Temperature alters the photoperiodically controlled phenologies linked with migration and reproduction in a night-migratory songbird.

We investigated the effects of temperature on photoperiodic induction of the phenologies linked with migration (body fattening and premigratory night-time restlessness, Zugunruhe) and reproduction (testicular maturation) in the migratory blackheaded bunting. Birds were exposed for four weeks to near-threshold photoperiods required to induce testicular growth (11.5 L:12.

Significance of family survey of index case for detection of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is highly prevalent amongst children in India. Contact survey has not received much attention in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program guidelines. This study was conducted to look for tuberculosis in asymptomatic family members of pediatric tuberculosis patients at a government hospital attached to a medical college in Central India.

Evaluation of anti-diabetic potential of leaves and stem of Flacourtia jangomas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objectives: To study the efficacy of combination of Flacourtia jangomas leaf and stem (1:1) methanolic extract (MEFJ) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to investigate the qualitative phytochemical present in the extract. The study also aims to evaluate acute and short-term general toxicity of the extract in rats.

Material And Methods: MEFJ of leaves and stem was subjected to preliminary qualitative phytochemical investigations by using standard procedures.

Gene changes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: comparison of multiplex PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification techniques.

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder, affecting 1 in 3,500 live male births. About 65% of cases are caused by deletions; ~5% to 8%, by duplication; and the remaining, by point mutations of the dystrophin gene. The frequency of complex rearrangements (double-deletion and non-contiguous duplications) is reported to be 4%.

Unsymmetrical dizinc complexes as models for the active sites of phosphohydrolases.

The unsymmetrical dinucleating ligand 2-(N-isopropyl-N-((2-pyridyl)methyl)aminomethyl)-6-(N-(carboxylmethyl)-N-((2-pyridyl)methyl)aminomethyl)-4-methylphenol (IPCPMP or L) has been synthesized to model the active site environment of dinuclear metallohydrolases. It has been isolated as the hexafluorophosphate salt H(4)IPCPMP(PF(6))(2) x 2 H(2)O (H(4)L), which has been structurally characterized, and has been used to form two different Zn(II) complexes, [{Zn(2)(IPCPMP)(OAc)}(2)][PF(6)](2) (2) and [{Zn(2)(IPCPMP)(Piv)}(2)][PF(6)](2) (3) (OAc = acetate; Piv = pivalate). The crystal structures of and show that they consist of tetranuclear complexes with very similar structures.

Case Report: Fibromatosis colli in a neonate.

Fibromatosis colli or pseudotumor of infancy of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is a rare cause of a benign neck mass in neonates and infants. If diagnosed correctly, it can be managed conservatively, and unnecessary investigations can be avoided.

Presence of a conspecific renders survival advantages in the migratory redheaded bunting: test through the effects of restricted feeding on circadian response and survivorship.

This study investigated the effects of a conspecific on survival advantages in a challenged feeding environment created through restricted food availability periods. We measured the daily activity-rest pattern as the circadian response indicator, and changes in body mass and mortality as the survivorship indicator. Migratory male redheaded buntings (Emberiza bruniceps) were housed alone (single, Group 1) or with a conspecific (pair, Group 2) in activity cages that continuously recorded the activity-rest pattern.

Facile room temperature ion-exchange synthesis of Sn(2+) incorporated pyrochlore-type oxides and their photocatalytic activities.

Ion-exchange reactions of aqueous SnCl(2).2H(2)O solutions with oxides such as H(2)Sb(2)O(6).3.

QSPR study on the estimation of solubility of drug-like organic compounds: a case of barbiturates.

The paper describes a method for the estimation of solubility (log S) of a series of 45 barbiturates employing 26 molecular descriptors. The molecular descriptors used being distance-based topological indices, information indices, valence connectivity index, shape indices, first-order Randic index. In addition, an indicator parameter was also used.

Synchronization of Indian weaver bird circadian rhythms to food and light zeitgebers: role of pineal.

This study investigates the relative strengths of food and light zeitgebers in synchronization of circadian rhythms of Indian weaver birds and the role of the pineal gland in food-induced synchronization of the circadian activity rhythms. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, six birds were concurrently exposed for 10 days to PA 12/12 (12 h food present: 12 h food absent) and LD 12/12 (12 h light: 12 h dark).

1,5-Benzothiazepine, a versatile pharmacophore: a review.

1,5-Benzothiazepine and 1,5-benzodiazipine are the two main seven-membered heterocyclic ring systems reported for their cardiac and psychotherapeutic activities. Successful introduction of diltiazem and clentiazem for angina pectoris, hypertension, arrhythmias and other related cardiac disorders proved potential of 1,5-benzothiazepine moiety. Subsequently 1,5-benzodiazepines were highlighted as important biologically active scaffolds.

