Nidhi Goel

Influence of Infant-feeding Practices on Nutritional Status of Under-five Children

Objectives: To study the nutritional status of under-five children and to assess whether infant feeding practices are associated with the undernutrition in anganwari (AW) areas of urban Allahabad.Methods: Under-five-years children and their mothers in selected four anganwari areas of urban Allahbad (UP) participated in the study. Nutritional assessment by WHO criterion (SD- classification) using summary indices of nutritional status: weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height was done. Normal test of proportions, Chi-square test for testing association of nutritional status with different characteristics and risk analysis using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals was also done.Results: Among all under five children surveyed, 36.4% underweight (<2SD weight- for-age), 51.6% stunted (<2SD height- for-age), and 10.6% wasted (<2SD weight- for-height). Proportions of underweight (45.5%) and stunting (81.8%) were found maximum among children aged 13–24 months. Wasting was most prevalent (18.2%) among children aged 37–48 months. Initiation of breast-feeding after six hours of birth, deprivation from colostrum and improper complementary feeding were found significant (P<0.05) risk factors for underweight. Wasting was not significantly associated (P>0.10) with any infant feeding practice studied. ICDS benefits received by children failed to improve the nutritional status of children.Conclusion: Delayed initiation of breast-feeding, deprivation from colostrum, and improper weaning are significant risk factors for undernutrition among under-fives. There is need for promotion and protection of optimal infant feeding practices for improving nutritional status of children.

Stabilization of Mn(II) and Mn(III) in mononuclear complexes derived from tridentate ligands with N2O donors: Synthesis, crystal structure, superoxide dismutase activity and DNA interaction studies

A new family of tridentate ligands PhimpH (2-((2-phenyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)hydazono)methyl)phenol), N-PhimpH (2-((2-phenyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl)napthalen-1-ol), Me-PhimpH (2-(1-(2-phenyl-2-(pyridine-2-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)phenol) have been synthesized and characterized. The ligands PhimpH and N-PhimpH after deprotonation react with manganese(II) and manganese(III) starting materials affording [Mn(Phimp)(2)] (1), [Mn(Phimp)(2)](ClO(4)) (2), [Mn(N-Phimp)(2)] (3), [Mn(N-Phimp)(2)](ClO(4)) (4). Complexes [Mn(Phimp)(2)] (1) and [Mn(N-Phimp)(2)] (3) convert to [Mn(Phimp)(2)](+) (cation of 2) and [Mn(N-Phimp)(2)](+) (cation of 4) respectively upon oxidation. Ligand Me-PhimpH stabilized only manganese(III) centre resulting [Mn(Me-Phimp)(2)](ClO(4)) (5). The molecular structures of [Mn(Phimp)(2)], 1 and [Mn(Phimp)(2)](ClO(4)), 2 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray crystal structures of 1 and 2 have revealed the presence of distorted octahedral MnN(4)O(2) coordination sphere having meridionally spanning ligands. Electrochemical studies for the complexes showed Mn(II)/Mn(III), (E(1/2)=0.14-0.40V) and Mn(III)/Mn(IV), (E(1/2)=0.80-1.06V) couples vs. Ag/AgCl. The redox properties were exploited to examine superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity using Mn(II)/Mn(III) couple. The complexes 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been revealed to catalyze effectively the dismutation of superoxide (O(2)(.-)) in xanthine-xanthine oxidase-nitro blue tetrazolium assay and IC(50) values were found to be 0.29, 0.39, 1.12 and 0.76 microM respectively. DNA interaction studies with complex 2 showed binding of DNA in a non-intercalative pathway. Complexes 1, 2 and 4 exhibited nuclease activity in presence of H(2)O(2) and inhibition of activity was noted in presence of KI.

Oxidative cyclization of a phenolic Schiff base and synthesis of a cyclometalated ruthenium nitrosyl complex: photoinduced NO release by visible light.

The reactivity of sigma-arylruthenium cyclometallate [Ru(L(SB1))(PPh(3))(2)Cl] [1; L(SB1)H(2) = 4-methyl-2-(4-nitrobenzylideneamino)phenol] with nitric oxide (NO) gave rise to nitrosylation at the metal center, ring nitration, and oxidative cyclization, affording benzoxazole derivative formation. The molecular structure of the resultant nitrosyl complex, [Ru(L(PB1))(PPh(3))(2)(NO)Cl](ClO(4)) [2; L(PB1)H = 5-methyl-7-nitro-2-(4-nitrophenyl)benzoxazole] was determined, and a different sigma-arylruthenium cyclometallate was characterized in which the benzoxazole derivative was found to be coordinated to the metal center. The crystal structure and IR and NMR spectral data confirmed the formation of a diamagnetic {RuNO}(6) species with a S = 0 ground state and a {Ru(II)NO(+)}(6) description of the {RuNO}(6) moiety. Coordinated NO in the resultant complex 2 was photolabile under visible light and was transferred to reduced myoglobin.

