available in the literature suggests that isocyanates and their derivatives may have deleterious health effects including immunotoxicity, but molecular mechanisms underlying such an effect have never been addressed. The present study was carried out to assess the immunotoxic response of methyl isocyanate (MIC) on cultured human lymphocytes isolated from healthy human volunteers. Studies were conducted to evaluate both dose-dependent and time-course response (n = 3), using N-succinimidyl N-methylcarbamate, a surrogate chemical substitute to MIC. Evaluation of DNA damage by ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and gamma H2AX protein phosphorylation states; measure of apoptotic index through annexin-V/PI assay, apoptotic DNA ladder assay, and mitochondrial depolarization; induction of oxidative stress by CM-H2DCFDA and formation of 8-hydroxy-2' deoxy guanosine; levels of antioxidant defense system enzyme glutathione reductase; and multiplex cytometric bead array analysis to quantify the secreted levels of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-8, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-12p70 parameters were carried out. The results of the study showed a dose- and time-dependent response, providing evidence to hitherto unknown molecular mechanisms of immunotoxic consequences of isocyanate exposure at a genomic level. We anticipate these data along with other studies reported in the literature would help to design better approaches in risk assessment of occupational and accidental exposure to isocyanates.

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This paper analyses the mathematical design of a linear antenna array in overcoming the problem of interfering signal near to the user signal. A mathematical modelling of modified version of Schelkunoff polynomial method with Particle Swarm Optimization has been presented. The radial displacement and phase on Schelkunoff unit circle are fixed for maintaining the direction of user and interferer. Reduction of sidelobe level constraint is done by searching the best location of phases. Parameters like sidelobe level and directivity have been considered in showing the usefulness of this technique. Effectiveness and limitations of placing nulls near to the main beam have been shown by relevant examples through variation of interferer positioning.

Sidelobes in the radiation pattern causes degradation of actual signal and hence antenna power efficiency. This paper discusses the problem of interference suppression by reducing the side lobe. Synthesis of linear antenna array using Continuous Genetic Algorithm is done to search for the optimum amplitude weights to minimize the maximum side lobe level. It has been demonstrated that side lobe level is reduced effectively by this technique. The simulated results shows an improved directivity, reduction in the first side lobe and fast convergence. This shows the effectiveness of this technique.

Saquinavir (SQV) is a US-FDA approved HIV protease inhibitor (HPI) for HIV cure. The purpose of the present investigation was to develop and characterize the anticancer potential of the SQV-loaded folic acid (FA) conjugated PEGylated and non-PEGylated poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) (SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA and SQV-Fol-PLGA) employing PC-3 (human prostate) and MCF-7 (human breast) cancer cell lines.Developed NPs were characterized by IR, NMR, DSC, XRD, size, charge and further tested for drug loading and cellular uptake properties.The entrapment efficiency was found to be 56 ± 0.60 and 58 ± 0.80 w/v for SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA and SQV-PLGA NPs, respectively. The obtained results of SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA showed enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular uptake and were most preferentially taken up by the cancerous cells via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) mechanism. At 260 µM concentration, SQV-PLGA NPs and SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA NPs showed 20%, 20% and 23% cell growth inhibition in PC-3 cells, respectively whereas in MCF-7 cells it was 12%, 15% and 14% cell growth inhibition, respectively.Developed targeted SQV-Fol-PEG-PLGA NPs were superior anticancer potential as compared to non-targeted SQV-PLGA NPs. Thus, these targeted NPs provide another option for anticancer drug delivery scientists.

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Algorithm with the Schelkunoff polynomial method (SPM) is used to synthesize the linear array. The problem of interference suppression in antenna array is done by Schelkunoff polynomial method. After that PSO algorithm is used to the control the side lobe level (SLL) reduction of the array pattern. It has been demonstrated that the complexity of the optimization problem is reduced by this technique. The simulated results shows proper null placement, reduction in SLL and beamforming capability.

Short-range order has been investigated in Zr69.5Cu12Ni11Al7.5and Zr41.5Ti41.5Ni17metallic glasses using X-ray absorption spectroscopy andab initiomolecular dynamics simulations. While both of these alloys are good glass formers, there is a difference in their glass-forming abilities (Zr41.5Ti41.5Ni17> Zr69.5Cu12Ni11Al7.5). This difference is explained by inciting the relative importance of strong chemical order, icosahedral content, cluster symmetry and configuration diversity.