Comparison of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in placental tissues of Indian women with full- and preterm deliveries.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants formed from combustion products of fossil fuels, cigarette smoking and in grilled/smoked foods. They are reported to alter trophoblast proliferation in placenta, in addition to disturbing its endocrine functions, which may be able to increase the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women. The present study was planned to assess possible involvement of PAHs exposure of pregnant women (measured as placental PAHs concentrations) with preterm delivery cases among women of Lucknow city (India).

Mutagenicity of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a QSAR investigation.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship studies were performed to describe and predict the mutagenic activity of a set of 48 nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. From a larger pool of molecular descriptors (topological indices) we arrived at much a smaller set consisting of three correlating parameters. Such a variable selection is made using ncss software in that successive regressions were attempted using maximum-R(2) method.

Comparative QSAR study on para-substituted aromatic sulphonamides as CAII inhibitors: information versus topological (distance-based and connectivity) indices.

Comparative quantitative structure-activity relationship studies on para-substituted aromatic sulphonamides carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) inhibitors are reported in this paper. The study is made utilizing (i) information indices along; (ii) distance-based and connectivity indices and (iii) combination of information, distance-based and connectivity type topological indices. The study has shown that distance-based and connectivity type indices are superior for modelling, monitoring and estimating CAII inhibition.

Estimation of human carbonic anhydrase II inhibition using topological indices and their combination with quantum-theoretical descriptors.

Mathematical models were developed for the estimation of human carbonic anhydrase (CA) II inhibition. A large set of 95 CA inhibitors incorporating diverse aromatic rings were used for this purpose. The numerical descriptors used were distance- and connectivity- based indices, quantum -theoretical descriptors and Balaban and Balaban type descriptors of molecular structure.

Clinicoepidemiological profile and predictors of severe illness in young infants (< 60 days) reporting to a hospital in North India.

Objectives: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of young infants reporting to a hospital and assess previously proposed simple clinical signs for their value in enabling health workers to detect young infants with severe illness warranting hospital admission.

Methods: Observational study of infants less than 2 months of age presenting consecutively to a large public hospital in South Delhi who were evaluated by a health worker (nurse), on a standardized list of signs and symptoms, and the ability of these were evaluated against the need for hospital admission which was assessed by an independent pediatrician.

Results: Of the 1624 young infants triaged, 878 were enrolled into the study.

QSAR studies on the activation of the human carbonic anhydrase cytosolic isoforms I and II and secretory isozyme VI with amino acids and amines.

The first QSAR study on the activation of the human secretory isoform of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.

A study of the capability of manufacturers of generic hormonal contraceptives in lower- and middle-income countries.

Purpose: Studies were undertaken to assess the capability, competence and capacity of manufacturers of oral and injectable hormonal contraceptives in lower- and middle-income countries.

Methods: A qualitative study on 41 companies, which comprised in-depth interviews and facility observations, was undertaken. Also an in-depth quantitative study of 14 companies was undertaken, of which 3 have not been included in the first study.

QSAR studies on benzopyran potassium channel activators.

QSAR studies on a series of benzopyrans as potassium channel activators have been carried out using a large set of distance-based topological indices. In addition, the molecular descriptors namely: negentropy and molecular redundancy indices have also been used. The relaxant potency in rat trachea, expressed as pEC(50) was used for biological characterization of the benzopyrans.

QSAR study on topically acting sulfonamides incorporating GABA moieties: a molecular connectivity approach.

A quantitative Structure-activity relationship study (QSAR) on a set of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.

QSAR study on carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: water-soluble sulfonamides incorporating beta-alanyl moieties, possessing long lasting-intra ocular pressure lowering properties--a molecular connectivity approach.

A QSAR study on a series of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.

A novel method of estimation of lipophilicity using distance-based topological indices: dominating role of equalized electronegativity.

Attempt is made to propose yet another method of estimating lipophilicity of a heterogeneous set of 223 compounds. The method is based on the use of equalized electronegativity along with topological indices. It was observed that excellent results are obtained in multiparametric regression upon introduction of indicator parameters.

On the topological evidences for modelling lipophilicity.

Topological evidences for modelling lipophilicity of a large series of diversed compounds have been provided on the basis of distance-based topological indices. A pool of topological indices along with indicator parameters related to the type of the compounds present in the set of 140 compounds were used for this purpose. The results have shown that topology as well as the type of compounds are the responsible parameters for modelling lipophilicity.