Selenadiazolopyridine: a synthon for supramolecular assembly and complexes with metallophilic interactions.

The synthesis and characterization of the complexes of Cu(I), Ag(I), Cu(II), and Co(II) ions with 1,2,5-selenadiazolopyridine (psd) is reported. The following complexes have been prepared: [Cu(2)(psd)(3)(CH(3)CN)(2)](2+)2(PF(6)(-)); [(CuCl)(2)(psd)(3)]; [Cu(2)(psd)(6)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-); [Ag(2)(psd)(2)](2+)2(NO(3))(-); [Ag(2)(psd)(2)](2+)2(CF(3)COO)(-); [Cu(psd)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-)·(psd)(2); [Cu(psd)(4)(H(2)O)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-)·(CHCl(3)); [Cu(psd)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](2+)2(NO(3))(-)·(H(2)O)·(psd)(2), and [Co(psd)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](2+)2(ClO(4))(-)·(psd)(2). The electronic structure of ligand psd, in particular the bond order of Se-N bonds, has been probed by X-ray diffraction, (77)Se NMR, and computational studies. A detailed analysis of the crystal structures of the ligand and the complexes revealed interesting supramolecular assembly. The assembly was further facilitated by the presence of neutral ligands for some complexes (Cu(II) and Co(II)). The molecular structure of the ligand showed that it was present as a dimer in the solid state where the monomers were linked by strong secondary bonding Se···N interactions. The crystal structures of Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes revealed the dinuclear nature with characteristic metallophilic interactions [M···M] (M = Cu, Ag), while the Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were mononuclear. The presence of M···M interactions has been further probed by Atoms in Molecules (AIM) calculations. The paramagnetic Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes have been characterized by UV-vis, ESI spectroscopy, and room temperature magnetic measurements.

Synthesis and structural characterization of pincer type bicyclic diacyloxy- and diazaselenuranes

Synthesis and structural characterization of a new class of pincer type bicyclic diacyloxy- and diazaselenuranes is reported. The reaction of dimethyl 2-bromo-5-tert-butylisophthalate (28) with sodium benzeneselenolate affords the corresponding monoselenide, dimethyl 5-tert-butyl-2-(phenylselanyl)isophthalate (29). Reduction of 29 with LiAlH(4) provides 5-tert-butyl-2-(phenylselanyl)-1,3-phenylene)dimethanol 31. Oxidation of 29 or its hydrolyzed derivative, 5-tert-butyl-2-(phenylselanyl)isophthalic acid (30), with H(2)O(2) results in the formation of bicyclic diacyloxyselenurane (25). The reaction of 30 with aniline using the DCC coupling reaction gives 5-tert-butyl-N(1),N(3)-diphenyl-2-(phenylselanyl)isophthalamide (38). Reaction of 38 with H(2)O(2) leads to the formation of the corresponding bicyclic diazaselenurane (27) via selenoxide intermediate 39. Compounds 25, 27, 29 and 31 were characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The structural aspects of the pincer type bicyclic chalcogenuranes are investigated using experimental and computational studies and compared with the related systems.

Gap between awareness and practices regarding maternal and child health among women in an urban slum community

ObjectiveTo investigate the knowledge of ever-married women regarding maternal and child health and to assess existing gap between awareness and practice levels of lactating mothers.MethodsCommunity based cross sectional study with 283 ever-married women in the reproductive age.ResultsLow levels of awareness and practice of TT immunization (74.2% awareness, 58.1% practice), five-cleans (31.9% awareness and 14.4% practice), trained birth attendant (69.6% awareness 39.1% practice), and post-natal care (75.4% awareness and 51.0% practice) among lactating mothers. Knowledge regarding optimal infant and young child feeding practices was very poor: initiation of breast-feeding within six hours (17.4%), colostrum feeding (34.8%), exclusive breastfeeding (5.8%) and significant gaps between knowledge and practice were observed. Highly significant difference (P<0.001) between proportions of women aware of ICDS (59.4%) and of beneficiaries (21.7%). High levels of awareness regarding reproductive health parameters except for contraception: desire for two children (81.6%), legal ages at marriages for girls (84.5%), desired birth interval of three or more years (71.7%).ConclusionWide gaps exist between awareness and practices related with MCH due to non-adoption of knowledge into actual practice, except some selected components lacking in both knowledge as well as practice. Need for bridging the existing gaps avoiding socio-cultural barriers and misconceptions prevailing in the community and by promoting and protecting healthy MCH care practices.