The chemosterilant activity of two naturally occurring napthaquinones, plumbagin from Plumbago sp. and juglone from Juglans regia has been evaluated using the red cotton bug Dysdercus koenigii. Their activity were compared with synthetic napthaquinones, menadione, two benzoquinones, 2,6-dimethyl and 2,3,6-trimethylbenzoquinone and a hydroquinone 2,6-dimethylhydroquinone. As far as the authors are aware, the present investigation is the first systematic attempt to investigate the effects of quinones on different aspects of reproduction, namely mating behaviour, fecundity and fertility. All the above types of quinones have revealed adverse effects on the reproduction of D. koenigii, which were topically treated as 1-day-old adults with different doses of the compounds depending on their 50% lethality (LD 50 ) values. Analysis of the data revealed a highly statistically significant reduction in the number of eggs, their hatching and further development up to the final instar stage. The sterility index increased with the increase in the dose of any of the above compounds and was highest when both sexes were treated. Among the natural products, juglone induced more sterilizing effects than plumbagin at 5-10 μg/insect. Menadione caused sterility at a very low dose such as 0.5 μg. Of the two benzoquinones, the dimethylbenzoquinone acted at a much lower dose.

Plumbagin, a naphthoquinone occurring in the plants belonging to Plumbago sp. is known to have insect growth disrupting activities. In the present study, a comparative evaluation of bioactivities of related naphthoquinones, juglone and menadione and benzoquinones, 2,6-dimethylbenzoquinone and 2,3,6-trimethylbenzoquinone along with 2,6-dimethylhydroquinone have been undertaken using Dysdercus koenigii. The LD50 values of the compounds showed wide variation. Although all the test compounds disrupted the normal growth at sublethal doses, 2,6-dimethylbenzo- quinone and menadione showed activity at low doses.

Aim: The work attempts to overcome tumor-associated immune tolerance using a surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNP) delivery system for dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy. Materials & methods: Different formulations of SLNPs (SLNPs-alone, cationic SLNPs and mannosylated SLNPs) were prepared using tumor cell lysates. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized and their ability to activate DCs to induce a tumor cell-specific response was assessed. Results: SLNPs induced a strong phagocytic signal to DCs without any significant toxicity. Comparatively, mannosylated SLNPs evoked an optimum and effective cell-mediated immune response with no significant toxicity. Conclusion: Surface-modified SLNPs may play a pivotal role in designing a clinically translatable DC-based immunotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancies. This novel approach may also facilitate the treatment of residual disease, following standard therapy. Original submitted 9 February 2012; Revised submitted 19 August 2012; Published online 14 January 2013

Mechanistic investigations coupled with epidemiology, case-control, cohort and observational studies have increasingly linked isocyanate exposure (both chronic and acute) with pulmonary morbidity and mortality. Though ascribed for impairment in endothelial cell function, molecular mechanisms of these significant adverse pulmonary outcomes remains poorly understood. As preliminary studies conducted in past have failed to demonstrate a cause-effect relationship between isocyanate toxicity and compromised pulmonary endothelial cell function, we hypothesized that direct exposure to isocyanate may disrupt endothelial structural lining, resulting in cellular damage. Based on this premise, we comprehensively evaluated the molecular repercussions of methyl isocyanate (MIC) exposure on human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAE-26). We examined MIC-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine response, oxidative DNA damage response and apoptotic index. Our results demonstrate that exposure to MIC, augment mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, depletion in antioxidant defense enzymes, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine response and induced endothelial cell apoptosis via affecting the balance of mitochondrial-nuclear cross talk. We herein delineate the first and direct molecular cascade of isocyanate-induced pulmonary endothelial cell dysfunction. The results of our study might portray a connective link between associated respiratory morbidities with isocyanate exposure, and indeed facilitate to discern the exposure-phenotype relationship in observed deficits of pulmonary endothelial cell function. Further, understanding of inter- and intra-cellular signaling pathways involved in isocyanate-induced endothelial damage would not only aid in biomarker identification but also provide potential new avenues to target specific therapeutic interventions., Graphical abstract Highlights ► Pulmonary endothelial cells accomplish a vast variety of specialized functions. ► A balance in mitochondrial-nuclear cross talk is essential for endothelial integrity. ► Methyl isocyanate impairs redox balance in endothelial milieu. ► We profess a corollary between respiratory morbidities and methyl isocyanate exposure.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent APCs, with the ability to orchestrate a repertoire of immune responses. DCs play a pivotal role in the initiation, programming and regulation of tumor-specific immune responses, as they are poised to take up, process and present tumor antigens to naive or effector T lymphocytes. Although, to an extent, DC-based immunotherapeutic strategies have successfully induced specific anti-tumor responses in animal models, their clinical efficacy has rarely been translated into the clinic. This article attempts to present a complete picture of recent developments of DC-based therapeutic strategies addressing multiple components of tumor immunoenvironment. It also showcases certain practical intricacies in order to explore novel strategies for providing new impetus to DC-based cancer vaccination.

