Metal-free internal nucleophile-triggered domino route for synthesis of fused quinoxaline [1,4]-diazepine hybrids and the evaluation of their DNA binding properties.

An unprecedented metal-free synthesis of fused quinoxaline 1,5-disubstituted-[1,4]-diazepine hybrids have been reported under mild conditions through a domino intermolecular SAr followed by an internal nucleophile-triggered intramolecular SAr pathway. Our strategy offers the flexibility for the introduction of a broad variety of functionalities at the N-1 position of fused diazepine moiety by using suitable diamine tails to design structurally diverse scaffolds. The DNA binding properties of representative quinoxaline diazepine hybrids were studied using UV-vis absorbance and EtBr displacement assay and were found to be governed by the functionalities at the N-1 position.

Examination of postures and frequency of musculoskeletal disorders among manual workers in Calcutta, India.

Background: Manual material handling (MMH) activities require workers to adopt various awkward postures leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

Objectives: To investigate the postures adopted during heavy load handling and the frequency of MSDs among MMH workers in Calcutta, India.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 100 MMH workers.

Impact of rest breaks on musculoskeletal discomfort of Chikan embroiderers of West Bengal, India: a follow up field study.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine risk factors that predict musculoskeletal discomfort in Chikan embroiderers of West Bengal, India, and to compare the effect of two rest break schedules to reduce these symptoms.

Methods: The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was performed on 400 Chikan embroiderers at baseline containing questions on job autonomy, working behavior, and work stress factors. Relative risk was calculated to identify prognostic factors for musculoskeletal discomfort in different body regions.

An ergonomics study on the evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome among Chikan embroidery workers of West Bengal, India.

Background: Chikan embroidery is a popular handicraft in India that involves hand-intensive stitching while seated in a static posture with the upper back curved and the head bent over the fabric. Women perform most Chikan embroidery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the repetitive nature of this work among female Chikan embroiderers by measuring the prevalence of upper extremity discomfort and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Prevalence of low back pain among handloom weavers in West Bengal, India.

Background: Handloom is one of the oldest industries in India, particularly in West Bengal, where a considerable number of rural people are engaged in weaving.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among the handloom weavers in India.

Methods: A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire along with a body part discomfort scale were administered to handloom weavers (n = 175).

Design and evaluation of ergonomic interventions for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in India.

Background: Improper workstation, work procedures and tools are found to be the risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders among the informal sector workers of the developing countries. Low cost ergonomic interventions can effectively improve such adverse conditions.

Case Presentation: In the present article some studies related to design interventions in different informal and agricultural sectors were discussed and their efficacies were analyzed.

An ergonomics study on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Indian bus conductors.

This study was undertaken among 100 randomly selected bus conductors from 2 routes. A questionnaire study based on the modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, assessment of physical and physiological parameters, analysis of working postures and a detailed work study were performed. The analysis revealed that conductors had a work schedule of 16-18 h each day; the duration of work could vary from 15 to 20 days at a stretch.

Effect of low back pain on social and professional life of drivers of Kolkata.

Abstract Occupational driving has often been associated with a high prevalence of back pain. Buses constitute the backbone of the local transportation; so many people are engaged in the profession. The present study was to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and due to that problem whether their social and professional life hampers or not.

An ergonomic study on musculoskeletal health hazards among sawmill workers of West Bengal, India.

The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among the sawmill workers of Kolkata and to identify the causative factors behind the development of such discomfort. For this study 110 male workers were randomly selected. For the symptom survey, modified Nordic questionnaire on detail discomfort feelings was performed.