Treatment outcomes of patients placed on treatment under directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS)

Background: Tuberculosis continues to be a pressing health problem in India. The Revised National Tuberculosis Programme (RNTCP), an application of Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) in India, launched in 1997 needs continuous evaluation. Objective: To study the outcomes of treatment among the patients put on DOTS under RNTCP in Chandigarh, UT. Material & Methods: A Longitudinal study was conducted during 2004-2005 in 13 Microscopic centres (MCs) spread over 2 Tuberculosis Units (TUs) under District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) in Union Territory (UT), Chandigarh. A sample of 265 respondents, selected by two-stage stratified random sampling technique, was recruited in the study cohort. Data analysis was done using SPSS-10 statistical software package. Results: For Category I and Category II patients, the Success rate was 98.6% and 90.4% respectively. The overall default rate was 1.1% and failure rate was 2.6%. For re-treatment cases, failure rate was higher i.e. 5.8%. The sputum conversion rate among the new smear positive cases was 93.8% at 3 months of treatment. For the re-treatment cases, spu-tum conversion rate at 3 months was 94.1%. Conclusion: The study concludes that RNTCP is running successfully in UT Chandigarh, having high success rate and low default rate. The reasons for high failure rate should be explored in depth.

Preparation, characterization and thermolysis of nitrate and perchlorate salts of 2,4,6-trimethylaniline.

Nitrate and perchlorate salts of 2,4,6-trimethylaniline have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography and gravimetric analyses. Their thermal decomposition has been studied by TG, TG-DSC and ignition/explosion delays. It has been observed that proton transfer from substituted anilinium ion to nitrate and perchlorate ion regenerate amine, HNO(3) and HClO(4) in condensed phase at higher temperature, where oxidation-reduction between amine and acids leads to ignition and explosion. The kinetics of thermal decomposition was evaluated by applying model fitting as well as isoconversional methods. The values of calculated activation energy of nitrate and perchlorate salts are 77.9 and 118.2 kJ mol(-1) respectively. The possible pathways of thermolysis of these salts have also been proposed.

Supramolecular architecture of picric acid and pyrazoles: syntheses, structural, computational and thermal studies

The salts comprised of picric acid [(OH)(NO2)3C6H2] and different ditopic pyrazoles PzR1,R2H (where R1 = R2 = H for 1, R1 = R2 = Me for 2, R1 = Ph, R2 = Me for 3) and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-4,4′-bipyrazole (Me4bpz) 4 are reported. Due to presence of different substituents on pyrazole, each salt contains infinite three-dimensional structure held together by primary N–H…O, O–H…N, O–H…O hydrogen bonds and secondary C–H…O interactions. The structure and harmonic vibration frequencies of the complexes were calculated in terms of the density functional theory. The orientation of molecule remains same in both the solid phase and the gaseous phase. The thermal decomposition of these salts was studied by thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetric analysis. Kinetic parameters were evaluated using model-fitting and isoconversional methods.

Menstrual Pattern among Unmarried Women from Northern India

BACKGROUND Menstruation disorders are also responsible for emotional, physical, behavioural and dietary practice changes. These changes affect their normal functioning and social life. The present study was carried out to find the prevalence of menstrual problems among unmarried girls of Chandigarh, India and to compare their knowledge and beliefs regarding menstruation in different sub-groups. METHODOLOGY A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 744 unmarried females in Rural, Urban and Slum strata of UT Chandigarh, India. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire on menstruation. Chi-square value was used for testing statistical significance. RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 16.84±3.05 years. Maximum respondents (40.9%) were educated up to 10th standard/High school. 448 (60.2%) were aware of menstruation before starting of menarche. Awareness was found to be significantly associated (p=0.02) with age. Socio-economic status and prior knowledge of respondents was also found to be significantly associated (p< 0.001). 61% (454) of the respondents had a regular flow during menses. Normal flow was reported by 70.2 %(522) of the respondents. Dysmenorrhea was found to be the most common problem suffered by 429 (57.7%) respondents. CONCLUSION Menstrual hygiene is an issue that needs to be addressed at all levels. A variety of factors are known to affect menstrual behaviors, the most influential ones being economic status. It is essential to design a mechanism to address and for the access of healthy menstrual practices.