Male reproductive health is exquisitely sensitive to environmental insults as evidenced by the rising incidence of testicular cancers and low and probably declining semen quality. Isocyanates, such as methyl isocyanate (MIC), with their wide industrial applications, are known to exert severe ill health effects. The present study was performed to find out the pathophysiological implications of isocyanate exposure on the male germ line. The investigations were performed in the cultured mouse spermatogonial GC-1 spg cell line using N-succinimidyl N-methylcarbamate, a surrogate chemical to MIC. DNA damage, oxidative stress and apoptosis response parameters increased with time of exposure and dose after treatment. Treated cells also displayed elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines as well as morphological transformation and stress-responsive senescence. Chromosomal aberrations, telomere anomaly, aneuploidy and variable amplification of microsatellite repeats additionally indicated induced genomic instability. This was accompanied by evidence of a deregulation of cell cycle progression, such as substantial fold-changes in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bax genes; and aberrant expression of p53, cyclin A, cyclin E, CDK-2 and aurora kinase-B proteins. Our results demonstrate that MIC in the form of N-succinimidyl N-methylcarbamate promotes germ-line genomic instability in vitro. We envisage that understanding the interplay between environmental toxin-induced signaling and predisposition to testicular cancers would spur identification of meaningful targets for useful therapeutic translational modalities.

The Bhopal gas tragedy is undoubtedly one of the worst industrial disasters in the history of mankind resulting in mortality of 2500-6000 and debilitating over 200 000 people. Inhabitants in the township were exposed to different degrees and there are more than 500 000 registered victims that survived the tragedy. Clinical studies have shown chronic illnesses such as pulmonary fibrosis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, recurrent chest infec- tions, keratopathy and corneal opacities in exposed cohorts. Survivors continue to experience higher incidence of reported health problems including febrile illnesses, respiratory, neurologic, psychiatric and ophthalmic symptoms. In-utero exposure to methyl isocyanate in the first trimester of pregnancy caused a persistent immune system hyper-responsiveness, which was in an evident way genetically linked with the organic exposure. Recent experimental studies have provided mechanistic understanding of methyl isocyanate exposure at a molecular level. Immunotoxic implications, toxico-genomic effect, inflam- matory response, elicitation of mitochondrial oxidative stress, chromosomal and microsatellite instability have been studied comprehensively in cultured mammalian cells. Besides providing a framework for understanding potential mechanisms of toxicity of a host of other exposures, these studies may also uncover unique abnormalities thereby stimulating efforts to de- sign newer and effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The authors recommend long-term monitoring of the affected area and use of appropriate methods of investigation that include well-designed cohort studies, case-control studies for rare condition, characterization of personal exposure and accident analysis to determine the possible elements of the gas cloud.

Ageratochromes or precocenes are known for their insect growth regulating (IGR) activity. The present investigation was taken up with an objective to look for the lead structure in these compounds which can be elaborated synthetically to obtain useful growth regulators for practical purposes. With this in mind, some variants of precocenes were synthesized in the laboratory and tested for their toxicity and growth regulating activity using red cotton bug Dysdercus koenigii as the test insect. Most of the precocenoids showed toxicity of various degree and metamorphic derangements to different extents. Adults emerging from treated nymphs could not complete the normal life span. Among the compounds tested 8-acetyl-7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-dimethylchromene (alloevodinol) was more toxic and also showed developmental defects at very low dose such as 0.5 mg l(-1)/nymph. Precocene II (6, 7-dimethoxy-2, 2-dimethylchromene) was used as the standard compound. It was the least toxic and showed effects at 30 mg l(-1)/nymph.

Implications of environmental toxins on the regulation of neutrophil function are being significantly appraised. Such effects can be varied and markedly different depending on the type and extent of chemical exposure, which results in direct damage to the immune system. Isocyanates with functional group (-NCO), are considered as highly reactive molecules with diverse industrial applications. However, patho-physiological implications resulting from their occupational and accidental exposures have not been well delineated. The present study was carried out to assess the immunotoxic response of isocyanates and their mode of action at a molecular level on cultured human neutrophils isolated from healthy human volunteers. Studies were conducted to evaluate both dose- and time-dependent (n = 3) response using N-succinimidyl N-methylcarbamate, a chemical entity that mimics the effects of methyl isocyanate in vitro. Measure of apoptosis through annexin-V-FITC/PI assay, active caspase-3, apoptotic DNA ladder assay and mitochondrial depolarization; induction of oxidative stress by CM-H(2)DCFDA and formation of 8'-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine; and levels of antioxidant defense system enzyme glutathione reductase, multiplex cytometric bead array analysis to quantify the secreted cytokine levels (interleukin-8, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-12p70) parameters were evaluated. Our results demonstrate that isocyanates induce neutrophil apoptosis via activation of mitochondrial-mediated pathway along with reactive oxygen species production; depletion in antioxidant defense states; and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine response.

BackgroundDeliberate self-poisoning by ingesting pesticides is a serious health problem among farmers, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Preventing these suicides is a priority for a public mental health agenda.ObjectiveTo examine the role of pesticide poisoning in suicide and nonfatal deliberate self-harm, and clarify awareness of risks, safe practices concerning storage and use of pesticides, and associated self-injury, both unintentional and intentional, within farmer households of the Sundarban region, India.MethodsRetrospective record review of adult cases of deliberate self-poisoning at the Block Primary Health Centres of 13 Sundarban Blocks was performed to analyze the relative roles of various methods of self-harm and their lethality. Focus group discussions, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews were undertaken in a community study of farmer households to examine pesticide-related views and practices, with particular attention to storage, use, and health impact.ResultsPesticide poisoning was the most common method of deliberate self-harm in both men and women. Pesticide storage in most households was unsafe and knowledge was inadequate concerning adverse effects of pesticides on health, crops, and the environment.ConclusionsAn intersectoral approach linking the interests of public health, mental health, and agriculture is well suited to serve the collective interests of all three agendas better than each in isolation. Such an approach is needed to reduce morbidity and mortality from unintentional and intentional self-injury in low-income agricultural communities like those of the Sundarban region.

Objective : Evaluation of various clinico-demographic variables and pattern of domestic violence in non-fatal deliberate self-harm (DSH) attempters admitted in 3 Block Primary Health Centers (BPHC) of Sundarban region of West Bengal, India in the year 2002. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 89 DSH cases admitted at 3 Sundarban BPHCs by using a specially designed DSH register and a questionnaire on domestic violence in Bengali along with detail clinical interview. Results: Among the total of 89 DSH cases (23 male and 66 female), young (less than 30 years), female sex, low education and married status constituted major part of the sample. Pesticide poisoning was the commonest mode of DSH attempt. Typical stressors found were marital conflict or conflict with in-laws or guardian. A majority of DSH attempters (69.6%) experienced more than one form of domestic violence. Poverty and unemployment in the family were strongly associated with domestic violence. Among female DSH attempters, the most common perpetrator was husband (48.48%) followed by in-laws (16.67%) and parent (34.78%) was the most common perpetrator among males. Conclusion: Both DSH and domestic violence are serious socio-clinical issue of a major public health concern in the Sundarban region. Stressful life situations and various types of victimizations in the family intermixed with easy availability of lethal pesticides in this agriculture dependent community may facilitate the impulse of self-harm behavior, especially among the young housewives. Timely psychosocial intervention through community psychiatry program may mitigate the impact of psycho-cultural stressors and thus may help to reduce the morbidity and mortality from DSH.

Newly moulted adult male P. pictus were injected with various doses of .2%, 1% and saturated apholate solution in double distilled water. The spermatocyte chromosomes were studied for aberrations induced by apholate at various time intervals. The aberrations were found to be of two types: (a) gross or nucleotoxic and (b) individual chromosomal aberrations as described in the paper. Mostly the aberrations manifested themselves between 24-72 hours, killing some spermatocytes and incapacitating others. The mode of action of apholate in the induction of chromosome aberrations are discussed. It is assumed that apholate acts in both direct and indirect pathways which are discussed.

The composite fibrous architectures of the wing cuticles of Locusta migratoria, Tropidacris (= Eutropidacris) cristata and Romalea microptera (Orthoptera : Acrididae) have been established. The wing cuticle in all the 3 species consists of: (i) an exocuticle, which is either pigmented or birefringent, and which under an electron microscope shows constantly helicoidal architecture of chitin microfibrils; (ii) endocuticle, which shows alternately birefringent and isotropic layers when sectioned transversely across the wing veins; these layers show helicoidal and unidirectional architecture, respectively of chitin microfibrils under the electron microscope. In transverse section, the chitin microfibrils appear as clear rods (2.8 nm in diameter) in a darkly stained matrix. However, in the hinge called the “claval furrow”, these microfibrils are considerably larger, being 25 nm in diameter. This presumably gives sufficient hardness to the claval hinge, which is the most vulnerable area for wear and tear during flight. The pore canals follow the parabolic pattern of microfibrils in the helicoidal layer, but remain straight in the unidirectional layers. The thickness of wing cuticle increases up to about 10–12 days, the time at which the acridids most probably attain the optimum flight ability. It is suggested that changes in the wing cuticle are related to increased wing beat frequency and speed of flight with age, and may help in resisting the simultaneous increase in the bending and twisting forces on the wing.